Jesus Is the Christ — The Beginning of Christianity

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Shimba Theological Institute

Muslim friends often attempt to frame Jesus (Isa in Islam) as merely a prophet in a long line of prophets, subordinate to Muhammad, and a Muslim in practice. Yet such a claim collapses under the weight of historical truth and biblical theology. Let us examine carefully: Jesus is not a “Muslim” nor simply a “prophet” — Jesus is the CHRIST — the very foundation of Christianity, its beginning, and its living center.

1️⃣ Jesus is the Christ — Not Merely a Prophet

The Greek word Christos (Χριστός) means Anointed One, equivalent to the Hebrew Messiah (משיח). In the Bible, Jesus is explicitly declared as the Christ:

“Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
— Matthew 16:16 (KJV)

The Qur’an never acknowledges Jesus as the Christ in the biblical sense — though it uses the title al-Masih without understanding its deep theological meaning. Islam strips the term of its Jewish and Christian messianic significance. Yet according to the Bible, the role of the Christ is utterly unique — He is:
✅ the fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53, Daniel 9:24-27)
✅ the divine Son (Psalm 2:7, John 1:1-14)
✅ the Redeemer of mankind through the Cross (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

2️⃣ Jesus is the Beginning of Christianity

Without Jesus, there is no Christianity — for Christianity is not a system of law, not an ethnic culture, not merely moral teachings — it is the Gospel of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV)

Christianity begins with Christ’s Incarnation, reaches its climax at the Cross and Resurrection, and proclaims His Kingdom until His return. No Jesus, no Cross, no Resurrection — no Christianity.

Islam, on the other hand, speaks of Isa as a forerunner to Muhammad — but this reverses the divine order. It is Jesus who is the apex of divine revelation:

“God… hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son…”
— Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV)

3️⃣ Jesus is Not a Christian in the Sense of Being a Follower of Himself

Another common Muslim confusion is to ask: “Was Jesus a Christian?”

This is a category error. A Christian is a follower of Christ. Jesus is not a follower of Himself — He is the Christ. He is the one we follow!

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”
— John 14:6 (KJV)

He is the Head of the Body (Colossians 1:18), the firstborn from the dead (Revelation 1:5), and the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13). Christians are named after Him because we belong to Him:

“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
— Acts 11:26 (KJV)

Thus, to suggest that Jesus is “Muslim” or a mere prophet in line with Muhammad utterly misses the reality: Jesus existed long before Muhammad, long before Islam, and is the fulfillment of God’s eternal redemptive plan (Ephesians 1:4-10).

4️⃣ Conclusion to Muslim Readers

Dear Muslim friends: recognize the unique identity of Jesus the Christ. Without Jesus, there is no Christianity. He is not “one of the prophets” awaiting Muhammad — He is the Lord, the Savior, the beginning and foundation of the faith that brings eternal life (John 3:16).

No Muhammad, no Islam — but without Jesus, there is no Christianity, no salvation, no Kingdom of God on earth.

It is time to stop reducing Jesus to a mere prophet. Receive Him for who He truly is:

JESUS IS THE CHRIST — THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD — THE BEGINNING AND LORD OF CHRISTIANITY.

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By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

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