"Faith is believing what you do not see; the reward of faith is to see what you believe.
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith - the very foundation of the church. Despite persecution, turbulent times, and schisms in the church, it has survived to this day based on the life of Jesus Christ. The church remains strong to this day because it focuses on God's gift to mankind, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God's fidelity to mankind was expressed in historical implications, apocalyptic possibilities, and divine creativity.
The historical aspects of Jesus of Nazareth's life played a role in his crucifixion and resurrection. He was born into turmoil. Until taken by Babylonians in 587 b.c.e., Israel was ruled by kings. For hundreds of years before Jesus" birth, Israel was invaded, captured, built, and destroyed many times. Many supposed "messiahs" had surfaced to lead rebellions against the government and aristocracy in hopes that God would finish the war and restore a lost monarchy. Romans, who ruled Israel at Jesus" time, saw any Jewish leader or revolutionary as a threat. The high priests, who were the figureheads of the social hierarchy, had much to protect in their way of life. Both Romans and the priesthood had power, money, and their way of life staked on defeating any potential rebellions. Since Jesus proclaimed the "Kingdom of God," "Reign of God," and other such sayings, it was taken by the leaders of Israel as a threat to restore the monarchy. .
In Genesis 6, God wiped the earth clean of all He created. With the exception of Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark, God destroyed his handiwork. The possibility existed once again when Jesus was nailed to the cross. Jesus Christ is considered by Christians to be the savior of mankind; the world would not exist without his sacrifice. If Jesus lost his faith and did not love man, apocalyptic consequences would destroy the universe.
