We know Jesus is the Christ through divine revelation and the witness of the Scriptures that declare his identity and work.
In the sermon, it is emphasized that the recognition of Jesus as the Christ is not a product of human intellect or reasoning; rather, it is revealed to believers by God. Jesus acknowledges Peter's confession as a blessing from heaven, indicating that such knowledge comes not from flesh and blood, but from God the Father (Matthew 16:17). The scriptures consistently affirm this truth through prophecies and teachings, demonstrating that Jesus fulfills the role of the Messiah, making this declaration not only crucial for Peter but for all Christians who profess faith in Christ.
Scripture References:
Matthew 16:17, Romans 10:9, Matthew 16:16-17, John 6:44, 1 John 2:22, Matthew 1:21
Commentary