Why is the understanding of Jesus' identity crucial for Christians?

The identity of Jesus as the Christ is essential for Christians because it is the cornerstone of their faith. From the moment of His birth, throughout His life, and in His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the roles outlined in scripture. The acknowledgment of Him as the Son of God, as portrayed in John 20:31, underlines the belief that faith in His identity leads to salvation. Furthermore, questions like 'Art thou he that should come?' posed by John the Baptist reveal the necessity of recognizing Jesus for who He truly is—the promised Messiah. Misunderstanding or misrepresenting Christ can lead individuals away from the true Gospel, which invites believers into a saving relationship with Him.