Christ the Centre of the Bible.

[Marilyn C]

[SIZE=18pt]CHRIST THE CENTRE OF THE BIBLE.[/SIZE]

To have a correct view of God`s word, I believe, brings clarity to the study of the Eschatology & the Prophetic aspects.
Now when we read God`s word we often focus on what it meant to those when it was written, & what life lesson it can give us. While these aspects are important the reason God the Father wrote His word, was to reveal His beloved Son to us.

From Genesis – revealing Christ in prefiguration, through to the book of Revelation – revealing Christ as He is known in the heavenly realms – glorified & exalted, Christ is the centre.

As I go through each section of God`s word pointing out how Christ is the centre, you may like to not only read but also share your thought too.

God bless, Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

FORESHADOWING CHRIST


In the Mosaic section, (Gen. - Deut.) Christ is foreshadowed in a variety of ways - symbols, signs, sacrifices all help us to understand His character, functions & vocations.

Genesis - The Seed promised.
`And I will put enmity between you & the woman, & between your seed & her Seed;..`(Gen. 3: 15)

The Son beloved of the Father.
` And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-will-provide;…`(Gen. 22: 14)

Exodus - The Passover Lamb.
`It is the Passover sacrifice of the Lord,…` (Ex. 12: 27)

Leviticus - The High Priest.
`And the priest, who is anointed & consecrated to minister as priest in his father`s place, shall make atonement, & put on the linen clothes, the holy garments;….` (Lev. 16: 32 & 33)

Numbers - The Great Leader. Greater than Moses. (Num. 11: 11 – 14)


Deuteronomy - The True Prophet.
`I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, & will put my words in his mouth, & he shall speak to them all that I command him,…` (Deut. 18: 18 – 22)

Now only a mind of infinite knowledge could foresee centuries beforehand, what type, sign, symbols & shadows were to represent the real substance – Christ.

There are many other symbols etc in the first 5 books, do you know any more?

Marilyn.

 

[Wormwood]

Hey Marilyn,

Yes, I agree with what you are saying. Jesus is found throughout the Scriptures, even if it is through foreshadowing and other types of inferences. However, I do not know if this is how we should understand prophecy, as such. Yes, Jesus is the focus of all of God's plans and purposes for mankind, but how exactly does that help us interpret Revelation 20, for instance? I think that is the issue we were wrestling with in the other forum. Should we interpret the "millennium" by looking at some of the prophetic pictures of God's promises of salvation in Isaiah, Ezekiel and so forth? Or, should we interpret this concept by understanding the literature of Revelation and it's context and readers before we try to import ideas from other passages in the Bible?

 

[StanJ]

I agree wholeheartedly and in my opinion is the reason why we have not had any more scripture since Revelation.

 

[Marilyn C]

Hey Marilyn,

Yes, I agree with what you are saying. Jesus is found throughout the Scriptures, even if it is through foreshadowing and other types of inferences. However, I do not know if this is how we should understand prophecy, as such. Yes, Jesus is the focus of all of God's plans and purposes for mankind, but how exactly does that help us interpret Revelation 20, for instance? I think that is the issue we were wrestling with in the other forum. Should we interpret the "millennium" by looking at some of the prophetic pictures of God's promises of salvation in Isaiah, Ezekiel and so forth? Or, should we interpret this concept by understanding the literature of Revelation and it's context and readers before we try to import ideas from other passages in the Bible?

Hi Wormwood,

Glad you found us. Now if you can wait till we get to the book of Revelation in relation to Christ being the centre, then that would help. We still have the OT to work through in sections. Sometimes we can get `lost` in the details & not see what aspect of Christ is being brought into focus, so I think a look at each section will align our sight. What do you think?

Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

I agree wholeheartedly and in my opinion is the reason why we have not had any more scripture since Revelation.

Hi StanJ,

So glad you agree also. Now any contributions.......?

Marilyn.

 

[StanJ]

Hi StanJ,
So glad you agree also. Now any contributions.......?
Marilyn.

Sure, Gen 14:18; Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High

This was the pre-incarnate physical manifestation of the Word. The Incarnate physical manifestation was/is Jesus Christ.

 

[Wormwood]

Hey Marilyn,

Yes, I understand what you are saying. I have a sheet from the internet that has a list of titles for Jesus from every book in the Bible. I agree Jesus is all over the pages of Scripture in one way or another. I just think we are looking at different issues. Jesus being the "Alpha and Omega" as the theme of Revelation still does not settle the debates between Amillennialism, Premillenialism, Dispensationalism and so forth. Those were the issues we were discussing in the previous forum. Maybe you have something else in mind, so in that case, I will just wait until you finish writing to comment.

I created a forum for understanding Revelation, if you or others are interested: CLICK HERE

 

[Marilyn C]

Hey Marilyn,

Yes, I understand what you are saying. I have a sheet from the internet that has a list of titles for Jesus from every book in the Bible. I agree Jesus is all over the pages of Scripture in one way or another. I just think we are looking at different issues. Jesus being the "Alpha and Omega" as the theme of Revelation still does not settle the debates between Amillennialism, Premillenialism, Dispensationalism and so forth. Those were the issues we were discussing in the previous forum. Maybe you have something else in mind, so in that case, I will just wait until you finish writing to comment.

I created a forum for understanding Revelation, if you or others are interested: CLICK HERE

Hi Wormwood,

Yes Jesus is `all over the pages of scripture` as you said, however there is a progression, as we will see as the sections unfold. Thank you for saying you will `just wait until` I finish writing - a true gentleman.

I also read you `Revelation,` thread, & thank you for posting it, as it helps each other to understand what we think. I do hope to go through the book of Revelation after I do `Christ centred,` so you may like to discuss there, bit by bit.

Marilyn.



Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

Sure, Gen 14:18; Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High

This was the pre-incarnate physical manifestation of the Word. The Incarnate physical manifestation was/is Jesus Christ.

Hi StanJ,

Thank you for your contribution, however I see the king, Melchizedek as a type of the Lord. I do not want to derail this topic so if you would like more discussion we can start a specific thread on Melchizedek.

Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

Now other examples of symbols, types & shadows of the Lord in the first 5 books are -

Shiloh, the sent one – an epithet of Christ. (implying a quality) peace. (Gen. 49: 10.
the smitten rock – (Num. 20: 11 & 1 Cor. 10: 4)
the serpent uplifted – (Num. 21: 8 & John 3: 14)
the sustaining manna – (Ex. 16: 15 & John 6: 31 – 35)
the tabernacle - (a study on its own)

All these figures are referred to in the New Testament in relation to Christ.

Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

[SIZE=18pt]FORESEEING CHRIST[/SIZE]


In the historical books (Joshua - Esther, 12 books) Christ is foreseen in different appearings - man like or angelic. These signify the dominion of Christ, His authority & administration.

Joshua saw a `man` - Prince of the host of the Lord. (Josh.5: 13 - 15)
Gideon saw Him as `the angel of the Lord.` (Judges 6:12)
David saw Him as the `angel of the Lord.` (1 Chron. 21: 16 - 18)
Solomon saw Him in a dream. ( 1 Kings 3: 5)
Isaiah saw Him on His Throne. (2 Chron. 26: 22 with Isa. 6:1)

 

[Marilyn C]

[SIZE=14pt]FOREKNOWING CHRIST[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]The Philosophic section, (Job - Song of Sol) deals with Hebrew wisdom.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Here we see there is a knowledge of Christ beforehand.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]Christ is foreknown in redemption, mediation & salvation.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]He is known to be the Saviour, the Shepherd, & the Sovereign Lord[/SIZE].

[SIZE=14pt] Job declares, `For I know that my [/SIZE]redeemer liveth,...` (Job 19:25)
[SIZE=14pt]David [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]writes, `The Lord is my shepherd[/SIZE].` (Ps. 23: 1)
[SIZE=14pt]Solomon writes, `[/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]I, wisdom[/SIZE],.... the Lord possessed me at the beginning..` (Proverbs 8 : 12 & 22)
[SIZE=14pt]`His banner over me is love[/SIZE][SIZE=14pt].`[/SIZE][SIZE=14pt] (S. of Sol. 2 :4)[/SIZE]

 

[Marilyn C]

[SIZE=18pt]FORETELLING OF CHRIST[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]In the Prophetic section (Isa. - Mal. 17 Books) Christ is proclaimed. We are told of His names, titles, ministry[/SIZE], & of His sacrificial death, resurrection, & elevation to the right hand of God.

[SIZE=14pt]Names – [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]Maker, husband. `For your maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name.` (Isa. 54: 5)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]`His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor.` (Isa. 9: 6)[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]Titles – [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]Almighty God. `…like the voice of Almighty God when He speaks.` (Ez. 10: 5) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Prince. `…until Messiah the Prince,..` (Dan. 9: 25)[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]Ministry – [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]Redeemer. `And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.` (Isa. 54: 5)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Priest . `So He shall be a priest on His throne, …` (Zech. 6: 13)[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]Sacrificial Death – [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]Lamb. `He was led as a lamb to the slaughter…` (Isa. 53: 7)[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]Resurrection & Elevation to the right Hand of the Father –[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]`For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; & the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.` (Isa. 9: 6)[/SIZE]

 

[Marilyn C]

[SIZE=14pt]There are over 300 of the Lord`s titles, names, offices, vocations & functions, which go to make up the written word under the old covenant. If these truths were deleted from the Scriptures, we would have but a lifeless, meaningless framework.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]In the wide range covered by the use of so many figures & symbols, types & shadows, we find that they all contribute some aspect of the physical beauty, moral glory & spiritual majesty of the Lord.[/SIZE]


Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

CHRIST`S EARTHLY MINISTRY

MATTHEW Kinsman / King
MARK Heir / Servant
LUKE Mediator / Priest
JOHN Deity / Maker


The fourfold picture of Jesus Christ shows a complete view in miniature of His earthly manifestation & ministry.

MATTHEW shows Christ as the kinsman - king.
He is the `son of Abraham` & the `son of David.` (Matt. 1:1)


MARK declares His Heirship.
Jesus Christ is the `Son of God,`(Mark 1:1) with legal authority.


LUKE presents the Mediatorship of the Son of Man.
He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. (Luke 5: 13 etc)


JOHN pictures the Son of God / Deity & Maker.
He is omnipotent in both power & purpose. (John 1:3)


Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

We have read of Christ foreshadowed, foreseen, foreknown & foretold in all the Old Testament. Then we see Christ in His earthly manifestation in the gospels through four different aspects of His ministry.

Now, from Acts to Revelation, we read of the ascended, glorified, exalted Lord Jesus Christ, at the right hand of the Father. Here we read of His building & maturing the Body of Christ, plus dealing with Israel & the nations.


CHRIST IN HIS BODY.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.

Under the Lord`s sovereign administration of the gospel in the power of the Spirit, each race receives salvation. Christ is Lord of all.

Ham - Ethiopian eunuch, (Acts 8; 26 - 40)
Shem - Paul of Tarsus (Acts 9: 1 -31)
Japheth - Cornelius the Roman centurion. (Acts 10:24 - 48)

The Ethiopian eunuch, who represents the race of Ham, receives salvation through believing the Word.

Saul of Tarsus, who represents the race of Shem, is intercepted on the way to Damascus & submits obediently to the Lord.

Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, who represents the race of Japheth, likewise responds to the message.

From Shem, Ham, & Japheth the seventy nations arose that are recorded in Genesis 10. Cornelius responded to Peter with spiritual insight, declaring, “He is Lord of All.` (Acts 10: 36)

There are 40 references to the Word in the book of Acts.
The four names – God, Lord, Jesus, Christ, appear over 380 times.

Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST for Salvation, sanctification & justification. (Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians & Galatians)

ROMANS

The basic teaching in Romans is associated with the spiritual value of the brazen altar & its sacrifice. The security featured in the four horns of the altar, for those that are accursed, is fully expressed. (Rom. 8: 34)

The gospel is referred to thirteen times & is described as being the power of God. (Rom. 1: 16)
The sufficiency of the power of God to save, in Christ, is made known to all nations. (Rom. 1: 5, 16: 26)
Righteousness & life in Christ are gifts to faith. (Rom. 5: 17, 6: 23)

The first 8 chapters deal with His sovereign administration, every benefit is through Him.
The second 8 emphasize His supreme authority as Lord. (Rom. 13: 6 – 9)

The titles Lord, Jesus, Christ, & God appear over 300 times.

Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

1 & 2 CORINTHIANS

The message to the Corinthian church picture Christ in His sufficiency for sanctification. (1 Cor. 1: 2, 6: 11) The teaching interprets the spiritual significance of the laver, (washing, cleansing).

We read of the four presentations of Christ –

• The cursed tree. (Deut. 21: 22 – 23; Gal. 3: 13)
• The pascal lamb. (Ex. 12: 3, 1 Cor. 5: 7)
• The smitten rock. (Ex. 17: 6, 1 Cor. 10: 4)
• The firstfruits. (Lev. 2: 12 – 14, 1 Cor. 15: 23)

The words `sufficient & sufficiency` are used 6 times, & we have a wonderful assurance, “Always having all sufficiency in all things.` (2 Cor. 9: 8) This amazing sufficiency in Christ, is inexpressible.

The word `abundance` is applied to comfort, grace, glory, power, wisdom etc & are all available in the precious Saviour.

Marilyn

 

[Marilyn C]

GALATIANS


The content of the letter to the churches of Galatia also speak of Christ`s sufficiency. And no room exists for any other supposed gospel. The sufficiency of the divine provision, making it possible for man to be justified in Christ, is absolute & final. (Gal. 2: 16 – 17, 3: 11 – 24)

The contents are based on the spiritual import of the lampstand, which implies revealed truth. Christ is the revealer.

A Redeemer was necessary who could

• implant the nature of sons (Gal. 4: 5)
• Impart the title of heirs (3: 29, 4: 7)
• Initiate relationships to the Father (4: 6)
• Bring into real liberty (5: 1, 13)

Christ alone is all – sufficient.
The titles God, Lord, Jesus, Christ, occur nearly 100 times in this short book.

Marilyn.