The Centrality of Christ in Christian Faith

 

Summary

In our exploration of the doctrine concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, we delve into the profound truth that stands at the core of Christian faith. This truth is not merely a doctrine but the most stupendous event in the history of redemption. The person of Jesus Christ is central and vital to Christianity, unlike other religions where the teachings can exist independently of their founders. Christianity is Christ; without Him, the entire faith collapses. This is why understanding who He is and what He has done is of utmost importance.

The New Testament and the early church councils emphasize the necessity of defining and safeguarding the truth about Jesus Christ. The Gospels were written to clarify His identity and mission, countering false teachings and apocryphal stories. The Bible presents Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and promises, from Genesis to Malachi, pointing to His birth, life, death, and resurrection. These prophecies are uniquely fulfilled in Him and cannot be fulfilled by anyone else, underscoring His singular role in God's redemptive plan.

Furthermore, Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity, the one through whom we are reconciled to God. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. This exclusivity is not a matter of intolerance but a declaration of the unique and essential role of Christ in salvation. He is also the Lord of history, with all authority and power given to Him, and He will be the judge of the world.

The doctrine of the Incarnation reveals the mystery of God becoming flesh, the eternal Son of God entering time and history. This is not the beginning of a new personality but the eternal second person of the Trinity taking on human nature. This profound truth is the foundation of our faith, and as we continue to explore it, we will see the necessity and glory of the Incarnation, the Virgin birth, and the union of His deity and humanity.

Key Takeaways:

- The centrality of Christ in Christianity is non-negotiable. Unlike other religions, where teachings can exist without their founders, Christianity is intrinsically linked to the person of Jesus Christ. Without Him, the faith loses its foundation and meaning. Understanding who He is and what He has done is essential for a true Christian faith. [05:28]

- The New Testament and early church history emphasize the importance of defining the truth about Jesus Christ. The Gospels were written to clarify His identity and mission, countering false teachings. This highlights the necessity of understanding and safeguarding the truth about Christ, as it is foundational to our faith. [09:14]

- Jesus is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and promises. From Genesis to Malachi, the scriptures point to His birth, life, death, and resurrection. These prophecies are uniquely fulfilled in Him, underscoring His singular role in God's redemptive plan. [21:15]

- Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. This exclusivity is a declaration of His unique and essential role in salvation, not a matter of intolerance. [27:59]

- The doctrine of the Incarnation reveals the mystery of God becoming flesh. The eternal Son of God entered time and history, taking on human nature. This profound truth is the foundation of our faith, emphasizing the necessity and glory of the Incarnation, the Virgin birth, and the union of His deity and humanity. [35:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction and Background
- [00:23] - Covenant of Grace and Jesus Christ
- [01:01] - Core of Biblical Doctrine
- [01:51] - Central Event in History
- [03:07] - Christianity's Unique Claim
- [04:46] - Importance of Christ's Person
- [06:08] - Defining the Truth About Christ
- [07:19] - Purpose of the Gospels
- [08:38] - Counteracting False Teachings
- [10:13] - Importance of Doctrine
- [12:19] - Fulfillment of Prophecies
- [17:38] - Prophecies of His Birth
- [25:50] - Reconciliation Through Christ
- [28:17] - Christ's Authority and Power
- [30:15] - Christ as Judge
- [32:05] - Doctrine of the Incarnation
- [35:05] - Eternal Son of God
- [37:14] - Conclusion and Next Steps

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 1:20 - "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
2. 1 Timothy 3:16 - "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
3. John 14:6 - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 1:20 say about the promises of God and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ?
2. According to 1 Timothy 3:16, what are the key aspects of the mystery of godliness as it relates to Jesus Christ?
3. How does John 14:6 describe the exclusivity of Jesus' role in salvation? [27:59]
4. What reasons does the sermon give for the necessity of understanding and safeguarding the truth about Jesus Christ? [09:14]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ underscore His unique role in God's redemptive plan? [21:15]
2. In what ways does the doctrine of the Incarnation reveal the mystery and necessity of God becoming flesh? [35:05]
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of Jesus being the only mediator between God and humanity? [27:59]
4. What implications does the sermon suggest about the authority and power given to Jesus as the Lord of history? [28:17]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the statement that Christianity is intrinsically linked to the person of Jesus Christ. How does this understanding impact your personal faith journey? [05:28]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of defining and safeguarding the truth about Jesus Christ. How can you actively engage in understanding and sharing this truth in your community? [09:14]
3. Consider the fulfillment of prophecies in Jesus. How does this strengthen your confidence in the reliability of Scripture and God's promises? [21:15]
4. Jesus is described as the only mediator between God and humanity. How does this exclusivity challenge or affirm your understanding of salvation? [27:59]
5. The doctrine of the Incarnation is described as a profound mystery. How does this mystery inspire awe and worship in your relationship with God? [35:05]
6. Reflect on the authority and power given to Jesus as the Lord of history. How does this influence your perspective on current world events and personal challenges? [28:17]
7. How can you incorporate the understanding of Jesus' unique role in salvation into your daily life and interactions with others? [27:59]

Devotional

Day 1: The Indispensable Christ
Understanding the centrality of Christ in Christianity is crucial. Unlike other religions, where teachings can exist independently of their founders, Christianity is intrinsically linked to the person of Jesus Christ. Without Him, the faith loses its foundation and meaning. This is why understanding who He is and what He has done is essential for a true Christian faith. The New Testament and early church history emphasize the importance of defining the truth about Jesus Christ. The Gospels were written to clarify His identity and mission, countering false teachings. This highlights the necessity of understanding and safeguarding the truth about Christ, as it is foundational to our faith. [05:28]

Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

Reflection: In what ways can you make Christ the center of your daily life, ensuring that your actions and decisions reflect His preeminence?


Day 2: The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and promises. From Genesis to Malachi, the scriptures point to His birth, life, death, and resurrection. These prophecies are uniquely fulfilled in Him, underscoring His singular role in God's redemptive plan. The Bible presents Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and promises, pointing to His birth, life, death, and resurrection. These prophecies are uniquely fulfilled in Him and cannot be fulfilled by anyone else, underscoring His singular role in God's redemptive plan. [21:15]

Luke 24:44 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.'"

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus fulfilled ancient prophecies strengthen your faith in God's plan for your life today?


Day 3: The Exclusive Mediator
Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. This exclusivity is a declaration of His unique and essential role in salvation, not a matter of intolerance. Understanding this truth is vital for recognizing the unique and essential role of Christ in salvation. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. This exclusivity is not a matter of intolerance but a declaration of the unique and essential role of Christ in salvation. [27:59]

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (ESV): "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."

Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. How can you deepen your reliance on Jesus as your mediator in your prayers and daily walk?


Day 4: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The doctrine of the Incarnation reveals the mystery of God becoming flesh. The eternal Son of God entered time and history, taking on human nature. This profound truth is the foundation of our faith, emphasizing the necessity and glory of the Incarnation, the Virgin birth, and the union of His deity and humanity. This is not the beginning of a new personality but the eternal second person of the Trinity taking on human nature. This profound truth is the foundation of our faith, and as we continue to explore it, we will see the necessity and glory of the Incarnation, the Virgin birth, and the union of His deity and humanity. [35:05]

John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Reflection: How does the reality of the Incarnation impact your understanding of God's love and presence in your life today?


Day 5: Christ's Authority and Power
Jesus is the Lord of history, with all authority and power given to Him, and He will be the judge of the world. This truth emphasizes His sovereignty and the ultimate accountability we have before Him. Recognizing Christ's authority and power is essential for understanding His role in the world and in our lives. He is the Lord of history, with all authority and power given to Him, and He will be the judge of the world. This truth emphasizes His sovereignty and the ultimate accountability we have before Him. [28:17]

Matthew 28:18 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge Christ's authority and allow Him to guide your decisions and actions?

Quotes


Now while this is obviously and clearly not the starting point of biblical Doctrine it is certainly the core and the center of biblical Doctrine this is the 23rd time that we meet together so it obviously isn't the first Doctrine or the beginning of the doctrine we start with the great doctrine of God and how God has revealed himself and men and his need and so on but uh obviously we come to this which as I say is the core and the center of biblical Doctrine because the truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ is at one and the same time the Central and the most stupendous fact in the history of redemption. [00:58:36]

The Bible itself makes it very plain and clear that the whole essence of the Christian position is dependent upon the person of the Lord Jesus Christ now that is in many ways what you may call the differentia of Christianity that is the thing that separates the Christian faith from all other religions in the other religions the names associated with them the names of men associated with them are not absolutely essential to them if uh the Buddha had never existed you could still have Buddhism if Muhammad had never lived you could still have muhammadanism the leaders the founders while important in such religions are not absolutely essential to them. [03:07:19]

Christianity as has often been pointed out is Christ the person himself is not only Central he is absolutely vital and therefore we have to see that we are concerned primarily and always with the person this is something that I shall have to go on to emphasize of course time and time again but the Touchstone of anybody's profession of the Christian faith is of necessity such a person's relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ what proclaims at once that so many people who call themselves Christian are not Christian is that the Lord Jesus Christ as a person is not at all essential to their position. [04:23:88]

The New Testament itself exorts us to do this why do you think the four gospels were ever written surely there can be no hesitation about answering that question they were written God caused men to write them and guided them through the spirit as they did write them in order that the truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ might be known exactly there were all sorts of false stories current at the time in the first century there were apocryphal gospels things were being ascribed to him and disperson and he was reported to have done and said things which he never had done nor said and the gospels are written in order to define the truth in order to exclude certain things and in order to State these other things plainly and clearly. [07:27:68]

Jesus is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies and Promises the great uh Central statement of that of course is in 2 Corinthians 1:20 for all the promises of God in him are yay and in him amen unto the glory of God all the promises of God are in him yay and amen they come to Focus they come to a point in him now what are these promises and prophecies I can't take you through them all in detail I'm simply picking out some which clearly are the most important in order to establish this point. [12:19:04]

The Bible also exalts us to consider him because he is the only one by whom we can be reconciled to God and by whom we can know God we read in Hebrews 12:24 that he is the mediator of the New Covenant he said himself I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the father but by me anyone who says a thing like that must be looked at in considered any man who values his salvation and wants to know God must listen to such a person no man cometh unto the father but by me he said. [25:50:88]

He is the one in whose hands all things are all power has been given to him in heaven and in Earth he has all might and dominion and authority and power and is raised up over every other right and dominion and authority and power everything has been given to him in Revelations 5 we are told that he is the only one who can control and unfold history there was no one who was strong enough to break the seals of the book of History except the lion of the tribe of Judah the lamb that once were slain but he can do so and does so he's the Lord of History he is controlling the whole of History. [28:17:56]

The doctrine of the Incarnation we are concerned of course with the first part of that statement great is the mystery of godliness God was manifest In the Flesh now what is this MO what is this Doctrine stti I'm simply going to give you my definition tonight and uh next Friday God willing we'll go on to break it up and show what it does say and what it doesn't say more in detail but let's be clear about the comprehensive statement the statement is this that the Eternal Son of God the second person in the Blessed Holy Trinity has taken on him or has taken unto himself human nature. [35:05:12]

The doctrine of the Incarnation says that the Eternal second person in the Blessed Trinity entered into time took unto himself and into himself human nature and was born as a babe lived a life as a man and appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh now there I am making the most vital statement of all I say I shall go on to break it up and to show you the importance of making this statement and safeguarding it against various errors but the essence of the statement is that the one who was born was not coming into being there was not starting his existence as a person. [35:05:79]

He comes from eternity from the bosom of the Blessed God himself and thus enters into life and into time and into history in that particular for well now our time having gone we'll have to leave it at that point for tonight but you notice the progression of ideas the progression of our thought something must be done by God before men can be saved we have the assurance that it's going to be done in the Covenant and all the Covenant points to this person he's at the center of this book the book asks us to consider him for the reasons I've given and then we having listened and having obeyed we come and look at him and what are we told about him that is the stupendous fact with which we start the doctrine the mirle of the Incarnation the Son of God entering into the world into time and into history. [37:14:00]

As we come to break that idea up we shall see what a glorious and astounding truth it is why it had to happen in that way and then we shall go on to consider the details which will involve a consideration obviously of the doctrine of the Virgin birth and after that we shall have to go on to consider what we are told about his deity and then about his Humanity and how these two are reconciled or exist together in the one person and so we shall be plunging right into the midst of this most wonderful and most glorious doctr concerning the mystery and the Marvel of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. [37:14:00]

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Transcript
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