The Centrality of Christ in Christian Theology
Summary
In our exploration of the doctrine concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, we delve into the heart of Christian theology. This doctrine is not merely an academic exercise but the very core of our faith. The person of Jesus Christ is central and vital to Christianity, distinguishing it from all other religions. Unlike other faiths where the teachings can stand apart from their founders, Christianity is inseparable from Christ himself. The essence of our faith is not just in believing in Christ but in understanding who He is, what He has done, and what He offers to humanity.
The Bible presents Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and promises. From Genesis to the prophets, the scriptures point to Him as the seed of the woman who would crush the serpent's head, the descendant of Abraham through whom all nations would be blessed, and the king from the line of David. These prophecies are not only fulfilled in Jesus but cannot be fulfilled by anyone else, underscoring His unique role in salvation history.
Furthermore, Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant, the only way through which we can be reconciled to God. His life, death, and resurrection are the means by which we are offered salvation. The New Testament is clear that salvation is found in no one else, and this exclusivity is a cornerstone of our faith.
Jesus is also the Lord of history, with all authority in heaven and on earth given to Him. He controls the unfolding of history and will ultimately judge the world. This reality calls us to a serious consideration of His person and work.
Finally, we begin to explore the doctrine of the Incarnation, the mystery of God becoming flesh. This doctrine asserts that the eternal Son of God took on human nature, entering into time and history. This is not the beginning of His existence but a profound act of divine condescension for our salvation. As we continue to unpack this doctrine, we will explore the implications of the Virgin birth, His deity, and humanity, and how these natures coexist in one person.
Key Takeaways:
- The centrality of Christ in Christianity is non-negotiable. Unlike other religions where teachings can exist independently of their founders, Christianity is intrinsically linked to the person of Jesus Christ. Understanding who He is and what He has done is essential to our faith. [04:27]
- Jesus fulfills all Old Testament prophecies, serving as the culmination of God's promises. From Genesis to the prophets, the scriptures point to Him as the Messiah, the Savior, and the King. This fulfillment is unique to Jesus and cannot be replicated by anyone else. [12:34]
- The exclusivity of Christ as the mediator of the New Covenant is a cornerstone of our faith. Salvation is found in no one else, and this truth demands our attention and allegiance. Understanding the depth of this claim is vital for a robust Christian faith. [26:13]
- Jesus is the Lord of history, with all authority given to Him. He controls the unfolding of history and will ultimately judge the world. This reality calls us to a serious consideration of His person and work, recognizing His sovereignty over all creation. [28:20]
- The doctrine of the Incarnation is a profound mystery, asserting that the eternal Son of God took on human nature. This act of divine condescension is not the beginning of His existence but a pivotal moment in salvation history. Understanding this doctrine is crucial for grasping the full scope of Christ's work. [32:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction and Context
[00:40] - Centrality of Christ in Doctrine
[01:51] - The Turning Point of History
[03:07] - Christianity's Unique Claim
[04:27] - The Vital Importance of Christ
[06:24] - The New Testament's Emphasis
[08:21] - The Purpose of the Gospels
[10:13] - The Necessity of Doctrine
[12:19] - Fulfillment of Prophecies
[14:35] - Prophecies of His Birth
[17:40] - Prophecies of His Work
[25:54] - Reconciliation Through Christ
[28:05] - Christ as Lord of History
[30:17] - Christ as Judge of the World
[31:49] - Introduction to the Incarnation
[34:15] - Definition of the Incarnation
[37:19] - The Marvel of the Incarnation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 1:20
2. Genesis 3:15
3. Hebrews 12:24
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Corinthians 1:20, how are all the promises of God fulfilled in Jesus? What does this imply about His role in salvation history? [12:34]
2. In Genesis 3:15, what is the significance of the prophecy about the seed of the woman and the serpent? How does this relate to Jesus' mission? [13:23]
3. Hebrews 12:24 describes Jesus as the mediator of the New Covenant. What does this role entail, and why is it significant for believers? [26:13]
4. How does the sermon describe the centrality of Jesus in Christianity compared to other religions? What makes His person and work unique? [04:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies? How does this understanding deepen one's faith in Him? [12:34]
2. The sermon emphasizes the exclusivity of Christ as the mediator of the New Covenant. How does this exclusivity challenge or affirm one's understanding of salvation? [26:13]
3. How does the doctrine of the Incarnation, as described in the sermon, impact the way believers view the nature of Jesus as both divine and human? [32:09]
4. In what ways does recognizing Jesus as the Lord of history influence a believer's perspective on current world events and personal life circumstances? [28:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the centrality of Christ in your own faith journey. How does understanding His unique role in salvation history affect your daily walk with Him? [04:27]
2. Consider the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus. How can this knowledge strengthen your confidence in sharing the gospel with others? [12:34]
3. The sermon highlights the exclusivity of Christ as the mediator of the New Covenant. How does this truth shape your approach to interfaith dialogues or relationships with people of other faiths? [26:13]
4. How can acknowledging Jesus as the Lord of history provide comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty or personal trials? [28:20]
5. The doctrine of the Incarnation is described as a profound mystery. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for this mystery in your personal study and worship? [32:09]
6. In what practical ways can you live out the reality of Jesus' authority in your life, recognizing Him as both Savior and Judge? [30:17]
7. How does the understanding of Jesus' dual nature as fully God and fully man influence your relationship with Him and your reliance on His example in daily life? [32:09]
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. The essence of the Christian faith is not just in believing in Christ but in understanding who He is, what He has done, and what He offers to humanity. This understanding is vital because it shapes our entire worldview and how we live out our faith. Jesus is not just a historical figure or a moral teacher; He is the very foundation of our faith, and without Him, Christianity loses its meaning and purpose. [04:27]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for you today?
Day 2: Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus fulfills all Old Testament prophecies, serving as the culmination of God's promises. From Genesis to the prophets, the scriptures point to Him as the Messiah, the Savior, and the King. This fulfillment is unique to Jesus and cannot be replicated by anyone else. The Bible presents Jesus as the seed of the woman who would crush the serpent's head, the descendant of Abraham through whom all nations would be blessed, and the king from the line of David. These prophecies are not only fulfilled in Jesus but underscore His unique role in salvation history. [12:34]
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 fulfills ancient prophecies impact your trust in God's promises for your life today?
Day 3: The Exclusive Mediator
The exclusivity of Christ as the mediator of the New Covenant is a cornerstone of our faith. Salvation is found in no one else, and this truth demands our attention and allegiance. Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant, the only way through which we can be reconciled to God. His life, death, and resurrection are the means by which we are offered salvation. Understanding the depth of this claim is vital for a robust Christian faith, as it emphasizes the unique and singular role of Jesus in the salvation of humanity. [26:13]
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: What steps can you take today to align your life more closely with the truth that Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity?
Day 4: Sovereign Lord of History
Jesus is the Lord of history, with all authority given to Him. He controls the unfolding of history and will ultimately judge the world. This reality calls us to a serious consideration of His person and work, recognizing His sovereignty over all creation. Understanding Jesus as the Lord of history means acknowledging His authority in our lives and trusting in His divine plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that He is in control and will bring all things to their rightful conclusion. [28:20]
Ephesians 1:20-21 (ESV): "That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge Jesus' authority and trust in His sovereign plan today?
Day 5: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The doctrine of the Incarnation is a profound mystery, asserting that the eternal Son of God took on human nature. This act of divine condescension is not the beginning of His existence but a pivotal moment in salvation history. Understanding this doctrine is crucial for grasping the full scope of Christ's work. The Incarnation reveals the depth of God's love for humanity, as He entered into time and history to bring about our salvation. It challenges us to reflect on the humility and sacrifice of Christ and to respond with gratitude and worship. [32:09]
Philippians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
Reflection: How does the mystery of the Incarnation inspire you to live a life of humility and service today?
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 in other religions it is the teaching that matters and the person is not absolutely essential other persons might have done it equally well and the teaching would remain unaffected but that isn't the case with the Christian faith Christianity as has often been pointed out is Christ the person himself is not only Central he is absolutely vital. [03:13:28]
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. [07:31:36]
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 and then do you remember what we are told he said after his resurrection you read Luke 24:46 and 47 and you'll find this thus it is written and thus it beh hearded Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and remission of sin should be preached in his name among all nations. [26:09:36]
One that 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. [28:12:36]
This is a staggering and a stupendous thought that all history is in the hands of this person everything that happens in this world is under him and under his control everything without any exception he is the Lord Of Glory and the Lord of history and all things are under his feet under his head he sits at the right hand of the the authority and the glory of God. [29:36:39]
The final reason which the Bible gives us for considering him is this that he is the one by whom the world is going to be judged and this is where we are all vitally concerned he claimed this himself take John 5:17 for instance and has given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the son of man Paul in preaching to the Learned Athenians says as recorded in Acts 1731 that God has appointed a day in which he will judge the whole world in righteousness by the men whom he ha ordained of which he says he has given notice in that Heath raised him from the dead the Lord of History will be the judge of the whole world the father has committed judgment unto him. [30:05:48]
Now in 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 do 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 notice what I'm saying I am not saying that when Jesus of Nazareth was born in Bethlehem that a new personality came into being that is wrong that is not true that's error that is anaris 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. [32:29:32]
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 no it is this eternal person the second person in the Blessed Trinity who now assumes this form enters the life of men in the world comes into the world now there are endless statements in the scriptures which put it like that and which emphasize that one of course of the most notable which we'll have to consider in Greater detail later is that great passage in Philippians 2: 5-8 but there are many prophecies in the Old Testament which put it in the same way the son of righteousness shall come with healing in his wing and all these other statements which talk about his coming or his appearing he doesn't start there 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. [35:49:32]
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 and 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 the 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. [37:19:00]
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