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, unlike other religions where the teachings can stand apart from their founders. Christianity is Christ; without Him, the faith collapses. This is why understanding who He is and what He has done is crucial.

The Bible presents Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and promises. From Genesis to Malachi, the scriptures point to Him as the seed of the woman, the descendant of Abraham, and the one who would come from the tribe of Judah. His life, death, and resurrection fulfill these ancient prophecies, affirming His identity as the Messiah. The New Testament further emphasizes His role as the mediator of the New Covenant, the one through whom we are reconciled to God.

Jesus is not only the Savior but also the Lord of history. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. He is the one who controls and unfolds history, the one who will judge the world. This understanding compels us to consider Him seriously, as our eternal destiny hinges on our relationship with Him.

The doctrine of the Incarnation is a profound mystery, declaring that the eternal Son of God took on human nature. This is not the beginning of His existence but His entrance into time and history. The Incarnation is the miracle of God becoming flesh, dwelling among us, and it is foundational to our understanding of who Jesus is.

As we continue to explore this doctrine, we will delve into the details of the Virgin birth, His deity, and His humanity. These elements are not just theological concepts but truths that shape our faith and our lives.

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. Without Him, the faith loses its essence and purpose. [05:28]

- Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, affirming His identity as the Messiah. From Genesis to Malachi, the scriptures point to Him, and His life, death, and resurrection fulfill these ancient promises. This fulfillment is unique to Him and cannot be replicated by anyone else. [21:56]

- The Incarnation is a profound mystery where the eternal Son of God took on human nature. This is not the beginning of His existence but His entrance into time and history. Understanding this mystery is foundational to our faith. [35:17]

- Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant, 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 a cornerstone of Christian belief. [26:16]

- All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. He is the Lord of history, controlling and unfolding it according to His will. This understanding compels us to consider Him seriously, as our eternal destiny hinges on our relationship with Him. [29:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction and Background
- [00:23] - Covenant of Grace and Jesus Christ
- [01:01] - Core of Biblical Doctrine
- [02:13] - Turning Point of History
- [03:07] - Christianity's Unique Claim
- [04:13] - The Vital Importance of Christ
- [06:08] - The Intolerance of the Christian Faith
- [07:19] - Purpose of the Gospels
- [08:38] - Counteracting Heresies
- [10:14] - Importance of Doctrine
- [12:19] - Fulfillment of Prophecies
- [15:28] - Prophecies of His Work
- [25:56] - Reconciliation Through Christ
- [28:05] - Christ's Authority Over History
- [30:05] - Christ as Judge
- [31:56] - Doctrine of the Incarnation
- [35:17] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
- [37:10] - Conclusion and Next Steps

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 1:20
2. Genesis 3:15
3. John 14:6

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe the centrality of Jesus Christ in Christianity compared to other religions? [03:07]

2. What Old Testament prophecies are mentioned in the sermon as being fulfilled by Jesus Christ? [12:19]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Incarnation in understanding who Jesus is? [35:17]

4. What role does Jesus play in the New Covenant, as discussed in the sermon? [26:16]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it important to understand the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ, and how does this impact the Christian faith? [12:19]

2. The sermon emphasizes the Incarnation as a profound mystery. How does this mystery shape the understanding of Jesus' nature and mission? [35:17]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' authority over history should influence a believer's life and decisions? [29:30]

4. How does the exclusivity of Jesus as the mediator of the New Covenant challenge or affirm one's personal beliefs about salvation? [26:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the statement "Christianity is Christ." How does this understanding affect your daily walk with God and your interactions with others? [03:07]

2. Consider the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus. How does knowing these prophecies strengthen your faith and confidence in the Bible's reliability? [12:19]

3. The sermon discusses the Incarnation as a mystery. How can embracing this mystery deepen your relationship with Jesus and your appreciation for His sacrifice? [35:17]

4. Jesus is described as having all authority in heaven and on earth. How does this truth influence your response to current world events and personal challenges? [29:30]

5. The sermon highlights Jesus as the only way to the Father. How does this exclusivity impact your approach to sharing the gospel with others? [26:16]

6. Reflect on your understanding of Jesus as the Lord of history. How can this perspective bring peace and assurance in times of uncertainty? [29:30]

7. How can you actively live out the truth that Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant in your relationships and community involvement? [26:16]

Devotional

Day 1: The Indispensable Role of Christ in Christianity
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. Without Him, the faith loses its essence and purpose. Jesus is not just a historical figure or a moral teacher; He is the very foundation upon which the Christian faith is built. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection are the core elements that define Christianity. Understanding this is crucial for anyone who seeks to comprehend the true nature of the Christian 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 teachings and presence?


Day 2: Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, affirming His identity as the Messiah. From Genesis to Malachi, the scriptures point to Him, and His life, death, and resurrection fulfill these ancient promises. This fulfillment is unique to Him and cannot be replicated by anyone else. The prophecies serve as a testament to His divine nature and mission, providing a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. Recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of these prophecies deepens our understanding of His role in God's redemptive plan. [21:56]

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 impact your faith and trust in God's promises for your life today?


Day 3: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The Incarnation is a profound mystery where the eternal Son of God took on human nature. This is not the beginning of His existence but His entrance into time and history. Understanding this mystery is foundational to our faith. The Incarnation reveals God's immense love and desire to be with us, bridging the gap between the divine and human. It is a cornerstone of Christian belief that God became flesh, lived among us, and experienced human life firsthand. This truth challenges us to reflect on the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to for our salvation. [35:17]

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 reality of the Incarnation influence your understanding of God's love and presence in your life?


Day 4: Jesus as the Mediator of the New Covenant
Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant, 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 a cornerstone of Christian belief. Through His sacrifice, Jesus established a new relationship between God and humanity, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe. This covenant invites us to live in a restored relationship with God, marked by grace and truth. Understanding Jesus as the mediator encourages us to embrace the fullness of life He offers. [26:16]

Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the New Covenant, allowing Jesus to mediate and transform your relationship with God?


Day 5: Christ's Authority Over History
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. He is the Lord of history, controlling and unfolding it according to His will. This understanding compels us to consider Him seriously, as our eternal destiny hinges on our relationship with Him. Recognizing Christ's authority reassures us that history is not random but is under His sovereign control. It invites us to trust in His plan and purpose, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Embracing His authority challenges us to align our lives with His will and to live with hope and confidence in His ultimate victory. [29:30]

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

Reflection: How can you acknowledge and submit to Christ's authority in your daily decisions and interactions, trusting in His control over your life's circumstances?

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 IAI 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. [00:58:40]

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. [03:07:00]

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. [04:13:00]

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 dis person 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 in order to State these other things plainly and clearly. [07:19:00]

It is not enough to say I believe in Jesus Christ the New Testament asks you a question when you say that it asks you what do you believe about him is he man only is he God only has he really come in the flesh or hasn't he what did he do what's the meaning of his death the New Testament is concerned about definitions and there is nothing I suggest that is further removed from the teaching of the New Testament itself then to say it's all right as long as you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ it doesn't matter very much what you say in detail the detail as I'm hoping to show you is all important and absolutely vital to our our whole position. [10:14:00]

Here's the first it says that he 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 here for instance is the Fulfillment of the promise that was given in the Garden of Eden Genesis 3:15. [12:19:00]

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 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 behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations. [25:56:00]

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 chap 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. [28:05:00]

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 being 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 them was not starting his existence as a person now 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. [35:17:00]

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 you 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 miracle 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 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 Doctrine concerning the mystery and the Marvel of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. [37:10:00]

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Transcript
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