Christ the Centre of the Bible.
- Thread starter Marilyn C
- Start date
The next section in the New Testament, from Ephesians to 2 Thessalonians, brings out our standing in Christ.
EPHESIANS
All spiritual blessings are in Christ, our acceptance is in the Beloved, in whom we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, & `the eternal purposed is purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.` (Eph. 3: 11)
The spiritual significance of the 12 loaves of the showbread table is revealed as Christ the Bread of Life.
PHILIPPIANS
From the highest station of sovereignty, `the form of God,` He descended to the lowest state of submission, `the form of a bond servant.` And although He made Himself of no reputation in His humanity, He is now entitled to a name above every name, (Phil. 2: 6 – 10)
This self – abnegating service is a sweet savour to God & is represented in the incense altar, (Phil. 4: 18)
COLOSSIANS
This is the one who has the preeminence in all things, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge, for in Him dwells all the fullness of Godhead bodily. And because we are in Him we are filled to completion. So when Christ who is our life shall appear, we shall appear with Him in glory, (Col. 1: 18, 2: 3, 9, 10, 3: 4)
The ark of the covenant had its crown of gold expressing sovereignty,
In the light of our Lord`s wonderful character we can look with hopeful expectancy His coming descent from heaven. The word of the Lord affirms it, (1 Thess 4: 14 – 18)
The veil which is His flesh, in which we expect Him to be manifested
EPHESIANS
All spiritual blessings are in Christ, our acceptance is in the Beloved, in whom we have redemption, forgiveness, an inheritance, & `the eternal purposed is purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.` (Eph. 3: 11)
The spiritual significance of the 12 loaves of the showbread table is revealed as Christ the Bread of Life.
PHILIPPIANS
From the highest station of sovereignty, `the form of God,` He descended to the lowest state of submission, `the form of a bond servant.` And although He made Himself of no reputation in His humanity, He is now entitled to a name above every name, (Phil. 2: 6 – 10)
This self – abnegating service is a sweet savour to God & is represented in the incense altar, (Phil. 4: 18)
COLOSSIANS
This is the one who has the preeminence in all things, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge, for in Him dwells all the fullness of Godhead bodily. And because we are in Him we are filled to completion. So when Christ who is our life shall appear, we shall appear with Him in glory, (Col. 1: 18, 2: 3, 9, 10, 3: 4)
The ark of the covenant had its crown of gold expressing sovereignty,
- A mercy seat, sympathy
- The rod that budded & pot of manna, sufficiency of Christ`s priesthood in resurrection.
In the light of our Lord`s wonderful character we can look with hopeful expectancy His coming descent from heaven. The word of the Lord affirms it, (1 Thess 4: 14 – 18)
The veil which is His flesh, in which we expect Him to be manifested
In the next section from 1 Timothy to John we read of Christ`s indwelling the life of a believer. He is our strength, He is our life. The very character of Christ supplies the strength to become mature in Him, through His indwelling presence.
1 & 2 TIMOTHY
The letters to Timothy give instruction for personal, godly living, & sanctified service: the secret of the ability is to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim.3: 15, 2 Tim. 2: 1) The indweller is `the blessed & only Potentate, the King of kings, & Lord of lords.` (1 Tim. 6: 15)
TITUS
In Titus, Christ makes possible purity of life, honesty of heart & integrity of purpose. All activity is looking to the radiant hope of His return.
PHILEMON
Philemon shows that the strength of His grace begets a spirit of tender, compassion toward others.
HEBREWS
Hebrews presents the majestic character of the indweller, unchanging & constant. The very outflowing of the divine glory & creator is the one who purged our sins, & makes us perfect to do the Father`s will.
JAMES
In James, Christ as the wisdom of God, enables us to do our practical duty with humility.
1 & 2 PETER
In Peter`s messages, the Lord is shown as the one who suffered in all relationships of life & who strengthens us to follow Him, having called us out of darkness into His glorious light.
1, 2, 3 JOHN
John dwells on the family features of the children of God, made possible through Christ. Our human capacities require visibilities. We cannot grasp the abstract, the absolute, the infinite relative to the Deity. We need someone to look at, speak to, go to, hear tell of His divine love. God the Father entrusted His Son to display & declare His love to mankind in person, & this He did most wonderfully.
1 & 2 TIMOTHY
The letters to Timothy give instruction for personal, godly living, & sanctified service: the secret of the ability is to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim.3: 15, 2 Tim. 2: 1) The indweller is `the blessed & only Potentate, the King of kings, & Lord of lords.` (1 Tim. 6: 15)
TITUS
In Titus, Christ makes possible purity of life, honesty of heart & integrity of purpose. All activity is looking to the radiant hope of His return.
PHILEMON
Philemon shows that the strength of His grace begets a spirit of tender, compassion toward others.
HEBREWS
Hebrews presents the majestic character of the indweller, unchanging & constant. The very outflowing of the divine glory & creator is the one who purged our sins, & makes us perfect to do the Father`s will.
JAMES
In James, Christ as the wisdom of God, enables us to do our practical duty with humility.
1 & 2 PETER
In Peter`s messages, the Lord is shown as the one who suffered in all relationships of life & who strengthens us to follow Him, having called us out of darkness into His glorious light.
1, 2, 3 JOHN
John dwells on the family features of the children of God, made possible through Christ. Our human capacities require visibilities. We cannot grasp the abstract, the absolute, the infinite relative to the Deity. We need someone to look at, speak to, go to, hear tell of His divine love. God the Father entrusted His Son to display & declare His love to mankind in person, & this He did most wonderfully.
In the next section from 1 Timothy to John we read of Christ`s indwelling the life of a believer. He is our strength, He is our life. The very character of Christ supplies the strength to become mature in Him, through His indwelling presence.
1 & 2 TIMOTHY
The letters to Timothy give instruction for personal, godly living, & sanctified service: the secret of the ability is to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim.3: 15, 2 Tim. 2: 1) The indweller is `the blessed & only Potentate, the King of kings, & Lord of lords.` (1 Tim. 6: 15)
TITUS
In Titus, Christ makes possible purity of life, honesty of heart & integrity of purpose. All activity is looking to the radiant hope of His return.
PHILEMON
Philemon shows that the strength of His grace begets a spirit of tender, compassion toward others.
HEBREWS
Hebrews presents the majestic character of the indweller, unchanging & constant. The very outflowing of the divine glory & creator is the one who purged our sins, & makes us perfect to do the Father`s will.
JAMES
In James, Christ as the wisdom of God, enables us to do our practical duty with humility.
1 & 2 PETER
In Peter`s messages, the Lord is shown as the one who suffered in all relationships of life & who strengthens us to follow Him, having called us out of darkness into His glorious light.
1, 2, 3 JOHN
John dwells on the family features of the children of God, made possible through Christ. Our human capacities require visibilities. We cannot grasp the abstract, the absolute, the infinite relative to the Deity. We need someone to look at, speak to, go to, hear tell of His divine love. God the Father entrusted His Son to display & declare His love to mankind in person, & this He did most wonderfully.
1 & 2 TIMOTHY
The letters to Timothy give instruction for personal, godly living, & sanctified service: the secret of the ability is to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim.3: 15, 2 Tim. 2: 1) The indweller is `the blessed & only Potentate, the King of kings, & Lord of lords.` (1 Tim. 6: 15)
TITUS
In Titus, Christ makes possible purity of life, honesty of heart & integrity of purpose. All activity is looking to the radiant hope of His return.
PHILEMON
Philemon shows that the strength of His grace begets a spirit of tender, compassion toward others.
HEBREWS
Hebrews presents the majestic character of the indweller, unchanging & constant. The very outflowing of the divine glory & creator is the one who purged our sins, & makes us perfect to do the Father`s will.
JAMES
In James, Christ as the wisdom of God, enables us to do our practical duty with humility.
1 & 2 PETER
In Peter`s messages, the Lord is shown as the one who suffered in all relationships of life & who strengthens us to follow Him, having called us out of darkness into His glorious light.
1, 2, 3 JOHN
John dwells on the family features of the children of God, made possible through Christ. Our human capacities require visibilities. We cannot grasp the abstract, the absolute, the infinite relative to the Deity. We need someone to look at, speak to, go to, hear tell of His divine love. God the Father entrusted His Son to display & declare His love to mankind in person, & this He did most wonderfully.
JUDE
Jude is a summary of the 64 books that have gone before it. This is to prepare us for the final unveiling of Jesus Christ. There are 10 of the characters, & cities from the Pentateuch & includes over 40 of the great truths, titles & teachings of the New Testament.
Christ reduced the 611 precepts of the law down to two commandments. But far more amazing is the fact that the Lord God has given us the sum total of His eternal Word in a single Person. Thus we look forward to His unveiling by God the Father.
Jude is a summary of the 64 books that have gone before it. This is to prepare us for the final unveiling of Jesus Christ. There are 10 of the characters, & cities from the Pentateuch & includes over 40 of the great truths, titles & teachings of the New Testament.
- God, the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Saviour, Salvation, grace, mercy, peace, faith, love, life eternal, power, majesty, dominion glory, the Apostles…..
Christ reduced the 611 precepts of the law down to two commandments. But far more amazing is the fact that the Lord God has given us the sum total of His eternal Word in a single Person. Thus we look forward to His unveiling by God the Father.
'And hath put all things under His feet
and gave Him to be the HEAD
over all things to the church which is His body
the fulness of Him that filleth all in all'
(Eph 1:22,22)
Hello @Marilyn C,
I have enjoyed your study. Thank you for it.
For the Church which is His Body, the books of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon are of particular importance, for they portray Christ Jesus our risen and glorified Lord, as 'Head'. Those books, on the basis of Roman's foundational truth contain all that pertains to the dispensation (or administration of God's grace) to which we have been called: having been written following it's revelation, by God to Paul, while a prisoner of Christ Jesus at Rome. (Eph. 3:1)
Praise God!
In Christ Jesus
Chris
and gave Him to be the HEAD
over all things to the church which is His body
the fulness of Him that filleth all in all'
(Eph 1:22,22)
Hello @Marilyn C,
I have enjoyed your study. Thank you for it.
For the Church which is His Body, the books of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon are of particular importance, for they portray Christ Jesus our risen and glorified Lord, as 'Head'. Those books, on the basis of Roman's foundational truth contain all that pertains to the dispensation (or administration of God's grace) to which we have been called: having been written following it's revelation, by God to Paul, while a prisoner of Christ Jesus at Rome. (Eph. 3:1)
Praise God!
In Christ Jesus
Chris
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REVELATION
The predominant aim of Revelation is the setting forth the splendours of the Son of Man, & to reveal His glorious person. There are four visions of the Son of Man as He is known in the heavenly realm & each vision in turn carries through to completion one aspect of the fourfold ministry of Christ which He exercised when on earth. His Kinship was expressed in Matthew, His Heirship in Mark, His Mediatorship in Luke, & His Judgeship in John.
Vision 1. CHRIST - Head of the Body. (Rev. 1 – 3)
This reveals the empowered Son of Man as the Sovereign Administrator.
`in His right hand He held 7 stars.`
Vision 2. CHRIST - HEIR (Rev. 4 – 7)
This reveals the enthroned Son of Man as the Supreme Executor.
`in His right hand He held the 7 sealed book.`
Vision 3. CHRIST - MEDIATOR(Rev. 8 – 13)
This reveals the exalted Son of Man as the Stately Mediator.
`in His hand is a sacred censor.`
Vision 4. CHRIST - JUDGE (Rev. 14 – 22)
This reveals the entitled Son of Man as the Sublime Adjudicator.
`in His hand is a sharp sickle.`
To reveal Christ to us in Revelation, there are 330 references to the figures, shadows, symbols, types, patterns, persons, & buildings of the Old Testament.
This unveiling is the culmination of all the truths expressed from Genesis to Revelation, for all scripture is centred on one purpose and that is to reveal Christ to us in all His Glory.
The predominant aim of Revelation is the setting forth the splendours of the Son of Man, & to reveal His glorious person. There are four visions of the Son of Man as He is known in the heavenly realm & each vision in turn carries through to completion one aspect of the fourfold ministry of Christ which He exercised when on earth. His Kinship was expressed in Matthew, His Heirship in Mark, His Mediatorship in Luke, & His Judgeship in John.
Vision 1. CHRIST - Head of the Body. (Rev. 1 – 3)
This reveals the empowered Son of Man as the Sovereign Administrator.
`in His right hand He held 7 stars.`
Vision 2. CHRIST - HEIR (Rev. 4 – 7)
This reveals the enthroned Son of Man as the Supreme Executor.
`in His right hand He held the 7 sealed book.`
Vision 3. CHRIST - MEDIATOR(Rev. 8 – 13)
This reveals the exalted Son of Man as the Stately Mediator.
`in His hand is a sacred censor.`
Vision 4. CHRIST - JUDGE (Rev. 14 – 22)
This reveals the entitled Son of Man as the Sublime Adjudicator.
`in His hand is a sharp sickle.`
To reveal Christ to us in Revelation, there are 330 references to the figures, shadows, symbols, types, patterns, persons, & buildings of the Old Testament.
This unveiling is the culmination of all the truths expressed from Genesis to Revelation, for all scripture is centred on one purpose and that is to reveal Christ to us in all His Glory.
SUMMARY.
CHRIST is the centre of God`s word. The scriptures -
FORSHADOW – Mosaic (Gen. – Deut.)
FORSEE – History (Joshua – Esther)
FORKNOW – Philosophical (Job – Son of Sol.)
FORETELL – Prophets (Isaiah – Mal.)
CHRIST`S EARTHLY MINISTRY – (Matt. – John)
CHRIST IN HIS BODY – (Acts – Jude)
CHRIST`S HEAVENLY GLORIFICATION – (Revelation)
CHRIST is the centre of God`s word. The scriptures -
FORSHADOW – Mosaic (Gen. – Deut.)
FORSEE – History (Joshua – Esther)
FORKNOW – Philosophical (Job – Son of Sol.)
FORETELL – Prophets (Isaiah – Mal.)
CHRIST`S EARTHLY MINISTRY – (Matt. – John)
CHRIST IN HIS BODY – (Acts – Jude)
CHRIST`S HEAVENLY GLORIFICATION – (Revelation)
In the beginning was the Word...... (John 1:1) The word "Word" not only means "to speak with intelligence, or to break silence, or to speak" it also means "purpose and, reason". It comes from the word "logos" which is were we get our English word "logic"
No body, no matter who they are does anything in their life without first having a purpose or reason for doing so. The Lord God also does nothing without first having a purpose or reason for doing them. God's purpose and reason for creation was for Christ, and his Church. There is no other reason for creation but this. Jesus Christ is the central purpose, and reason for all that exists today. All things were made by Christ, and for him, and without him nothing was made that was made. (Col 1:16)
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
No body, no matter who they are does anything in their life without first having a purpose or reason for doing so. The Lord God also does nothing without first having a purpose or reason for doing them. God's purpose and reason for creation was for Christ, and his Church. There is no other reason for creation but this. Jesus Christ is the central purpose, and reason for all that exists today. All things were made by Christ, and for him, and without him nothing was made that was made. (Col 1:16)
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Hi CCW95A,
Good thoughts there bro. Now not meaning to be picky though, I would say your scripture says it all - `all things were created by Him & for Him.` (Col. 1: 16) (Great scripture) What I am pointing out is I believe that means just `for Him,` not adding the Church. It is through Him that we came into our inheritance but `all things were created....for Him.`
Marilyn.
Good thoughts there bro. Now not meaning to be picky though, I would say your scripture says it all - `all things were created by Him & for Him.` (Col. 1: 16) (Great scripture) What I am pointing out is I believe that means just `for Him,` not adding the Church. It is through Him that we came into our inheritance but `all things were created....for Him.`
Marilyn.
THE BASIC SUBSTANCE
Christ is the basic substance of all that the shadows forecast
`For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come` (Heb.10:1)
`And beginning at Moses & all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.` (Luke 24: 27)
HISTORIC CENTRE
Christ is the historic centre of all recorded Bible history,
`To Him give all the prophets witness.` (Acts 10: 43)
PROPHETIC SEAL
Christ is the prophetic seal of authenticity to all prediction.
`The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.` (Rev.19:10)
DYNAMIC POWER
Christ is the dynamic power of all authority,
`By Me Kings reign, and princes decree justice.` (Prov. 8:15)
`All power is given unto Me in heaven & on earth.` (Matt. 28: 18)
INTRINSIC WEALTH
Christ is the intrinsic wealth of all spiritual values,
`In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge.` (Col. 2:3)
`His riches in glory.` (Phil. 4: 19)
SPECIFIC GOVERNOR
Christ is the specific governor of all nations.
`The kingdom is the LORD`s, He is the governor among the nations.`(Ps. 22: 28)
REALISTIC EXPRESSION OF DEITY
Christ is the realistic expression of Deity.`
`He that has seen Me has seen the Father.` (John 14:9)
`The express image of His person.` (Heb. 1:3)
These are but a few truths concerning Christ, yet if these 7 features only were removed from Scripture, the Bible would be bereft of
- both plan & purpose,
- incentive or objective,
and the structure would have
- no clearly defined commencement,
- no definite centre,
- no determined consummation.
Christ the Living Word, is indispensable to the entire record.
(Ref: Charles J. Rolls. Bible teacher from last century.)
Christ is the basic substance of all that the shadows forecast
`For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come` (Heb.10:1)
`And beginning at Moses & all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.` (Luke 24: 27)
HISTORIC CENTRE
Christ is the historic centre of all recorded Bible history,
`To Him give all the prophets witness.` (Acts 10: 43)
PROPHETIC SEAL
Christ is the prophetic seal of authenticity to all prediction.
`The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.` (Rev.19:10)
DYNAMIC POWER
Christ is the dynamic power of all authority,
`By Me Kings reign, and princes decree justice.` (Prov. 8:15)
`All power is given unto Me in heaven & on earth.` (Matt. 28: 18)
INTRINSIC WEALTH
Christ is the intrinsic wealth of all spiritual values,
`In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge.` (Col. 2:3)
`His riches in glory.` (Phil. 4: 19)
SPECIFIC GOVERNOR
Christ is the specific governor of all nations.
`The kingdom is the LORD`s, He is the governor among the nations.`(Ps. 22: 28)
REALISTIC EXPRESSION OF DEITY
Christ is the realistic expression of Deity.`
`He that has seen Me has seen the Father.` (John 14:9)
`The express image of His person.` (Heb. 1:3)
These are but a few truths concerning Christ, yet if these 7 features only were removed from Scripture, the Bible would be bereft of
- both plan & purpose,
- incentive or objective,
and the structure would have
- no clearly defined commencement,
- no definite centre,
- no determined consummation.
Christ the Living Word, is indispensable to the entire record.
(Ref: Charles J. Rolls. Bible teacher from last century.)
All things were created by Christ and for Christ and his Church which is why this scriptures says this....
Rom 4:13 Clearly, God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God's law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.(NLT)
You can never talk about Christ without mentioning his body which is his Church.
1Co 3:20.. And again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise; He knows they are worthless."
1Co 3:21.. So don't boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you—
1Co 3:22.. whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you,
1Co 3:23.. and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
Hi @CCW95A,
Yes it is wonderful & amazing Christ & His Body, however to say - `You can never talk about Christ without mentioning His body which is His Church,` well......it would be good to look at that in my next thread. Hope to hear you there.
regards, Marilyn.