From beginning to end the Bible has as its central theme the person and work of Jesus Christ. The centrality of Jesus is seen in creation. In history. In Scripture. In God’s plan of salvation. And in eternity to come.
Jesus is central:
1. In creation. John 1:1,3 says, “In the beginning was the one who is called the Word (Jesus). And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone.” “Everything was created by him, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities. All things were created by God’s Son, and everything was made for him.” (Colossians 1:16 CEV) As the eternal Son of God, Jesus is central to all of creation.
2. In history. The tracking of time all revolves around Jesus. Time is divided into BC (before Christ) or AD (After his death). We live in 2024 AD. No other person in history was ever afforded this distinction.
3. In Scripture. The Old Testament scriptures point forward to Christ’s coming. (Isaiah 53:1-12) They reference him in prophecy and paint pictures of him in “types” like the Ark – a type of Jesus providing safety and the singular means of salvation for all who will believe in Him. The New Testament scriptures point back to the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross – but also look forward to his coming again as Lord overall.
4. In God’s plan of salvation. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Jesus is central to God’s plan of salvation. “I am the way and the truth and the life,” Jesus said. “No man can come to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6). “God has also said that he gave us eternal life and that this life comes to us from His Son. And so if we have God’s Son, we have this life.” (I John 5:11-12)
5. In the ages to come. Jesus shall one day sit on the throne of heaven, “...and he shall reign forever.” (Revelation 22:3-5) God the Father will put everything under his control. (Heb. 1:8-12)
Today, Jesus desires to be central in our life. (Romans 8:4-6) He is not satisfied to have a slice of the action. Nor does he just want all our religious talk and activity. He wants us! All of us! (Luke 9:23)
Paul said to the Roman believers, “Therefore, I urge you, brother and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)
The farther along we get in our faith journey, the simpler life becomes as we realize – it’s all about Jesus. Knowing Him. Accepting Him. Following Him. Honoring Him. Obeying Him. Trusting Him. Pleasing Him. Proclaiming Him. He is central to it all.
Be blessed my friend.
Glen (Pitts)
The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love
