InstaStudy

The Centrality of Jesus Christ in All Scripture

This study explores how Jesus Christ is the focal point and ultimate revelation throughout the entire Bible, from creation to consummation. We will uncover how He is the God of the Old Testament, the fulfillment of prophecy, God manifested in flesh, and the sole Savior and Lord of all.

1. Jesus, the God of Creation and the Old Covenant

1.1 The Creator Revealed as Jesus

Verses: John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2
  • All things were created by Him and for Him.
  • He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
  • The Word, who was God and with God, is Jesus Christ.

1.2 The 'I AM' of the Old Testament is Jesus

Verses: Exodus 3:14; John 8:58; Isaiah 43:10-11
  • Jesus claimed the divine title 'I AM,' identifying Himself with the God of Moses.
  • There is no God before or after Him, and He is the only Savior.
  • The eternal, self-existent God revealed Himself in the person of Jesus.

1.3 The Angel of the Lord as a Pre-Incarnate Manifestation of Jesus

Verses: Genesis 16:7,13; Judges 13:21-22; Zechariah 12:8
  • The Angel of the Lord often spoke as God and received worship.
  • Those who saw the Angel of the Lord believed they had seen God.
  • This figure foreshadowed God's ultimate manifestation in human form.

2. Jesus, the Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Law

2.1 Prophecies of His Birth and Ministry

Verses: Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 9:6
  • Old Testament prophets foretold specific details of His coming.
  • He was born of a virgin and in Bethlehem, as predicted.
  • He is called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'

2.2 The Law and Prophets Point to Him

Verses: Luke 24:27; John 5:39; Matthew 5:17
  • Jesus explained how all scriptures testified of Him.
  • The entire Old Testament narrative finds its meaning and purpose in Jesus.
  • He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.

2.3 Sacrifices and Covenants Fulfilled in Jesus

Verses: Hebrews 10:1-10; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Galatians 3:16
  • The Old Testament sacrificial system was a shadow of His ultimate sacrifice.
  • He established the new covenant through His blood.
  • The promises made to Abraham and his seed are fulfilled in Christ.

3. Jesus, God Manifested in Flesh

3.1 The Incarnation: God Dwelling Among Us

Verses: 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:14; Isaiah 45:21-22
  • God Himself was manifested in the flesh.
  • The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
  • There is no other God and Savior besides Him.

3.2 Jesus' Divine Attributes and Authority

Verses: Colossians 2:9; Matthew 28:18; John 14:9
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father.

3.3 The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as Manifestations of One God

Verses: John 10:30; John 14:16-18; Ephesians 4:4-6
  • Jesus declared, 'I and My Father are one.'
  • He promised to send the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who is Himself returning to indwell believers.
  • There is one Lord, one Spirit, and one God and Father of all.

4. Jesus, the Savior and Lord of All

4.1 His Atoning Work and Resurrection

Verses: Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 2:36
  • He died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
  • He was raised from the dead, conquering sin and death.
  • God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.

4.2 The Name of Jesus for Salvation

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 2:38
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • Repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ are for the remission of sins.

4.3 Jesus as the Indwelling Spirit and Coming King

Verses: Romans 8:9-11; Revelation 1:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
  • If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
  • He is the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty, who is coming again.
  • He will descend from heaven, and believers will be caught up to meet Him.