The Bible is not merely a collection of moral teachings, historical accounts, or spiritual aphorisms. It is, at its core, a unified story that culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, the thread of redemption through Christ is woven intricately through every book.
Shadows and Types
In the Old Testament, Christ is present in types and shadows. Consider the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22, where Isaac’s near-sacrifice prefigures Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The Passover lamb in Exodus points to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). The prophets, too, are rich with messianic prophecies, such as Isaiah 53’s depiction of the suffering servant, who is fulfilled in Jesus’ life and death.
Fulfillment and Revelation
The New Testament reveals Christ explicitly. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—present His life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. Acts and the Epistles interpret and expound upon His work, offering theological insights into the significance of Christ’s ministry and its implications for believers. The book of Revelation unveils the ultimate victory and eternal reign of Christ, affirming His central role in God’s plan for humanity.
Testifying of Christ
Understanding that Scripture testifies of Christ transforms our reading and interpretation. We move from seeing the Bible as a set of isolated texts to appreciating it as a coherent narrative with Jesus at its center. This Christocentric approach offers several profound implications:
- Holistic Understanding: By recognizing Christ as the focal point, we gain a more holistic understanding of biblical themes and doctrines. Everything from creation to consummation is seen through the lens of Christ’s redemptive work.
- Personal Transformation: Encountering Christ in Scripture is not a mere intellectual exercise. It is a transformative experience that calls us to faith, repentance, and a deeper relationship with Him. As we see Christ in the Word, we are drawn to emulate His love, grace, and truth in our lives.
- Unified Message: This perspective unifies the Bible’s diverse writings, showing that despite its many authors and genres, there is a consistent and divine message centered on Jesus. This unity bolsters our confidence in the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture.
Finding Christ in Scripture
To ensure our study of the Bible leads us to Christ, we can adopt several practical approaches:
- Pray for Insight: Begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ in the Scriptures. Jesus promised the Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13).
- Seek Connections: Look for connections between the Old and New Testaments. How do Old Testament events, laws, and prophecies point to Christ? How does Jesus fulfill and transcend these elements?
- Use Christ-Centered Resources: Utilize commentaries, study guides, and sermons that emphasize the centrality of Christ. These resources can provide insights and frameworks for seeing Jesus throughout the Bible.
- Reflect and Respond: As you read, reflect on how the passage reveals Christ’s character, mission, and message. Consider how this revelation calls you to respond in faith and obedience.
The Heart of the Search
John 5:39 serves as a poignant reminder that our search of the Scriptures should always lead us to Christ. If we miss Him, we miss the essence of God’s revelation. Let us, therefore, approach the Bible with a heart yearning to see Jesus, to know Him more deeply, and to be transformed by His presence in every page. As we do, we will find that the Scriptures not only testify of Him but also draw us into the very life and love He came to give.
