Why Is Christ Central to the Study of Biblical Theology?
The study of biblical theology begins and ends with Jesus Christ. He is not merely one figure among many in the Bible’s story; He is the story’s climax, the one in whom all of God’s promises are fulfilled. From the opening chapters of Genesis to the closing vision of Revelation, Scripture is united by a redemptive plan that finds its full meaning in Him.
This Christ-centered focus is not imposed upon the text from the outside—it is embedded in the text itself. Jesus affirmed this in Luke 24:27, where He interpreted “in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself,” beginning with Moses and the prophets. Biblical theology recognizes that Christ is the interpretive key to the Bible, tying together the Old and New Testaments in a single, coherent narrative of redemption.
1. Definition of a Christ-Centered Biblical Theology
Biblical theology is the discipline that traces the unfolding message of Scripture through history, emphasizing its unity in God’s plan of salvation. A Christ-centered biblical theology sees Jesus not simply as part of that plan, but as its very heart.
In this approach, every major biblical theme—whether covenant, kingdom, temple, priesthood, or sacrifice—points toward Him. These themes do not merely find a conclusion in Jesus; they find their ultimate purpose and fullest meaning in Him.
2. Christ as the Fulfillment of Old Testament Types
One of the most significant features of biblical theology is the study of typology—the God-intended patterning in the Old Testament that points forward to Christ. This includes people (Adam, Moses, David), events (the exodus, the exile, the return), and institutions (the tabernacle, temple, sacrificial system).
For example:
Adam serves as a type of Christ, the “last Adam” who brings life where the first Adam brought death (1 Corinthians 15:45).
David points to the greater Son who will reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Luke 1:32–33).
The Passover lamb foreshadows the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world (Exodus 12; John 1:29).
Typology, unlike allegory, is rooted in the historical and literary intent of the biblical authors, as guided by the Spirit.
3. Christ in the Old Testament Narrative
The Old Testament is filled with anticipations of the Messiah. These come in the form of direct prophecies (Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2), messianic psalms (Psalm 2; Psalm 110), and narrative patterns that foreshadow His work.
Jesus Himself claimed these Scriptures spoke of Him (John 5:39). The Emmaus road account in Luke 24 makes clear that a proper reading of the Old Testament will reveal Christ woven throughout its pages—not merely in isolated predictions but in the whole storyline.
4. Christ and the New Covenant
The movement from the old covenant to the new covenant centers entirely on Christ. He is the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15), fulfilling the law’s demands and providing the Spirit to write God’s law on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Luke 22:20).
Through His death and resurrection, He accomplishes what the old covenant, weakened by human sinfulness, could never achieve. In Him, God’s promises to bless the nations through Abraham come to fruition (Galatians 3:16).
5. Unity of the Testaments in Christ
Christ is the unifying thread between the Old and New Testaments. Without Him, the Old Testament remains a collection of unfinished stories and unfulfilled promises; without the Old Testament, the New Testament loses its foundation and context.
The apostles understood their preaching of the gospel as the announcement that God’s ancient plan had reached its goal in Jesus (Acts 13:32–33). The unity of the Testaments in Christ preserves the coherence of the Bible and guards against fragmented interpretation.
6. Christ as the Center of God’s Kingdom Plan
The kingdom of God, a central theme in Scripture, finds its King in Jesus. The Old Testament expectation of God’s reign over His people is realized in Christ’s earthly ministry (Mark 1:15), His present reign from heaven (Ephesians 1:20–23), and His future visible rule in the new creation (Revelation 11:15).
Biblical theology traces this kingdom theme from its beginnings in Eden, through Israel’s monarchy, to its climactic arrival in the person of the Messiah.
7. Christ’s Death and Resurrection as the Climax of the Story
Every thread of biblical history converges at the cross and the empty tomb. The sacrifices of the law find their perfect fulfillment in His once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:12). The promises of deliverance are realized in His victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15).
This climactic event is not the end of the story but the turning point, after which the risen Christ sends His Spirit to empower the church for mission until His return.
8. The Gospel as the Heart of Biblical Theology
A Christ-centered biblical theology keeps the gospel—the good news of His death, resurrection, and reign—at the forefront. But this gospel is bigger than personal salvation alone; it encompasses the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21) and the renewal of creation (Romans 8:19–21).
The gospel is the announcement that Jesus is Lord, that He has fulfilled God’s promises, and that His kingdom is breaking into the present age. This perspective expands our understanding of salvation and fuels the mission of the church.
9. Eschatological Hope in Christ
Biblical theology looks forward to the day when Christ will return to consummate His kingdom. The entire story of Scripture moves toward this future reality: God dwelling with His people, every enemy defeated, and creation restored (Revelation 21:1–4).
Seeing Christ as central gives us hope, not just for individual deliverance but for the renewal of the world. This eschatological focus encourages perseverance and shapes our priorities in the present age.
10. Discipleship Shaped by a Christ-Centered Reading
For the believer, a Christ-centered biblical theology is not merely academic—it is transformational. It deepens love for Christ, strengthens faith in God’s promises, and equips the church to proclaim the gospel in its full biblical richness.
Teaching the Bible in this way helps disciples see their lives within God’s grand story and understand their calling as participants in His ongoing redemptive mission.
Bible Verses About Christ as the Center of Scripture
Luke 24:27 – “He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”
John 5:39 – “It is they that bear witness about Me.”
2 Corinthians 1:20 – “All the promises of God find their Yes in Him.”
Colossians 1:16–17 – “All things were created through Him and for Him.”
Hebrews 1:1–2 – “In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.”
1 Peter 1:10–11 – “The prophets… predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.”
Revelation 5:9 – “You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language.”
Galatians 3:16 – “The promises were made to Abraham… who is Christ.”
Hebrews 10:12 – “When Christ had offered… one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.”
Revelation 21:6 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.”
