Centrality of Christ for a Biblical Theology

One must consider their approach to understanding the Bible. Without even trying we all apply a system of thought, causing us to be predisposed, by default, to our humanistic train of thought and logic. "As Christians we should be interested in the proper interpretation of the Bible so that we know and understand what God is saying to us all through his Word." (Goldsworthy 71). Therefore it is imperative to identify the central character and or theme in the Bible in order to gain proper understanding and application to our lives.

Like a great character in a well written novel or mystery, there is always a central person or character that seems to always appear. Even when there is a multitude of characters portrayed they are all in some way tied to main character. For example we have the story of Creation in the book of Genesis where the account of Creation reveals a number of different topics and characters. Topics like light, darkness, sky, land and vegetation. Characters like Adam, Eve and the serpent are brought to our attention. Starting out with, "In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth." (Gen.1:1). The story starts out with introducing God even though this is an account of Creation. Almost immediately we are given another character in the following verse. "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." (Gen.1:2). The Spirit is revealed and yet is tied directly to God, Spirit of God. As the account of Creation continues the day comes when mankind is created, "Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." (Gen.1:26).

It's as if things are being revealed to us, "According to Plan", as Goldsworthy so appropriately titles his book. One character is referred to in three different ways, yet retains his identity when you read through the account of Creation. He stands out and is recognized as the central person in the story. As you read chapter by chapter you become more familiar with his character and personality. Without this main character somehow it all loses its meaning and its ability to come to life from the pages that it is written upon. If we remove Jesus as the focal point through the story of Creation we lose the very reason for even telling the story.

Christ is first revealed to us in the very onset of the scripture without Him being singled out, but rather knitted neatly together under the name, GOD, "In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth." (Gen.1:1). Then drawing and imaginary line from the beginning of the Old Testament to the New Testament, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word

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