I believe that a Gospel-centered approach to Bible Study is foundational to a meaningful engagement with the Bible. Because at the heart of the Christian faith lies the person of Jesus Christ and the redemptive message of the Gospel.
In Luke 24:27, Jesus Himself affirmed that all of Scripture points to Him, saying, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
He reiterated this when rebuking the Pharisees in John 5:39 saying, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
Additionally, in Hebrews 1:1-2, the writer declares, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
The Apostle Paul also emphasized the Gospel’s preeminence, stating in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are of utmost importance. I guess you could say Jesus Christ is a big deal as far as the Bible is concerned. His person and work serve as the unifying thread that binds the entire Bible together.
As such, I believe that we should seek to interpret the Bible in light of His redemptive work on the cross. Since it offers a holistic approach to Bible study that enriches the believer’s understanding of God’s word.
Therefore, in this blog post, we will explore the significance of approaching each passage with a Christ-centered lens and provide practical steps on how to do so.
Why Relate Every Passage to the Gospel?
Unity of Scripture:
The Bible tells a cohesive story that tells the story of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. When we relate every passage to the Gospel, we start to see the incredible interconnectedness of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, each book, chapter, and verse plays a vital role in conveying the overarching message of salvation through Christ. It’s truly awe-inspiring how every part of the Bible fits together perfectly to reveal God’s incredible love and grace for us!
Revelation of God’s Character:
Exploring the Gospel in every passage allows us to catch a glimpse into the incredible character of God. Whether we’re diving into an Old Testament prophecy, unraveling a historical account, or delving into a New Testament epistle, each passage ultimately reveals something about God’s nature.
It gives us a deeper understanding of His holiness, love, mercy, justice, faithfulness, and all His other amazing attributes. It’s pretty incredible how much we can learn about our wonderful Creator through studying His Word.
Application to Daily Life:
When we approach Bible Study with a Gospel-centered mindset, we recognize that the Gospel is not just a historical event but a living reality that has ongoing relevance for our lives. This approach allows us to apply biblical principles in our contemporary context and consider how each passage can transform our understanding, attitudes, and actions in light of the transformative power of the Gospel.
Related: Meology vs Theology: How Self-Focus Has Infiltrated the Church
How to Relate Passages to the Gospel:
Prayerful Approach:
Begin your Bible study with prayer, Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding of the passage you are reading as it relates to the Gospel.
Contextual Analysis:
Understanding context is extremely important when interpreting the Bible. It allows us to grasp the true meaning intended by the text. So, it’s always a good idea to dive into the historical, cultural, and literary context of the passage you’re studying. This contextual understanding will then help you to see how the passage in question contributes to the beautiful narrative of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Related: Context is King: How to Study the Bible in Context
Identify Gospel Themes:
When studying a passage, it’s helpful to look for key Gospel themes that connect to Jesus Christ. For example, in Genesis, we can explore themes like creation and promises, while in Exodus, the theme of redemption stands out.
In Leviticus, the focus shifts to holiness and sacrifice, and so on. All of these themes ultimately point to Christ, his life, death, and resurrection. Additionally, elements such as sin, righteousness, judgment, law, grace, sacrifice, redemption, forgiveness, and faith can also help establish connections to the Gospel.
Cross-Referencing:
Scripture interprets scripture. It’s amazing how different passages in the Bible interconnect and complement each other! When we cross-reference these verses, we unveil the richness and depth of God’s Word.
For instance, when studying prophecies from the Old Testament, you can cross-reference them with their fulfillment in the New Testament. You can also explore how some of the key figures and stories in the Old Testament Stories parallel Jesus Christ.
Take Joseph for example, He is a type of Jesus in that God allowed him to suffer unjustly so that He could use Him to save his family and the Egyptians. God used him as a savior just as Jesus is. It’s in this way that approaching the Scriptures through Christ-centered lenses can help to establish a solid foundation for understanding the Gospel throughout the entire Bible.
Reflect on Christ’s Work:
Take a moment to pause, reflect, and meditate on the incredible person and meaningful work of Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Gospel accounts. Ask yourself how the passage you’re studying hints at or foreshadows the incredible life, selfless death, and miraculous resurrection of Jesus. This reflection will deepen your appreciation for the Gospel’s impact on every aspect of scripture.
Conclusion
When it comes to studying the Bible, taking a Gospel-centered approach can truly open up the wonders of Scripture. You see, the Holy Spirit is eager to reveal the mystery of Christ to us (Ephesians 3:2-6; Romans 16:25; Colossians 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16).
By doing so, we gain a deeper, more holistic understanding of the Scriptures, with our focus firmly anchored in God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
As you embark on your journey of exploring the Bible, may you uncover the incredible richness of the Gospel on every page. And may it draw you closer to the heart of God and empower you to live a life that truly reflects the calling we have received. Happy studying!
Wanna approach your Bible study correctly? below are a few articles I have written to help you do just that:
- 6 Principles for Interpreting the Bible Correctly
- Exegesis vs. Eisegesis: Unveiling the Depths of Bible Study
- Bible Interpretation: Descriptive vs Prescriptive Passages
- How to Study the Bible: The Inductive Bible Study Method
