Finding Christ In Genesis

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Finding Christ In Genesis

Finding Christ In Genesis

Luke 24:25-27 Then He said to them,  “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

 

In the thirty-nine Old Testament books, Christ is in the shadows, seen in analogies and in pictures. He is in types and rituals. He is prophesied and anticipated. The twenty-seven New Testament books complete the Old, revealing Christ in person, in truth and reality, in the present and acknowledged.

 

Can I Tell You About[1] Jesus Christ ?

He is:

King of all the Ages; King of Heaven;

King of Glory King of Kings;

..and Lord of Lords.

 

By Him were all things made that were made; without Him was not anything made that was made;

By Him are all things held together!

 

He is:

A priest like Melchizedek; A beloved/rejected/exalted son like Joseph.

An offering like Isaac; A prophet like Moses; And yet far more…

 

He is the  “I AM that I AM”,  The voice of the burning bush,

A champion like Joshua; The Captain of the Lord’s Host, The conqueror of Jericho

 

He is:

Our Kinsman-Redeemer, Our Performing High Priest,

Our Avenger of Blood; Our City of Refuge;

Our Personal Prophet, Our Reigning King.

 

He is a king like David; The Heavens declare His glory…

And the firmament shows His handiwork..

 

A wise counselor like Solomon;

He’s the Loftiest idea in Literature; He’s the highest Personality in Philosophy;

He’s the Fundamental Doctrine of Theology; He’s the Miracle of the Ages

the Superlative of everything good

 

He’s God’s Son!

His Offices are manifold; His Reign is righteous;

His Promises are sure; His Goodness is limitless; His Light is matchless;

 

He’s Jesus my Savior! His Grace is sufficient;

His Love never changes; His Mercy is everlasting;

His Word is enough; His Yoke is easy and His Burden is light!

 

There is no means of measuring his limitless love; It was written in blood,

on a wooden cross erected in Judea 2,000 years ago.

He was born of a woman so that we could be born of God;

He humbled Himself so that we could be lifted up; He became a servant so that we could be made co-heirs;

He suffered rejection so that we could become His friends; He denied Himself so that we could freely receive all things;

 

He who is, who was, and who always will be;

The first and the last

 

He is the Alpha and Omega the Aleph and the Tau

the A and the Z; The first fruits of them that slept.

 

He’s indescribable; He’s incomprehensible;

He’s irresistible; He’s invincible!

In Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

The very God of very God.

 

He gave Himself so that He could bless us in every way.

No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing!

He’s the Only one able to supply all our needs …simultaneously

No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply;

 

He is: Available to the tempted and the tried; Blesses the young;

Cleanses the lepers; Defends the feeble;

He : Delivers the captives; Discharges the debtors; Forgives the sinners;

He : Guards the besieged; Heals the sick; Provides strength to the weak; Regards the aged;

He : Rewards the diligent; Serves the unfortunate; Sympathizes and He saves!

 

The Heaven of heavens cannot contain Him;

Man cannot explain Him, The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him and learned that they couldn’t stop Him;

 

Pilate couldn’t find any fault with Him; the witnesses couldn’t agree against Him.

Herod couldn’t kill Him, death couldn’t handle Him, the grave couldn’t hold Him!

 

He has always been and always will be; He had no predecessor and

will have no successor; His name is above every name;

 

That at the name of Yeshua, Every knee shall bow

Every tongue shall confess, That Jesus Christ is Lord!

His is the kingdom, the power, and the glory… for ever, and ever.

…Amen!

 

To help us see that why don’t you note with me these verses tonight.

 

CHRIST IN GENESIS

 

According to Luke 24:27, 44–45 Christ is found in “all the Scriptures.” Following are but a few of the references to Christ in Genesis. THE CREATIVE WORD—Gen. 1:3; John 1:1–5; 2 Cor. 4:3–7; THE LAST ADAM—Rom. 5; 1 Cor. 15:45; THE SEED OF THE WOMAN—Gen. 3:15; Gal. 3:19; 4:4; THE COVERINGS OF ADAM & EVE – Genesis 3; THE ARK OF NOAH AND THE FLOOD—Gen. 6–10; 1 Peter 3:18–22; MELCHIZEDEK—Gen. 14; Heb. 7–10; ISAAC, THE CHILD OF PROMISE—Gen. 17; Gal. 4:21–31 (Isaac pictures Christ in his miraculous birth, his willingness to die, his “resurrection” [Heb. 11:19], and his taking of a bride. Of course, Jesus actually died and arose from the dead. In Isaac, these events were only symbolic.) THE OFFERING OF ISAAC AND THE LAMB—Gen. 22:7–8; John 1:29; JACOB’S LADDER—Gen. 28:12ff; John 1:51; JOSEPH—Gen. 37–50 (Rejected by His brothers; beloved of the Father; made to suffer unjustly; exalted to reign. Joseph’s brothers did not recognize him the first time they saw him, but they did recognize him the second time. So with Israel is their recognition of their Messiah.)

 

Pictures of Christ: The Covering of Adam & Eve

 

When Adam and Eve clothed themselves with handmade leaf coverings, and God covers them with coats of skins, God was teaching them that by the shedding of innocent blood they would be covered. The institution that we sometimes call the Levitical system can actually be traced to Genesis 3. This gives us more of an insight into Cain and Abel because the sacrifices were instituted in the garden prophetically pointing to the redeemer. Abel observed the system, Cain did not, he was offering the fruits of his own hands, in contrast to the offering by faith.

 

Pictures of Christ: The Offering of Isaac

 

Perhaps the most dramatic prophecy of the Passover was when Abraham was instructed to offer Isaac. They traveled three days by instruction (Gen 22), and they went up the hill, when Isaac

asks where is the lamb for the offering. Abraham turns to Isaac and says, “God will provide Himself a lamb.” Abraham knew he was acting out prophecy, he was relying on the resurrection of Isaac for his salvation, because he figured that if God was going to kill him, God would have to raise him because God had promised that Isaac would have seed. So Abraham’s belief in Isaac’s resurrection is what scholars believe was the kernel of Abraham’s faith. Abraham knew that he was acting out prophecy

because he named the place, Jehovah Jireh (= in the mount of the Lord it shall be seen) which 2000 years later another Father offers His only begotten Son.

 

Pictures of Christ: The Burning Bush

 

The Burning Bush has some very interesting symbolism. Fire is always symbolic of judgment (in the Scripture); brass was always used in the Tabernacle for vessels which needed to hold fire, so brass speaks of fire and thus judgment. (Num 21:5-20 and the brazen serpent). Heb 12:29 “our God is a consuming fire”; Heb 1:13 notes that He cannot even look upon evil.

 

So with fire speaking of judgment, what is being judged here? The bush. The Hebrew for bush is sᵊnê] (seneh), which actually comes from the word “to prick” and it thus means a bramble or thorn bush (sometimes called an acacia bush); the thorn bush of the desert.

 

The symbol for sin is a thorn; see Gen 3:18. When we see Christ crucified, we find the Roman soldiers made a crown of thorns and placed it upon Christ’s head. Christ was made sin for us (Gal 3:13), He bore our sins on His brow.

 

Here with the burning bush, we have sin being judged by God’s  consuming fire! The thorn bush is not consumed; sin in the Hands of the Living God, not being destroyed, is a model of mercy. Do not get Grace and Mercy confused. Grace is getting something that you don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting that which we do deserve.

 

Pictures of Christ: The Passover

 

We speak often of the seven feasts of Moses, the Levitical feasts, this is not a Levitical feast. Rabbinical feasts were slaughtered by the High Priest, this is slaughtered for every household, by the head of the household. It is very different than the other feasts. It is also partaken, eaten personally.

 

Pictures of Christ: The Rock

 

1 Cor 10:1-4; Deut 32:15 (Rock of Salvation); 2 Sam 22:2 (Lord is rock of his defense); Ps 95:1 (Rock of Salvation); Isa 32:2 (water from rock); Matt 16:18 (upon this rock)…

  • Who is the rock? Jesus Christ. Mt 21:44 (shattered by it).
  • The Rock was smitten; Isa 53:45.
  • The water (Holy Spirit) does not come until the rock is smitten!
  • Holy Spirit is “poured out” (Acts 2:18; John 7:37, 38, 39).
  • The rod speaks of judgment.

 

See Numbers 20: the second time water comes from a rock. Note this is not the same rod, this is Aaron’s rod, Moses is to speak to the rock, not to smite the rock. Note verse 12, because of the way that Moses handled this situation, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land! The Lord said to speak to the rock, the Lord was not upset, He had a lesson set up. Moses gave the people the impression that God was angry, he failed to be a faithful witness.

Secondly, he didn’t follow directions, he beat the rock. Because of that breech of faith, he was not faithful, his fidelity in communicating God’s intent was not faithful to God’s intention.

The word for “rock” here in Numbers is not the same word for “rock” in Exodus 17, it is the word for an elevated rock. He was to speak to the rock and the waters would flow. Christ smitten once: Rom 6:9, 10; Heb 9:26, 28.

 

God was setting up a model for our instruction. The first time Moses was to strike the rock. The second time Moses was to speak to it. It would have been the perfect model, as Christ was smitten only once. But because Moses did not do exactly as God had told him to, Moses blew the model. If he had been faithful to God’s instruction, we would have had the perfect model, seeing the second time Christ elevated, our rock, whom we speak to and the waters (Holy Spirit) flow. Moses’ lack of faith, was not only misrepresenting God to the people, but he also messed up the model which God was setting up for our instruction. What is encouraging is that even though Moses blew it, and hit the rock, the water flowed anyway. God is not limited by our clumsiness, or unfaithfulness of his servants.

 

Finding Christ in ALL the Scriptures

Genesis 3:15  He is the One promised to crush the serpent– He is Christ in ALL the Scriptures! Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”  In Genesis We find Christ is the Creator[2](1:1), the Promised Redeemer in the Seed of the woman (3:15), and the Coming One called Shiloh (49:10). Genesis 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

 

Exodus 33:17 He is the One greater than the deliverer, Moses – He is Christ in ALL the Scriptures! In Exodus We find Christ Is Delivering His People as the Passover Lamb of God for sinners slain Exod. 12:3; the Light that Guided them, the Rock that was only to be smitten once, the Manna from Heaven, and the Source of Living Water. I Corinthians 10:3

 

Leviticus 1:2 He is the One ultimate sacrifice to take away sin – is Christ in ALL the Scriptures! In Leviticus We find Christ in the offerings, having a fourfold view of the Death of Christ (the Sin and Trespass Offerings being reckoned as one), as the Gospels give us a fourfold view of His life. In Leviticus He is our High Priest (entire book); our Anointed high priest Lev. 8:7–9; and our atoning Sacrifice.

Numbers 21:9 He is the One lifted up on the pole for the people’s sin unlike the temporary brazen serpent.  He is Christ in ALL the Scriptures! Numbers 21:9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

In Numbers We find Christ foreshadowed as the Bronze Serpent the sin bearer “lifted up” (21.9. John 3.14,15); He is the Rock that Preserved them (20.11; 1 Cor. 10.4); He is the Manna that fed them (11.7-9. Deut. 8.2,3. John 6.57, 58); and He is the future Star that should arise “out of Jacob” (24.17. Luke 1.78. 2 Pet.I.19. Rev. 2.28; 22.16).

  • Numbers 20:11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
  • Numbers 11:7-9 Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its color like the color of bdellium. 8 The people went about and gathered it, ground it on millstones or beat it in the mortar, cooked it in pans, and made cakes of it; and its taste was like the taste of pastry prepared with oil. 9 And when the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell on it.
  • Numbers 24:17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.

Deuteronomy 5:29 He is the One with the power to keep the covenant – He is Christ in ALL the Scriptures! In  Deuteronomy We find Christ as the Promised Prophet like unto Moses (18.15. Acts 7.23-26); the Rock and Refuge of His people (32.4; 33.27).

  • Deuteronomy 18:15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear; Acts 7:37 “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.’
  • Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.
  • Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’

In  Joshua We find Christ as the Unseen Captain of the Lord’s hosts (5.13-15. Heb. 2.10; 12.2) who shall triumph over all His foes; while Rahab’s scarlet cord (2.12-20) tells of His sufferings and precious blood which will shelter and preserve His people in the coming day of His war.

  • Joshua 2:12-20 Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token, 13 and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.” … unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household to your own home. 19 So it shall be that whoever goes outside the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we will be guiltless. And whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him. 20 And if you tell this business of ours, then we will be free from your oath which you made us swear.”
  • Joshua 5:13-15 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” 14 So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” 15 Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so; Hebrews 2:10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

In Judges We find Christ as Messenger (the Word John 1) of the Lord 2:1; and our Deliverer (3:15-30) as John 8 He sets us free; and the Covenant Angel whose name is “Secret”, i.e. “Wonderful” (13.18, margin; compare Isa. 9.6, where the word is the same).

In Ruth We find Christ is Our Heavenly Kinsman To His Needy People; our Kinsman-Redeemer, the true Boaz; and the question of 2.10 is answered in Prov.11.15.   in th fullness of time gal4.5

In I Samuel  we find Christ Is the Perfect King foreshadowed as David’s Son and David’s Lord, “the Root and the Offspring of David” (rev.xxii.16). son of David and good shepherd
2nd Samuel: Seed of David 2 Sam. 7:13; Promised King who would sit on the throne of David, describe David’s greatness.

1st KINGS shows us the “glory which should follow”, and the “greater than Solomon” (Matt. 12.42); the “greater than the Temple” (Matt. 12.6).

2nd Kings: God of the cherubim 2 Kings 19:15;

1st Chronicles In Chronicles God Saves, Preserves, Rewards His Own; God of our salvation 1 Chron. 16:35; Promised King

2 CHRONICLES reveals Christ as “the King’s Son,” rescued “from among the dead,” hidden in the House of God, to be manifested in due time, “as Jehovah hath said” (2 Chron. 22.10-23.3).

In Ezra We find Christ “a nail in a sure place” (9.8), which according to Isa. 22. 23 is used to Eliakim, who typifies Christ. Check words of prayer

In Nehemiah We find Christ Is Our Sure Foundation; the “bread from Heaven” and “water out of the Rock” (9.15,20), which are elsewhere used as typical of Christ (John 6.57-58. 1 Cor. 10.4).

In Esther We find Christ Is the seed preserved which should in the fullness of time be born into the world. His name is there, though concealed, but His will and power are manifested in defeating all enemies in spite of the unalterable law of the Medes and Persians. He is our Mordecai (chap. 10). The God of providence; Our Advocate

In Job We find Christ Is Our Sure Redeemer, “Mediator” (11.33); and as his “Redeemer” coming again to the earth (19. 25-27).

In Psalms We find Christ Is Our Shepherd. THE PSALMS are full of Christ. We see His humiliation and sufferings and death (Ps.22), His Resurrection (Ps. 16), His anointing as Prophet with grace-filled lips (Ps. 45; Luke 4.22); as Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110; Heb. 5.6; 6.20; 7.17, 21); as King enthroned over all (Ps. 51), and His Kingdom established in the earth (Psalm 103;145). In Psalms He is the blessed Man of Psalm 1. He is the Son of God of Psalm 2. He is the Son of man of Psalm 8. He is the crucified one of Psalm 22. He is the risen one of Psalm 23. He is the coming one of Psalm 24. He is the reigning one of Psalm 72. He is the Leader of praise of Psalm 150. The anointed Son; the Holy One; the good shepherd; the king of glory Ps. 2:7, 12; 16:10; 23:1; 24:7–10; In Psalms: Our All in All

In Proverbs We find Christ Is Wisdom Incarnate. PROVERBS reveals Christ as the “Wisdom of God” (8; 1 Cor. 1.24); the “Path” and “Light” of His People (4.18); the “strong tower” into which the righteous run and are safe (18.10); the friend who loveth at all times, and the brother born for adversity (22.17). In Proverbs He is our wisdom (chap. 4). The wisdom of God Prov. 8; Proverbs: Our Pattern
In Ecclesiastes We find Christ Is the Only Hope Of Contentment. ECCLESIASTES tells of the “one among a thousand” in the midst of all that is vanity and vexation of spirit (7.28). In Ecclesiastes He is the forgotten wise Man (9: 14-15). The one above the sun; bring every work into judgment John 5

In Song Of Solomon We find Christ Is Our Beloved. THE SONG OF SONGS reveals Him as the true and faithful Shepherd, Lover, and Bridegroom of the Bride, who remained constant to Him in spite of all the royal grandeur and coarser blandishments of Solomon. He is my Beloved (2:16). Chief among ten thousand; altogether lovely Song of Sol. 5:10, 16;

In Isaiah We find Christ Is the Christ Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God And Prince Of Peace. ISAIAH is full of the sufferings and glories of Christ. He is the “despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (53.5); wounded for our transgressions, oppressed, afflicted, and brought as a lamb to the slaughter; cut off out of the land of the living (53.2-9). Yet the glory shall follow. “He shall see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied” (53.11). He will be His people’s “Light” (60.1,2, Matt. 4.16); “The Mighty God” (32.1,2); Jehovah’s Branch, beautiful and glorious (4.2). In Isaiah He is our suffering Substitute (53). Virgin-born Immanuel; wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the prince of peace; the man of sorrows  Isa. 7:14; 9:6; 52:13; 53:3;

In Jeremiah We find Christ Weeps Over His Wayward People. JEREMIAH tells of “the Righteous Branch,” and “Jehovah our Righteousness” (23.5,6); of the “Righteous Branch” and King who shall reign and prosper (33.15). In Jeremiah He is the Lord our righteousness (23:6).

In Lamentations We find Christ Offers Mercies New Every Morning, Even In Hopeless Situations Key Word = Faithful. In Lamentations He is the Man of sorrows (1: 12-18). The faithful (Rev 19 Faithful and True) and compassionate God Lam. 3:22–23, 31–33

In Ezekiel We find Christ Is the Holiness EZEKIEL reveals Him as the true Shepherd (34.23), and as “the Prince” (37. 25); the “Plant of Renown” (34.29), and “Jehovah Shammah” (47.25). In Ezekiel He is the one sitting on the throne (1.26).

In Daniel We find Christ Is the Most High [12x] Who Reigns( 4:17, 25-26, 32; 5:21). DANIEL reveals Him as the “Stone” become the Head of the corner (2.34. Ps. 118.22. Isa. 8.14; 28.16. Matt. 21. 42, 44. Acts 4.11. 1 Pet. 2. 4, 6). Also as the Son of Man (7.13, 16); and “Messiah the Prince”  (9.24). In Daniel He is the smiting stone (2:34). Stone, Son of God, Son of Man Dan. 2:34; 3:25; 7:13;

In Hosea We find Christ Is Our Pure And Patient Husband. He is HOSEA’s true David (3.5), the Son out of Egypt (11.1); In Hosea He is David’s greater King (3:5).  King of the resurrection Hos. 13:9, 14

In Joel We find Christ Restores Our Locust Years. JOEL’S “God dwelling in Zion” (3.17); In Joel He is the Lord of bounty (2:18-19).  God of the battle and giver of the Spirit Joel 2:11, 28–32; 3:2, 9–17; All the Prophets: Coming Prince of Peace

In Amos We find Christ Turns the Darkness To Morning. Key Idea = Inescapable Judgment. AMOS’S Raiser of David’s Tabernacle (ch. ix. 11; Acts xv. 16, 17); In Amos He is the Rescuer of Israel (3: 12).

In Obadiah We find Christ Is Our Confidence. OBADIAH’S “Deliverer on Mount Zion” (v.17); Destroyer of the proud Obad. 8, 15;

In Jonah We find Christ Is the Loving God Who Prepares Our Way [1:4, 17; 2:10; 4:6-8] And Gives Second Chances JONAH’S “Salvation” (2.9); the “Sign” of Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 12.39-41); In Jonah He is the buried and risen Savior (entire book). The risen prophet; God of second choice; the long suffering one Jon. 2:10; 3:1; 4:9–11; He is the One 3 days and nights in the grave

In Micah We find Christ Is the One From Everlasting Who Demands We Walk Humbly [6:8], And Pardons Us [7:18-19]. MICAH’S “Breaker,” “King,” and “Lord” (2.13; 5.2,5); In Micah He is the everlasting God (5: 2). God of Jacob; the Bethlehem-born; the pardoning God Mic. 4:1–5; 5:2; 7:18–19;

In Nahum We find Christ Judges Those Who Forget Him [3:5]. In Nahum He is our stronghold in the day of wrath (1:7). The avenging God; the bringer of good tidings Nah. 1:2, 15;

In Habakkuk We find Christ Is the One We Cling To [3:16-19], By Faith [2:4]. In Habakkuk He is the anchor of our faith (2:4 ). The everlasting, pure, glorious, and anointed one Hab. 1:12–13; 2:14; 3:13; “Joy” and “Confidence” (3.17, 18);

In Zephaniah We find Christ Is Calling For National Repentance [2:2-3]. In Zephaniah He is “Mighty God in the midst of Zion for judgment and cleansing (3:5,15). The king of Israel Zeph. 3:15;

In Haggai We find Christ Is Calling For Personal Rededication [1:5,7]. In Haggai He is the Lord of presence and power (1:13). Desire of all nations Hag. 2:7;

In Zechariah We find Christ Is The Man, Jehovah’s Fellow (ch. xiii. 7); Jehovah’s “Servant – the Branch” = Mark (3.8); “the Man whose name is the Branch” = Luke (6.12); In Zechariah He is the smitten Shepherd (13: 7). Branch; builder of temple; king of triumphal entry; pierced one; king of the earth Zech. 3:8; 6:12–13; 9:9; 12:10; 14:9;

In Malachi We find Christ Is Calling For Personal Repentance [1:2,6,7,13] MALACHI’S “Messenger of the Covenant” (3.1); the Refiner of the Sons of Levi (3.3); In Malachi He is the sun of righteousness (4:2).

Matthew: We find Christ Is the King; Immanuel (God With Us); Stands with us in all of life’s circumstances Matt. 1:23; Son of Man: Identifies with us in our humanity Matt. 18:11. In Matthew He is the King of the Jews (2:1). MATTHEW  “Christ our King” (2:2)  “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (NKJV) Matthew opens with the declaration that Jesus is the “Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham.”  In fact, eight of the twelve references to Jesus as the son of David are in Matthew, who so clearly pictures Jesus as the ideal Israelite and the ideal King of Israel.

Mark: We find Christ is the Servant: Holy One of God: Sinless in His nature Mark 1:24. In Mark He is the Servant of Jehovah (entire book).  MARK  “Christ our Servant” (10:45) “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (NKJV)  Worship Christ the Servant! In a gospel written from Peter’s words to the fast paced Roman Empire, Jesus is constantly in action! Mark, perhaps the first gospel account written, opens with: The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”  God Himself ratifies the declaration in 1:11: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Luke : We find Christ Is the Perfect Man; Savior: Delivers from sin and death Luke 1:47. In Luke He is the perfect Son of man (3:38; 4:1-13). LUKE “Christ our Savior”. (19:10) “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (NKJV) Worship Christ the Savior! In a gospel for the Greeks, we find the perfect man comes to earth. Luke talks as a physician, and describes medically how much Christ was a man — tired and touched with the feelings of those about Him.  Like Matthew, Luke proclaims the miraculous, virgin conception of Jesus (1:26-38).  He alone writes of the glory of God that was manifested at the birth of Jesus (1:9).  Luke reinforces Jesus’ identity with humanity by using “son of man” twenty-five times, second only to Matthew.

John: We find Christ Is Divine; Lamb of God: Gave His life as a sacrifice on our behalf John 1:29; Bread of Life: The one essential food John 6:35; Light of the World: Brings hope in the midst of darkness John 9:5. In John He is the Son of God (1: 1). John: Christ, the Son of God. JOHN “Christ our God ”  (20:31) but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (NKJV) John wrote to everyone,  because everyone needs to meet God and only Jesus can reveal Him. In this book we meet an absolutely powerful God in human flesh who controls and rules the Universe He created. So the best known verse is the best of all offer that God loves all and offers all — His Son as their only hope!

Acts Evangelism; Prophet: Faithful proclaimer of the truths of God Acts 3:22; How They Brought The Good News From Jerusalem To Rome (Acts). In Acts He is the ascended Lord ( 1 : 8-9).  Acts         Christ Ascended, Seated, Sending. ACTS “Christ our Mission” (1:8) Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (NKJV)  This book is the bridge taking Christ to the whole world. In it we see the lessons Christ taught His disciples in secret now proclaimed in Holy Spirit empowered boldness

Romans Doctrine Of the Gospel; in Romans -justification in Christ; With Paul the expression “in Christ” is found 164 times, as justified in Christ ” -(Gal. 2:17), ” God’s righteousness in him ” (2 Cor 5: 21). Of this blessed, life-penetrating secret all his letters speak, each in its particular and s -pecially prominent aspect. In Romans He is our righteousness (3: 22). All the Letters          Christ Indwelling, Filling; ROMANS  “Christ our Righteousness”   (1:16-17) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (NKJV) Paul’s letter to Rome is better known in the church than any other, and is probably the singly most important book in the NT because it lays down the great doctrines of justification by faith alone. The key verse outlines the message of the entire book as: the person of the gospel is Christ; the power is God; the purpose is salvation; the people are all; the plan is belief and the result is living by faith!

I Corinthians Conduct Of the Gospel; Lord of Glory; The power and presence of the living God 1 Cor. 2:8; Adam, Last Adam: First of the new race of the redeemed 1 Cor. 15:45; in Corinthians -sanctification in Christ; enriched 1st; The Church Of God In Vanity Fair (I Corinthians); In 1 Corinthians He is the first fruits from among the dead (15:20). All the Letters; Christ Indwelling, Filling; I CORINTHIANS “Christ our Solution to Spiritual Problems”  (2:6-7) However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden [wisdom] which God ordained before the ages for our glory, (NKJV).

II Corinthians Character Of the Gospel; in Corinthians -sanctification in Christ; enriched 1st; comforted 2nd; The Trials And Triumphs Of An Apostle (II Corinthians); In 2 Corinthians He is made sin for us (5:21). All the Letters: Christ indwelling, Filling; II CORINTHIANS “Christ our sufficiency”   (3:5)  Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as [being] from ourselves, but our sufficiency [is] from God, (NKJV)

Galatians Grace Of the Gospel; Seed of Abraham: Mediator of God’s covenant Gal. 3:16; in Galatians -freedom in Christ; Christian Freedom (Galatians); In Galatians He is the end of the law (3:10; 3:13). All the Letters: Christ indwelling, Filling; GALATIANS “Christ our liberty”   (5:1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (NKJV) When the grace of God through His Spirit is rooted in our lives we find His fruit. This fruit reaches into: our walk with God (love, joy and peace), our walk with others (gentleness, goodness and patience), and finally into our personal walk (faith, meekness and self-control).

Ephesians: The Power Of the Gospel; Chief Cornerstone: A sure foundation for life Eph. 2:20; in Ephesians-oneness in Christ; quickened; The Glory Of The Church (Ephesians); In Ephesians He is our armor (6:11-18). All the Letters: Christ indwelling EPHESIANS  “Christ our source of all” (3:20-21) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (NKJV) While under house arrest in rented quarters in Rome (about AD 59 to 61 or 62), Paul wrote four letters known as the prison epistles.  Of those, Ephesians is the best known for its tremendous theological content, which seems to drift in long, flowing statements of praise for God’s work in Christ.

Philippians Joy Of the Gospel; in Philippians-joy in Christ; happy; A Paean From Prison (Philippians); In Philippians He is the Supplier of every need (4:19). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; PHILIPPIANS “Christ our Source of Joy”  (1:6) Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete [it] until the day of Jesus Christ; (NKJV) Paul and Silas visited Philippi, their first Macedonian contact, on their second missionary journey in AD 52.  To the saints and leadership of the church, Paul writes of joyful submission to the will of God, regardless of the circumstances, and uses the awe-inspiring example of Christ Jesus as the model of humility and mutual submission within the church.

Colossians Complete In Christ: Firstborn from the Dead: Leads us into resurrection and eternal life Col 1:18; in Colossians-fulness in Christ; complete; The Cosmic Christ (Colossians). In Colossians He is the preeminent one (1:18). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; He is the fullness of the Godhead bodily; COLOSSIANS “Christ our life”  (2:10) and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (NKJV) To counter that, Paul praises Jesus as the center and substance of the universe.

I Thessalonians: Expectancy; in Thessalonians – glorification in Christ. In 1 Thessalonians He is our returning Lord (4:15-18). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; I THESSALONIANS “Christ our Hope”  (3:13) so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. (NKJV)

II Thessalonians:  Confidence. In 2 Thessalonians He is the world’s returning Judge (1:7-9). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; II THESSALONIANS “Christ our Security”  (1:11-12) Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,  12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)  Remember, the return of Christ is mentioned 318x in the 260 chapters of the New Testament. And so, to these troubled saints Paul presents Christ as our Security: when Suffering (1), when doubting (2) and when serving (3).

I Timothy Challenge: Mediator between God and Men: Brings us into God’s presence redeemed and forgiven 1 Tim. 2:5; In 1 Timothy He is the Mediator (2:5). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; I TIMOTHY “Christ our Leader”  (4:12) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (NKJV) Timothy was a special disciples in whom Paul invested much time and to whom he entrusted great responsibility.  His letters to him are usually dated after the events of Acts 28; tradition tells us Paul was then released from prison and that he embarked on further missionary ventures from AD 62 to 67, until his final imprisonment, trial, and execution.

II Timothy Completion. In 2 Timothy He is the Bestower of crowns ( 4: 8 ). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; II TIMOTHY “Christ our Goal” (4:7-8) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (NKJV)

Titus Order; In Titus He is our great God and Savior (2:13). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; TITUS “Christ our Model to Follow” (2:10-11) adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, (NKJV)

Philemon Forbearance; Speaking The Truth In Love (Philemon); In Philemon He is the Father’s Partner (vv. 17-19).  All the Letters: Christ indwelling. PHILEMON “Christ our source of Forgiveness” (1:18) But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. (NKJV)   One of the shortest New Testament letters was written to a member of the Colossian church, Philemon, to encourage him to act more like a Christian than a Roman in accepting back his runaway slave.

Hebrews: Christ Is Best; Great Shepherd of the Sheep: Trustworthy guide and protector Heb. 13:20; High Priest: A perfect sacrifice for our sins Heb. 3:1; The Epistle Of Priesthood (Hebrews).In Hebrews He is the rest of faith and Fulfiller of types (chap. 11; 12:1-2; chap. 9). All the Letters: Christ indwelling, HEBREWS “Christ the Best of ALL” (12:2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV)  Sometime in the AD 60’s before the Temple was destroyed, some was inspired by God to write Hebrews. Who?  We cannot be sure.  But the anonymity of the author does not detract from the letter’s authority.  Hebrews speaks powerfully of the superiority of Christ, exalting Him over: the angels (1-2), Moses (3-4) and the Aaronic priesthood (5-7), as well as the superiority of His New Covenant and sacrifice over the old (8-10).  Chapters 11 to 13 plead for lives of faith in light of Christ’s work and examples from the faithful of old.

James Faith Is Best; The Epistle Of Practice (James); In James He is the Lord of Sabbath (5: 4). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; JAMES “Christ matures our Faith ” (1:22) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (NKJV)

I Peter Submission & Suffering Is Best; Chief Shepherd: Protector, sustainer, and guide 1 Pet. 5:4; The Epistle Of Hope (I Peter); In 1 Peter He is the theme of Old Testament prophecy ( 1:10-11). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; I peter “Christ our Victory over Suffering” (1:3) Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (NKJV)

II Peter God’s Conclusion; The Promise Of His Coming (II Peter); In 2 Peter He is the long-suffering Saviour (3:9). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; II peter “Christ our Victory over Error” (1:16) For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (NKJV)
1st John Life, Light And Love; The Correspondence Of The Elder (I, II And III John); In 1 John He is the Word of life (1: 1). All the Letters: Christ indwelling;

I  JOHN “Christ our  Fellowship” (1:3) that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

2nd John Watchfulness; In 2 John He is the target of the Antichrist (v. 7). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; II  JOHN “Christ our Source of Separation” (1:10-11) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. (NKJV)

3rd John Humility; In 3 John He is the personification of truth ( vv .3-4). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; III  JOHN “Christ our Source of genuine Prosperity” (1:2-3) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth [that is] in you, just as you walk in the truth.  (NKJV)

Jude Apostasy; Contending For The Faith (Jude); In Jude He is the believer’s security (vv. 24-25). All the Letters: Christ indwelling; JUDE  “Christ our Salvation” (1:3) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (NKJV)

Revelation Unveiled Christ; King of Kings, Lord of Lords: The Almighty, before whom every knee will bow Rev. 19:16; Alpha and Omega: The beginning and ending of all things Rev. 21:6; The Judgment And Victory Of God (Revelation); In Revelation He is the King of kings and Lord of lords (19: 11-16). Revelation Christ Returning, Reigning; REVELATION “Christ ours to Worship”  (19:10) And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See [that you do] not [do that!] I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (NKJV)

In chapter 1 = He is the Eternal One.

In chapter 2-3 = He is the Refiner of His Body and the Church chapter

In chapter 4-20 = He is the Judge of the Universe as He restores His people: Israel.

In chapter 21-22 = He is the Lord of Eternity as He invites all His own to His Kingdom.

 

Our love[3]  of the “green pastures” of the Bible will be greatly intensified if we realize that on almost every page of it .we will find our lovely Lord Waiting for us. Here is where we can find Christ at least once in every book of the Bible:

 

Your Bible will be a new book to you when you learn to discern the outline of His glorious person in the story of other persons and events recorded there.

48 How glad she was to know that she had a heavenly Father too good to be unkind, and too wise to make mistakes, and that He certainly was one who did all things well.

The two most popular titles or names Christians use in speaking of our Lord are Jesus, a translation of the Hebrew word Joshua, which means “Yahweh Is Salvation” and Christ, a translation of the Greek term Christos, meaning “Anointed One” or “Messiah”. Following are some other significant names or titles for Christ used in the New Testament. Each title expresses a distinct truth about Jesus and his relationship to believers.

 

Name or Title Significance Biblical Reference
Adam, Last Adam:                        First of the new race of the redeemed             1 Cor. 15:45
Alpha and Omega:                        The beginning and ending of all things           Rev. 21:6
Bread of Life:                                 The one essential food                                         John 6:35
Chief Cornerstone:                        A sure foundation for life                                   Eph. 2:20
Chief Shepherd:                             Protector, sustainer, and guide                         1 Pet. 5:4
Firstborn from the Dead:             Leads us into resurrection and eternal life    Col 1:18
Good Shepherd Provider and caretaker John 10:11
Great Shepherd of the Sheep:     Trustworthy guide and protector                    Heb. 13:20
High Priest:                                     A perfect sacrifice for our sins                         Heb. 3:1
Holy One of God:                           Sinless in His nature                                          Mark 1:24
Immanuel (God With Us);          Stands with us in all of life’s circumstances   Matt. 1:23
King of Kings, Lord of Lords: The Almighty, before whom every knee will bow Rev. 19:16
Lamb of God:                                 Gave His life as a sacrifice on our behalf         John 1:29
Light of the World:                       Brings hope in the midst of darkness               John 9:5
Lord of Glory;                                The power and presence of the living God      1 Cor. 2:8
Mediator between God and Men: Brings us into God’s presence redeemed and forgiven 1 Tim. 2:5
Only Begotten of the Father The unique, one-of-a-kind Son of God  John 1:14
Prophet:                                           Faithful proclaimer of the truths of God         Acts 3:22
Savior:                                             Delivers from sin and death                               Luke 1:47
Seed of Abraham:                          Mediator of God’s covenant                               Gal. 3:16
Son of Man:                                    Identifies with us in our humanity                   Matt. 18:11
The Word Present with God at the creation John 1:1

 

PSALMS  A Theology of Worship.  The character of God is more clearly and dramatically proclaimed here than in any other book of the Bible.  Adonay, “Lord,” occurs 63 times, words for “God” 427 times, and the name Yahweh 742 times. The hallelu part is a plural command, meaning something we must do together, in public.  Praise is not the same as thanks.  The meaning of halal is to proclaim or declare, to speak about God rather than to thank Him for something.  The object of praise is the jah part, which is an abbreviated form of the name Yahweh. In short, praise is joyfully proclaiming, in public, the attributes of God and the acts of God. No wonder “Hallelu-Yah” is the most often repeated command in the Bible.

 

Your Bible will be a new book to you when you learn to discern the outline of His glorious person in the story of other persons and events recorded there.

Generations In Genesis

 

  • Genesis 2:4 These [Are] The Generations Of The Heavens And Of The Earth When They Were Created, In The Day That The Lord God Made The Earth And The Heavens, (Kjv)
  • Genesis 5:1 This [Is] The Book Of The Generations Of Adam. In The Day That God Created Man, In The Likeness Of God Made He Him; (Kjv)
  • Genesis 6:9 These [Are] The Generations Of Noah: Noah Was A Just Man [And] Perfect In His Generations, [And] Noah Walked With God. (Kjv)
  • Genesis 10:1 Now These [Are] The Generations Of The Sons Of Noah, Shem, Ham, And Japheth: And Unto Them Were Sons Born After The Flood. (Kjv)
  • Genesis 11:10 These [Are] The Generations Of Shem: Shem [Was] An Hundred Years Old, And Begat Arphaxad Two Years After The Flood: (Kjv)
  • Genesis 11:27 Now These [Are] The Generations Of Terah: Terah Begat Abram, Nahor, And Haran; And Haran Begat Lot. (Kjv)
  • Genesis 25:12 Now These [Are] The Generations Of Ishmael, Abraham’s Son, Whom Hagar The Egyptian, Sarah’s Handmaid, Bare Unto Abraham: (Kjv)
  • Genesis 25:19 And These [Are] The Generations Of Isaac, Abraham’s Son: Abraham Begat Isaac: (Kjv)
  • Genesis 36:1 Now These [Are] The Generations Of Esau, Who [Is] Edom. (Kjv)
  1. Genesis 37:2 These [Are] The Generations Of Jacob. Joseph, [Being] Seventeen Years Old, Was Feeding The Flock With His Brethren; And The Lad [Was] With The Sons Of Bilhah, And With The Sons Of Zilpah, His Father’s Wives: And Joseph Brought Unto His Father Their Evil Report. (Kjv)

 

 

 

In fact, this is the central theme of all the Scriptures!  Think of this, His FINISHED WORK is from cover to cover.

 

Genesis 3:15  The one promised to crush the serpent did it – He was FINISHED!.

Exodus 33:17 The one greater than the deliverer, Moses – was FINISHED!

Leviticus 1:2 The ultimate sacrifice to take away sin – was FINISHED!

Numbers 21:9 The one lifted up on the pole for the people’s sin unlike the temporary brazen serpent.  He was FINISHED!

Deuteronomy 5:29 The power to keep the covenant – was FINISHED!

Joshua 5:14 The way into the eternally promised land, by our Great Captain – was FINISHED!

Judges 21:25 The righteous and true judge – was FINISHED!

Ruth 2:12 The ultimate kinsman redeemer under whose wings we trust – was FINISHED!

I & II Samuel The perfect King was FINISHED!

I & II   Kings  The perfect Prophet was FINISHED!

I & II Chronicles  The perfect Priest was FINISHED!

Ezra  The perfect Scribe, who was the Word was FINISHED!

Nehemiah  The ultimate rebuilder was FINISHED!

Esther  The perfect deliverer of His people was FINISHED!

Job  The one who is enough for His people was FINISHED!

Psalms  He who is the Object of all our worship was FINISHED!

Proverbs  He who is the Incarnation of all wisdom was FINISHED!

Ecclesiastes  The only hope to escape the brevity of earthly life was FINISHED!

Song of Solomon  The one whom our soul loves, our beloved was FINISHED!

Isaiah The Prince who paid for our Peace was FINISHED!

Jeremiah The Eternal New Covenant Maker was FINISHED!

Lamentations The Great is Thy Faithfulness God was FINISHED!

Ezekiel The giver of new hearts (30:26) was FINISHED!

Daniel  The Most High who rules heaven and earth (4:25) was FINISHED!

Hosea  The ultimate forgiver (3:1) was FINISHED!

Joel  Our Savior who Keeps word (2:11) was FINISHED!

Amos  Our Creator (5:8) was FINISHED!

Obadiah  The One who rescues us from God’s Wrath coming in the Day of the Lord (v. 15) was FINISHED!

Jonah  The One who came to lay in a grave as our Son of Man  – 3 days (1:17) was FINISHED!

Micah The One who was from Eternity, born in Bethlehem was FINISHED!

Nahum Our Lord who is Slow to anger (1:3) was FINISHED!

Habakkuk  Our Holy One (1:12) was FINISHED!

Zephaniah  The Seeker of humble (2:3) was FINISHED!

Haggai  The One promised to be with us (1:13) was FINISHED!

Zechariah  The One who Gives His Spirit (4:6), and laid the heaven and the earth’s foundations (12:1) was FINISHED!

Malachi  The One who writes the Book of remembrances (3:16-17) was FINISHED

 

[1]  A synthesis of a sermon by Pastor H.A. Blackwell; and writings of Phillip Schaff, Josh MacDowell, and Chuck Missler.

[2]  Robert T. Ketcham, I Shall Not Want. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1953, pp. 34-39.

[3]  Robert T. Ketcham, I Shall Not Want. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1953, pp. 34-39.

 


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