Chapter 3 - The Theme of the Bible
There are two primary subjects in the Bible. One is about the biggest problem mankind has ever faced and the other is about the only solution to that problem. Often loosely referred to as law and gospel, the Bible identifies the ongoing problem of sin (all of mankind is afflicted) and explains how to remedy the problem. The issue of sin dates back before the law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai, the source of the problem takes us all the way back to the disobedience of Adam in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:1-24). The story could have ended right there in the garden since man was, and still is, helpless and cannot do anything to change that situation on their own. Let me say it again, no one can save themselves or others. Well, that’s not true, there is one, the One and only One, Jesus. Although He did not need to save Himself, as He was and still is without sin, He actually became sin for us (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). The Bible may tell us about our problem of sin, but the purpose of the Bible is to tell us about the solution to sin, every page in the Bible points to, or prepares us for, Jesus, our Savior. Jesus is literally the heart and centerpiece of the Bible (see John 5:39-40; Luke 24:27 and Hebrews 10:7).
As humans, we need to be reminded regularly that Christianity is not a religion, it is about a relationship. How does that differ from a religion? In its simplest form, religion is about form, protocol, procedure and process to appease a deity. Our Lord does not want any of these things, He wants our love and obedience. Not in the sense of following strict rules, but in the sense of trusting His wisdom to prioritize and guide our lives.
Jesus is also God, He is the Son of God and has all the attributes of God (He is the second member of what theologians call the “Godhead,” also known as the “Trinity”). The Bible tells us that He is the Creator of all things (see Colossians 1:16). He is also the ultimate revelation of God in power (see John 3:2); in wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:24); in unconditional and never-ending love (see 1 John 3:16); in grace (see 2 Thessalonians 1:12) and of course He represents the One who sent Him (see John 12:44-45). The Bible is what God chose to reveal Himself to us. For a Christian, nothing is more important than Jesus, He is the One that made eternal life in heaven possible. If we interpret Scriptures in any other way, we missed the entire point of the Bible.
Perhaps the greatest mystery of all time is, “Why does God love us?” Throughout all human existence, from the first human, Adam, to the billions alive today, mankind has and continues to disobey to God. So why does He love us? I have no answer. When I think about this subject I tremble because His love is beyond comprehension. Humanity has given Him ample reason to terminate all existence, but He won’t. Why? Because He loves you and me! Even though He has rules and commandments, His love is unconditional.
The motivation behind creation and then later sending His Son to die on our behalf is our heavenly Father’s love for us. It may be impossible to comprehend, but everything, and I mean everything, all of creation, the Bible, Jesus suffering and dying, everything was done so that we can spend eternity with Him, giving all glory to Him. The theme of the Bible is redemption though Jesus Christ made possible through divine love.
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