The Centrality of Jesus Christ

By Pastor Jose V. Velasco,Jr.

     In the New Testament and in Christian faith Jesus Christ is central. Paul equated life with Christ as he said, "For me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21). In writing the Corinthian Christians he said, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). Jesus is the central theme of Paul's preaching and teaching.

      If we are true believers in Christ we must also say, "For me to live is Christ." That means at least two things. 1). Our lives must be like that of Christ. This is God's will for us. "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son (Rom. 8:29). This necessitates knowing how Christ lived and what He taught, then living both His life and teachings. 2) He enables and empowers us to live like Him. Because of our human frailty we cannot by ourselves live like Christ. But by our faith in Him He provides us with the power and wisdom we need to live like Him.

      Christ is central in our salvation. Some mistakenly believe that by doing enough good they can qualify for eternal life. But the fact is no one can because there always remains a stain of sin in us to disqualify us from heaven. "Nothing impure will ever enter it- - " (Rev. 21:27). What we need is the forgiveness that Christ alone gives by His death on the cross if we believe in Him (Eph. 1:7). Hence, He alone is the Savior (Acts. 4:12; 1 Jn. 4:14).

     The foremost symbol that appears in most churches is the cross. It symbolizes the suffering and death of Christ; but because it is empty it also symbolizes His resurrection. Christ is our victorious Lord. Hence, He alone is the center of our worship. "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:9-11). We admire people and things, but we do not worship them. We worship Jesus Christ alone. Is He central and above all in your life?

Prayer:  

     Lord God, I surrender my total life to you. Help me to make your Son Jesus Christ central and foremost in my life. In His name. Amen.