Email Archives: Christocentric Theology

Occasionally I run across emails that I've written or which have been sent to me which make for good blog material. As I find and post these, I'll add the "Email Archives" label to them. Google Desktop helped me find this one - sent in early 2008 to a group of believers who used to meet each week to discuss theology:

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I've been reading (and listening) a lot lately to several theologians who are unpacking "Christocentric theology". For me, this is simply an outgrowth of covenant theology - but it also bears strong Lutheran (and others) influence. In short, Christocentric theology teaches that Christ is at the center of the entire Bible - Genesis to maps. All Scripture points - either forward or backward - to Jesus as Messiah. As an example - beginning immediately after the fall in (Genesis 3:14,15) God promises Eve an offspring (Messiah) who will crush the head of the serpent:

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

From this account onward, Scripture is filled with prophesies, types, and shadows - all pointing to Christ. The most complex and amazing plotline ever developed. Moses served as a "type" of Christ; as did Joshua, David, Elijah, etc... Thus, I tend to react negatively when a Biblical figure such as Joshua is taught as an example of leadership - or when we’re charged to emulate star qualities ("dare to be a Daniel") of a particular character in redemptive history. Yes, Joshua was a leader, and yes, Daniel was courageous - but more importantly - they foreshadowed Christ - serving as role players in the story of Jesus. An understanding of Christ’s roles as prophet, priest, and king are of vital import. Thus, when I read Scripture I don’t see a character study - but rather a series of Messianic prophesies and their fulfillment. Building on the theme, Christ’s exemplary life is of secondary importance to the work that He performed on the cross for our sins. Christ’s substitutionary atonement is the "good news" that we are to proclaim. The Gospel message (theology of the cross) should never be confused with "you too can become a better person" (theology of glory). Muslims who respect Jesus as a prophet would do well to try to emulate His life (even lifestyle) - and they would probably admit as much. Ghandi did when he quipped:

"I like your Christ, but not your Christians"

Who doesn't find the popular characterization of Christ as appealing across culture boundaries? Everyone would do well to emulate Christ (where possible; His most important acts cannot be followed!). The snag comes with the "offense" (scandal) of the cross. This is where the Muslims draw the line; they don’t want any part of Christ as Messiah. His character traits - sure. His redemptive role as prophet, priest, and king? No way. This sacrifice and its implications are distinctly Christian. The atonement is at the front and center of Christianity; all else pales in comparison. Which is why I insist on hearing Christ and His atoning work preached *every* Sunday. This is not to say that the story of the cross is weekly repeated - but rather, the week’s passages interpreted as they point to Christ and His work on the cross. Christocentric preaching. Whether we’re studying Lamentations or Revelations - the focus of the service should be on Christ and his atoning work. Towards this point, I'm reminded of the scorn with which one of my Lutheran friends views sermon titles; in his words, every sermon should be titled "Christ and His Atoning Work" - as if anything else warrants mention. Christocentric theology in action!