How much of the Bible is about Jesus? (2024) 📚

The Bible is not simply a collection of moral tales or philosophical musings, but a single, unfolding story about Jesus. The Bible consists of 66 books, written by over 40 authors over a span of 1,500 years. Despite its diversity, the Bible has one ultimate plan, plot, and champion – Jesus. Jesus himself affirmed that the Scriptures, from Genesis to the Prophets, spoke about him. The Old Testament contains prophecies, patterns, and promises that anticipate Jesus, while the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation manifest and explain his life, death, resurrection, and ultimate victory over sin.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bible is a single, unfolding story about Jesus.
• Jesus affirmed that the Scriptures spoke about him.
• The Old Testament contains prophecies, patterns, and promises that anticipate Jesus.
• The Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation manifest and explain Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and victory over sin.
• Understanding the presence of Jesus in Scripture deepens our understanding of the Bible’s message and purpose.

Who was Jesus in the Bible 📚

How much of the Bible is about Jesus

Here are some Bullet points on The importance the Bible puts on Directing us to Jesus

– All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

– Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 2 Peter 1:20

– And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself, Luke 24:27

– Search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. John 5:39

– These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

How much of the Bible is about Jesus?

A lot of people think that the Old Testament is mostly about Jesus. But that’s not true. The Old Testament is about God’s plan to save His people from their sins. Jesus is part of that plan, but He’s not the focus of it. The focus is on God and His covenant with His people.

The New Testament is different. It’s all about Jesus. Every book in the New Testament points to Him in some way. Even the book of Revelation, which is mostly about the end times, has a lot to say about Jesus.

So if we want to understand what the Bible is all about, we need to understand that it’s ultimately about Jesus. Everything in the Bible points us to Him.

Jesus in the Old Testament

The Old Testament is a treasure trove of prophecies, patterns, and promises that anticipate the coming of Jesus. While his name may not be explicitly mentioned in every passage, the Old Testament is woven with threads that point to his arrival. The prophets, inspired by God, spoke of a future Messiah who would bring salvation and restoration to God’s people. They foretold his lineage, birthplace, and even specific details about his life and ministry. (Jesus in the Bible)

Table: Old Testament Prophecies about Jesus

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

These prophecies, along with many others, serve as a testament to the divine inspiration and foresight of the Old Testament writers. They paint a vivid picture of Jesus, the long-awaited Savior, who would bring salvation and establish God’s kingdom on earth. The anticipation of Jesus in the Old Testament builds a sense of hope and expectation for the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

The Anticipation of Jesus in the Old Testament

As we delve deeper into the Old Testament, we discover that Jesus’ presence is not limited to explicit prophecies. The patterns and events recorded in various stories foreshadow his redemptive work. For example, the account of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah echoes the future sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The Passover event, where the blood of a lamb saved the Israelites from death, points to Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb who would save humanity from the bondage of sin. (jesus references in the bible)

• Abraham offering Isaac on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22)
• The Passover event (Exodus 12)
• The bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21)
• Joseph’s life as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ suffering and exaltation (Genesis 37-50)

These stories and countless others serve as signposts, directing our attention to Jesus and his redemptive mission. They reveal God’s intricate plan and his desire to rescue and restore humanity through his Son. The Old Testament is a tapestry of anticipation, setting the stage for the arrival of Jesus as the fulfillment of all God’s promises.

Table: Old Testament Characters and Their Foreshadowing of Jesus

Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Old Covenant

The Old Testament sets the foundation for God’s redemptive plan, establishing the old covenant between God and Israel. Under the old covenant, obedience to the law was the requirement for a relationship with God. However, Israel repeatedly broke this covenant, leading to their exile and separation from God. The old covenant revealed humanity’s inability to live righteously on their own and the need for a Savior.(jesus’ presence in scripture)

Jesus came to fulfill the old covenant and establish a new covenant through his sacrifice on the cross. He is the mediator of this new covenant, which offers salvation and reconciliation with God to all who believe in him. The new covenant supersedes the old, as Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the ultimate atonement for sin.

The table below illustrates the contrast between the old covenant and the new covenant:

Jesus’ fulfillment of the old covenant brings hope and redemption to all who place their faith in him. Through the new covenant, we can experience the forgiveness of sins and enjoy a restored relationship with God. Jesus’ role as the mediator of the new covenant highlights his centrality in God’s redemptive plan and underscores the significance of his sacrifice on the cross.

The Scope of Membership in the New Covenant

In the New Covenant established by Jesus, the scope of membership extends beyond a specific ethnic group. Unlike the old covenant, which was primarily given to the nation of Israel, the new covenant is inclusive of all who place their faith in Jesus as their Savior. It is no longer limited to those of Jewish descent but is open to people from all ethnic backgrounds.

This inclusivity is one of the radical and transformative aspects of the new covenant. It highlights God’s desire for all people to be reconciled to Him through faith in Jesus. In this new covenant, ethnicity no longer determines one’s standing before God. Instead, salvation and membership in God’s chosen people are based on faith in Jesus Christ.

Through the new covenant, believers become part of a holy nation, a community that is united in Christ regardless of their ethnic background. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, NIV). This unity in diversity showcases the power and beauty of Jesus’ work on the cross, bringing people from every nation and ethnicity into a relationship with God.

The Inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant

A significant aspect of the new covenant’s inclusivity is the inclusion of Gentiles, non-Jewish people, in God’s redemptive plan. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were God’s chosen people, and Gentiles had limited access to God’s blessings. However, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the barrier between Jews and Gentiles was removed, and both groups were offered equal access to salvation and membership in the new covenant.

This inclusion of Gentiles in the new covenant was a fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham (Genesis 12:3). It demonstrates God’s heart for all people and His desire to bring reconciliation and unity among diverse ethnic groups through Jesus.

The Purpose of Two Covenants

The existence of two covenants, the old and the new, was not a change of plans by God, but a part of His overarching redemptive plan. The old covenant served to reveal humanity’s inability to live righteously on their own and the need for a Savior. It demonstrated the consequences of sin and the blessings of obedience. The new covenant, established through Jesus, fulfills the purpose of the old covenant by providing salvation, reconciliation, and transformation through faith in Christ.

Throughout the Old Testament, God laid the foundation for the new covenant through prophecies, patterns, and promises. These anticipations pointed to the coming of Jesus as the Messiah, the one who would establish a new covenant between God and humanity. Jesus’ death and resurrection became the ultimate atonement for sin, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God to all who believe in Him.(proportion of bible dedicated to jesus)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

The relevance of the old covenant lies in its ability to foreshadow and point to the coming of Jesus. It highlighted humanity’s need for a Savior and prepared the way for the establishment of the new covenant. The old covenant, with its law and sacrificial system, served as a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross. Without the old covenant, the significance and fulfillment of the new covenant would not be fully understood.

The Relevance of the Old Covenant Today

Although the old covenant is no longer the basis for salvation and relationship with God, it still holds great relevance for believers today. It teaches us about the consequences of sin, the need for obedience, and the holiness of God. The stories, laws, and prophecies of the old covenant serve as a foundation for our understanding of God’s character and His faithfulness throughout history. They remind us of the need for a Savior and the marvelous grace displayed through Jesus’ fulfillment of the old covenant.

As believers, we can also draw lessons from the shortcomings of the old covenant. It reveals the limitations of human effort and the necessity of relying on God’s grace. The old covenant reminds us that our salvation and righteousness are not achieved through our own works but through faith in Christ.

Jesus as the Central Figure in the Bible

Jesus is the central figure in the Bible, the hero of the ultimate story of redemption. He is the climax of the narrative, the one who fulfills the prophecies, the patterns, and the promises of the Old Testament. Jesus came to earth as both fully God and fully man, living a perfect life, dying for our sins, and rising from the dead. He succeeded where humanity failed and offers forgiveness and new life to all who trust in him. The Bible is ultimately about the rescue mission of God, bringing humanity back to Himself through Jesus.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Throughout the Old Testament, there are countless references, prophecies, and foreshadowing of Jesus’ coming. From the promise of a seed in Genesis 3:15 to Isaiah’s prophecy of a suffering servant in Isaiah 53, the Scriptures point to Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The New Testament further illuminates Jesus’ significance, portraying him as the Son of God, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and the Savior who offers eternal life.(jesus’ significance in the bible)

By understanding Jesus’ central role in the Bible, we gain a deeper appreciation for the unity and coherence of Scripture. Every story, every law, every prophecy, and every commandment finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. The Bible is not just a collection of moral teachings or historical accounts; it is a grand narrative about God’s plan of redemption through His Son. As we study the Scriptures and see Jesus woven throughout its pages, our faith is strengthened, our love for Him deepens, and our desire to follow Him grows.

The Bible as a Unified Story about Jesus

The Bible, consisting of various genres, authors, and languages, is unified by its focus on Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells the story of God’s redemption plan, with Jesus at the center. The Old Testament anticipates his coming, the Gospels manifest his life and ministry, Acts proclaims his message, the Epistles explain his significance, and Revelation culminates in his ultimate victory. By approaching the Scriptures with a Christocentric view, we can see the cohesive narrative that spans the entire Bible.

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Throughout the Old Testament, we find prophecies, patterns, and promises that point to Jesus. These serve as signposts, guiding us to the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. As we explore the narratives and teachings of the New Testament, we witness Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which bring about the salvation and reconciliation promised in the Old Testament. The Bible is not a random collection of stories, but a carefully orchestrated symphony of God’s redemptive plan, with Jesus as the main melody.( jesus’ influence in the scriptures)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

The significance of Jesus in the Bible cannot be overstated. He is the means by which we find forgiveness, hope, and new life. Jesus is the fulfillment of the old covenant, offering a new covenant based on faith in him. His life, death, and resurrection serve as the climax of the biblical narrative, demonstrating God’s love and mercy for humanity. By recognizing the Bible as one story about Jesus, we gain a deeper understanding of its overarching message and the transformative power of Jesus’ message in our lives.

The Clarification of Jesus’ Fulfillment

While not every verse in the Bible explicitly mentions Jesus, the overarching narrative and themes collectively point to his fulfillment. The Old Testament authors connected their writings to previous Scripture and integrated their books into the unified story of redemption. Jesus himself affirmed that he fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, and the New Testament authors consistently interpret the Old Testament in light of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The ultimate author of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, testifies to Christ throughout the Bible, revealing him as the way to the Father.

In understanding the fulfillment of Jesus, it is essential to interpret the Scriptures with a Christocentric approach. This means recognizing Jesus as the central figure and lens through which we view the entire Bible. By doing so, we can see how the Old Testament prophecies find their fulfillment in his birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. We can understand how the sacrificial system and temple worship point to his ultimate sacrifice and the establishment of a new covenant.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – Matthew 5:17

The Understanding of the Fulfillments in the Bible

Interpreting the fulfillments in the Bible requires discernment and a deep understanding of the context and themes of Scripture. It involves recognizing the foreshadowing, typology, and patterns throughout the Old Testament that find their completion in Jesus. It also involves recognizing the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the ultimate solution to the problem of sin.

One key aspect of understanding the fulfillments in the Bible is recognizing the different types of prophecies. Some prophecies have a direct, immediate fulfillment, such as prophecies about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Others have a dual fulfillment, meaning they were fulfilled in a partial sense in the Old Testament and in a complete sense in Jesus. An example of this is the prophecy of a suffering servant in Isaiah, which is fulfilled in part by Israel as a nation and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus as the ultimate suffering servant.(bible passages about jesus)

As we seek to understand the fulfillments in the Bible, it is important to approach Scripture with humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance. We must be willing to study the Word of God diligently, comparing Scripture with Scripture and seeking deeper insights into the significance of Jesus’ fulfillment. Ultimately, the clarifications of Jesus’ fulfillment in the Bible are not merely intellectual exercises but opportunities for personal transformation and a deeper relationship with our Savior.

The Relevance of Application in a Christocentric Reading

A Christocentric reading of Scripture not only deepens our understanding of Jesus but also has a profound impact on how we apply the Word of God to our lives. When we view the Bible as a unified story about Jesus, every passage, every command, and every narrative takes on new significance. We begin to see how everything points to Christ and his redemptive work.

Application in a Christocentric reading is not about extracting moral lessons or finding practical tips for daily living. Instead, it’s about recognizing that the Bible is ultimately about Jesus and his mission to save humanity. As we encounter various stories and teachings, we look for their connection to Christ, seeking to understand how they reveal his character, his purpose, and his invitation to follow him.

When we apply Scripture in relation to Christ, it transforms our perspective and priorities. We no longer approach the Bible as a rulebook, but as a love letter from God, revealing his heart and his plan for reconciliation. Our obedience becomes a response to the grace and mercy we have received through Jesus, rather than a means to earn salvation. We are motivated not by guilt or duty, but by gratitude and a desire to honor the One who gave everything for us.

Applying the Christocentric Approach

In practical terms, a Christocentric reading invites us to approach Scripture with open hearts and minds. It encourages us to meditate on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and to ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures, enabling us to see Jesus in every page. Here are a few ways we can apply this approach:

• Seeking Jesus in the Old Testament: Look for prophecies, foreshadowings, and patterns that anticipate Jesus’ coming and work.
• Understanding the Gospels: Study the life and teachings of Jesus, seeking to know him intimately and follow his example.
• Applying the Epistles: Explore the letters written by the apostles, understanding how they interpret the Old Testament in light of Jesus’ fulfillment.
• Embracing the Gospel Message: Receive the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus, allowing it to transform your heart, mind, and actions.

A Christocentric reading of Scripture brings depth, meaning, and relevance to our lives. It helps us to see Jesus as the center of our faith and the source of our hope. As we apply the Word of God in relation to Christ, we are drawn closer to him, transformed by his love, and empowered to live as his disciples.

Final Thoughts – How Much of the Bible is about Jesus

The Bible is not simply a collection of moral tales or philosophical musings, but the incredible story of Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus’ presence permeates the Scriptures, leaving a lasting impact on our lives. He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, the embodiment of God’s redemptive plan.(jesus’ depiction in the bible.)

In the Old Testament, Jesus’ coming is anticipated through prophecies, patterns, and promises. The Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation manifest and explain his life, death, resurrection, and ultimate victory over sin. Jesus’ message of love, forgiveness, and salvation is woven throughout the entire Bible, revealing his transformative power.

By approaching the Scriptures with a Christocentric view, we can truly grasp the significance of Jesus’ role in the Bible. He is the central figure, the hero of the ultimate story of redemption. Through faith in him, we can experience the forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope that he offers. Let the story of Jesus in the Bible inspire and transform your life today.

Source Links

• https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/bible-about-jesus/
• https://secundumscripturas.com/2012/10/19/the-bible-is-about-jesus/
• https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/is-the-whole-bible-about-jesus.html

Best Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries

Below is a table featuring some highly regarded Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries along with their publishers and websites where they can be found or purchased.

You can generally find these resources on the publishers’ websites, as well as other online book retailers such as Amazon or Christianbook. It’s always good practice to confirm availability and review additional details on the specific websites or other reliable online bookstores.