Central Theme of the Scriptures
And beginning
at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the
things concerning himself. Luke 24:27.
There is one
great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the
Scriptures--Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with
influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. It is only in
the light of the cross that we can discern the exalted character of the law of
God. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work
wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation. The love of Christ
constrains man to unite with Him in His labors and sacrifice. The revelation of
divine love awakens in them a sense of their neglected obligation to be light
bearers to the world, and inspires them with a missionary spirit. This truth
enlightens the mind and sanctifies the soul. It will banish unbelief and
inspire faith. . . . When Christ in His work of redemption is seen to be the
great central truth of the system of truth, a new light is shed upon all the
events of the past and the future. They are seen in a new relation, and possess
a new and deeper significance.
The Old
Testament is as verily the gospel in types and shadows as the New Testament is
in its unfolding power. The New Testament does not present a new religion; the
Old Testament does not present a religion to be superseded by the New. The New
Testament is only the advancement and unfolding of the Old. Abel was a believer
in Christ and was as verily saved by His power as was Peter or Paul. Enoch was
a representative of Christ as surely as was the beloved disciple John. . . .
That God who walked with Enoch was our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was
the light of the world then, just as He is now.
The truth for
this time is broad in its outlines, far reaching, embracing many doctrines, but
these doctrines are not detached items which mean little; they are united by
golden threads, forming a complete whole, with Christ as the living center.
From That I May Know Him - Page 208
