Biblical Theology (What Is a Healthy Church?)

Have you ever felt lost while reading the Bible? Like you're trying to navigate a complex map without understanding the legend or key landmarks? You're not alone. Many of us struggle to see how all the parts of Scripture fit together into one cohesive story. But what if there was a way to unlock the Bible's grand narrative and see Jesus on every page?

This is where biblical theology comes in. Far from being a dry academic exercise, biblical theology is about understanding how all of Scripture points to Jesus Christ and God's plan of redemption. It's about seeing the forest, not just the individual trees.

Let's take a journey through a powerful story in Luke 24 that illustrates this beautifully. Picture this: It's the first Easter Sunday. Jesus has been crucified, and His followers are confused, heartbroken, and afraid. Two disciples are walking to a village called Emmaus, discussing recent events with heavy hearts. Suddenly, a stranger joins them – it's Jesus, but they don't recognize Him.

As they walk, Jesus begins to teach them, starting with Moses and all the Prophets, explaining how the entire Old Testament points to Him. Can you imagine that Bible study? The resurrected Christ Himself showing how all of Scripture tells His story!

Later, when Jesus reveals Himself to all the disciples, He says something profound: "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." (Luke 24:44)

This is the essence of biblical theology – seeing how every part of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, reveals Jesus and God's plan of redemption. It's not about isolated moral lessons or disconnected stories. It's about one grand narrative of God's love for His people.

Consider the story of David and Goliath. Many of us tend to read ourselves into the story as David, thinking, "I just need more faith to slay the giants in my life." But that misses the point entirely. We're not David in that story – we're the terrified Israelites, unable to face the giant of sin and death on our own. We need someone else to go into battle for us. That someone is Jesus, our true champion who defeats the ultimate enemies we could never overcome.

This approach to Scripture changes everything. Instead of seeing the Bible as a collection of disconnected stories or a moral guidebook, we begin to see it as the unfolding drama of redemption, with Jesus at the center. The Old Testament isn't just ancient history – it's the foundation that makes the New Testament make sense.

So how can we start reading the Bible this way? Here are a few practical tips:

1. Look for Jesus in every passage. Ask yourself, "How does this point to Christ or the need for Christ?"

2. Pay attention to the big themes that run throughout Scripture: covenant, kingdom, temple, sacrifice, etc. These threads weave the whole Bible together.

3. Study the connections between the Old and New Testaments. How do prophecies find fulfillment? How do symbols and types point to greater realities?

4. Read with the big picture in mind. How does each story fit into God's overall plan of redemption?

5. Don't be afraid to dig deeper. Use study resources that can help you understand the historical and literary context of passages.

When we approach Scripture this way, it comes alive. We begin to see God's character revealed more clearly. We understand our place in His story better. And most importantly, we encounter Jesus on every page.

This isn't just about head knowledge – it's about heart transformation. When the disciples on the road to Emmaus heard Jesus explain the Scriptures, they said, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" (Luke 24:32) That's the power of biblical theology – it sets our hearts on fire for God.

Moreover, understanding the Bible this way gives us a rock-solid foundation for our faith. When we see how intricately woven God's plan is throughout all of Scripture, it strengthens our confidence in His Word and His promises.

It also shapes how we live. When we grasp that we're part of this grand story of redemption, it changes how we view our purpose. We're not just individuals trying to be good or find personal fulfillment. We're part of God's cosmic plan to redeem all things through Christ.

Finally, this approach to Scripture equips us to share our faith more effectively. When we understand how all of Scripture points to Jesus, we can explain the gospel more clearly and compellingly to others.

So, let's commit to diving deeper into God's Word. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to see Christ on every page. Let's allow the grand story of Scripture to captivate our hearts and transform our lives.

As we do, we'll find that the Bible is far more than a collection of ancient writings. It's a living, breathing testament to God's love, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. And as we grasp this truth more fully, we'll find ourselves echoing the words of those Emmaus disciples: "The Lord has risen indeed!"

May our hearts burn within us as we encounter Jesus in all of Scripture. And may that encounter propel us to live as faithful witnesses to His resurrection power in our world today.