The Bible Structure of the Riches of Christ

 

The Bible Structure of the Riches of Christ

In terms of typology, leading the Israelites into the Promised Land of Canaan, flowing with milk and honey, symbolizes leading them into the all-inclusive Christ and His unfathomable riches—verse 8, Colossians 1:12.

The purpose of God's calling is to lead His people into the Promised Land so that they may enjoy the all-inclusiveness of Christ—Ephesians 3:18, Colossians 2:6-7, 16-17, 3:11.

The church is produced by the unfathomable riches of Christ, which are Christ's being for us—his light, life, righteousness, holiness, etc.—and what He possesses for us, and what He has accomplished, attained, and obtained for us. 

Biblical Stage	Revelation of Christ	Riches of Christ Revealed	Purpose	Key Scripture
Creation	Through creation	Light, life, air, food	Show Christ as life supply	Gen 1–2
Promise after fall	Prophecy	Seed of the woman	Announce coming Redeemer	Gen 3:15
Patriarchs	Types in persons	Abel, Isaac, Joseph	Portraits of Christ	Gen 12–50
Exodus & Law	Sacrifices & tabernacle	Lamb, offerings, tabernacle	Redemption and God's dwelling	Exo 12; 25
Wilderness	Spiritual experiences	Manna, rock, cloud	Christ as supply and guidance	Exo 16–17
Good land	Inheritance	Rich produce of land	Christ as rich portion	Josh 5
Kingdom	Kings as types	David, Solomon	Christ as king	2 Sam; 1 Kings
Psalms/Wisdom	Spiritual experience	Shepherd, refuge, rock	Personal enjoyment of Christ	Ps 23
Prophets	Prophecy	Messiah, suffering servant	Foretell redemption	Isa 53
Gospels	Incarnation	God becoming man	Reveal Christ Himself	John 1:14
Acts	Expansion	Risen Christ moving	Produce the church	Acts
Epistles	Explanation	Christ as life and Body	Build the church	Eph 1
Revelation	Consummation	Lamb and New Jerusalem	Fulfill God's plan	Rev 21–22

 

*Spiritual Integration and Seeing (Key Point)

The entire Bible actually has only one central thread:

 

Genesis → Revelation

Reveals one thing:

The unfathomable riches of Christ

Its development:

Christ revelation → Christ redemption → Christ impartation → The church arises → The New Jerusalem is completed

 

*A prophetic summary:

The structure of the entire Bible is the revelation of the riches of Christ, imparted into people, producing the church, and ultimately completing the New Jerusalem.

 

*Ultimate Conclusion

The Bible is not a book of morality, nor a book of religion,

but a book that reveals Christ.

 

*Ultimate goal:

Christ fills all things.

*Spiritual Application

1. Seeing Christ through Bible Reading

Learn to see Christ in every book.

 

2. Experiencing Christ

Let Him be:

 

Life

Supply

Light

Power

 

3. Living out Christ

Let His human virtues and divine attributes be manifested.

 

4. Building up the Church

Let the riches of Christ become the fullness of the church.

 

*Please refer to Life-Study of Ephesians, Chapter 30: The Riches of Christ Produce the Church