The Theory of Everything (TOE, for short) is the long-sought after expression (equation) to explain the nature and behavior of all matter and energy in existence. This simple and illusive equation “would allow us to read the mind of God.” (Michio Kaku, theoretical physicist, City College, City University of New York)
Albert Einstein, considered to be the greatest scientist since Isaac Newton, desperately searched for 30 years to discover this grand theory…unsuccessfully. Others have followed in his steps. Some have given up while others claim that the “superstring theory” (whatever that is) is now the final answer. But what if the ultimate explanation of everything is not a formula but a person? What if the theory of everything is not a short equation but Christ, the eternal, second person of the trinity?
You may not have spent much time struggling over the TOE, but you probably have asked about the overarching theme of the Bible: the golden thread that holds life all together. How you answer that question forms a lens through which you will look at Scripture and interpret life. For some the thread is personal redemption. For others it’s mission, God’s holiness, his kingdom, or his glory.
As we consider the adventure of discipleship, I would suggest the evidence indicates the overall theme of Scripture and life to be the revelation of God in Christ. The Bible is a story of progressive revelation with the New Testament writers revealing the second person of the Trinity (Christ) as the ultimate focus from creation to the final revelation.
As we move along in the timeline of the Bible, God is revealed with greater clarity as Christ takes center stage (Heb. 1:1-3). John records Jesus saying to the Jews in his day, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life;” (implying …or whatever else you are looking for) “it is these that testify about Me” (John 5:39).
Paul explains, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col 1:15-17).
After developing the role of the ascended Christ, the writer of Hebrews addresses the practical, real time application to our journey of faith when he says, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:1-2). Among Paul’s final instructions to Timothy is the statement, “Remember Jesus Christ” (2 Tim 2:8).
Even the last book of Scripture begins with the words, “This is the revelation of Jesus Christ”. Then serving as a warning to every succeeding generation, the angel commends the church at Ephesus for their work for Christ, but rebukes them for their loss of love for him (Rev. 2:4).
It is not a trite thing to say that discipleship is based on the relational centrality of Christ, the second person of the trinity, the Son of God. He is the focal point of this great epic drama we find ourselves in. Mission, redemption, kingdom, etc., all flow out of our understanding of Christ, who he is and what he has done. Discipleship on the resurrection side of the cross puts Christ as the focus and the explanation of everything. He is the lens through which we see and understand everything else.
Our challenge in discipleship is to make Christ the center and keep him there not just as a cliché, but as a practical reality. When Christ is the Explanation of Everything (EOE/TOE), everything else fits. When other things (even good things) slip into that position, eventually something gets distorted. Our greatest privilege, opportunity, and calling between the resurrection and his final revelation is to discover and know Christ, the One who is and was and is to come. It is out of our relational intimacy with Christ that transformation, mission, and everything else flows.
Questions for reflection:
- What are some ways the Scripture expresses the centrality of Christ? (Heb.1:1-3; Rev, 1:8; John 1:1-3; Phil 2: 9-11; Isa. 9:6-7)
- What are some of the “good things” that can slip in and usurp Christ’s centrality? (Rev 2:1-7)
Good reflections, Ron. What could possibly be more wonderful than a personal relationship with the sovereign Creator of the universe? To know His unrelenting love despite my ongoing rebellion and failures? To have the privilege of participation in His great plan for earth – despite my fumbling, bumbling attempts, crooked corners and uneven parts? (I’m thinking of my attempts to “build things” in Jr. High shop classes!
Your warning to not let other things or missions other than love for Him is well taken; out of His love for me He has recently showing me with many severe blows how far I have wondered. It would have been better to hear His voice but I have been so very blind and deaf to His work and Spirit in my life.
Pressing on,