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

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