Proper Lens

Greetings!

I hope this letter finds you well and thriving.

This is one of those letters that will test your ability to endure sound doctrine, as it explores a topic many may not be accustomed to. While it might feel unfamiliar, it offers a good opportunity for growth and is truly worth your time

If you've ever worked in a laboratory and used a microscope, you understand the concept of lenses. When examining histological specimens, simply placing them under a microscope isn't enough, you must select the appropriate lens with the best magnification to observe the clearest image. Without the proper adjustment, you might see something, but not as clearly or accurately as you should.

I shared this analogy to make a point: to truly understand the Bible as it was meant to be understood, you must view it through the right lens. Your perspective and approach must align correctly to clearly see the truths revealed in Scripture.

2 Corinthians 3:14 ESV

But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.

The Jews had a veil over their understanding when reading the Old Testament. Without the proper lens, they could see something, but it was blurry and incomplete. They couldn’t fully grasp the true meaning pointing to Christ.

In the same way that adjusting the microscope with the correct lens reveals a clear and accurate image of the specimen, it is only through Christ, the perfect lens that the true meaning of the Old Testament becomes clear. Without Christ our view remains distorted.

John 5:39 NIV

You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.

Just like the people Jesus was speaking to in John 5:39, many people read the Bible and draw various insights from it, but they miss its central theme which is Christ. No matter how much Bible study you engage in, if you don't recognize that the Bible is centered on Christ, you haven't truly understood it.

2 Timothy 3:15 ESV

and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

The central message of God's Word is salvation. Theologians summarize it as follows: the Old Testament prophesies Christ, the Gospels reveal Christ fulfilled, and the Epistles present Christ revealed. Sadly, we live in a time where many people teach and emphasize many things in the bible but what is of utmost importance, salvation. It’s concerning that many can quote numerous scriptures they believe are about academic excellence or financial breakthrough but cannot explain the fundamental truth of salvation, which is the primary focus of God's Word.

Luke 24:25-27 ESV

[25] And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

Jesus explained Himself from the Old Testament. The Law (which includes the books of Moses) and the prophets, makes up the Old Testament. In Colossians 2:17, Paul speaks of the "shadow of things to come", highlighting how the Old Testament points to Christ not only through direct prophecy but prophetic symbols and dramatized forms.

One of my favorite aspects of Bible study is examining types and shadows. A "type" is a person or thing in the Old Testament that foreshadows a person or thing in the New Testament. Let me share one example of this.

The Israelites, discouraged during their wilderness journey, sinned by complaining against God and Moses. As judgment, God sent poisonous serpents, and many Israelites died. Recognizing their sin, they confessed and asked for mercy. God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole. Those who looked at it in faith were healed. (Read numbers 21 for the story)

The bronze serpent, lifted on a pole, foreshadowed Christ being lifted on the cross. The serpent represented sin and judgment, just as Christ bore the curse of sin for humanity (Galatians 3:13). By looking to the serpent, the Israelites were physically healed. Similarly, by looking to Christ in faith, believers are spiritually healed and receive salvation.

Jesus referenced this typology in John 3:14-15:

"Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life."

This typology indicates that salvation comes not by human effort but by faith in God’s provision through Christ.

Typologies are a beautiful sight to behold, revealing the meticulousness of God and the divine nature of Scripture. I encourage you to dive deep into the Word and see Christ within it.

I pray you find this enlightening and it spurs you to more study.