Christ-Centered Preaching in the Reformed Tradition
Christ-centered preaching in the Reformed tradition emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in all aspects of the sermon, from its preparation to its delivery. This approach understands Christ as the "essential Word" and the "sum and substance of the Gospel ministry" [5]. Preachers are called to proclaim Christ openly, publicly, and boldly, without adding to or taking away from the message [5].
The foundation of Christ-centered preaching rests on several key biblical truths. Christ is understood as the head of the church, appointed by God, and having pre-eminence in all things [3]. He is the High Priest, superior to the Levitical priests, who offered himself as a sacrifice once for all [1]. The ministry of reconciliation holds that "God was in Christ," a doctrine that brings about reconciliation between God and humanity [4]. This reconciliation is achieved through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, offering peace with God [7].
Preaching the Gospel is considered the ordinary means of salvation, through which faith in Christ is produced by hearing the word of God [9]. The apostle Paul exemplified this focus, stating that his preaching centered on "Christ crucified" [6]. This message is delivered "by the word of truth" and "by the power of God," often accompanied by the Holy Spirit [8, 2]. The goal is to call people to repentance and faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah and divinely appointed Judge [7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the High Priest — Appointed and called by God -- Heb 3:1,2; 5:4,5. After the order of Melchizedek -- Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6; 6:20; 7:15,17. Superior to Aaron and the Levitical priests -- Heb 7:11,16,22; 8:1,2,6. Consecrated with an oath -- Heb 7:20,21. Has an unchangeable priesthood -- Heb 7:23,28. Is of unblemished purity -- Heb 7:26,28. Faithful -- Heb 3:2. Needed no sacrifice for himself -- Heb 7:27. Offered himself a sacrifice -- Heb 9:14,26. His sacrifice superior to all others -- Heb 9:13,14,23. Offered sacrifice but once -- Heb 7:27; 9:25,26. Made reconcili”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberty, Christian — Foretold -- Isa 42:7; 61:1. Conferred By God. -- Col 1:13. By Christ. -- Ga 4:3-5; 5:1. By the Holy Spirit. -- Ro 8:15; 2Co 3:17. Through the gospel. -- Joh 8:32. Confirmed by Christ -- Joh 8:36. Proclaimed by Christ -- Isa 61:1; Lu 4:18. The service of Christ is -- 1Co 7:22. Is freedom from The law. -- Ro 7:6; 8:2. The curse of the law. -- Ga 3:13. The fear of death. -- Heb 2:15. Sin. -- Ro 6:7,18. Corruption. -- Ro 8:21. Bondage of man. -- 1Co 9:19. Jewish ordinances. -- Ga 4:3; Col 2:20. Called the glorious liberty of the children of God -- Ro”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Head of the Church — Predicted -- Ps 118:22; Mt 21:42. Appointed by God -- Eph 1:22. Declared by himself -- Mt 21:42. As his mystical body -- Eph 4:12,15; 5:23. Has the pre-eminence in all things -- 1Co 11:3; Eph 1:22; Col 1:18. Commissioned his Apostles -- Mt 10:1,7; 28:19; Joh 20:21. Instituted the ordinances -- Mt 28:19; Lu 22:19,20. Imparts gifts -- Ps 68:18; Eph 4:8. Saints are complete in -- Col 2:10. Perverters of the truth do not hold -- Col 2:18,19.”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 5:19: That God was in Christ - This is the doctrine which this ministry of reconciliation holds out, and the doctrine which it uses to bring about the reconciliation itself. God was in Christ: 1. Christ is the same as Messiah, the Anointed One, who was to be prophet, priest, and king, to the human race; not to the Jews only, but also to the Gentiles. There had been prophets, priests, and kings, among the Jews and their ancestors; and some who had been priest and prophet, king and priest, and king and prophet; but none have ever sustained in his own person the three”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 4:2: Preach the word,.... Either Christ the essential Word, who is the sum and substance of the Gospel ministry; or the word of truth and faith, the Gospel of salvation, the word of righteousness, peace, and reconciliation by Christ; which is to be preached, or published, in like manner as heralds proclaim the will of their princes; openly, publicly, and with a loud voice, without adding to it, or taking from speaking out the whole, and keeping back no part of it; and that with all courage and boldness: some copies read, "the word of God"; and the Ethiopic version, "his ”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:3: I--the preacher: as Co1 2:2 describes the subject, "Christ crucified," and Co1 2:4 the mode of preaching: "my speech . . . not with enticing words," "but in demonstration of the Spirit." weakness--personal and bodily (Co2 10:10; Co2 12:7, Co2 12:9; Gal 4:13). trembling--(compare Phi 2:12). Not personal fear, but a trembling anxiety to perform a duty; anxious conscientiousness, as proved by the contrast to "eye service" (Eph 6:5) [CONYBEARE and HOWSON].”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 3:12: 3:12-26 The evangelistic speeches in the book of Acts focus on Jesus, the crucified and risen Lord. They call people to repentance and faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah and the divinely appointed Judge (2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 26:20). They also offer the same Good News for the people of Israel and the Gentile world—“there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (10:36).”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 6:6: By the word of truth,.... By preaching the Gospel, truly, sincerely, without any adulteration of it, which comes from the God of truth, has for its subject matter Christ, who is the truth, and into which ministers are guided by the Spirit of truth, and every doctrine of which is truth: by the power of God; accompanying the word to the conversion and salvation of multitudes of souls; or by the signs, wonders, and miracles which were wrought for the confirmation of it: by the armour of righteousness, on the right hand, and on the left: meaning, either the whol”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing - Preaching the Gospel is the ordinary means of salvation; faith in Christ is the result of hearing the word, the doctrine of God preached. Preaching, God sends; if heard attentively, faith will be produced; and if they believe the report, the arm of the Lord will be revealed in their salvation.”