The concept of being Christ-centered is central to Christian faith, but some question whether this emphasis elevates Jesus above the Father and the Holy Spirit, potentially skewing our understanding of the Triune God. A balanced approach to the Trinity is essential for proper worship and devotion, as an overemphasis on any one Person can lead to theological and practical imbalances.
As James White notes in The Forgotten Trinity, an imbalance in our approach to the Triune God has consequences [Theme based]. Overemphasizing the Father may portray Him as the primary deity, reducing the Son and Spirit to lesser roles. Overemphasizing the Holy Spirit might lead to a focus on spiritual manifestations and gifts at the expense of growing in Christlikeness. Similarly, an excessive focus on Jesus could distance us from the Father’s heart and undervalue the Spirit’s transformative work [My remark].
What Does It Mean to Be Christ-Centered?
Being Christ-centered does not mean exalting Jesus above the Father or the Holy Spirit. Instead, it reflects the biblical call to look to Jesus as our example, mediator, and source of identity. Here are three key aspects:
- Jesus as Our Mediator and Example
Scripture teaches that Jesus is the ultimate example for humanity. He succeeded where we failed, standing as our mediator before the Father (1 Timothy 2:5). By taking God’s wrath upon Himself, He enables us to approach the Father in His name. Our Christ-centeredness is rooted in His role as the one who reconciles us to God. - The Holy Spirit’s Role in Christlikeness
The Holy Spirit is given to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). The Spirit empowers us to live, love, and fulfill God’s will as Jesus did. Far from being diminished, the Spirit’s work is essential to Christ-centered living, as He shapes us to reflect Jesus, the exact radiance of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). - Jesus as the New Adam and Head
Jesus fulfills what humanity and Israel could not. He is the New Adam, the head of a new creation, and the bridegroom who guards His bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:25-27). Through Him, we receive new life and participate in God’s redemptive plan for creation. This role does not elevate Him above the Father or Spirit but fulfills Their unified purpose.
A Balanced Trinitarian Faith
Christ-centeredness does not diminish the Father or the Holy Spirit. To be Christ-centered is to rely on Jesus for our identity, salvation, and purpose while recognizing the inseparable roles of the Father and Spirit. Without the Father, we cannot come to Christ (John 6:44). Without the Spirit, we cannot become like Christ (Galatians 5:22-23). True devotion to Jesus leads us to honor the entire Trinity, as the Father, Son, and Spirit work in perfect unity.
Conclusion
Being Christ-centered means rooting our identity in Jesus, obeying Him, and relying on Him for salvation. It does not exalt Him above the Father or Spirit but reflects Their unified work in redemption. A Christ-centered life honors the Trinity by recognizing the Father’s love, the Son’s mediation, and the Spirit’s empowerment.
Related Verses
- John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
- Romans 8:29: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
- John 16:13-14: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
- Hebrews 1:3: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.”
- 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
- John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”
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