Why is understanding Christ's preeminence in the Bible important for Christians?

Recognizing Christ as central to Scripture is vital for Christians because it transforms our interaction with God’s Word. Mere reading of the Bible without the understanding that it ultimately points to Christ may lead to spiritual vanity and a loss of purpose. The Pharisees of Jesus' time diligently searched the Scriptures but failed to recognize the true meaning behind them, which was rooted in the person of Christ.

Without seeing Christ as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, one risks engaging in a form of religion devoid of the life-giving power of the Gospel. Christ said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6), and this statement encapsulates the essence of the Scriptures. It is through Christ that we access eternal life, and realizing His role throughout the narrative of Scripture equips us to understand God’s overarching plan for salvation by grace.