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The Historic Faith
Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses About Recapitulation In Christ

Early Christians taught that Christ brings Adam and humanity back under one head, so the old story is summed up and renewed in him. Irenaeus gives the clearest early witness, saying Christ was formed in analogy with Adam and that the same human formation is "summed up in Christ"; he also says the Word "recapitulated in Himself His own handiwork." Tertullian, Novatian, and Victorinus later use the same basic idea when they speak of Christ recapitulating all things in the fullness of times.

The teaching is broad and well supported, though some later cards repeat the theme with strong Christology rather than giving a full definition of recapitulation itself.

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Key Passages

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How to Study Recapitulation In Christ

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Start with the clearest command or anchor text Read the primary passage in context before building doctrine from supporting references.
Trace the apostolic pattern Compare how the apostles preached, practiced, warned, and applied this topic in the churches.
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Scripture Map

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33 references

Foundation Texts

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Primary Bible text for the doctrine

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Direct reconciliation language tied to Christ

Supporting Passages

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Closely related reconciliation statement

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Related reconciliation through Christ

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Adam-to-Christ life contrast supports the theme

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Related reconciling-all-things passage

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

All things under Christ matches the theme

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Creation-and-holding-together theme fits the same Christology

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Broad closing summary of all things coming from and through God

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.