A Biblical Vision, Part I: Mastering the Old Testament Witness to Christ

Ses s i on 2: Promi se and Fu l f i l lment i n the Ol d Tes tament ’ s Wi tnes s to Chr i s t 27

b. He fulfills the sayings of the Old Testament , including the prophecies of the Law and the Prophets, Luke 24.25-27.

Matt. 3.17 . . . and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 17.5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” John 1.14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1.17-18 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. [18] No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

c. He reveals the very person of God in his own person (i.e., he is the express image of his glory, the “Word made flesh,” cf. John 1.14-18).

5. The Old Testament explains and reveals the meaning of the New Testament.

C. Implication of progressive revelation for Christ-centered approach to Scripture interpretation

1. The Bible is a diverse collection of literature and genres, but essentially and thematically it focuses on a single theme: the person of Jesus Christ .

2. The testaments are intimately connected to each other.

3. The Scriptures must be understood as unified system of teaching regarding the person and work of Christ.

a. Do not reduce the Bible to ethical and moral visions.

b. Do not try to summarize the Bible in primarily terms of “handbook for living” scenarios.

c. Realize that the Old Testament is the necessary and significant foundation upon which all New Testament revelation is based.