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

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I : Mas ter i ng the Ol d Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

d. Avoid the modern tendency to run past, avoid, or completely deny the validity and importance of the Old Testament vision and revelation.

4. The testaments both focus on God’s revelation regarding Jesus Christ and his kingdom reign .

II. Complementary Concepts that Connect the Old and New Testaments

Augustine’s epigram (little saying) about the relationship between the two testaments:

“In the Old Testament the New Testament lies hidden; in the New Testament the Old Testament stands revealed.”

A. Introduction and conclusion: The Old Testament provides us an introduction to the truths about Christ and his Kingdom, and the New Testament brings these to a conclusion (e.g., the teachings of Isaiah of the Servant in chapters 42-55 introduces a figure who in fact is shown to be Jesus Christ at his first advent [cf. 1 Pet. 1.22-25]).

1. Without the beginnings of the Old Testament, the New Testament is unintelligible .

2. Without the conclusion of the New Testament, the Old Testament is unfulfilled .

B. Anticipation and climax: What is anticipated regarding Christ in his Kingdom in the Old Testament is brought to its final climax in the New Testament (the salvation of the remnant of Israel in Zech. 12.10-13.1 anticipates the climax of Jesus’ return in Rev. 19).

1. The Old Testament anticipates all of the work of Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament.