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

the manifestation of Jesus Christ recorded in the New Testament.

1 Cor. 1.22-24 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, [23] but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, [24] but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Gal. 6.14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— [10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Phil. 3.8-10 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the

3. The actual subject matter of the Scriptures is singular and dynamic: the revelation of Jesus Christ .

4. The Old Testament can be profitably studied as the outline of God’s promise for salvation and Kingdom restoration of which the New Testament is its fulfillment.

B. Critical implications

1. The promise of the Messiah in the Old Testament is brought to a climatic fulfillment in the person of Jesus in the New Testament.

2. In order to fully grasp the biblical meaning of the person of Jesus Christ, we must give ourselves unreservedly to Old Testament exegetical and thematic study.

V. Connections for Urban Ministry Today

How do we so reconnect ourselves with the Old Testament that it reignites our understanding and appreciation of the New Testament?

A. Connections to your life and spiritual development

1. When I study the Old Testament, do I look for the ways in which Jesus of Nazareth might be seen in the texts and stories?

2. How do I relate to the promises of God in the Old Testament , especially in light of the hope of the Messiah?