Foundations for Christian Mission, Student Workbook, SW04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

Jesus as the Centerpiece of the Promise Between the OT and the NT

d. Jer. 33.15-18

e. Dan. 7.13-14

The point of convergence of the OT promises (to Abraham, Moses, David and the Fathers through the prophets) is Jesus Christ. All the promises of God are confirmed in him, and through him affirmed by the church in the ‘Amen’ of its worship (2 Cor. 1.20). The OT quotations and allusions in the Gospel narratives indicate this fulfilment. The Magnificat and the Benedictus rejoice that God has kept his word. The promised Word has become flesh. The new covenant has been inaugurated—upon the ‘better promises’ prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer. 31; Heb. 8.6–13). Jesus is its guarantee (Heb. 7.22), and the Holy Spirit of promise its first instalment (Eph. 1.13–14). ~ J. W. L Hoad. “Promise.” The New Bible Dictionary . D. R. W. Wood, ed. (3rd ed.,

4. The Gentiles would participate in God’s fulfillment of his promise to David, Acts 15.15-18 (cf. Amos 9.11-12).

E. The Promise Fulfilled: in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the promise of God to Abraham and David has been fulfilled .

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1. Before his birth, the promise regarding Jesus’ connection to David as the promised royal Seed was clarified, Luke 1.32-33.

2. The covenant to Abraham is in fact the Gospel message given to Abraham; Jesus is the Seed referred to in the covenant of God to Abraham, Gal. 3.16.

3. The promises of rulership over the Kingdom have been given to Messiah Jesus.

a. Heb. 1.8 (cf. Ps. 45.4-6)

b. Rom. 14.8-9

4. Jesus’ broken body and shed blood upon the cross establish a new covenant with those who believe, for both Jews and Gentiles, resulting in forgiveness and eternal life.

electronic ed.). Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996. p. 963.