The Old Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Mentor's Guide, MG09

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T H E O L D T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

In many ways, tracing the themes in OT Messianic prophecy is key to understanding the OT witness to Christ. It is the way that Jesus and the apostles applied the OT to his life—these prophecies illumine our understanding of the way Jesus used the OT, they directly connect the testaments (in the way Augustine suggested, that the OT is revealed in the NT), and finally, they show that Jesus of Nazareth fulfills the prophetic predictions of the expected Messiah. The main points included in the OT Messianic prophecies covering his birth include prophecies about the prophetic forerunner, his birthplace at Bethlehem, and his identity as both the human-divine son Immanuel. The main OT Messianic prophetic predictions were about his person and life, i.e., his introduction by the coming “voice in the wilderness,” his divine status as Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of peace, his anointing as the Servant of Yahweh, and his anticipated kingship and reign. Prophecies of Messiah’s life also include his role as the cornerstone of God’s salvific work, his role as light for the Gentiles, and his role as prophet, priest, and king. OTMessianic prophecies also address the passion of Christ, his suffering and death, and among them mention is made of his betrayal, his false trial and verdict, his brutal treatment and death, his vicarious (substitutionary) wounding and bruising for the sins of the world, his crucifixion, his great agony on the cross, his death, and his burial. The major OT texts quoted in the NT concerning Messiah’s resurrection are usually included in the Gospel accounts and their predictions of it, as well in the apostolic preaching in Acts, especially in Peter’s sermon at Pentecost and Paul’s preaching at Antioch. A general outline of some of the key OT Messianic texts should include predictions of the coming glory of Messiah, his exaltation and vindication as Yahweh’s King of glory, his terrifying judgment upon God’s enemies, his return for and regathering of his people, the majesty, beauty, and glory of creation’s transformation that will occur under his reign, and the everlasting and universal dominion that will be given to him. A serious study of OT Messianic prophecy reveals that God has extended the promise and blessings of Abraham to the Gentiles, to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah.

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