OT - Survey 47 - The Journey to Jesus

All content is derived from A Survey of the Old Testament by Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton, with additional insights from R.C. Sproul's Dust to Glory. Further sources referenced are listed in the reference section below.

Jesus as the Goal of the Old Testament

The Unified Witness of Scripture

— Although the Christian Bible contains two distinct testaments—the Old and the New—they form one coherent and progressive narrative of divine revelation. The Old Testament (or Old Covenant) is not rendered obsolete by the coming of Christ but is instead fulfilled and brought to its climax in Him. The author of Hebrews explains that the new covenant inaugurated by Jesus is superior and fulfills the promises of the old (Hebrews 8:6). — Studying either testament in isolation produces a fragmented theology. The Old Testament establishes the foundation of God's character, purposes, and redemptive mission, while the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these divine intentions in Jesus Christ. The full force of Scripture as “God-breathed” truth (2 Timothy 3:16) emerges only when both testaments are read in continuity.

Redemptive History in Broad Outline

— The Bible’s meta-narrative can be framed as: Creation, Fall, Judgment, Redemption, and Re-creation. This pattern recurs throughout both testaments and provides theological coherence to the unfolding story. — The Apostle Paul asserts that Jesus was born "in the fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4), indicating that God orchestrated history—socially, politically, culturally, and theologically—for the arrival of the Messiah. Isaiah (Isaiah 14:24–27) and Daniel (Daniel 2:20–23) both portray God as the sovereign Lord over history, preparing the stage for the Christ event.

The Old Testament as Messianic Preparation

Scripture in the Life of the Early Church

— For the first Christians, the Hebrew Scriptures were their only Bible. The Old Testament formed the core of apostolic preaching (Acts 2:14–36; 3:12–26), public worship (1 Timothy 4:13), and apologetic defense of the faith (Acts 4:5–12; 7:2–53). — Jesus Himself modeled this approach by demonstrating from the Scriptures that His life, death, and resurrection were in fulfillment of the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:44–48).

Typology as Prophetic Fulfillment

— Biblical typology is a method of interpretation that highlights historical and theological correspondences between Old Testament persons, events, or institutions (types) and their New Testament counterparts (antitypes), which fulfill them in a deeper way. — Key typological identifications include: — Jesus as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) — Jesus as the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–8:13) — The cross of Christ as the culmination of sacrificial worship (Hebrews 9–10) — Jesus taught this interpretive method to His disciples (John 5:36, 46–47), but typology must not obscure the original meaning of Old Testament texts within their historical contexts.

The New Testament’s Engagement with the Old Testament

Quotations and Allusions

— Approximately one-third of the New Testament consists of direct quotes or allusions to the Old Testament, underscoring its formative role in shaping Christian theology. — These references are not incidental; they reflect how deeply the identity and mission of Jesus, the nature of God, and the human condition are rooted in Old Testament revelation.

Thematic Continuities Across the Testaments

— Divine Character: God is portrayed as sovereign (Revelation 4:2), powerful and active in history (Acts 26:8), and impartial in His love and mercy (Acts 10:34). These qualities, embedded in the Old Testament, take on new significance in the New Testament context of Roman domination and the emerging global Church. — Christology: Jesus is identified with numerous Old Testament figures and roles: — Lord and cosmic King (Colossians 1:15–20) — Son of David (Matthew 9:27) — Suffering Servant (Matthew 16:21) — Lamb of God (Matthew 26:28) — Prophet greater than Moses and priest greater than Melchizedek (Hebrews 3:1–6; 7:15–28) — Anthropology and Soteriology: The New Testament underscores continuity in human need: — Judgment for sin (Matthew 24:15–28) — Redemption through a better covenant (Hebrews 9:3–10:18) — Faith as the basis for relationship with God (Hebrews 11:6) — The necessity of holiness and obedience (1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 5:9)

Covenant Themes Traced Across the Testaments

Salvation as Divine Deliverance

— In the Old Testament, salvation is a covenantal gift, requiring faith and obedience. Abraham’s obedience (Hebrews 11:8–22) and Israel’s exodus (Exodus 12–13) display God's saving power. — The sacrificial system (Leviticus 1–7) illustrates substitutionary atonement, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s death (1 Corinthians 15:20–28, 51–58). — Jesus calls for radical discipleship (Luke 14:25–33), offering ultimate deliverance from sin and death.

Covenant Relationship and Community

— The Sinai covenant (Exodus 20–24) involved a legal framework, ceremonial worship (Exodus 12; 23:15), and blessings and curses (Leviticus 26). — The New Covenant creates a new spiritual community of believers—“friends of God” (John 15:14–15) and “heirs with Christ” (Ephesians 3:6). — This community gathers around the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:7–30; 1 Corinthians 11:23–34), lives under the Holy Spirit’s power (Romans 7:7–8:17), and expresses love through unity and mutual service (Acts 2:42–47).

Knowledge of God

— For Israel, knowing God involved revelation through prophets (Isaiah 6:8–13), redemptive acts (Exodus 14:31), and priestly offices (Jeremiah 18:18; Leviticus 1–7). — Jesus fulfills this revelation, making the Father known (John 1:18; 17:3), and commissioning the Church to continue that task (Colossians 1:25). — Christ embodies wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30), and equips the Church for unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:11–13).

The Land as Symbol and Promise

— The Promised Land was a gift to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:1–3), contingent upon covenant obedience (Deuteronomy 30–31). — It symbolized peace, rest, and God’s abiding presence (Psalm 95:11; Exodus 25:8). — In the New Covenant, this rest is fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 11:28–29; Hebrews 3–4) and ultimately in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–4). — God now dwells with His people through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16–17), leading to a future where God’s throne is permanently established among His redeemed (Revelation 21:3).

Fulfillment and Future Expectation

Realization of Prophetic Hope

— Jesus’ birth is seen as the fulfillment of long-awaited prophecy (Luke 2). Jeremiah’s promise of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:30–33) has been realized in Christ. — Yet the Church lives between the “already” and “not yet”—redeemed, but still waiting for full consummation.

Anticipating the Return of Christ

— Believers are called to wait expectantly (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10; Titus 2:11–14; Revelation 22:20), looking forward to: — Final salvation (Matthew 24:13) — Complete transformation (Philippians 3:17–21) — Full knowledge of God (1 Corinthians 13:8–13) — Eternal peace in the new creation (Revelation 21:9–22:5)

Summary

Chapter 47 asserts that the entirety of the Old Testament points forward to Jesus Christ, who is its goal and fulfillment. The testaments, though distinct in time and covenantal structure, proclaim a singular redemptive message. The Old Testament provides the promises, the shadows, the types, and the framework of God's covenantal dealings with His people. The New Testament presents the person and work of Jesus Christ as the culmination of those promises, revealing God's plan to redeem and renew all creation. The continuity between the covenants highlights God's unchanging character and His ultimate desire to dwell with His people in righteousness and peace. For the Church today, the Old Testament remains vital—not merely as background—but as God's inspired revelation, preparing hearts for the full revelation of His love in Jesus Christ and pointing toward the hope of His glorious return.

References

Hill, A. E., & Walton, J. H. (2009), A survey of the Old Testament (3rd ed.). Zondervan Academic.

MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2021). The MacArthur study Bible (2nd ed.). Thomas Nelson. (New American Standard Bible).