What The Bible Really Said!

Open up with some debate tactics:

Talk about how God wasn’t not in the Old Testament and that he is a difference God from Old to New testament. And that Jesus is name is not in the Old Testment.

Ah, yes! This is an important distinction. Let’s break it down carefully.

1. Translation vs. Transliteration

Translation: Converting the meaning of a word from one language to another.

Example: The Hebrew name Yeshua literally means “Yahweh saves.”

If we translated it, we might just call Him “God Saves” in English.

Transliteration: Converting the sounds/letters of a word from one language into another, keeping the original name intact as much as possible.

Example: Hebrew Yeshua → Greek Iēsous → English Jesus.

The meaning “Yahweh saves” is preserved conceptually, but the word itself is carried over phonetically.

2. Why Jesus’ Name is a Transliteration

The Hebrew/Aramaic name of Jesus is Yeshua.

When the New Testament was written in Greek, the authors needed to represent the sounds of Yeshua, so they wrote Iēsous.

Later, English transliteration of Iēsous became Jesus.

✅ So, “Jesus” is not a translation of the meaning, but a phonetic representation of the original Hebrew name.

3. Why This Matters

Some people mistakenly think “Jesus” is just a title or a translation like “God Saves,” but it’s actually the same name carried through languages.

Understanding this helps show that Jesus in the New Testament is the same person foreshadowed in the Old Testament as Yeshua, the one whose name literally points to God’s saving work.

If you want, I can make a mini timeline showing Yeshua → Iēsous → Jesus, so you can see exactly how the name traveled across languages. It’s a really clear way to understand it.

Do you want me to do that?

Look at Scripture like:

Every word in the original documents of the Bible is exactly what God wanted it to say. What does that mean when someone said that because we don't have the original text. Lets look at the different forms of methods on how it was preserved:

Historical Manuscripts: Explain that although the original texts are lost, there are numerous early manuscripts and translations. Scholars can use these to reconstruct the original wording with a high degree of accuracy, helping to affirm that what we have today is very close to what was originally written.

Textual Integrity: Discuss the principles of textual criticism, which scholars use to evaluate and compare different manuscripts. This rigorous academic approach helps to identify variations and establish a reliable text that reflects the original intent.

Textual criticism is a scholarly method used to analyze and evaluate ancient texts in order to determine their original wording and meaning. Here are the key aspects of textual criticism:

Purpose: The main goal is to reconstruct the most accurate version of a text, especially when the original manuscript is no longer available. This is particularly important for religious texts, classical literature, and historical documents.

Manuscript Comparison: Scholars compare various manuscripts and versions of a text, looking for differences (variants) in wording, spelling, punctuation, and phrasing. By examining these differences, they can identify likely original readings.

Dating and Context: Textual critics consider the age of the manuscripts, their geographical origins, and the historical context in which they were produced. Older manuscripts are often given more weight, but other factors, like the quality of the copy, are also important.

Techniques: Various techniques are employed, such as:

Internal Evidence: Assessing the style and language of the text to identify what might be original.External Evidence: Evaluating the manuscripts themselves, including their physical characteristics and the context of their creation.

Establishing a Critical Text: The outcome of textual criticism is often a critical edition of a text, which includes annotations on variants and a reconstruction of the most likely original wording. This edition is used as the basis for translations and further study.

Relevance: Textual criticism is essential for understanding the transmission and development of texts over time, providing insight into how they were copied, interpreted, and used in different historical contexts.

Overall, textual criticism plays a crucial role in ensuring that we have a reliable understanding of ancient texts, including religious scriptures.

When study the Bible, we can trust that it is the Word of God and when we read the Bible one needs to understand that the Bible is a library of books, rather than a single book. It is “written for us, but not to us.” Furthermore, “never read [just] a Bible verse,” but keep the verse in the context of the storyline. And remember, Jesus is the focal point.

The phrase "the Bible was written for us, but not to us" suggests that while the scriptures are relevant and beneficial for contemporary readers, they were originally addressed to specific audiences in particular historical and cultural contexts. Here’s a breakdown of what this means:

Historical Context: The Bible was written in ancient times, addressing issues, beliefs, and situations relevant to the people of that era. Understanding the original audience—such as the early Israelites, first-century Christians, or specific churches—helps clarify the intended message.

Cultural Differences: The cultural practices, languages, and worldviews of the original audiences differ significantly from modern experiences. Recognizing these differences is crucial for interpreting the texts accurately.

Timeless Principles: Although the Bible speaks to specific situations, it also conveys universal truths and principles that remain applicable today. For example, teachings on love, justice, and faith can resonate across generations.

Interpretive Process: Readers are encouraged to engage with the text, considering both its original meaning and how it applies to their lives. This process often involves study, reflection, and sometimes guidance from teachers or theologians.

Relevance Today: The idea emphasizes that while the Bible’s specific cultural and historical contexts may differ from our own, its messages still provide guidance, encouragement, and insight for modern believers.

In summary, saying the Bible was written "for us" means it holds significance and offers lessons for today, while "not to us" acknowledges the need to interpret its messages within their original contexts to fully grasp their meaning and application.

Got it 👍 — you want Old Testament scriptures that point to Yahweh (God) and also foreshadow or reveal Jesus (Messiah, Son of God).

Here’s a breakdown of some key passages:

🔹 Yahweh Revealed

These highlight God’s nature, authority, and promises — which the New Testament then applies to Jesus.

Exodus 3:14 – “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’” → Jesus echoes this in John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I AM.”

Isaiah 42:8 – “I am the LORD (Yahweh); that is my name; my glory I give to no other.” → Yet in John 17:5, Jesus shares in God’s glory, showing unity with the Father.

Psalm 23:1 – “The LORD (Yahweh) is my shepherd.” → Jesus says in John 10:11: “I am the Good Shepherd.”

🔹 Prophecies of the Messiah (Jesus)

These point directly toward the coming of the Savior.

Genesis 3:15 – The first prophecy: the seed of the woman will crush the serpent. → Fulfilled in Christ’s victory over sin and Satan.

Genesis 22:8 – Abraham says, “God Himself will provide the lamb.” → Pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you.” → Fulfilled in Jesus, the greater Prophet (Acts 3:22).

Psalm 22:16–18 – “They pierced my hands and feet… they divide my garments among them.” → A clear foreshadowing of the crucifixion.

Isaiah 7:14 – “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” The name Immanuel is deeply significant in pointing to Jesus, and here’s a careful breakdown:

1. Meaning of the Name

Immanuel literally means “God with us” (Hebrew: עִמָּנוּ אֵל, ‘Immanu El).

It conveys that God Himself would dwell among His people.

2. Old Testament Promise

The name appears in Isaiah 7:14:

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

God was promising a future sign of His presence and salvation to a people who were in fear and uncertainty.

3. Fulfillment in Jesus

Matthew 1:22–23 explicitly connects this prophecy to Jesus:

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”

Jesus is God incarnate—God taking human form to live among His people.

His life, death, and resurrection make God tangibly present, offering forgiveness, guidance, and salvation.

4. Spiritual Significance

The name emphasizes that salvation is not just a future hope—God Himself has come to dwell with His people.

Jesus as Immanuel shows that God is relational, not distant. He is actively with us in our struggles, fears, and daily life.

For believers today, it’s a reminder that God’s presence is constant through Jesus.

✅ Summary: The name Immanuel points to Jesus because He is the fulfillment of God’s promise to be “God with us”—not just as a concept, but as a living, breathing presence among humanity, bringing salvation and hope.

If you want, I can also make a list of other Old Testament foreshadowings of Jesus that carry the same “God with us” theme. This could help see the bigger picture. Do you want me to do that?

Isaiah 9:6–7 – “For to us a child is born… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” → Pointing to Jesus’ divine kingship.

Isaiah 53 – The suffering servant, pierced for our transgressions, bearing our sins. → Fulfilled in Jesus’ death on the cross.

Micah 5:2 – “From Bethlehem shall come forth… one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” → Fulfilled in Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.

Zechariah 12:10 – “They will look on me, on him whom they have pierced.” → Fulfilled at the crucifixion (John 19:37).

🔹 Yahweh & Jesus Linked Directly

Isaiah 40:3 – “A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD (Yahweh).” → Applied to John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus (Matthew 3:3).

Joel 2:32 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD (Yahweh) shall be saved.” → Applied to Jesus in Romans 10:13.

Jeremiah 23:5–6 – “I will raise up for David a righteous Branch… and this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD (Yahweh) is our righteousness.’” → Fulfilled in Jesus as our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30).

✨ So in short:

The OT reveals Yahweh as the covenant God.

The NT reveals Jesus as Yahweh’s Son who shares His name, glory, and role in salvation.

Many OT prophecies directly anticipate Jesus as Messiah.

Yes! There are several places in Exodus that point both to Yahweh (the LORD) and foreshadow Jesus. Let’s go carefully through some key examples.

1. Exodus 3:14 – God reveals His name

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.’”

Yahweh: This is the first explicit revelation of God’s personal name, Yahweh (I AM). It emphasizes His eternal, self-existent nature.

Jesus: In John 8:58, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am.” Jesus identifies Himself with the eternal “I AM,” linking Himself to Yahweh. This shows that Jesus shares in the same divine identity.

2. Exodus 12 – The Passover Lamb

The Israelites were instructed to take a lamb without blemish, sacrifice it, and put its blood on the doorposts so that death would pass over them.

Yahweh: God provides salvation and protection for His people. His power spares the Israelites when He strikes Egypt.

Jesus: The Passover lamb points forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29), whose blood saves people from sin and spiritual death. Just as the lamb’s blood protected Israel physically, Jesus’ blood protects spiritually.

3. Exodus 14 – Crossing the Red Sea

God parted the Red Sea so Israel could escape Pharaoh’s army.

Yahweh: This demonstrates God’s power and deliverance for His people. He is the Savior who makes a way when there seems to be no way.

Jesus: Paul interprets this as a symbol of salvation through Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1–2). The water passage can be seen as a foreshadowing of baptism, where believers pass through death to sin and emerge into new life in Jesus.

4. Exodus 16 – Manna in the wilderness

God provides bread from heaven for the Israelites to eat.

Yahweh: God is the provider of life-sustaining sustenance.

Jesus: Jesus calls Himself the “Bread of Life” (John 6:31–35), who gives eternal spiritual nourishment to all who come to Him.

5. Exodus 33:14 – God’s Presence

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Yahweh: God promises His guidance and companionship.

Jesus: Jesus promises His presence with His followers (Matthew 28:20) and is the ultimate source of rest for the soul (Matthew 11:28–30).

✅ Summary: Exodus repeatedly shows Yahweh as the one true God, the Savior, and Provider, and many of these acts, symbols, and promises foreshadow Jesus—His identity, His work, and His salvation.

Lets look at other Scriptures:

The phrase “turn the other cheek” comes from Matthew 5:38–39 in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

Here’s what it means carefully:

1. Context: Jesus contrasts vengeance with grace

The Old Testament law (“eye for an eye”) limited retaliation, ensuring justice was proportional.

Jesus calls His followers to go beyond justice to mercy and love. Instead of seeking revenge, He asks us to respond with restraint and compassion.

2. Not about being passive or weak

Turning the other cheek doesn’t mean letting people abuse or harm you recklessly.

It’s about choosing a non-retaliatory response and breaking the cycle of violence.

By refusing to escalate conflict, you demonstrate moral strength and reflect God’s character.

3. Subtle forms of resistance

In Jesus’ time, a slap on the cheek was a sign of insult and humiliation, not just physical harm.

Turning the other cheek can be seen as asserting dignity without revenge. It exposes the wrongness of the aggressor while keeping you in a posture of peace.

4. Spiritual and relational principle

The teaching encourages forgiveness, patience, and radical love.

It is about trusting God to handle justice, rather than taking it into your own hands.

It aligns with later instructions, like Romans 12:19: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”

✅ Summary: “Turn the other cheek” means choosing mercy over retaliation, love over anger, and trust in God over personal vengeance. It’s a call to break the cycle of violence and respond in ways that reflect God’s character, even when treated unfairly or insulted.

In Matthew 7:1–5, Jesus says:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? … First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Here’s a careful breakdown:

1. “Do not judge” – What it really means

Jesus isn’t forbidding all discernment. We are called to make wise decisions and recognize right and wrong.

The warning is against hypocritical, harsh, or self-righteous judgment—looking down on others while ignoring your own flaws.

2. The principle of measure

“With the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (v.2) emphasizes reciprocity: how you treat others morally or spiritually comes back to you.

Harsh judgment invites harsh judgment; merciful and humble evaluation invites understanding and grace.

3. The plank and the speck

Speck = small fault in someone else.

Plank = your own much larger flaws.

Jesus teaches: address your own sins and weaknesses first, then you can help others wisely and lovingly.

It’s about self-examination before correcting someone else.

4. Spiritual and relational application

Focus on your own growth and humility rather than condemning others.

Helps prevent conflict, gossip, and pride.

Encourages a culture of grace, patience, and accountability, not condemnation.

✅ Summary: “Do not judge” means avoid hypocritical, self-righteous judgment. Instead, examine your own life first, extend grace, and help others from a place of humility rather than superiority.