How should we view the premise of the Old Covenant? What is all the hype with the new Covenant? Join us as we discuss how Jesus brings a better covenant!
“The implications are large. In the
Old Testament, everything that seems to be for the nation of Israel had to be
passed down to Jesus, who then fulfilled the realities of the promises for us
in His own person and work. This is how the Apostle Paul could say, “All the
promises of God find their Yes in him [Christ]” (2 Cor. 1:20). It is also the
reason why he could say of the Old Testament Scriptures: “Whatever was written
in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and
through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).
When we read of God’s promises of restoration that He gave
Israel through the Old Testament prophets, we must do so through the lens of
the person and work of Christ. All of the judgment prophesied about the nation
prepares us for the judgment that fell on Christ—the true Israel—for our sin.
In His resurrection, Jesus secures the restoration that was promised so long
before. When the Apostles appeal to Joel 2:28–32 in Acts 2:16–21 and Amos 9:11–12
in Acts 15:16–17, this is what they have in view. The fulfillment of those
restoration promises occurs first in the risen or restored Son of Abraham, who
will consummate them in a new heaven and earth. ” – Rev. Nicholas T. Batzig, is
senior pastor of Church Creek PCA in Charleston, S.C., and an associate editor
for Ligonier Ministries. He writes regularly at Feeding on Christ.
Points:
1.
The WHOLE Bible is eternally important, don’t cherry-pick!
2.
God doesn’t make mistakes. No matter what life
brings, when we turn to Him we find comfort and conviction.
3.
Even when we don’t see the whole picture, God
does!
Questions:
1.
How did you view the Old Testament before this
message and now after?
2.
What are some ways you can use the full picture
of the Old to New Testament to witness to people?
3.
Scripture teaches us to forgive as Jesus has
forgiven us. If Jesus forgives and does not hold it over us. Are we truly
forgiving in the same way?
