"Connecting the Dots"
- Rita Larson
- Jul 30, 2023
- 5 min read
When you read the Bible, it is important to connect the dots between the Old Testament and the New Testament to understand redemption and what it truly means. When you begin to understand how the bible in its entirety intertwines to show how much God loves us, you cannot help but want to read it over and over, putting pieces of the mysterious love story together. When you are in love with someone, you desire to know everything you can about them! You want to know where they have been and where they are now. To understand God, you have to understand the Old Testament and how it foreshadows the New Testament, revealing the greatest love story ever written!
The Old and New Testaments of the Bible contain profound teachings on the significance of the life of Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. These themes are interwoven throughout all the scriptures, both Old and New Testament, revealing God's plan for redemption and the restoration of humanity. Understanding the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection in both the Old and New Testaments is crucial for comprehending the purpose and power of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. There is a deep connection between the events of the Old Testament and the life of Christ, leading up to the purpose of His death and resurrection.
In the Old Testament, we can preview the need for God's redemption due to the brokenness of creation. The Old Testament begins by recounting the creation of the world and the pinnacle of God's design, which was humanity. However, the story quickly takes a tragic turn as Adam and Eve, the first human beings, disobey God's command and introduce sin into the world. This act of rebellion fractures the harmony of creation, bringing about death and separation from God.
Despite humanity's fall, God does not abandon His creation. Instead, He initiates a series of covenants with various individuals and the nation of Israel, promising to redeem and restore His people. These covenants, such as the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, provide glimpses of hope and point forward to a future Messiah who will bring ultimate salvation.
In the Old Testament, God establishes a system of sacrifices and atonement to temporarily cover the sins of His people. The shedding of blood through animal sacrifices symbolizes the need for atonement by using a scapegoat to cover sin. This foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice that is made by the Messiah in the New Testament when sin is cleansed and completely washed away. The atonement and foreshadowing are also what is referred to as the scarlet thread of redemption as we see it unravel throughout the Old and New Testament, leading up to the crucifixion, the final shedding of blood that covers all of our sins today.
God uses man and the gift of prophecy to outline His plan to offer a means to redeem and restore all that was lost. Throughout the Old Testament, numerous prophets arise, speaking on behalf of God and foretelling the coming of a Savior who will bring salvation and deliverance. These prophetic voices provide glimpses into the future and prepare the hearts of God's people for the arrival of the Messiah.
In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The New Testament begins with the birth of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus' birth was made possible by the miraculous conception of a virgin, Mary. Jesus was then born in a stable in Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament, signaling the beginning of the Messiah on earth to carry out God's redemptive plan.
Jesus' life and ministry in the New Testament demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and prophecies. As He heals the sick, raises the dead, forgives sins, and teaches with authority, Jesus reveals Himself as the Son of God and the embodiment of God's love and grace.
The pinnacle of Jesus' mission on earth is His death and resurrection. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus takes upon Himself the sins of humanity, offering forgiveness and redemption to all who believe in Him. His resurrection from the dead demonstrates His victory over sin and death, providing hope for eternal life to all who trust in Him.
At the moment of Jesus' death, a significant event occurs in the temple: the veil separating the Holy of Holies, the most sacred place, from the rest of the temple, is torn in two from top to bottom. This symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, signifying that through Jesus' death, access to God and His presence is now available to all.
The death and resurrection of Jesus bring about a transformation in the lives of believers. Through faith in Christ, individuals are justified before God, meaning they are declared righteous and forgiven of their sins. This transformation enables believers to live in a restored relationship with God and experience the power of His grace and love.
In the New Testament, the death and resurrection of Jesus also provide for physical and spiritual healing. Jesus' ministry on earth is marked by miraculous healings, demonstrating His power and authority over sin, sickness and death. Through faith in Him, believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and have been given power and authority over the enemy. All believers can now walk in total forgiveness and experience restoration and wholeness in all areas of their lives.
Following His resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven and is exalted at the right hand of God the Father. This position of honor and authority signifies His completed work of redemption and His ongoing intercession for believers. It also foreshadows His future return as the reigning King, bringing about the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom.
The Old and New Testaments of the Bible intricately intertwine the themes of death and resurrection. The Old Testament sets the stage for the coming of the Messiah, revealing the brokenness of creation, the need for redemption, and the promise of a Savior. The New Testament fulfills these promises through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, providing forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Understanding the significance of death and resurrection in both Testaments allows us to grasp the depth of God's love, grace, and redemption, leading us to a restored relationship with Him.
The victory is ours! Not only are we gifted with a loving Father who will never leave us nor forsake us, but he extends to us His unending grace and mercy promised for all of the days of our life. That isn't all! The best is yet to come! We get to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. This precious gift was bought and paid for by the Blood of Jesus Christ and is a gift for all! It is available by simply asking Jesus into your heart, confessing Him as your Lord and Savior, and asking for forgiveness of sins. It is that simple! After connecting the dots, you too, can take part in the greatest love story ever! ©Rita Larson 7/30/2023
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