Biblical Theology in the Old: Pointing to Christ

Loading Scripture… Romans 15:4 (ESV)

We’ve covered a lot of ground so far. The first eight chapters dealt primarily with what you need to know about the Bible and how you need to understand and interpret the Bible. Now, you are equipped to be an effective Bible reader. And not just a reader. A student. A discerner. Dare I say, a scholar?

As we move into the Old Testament, you will come prepared to understand its themes and its purpose. You will see a wide variety of genres, theological themes, and prophecies – all pointing to the Messiah to come. I’m giddy with anticipation. Let’s get going.

What is it and why does it matter?

The Old Testament is unimportant. We should just jettison it and focus on Jesus. Whoa, wait a second. I may be suffering from BMPS – Bad Megachurch Preacher Syndrome. I just took my daily dose of R.C. Sproul, and I feel much better. What is wrong with you people? Sorry, that’s a side effect of the medication.

Clearly, I believe you can take matters very seriously and still lighten the mood with a little humor. And this is a matter I take very seriously. Because it is my sincere belief that you cannot rightly focus on Jesus apart from the Old Testament. The Old Testament speaks of Him on every page. The garden is about Him. The ark is about Him. The bronze serpent is about Him. The manna is about Him. The struck rock is about Him. The tabernacle and temple are about Him. All the prophecies are about Him. Just do a count of how many times the Old Testament is referenced in the New Testament, and you will quickly learn how impossible it is to rightly understand the message of the New without familiarizing yourself with the Old. So, do you want to focus on Jesus? I recommend studying the Old Testament.

What should I seek to understand about the topic?

• The truth that all the Old Testament points to Christ serves as a guardrail for Old Testament interpretation. “All the promises of God find their Yes in Him.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) As you study, focus on these things:
• Understand the theological themes repeated throughout the Old Testament: seed, land, blessing, exodus, covenant, etc
• The redemptive patterns in Scripture: Exodus, Passover, covenant, law, etc
• The unfolding kingdom story that points to Christ
• The importance of the Old Testament in understanding the New Testament

My thoughts on the topic

People get bored reading much of the Old Testament, because they lack context. I mentioned earlier that Leviticus is the death of many an annual Bible reading plan. The rest of the Old Testament offers lions, and talking donkeys, and golden calves, and the sun standing still. There are fascinating dramas to keep your interest. But, the Levitical system and prophecy are dreadful slogs unless you grasp the importance of what you’re reading.

I think that may be why many churches avoid spending much time in the Old Testament. Leviticus doesn’t put butts in seats. Can I say butt? I guess I just did. Twice. My fear is that in the interest of butts in seats, people are told they are basically good. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. But, if that’s the case, why do I need to fear his wrath? Why do I need a Savior? See the Old Testament for a correction of much modern teaching. In Galatians 3, Paul speaks of the law imprisoning everything under sin – serving as a guardian until Christ came. Leviticus describes an elaborate system of animal sacrifice to cover uncleanness. And those sacrifices didn’t take away sin. They just kept the people clean from a covenantal perspective. Repeatedly, the Old Testament points to man’s failures and desperate need for God to save. Without that context, the desperate need sinners have for a Savior and the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice are diminished.

All thirty-nine books of the Old Testament speak of a people wandering lost without a shepherd. These are desperate people hopelessly enslaved to sin. For over four hundred years, Israel was hopelessly enslaved to Egypt. They didn’t free themselves despite their great number. It took a Holy God working supernaturally through plagues to deliver them from bondage.

Today, we are desperate people hopelessly enslaved to sin. It takes a Holy God working supernaturally through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ to deliver us from bondage. That is the message of hope and faith. Does your church teach you this? If not, leave. Now! You are not special. You are not loved – at least not in a way that saves you from hellfire. If you are not in Christ, you are God’s enemy. The Old Testament delivers that message. Study it.