Daily Christian Journey

Unlocking the Gospel: How the Old Testament Reveals the Good News

Imagine approaching someone at a bus stop and sharing the gospel with them. But what if the words you use – sinner, creator, righteous, unrighteousness, transgressing, law, eternity, hell, day of judgment, repent, faith, atone, and impute – are completely foreign to them? This is the challenge of evangelism in a post-Christian world.

The Old Testament: A Foundation for the Gospel

In his book “Old Made New”, Greg Lanier explains how the New Testament authors used the Old Testament to communicate the gospel and present the person and work of Jesus. The Old Testament provides essential concepts and words that help us understand the nuts and bolts of the gospel.

Key Concepts from the Old Testament

• Sin and guilt: The Old Testament describes the state of mankind’s sinfulness and individual guilt.
• Sacrifice and atonement: The Old Testament introduces the concept of sacrifice and atonement, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
• Faith and justification: The Old Testament teaches that faith is necessary for justification, which is a central doctrine of the Christian faith.
• Sanctification and holiness: The Old Testament emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, separate from the world.

How the New Testament Authors Used the Old Testament

The New Testament authors regularly drew on the Old Testament to explain key aspects of personal salvation. For example:

• Paul’s use of Genesis 15:6: Paul cites Genesis 15:6 in Romans 4:3 and Galatians 3:6 to explain justification by faith.
• Peter’s use of Leviticus 11:44: Peter cites Leviticus 11:44 in 1 Peter 1:16 to emphasize the importance of living a holy life.
• Jesus’ use of Isaiah: Jesus alludes to Isaiah in Matthew 5:48 to teach about the importance of living a perfect life.

The Old Testament: A Witness to Personal Salvation

The Old Testament not only announces the historical plan of salvation but also bears witness to how it becomes personally yours by faith. By understanding the Old Testament, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the gospel and how it applies to our lives.

Conclusion

The Old Testament is not just a collection of ancient stories and laws; it is a foundation for the gospel. By studying the Old Testament, we can gain a deeper understanding of the good news and how it applies to our lives. As we share the gospel with others, let us not forget the importance of the Old Testament in revealing the person and work of Jesus Christ.