The Law, the Prophets, and the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ
The words of Scripture declare: “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of Heaven is preached, and men press into it.” This statement reveals an important truth about the message of the Bible. From the beginning of Scripture to the ministry of John the Baptist, the law and the prophets pointed forward to a greater revelation, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In other words, the Old Testament laid the foundation, while the New Testament revealed the fulfillment. Therefore, anyone who seeks to understand the Gospel must first understand how the law and the prophets prepared the way for the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Testimony of the Old Testament
The Bible begins with a powerful declaration: “In the beginning the Lord Jesus created the heavens and the earth.” This opening statement introduces the Creator and establishes His authority over all creation.
Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets consistently testify that there is only one Lord. For example, the Lord declared to Israel through the law:
“I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt… you shall have no other beside Me.”
Likewise, the command given to Israel was clear:
“Hear, O Israel: the Lord your God is one Lord, and Him only shall you serve.”
The prophets repeated this truth again and again. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord spoke these words to His people:
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“You are My witnesses and My servants whom I have chosen.”
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“Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me.”
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“Is there a God beside Me? I know not any.”
Furthermore, the Lord declared that He alone created the heavens and the earth. He said that He stretched out the heavens by Himself and took counsel with no one. In other words, no other power existed beside Him.
The Old Testament record is therefore clear: there is one Lord alone, the Savior of the world.
John the Baptist: The Turning Point
The ministry of John the Baptist marked a major transition in the plan of salvation. The prophets foretold that someone would come to prepare the way for the Lord.
According to Isaiah chapter 40, a voice would cry in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord.”
John fulfilled this prophecy. He came preaching repentance and baptizing people in water. However, John made it clear that his mission was not about himself. Instead, he pointed people to the One who would come after him.
John instructed the people of Israel to believe in the One who was coming—Jesus Christ.
In fact, Isaiah had already described this moment when he proclaimed to the cities of Judah:
“Behold your God! The Lord shall come with a strong arm.”
John’s message revealed that the Lord Himself would come to His people. That promise was fulfilled when the Lord Jesus Christ appeared.
The Lord Jesus Christ Manifested
The Gospel reveals that the Lord Jesus Christ was the Lord manifested in the flesh. Though He was called the Son of God and the Christ, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in Him bodily.
John the Baptist bore witness of this truth when he baptized the Lord Jesus Christ. Although the Lord Jesus had no sin, He submitted to baptism to fulfill all righteousness and to set an example for humanity.
Soon afterward, the Lord Jesus began His ministry. He healed the sick, opened blind eyes, and preached the kingdom of Heaven. Yet His greatest mission was still ahead.
He would give His life for the sins of the world.
The Plan of Salvation
The Gospel message centers on the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though He was without sin, He took our sins upon Himself and died in our place.
Three days later, He rose again in victory.
Because of this sacrifice, salvation became available to everyone who believes. The message of the apostles called people to:
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Repent of their sins
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Be baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
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Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
Through this experience, believers are adopted into the family of the Lord Jesus and become part of His church.
The Foundation of the Church
The Lord Jesus Christ established His church upon a firm foundation. He gave the keys of the kingdom to the apostle Peter and told him that whatever he bound on earth would be bound in Heaven.
Peter used this authority beginning in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. Later, the message spread to the Samaritans in Acts chapter 8, to the Gentiles in Acts chapter 10, and throughout the nations through the ministry of the apostle Paul.
Scripture teaches that no other foundation can be laid except the one already established. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone.
The apostles preached one clear message:
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One Lord
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One faith
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One baptism
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One hope of eternal life
This doctrine formed the foundation of the early church.
A Call to Faith Today
The Gospel message remains the same today. The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world that He created, yet many did not recognize Him.
However, the Bible declares a powerful promise:
“As many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe on His name.”
This invitation still stands today. Anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and follows His truth can receive forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.
Interactive Elements
Quick Quiz
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Who prepared the way for the Lord Jesus Christ?
A. Moses
B. John the Baptist
C. David -
Where did the church begin?
A. Rome
B. Jerusalem
C. Antioch -
Who holds the chief cornerstone of the church?
A. Peter
B. Paul
C. The Lord Jesus Christ
Poll
What part of the Gospel message speaks most to you today?
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The fulfillment of prophecy
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The sacrifice of the Lord Jesus
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The promise of salvation
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The foundation of the early church
Reflection Survey
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Do you feel the Old Testament helps you understand the Gospel better?
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Have you studied the book of Acts to understand the early church?
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What step of faith do you feel the Lord Jesus is calling you to take?
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