InstaStudy

Exploring the Old Testament: Foundations of Faith

A study examining key themes and figures in the Old Testament, highlighting their significance in understanding God's plan of salvation.

1. The God of Creation

1.1 God as Creator

Verses: Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16
  • God, in His eternal being, is the source of all creation.
  • The Word, who is God, was the active agent in creation.
  • All things were made by Him and for Him.

1.2 The Creation of Humanity

Verses: Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:45
  • Humanity was created in God's image, reflecting His nature.
  • God breathed life into Adam, forming a living soul.
  • Adam, as the first man, was a type of Christ, the last Adam.

2. Sin and Redemption

2.1 The Fall of Humanity

Verses: Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 5:12; 1 John 3:4
  • Sin entered the world through disobedience to God's command.
  • Sin brought separation from God and death to all humanity.
  • Sin is defined as transgression of the law.

2.2 The Promise of Redemption

Verses: Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
  • God promised a Redeemer who would crush the serpent's head.
  • This promise foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ.
  • The virgin birth of Jesus fulfills this prophetic promise.

3. The Identity of God

3.1 The Revelation of God's Name

Verses: Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:11; John 8:58
  • God revealed Himself to Moses as 'I AM,' the self-existent One.
  • God declares that there is no savior besides Him.
  • Jesus identifies Himself with the 'I AM,' claiming divine identity.

3.2 The Law and the Oneness of God

Verses: Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:29
  • God gave the Ten Commandments as a standard of righteousness.
  • The first commandment emphasizes the exclusive worship of God.
  • Jesus affirmed the Shema, 'The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'

4. Salvation Through Christ

4.1 Sacrifice and Atonement

Verses: Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22; John 1:29
  • The Old Testament sacrifices pointed to the need for atonement.
  • Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.
  • Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

4.2 The Way of Salvation

Verses: Numbers 21:9; John 3:14-15; Acts 4:12
  • The bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness foreshadowed Christ's crucifixion.
  • Jesus declared that He must be lifted up so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.
  • Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.