Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
An exploration of how Old Testament prophecies find their complete realization in the New Testament.
1. The Prophetic Voice: Introduction to Old Testament Prophecy
1.1 The Nature of Prophecy
Verses: 2 Peter 1:20-21; Amos 3:7
- Prophecy originates from the Divine Spirit, not human will.
- God reveals His plans and purposes to humanity through prophets.
1.2 Types of Prophecy
Verses: Deuteronomy 18:22; Isaiah 7:14
- Some prophecies are conditional, dependent on human response.
- Other prophecies are unconditional, guaranteeing future events.
2. Messianic Prophecies: The Coming Deliverer
2.1 Prophecies of the Messiah's Lineage and Birth
Verses: Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2
- The Messiah would descend from the tribe of Judah.
- He would be born of a virgin in Bethlehem.
2.2 Prophecies of the Messiah's Ministry and Miracles
Verses: Isaiah 61:1-2; Isaiah 35:5-6
- The Messiah would preach good news to the poor and heal the brokenhearted.
- He would perform miracles, healing the blind and the lame.
2.3 Prophecies of the Messiah's Suffering and Death
Verses: Isaiah 53:3-5; Psalm 22:16-18
- The Messiah would be despised, rejected, and wounded for our transgressions.
- His hands and feet would be pierced, and lots would be cast for His garments.
3. Prophecies Concerning the Divine Identity
3.1 The 'I AM' in the Old Testament
Verses: Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:11
- God reveals Himself as the self-existent 'I AM'.
- There is no savior besides Him.
3.2 The Manifestation of God in the Messiah
Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 10:30
- The Messiah is called 'Mighty God, Everlasting Father'.
- He declares, 'I and the Father are one.'
4. Prophecies Concerning the Outpouring of the Spirit
4.1 The Promise of the Spirit
Verses: Joel 2:28-29; Isaiah 44:3
- God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people.
- This outpouring will bring forth prophecy and spiritual gifts.
4.2 Fulfillment on the Day of Pentecost
Verses: Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:16-18
- The Holy Spirit is poured out on the believers in Jerusalem.
- Peter declares that this is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.
5. The Kingdom Prophecies: A Future Hope
5.1 The Establishment of God's Kingdom
Verses: Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 2:2-4
- God's kingdom will ultimately triumph over all earthly kingdoms.
- All nations will flow to it, seeking instruction and peace.
5.2 The New Heaven and New Earth
Verses: Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1
- God will create a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin and suffering.
- This will be the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed.