The Presence of Jesus in the New Testament and the Old Testament

Jesus, known as 'the Christ' or the 'Anointed One' in Hebrew, is the central figure not just in the New Testament (NT), but also tangibly in the Old Testament (OT). This article aims to clarify the presence and role of Jesus in both testaments, addressing common misunderstandings and providing context based on scholarly interpretations.

Jesus in the New Testament

Without question, the entire New Testament is dedicated to Jesus Christ. He is the focal point of this collection of books. From the Gospels to the Epistles, Jesus is the central figure who embodies the definition of messiah (anointed one).

Jesus in the Old Testament

Many scholars assert that the Old Testament also bears witness to the pre-incarnate Christ, who was known in both the Hebrew and Greek texts. Various interpretations highlight the existence of a pre-incarnate Messiah who led the Hebrews, and this figure is often seen as the Historical Jesus in a less direct form. For instance, the term 'Angel of the Lord' or 'The Word of the Lord' frequently refers to pre-incarnate Christ in many passages. Additionally, the prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament scriptures point directly to Jesus.

One of the most evident examples is in the Book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 12:2, the word 'salvation' is actually Yeshua in Hebrew, which is the name 'Joshua' was transliterated into Greek. However, in the context of the New Testament, this name is thought to refer to Jesus. This underscores the deep connection between Jesus and the stories and prophecies recorded in the Old Testament.

Are the NT References to Jesus in the OT?

Some common assertions about the Old Testament pointing to the New Testament can be misleading. For example, when people point to passages in the Old Testament as early hints of the coming of Jesus, it's important to clarify that the content of the Old Testament is not about Jesus. Instead, these prophetic texts refer to the pre-incarnate Christ. The mention of 'salvation comes from Yah' often refers to Joshua, the biblical leader, and not Jesus.

Prophecy and the Messiah

The Old Testament counterparts of the prophecies about the Messiah, like those found in the Book of Isaiah, are profound and accurate reflections of Jesus Christ. For example, the term 'salvation' which appears 957 times in the New Testament, also holds significant meaning in the Old Testament, often alluding to Jesus. Isaiah himself prophesied about the coming of a new covenant that would make believers partakers of the divine nature and into the sonship of God.

It is crucial to understand that the mention of 'salvation' in the Old Testament, such as in Isaiah, points to a pre-incarnate Christ or a mountain in prophecy. This helps to contextualize and correct some of the claims about direct references to Jesus.

Conclusion

In summary, Jesus is not only central to the New Testament but also has a prominent presence in the Old Testament through the figures like Joshua and the prophecies about the Messiah. Understanding these elements helps in appreciating the continuity and coherence in the narratives of the Bible.

Note: Opinions reflected in this article are the author's personal views. For official doctrinal pronouncements, please refer to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America or contact a real priest for further clarification on Orthodox Christian faith.