14 May Key Features of the Old Testament
Many of the Old Testament ‘elements’ are shadows to point to Christ. In one sense, the whole thing is about Christ, but pre-configured.
for example the Sabbath is a key part of the Old Testament – but it is a theological concept that points to finding rest from our works in the completed work of Christ. Christ is thus our sabbath, and we find sabbath (ie rest) when we place our trust in Him.
Circumcision is another key Old Testament thing, a sign of the covenant between people and God. But it is also a physical sign in the body to point to the idea of a contrite and humble (ie circumcised) heart before God. The New Testament makes clear that circumcision in the body means nothing if the heart is not circumcised. Christ said things like this in places like Matthew 15, saying, ‘they worship me with thier lips, but their hearts are far from me.’ Paul said it in places like Galatians 5 that ‘circumcision counts for nothing,’ but only faith in Christ.
And we can go on with many other examples like sacrifice pointing to Christ’s sacrifice, and priesthood pointing to Christ’s priesthood, Israel pointing to the true Israel, and so on.
The easiest book in the NT to get a start on with this thinking is the book of Hebrews, but you’ll find it everywhere. It’s also visible in Galatians and Colossians. If you want to get your head around the Old Testament, start thinking that it is all speaking about Jesus.
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