"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." John 5:39.

NOTE: When this was spoken, not a word of the New Testament had been written. It was to the Old Testament that the Jews looked as their guide to eternal life; and although they would not accept Christ, he said that these very books which they esteemed so highly, testified of Him. If the Old Testament points to Christ, it is worthy of our careful study.

In His teachings, Christ emphasized the authority and importance of the Scriptures. Here, Jesus was addressing the religious leaders of His time, encouraging them to recognize that the Scriptures pointed directly to Him as the Messiah. He also made it clear that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them. In Matthew 5:17 (NKJV), He said:

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."

These verses show that Christ upheld the Scriptures and revealed that they testified of His role in God's redemptive plan.

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." Galatians 3:8.

NOTE: It was through gospel faith that Abraham rejoiced to see the day of Christ. John 8:56. So with all the faithful who loved in the partiarchal age. All these had a practical knowledge of the gospel, as appears from their godly lives and sacrificial offerings.

The Scriptures do provide positive evidence that the gospel was known in the patriarchal age. Several passages indicate that the promise of redemption through faith in God was present long before the time of Christ.

1. Abraham and the Gospel:

   In Galatians 3:8 (NKJV), Paul explicitly says that the gospel was preached to Abraham: "And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, 'In you all the nations shall be blessed.'" This refers to God's promise to Abraham that through his seed, all nations would be blessed, which was ultimately fulfilled in Christ ( Genesis 12:3 ).

2. The Sacrificial System:

   From the very beginning, the sacrificial system practiced by the patriarchs symbolized the coming of a Savior who would die for the sins of humanity. Abel's offering of a lamb, which pleased God, represented faith in the promised Redeemer ( Genesis 4:4 , Hebrews 11:4 ).

3. Job's Faith in a Redeemer:

   Job, a patriarchal figure, expressed faith in a living Redeemer who would stand on the earth in the latter days. In Job 19:25 (NKJV), he says: "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth."This demonstrates an early belief in a future Redeemer who would bring salvation.

4. Promise to Adam and Eve:

   The first promise of the gospel, known as the "protoevangelium," is found in Genesis 3:15 . After the fall, God said to the serpent: "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel."This verse is understood as a promise of the coming Savior, who would defeat Satan and sin.

Thus, from Adam through the patriarchs, the essence of the gospel - the promise of salvation through a Redeemer - was known and believed by those who had faith in God's plan.

"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Hebrews 4:2.

NOTE: The persons here referred to by "them" are the Israelites when on their journey from Egypt to the promised land, as will be seen by the Scripture connection. Paul says the gospel was preached unto us as well as unto them, putting "them" ahead, and letting "us" have the gospel afterward.

Yes, the Scriptures contain unmistakable evidence that the Hebrews were taught the gospel under the former dispensation (the Old Covenant). Several key passages highlight how the gospel was embedded in their worship, ceremonies, and prophecies, pointing forward to the coming of Christ.

1. The Sacrificial System and the Gospel: The entire system of sacrifices and offerings instituted in the Mosaic law was a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Hebrews 10:1 (NKJV) says: "For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect."

   This indicates that the sacrificial system was a type or symbol of the gospel, teaching the Hebrews about the necessity of atonement for sin and pointing forward to Christ's sacrifice.

2. The Gospel Preached to the Israelites: In Hebrews 4:2 (NKJV), it is stated clearly that the gospel was preached to the Israelites: "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it."

   This verse reveals that the same gospel message of salvation through faith was given to the Israelites, though many did not accept it in faith.

3. The Covenant with Abraham: The covenant made with Abraham, which promised blessings to all nations through his seed, is another clear example of the gospel being taught. Galatians 3:16 (NKJV) explains that this promise referred to Christ: "Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, 'And to seeds,' as of many, but as of one, 'And to your Seed,' who is Christ."

   The covenant was not only about land and descendants but about the coming Messiah, through whom all people would be blessed.

4. The Prophets Foretelling the Gospel: The writings of the prophets also contained clear prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and His redemptive work. Isaiah 53, for example, vividly describes the suffering servant who would bear the sins of the people, a prophecy directly fulfilled in Christ. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) says: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

   This shows that the Hebrews were given clear revelations about the gospel through their prophets.

5. The Passover Lamb: The Passover ceremony, instituted at the time of the Exodus, symbolized the gospel as well. The lamb that was slain and its blood placed on the doorposts to save the Hebrews from death (Exodus 12) foreshadowed Christ as the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice would deliver humanity from sin. This is confirmed in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV): "For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us."

In all these examples, the Hebrews were taught the gospel through types, shadows, and prophecies, all of which pointed forward to Christ and the salvation that would come through Him. Thus, under the former dispensation, the gospel was present, though in a veiled form, awaiting fulfillment in the New Covenant.

"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Hebrews 11:26.

NOTE: People in that age, even as now, were influenced by the riches of Christ to give up the world.

Moses gave up the riches of Egypt because of his faith in God and his desire to fulfill his higher calling as part of God's people. Hebrews 11:24-26 (NKJV) explains this decision clearly:

"By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward."

Moses was raised in the wealth and power of Pharaoh's household, but he chose to reject those material comforts. Instead, he aligned himself with the Hebrew people, even though it meant suffering and hardship. His choice was motivated by several key factors:

1. Faith in God's Promises: Moses understood that God's promises to Israel were of far greater value than the temporary treasures and pleasures of Egypt. He believed in the eternal reward that would come from following God's will, which outweighed the fleeting riches of the world.

2. Identification with God's People: Moses chose to suffer with the people of God rather than continue enjoying the privileges of Egyptian royalty. This reflects his deep connection to his heritage and his sense of justice for the oppression of the Hebrews.

3. Looking Toward the Messiah: The phrase "esteeming the reproach of Christ" in Hebrews 11:26 suggests that Moses, through faith, looked forward to the coming of the Messiah and the salvation that would come through Him. This shows that Moses was motivated by a spiritual vision of God's redemptive plan.

In summary, Moses gave up the riches of Egypt because of his faith in God's promises, his desire to be part of God's people, and his focus on the eternal reward rather than temporary worldly gain.

"And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:2-4.

In 1 Corinthians 10:2-4 , the apostle Paul draws a connection between the experiences of the Israelites during the Exodus and the spiritual realities of the gospel. He uses these events as symbolic of the Christian experience, pointing to Christ as central to their deliverance.

These verses contain several important ideas:

1. Baptism into Moses (v. 2): Paul says the Israelites were "baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea." This refers to their passage through the Red Sea and their guidance by the pillar of cloud, which were physical acts symbolizing a form of baptism. Just as Christians are baptized into Christ, the Israelites were "baptized" into Moses, their mediator and leader, who led them out of bondage, prefiguring Christ's role as the ultimate Deliverer.

2. Spiritual Food and Drink (vv. 3-4): The "spiritual food" and "spiritual drink" refer to the manna and water that God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. While these were physical provisions, Paul says they also had spiritual significance, pointing to how Christ sustains His people. Jesus Himself later refers to this in John 6:48-51 , where He identifies Himself as the "bread of life."

3. The Spiritual Rock, Christ (v. 4): Paul identifies Christ as the "spiritual Rock" that followed the Israelites and provided them with water in the wilderness. This is a reference to the events in exodus:Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11 , where Moses struck the rock and water flowed out to sustain the people. Paul makes it clear that this rock symbolized Christ, who is the source of spiritual life and sustenance for His people.

By drawing these parallels, Paul teaches that the gospel was present even in the experiences of the Israelites. The manna, water, and rock were not just physical provisions but also pointed forward to Christ and His work of salvation. The Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness were, in many ways, a foreshadowing of the salvation and spiritual journey Christians experience through Christ.

The spiritual meat (food) and drink of the Israelites in the wilderness ultimately came from God Himself. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:3-4 , explains that although the Israelites received physical food and water, these were also spiritually significant because they were divinely provided and pointed to Christ.

Here's how God provided for the Israelites:

1. Spiritual Meat (Manna): The "spiritual meat" refers to the manna, the bread from heaven, that God miraculously provided to sustain the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. Exodus 16:4 (NKJV) says: "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you.'"

   Manna was a physical food, but its source was supernatural, and it foreshadowed Christ as the true bread from heaven. Jesus referred to this in John 6:32-35 , where He said that He is the "bread of life," the ultimate spiritual sustenance.

2. Spiritual Drink (Water from the Rock): The "spiritual drink" refers to the water that God provided from the rock. On two occasions, Moses was instructed to either strike or speak to a rock, and water miraculously flowed out to quench the thirst of the people ( Exodus 17:6 , Numbers 20:8-11 ). As 1 Corinthians 10:4 explains, this rock symbolized Christ: "For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ."

   This water represented more than just physical sustenance; it pointed to Christ, who later described Himself as the source of "living water" that leads to eternal life ( John 4:14 ).

Thus, both the manna and the water from the rock came from God's miraculous provision. While they met the Israelites' physical needs, they also served as symbols of deeper spiritual truths, pointing to Christ as the ultimate source of life and sustenance for His people.

"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." Ephesians 2:20.

The chief cornerstone of the faith of both the apostles and the prophets is Jesus Christ. This is clearly stated in Ephesians 2:19-20 (NKJV):

"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone."

Here, Paul explains that both the Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles built their faith and teaching on the same foundation - Jesus Christ. Christ is described as the "chief cornerstone," a key part of the foundation that holds the entire structure together. In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the first and most important stone laid because it determined the alignment and stability of the entire building.

The idea of Christ as the cornerstone also echoes prophetic passages in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 28:16 (NKJV), where God says:

"Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily."

This prophecy refers to the coming Messiah, whom the New Testament reveals as Jesus Christ. The apostles and prophets placed their faith in God's promise of redemption through the Messiah, and in the New Testament, Christ is revealed as the fulfillment of these promises.

In summary, Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the faith of both apostles and prophets. Their teachings and hope of salvation were centered on Him as the foundation of God's plan for humanity.

"And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?" Acts 8:30.

Philip heard the Ethiopian eunuch reading from the book of Isaiah, specifically Isaiah 53, which contains a prophecy about the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. This is recorded in Acts 8:30 (NKJV):

"So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this: 'He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth.'"

The eunuch was reading Isaiah 53:7-8 , which is a passage that foretells the suffering and sacrifice of Christ, the Messiah, for the sins of humanity. This gave Philip the opportunity to explain how this prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and as a result, the eunuch believed and was baptized.

This encounter shows how the Old Testament, especially the book of Isaiah, points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

"And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him." Acts 8:31.

When Philip asked the Ethiopian eunuch if he understood what he was reading, the eunuch replied:

"How can I, unless someone guides me?"

This response is found in Acts 8:31 (NKJV):

"And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him."

This reply highlights the importance of guidance and teaching in understanding the Scriptures, as well as the eunuch's openness to learning and seeking deeper understanding. It set the stage for Philip to explain the passage from Isaiah and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with him.

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." Acts 8:35.

NOTE: Notwithstanding the clearness with which we see Christ referred to in the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the Hebrews would not admit His claims to the Messiahship. It is a truthful remark, that "the New Testament was hid in the Old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the New." By searching both Testaments together, we may become enlightened regarding the plan of salvation; for had not the Old Testament before predicted what the Messiah would be and do, there would have been no standard by which to decide whether or not the personage who then appeared was He. How necessary, then, that we love and study all the Bible! If we do not, we, like the Hebrews, may lose sight of some of the most important points contained in the New Testament itself.

After the Ethiopian eunuch expressed his need for guidance in understanding the Scripture, Philip joined him in the chariot and explained the passage from Isaiah that the eunuch was reading. Specifically, he preached to him about Jesus.

This is recorded in Acts 8:35 (NKJV):

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him."

Philip used the prophecy from Isaiah 53, which the eunuch was reading, as a starting point to share the message of the gospel, explaining how it pointed to the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. This teaching led to the eunuch's belief in Jesus, and ultimately, he asked to be baptized, which Philip facilitated shortly thereafter.

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15.

The Scriptures have several important purposes and capabilities, as highlighted throughout the Bible. Here are some key functions and effects of the Scriptures:

• Teach and Instruct: The Scriptures are able to provide wisdom, guidance, and teaching on how to live a righteous life. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV), Paul writes: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." This emphasizes that the Scriptures are essential for understanding God's will and for spiritual growth.
• Convict of Sin: The Scriptures have the power to reveal sin and bring conviction. In Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV), it says: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." This passage illustrates how the Scriptures can penetrate deeply into the human heart, exposing sin and prompting repentance.
• Encourage and Comfort: The Scriptures provide hope, comfort, and encouragement during difficult times. Romans 15:4 (NKJV) states: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." The teachings and stories in Scripture can uplift and strengthen believers in their faith.
• Guide in Righteousness: The Scriptures serve as a moral and ethical guide for believers. Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) says: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse illustrates how Scripture provides direction and clarity in decision-making and daily living.
• Reveal God's Character and Plan: The Scriptures reveal the nature of God, His attributes, and His redemptive plan for humanity. John 5:39 (NKJV) records Jesus saying: "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." The Scriptures point to Jesus and provide insight into God's plan of salvation.
• Equip for Spiritual Warfare: The Scriptures serve as a vital weapon in spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:17 (NKJV), Paul refers to the Scriptures as the "sword of the Spirit": "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." This highlights the importance of Scripture in resisting temptation and combating spiritual challenges.

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.

The Bereans are commended in the Book of Acts for their diligent study of the Scriptures. In Acts 17:11 (NKJV), it states:

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."

This verse highlights two key points about the Bereans:

• Nobility of Character: The Bereans are described as "more noble" than the Thessalonians, indicating that their attitude toward receiving new teachings was commendable. They were open-minded and receptive, demonstrating a readiness to hear the message.
• Diligence in Scripture Study: Their practice of searching the Scriptures daily reflects a commitment to understanding and verifying the teachings they received, particularly concerning the message of the gospel. This indicates their desire for truth and willingness to test the claims made by Paul and Silas against the Scriptures.

"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4.

NOTE: If man is to live by the word of God, he certainly ought to use it daily, as daily nourishment is needed to keep him alive.

Man is to live by the Word of God. This principle is clearly articulated in the Bible, particularly in Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV), where it states:

"So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."

This verse emphasizes that physical sustenance (bread) is not sufficient for true life; instead, spiritual sustenance - God's Word - is essential.

Additionally, in the New Testament, Jesus quotes this same verse when tempted by Satan in the wilderness, affirming its truth in Matthew 4:4 (NKJV):

"But He answered and said, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

These passages underscore the idea that a person's spiritual and moral life is sustained by the teachings, commands, and promises found in the Scriptures. Thus, true life involves a relationship with God and adherence to His Word.

"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." Psalms 138:2.

NOTE: We ought, then, to treat the word of God with the profoundest reverence, and search its pages daily, that we may continually learn more of God.

God has magnified His Word greatly, highlighting its importance and authority in several key ways throughout the Scriptures:

• Exalted Above His Name: In Psalms 138:2 (NKJV), the psalmist declares: "I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name."This verse indicates that God's Word holds a place of supreme importance, even elevated above His own name, which signifies His character and reputation.
• Eternal and Unchanging: God's Word is described as eternal and unchanging in Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."This emphasizes that God's Word is enduring and will not pass away, reflecting its ultimate authority and reliability.
• Powerful and Transformative: In Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV), the Word of God is described as: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."This illustrates the active and transformative power of God's Word in the lives of believers.
• Guidance and Wisdom: The Scriptures serve as a guide for living, providing wisdom and instruction. In Psalm 119:105 (NKJV), it states: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."This metaphor illustrates how God's Word illuminates the way for believers, helping them navigate life according to His will.
• Fulfillment of Promises: God's Word is associated with His faithfulness in fulfilling promises. In Matthew 5:18 (NKJV), Jesus states: "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."This indicates that every aspect of God's Word will come to pass, affirming its authority and reliability.

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