God’s Word

 

The Certainty of Biblical Truth

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

©February 21, 2010

pastorkennedy@gmail.com

www.brinnonchurch.com


Scripture Reading:  Psalm 1

Everything that functions properly has a secure foundation, which gives it stability.

God’s Laws govern the stability of creation around us:

o The “Law of Gravity”

o Boyle’s Law:  “Boyle's law describes the inversely proportional relationship between the absolute pressure and volume of a gas, if the temperature is kept constant within a closed system.”  Robert Boyle published his findings in 1662.

o The “2nd Law of Thermodynamics”

o The “Law of the Conservation of Energy”

o The Periodic Table.  We continue to discover elements for the Periodic Table – Scientists know that certain elements must exist in some form because of an atomic pattern.

  1. Uus Ununseptium:  Element 117 has not yet been discovered…chemists just know that an element like it must exist.

“Ununseptium is the temporary name of an undiscovered chemical element with the temporary symbol Uus and atomic number 117. It is the only missing element in period 7 of the periodic table. Since it is placed below the halogens it may share qualities similar to astatine or iodine. The first attempt to synthesize this element is currently underway at the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions in Dubna, Russia.”

We survive as human beings because of the “laws” that God has formulated and infused throughout creation to allow the universe to be consistent and stable.  We give these laws names, sometimes of the discoverer, such as Uus, or “Boyle’s Law”, for instance, not because the research labs, or individuals who published their findings, did anything to create these natural laws; instead, because they were the ones who discovered the already existing “laws” existence! 

Man merely discovers...God is the only One who creates laws that govern the universe.

There are Laws that govern the nation – or the road.  Chaos would reign if these were not in place and enforced!

There are Rules that define the parameters of competitive games (around the table or in the field).  Would you enjoy watching a competition if the rules were different for each contestant – depending on the bias of the judges or officials?

We expect direction, stability and regulation to govern the road, or the competitions in life because of the hazard that would come without stringent, exacting boundaries.  But, somehow we seem to be hesitant to believe that life itself has standardized laws, which, if broken, cause damage to our life and well being.

There are Laws that God has established for a life that works honorably and gives stability.

The 10 Commandments succinctly show God’s Laws seen more fully throughout the Bible.

Depravity and God’s Laws.  Because all human beings have been poisoned and deformed by sin from the depravity that came through “the fall of man”, we cannot obtain perfection.  Christ’s coming, death and resurrection fulfilled the Law and gives us opportunity to daily grow in Grace – to be more like God has planned for us to be.  Meditation on God’s Word, the Bible gives us insight to live as God intends for His human creation to live.  Living otherwise brings dysfunction or disaster.

There is a huge need for the human individual to have a foundational resource for our spirit, without which we could be consumed by hopelessness.


The Interaction of Spiritual Dynamics

There are spiritual powers and dimensions in the world, both bad and good that interact with our lives.  Those against God, press us to sin against God.  These may even deceive us into thinking that we are “serving” God!  Then there is truly the Spirit of God – Who guides us daily and Who is always consistent with God’s Word, the Bible.  We must know the difference in these “spirits”!

  1. Our problem: there are spiritual dimensions all around us which profoundly affect our emotions.

    Our emotions and “feelings” are powerful!  We often accept what our “feelings” and emotions prompt us to believe about life, more easily, than that which the Scripture instructs us about life!

We can often accept what others “think” about God and things in this world, rather than what the Word of God says.

o Godless living deceives with passive callousness and denial of accountability to God;

o The proposed theories of Self-Perpetuation in the world – that we came from nothing and our lives will be accountable to no one, seem to authenticate such deception, but they are not sustainable.


The Need to Have a Secure Source of Truth

God has given us His Word to teach us how He wants us to live and to prepare for eternity with Him.


In this message, I would like to give only a small glimpse of reasonable evidence as to why the Bible is the most accurate, most valuable, and most valid Book ever to grace the hands of any reader – in the history of the world!  I believe that the Bible is the Living Word of God, absolutely necessary for the Spiritual growth of any of God’s Children.  Those are pretty strong statements…let’s see if you will agree!


Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so,

but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 1


If We are seeking to Find a Source to Guide our Life, then why choose the Bible?

What guides your life and mine?  Is it our own self-evaluating conscious or subconscious mind?  Is it through the education gained from the learned scholars of the world?  Are we to live our life based on traditions passed from one generation to another?  Is there a source of truth that stands the test of time?  Are there spiritual truths found in the Bible that give a secure hope of eternal life?

No one can give the world just any “source of truth” that they wish to proclaim valid, spawned from any “brilliance” or “revelation” that they may have experienced, with the personal expectation that their self-proclaimed source be affirmed by God.

What source is so profound, so authentic, so Inspired, that we can totally trust the details of our daily lifestyle, the direction for our earthly life, the basis for the instruction we give our children, and the profound consequences of our personal eternal life, after death, to the fundamental Truths established in that source? 

…In what do we put our trust for life, death and eternity?  Ourselves?

There could be many possibilities of sources for adequate living, and there may be sources that even claim to effectively understand dying, but which source is the adequate source for both living and dying; which source is adequate for both understanding and dealing with the physical and the spiritual?  I believe there is no other source in the whole world that can distinctively guide us in life, in death, with each other, and in relationship to God, as is the Divine Source found in the Bible – both the Old and New Testaments. 


You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your might. 

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your children,

and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,

and when you walk by the way,

and when you lie down, and when you rise.

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand,

and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9


Let’s Look at the Uniqueness – the “One of a kind” Uniqueness of God’s Word


  1. 1.  The Bible has the Unique Dynamic of Multiple Authorship

Give the world any book that has multiple authors

Not just two or three human authors, but many authors inspired by One Supreme God!

Not even five or ten authors, but authors who are in multiples of ten…say 35 to 40 authors,

Most of the Bible’s human authors had never met or even lived at the same time. 

Never been gathered into the same conferencing room together, or their works quietly edited by devotees (to assure that foibles would be erased and topics would remain consistent), for, in fact, the majority of the Bible’s authors had never met…many had never even lived together in the same time-span, century, or even millennia.  Many of these forty or so Jewish authors were residents of several different nations and had not been associated at all, except by the Spirit of the Living God. 

Each of the Sixty-Six Books in the Bible is a “stand alone” Book.

These authors’ sixty-six individual texts had been unedited “stand-alone” Books until brought together by their unique and obvious place in religious life of those who worshipped God and honored His Word. 

Scribes were to only copy the text, not edit it, in order to comply with the 65 other Books – and they did so with holy reverence!

Religious persons who replicated subsequent editions of the book were not given the authority to edit the text so that it would comply with other books of the Bible, but only to faithfully copy what God had inspired the original authors to write. 

All of the authors had Unique Backgrounds


Give the world a Book written by normal folks and great leaders, people from all walks of life – From kings to shepherds, tradesmen to scholars, and prophets to fishermen; each one inspired by the same Almighty God


The Bible is Diverse in many ways

This unique Book displays a breadth of diversity in culture, subject matter and multiple authorships, while still retaining dynamic cohesiveness in Spiritual Thought. 

The Bible is an essential book with human diversity and historical significance.

A Spiritual Book filled with great human diversity, while still retaining dynamic cohesiveness in Spiritual Thought, unified by God’s Spirit to be united in dynamic spiritual themes, faithfully telling the world’s history, mankind’s relationship to God, the dilemma of disobedience to God, and the blessing of obeying God, by faith. 

Its primary reason is to reveal how mankind’s relationship with God can be restored from its fallen state!

Key themes in the Bible:

  1.    The Creation of the World;

  2.    The Fall of Mankind and their Spiritual Separation from God;

  3.    Grace, Faith and a Chosen People;

  4.    A Divine Redeeming Messiah, complete with foretelling Prophecies and His Personal Revelation;

  5.    Understanding and Obtaining Reconciliation with God, Salvation, and Eternal life;

  6.    The Eternal Kingdom of the Everlasting God.



This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,

but you shall meditate on it day and night,

so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.

For then you will make your way prosperous,

and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:8


  1. 2.  The Bible is Unique in Withstanding Unparalleled Universal Critique

The Bible has sustained vicious attacks, intolerance and discrimination from those in the world – inconsistent with the so-called etiquette given to every other religion or “holy” book.

Regarding the other “holy books” in the world, many of their followers “cry foul”, or call into question a person’s tolerance by saying they are being “discriminated against”, or these followers may actually go into vicious, personal “threats” against any who would call into question the origination or validity of their holy book.  Sad as it may seem, the world does not use consistent etiquette when the Bible is attacked.

The Bible has withstood every assault from every naysayer, skeptic and atheist.

The Bible has withstood every onslaught of atheist, antagonist and outright warmongers who have set as their goal the destruction of the Biblical Scripture.  It is interesting that the rude and unapologetic atheism of Communism is itself being dismembered.  The French philosopher and Biblical antagonist Voltaire proclaimed that the Bible would only survive in museums within fifty years.  Interestingly enough, his own home became the publishing house for the Geneva Bible Society twenty years after the vehement philosopher’s death.  The Bible is still the world’s bestseller.

Everyone then who hears these words of mine

and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

And the rain fell, and the floods came,

and the winds blew and beat on that house,

but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them

will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

And the rain fell, and the floods came,

and the winds blew and beat against that house,

and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

– Jesus

Matthew 7:24-27


The Bible has not just “survived” attacks in the 20th and 21st Century.  The Bible has eloquently and supernaturally prevailed against violent attacks for some 3,500 years that critiques have maligned against its Presence – without, in the least, causing its demise, or minimizing its influence to God’s chosen.

“Like a wall four-feet high by four-feet wide, attempts to blow it over accomplished nothing.”

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away…” Mark 13:31

“Despite its importance (or maybe because of it), the Bible has suffered more vicious attacks than would be expected to be made on such a book. But the Bible has withstood all its attackers. Diocletian attempted to exterminate it (c. a.d. 303-305), and yet it is the most widely published book in the world today. Biblical critics once regarded much of it as mythological, but archaeology has established it as historical. Antagonists have attacked its teaching as primitive, but moralists urge that its teaching on love be applied to modern society. Skeptics have cast doubt on its authenticity, and yet more men are convinced of its truth today than ever. Attacks on the Bible continue to arise from science, psychology, and political movements, but the Bible remains undaunted. Like the wall four-feet high and four-feet wide, attempts to blow it over accomplish nothing. The Bible remains just as strong after the attack. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31).”2

2 Geisler, Norman L. ; Nix, William E.: A General Introduction to the Bible. Rev. and expanded. Chicago : Moody Press, 1996, c1986


God’s enemies seem to be passionate about destroying His Word, but those who are seeking Him and draw from the Resource of this Water of Life, find in it a great strength, great blessing and great harvest for the Kingdom of God.

Give the world any book which claims to be inspired by God and give some 3,500 years (the Bible was written over a period of some 1,500 years) for anyone from the most skeptical peasant to the most critical, analytical, and proficient scholar, from any institution of higher learning, in any religion and in every culture, to prove or disprove its claim, and if that book still stands the test of time, then the world has a Book called the Divinely inspired Word of God, the Holy Bible.


“Hear then the parable of the sower:

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.  This is what was sown along the path.  As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.  As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields,

in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Matthew 13:18-23


  1. 3.   The Bible is a Uniquely Prophetic Book

[see Endnotes]

The Bible proclaims events to come, declared sometimes hundreds or even thousands of years before their fulfillment. 

Add to those prophecies the requirement that all such prophecies from God be fulfilled with 100% accuracy and the world is given a book with certainty and stability.  Deut. 18:21,22; 13:1-3; Jer. 28:9

Within that Book there are many prophecies and fulfillments regarding Abraham and the Jewish nation.  There are a large number of prophecies regarding the nations surrounding Israel, which affected, for evil or good, the Jewish people. 

The greatest body of prophecies within the Bible relate to the coming of the Messiah, His Redemptive Sacrifice and His eternal Kingdom. 

There were many prophecies from the Old Testament, fulfilled in the New Testament, which cannot be denied.

Jesus and His disciples also had numerous prophetic statements, many of which, relate to the “end of the age”, and are yet to be fulfilled

“Other books claim divine inspiration, such as the Koran, the Book of Mormon, and parts of the Veda. But none of those books contains predictive prophecy. As a result, fulfilled prophecy is a strong indication of the unique, divine authority of the Bible.”3

3 Gleason L. Archer, Jr., A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, “Appendix 2: Anachronisms and Historical Inaccuracies in the Koran,” pp. 498-500; “Appendix 3: Anachronisms and Historical Inaccuracies in the Mormon Scriptures,” pp. 501-4.


These prophecies in the Bible were not proclaimed in vague “Edgar Cayce type” sentences, or filled with mystic incantations or cloaked with multiple-meanings to give any possibility of diverse fulfillment (or provide an easy cover-up of failure).

  1. They were given in specific, undeniable detail, such as, “for my clothing they cast lots” [Cited from Ps. 22:18, fulfilled in John 19:24] “not one of his bones will be broken,” [Cited from Ex. 12:46; Ps 34:20; Num. 9:12; (1 Cor. 5:7), fulfilled in John 19:36]. “They will look on him whom they have pierced,” [Cited from Zech. 12:10; [Rev. 1:7], fulfilled in John 19:37].  Jesus prophesied that not one stone of the temple would be left upon another (Matt. 24:1,2).  The destruction of the temple in 70 AD was so devastating by the Roman conqueror Titus, that Jesus prophecy was fulfilled to the letter.  Prophecies by the Old Testament prophets concerning world rulers who would rise (such as in Daniel 7-12), and the many prophecies of the major and minor prophets were specifically fulfilled – or will be fulfilled, if they related to future events.

        [See Endnotes, for many other specific references.]


Give the world a Book that demands complete, 100% accuracy in the fulfillment of God-given prophecies, asserting that not one word of its prophecies from God can fail in any degree.  Give the world that Book and it will be called God’s Word, the Holy Bible.

The Prophetic Word

And we have something more sure, the prophetic word,

to which you will do well to pay attention

as to a lamp shining in a dark place,

until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

knowing this first of all,

that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man,

but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:19-21


The Bible is a book not only totally accurate in its prophecy; it is a sound, trusted historical record. 


  1. 4.  The Bible is a Unique Book of Historical Authority

The Bible can accurately be sustained as a historical document, faithfully giving evidence to what has happened throughout the centuries and honorably recording the history of the nations.  It is a Book verified by historical facts. 

It has been said that 90% of archeology is still under the sand while only 10% has been uncovered.  It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference.”  We can also say with great assurance from the confirmation of every other archeological find relating to the Bible, that the archeology to be revealed holds some amazing continuing confirmations of Scripture.

“Much of the Bible is historical and as such is subject to historical investigation. The most significant area of confirmation in this regard has come from the field of archaeology. The renowned archaeologist William F. Albright said, “There can be no doubt that archaeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of the Old Testament tradition.”5 Nelson Glueck adds, It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible.”6 Millar Burrows notes that “more than one archaeologist has found his respect for the Bible increased by the experience of excavation in Palestine.”7 Clifford A. Wilson has added still more support to the historical reliability of the Bible.”

5 William F. Albright, Archeology and the Religion of Israel, p. 176.

6 Nelson Glueck, Rivers in the Desert: A History of the Negev, p. 31.

7 Millar Burrows, What Mean These Stones?, p. 1

see also Clifford A. Wilson, Rocks, Relics, and Biblical Reliability.


The influence of the Bible is unparalleled.  The Bible has had a profound affect on the world.


“No book has been more widely disseminated and has more broadly influenced the course of world events than the Bible. The Bible has been translated into more languages, been published in more copies, influenced more thought, inspired more art, and motivated more discoveries than any other book in history. The Bible has been translated into over one thousand languages representing more than ninety percent of the world’s population. It has been published in billions of copies. There are no close seconds to it on the all-time bestseller list. The influence of the Bible and its teaching in the Western world is clear for all who study history. And the influential role of the West in the course of world events is equally clear. Civilization has been influenced more by the Judeo-Christian Scriptures than by any other book or series of books in the world. Indeed, no great moral or religious work in the world exceeds the depth of morality in the principle of Christian love, and none has a loftier spiritual concept than the biblical view of God. The Bible presents the highest ideals known to men, ideals that have molded civilization.” 9

9Geisler, Norman L. ; Nix, William E.: A General Introduction to the Bible. Rev. and expanded. Chicago : Moody Press, 1996, c1986


“Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Matthew 4:4


  1. 5.  The Bible is a Unique Book that Brings Hope

The Bible gives security to the lonely distressed mother;

It gives insight to the most scholarly scientist;

It gives hope to the struggling insecure adolescent;

It gives faith to the simplest, most innocent child;

It gives direction to the most powerful CEO;

It gives comfort in the ultimate turmoil of dying, and

It gives the reality of eternal salvation to the departed soul…

Yes, give the world that Book, and it will be called “The Bible”.


Oh how I love your law!

It is my meditation all the day.

Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,

for it is ever with me.

I have more understanding than all my teachers,

for your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the aged,

for I keep your precepts.

I hold back my feet from every evil way,

in order to keep your word.

I do not turn aside from your rules,

for you have taught me.

How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Through your precepts I get understanding;

therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:97-104


Conclusion


The Necessity of Believing the Truths in the Bible


When we speak of understanding and believing the Bible, we are not speaking of a mere intellectual assent, “Oh, I believe the Bible…”  The dynamic revelation of the Bible is for mankind to once again be renewed in an individual relationship with God.  The following verses show more clearly, the gravity of rejection of the truth found in the Bible.


John 5:24-28

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.


All Scripture is breathed out by God

and profitable for teaching,

for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

that the man of God may be competent,

equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16,17


Give the World a Book


    Give the world any book that has multiple authors – not just two, three or four authors, or even five or ten authors, but authors who are in multiples of ten…say 35 to 40 authors, writing cohesively from the same foundation, having never been gathered into the same conferencing room together, or whose works have never been quietly edited by devotees; a book written by authors most of whom that had never met – many never even having lived together in the same time-span, century, or even millennia…


    Give the world a Book written by normal folks and great leaders, people from all walks of life – from kings to shepherds, tradesmen to scholars, and prophets to fishermen; each one inspired by the same Almighty God, all authoring a unique Book displaying a breadth of diversity in culture and subject matter, while still retaining dynamic cohesiveness in Spiritual Thought…


    Give the world a book which claims to be inspired by God and give thirty-five hundred years for anyone from the most skeptical peasant to the most critical, analytical, and proficient scholar, from any institution of higher learning, in any religion and in every culture, to prove or disprove its claim, and it is still standing the test of time…


    Give the world a Book that proclaims events to come, declared sometimes hundreds or even thousands of years before their fulfillment and give those same prophecies the requirement that they have 100% accuracy in their God-spoken fulfillment, asserting that not one word of the prophecies from God can fail in any degree…


    Give the world a book that can accurately be sustained as a historical document, faithfully giving evidence to what has happened throughout the centuries and honorably recording the history of the nations, certifiable by the shovel and trowel of mid-east archeologists from all over the world…

    Give the world a Book that gives security to the lonely distressed mother; that gives insight to the most scholarly scientist; that gives hope to the struggling insecure adolescent; that gives faith to the simplest, most innocent child; that gives direction to the most powerful CEO; that gives comfort in the ultimate turmoil of dying, and that gives the reality of eternal salvation to the departed soul; yes, give the world that Book, and it will be called “God’s Holy Living Word: The Bible”.




Endnotes:



A Chronological Listing of


MESSIANIC PROPHECIES (Prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, the Messiah: His Birth, Sacrifice, and His coming Eternal Reign) as recorded in the Old Testament and FULFILLED or RESTATED (to be fulfilled in the future)

as recorded in related passages in the New Testament


The prophetic passages in the Old Testament below are arranged chronologically from Genesis to Malachi, with the New Testament reference following, noting the prophesy’s fulfillment, or the New Testament’s restatement of that which is to be fulfilled in future events, relating to the coming Kingdom of Christ.


Because the Old Testament passages below are arranged chronologically, from the beginning of the Old Testament Books to their end, you will see these Prophesies skip back and forth, mixing the prophetic passages concerning the Birth, Sacrifice, and Future Reign of Christ.


   PROPHECY  -  Old Testament REFERENCES -  *New Testament FULLFILLMENT


  1. Seed of the woman    Gen 3:15    *Gal 4:4; Heb 2:14


  1. Through Noah’s sons    Gen 9:27    *Luke 6:36


  1. Seed of Abraham    Gen 12:3    *Matt 1:1; Gal 3:8, 16


  1. Seed of Isaac    Gen 17:19    *Rom 9:7; Heb 11:18


  1. Blessing to nations    Gen 18:18    *Gal 3:8


  1. Seed of Isaac    Gen 21:12    *Rom 9:7; Heb 11:18


  1. Blessing to Gentiles    Gen 22:18; 26:4;    *Gal 3:8, 16; Heb 6:14


  1. Blessing through Abraham    Gen 28:14    *Gal 3:8, 16; Heb 6:14


  1. Of the tribe of Judah    Gen 49:10    *Rev 5:5


  1. No bone broken    Exod 12:46; Num 9:12    *John 19:36


  1. Serpent in wilderness    Num 21:8–9    *John 3:14–15


  1. A star out of Jacob    Num 24:17–19    *Matt 2:2; Luke 1:33, 78; Rev 22:16


  1. As a prophet    Deut 18:15, 18–19    *John 6:14; 7:40; Acts 3:22–23


  1. Cursed on the tree    Deut 21:23    *Gal 3:13


  1. The throne of David established forever    2 Sam 7:12–13, 16, 25–26; 1 Chr 17:11–14, 23–27; 2 Chr 21:7        *Matt 19:28; 21:4; 25:31; Mark 12:37; Luke 1:32; John 7:42; Acts 2:30; 13:23; Rom 1:3; 2 Tim 2:8; Heb 1:5, 8; 8:1; 12:2; Rev 22:1


  1. A promised Redeemer    Job 19:25–27    *John 5:28–29; Gal 4:4; Eph 1:7, 11, 14


  1. Declared to be the Son of God    Ps 2:1–12    *Matt 3:17; Mark 1:11; Acts 4:25–26; 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5; Rev 2:26–27; 19:15–16


  1. His resurrection    Ps 16:8–10    *Acts 2:27; 13:35; 26:23


  1. Hands and feet pierced    Ps 22:1–31    *Matt 27:31, 35–36


  1. Mocked and insulted    Ps 22:7–8    *Matt 27:39–43, 45–49


  1. Soldiers cast lots for coat    Ps 22:18    *Mark 15:20, 24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23–24


  1. Accused by false witnesses    Ps 27:12    *Matt 26:60–61


  1. He commits His spirit    Ps 31:5    *Luke 23:46


  1. No broken bone    Ps 34:20    *John 19:36


  1. Accused by false witnesses    Ps 35:11    *Matt 26:59–61; Mark 14:57–58


  1. Hated without reason    Ps 35:19; 68:18    *John 15:24–25


  1. Friends stand afar off    Ps 38:11    *Matt 27:55; Mark 15:40; Luke 23:49


  1. “I come to do Thy will”    Ps 40:6–8    *Heb 10:5–9


  1. Betrayed by a friend    Ps 41:9; 55:12-14    *Matt 26:14–16, 47, 50; Mark 14:17–21; Luke 22:19–23; John 13:18–19


  1. Known for righteousness    Ps 45:2, 6–7    *Heb 1:8–9


  1. His resurrection    Ps 49:15    *Mark 16:6


  1. His ascension    Ps 68:18    *Eph 4:8


  1. Stung by reproaches    Ps 69:9    *John 2:17; Rom 15:3


  1. Given gall and vinegar    Ps 69:21    *Matt 27:34, 48; Mark 15:23; Luke 23:36; John 19:29


  1. Exalted by God    Ps 72:1–19    *Matt 2:2; Phil 2:9–11; Heb 1:8


  1. He speaks in parables    Ps 78:2    *Matt 13:34–35


  1. Seed of David exalted    Ps 89:3–4, 19–29, 35–37    *Luke 1:32; Acts 2:30; 13:23; Rom 1:3; 2 Tim 2:8


  1. Son of Man comes in glory    Ps 102:16    *Luke 21:27; Rev. 19:11-21


  1. Prays for His enemies    Ps 109:4    *Luke 23:34


  1. Another to succeed Judas    Ps 109:7–8    *Acts 1:16–20


  1. A priest like Melchizedek    Ps 110:1–7    *Matt 22:41–45; 26:64; Mark 12:35–37; 16:19; Acts 7:56; Eph 1:20; Col 1:20; Heb 1:13; 2:8; 5:6; 6:20; 7:21; 8:1; 10:11–13; 12:2


  1. The chief cornerstone    Ps 118:22–23    *Matt 21:42; Mark 12:10–11; Luke 20:17; John 1:11; Acts 4:11; Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:4


  1. The King comes in the name of the Lord    Ps 118:26    *Matt 21:9; 23:39; Mark 11:9; Luke 13:35; 19:38; John 12:13


  1. David’s seed to reign    Ps 132:11; 2 Sam 7:12–13, 16, 25–26, 29    *Matt 1:1


  1. Declared to be the Son of God    Prov 30:4    *Matt 3:17; Mark 14:61–62; Luke 1:35; John 3:13; 9:35–38; 11:21; Rom 1:2–4; 10:6–9; 2 Pet 1:17


  1. Hearts are hardened    Isa 6:9–10    *Matt 13:14–15; John 12:39–40; Acts 28:25–27


  1. Born of a virgin    Isa 7:14    *Matt 1:22–23


  1. A rock of offense    Isa 8:14, 15    *Rom 9:33; 1 Pet 2:8


  1. Light out of darkness    Isa 9:1–2    *Matt 4:14–16; Luke 2:32


  1. God with us    Isa 9:6–7    *Matt 1:21, 23; Luke 1:32–33; John 8:58; 10:30; 14:19; 2 Cor 5:19; Col 2:9


  1. Full of wisdom and power    Isa 11:1–10    *Matt 3:16; John 3:34; Rom 15:12; Heb 1:9


  1. Reigning in mercy    Isa 16:4–5    *Luke 1:31–33


  1. Death swallowed up in victory    Isa 25:6–12    *1 Cor 15:54


  1. A stone In Zion    Isa 28:16    *Rom 9:33; 1 Pet 2:6


  1. The deaf hear, the blind see    Isa 29:18–19    *Matt 5:3; 11:5; John 9:39


  1. King of kings, Lord of lords    Isa 32:1–4    *Rev 19:16; 20:6


  1. Son of the Highest    Isa 33:22    *Luke 1:32; 1 Tim 1:17; 6:15


  1. Healing for the needy    Isa 35:4–10    *Matt 9:30; 11:5; 12:22; 20:34; 21:14; Mark 7:30; John 5:9


  1. Make ready the way of the Lord    Isa 40:3–5    *Matt 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4–5; John 1:23


  1. The Shepherd dies for His sheep    Isa 40:10–11    *John 10:11; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:24–25


  1. The meek Servant    Isa 42:1–16    *Matt 12:17–21; Luke 2:32


  1. A light to the Gentiles    Isa 49:6–12    *Acts 13:47; 2 Cor 6:2


  1. Scourged and spat upon    Isa 50:6    *Matt 26:67; 27:26, 30; Mark 14:65; 15:15, 19; Luke 22:63–65; John 19:1


  1. Rejected by His people    Isa 52:13–53:12    *Matt 27:1–2, 12–14, 38


  1. Suffered vicariously    Isa 53:4–5    *Matt 8:17; Mark 15:3–4, 27–28; Luke 23:1–25, 32–34


  1. Silent when accused    Isa 53:7    *John 1:29; 11:49–52


  1. Crucified with transgressors    Isa 53:12    *John 12:37–38; Acts 8:28–35


  1. Buried with the rich    Isa 53:9    *Acts 10:43; 13:38–39; 1 Cor 15:3; Eph 1:7; 1 Pet 2:21–25; 1 John 1:7, 9


  1. Anointed to preach liberty    Isa 61:1–3    *Luke 4:17–19; Acts 10:38


  1. The King cometh    Isa 62:11    *Matt 21:5


  1. A vesture dipped in blood    Isa 63:1–3    *Rev 19:13


  1. Afflicted with the afflicted    Isa 63:8–9    *Matt 25:34–40


  1. The Lord our righteousness    Jer 23:5–6    *John 2:19–21; Rom 1:3–4; Eph 2:20–21; 1 Pet 2:5


  1. Massacre of infants    Jer 31:15    *Matt 2:17–18


  1. Conceived by the Holy Spirit    Jer 31:22    *Matt 1:20; Luke 1:35


  1. A New Covenant    Jer 31:31–34    *Matt 26:27–29; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:15–20; 1 Cor 11:25; Heb 8:8–12; 10:15–17; 12:24; 13:20


  1. The good Shepherd    Ezek 34:23–24    *John 10:11


  1. Stone cut without hands    Dan 2:34–35    *Acts 4:10–12


  1. His kingdom triumphant    Dan 2:44–45    *Luke 1:33; 1 Cor 15:24; Rev 11:15


  1. An everlasting dominion    Dan 7:13–14    *Matt 24:30; 25:31; 26:64; Mark 14:61–62; Acts 1:9–11; Rev 1:7


  1. Kingdom for the saints    Dan 7:27    *Luke 1:33; 1 Cor 15:24; Rev 11:15


  1. Time of His birth    Dan 9:24–27    *Matt 24:15–21; Luke 3:1


  1. Israel restored    Hos 3:5    *John 18:37; Rom 11:25–27


  1. Flight into Egypt    Hos 11:1    *Matt 2:15


  1. Promise of the Spirit    Joel 2:28–32    *Acts 2:17–21; Rom 10:13


  1. The sun darkened    Amos 8:9    *Matt 24:29; Acts 2:20; Rev 6:12


  1. Israel regathered    Mic 2:12–13    *John 10:14, 26


  1. The kingdom established    Mic 4:1–8    *Luke 1:33


  1. Born in Bethlehem    Mic 5:1–5    *Matt 2:1; Luke 2:4, 10–11


  1. The Lamb on the throne    Zech 2:10–13    *Rev 5:13; 6:16; 21:5; 22:1–5


  1. A holy priesthood    Zech 3:8    *John 2:19–21; Eph 2:20–21; 1 Pet 2:5


  1. A heavenly High Priest    Zech 6:12–13    *Heb 4:4; 8:1, 2


  1. Triumphal entry    Zech 9:9–10    *Matt 21:4–5; Mark 11:9–10; Luke 19:38; John 12:13–15


  1. Sold for thirty pieces of silver    Zech 11:12–13    *Matt 26:14–15


  1. Money buys potter’s field    Zech 11:12–13    *Matt 27:9


  1. Piercing of His body    Zech 12:10    *John 19:34, 37


  1. Shepherd smitten—sheep scattered    Zech 13:1, 6–7    *Matt 26:31; John 16:32


  1. Preceded by Forerunner    Mal 3:1    *Matt 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27


  1. Our sins purged    Mal 3:3    *Heb 1:3


  1. The light of the world    Mal 4:2–3    *Luke 1:78; John 1:9; 12:46; 2 Pet 1:19; Rev 2:28; 19:11–16; 22:16


  1. The coming of Elijah    Mal 4:5–6    *Matt 11:14; 17:10–12


These are many, but not all of the Old Testament Prophetic Messianic passages fulfilled (or reiterated to be revealed at a future date) in the New Testament.


The resource for the compilation of the above is primarily from: Dockery, D. S. (1998). Holman concise Bible commentary: Simple, straightforward commentary on every book of the Bible (265–267). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.