Him through history is full of shadows until the light shines. . . . What we understand in all these shadows is the need for the seed. These people and this world cannot save themselves. They are not good enough. Even God’s called-out people, blessed with his favor, cannot be good enough. Great leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah cannot make it happen—There is no doubt in these books that, in spite of all the shadows, and even through the weak- ness of His people, God is working His plan of salvation that will not only bless this people and their seed, but will through that seed bless all the na- tions of the world.” 64
2. How do the following verses that describe Jesus as the seed (offspring) and the light encourage you? (See Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:16; John 1:1–14 and 8:12; and 1 John 1:5–7.)
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
NEW COVENANT The Mosaic law that governed Israel in the Old Testament laid out the require- ments of the old covenant. It set apart a chosen people for God, prescribed holy behavior, and provided a means of cleansing from sin. The people con- tinually broke God’s law, so regular sacrifice for sin was necessary. This was done by the priests, on behalf of all the people. This was always meant to be a temporary arrangement that would be supplanted by a new covenant, administered by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:11–15). When Jesus came, He ush- ered in this new covenant, which had been prophesied in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31–34; and Ezekiel 11:19–20), and made it a reality. Now, because of the sacrifice of Jesus, man’s sin can be permanently forgiven, God’s law internalized in the heart, and obedience empowered through the Spirit. Additionally, Gentiles are allowed to be “grafted in” to the chosen people (Romans 11:11–24), and all who put their faith in Christ have direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16). 65
64 E zra and Nehemiah. Knowing the Bible Series, pg. 92. 65 “Old covenant vs. new covenant — what are the differences?” Got Questions: Your Questions, Biblical Answers. March 2025. https://www.gotquestions.org/old-covenant-vs-new-covenant.html.
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