Why did the OT not explicitly spell out the fact that the Son of God would die for our sins?

[tonychanyt]

If the fact that Jesus is God's son and he's supposed to die as a sacrifice for our sins is the most crucial message in the Bible, why is that never explicitly told to us?

Good question. Right, the Old Testament didn't explicitly mention Jesus or God's heavenly son in the way Christian theology later developed these concepts. This aligns with God's modus operandi of progressive or gradual revelation. God's revelation to humanity is progressive. He preferred to reveal his plan gradually over time. The Old Testament laid the groundwork for understanding the need for a Savior and the nature of sin and sacrifice. The full revelation of God's plan was made clear in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The OT spoke of a future Messiah or Anointed One who would bring redemption and salvation to Israel. While the term "Messiah" didn't necessarily equate to Jesus Christ, it created an expectation for a divine deliverer. Many OT passages, such as Psalm 16:10, Psalm 110:1, and Isaiah 53, contain messianic prophecies later fulfilled in Jesus.

Why did God conceal the concept of the Son of God in the Messiah?

The Jews understood the Messiah as a geo-political savior to establish an early kingdom. Jesus was a spiritual savior who inaugurated the Kingdom of God in people's hearts. God used this misunderstanding to accomplish the Son of God dying on the Cross to atone for people's sins.

Why did the OT not explicitly spell out the fact that the Son of God would die for our sins? Why did the OT not expressly spell out the facts of resurrection, judgment, eternal condemnation, and eternal life?

God, in his infinite wisdom, preferred to interact with humanity differently at different points in history. This was his usual method of gradual revelation. Someday, Jesus will return, and we will learn more about the heavens as he reveals them to us.

 

[awstar]

Why did the OT not explicitly spell out the fact that the Son of God would die for our sins?

Satan might have read about it in the OT and actually believe it? ... unlike us.

 

[Vambram]

There are also different passages in the Old Testament prophesying the suffering and death of the Messiah. However, none of the people during the time of Christ understood those verses. Even the original 12 disciples had thought that Jesus was going to set up His divine earthly kingdom. Instead, Jesus ascended up into Heaven.

 

[tdidymas]

If the fact that Jesus is God's son and he's supposed to die as a sacrifice for our sins is the most crucial message in the Bible, why is that never explicitly told to us?

Good question. Right, the Old Testament didn't explicitly mention Jesus or God's heavenly son in the way Christian theology later developed these concepts. This aligns with God's modus operandi of progressive or gradual revelation. God's revelation to humanity is progressive. He preferred to reveal his plan gradually over time. The Old Testament laid the groundwork for understanding the need for a Savior and the nature of sin and sacrifice. The full revelation of God's plan was made clear in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The OT spoke of a future Messiah or Anointed One who would bring redemption and salvation to Israel. While the term "Messiah" didn't necessarily equate to Jesus Christ, it created an expectation for a divine deliverer. Many OT passages, such as Psalm 16:10, Psalm 110:1, and Isaiah 53, contain messianic prophecies later fulfilled in Jesus.

Why did God conceal the concept of the Son of God in the Messiah?

The Jews understood the Messiah as a geo-political savior to establish an early kingdom. Jesus was a spiritual savior who inaugurated the Kingdom of God in people's hearts. God used this misunderstanding to accomplish the Son of God dying on the Cross to atone for people's sins.

Why did the OT not explicitly spell out the fact that the Son of God would die for our sins? Why did the OT not expressly spell out the facts of resurrection, judgment, eternal condemnation, and eternal life?

God, in his infinite wisdom, preferred to interact with humanity differently at different points in history. This was his usual method of gradual revelation. Someday, Jesus will return, and we will learn more about the heavens as he reveals them to us.

Actually, it does spell it out in Isa. 53:1-6. The Messiah is "the arm of the Lord" (v.1) and He was "wounded for our transgressions" etc. v. 6. People in general just didn't believe it because of their pretext narrative that the Messiah would come conquering their political foes. Although Paul called the gospel a "mystery" in OT times, it is also said the gospel (good news) was preached to the nation in the wilderness with Moses (Heb. 4:6). Their disobedience was their lack of faith in God and the coming Messiah who would take away their sins.

 

[Diamond72]

the Old Testament didn't explicitly mention Jesus

Moses talks about Jesus: Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses says, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.”

 

[tonychanyt]

Actually, it does spell it out in Isa. 53:1-6.

Define spell out.

 

[tdidymas]

Define spell out.

Did you read what I wrote? I thought I spelled it out clearly. If you reread Isa. 53:1-6, it's about Messiah suffering for our sins. So then, how do you read it?

 

[Diamond72]

why is that never explicitly told to us?

The idea that God speaks in riddles and mysteries is a fascinating topic. There are several reasons often cited for this:

1. Encouraging Deeper Understanding: Speaking in riddles or parables can encourage people to think more deeply and seek a greater understanding. This process can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection with the divine1.
2. Separating Seekers from Skeptics: Mysteries can serve to distinguish those who are genuinely seeking spiritual truth from those who are not. Those who are truly interested will take the time to explore and understand the deeper meanings2.
3. Protection of Sacred Knowledge: Sometimes, sacred knowledge is veiled to protect it from being misunderstood or misused by those who are not ready to receive it3.
4. Personal Growth and Maturity: The process of deciphering riddles and mysteries can help individuals mature spiritually. It can be a way for God to guide people on a journey of discovery and growth4.
5. Inviting a Journey: Mysteries and riddles can be an invitation to embark on a spiritual journey. This journey can lead to a more profound and personal relationship with the divine

 

[tturt]

Thought that was what Isa 52 and 53 was about.

"Indeed, My Servant (the Messiah) will act wisely and prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted." (Isa 52:13, AMP) Really thru the end of that chapte Then 53

Isaiah 53 is considered a great chapter from the OT includes :

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; The punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, And by His stripes (wounds) we are healed." Isa 53:5, AMP

 

[tonychanyt]

"Indeed, My Servant (the Messiah) will act wisely and prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted."

The above does not explicitly spell out the fact that the Son of God would die for our sins.

 

[Diamond72]

The above does not explicitly spell out the fact that the Son of God would die for our sins.

1 John 4 14 Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

[Rose_bud]

If the fact that Jesus is God's son and he's supposed to die as a sacrifice for our sins is the most crucial message in the Bible, why is that never explicitly told to us?

Good question. Right, the Old Testament didn't explicitly mention Jesus or God's heavenly son in the way Christian theology later developed these concepts. This aligns with God's modus operandi of progressive or gradual revelation. God's revelation to humanity is progressive. He preferred to reveal his plan gradually over time. The Old Testament laid the groundwork for understanding the need for a Savior and the nature of sin and sacrifice. The full revelation of God's plan was made clear in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The OT spoke of a future Messiah or Anointed One who would bring redemption and salvation to Israel. While the term "Messiah" didn't necessarily equate to Jesus Christ, it created an expectation for a divine deliverer. Many OT passages, such as Psalm 16:10, Psalm 110:1, and Isaiah 53, contain messianic prophecies later fulfilled in Jesus.

Why did God conceal the concept of the Son of God in the Messiah?

The Jews understood the Messiah as a geo-political savior to establish an early kingdom. Jesus was a spiritual savior who inaugurated the Kingdom of God in people's hearts. God used this misunderstanding to accomplish the Son of God dying on the Cross to atone for people's sins.

Why did the OT not explicitly spell out the fact that the Son of God would die for our sins? Why did the OT not expressly spell out the facts of resurrection, judgment, eternal condemnation, and eternal life?

God, in his infinite wisdom, preferred to interact with humanity differently at different points in history. This was his usual method of gradual revelation. Someday, Jesus will return, and we will learn more about the heavens as he reveals them to us.

Hebrews 11:40
...God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Would they have tested faith if they knew everything? Would it be persevering faith? Would it have been genuine?

 

[LoveofTruth]

If the fact that Jesus is God's son and he's supposed to die as a sacrifice for our sins is the most crucial message in the Bible, why is that never explicitly told to us?

Good question. Right, the Old Testament didn't explicitly mention Jesus or God's heavenly son in the way Christian theology later developed these concepts. This aligns with God's modus operandi of progressive or gradual revelation. God's revelation to humanity is progressive. He preferred to reveal his plan gradually over time. The Old Testament laid the groundwork for understanding the need for a Savior and the nature of sin and sacrifice. The full revelation of God's plan was made clear in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The OT spoke of a future Messiah or Anointed One who would bring redemption and salvation to Israel. While the term "Messiah" didn't necessarily equate to Jesus Christ, it created an expectation for a divine deliverer. Many OT passages, such as Psalm 16:10, Psalm 110:1, and Isaiah 53, contain messianic prophecies later fulfilled in Jesus.

Why did God conceal the concept of the Son of God in the Messiah?

The Jews understood the Messiah as a geo-political savior to establish an early kingdom. Jesus was a spiritual savior who inaugurated the Kingdom of God in people's hearts. God used this misunderstanding to accomplish the Son of God dying on the Cross to atone for people's sins.

Why did the OT not explicitly spell out the fact that the Son of God would die for our sins? Why did the OT not expressly spell out the facts of resurrection, judgment, eternal condemnation, and eternal life?

God, in his infinite wisdom, preferred to interact with humanity differently at different points in history. This was his usual method of gradual revelation. Someday, Jesus will return, and we will learn more about the heavens as he reveals them to us.

There are some possible references, consider

“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” (Genesis 22:2 KJV)

compare with

"By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. ( Hebrews 11:17 KJV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)

Compare with the gospel in 1 Cor 15:1-5 KJV.

Abraham is the father (a type of God the father) giving his only begotten son (a type of Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God) for sacrifice. This is the type. one of them at least.

and here are a few more hints

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” (Zecharia 12:10 KJV)

here we note that God is speaking of being pierced and the reference is to the son. This also shows that Jesus Christ is God the Son.

and the lamb slain is a type of Jesus the Son of God slain for sin. They had these and other types all over.

“I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:” (2 Samuel 7:14 KJV)

“I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” (Psalm 2:7 KJV)

“Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?” (Proverbs 30:4 KJV)

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. 3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. (Micah 5:2,3 KJV)

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 KJV) Notice a child born ( his humanity) and a son given (his eternal heavenly sonship)

We also read

Also, to know Jesus as the Son of God is a spiritual revelation of the Father. The Father reveals toe Son. So even if he was spoken of in the few verses in a type etc. The reality and revelation is spiritual. Peter said that Jesus was the Christ the Son of God and this was by revelation.

 

[timf]

Why did the OT not explicitly spell out the fact that the Son of God would die for our sins?

1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
1Co 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.