How the Old Testament Came Alive in My Christian Faith

Seeing Christ as the center of Scripture transforms how we understand the Old Testament.

September 25th, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

For many believers, the Old Testament may feel distant or even disconnected from the life and teachings of Jesus. Yet, to truly understand the depth of God’s story, we must recognize how the Old Testament sets the stage for the arrival of Christ and His redemptive work.

A New Perspective

Jason DeRouchie’s journey offers a profound insight into this transformation. Early in his theological studies, DeRouchie was captivated by the grandeur of God’s glory displayed throughout the Old Testament. However, it wasn’t until he began to more intentionally study the Scriptures through the lens of Christ that the unity and purpose of the Old Testament truly came to life.

The revelation came when a mentor suggested that, while DeRouchie had a passion for God's glory, he was speaking “very little about Jesus.” This observation reshaped his understanding, leading him to see how every part of the Old Testament ultimately points toward Christ. This new approach aligned with the biblical truth found in Luke 24:27, where Jesus Himself explains to His disciples how the Scriptures (the Old Testament) concern Him.

Christ at the Center

The New Testament continually affirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. Passages like Galatians 4:4 and Mark 1:15 indicate that the fullness of time, promised throughout Israel’s history, finds its completion in Jesus. Paul also emphasizes in Romans 10:4 that Christ is the end goal of the law, underscoring that everything in the Old Testament leads to Him.

DeRouchie’s transformation wasn’t just academic—it was deeply spiritual. It highlighted that one cannot fully grasp the Old Testament without seeing it through the “veil-lifting” work of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14). This paradigm shift is essential for believers who desire to grow in their understanding of God’s Word and His overarching plan of salvation.

Why This Matters

This realization isn’t just for theologians; it’s for every Christian who seeks to engage with the Bible. Recognizing the Old Testament’s connection to Christ helps us move beyond seeing it as a mere collection of ancient laws and stories. Instead, we discover it as a vibrant narrative that builds our faith in Jesus. Just as Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 4:6, when we see Christ, we see the fullness of God's glory.

So, how can we approach the Old Testament in a way that magnifies Christ? Begin by asking how the laws, prophecies, and narratives prepare the way for Jesus’ coming. Each sacrifice, each king, and each covenant unfolds the bigger picture of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah.

Ultimately, the Old Testament is not just a precursor to the New; it is part of the same divine story that finds its climax in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As DeRouchie discovered, when we read it with Christ at the center, it becomes not just history but life-changing revelation.

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