The proclamation of the Coming One is a central theme throughout the Bible, encompassing the anticipation and announcement of the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ. This theme is woven through the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Old Testament Prophecies

The anticipation of the Coming One begins in the Old Testament, where numerous prophecies foretell the arrival of a Savior. Genesis 3:15 is often considered the first messianic prophecy, where God declares to the serpent, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This verse introduces the concept of a future Redeemer who will defeat evil.

Isaiah, a major prophet, provides significant insights into the nature and mission of the Coming One. Isaiah 7:14 proclaims, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This prophecy points to the miraculous birth of Jesus, emphasizing His divine nature. Furthermore, Isaiah 9:6-7 describes the Messiah's attributes and eternal reign: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Micah 5:2 identifies Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament records the fulfillment of these prophecies through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Gospels begin with the proclamation of His coming. In Matthew 1:22-23, the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph, affirming the virgin birth and quoting Isaiah's prophecy: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."

John the Baptist plays a pivotal role in heralding the arrival of the Messiah. In John 1:29, he declares, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This proclamation identifies Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system and pointing to His atoning death.

Jesus Himself affirms His messianic identity and mission. In Luke 4:18-21, He reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." Jesus concludes by stating, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Apostolic Proclamation

The apostles continue the proclamation of the Coming One, emphasizing Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His role as Savior. In Acts 2:36, Peter boldly declares, "Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!" This proclamation underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of Jesus' lordship.

Paul, in his epistles, further expounds on the significance of the Coming One. In Galatians 4:4-5, he writes, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons." This passage highlights the divine timing and purpose of Jesus' coming, emphasizing redemption and adoption into God's family.

The proclamation of the Coming One is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.