Topical Encyclopedia The concept of grace, a central theme in Christian theology, is not only a New Testament revelation but is also deeply rooted in the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. The prophets, through divine inspiration, foretold the coming of God's grace, which would be fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.Isaiah's Prophetic Vision The prophet Isaiah is one of the most prominent voices in the Old Testament that speaks of the grace to come. Isaiah 53 is a profound chapter that describes the suffering servant, a messianic figure who would bear the iniquities of many. Isaiah 53:5 states, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." This passage highlights the grace that would be extended through the sacrificial atonement of the Messiah, offering healing and peace to humanity. Isaiah also speaks of the inclusivity of God's grace, extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles. In Isaiah 49:6 , it is written, "I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." This prophecy points to the universal scope of God's grace, which would reach all peoples through the coming Savior. Jeremiah's New Covenant The prophet Jeremiah introduces the concept of a new covenant, a pivotal aspect of God's grace. In Jeremiah 31:31-34 , the Lord declares, "The days are coming...when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah." This new covenant would be characterized by God's law being written on the hearts of His people and their sins being forgiven. Jeremiah 31:34 states, "For I will forgive their iniquity and will remember their sins no more." This promise of forgiveness and internal transformation is a profound expression of divine grace, anticipating the redemptive work of Christ. Ezekiel's Heart of Flesh Ezekiel, another major prophet, also speaks of the transformative power of God's grace. In Ezekiel 36:26-27 , God promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." This prophecy foretells the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit, a key aspect of grace that enables believers to live in obedience to God. Hosea's Message of Redemption The prophet Hosea's life and message are a vivid portrayal of God's grace. Hosea's marriage to Gomer, a woman of unfaithfulness, symbolizes God's unwavering love and grace towards Israel despite their spiritual adultery. Hosea 2:19-20 captures this grace: "I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD." This covenantal language underscores the grace that God extends to His people, promising restoration and intimate relationship. Zechariah's Fountain of Cleansing The prophet Zechariah also speaks of a future outpouring of grace. In Zechariah 13:1 , it is prophesied, "On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity." This imagery of a cleansing fountain points to the purifying grace that would be made available through the Messiah, offering forgiveness and renewal. Conclusion The prophetic writings of the Old Testament are rich with anticipations of God's grace, which would be fully manifested in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. These prophecies reveal a God who is merciful, forgiving, and committed to redeeming His people, offering them a new heart, a new covenant, and a new life through His grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 1:10Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Another Instance of Marcion's Tampering with St. Paul's Text the ... On the Epistle to the Galatians the Abolition of the Ordinances of ... There is but one Author, and one End to Both Covenants. Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... Argument from the Destruction of Jerusalem and Desolation of Judea ... The Relation of Christ to Prophecy, Continued. But as the Wills of Friends, which are not Seen, are Believed ... The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25 Typology The Five Books Against Marcion Resources Are baptism and communion means of grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be saved by grace? | GotQuestions.org Irresistible Grace - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Grace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Grace is Described as All-Abundant Grace is Described as All-Sufficient Grace is Described as Exceeding Grace is Described as Glorious Grace is Described as Manifold Grace is Described as Sovereign Grace is the Source of Consolation Grace is the Source of Election Grace is the Source of Forgiveness of Sins Grace is the Source of Justification Grace is the Source of Salvation Grace is the Source of The Call of God Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Grace: Beware Lest You Fail of Grace: Foretold by the Prophets Grace: Glory of, Exhibited in Our Acceptance in Christ Grace: God's Throne, the Throne of Grace: God's Work Completed in Saints By Grace: Inheritance of the Promises By Grace: Justification By, Opposed to That by Works Grace: Manifestation of, in Others, a Cause of Gladness Grace: Necessary to the Service of God Grace: Not to be Received in Vain Grace: Pray for for Yourselves Grace: Riches of, Exhibited in God's Kindness Through Christ Grace: Saints are What They are By Grace: Saints: Abound in Gifts of Grace: Saints: Receive, from Christ Grace: Saints: should be Established In Grace: Saints: should be Strong In Grace: Saints: should Speak With Grace: Special Manifestation of, at the Second Coming of Christ Grace: Specially Given: To Ministers Grace: Specially Given: To the Humble Grace: Specially Given: To Those Who Walk Uprightly Grace: The Gospel, a Declaration of Grace: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace: The Success and Completion of the Work of God to Be Related Terms |
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