Exploring Harmony Between Testaments

Sep 30, 2024

Lecture Notes: To the Law and to the Testimony

Introduction

  • Praise to the Most High God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  • Acknowledgment of followers and supporters of the ministry.
  • Announcement: Weekly live stream every Shabbat at 2 p.m. CST.

Purpose of the Lesson

  • Address the debate between Old Testament and New Testament beliefs:
    • Tanakh-only followers vs. Messianic vs. Christian perspectives.
    • The misconception that the New Testament contradicts the Old Testament.
    • The aim is to show harmony between both Testaments.

Key Points

  • Scriptural Harmony: The New Testament often quotes the Tanakh and Torah.

    • First-century believers taught from the Old Testament.
    • Over 200 direct quotes or allusions in the New Testament.

  • Discussion of Isaiah 8:20:

    • Not directly about the New Testament but used to illustrate harmony.

Case Studies in Scripture

Acts Chapter 2

  • Acts 2:17-18 references Joel 2:28-29.
    • Peter quotes from Joel to illustrate the fulfillment of prophecy.
    • The Spirit being poured out in the last days.

Acts Chapter 3

  • Acts 3:22-23 refers to Deuteronomy 18:15-19.
    • Prophecy about a prophet like Moses, fulfilled in Christ.

Acts Chapter 4

  • Acts 4:25-26 quotes Psalm 2:1-2.
    • Opposition against God's anointed (Messiah).

Examination of Romans

Romans 12

  • Romans 12:9: "Let love be without dissimulation..."
    • Similar to Amos 5:15: "Hate the evil, love the good."
  • Romans 12:19-20: Encouragement against personal vengeance.
    • Deuteronomy 32:35 and Proverbs 25:21-22 support this teaching.

Romans 13

  • Romans 13:8-9: Fulfillment of the law through love.
    • Direct connection to Deuteronomy 5 and Leviticus 19.

Galatians Chapter 3

  • Galatians 3:10-11: Discussion on the curse of the law.
    • Reference to Deuteronomy 27:26 and Habakkuk 2:4.

Examination of Hebrews

Hebrews Chapter 1

  • Hebrews 1:8-9 references Psalm 45.
    • The Son (Messiah) referred to as God by the Father.

Hebrews Chapter 10

  • Hebrews 10:16-18: New covenant and forgiveness of sins.
    • Connection to Jeremiah 31:33-34.

Conclusion

  • Harmony of Scripture: Continuous reference to Old Testament supports the teachings in the New Testament.
  • Encouragement: Study the scriptures personally to understand this harmony.
  • Objective: To illustrate that the Bible—both Testaments—agrees and supports one another.