The concept that Jesus Christ is concealed in the Old Testament but revealed in the New Testament is a profound theological truth. While the Old Testament does not mention Jesus explicitly by name, it is rich with typology, prophecies, and Christophanies (pre-incarnate appearances of Christ) that foreshadow and anticipate His coming.
Word Count: 1253 / Time to read: 7 minutes
Concealment in the Old Testament
- Typology:
- Adam as a Type of Christ: Paul explicitly identifies Adam as a type of Christ. “Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come” (Romans 5:14).
- Melchizedek: Melchizedek, the king-priest of Salem, is another significant type of Christ. “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). Hebrews 7 expands on this, showing how Melchizedek’s priesthood prefigures Christ’s eternal priesthood.
- Prophecies:
- Isaiah’s Prophecies: Isaiah provides some of the clearest prophecies about the coming Messiah. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Additionally, Isaiah 53 details the suffering servant, a vivid portrayal of Christ’s atoning work on the cross.
- Micah’s Prophecy: Micah prophesies the birthplace of the Messiah. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2).
- Christophanies:
- The Angel of the Lord: Many theologians identify the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. For example, the Angel of the Lord appears to Hagar (Genesis 16:7-13), Abraham (Genesis 22:11-18), and Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-6).
- Jacob’s Wrestle: Jacob’s encounter with the divine being in Genesis 32:24-30, where he wrestles with God and is renamed Israel, is another Christophany.
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
1 Corinthians 10:11
Revelation in the New Testament
The New Testament is the full revelation of Jesus Christ, showcasing His life, ministry, death, resurrection, and exaltation.
- The Incarnation:
- The Birth of Jesus: The New Testament begins with the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the birth of Jesus. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23, quoting Isaiah 7:14). Luke 2:11 declares, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
- John’s Prologue: John’s Gospel opens with a profound theological statement about Jesus’ divine nature and incarnation. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:1, 14).
- Ministry and Miracles:
- Public Ministry: Jesus’ public ministry reveals His divine authority and compassion. He heals the sick, raises the dead, and forgives sins, demonstrating His divine power and mission (Mark 2:1-12, John 11:1-44).
- Teachings: His teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), reveal the heart of God’s law and kingdom ethics.
- Passion and Resurrection:
- Crucifixion: Jesus’ death on the cross is the climax of His earthly ministry, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the suffering servant. “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering… But he was pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:4-5).
- Resurrection: The resurrection is the vindication of Jesus’ divine identity and the cornerstone of Christian faith. “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6).
- Exaltation:
- Ascension: Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of the Father marks His exaltation and the beginning of His heavenly intercession. “He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight” (Acts 1:9).
- Hebrews’ Explanation: Hebrews 1:3 states, “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
Revelation in Revelation
The book of Revelation, as its name suggests, is the ultimate revelation of Jesus Christ. It opens with the words, “The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1). Here, Jesus is revealed not just as the suffering servant but as the triumphant King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
- The Glorified Christ:
- Vision of Christ: In Revelation 1:12-16, John sees a vision of the glorified Christ, emphasizing His majesty and authority. “His eyes were like blazing fire… out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.”
- Letters to the Churches: Jesus addresses the seven churches, demonstrating His ongoing concern and sovereign oversight of the Church (Revelation 2-3).
- Judgment and Victory:
- Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls: Revelation describes a series of judgments (seals, trumpets, bowls) that display God’s wrath against sin and the ultimate triumph of righteousness (Revelation 6-16).
- Defeat of Evil: The climactic battles, including the defeat of the beast, the false prophet, and Satan, underscore Jesus’ ultimate victory over evil (Revelation 19-20).
- New Creation:
- New Heaven and New Earth: Revelation culminates in the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
- Eternal Reign: Jesus’ eternal reign is established, fulfilling the promises of both Old and New Testaments. “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him” (Revelation 22:3).
Conclusion
The concealment and revelation of Jesus Christ from the Old to the New Testament provide a profound understanding of God’s redemptive plan. In the Old Testament, Jesus is present in types, prophecies, and Christophanies, laying the groundwork for His full revelation in the New Testament. His birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and exaltation reveal the fullness of God’s plan for salvation. The book of Revelation serves as the climax of this revelation, displaying Jesus as the victorious King who establishes His eternal kingdom and embraces His people forever.
This overarching narrative invites believers to stand in awe of God’s meticulous plan and Jesus’ pivotal role in it. As the ultimate revelation of God’s love, justice, and power, Jesus Christ is the hero, Savior, and King who reigns supreme. This glorious truth not only fulfills the ancient prophecies but also assures us of a future where we will dwell with Him in eternal peace and joy. In the words of Revelation, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven
Hebrews 1:1-3
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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