Rightly Understanding the Old Testament

Luke 24:44-45 Jesus opened their minds that they could understand the scriptures. Are you dependent on Christ to help you understand the scriptures? He is The Word in flesh (John 1:1-5). It's his word. Understanding his word is a gift that only he can give.

Jesus gave his apostles the keys to understanding the scriptures (the Old Testament) but many teachers today say we can't use these keys because that's reading the New Testament into the Old Testament and it can't be rightly understood that way. So whom should we believe?

Here are a few things to consider:

Key #1- Galatians 3:16 Jesus is THE SEED of Abraham to whom the everlasting promises pertain. (Read the promises in Genesis 12-18) If you trust him by faith they're yours through him (Romans 4:16-17; Galatians 3-4).

Key #2- Hebrews 1:2; Colosians 1:16; Matthew 21:38,43 Jesus is the heir of all things. (We are coheirs with Christ.)

Key #3- Colosians 1:12-14; Revelation 5:9-10 Jesus qualified the gentiles to share in Christ's kingdom. (The kingdom was already promised to [believing] Israel in the Davidic covenant.)

Key #4- Romans 11:17; Matthew 21:43-45 Israel was never rejected or set aside. Only the unbelievers were rejected and the gentile believers have been grafted in AMONG the believing Israelites. (Ephesians 3:6 ...the gentiles are heirs together with Israel.)

Key #5- John 11:49-52; Jesus would die for the nation (Israel)...and would gather together in one the children of God. Ephesians 1:9-10 God is bringing all things together under one head, even Christ.