What scriptural connections exist between 2 Chronicles 30:6 and the New Testament teachings? An Old Testament Trumpet Call “So the couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, saying, ‘O children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that He may return to you who remain, who have escaped the hand of the kings of Assyria.’” (2 Chronicles 30:6) Shared Vocabulary: “Return/Repent” • 2 Chronicles 30:6 urges, “return to the LORD.” • Jesus echoes the same verb: “Repent and believe in the gospel!” (Mark 1:15). • Peter calls Israel to identical action: “Repent therefore, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19). • James distills the promise: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). Messengers Then—Messengers Now • Hezekiah’s couriers carried letters of invitation. • The risen Christ sends His disciples with a greater letter—the gospel: – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) – “Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in His name to all nations.” (Luke 24:47) • Couriers crossed the fractured border between Israel and Judah; the apostles cross every ethnic line (Acts 1:8). The Remnant Motif • 2 Chronicles 30:6 speaks to “those of you who remain.” • Paul sees a “remnant chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:5) • Believers, once scattered and endangered, are gathered into one “new man” in Christ (Ephesians 2:14). Passover and Its Fulfillment • The whole chapter invites the nation to celebrate Passover. • Christ is declared “our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7), providing the ultimate rescue and cleansing 2 Chronicles anticipates. • Just as the couriers called people to Jerusalem for the feast, the gospel calls all nations to the cross where the true Passover is accomplished (Luke 22:15–20). The God of the Patriarchs—From Kings to Apostles • Hezekiah names “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.” • Peter uses the exact title when preaching Christ: “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob … has glorified His servant Jesus.” (Acts 3:13) • The covenant name assures continuity; the same God who welcomed penitents under Hezekiah welcomes them through Christ today (Hebrews 13:8). From Foreign Bondage to Freedom in the Son • Survivors “escaped the hand of the kings of Assyria.” • The NT heightens that picture: – “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin … if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34–36) – “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness.” (Colossians 1:13) Living the Connection • The ancient summons remains: return/repent. • The promise remains: God will return/draw near. • The means is fulfilled: Christ our Passover, proclaimed by modern couriers—you and me—until every remnant hears and comes home. |
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