How can we apply Jesus' fulfillment of Scripture to our daily faith? The Moment on the Road and in the Upper Room “ ‘These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you: that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ ” (Luke 24:44) • Jesus affirms that every portion of Scripture—Law, Prophets, Psalms—speaks about Him. • His resurrection proves those words literally came true. What Fulfillment Tells Us about the Bible • Reliability: If centuries-old prophecies came to pass exactly, every remaining promise will also stand (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2). • Unity: Diverse books form one storyline, centered on Christ (Luke 24:27). • Authority: Because the text is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17), it governs belief and behavior. Personal Confidence for Every Day • Certainty in Salvation: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). His finished work means my forgiveness is secure. • Steadfast Hope: The same Lord who fulfilled past prophecies will return as promised (Acts 1:11). • Courage in Witness: Prophetic accuracy equips us to speak persuasively and lovingly about Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). Reading the Old Testament through a Christ Lens • Look for direct prophecies (Micah 5:2; Isaiah 53). • Trace patterns and types (the Passover lamb—Exodus 12; John 1:29). • Notice covenant themes fulfilled in Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6-13). Practical Ways to Let Fulfillment Shape Daily Life 1. Begin each Scripture reading expecting to meet Jesus; jot links between passage and Gospel truths. 2. Memorize key fulfilled prophecies to strengthen faith and conversation with others. 3. Align decisions with Christ’s authority—He validated every command of God’s Word. 4. When facing uncertainty, rehearse fulfilled promises to steady your heart. 5. Celebrate the church calendar (e.g., Advent, Resurrection Sunday) as living reminders of prophecy kept and prophecy awaiting completion. Living in Ongoing Obedience • Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). • Fulfillment does not cancel holiness; it empowers Spirit-led obedience (Romans 8:3-4). • Daily habits of integrity, generosity, and love demonstrate trust in the One who kept every word. Hope Anchored in Future Fulfillment • The literal accuracy of past events guarantees literal future realities—resurrection bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-52), a restored creation (Isaiah 65:17), and Christ’s visible reign (Revelation 11:15). • Holding these truths nurtures perseverance amid trial (Romans 15:4). Summary Snapshot Because Jesus fulfilled Scripture to the letter, we: • Trust the Bible entirely. • See Christ at the center of every page. • Walk in confident, obedient, expectant faith each day, knowing the God who kept His word will keep it still. |
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