How does recognizing Jesus as fulfillment of prophecy strengthen our faith today? The prophetic buildup to Jesus—why it matters “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.” (Matthew 11:13) Jesus points out that every inspired voice leading up to John the Baptist was essentially pointing forward to Him. The prophetic story line is not a fascinating sideline; it’s the main highway that delivers us straight to Christ. Recognizing Him as the promised fulfillment does more than satisfy curiosity—it energizes real-life faith. Seeing the promises unfold • Isaiah 7:14—A virgin will conceive. • Micah 5:2—Messiah born in Bethlehem. • Zechariah 9:9—King enters Jerusalem on a donkey. • Isaiah 53—Suffering Servant pierced, crushed, yet bringing us peace. • Psalm 22—Hands and feet pierced, garments divided by casting lots. • Malachi 3:1; 4:5—A forerunner (John the Baptist) prepares the way. All of these threads converge in Jesus of Nazareth, verified in the Gospel record with literal accuracy. How fulfillment fuels present-day faith 1. Confidence in Scripture’s reliability • Prophecies spoken centuries earlier match historical events exactly. • Luke 24:27—Jesus Himself uses fulfilled prophecy as the proof-text of His identity. • Romans 15:4 reminds us that what was written beforehand was “for our instruction…that we might have hope.” 2. Assurance of God’s sovereignty • Only an all-knowing, all-powerful God can declare “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). • Knowing He ruled over past events reassures us He rules over today’s uncertainties. 3. Certainty about salvation’s foundation • 1 Peter 1:10-12 notes prophets foretold the grace now preached to us. • When Isaiah foretells “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5) and the cross matches it detail-for-detail, we can rest that our forgiveness is not wishful thinking but a documented plan. 4. Courage to trust future promises • 2 Corinthians 1:20—“all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” • If the first advent prophecies were literally kept, the same God will keep promises about Christ’s return, our resurrection, and eternal life (John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). 5. Personal identity within God’s story • Acts 13:32-33 calls the gospel “the good news that what God promised…He has fulfilled.” • We are not random believers; we are heirs of a long-promised redemption arc that still moves forward through us. Living in the confidence fulfilled prophecy gives • Read Old Testament passages with fresh eyes, spotting Christ in them (Luke 24:44). • When doubts surface, rehearse specific prophecies and their New Testament fulfillments. • Celebrate communion mindful that centuries of prophecy converged in the body and blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Share the prophetic evidence with others—many skeptics have been persuaded by Scripture’s track record. • Anchor your prayers in promises yet to come, knowing fulfilled prophecy is God’s track record of faithfulness. Recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy turns dusty scrolls into solid footing under our feet today. God said it, God did it, and God will keep doing exactly what He promises. |
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