The prophecy concerning Christ being called "Immanuel" is a significant element in the messianic expectations found within the Old Testament, and its fulfillment is affirmed in the New Testament. The name "Immanuel" means "God with us," signifying the divine presence among humanity through the Messiah.

Old Testament Prophecy

The primary prophecy regarding Immanuel is found in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet declares, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This prophecy was delivered during a time of political turmoil and uncertainty for the kingdom of Judah. King Ahaz, facing threats from surrounding nations, was given this sign as a divine assurance of God's presence and protection.

The context of Isaiah's prophecy involves a dual fulfillment. Initially, it served as a sign to Ahaz and the people of Judah that God was with them, providing immediate assurance. However, the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy is found in the coming of Jesus Christ, as the New Testament reveals.

New Testament Fulfillment

The Gospel of Matthew explicitly connects the prophecy of Isaiah to the birth of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 1:22-23, the evangelist writes, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')." This passage underscores the belief that Jesus' birth was the ultimate realization of Isaiah's prophecy, emphasizing His divine nature and mission.

The virgin birth of Jesus, as recounted in the Gospels, is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, affirming both His humanity and divinity. The name "Immanuel" encapsulates the mystery of the Incarnation, where God took on human flesh to dwell among His people, offering salvation and reconciliation.

Theological Significance

The prophecy of Immanuel holds profound theological significance within Christian thought. It affirms the belief in the Incarnation, where Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. This dual nature is essential for the redemptive work of Christ, as only one who is both divine and human can mediate between God and humanity.

Furthermore, the name "Immanuel" reassures believers of God's continual presence. It is a reminder that through Christ, God is intimately involved in the human experience, offering guidance, comfort, and hope. The fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.

Conclusion

The prophecy of Christ being called Immanuel is a testament to the divine nature of Jesus and His role as the Savior. It bridges the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the continuity of God's plan for salvation. Through the fulfillment of this prophecy, believers find assurance in the presence of God with them, embodied in the person of Jesus Christ.Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ...
... all that the prophets have declared respecting Christ and the ... wicked spirit, pretend
to utter prophecies, while all ... that particular working of Christ which was ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii whosoever confesses that one.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... to establish in accordance with the prophecies of the ... to show that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son ... consisted essentially in false views respecting our Saviour's ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... in the reality of Christ's supernatural mission ... of his countrymen put together his
prophecies, prefixing to them introductory notices respecting the author. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... performed by him, and the prophecies fulfilled in ... is pregnant with the deepest meaning
respecting the counsel ... for many." Thus the manhood of Christ, rising far ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Mystery
... Respecting the great city, then, the meaning is plain ... of Babylon is described in
these prophecies; first, of ... trumpet, and the august kingdom of Christ in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... not by any means terminate in Christ; it rather ... In Numbers 2.regulations are laid
down respecting the order ... in general, on the fundamental prophecies of Genesis ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Footnotes
... The collection of prophecies that goes under his name is ... of his friends, he was carrying
Christ's standard over ... Some information respecting it will be found in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... to a birth, resembling a child in his mother's womb, so it is compared to a man
being raised out ... sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

How can I identify messianic prophecies in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org

What biblical prophecies were fulfilled in AD 70? | GotQuestions.org

Prophecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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