Bible Prophecy Fulfilled: The Tabernacle Temple Messianic Prophecy
Midrashic Messianic prophecies of the Tabernacle fulfilled in Christ, Christians and the church
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The Tabernacle Messianic Prophecy “Shadow of what was to come” Col 2:17 The church is God’s Tabernacle today: Eph 2:19-22 “Christ did not enter a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself” Heb 9:24 The Way to heaven is known only when Tabernacle is abolished: Heb 8:9 |
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Tabernacle |
Church |
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Way to heaven unknown while standing |
Way to heaven known when Tabernacle abolished: Heb 8:9 |
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Tabernacle |
Church and Christian’s body: Jn 2:19; 1 Cor 6:19; Ephesians 2:19–22 |
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Ten Commandments, Law of Moses |
Law of Christ: Gal 6:2; 1 Corinthians 9:21 |
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Outer wall: Law of Moses created barrier between Jew and Gentile |
Law/barrier removed. Both Jew and Gentile welcome: Eph 2:14-15 |
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Court: Jews only, no Gentiles |
Non-Christians: Jew and Gentile must sacrifice themselves and be baptized by immersion to enter church: Midrashic inference |
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Holy Place: Priests only |
Church: Christians only: Midrashic inference |
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Most Holy Place: High Priest only |
Heaven: Heb 9:11,24 |
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Blood of Passover lamb |
Body & blood of Jesus: 1 Cor 5:7; Heb 9:13-14; 10:3-10 |
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Ark of Covenant |
True copy in Heaven: Heb 9:24 |
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High Priest |
Jesus: Heb 7:26-28; 9:24-28 |
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Veil |
Removed by Blood, entrance to heaven now available to the church: Heb 10:19-20 |
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Aaronic priests |
Christian both man and woman: Rom 15:16; Heb 7:12; 1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6; Rom 2:28-29. |
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Priestly garments |
Good works: Rev 19:8; Mt 22:11-12 |
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Altar of burnt offering animal sacrifices |
Christian Self-sacrifice, deny self, crucify self, giving to support gospel: Ex 29:18; Lev 1:9; Phil 2:17; 4:18; 2 Cor 2:14-16; Eph 5:1-2; Rom 12:1; 15:16; 2 Tim 4:6; Gal 2:20; Mt 16:24.
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Water basin ritual purity |
Water baptism forgiveness of sins: Acts 2:38; 22:16 |
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Shewbread |
Communion: 1 Cor 10:16-21 |
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Minora |
Jesus/Scripture in Christians: Rev 1:20; Ps 119:105; Mt 4:14-16; Mt 5:14; Prov 4:18; Phil 2:15 |
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Altar of incense |
Fruit of lips: Prayer, song: Heb 13:15; Hos 14:2 |
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Instrumental music: Harp |
Acapella: Heart: Eph 5:19 |
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Tithing 10% |
Freewill offering: 1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:7 |
Introduction:
1. The Tabernacle of Moses as a messianic prophecy is a classic example of how Midrashic prophecy is fulfilled.
a. There are at least 18 ways that the Tabernacle was a type to be later understood as messianic prophecies.
b. There is no indication in the Torah narration that the Tabernacle it is one big messianic prophecy of Christ, Christians and the Church.
c. Before the coming of Jesus, we had no idea the Tabernacle was messianic.
d. Jesus is the first person to indicate that the Tabernacle was messianic typology when He associates his crucifixion with the destruction of the physical temple being raised a spiritual temple on resurrection Sunday morning.
2. We see that the New Testament fulfillment is not exactly like the original Tabernacle, but the spiritualized parallel is clear.
3. This is an excellent example of replacement theology as taught by Jesus and the Apostles. Most churches teach replacement theology.
I. The Tabernacle as a Messianic prophecy of Christ, Christians and the church:
1. Tabernacle is replaced by Church/Christian’s body:
a. "Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”" (John 2:19)
b. "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)
c. "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19–22)
2. Ten Commandments, Law of Moses is replaced by Law of Christ:
a. "to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law." (1 Corinthians 9:21)
b. "Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
3. Outer wall of the court represented the Law of Moses which created a barrier between Jew and Gentile. Now the Law/barrier is removed/abolished and both Jew and Gentile are lost without Jesus & stand in the outer court together: Eph 2:14-15. Now both Jew and Gentile must sacrifice themselves on the altar of burnt offering and be baptized by immersion to enter church:
a. Midrashic inference.
b. "For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace," (Ephesians 2:14–15)
4. Holy Place occupied by Aaronic Priests only is replaced by Christians only:
a. Midrashic inference.
5. Most Holy Place occupied by High Priest only is replaced by Jesus only in Heaven:
a. "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;" (Hebrews 9:11)
b. "For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;" (Hebrews 9:24)
6. Blood of Passover lamb is replaced by the body & blood of Jesus:
a. "Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed." (1 Corinthians 5:7)
b. "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:13–14)
c. "But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, “Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, But a body You have prepared for Me; In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have taken no pleasure. “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (In the scroll of the book it is written of Me) To do Your will, O God.’ ” After saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have not desired, nor have You taken pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the Law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second. By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:3–10)
7. Ark of the Covenant is replaced by the true one in Heaven as the Mercy Seat of forgiveness and the blood of Christ:
a. "For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;" (Hebrews 9:24)
8. High Priest is replaced by Jesus:
a. "For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever." (Hebrews 7:26–28)
b. "For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; nor was it that He would offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him." (Hebrews 9:24–28)
9. Veil removed by Jesus’ body signaling the way to heaven is known:
a. "Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh," (Hebrews 10:19–20)
10. Aaronic priests are replaced by Christian men and woman:
a. "to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:16)
b. "For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also." (Hebrews 7:12)
c. "you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5)
d. "and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:6)
e. "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God." (Romans 2:28–29)
11. Priestly garments are replaced by Christian good works:
a. "It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." (Revelation 19:8)
b. "“But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?’ And the man was speechless." (Matthew 22:11–12)
12. Altar of burnt offering animal sacrifices are replaced by Christian Self-sacrifice and moral living:
a. "“You shall offer up in smoke the whole ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the Lord: it is a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the Lord." (Exodus 29:18)
b. "‘Its entrails, however, and its legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall offer up in smoke all of it on the altar for a burnt offering, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord." (Leviticus 1:9)
c. "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all." (Philippians 2:17)
d. "But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God." (Philippians 4:18)
e. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?" (2 Corinthians 2:14–16)
f. "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." (Ephesians 5:1–2)
g. "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (Romans 12:1)
h. "to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:16)
i. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come." (2 Timothy 4:6)
j. "“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)
k. "Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24)
13. Brass water basin for physical ritual outward purity is replaced by water baptism for true spiritual forgiveness of sins for inward purity:
a. "Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
b. "‘Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’" (Acts 22:16)
c. "Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," (1 Peter 3:21)
14. Shewbread is replaced by Communion:
a. "Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons." (1 Corinthians 10:16–21)
15. Minora candlestick is replaced by Jesus and Scripture inside Christians:
a. "“As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches." (Revelation 1:20)
b. "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
c. "This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— “The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a Light dawned.”" (Matthew 4:14–16)
d. "“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;" (Matthew 5:14)
e. "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day." (Proverbs 4:18)
f. "so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world," (Philippians 2:15)
16. Altar of incense is replaced by Christian’s fruit of lips through prayer and song:
a. "When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." (Revelation 5:8)
b. "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15)
c. "Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity And receive us graciously, That we may present the fruit of our lips." (Hosea 14:2)
17. Instrumental music with harp is replaced with acapella singing with heart:
a. "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;" (Ephesians 5:19)
18. Mandatory 10% tithing is replaced by freewill offerings:
a. "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come." (1 Corinthians 16:1–2)
b. "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)
II. You believe in Replacement theology if…
1. …you believe the Bible when it says Christians are the true Jews today: Romans 2:28-29: "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. ", "for we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, " (Philippians 3:3)
2. …you believe that Israel is the church: "For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel [church] of God." (Galatians 6:15-16) The peace in this passage is for those who walk according to Christ so CANNOT refer to fleshly/physical Israel that utterly rejects Christ.
3. …you believe Jews must believe in Jesus to be saved and are as lost as Muslims and atheists until they do. (Jn 3:16; Jn 14:6)
4. …you believe the New Testament (second covenant) of Jesus Christ replaced the Old Testament (first covenant) Jer 31:31 + Heb 8:6-13
5. …you believe that keeping both the First and Second covenants at the same time is like a woman married to two men at the same time (Romans 6:1-7)
6. …you believe the body of the Christian is the temple that God dwells in today not some building made of stone, wood or curtains. (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19-20)
7. …you believe the Saturday Sabbath was abolished and Christians worship on the first day of the week (Sunday).
8. …you believe the calendar of 7 Jewish feasts are not to be kept by Christians: Passover (Pesach), Unleavened Bread (Chag Hamotzi), First Fruits (Yom habikkurim), Pentecost (Shavu'ot), Trumpets (Yom Teru'ah), Atonement (Yom Kippur), Tabernacles (Sukkot).
9. …you believe that the entire law of Moses has been abrogated and replaced by the law of Christ and that if you want to keep just one part of the law of Moses, YOU MUST KEEP IT ALL!
10. …if you believe that you do not need to be circumcised to be saved. Acts 15:1-3
11. …if you believe there is no distinction in the mind of God towards all men: Jew or gentile, rich or poor, male or female (Gal 3:28-29)
III. Sequential outline to use with the chart in a sermon:
The Tabernacle Messianic Prophecy
“Shadow of what was to come” Col 2:17
1. 10 Commandments/Law of Moses is replaced by Law of Christ: 1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2.
2. High Priest is replaced by Jesus (change of Law): Heb 7:12,26-28; 9:24-28.
3. Outer court wall is removed. The Law of Moses removed, which created a barrier between Jew and Gentile. Now the Law/barrier is removed/abolished and both Jew and Gentile are lost without Jesus & stand in the outer court together: Eph 2:14-15. Now both Jew and Gentile must sacrifice themselves on the altar of burnt offering and be baptized by immersion to enter church: Midrashic inference.
4. Holy Place is replaced by Christ/Christian’s body: Jn 2:19; 1 Cor 6:19;Eph 2:19-22.
5. Aaronic priests are replaced by Christian men and woman: Rom 15:16; Heb 7:12; 1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6; Rom 2:28-29.
6. Priestly garments are replaced by Christian good works: Rev 19:8; Mt 22:11-12.
7. Altar of burnt offering animal sacrifices are replaced by Christian Self-sacrifice and moral living: Ex 29:18; Lev 1:9; Phil 2:17; 4:18; 2 Cor 2:14-16; Eph 5:1-2; Rom 12:1; 15:16; 2 Tim 4:6; Gal 2:20; Mt 16:24.
8. Brass water basin for physical ritual outward purity is replaced by water baptism for true spiritual forgiveness of sins for inward purity: Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet 3:21.
9. Shewbread is replaced by Communion: 1 Cor 10:16-21.
10. Minora candlestick is replaced by Jesus and Scripture inside Christians: Rev 1:20; Ps 119:105; Mt 4:14-16; Mt 5:14; Prov 4:18; Phil 2:15.
11. Altar of incense is replaced by Christian’s fruit of lips through prayer and song: Rev 5:8; Heb 13:15; Hos 14:2.
12. Instrumental music with harp is replaced with acapella singing with heart: Eph 5:19.
13. Mandatory 10% tithing is replaced by freewill offerings: 1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:7.
14. Most Holy Place is replaced by Heaven itself: Heb 9:11,24.
15. Ark of Covenant is replaced by the true one in Heaven: Heb 9:24.
16. Blood of Passover lamb is replaced by the body & blood of Jesus: 1 Cor 5:7; Heb 9:13-14; 10:3-10.
17.
Veil removed by Jesus’ body signaling the way to heaven is known: Heb
10:19-20.
Only through the body and blood of Jesus can we get to
heaven: John 6:53-58; 14:6
Conclusion:
1. In a classic example of Midrashic Hermeneutical fulfillment, we see at least 18 different ways that the Tabernacle of Moses served as a messianic type of Christ, Christians and the New Testament church.
a. The church replaces the Temple
b. The Holy of Holies becomes heaven
c. The Holy Place becomes the church
d. The Law of Moses becomes the Law of Christ
e. The outer wall of the Tabernacle that kept Gentiles out represents the Law and is nailed to the cross.
f. Christ replaces the High Priest
g. The blood of animals becomes the blood of Jesus
h. Christians replace Jews as Priests
i. Altar of Incense becomes Christian prayer
j. Brass water basin becomes Christian baptism
k. Shewbread becomes the Lord’s Supper
l. Priestly garments become Christian good works
m. The Minora becomes Christ and the Gospel message shining in Christians as the light of the world
n. Instrumental music with physical harps becomes acapella singing with spiritual hearts as instruments
2. It must have been surprising to the Jews that the Tabernacle of Moses and the Temple of David was one big messianic prophecy.
a. The Midrashic Hermeneutic finds fulfillment in the later echo events even through the details are often quite different.
b. While there are at least 18 clear Tabernacle messianic parallels but others can be found that the Holy Spirit does not identify as such in the New Testament.
c. A good example of hidden Midrashic messianic prophetic parallel in the Tabernacle is how the Holy Place served by Aaronic priests, now represents the Christian church. Nowhere in scripture the Holy Place with the Altar of Incense, Table of Shewbread and Golden Candlestick said to be prophetic of the church, but we infer such through Midrashic Hermeneutic. Nowhere does the New Testament directly make this association.
d. Another good example of Midrashic Hermeneutic uses inference to highly messianic meaning, is the fact that both Jews and Gentiles now stand unsaved together in the outer court where the Altar of Burnt Offering and Brass water basin stand. Now both non-Christian Jews and Gentiles are equally banned from entering the Holy Place where the Aaronic priests once served. To enter the Holy Place, which now represents the church, all Jews and Gentiles must offer themselves as a burnt offering sacrifice by “picking up their own cross and following Jesus” (Mt 16:24). Then upon confession of faith in Jesus as the risen messiah, they must be immersed in water for the remission of their sins. Only then are they saved and are permitted to enter the Holy Places which is the New Testament church. None of this is directly taught in the New Testament but through Midrashic inference, it is clear.
3. This is also the central messianic prophecy that best illustrates “Replacement Theology” as taught by Jesus and the Apostles. The New Testament teaches that Christians replaced Jews (Rom 2:28-29) and the church replaced the Temple. This called Replacement Theology or Supersessionism and is found in the Christian Bible from start to finish.
4. The value of this kind of messianic prophecy is not that people were waiting for the fulfillment beforehand, but that it was clearly fulfilled looking back when the Exodus and the life of Christ were put side by side.
By Steve Rudd 2020: Contact the author for comments, input or corrections.
