To accurately interpret and present 2000 – 4000 year old Scripture, written in ancient languages, critical analysis must be observed on a consistent basis. Special attention must be given to the grammatical expression of the original signature; the historical setting; the religious, cultural, and political environment; and the original receiving audience.
The Old Testament begins with man in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). The new testament begins with God in the image of man (John 1:14).
At Christ’s birth, the wise men who worshiped Him brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).
At Christ’s death, wicked men ridiculed Him, crucified Him, and gave Him a crown of thorns, offering vinegar and spittle (Matthew 27:29, 34; 26:67).
In Matthew 17:1-5, we overhear a conversation from Heaven; in Luke 16:19-31 we overhear a conversation from Hades.
In John chapters 4 and 8 Christ forgives harlots who believe. In Matthew 23 the Lord exposes and condemns religious hypocrites — blinded by religion, self-righteousness and ritual without substance.
Here’s more regarding the Old testament Book of Isaiah: Isaiah is divided in two parts or sections: The first section is chapters 1-39, and the second is chapters 40-66. Isaiah is a miniature of the Bible, having 66 chapters corresponding with the 66 books; 39 chapters in the first section dealing with law and judgement, corresponding with the message of the 39 books of the O.T.; 27 chapters in the second section, corresponding with the 27 books of the N.T. both in number and message of comfort and salvation through Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist came just ahead of the First Advent of Christ to announce Messiah — “Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Notice that the word John used in verse 29, is rendered “sin” in the singular, not the plural. This, of course, refers to the first sin of Adam, which was imputed to all men, the result of which we all have Adam’s fallen nature — the Adamic nature or human nature. Just before the Second Advent of Christ, Elijah will introduce Messiah.
The Bible is the Written Word of Truth in published form, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the Living Word of Truth in fleshly form (John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”). Both the published Word of God and the physical body of Christ when He was on the earth are supernatural (of God) in origin, and both represent that which is divine (holy and pure) and that which is human.
The Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible were given by God to mankind as the greatest gifts ever given, and the greatest story ever told (Genesis 3:15; Psalm Chapters 19-23; Isaiah 9:6, 7; 53:6; Matthew; 1:22, 23; John 6:44; 68,69; 20:27-31).
Note: It helps if you see the referenced verses in your very own Bible. We encourage you to look up the verses and see them for yourself.
Happy Studying!