Page 14 - The Messiah Beyond a Shadow of Doubt
P. 14
The Messiah: Beyond a Shadow of Doubt
Most importantly, Israel was the chosen vehicle through which God would send His
Messiah into the world. From the stories of the Bible, we learn of His plan to redeem mankind
through His Messiah, who will one day take center stage in the cosmic performance and
welcome His children into the ultimate paradise to enjoy the provisions and security of the only
true Sovereign. Theater Israel is God’s forum for revealing Himself to the world, to all mankind.
Our Direction
This book explores two primary subjects: The Messiah and The Appointed Times. You
may be familiar with the concept of the Messiah, but to sharpen your understanding, we devote
an entire chapter to clarify its meaning in the Scriptures. As we explore the concept of the
Messiah, it is essential that we understand the reason He had to die. Why did He have to die? It
is an excellent question that deserves a thoughtful, clear answer.
We will spend the remainder of our time together exploring the Appointed Times. It is
strange that very few Christians have heard of the Appointed Times, since they are not a secret
in the Bible. They are situated in the heart of the Law of Moses in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus,
which is somewhat uncharted territory for many. You may be tempted to close this book at
the mention of Leviticus, asking what book of the Bible could be drier and less relevant to New
Testament believers? But I assure you, the Lord’s Appointed Times reveal secrets and explain
mysteries about the Messiah that are fresh and alive and able to breathe new life into your faith.
Furthermore, the Appointed Times explain the origin and meaning of important
scriptural terms that are somewhat vague to many people. Terms such as Passover, The Feast
of Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, The Day of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and
the Feast of Booths. Understanding these holy days will enhance your overall understanding of
God’s Word and help you construct a comprehensive picture of His Messiah.
The Intersection
We can certainly study about the Messiah and the Appointed Times independently of
each other, but it is in the intersection of these two subjects that special truths come to light
that reveal connecting threads within the Scriptures. The Appointed Times are like luminous
fibers in a tapestry that highlight the most important themes of God’s Word and lead us to the
Messiah. Through this study, you will see connections between themes in the Bible that are
otherwise not obvious, thus deepening your overall understanding.
2