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Gospel

The Gospel in the Old Testament

God's plan to reconcile His creation was set before time. Sacrifices foreshadowed the Lamb of God, who gave His life as a ransom and rose again. Whoever believes is saved.

Key verses

  • Isaiah 53:5–6
    He was pierced for our transgressions … the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
  • Genesis 22:8
    Abraham said, 'God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering.'
  • Psalm 49:7–8
    No man can ransom another … for the ransom of their life is costly.

The Gospel Woven Through Scripture

God loves His creation and had a plan to reconcile it to Himself before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20). The OT reveals this plan in types and prophecies.

Sacrifices as type and shadow

From Genesis 3 (skins for Adam and Eve) through the Levitical system, sacrifices were a pattern pointing to one ultimate sacrifice. Genesis 22 — Abraham tells Isaac, "God will provide for himself the lamb." God provided a ram that day; He would one day provide His own Son as the Lamb (John 1:29).

The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53)

Isaiah 53 describes one who would bear our griefs, be pierced for our transgressions, and by whose wounds we are healed. He would be cut off for the transgression of His people (53:8), make an offering for sin (53:10), and justify many by bearing their iniquities (53:11). This is Jesus—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Ransom, death, and resurrection

He gave His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:6). He laid it down willingly and had authority to take it up again (John 10:18). He was raised on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4).

Salvation by belief

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned (John 3:18). God knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19). This is the gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised—and we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).