The Law and the Prophets until John
By F. M. Burg
Moses and the Prophets Wrote of and Taught Christ —
Beautiful Gospel Expressions of Forgiveness
of Sin in the Old Testament "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." Luke 16: 16. By "the law and the prophets" are meant the Old Testament Scriptures. "The law" refers to the first five books, written by Moses, and known as the Pentateuch; while "the prophets" include the remainder of the Old Testament. This is conceded by all Bible scholars, and needs no discussion. The Jews so designated the writings which to them were the Holy Scriptures, and in which they thought they had eternal life. Jesus said to the Jews, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." John 5: 39. At the time He spoke these words, the New Testament had not been written. His reference was to "the law and the prophets." Paul had in mind the same writings when he said, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable." 2 Tim. 3: 16. These Scriptures testify of Jesus,—of the One who forgives sins. Salvation through the One who saves His people from their sins is the theme of all these inspired writers. Note the words of Christ Himself in referring to the writings of Moses: "Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" John 5: 46, 47. As stated in these words of Christ, Moses wrote of Him. Jesus and His salvation was the subject of the books written by Moses, the servant of God. So important a part did Moses act in connection with God's great plan to save men, that when the work is finally consummated, and the redeemed of all nations stand on the beautiful shore, they will sing the "song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb." Rev. 15: 3. Through Moses God built the earthly sanctuary. In connection with this tabernacle, a system of ceremonies and rituals was carried forward that set forth in type the great work of our High Priest in heaven, who offers His own blood before the Father for the remission of sins. Through Moses the law which serves so important a purpose in working out man's salvation was given to men. "By the law is the knowledge of sin." Rom. 3: 20. By means of the law the sinner is led to see the "exceeding sinfulness of sin"; and so, "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." By being led to see himself a sinner, the subject of grace appreciates the redemption price that was paid for him; and so full of gratitude is he that he constantly feels unable to give it adequate expression, and he longs for the eternal years to come, that he may through all generations tell the riches of God's grace in His kindness toward him through Jesus Christ. Eph. 2: 7. ALL THE PROPHETS TOLD OF HIM
So did all the prophets tell of Christ and of the salvation offered through His sacrifice. Hear Isaiah's message: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1: 18. Again he says: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55: 7. Could pardon be thus offered to sinners save through the merits of the sacrifice of Christ? How could Micah the prophet give the assurance he did that God would forgive sins, except through the redemption price that was paid when God gave His beloved Son to die? Hear his comforting words: "He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which Thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old." Micah 7: 19, 20. OUR DANGER THE SAME AS THEIRS
So we might continue quoting from Moses and all the prophets, showing the things concerning Him, even as He did on the occasion of the memorable walk to Emmaus. Luke 24: 25-27. Let us not be so slow as were those disciples to believe all that the prophets have spoken of Him. How sad it is to see men so blinded, that when they read Moses and the rest of the Old Testament, they fail to see Christ there! Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, spoke of just such a condition. 2 Cor. 3: 14, 15. Attention is called again to the text in Luke, "The law and the prophets were until John." Until John's work began, the gospel of salvation through Christ was preached from the standpoint of the law and the prophets,—the same plan of redemption that is preached in the gospel to-day. Since then, the "kingdom of God" is preached. This will be the theme of an article next week.