With systematic care and precision, Rydelnik explores the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) and highlights the messianic nature of its content. Although some branches of recent scholarship have shied away from seeing the Old Testament as directly predicting the future Messiah, Rydelnik convincingly argues that the intent (and perhaps primary purpose) of the Old Testament was to point to Jesus Christ, the One whom God would one day send. The result is a well-constructed, well-defended position.

Despite the proliferation of prophecy to the elders and to Miriam and Aaron, Moses remained unique as God’s prophet and servant. This was so because God spoke directly with Moses, unlike the way He spoke with other prophets. Numbers 12:6-8 establishes a significant innertextual foundation for interpreting Deut 18:15-19 by explaining what is meant by “a prophet like Moses.” Whoever that prophet would be, he would be required to speak to God face to face. [61]

The seams of the Hebrew Bible, connecting the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, were deliberately shaped in order to communicate an essential message of the Old Testament—that of the Messiah and His presence in the text of the Scriptures. The wise man, meditating on the Word of God, will discover the future Messiah in the words of Scripture. [68]

The only meaning in a given text is that which the author intended. To say the Holy Spirit meant something other than what the human author understood contradicts the very idea of biblical inspiration. In fact, the doctrine of inspiration serves to confirm the truth of the human author’s words—the Holy Spirit does not contradict their words with alternative or additional meanings. [134]

Truth is foundational to faith. According to Rob Bell, and others, we must believe in Jesus because “it works,” not because it is true. In fact, Jesus’ claim is just the opposite. According to Him, faith in Him only works because it is a true faith. Moreover, He is the truth. [162]

Messianic prophecy is an essential element for proving that Jesus is the Messiah. In fact, Jesus identified Himself as the Messiah, the fulfillment of all messianic prophecy, by directing His followers to the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:44-46). The apostles, in turn, used messianic predictions to convince their listeners to believe that Jesus was the true Messiah. The power of messianic prophecy continues today. [190]

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