The need of each human being is forgiveness and acceptance by God. Without the knowledge of how to be forgiven, the human existence has no meaning, for man was created by God and for God. To dwell in his presence for eternity is the highest goal God has for us as humans. Without forgiveness this is impossible. It is with this in mind that this article was written. There is no other motive!

Wouldnt it be nice if God would see fit to guarantee our forgiveness, now, so we could enjoy it the rest of our living days and then for eternity? Wouldnt the peace of that assurance be great?!! Of course, we would never deserve it but God is the God of great mercy and has sent his messengers with his important message. It is this message that is at the heart of what is in this article. May it bring you great joy!

When the author of this article was in college, he came to a point where he wanted to know whether what he had been taught as a child about God and forgiveness was right. Had he believed it just because his parents had taught him that or did he really believe? In the ensuing study, there was one thing that provided solid evidence to his faith. It was the prophecies of Jesus Christ. They proved themselves as a firm foundation for several reasons.

1. The prophecies that have been fulfilled have come true with absolute accuracy.


2. The prophecies had been written more than 400 years before the events happened.


3. There is no way for the prophecies to have been fabricated because they were in the Jewish scriptures and yet were fulfilled in Jesus Christ whom many Jews despised.
   

Nevertheless the same scriptures that prophesied Christ, the Messiah, are the same scriptures that the Jews have today even though they dont always obey them. This delicate balance is important to prove that the followers of Christ could not have changed the Jewish scriptures to suit their own interpretations. Upon this firm foundation the author knew he could trust firmly in Gods word in the Holy Bible because the message of the Messiah (Al-mesih) is the main message of the Bible.

God has sent a message through his prophets for us to understand. Its a progressive revelation. The fact that this is a progressive revelation does not mean that God's character changes or that his plans were confused. God gradually revealed himself and his plan for mankind, so that mankind would come to know him and trust him. He sent prophecies years in advance to assure men at particular times that what was happening was part of his plan. This process took thousands of years. Even though his revelation is progressive, there are themes that never change. One of these is the theme of the Messiah, (Al-mesih) that would save man from sin.

What really is a prophecy? How general could a prophecy be and still be considered a genuine prophecy? Do isolated references to character qualities that could apply to many different people, qualify as authentic prophecies? Some religions believe that very general prophecies concerning character traits are sufficient to point to their prophets. But the prophecies of Jesus Christ do not consist of simply references containing character qualities that we find displayed in Jesus Christ's life. It was obvious to the readers at the time many of the prophecies of Jesus Christ were written, that they clearly referred to the Messiah--the person who would have the authority of God, have the character of God, and bring God's salvation to man. When these prophecies were written, they were simply separate pieces to a puzzle. On many occasions the prophets themselves who spoke of these things knew that they were speaking of a specific person who would accomplish the work God had for him. Yet the details were not always understood fully until the events actually occurred. Even when the events occurred, more explanations were sometimes necessary. In looking back, though, these prophecies are very clear. This is explained in I Peter 1:10-12,

"Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things."

The prophets wrote about this Messiah (Al-mesih), who was also referred to as the Branch of David; the Righteous Servant; Son of Man; offspring of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; prophet like unto Moses; and other names and titles, long before he came to this earth. As the prophecies were written hundreds of years before Christ was born, a well-rounded picture of the life of this Messiah (Al-mesih) emerged. This picture also narrowed down the possibilities of who could be Al-mesih. This is evidenced by the fact that when men from a far country came looking for the place where the Messiah King (Al-mesih) would be born, they were told that according to the scriptures he would be born in Bethlehem. There they found him. (Matthew 2:1-11) This picture portrays his lineage, events surrounding his birth, the town where he would be born, his many sufferings in death, the time of his death, the works that he did and more. The combination of these prophecies shows us clearly that Jesus Christ is the Messiah (Al-mesih) who was prophesied by all the prophets. No other prophet is clearly prophesied like this. With the evidence we have in the Holy Bible, we are allowed to investigate these prophecies and ask whether they truly point to Jesus Christ. Is he really the Messiah who would come bearing God's name and who is from eternity? To answer these questions we must look at what the Bible says about his work, nature and titles while he was on this earth.

What criteria should we follow to be sure that the prophecies we cite are authentic prophecies? To be sure we are understanding the prophecies correctly, we must look at prophecies that have already been fulfilled and see how they were fulfilled.

One of the accusations thrown at the Holy Bible and at Christians is that the name Jesus is never mentioned in the Old Testament where the prophecies of Jesus Christ are found. Is this a reasonable accusation? The fact is that the Hebrew name for Jesus, Yeshua, is found in the writings of the prophets in the Holy Bible 30 times. But these occurrences are not considered as prophecies of Jesus Christ because they are not speaking of the Messiah (Al-mesih). However, the Holy Bible consistently considers nameless prophecies as authentic prophecies. This occurred both in the Old Testament by the prophets and in the New Testament by Jesus Christ.

In The Old Testament
In Daniel 4, we see that the vision that was received, did not contain the name of the person. Yet, the prophet Daniel interpreted the vision as going to happen to Nebuchadnezzar and it did. Josephus, the Roman historian, also records this event.

By The Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus himself, noted as valid, a nameless prophecy,

Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: ... "This is the one about whom it is written, 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' " (Matthew 11:7, 10)

This prophecy comes from Malachi 3:1. It does not contain the name of John the Baptist (Yahyah) but Jesus, himself, says it refers to John the Baptist.

Jesus also spoke concerning himself,
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:16-21)

This is a valid prophecy of Jesus, even though his name is not mentioned in the prophecy.

In The Gospels
Other passages in the gospels are specifically recorded as prophecies that speak of Jesus Christ. Those in the Gospel of Matthew are Matthew 2:6,18,23 (cf. Micah 5:2, Jeremiah 31:15, Isaiah 53:3 and Psalm 22:6); Matthew 3:3 (cf. Isaiah 40:3); Matthew 4:14-16 (cf. Isaiah 9:1-2); Matthew 8:17 (cf. Isaiah 53:4); Matthew 11:10 (cf. Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1); Matthew 12:18-21 (cf. Isaiah 42:1-4); Matthew 13:35 (cf. Psalm 78:2-3); Matthew 21:4-5 (cf. Zechariah 9:9); Matthew 21:42 (cf. Psalm 118:22-23); Matthew 22:41-46 (cf. Psalm 110:1); Matthew 27:9-10 (cf. Zechariah 11:12-13).

There are still other prophecies from the Old Testament that are quoted in New Testament but are not specifically stated as fulfilling prophecy. Some examples of these are Matthew 26:63 (cf. Isaiah 53:7); Matthew 26:64 (cf. Daniel 7:13-14); Matthew 28:46 (cf. Psalm 22:1).

Many events of Jesus life as recorded in the New Testament are not a surprise because Jesus Christ is mentioned in all the scriptures that came before him. This fact is verified by Jesus Christ, himself and two of his apostles. The following are quotes from these reputable sources.

By Jesus Christ


"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." (Luke 24:27)

While speaking to the Jewish leaders, Jesus specifically mentions that Abraham knew and understood something about Jesus' coming.

At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"

Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."

"You are not yet fifty years old, " the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"

"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (John 8:52)

By The Apostle Peter


"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you --even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'

"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways." (Acts 3:17-26)

By The Apostle Paul


"I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen-- that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." (Acts 26:22)

We have seen that we should be looking in the Old Testament for prophecies of Jesus Christ and we see what type of prophecies to anticipate. Now, the question is, "Can these claims be verified from the writings of the prophets?"

The following passages from God's revelation to the prophets written down 400 to 1500 years before Jesus was born, do speak of Jesus Christ. Again, remember that the significance of the prophecies is not just in the individual prophecies themselves but the composite picture each prophecy helps to reveal and title of the person they are ascribed to. Many of these are the names of God himself. The following contain quotes from all the prophets followed by the Old Testament reference, the New Testament reference of the fulfillment and a brief explanation of the prophecy.

Note: Each verse below is followed by its reference in parentheses from the Holy Bible. This is followed by the reference of the fulfillment in the Injil in parentheses preceded by the letters "cf." A brief explanation of the prophecy may follow this in separate parentheses. The bold italicized script either contains the significance of the prophecy or the connection between it and other prophecies. Each prophet is listed in chronological order according to when he lived and prophesied.

There are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the first coming of Jesus Christ. Some of these prophecies are fulfilled in a general way in numerous events in Jesus Christ's life. Others are fulfilled very specifically. A careful reading of the gospels is necessary to do an honest study of these prophecies and their fulfillments. Other prophecies are still to be fulfilled by him in the future. The following list includes prophecies from all the prophets, but not all of the prophecies from each prophet are included. As we go through them, it is important to remember that we must remember the previous prophecies. Any additional prophecies will not negate the previous prophecy but will give additional information so as to eventually pinpoint without doubt the Messiah that was to come.

To Adam (By Moses)

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (Genesis 3:15)

(cf. Matthew 27:50-53; Luke 23:44-24:53; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Hebrews 2:14-15)

(Jesus Christ will strike a fatal blow to Satan by conquering death.) It is important to note that the offspring is one person. This person would deal a fatal blow to Satan who was the serpent that tempted Adam and Eve in the garden.

Note: The Hebrew word for "offspring" never uses the plural form when referring to "descendants." It can either be used in the singular sense or in the collective sense. In this verse, Genesis 3:15, we know that "seed" is used in the singular sense because the singular pronoun "he" is used to refer to this "seed." Later we see that it refers to Jesus Christ. (cf. Galatians 3:16)

After Adam sinned God covered their shame by the skins of animals. He also accepted Abels sacrifice because it was the firstborn from his flock. The lives of animals covered the affects of sin and stayed off judgment. Sin and its affects was mans number one problem. It had caused a change of relationship between him and God. That needed to be corrected. God in his mercy sought to change that. Since God is absolutely holy, his plan to eliminate sin and its affects is at the center of all that he did from this point forward. We know this because

1. He made everything good. (Genesis 1:31)
2. His design is best.
3. His holiness and judgment demand that his plan be restored.
4. His mercy and power guarantees its completion.

To Abraham (By Moses)

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:2-3)

(cf. Matthew 1:1-17; The Gospels; Galatians 3:16) (Jesus Christ has been and will be a blessing to the whole earth.)

God is referring to a specific person or group of people that would be descendants of Abraham.

"...it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring." (Genesis 21:12)

(cf. Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38) (Jesus Christ was a descendant of Isaac.)

These descendants of Abraham, already referred to, would be descendants of Isaac. God chose him out of Abrahams many sons to be especially blessed. (Genesis 25:1-11)

To Isaac (By Moses)

"Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws." (Genesis 26:3-5)

(cf. Luke 3:23-38; The Gospels; Acts 3:22-26) (Jesus Christ has been a blessing to the whole earth.)

The promise is reiterated to Isaac himself.

To Jacob (By Moses)

...he said: "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. (Genesis 28:13,14)

(cf. Luke 3:23-38; The Gospels; Acts 3:22-26) (Jesus Christ has been a blessing to the whole earth.)

The promise of blessing given to Abraham and Isaac would be through Jacob.

By Moses

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. (Genesis 49:10)

(cf. Luke 3:23-38; Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5) (Jesus Christ is a descendant of Judah.)

Moses prophesied that this ruler would be a descendent of Judah and would rule over the nations.

"A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth. A ruler will come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city." (Numbers 24:17,19)

(cf. Matthew 1:1-17; Revelation 4:1-9:21) (A scepter has to do with a king and his right to rule. Jesus Christ is a descendant of Jacob who is also called Israel.)

A descendent of Jacob would have the role of a ruler who will carry out judgment.

" I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account." (Deuteronomy 18:18-19)

(cf. Luke 3:23-34; John 6:14; 12:47-50; 14:31; 17:6-8) (Jesus Christ was a descendant of Jacob (Israel) and spoke exactly what God told him to say.)

This prophet was an Israelite as proved by the context in Deuteronomy 17:15.

By Samuel

" 'Your house and your kingdom shall endure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.' " (2 Samuel 7:16)

(cf. Luke 1:31-33; Matthew 22:41-46) (This promise was given to King David that his kingdom would be eternal. Christ is a descendant of David.)

This promise of a kingdom was given to King David, a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah. His house (lineage), kingdom and throne would continue forever.

By Job

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another, How my heart yearns within me!" (Job 19:25-27)

(cf. The Gospels; Galatians 3:14; Revelation 14:1; 22:20) (Jesus Christ is the Redeemer. He has stood on the earth and will stand on the earth again. He is the only one who will stand against the wrath of God who gives him the right to judge.)

This prophecy can best be understood to refer to Jesus Christ in light of the other prophecies.

By David

Psalm 2 (cf. Luke 22:66-23:4)

The king mentioned here was already prophesied in Genesis 49:10 and Numbers 24:17,19 as the one who would crush the nations, is referred to as Gods son, Gods Anointed One, meaning Gods Messiah (Al-mesih).

Psalm 22 (cf. John 19:17-37; Matthew 27:46)

This psalm begins with the words Jesus himself spoke at the time of his death. The remainder of the psalm describes various details about Christs death. He is the Anointed One who would live a perfect life in order to offer an acceptable sacrifice to God.

Psalm 110 (cf. Hebrews 7,8 and 9)

The Anointed King has the power and authority of God. He is described as a priest. A priest administers the sacrifices before God to cover over the sins of the people and guarantees Gods promises to the people.

By Solomon

Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!" (Proverbs 30:4)

(cf. Luke 1:30-35; 22:67-23:4) ("Son" denotes a spiritual relationship. It is used when God has chosen a man on whom to pour out his Spirit to accomplish his purposes.)

God has chosen one to be called his Son. The Anointed King (Al-mesih) has already been called Gods son by the Prophet David. The Jews would never, never attribute a physical son to God, yet this is from their scriptures. This "sonship" is spiritual. Jesus Christ was Gods Son in a spiritual and metaphorical sense.

By Joel

"And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls." (Joel 2:28-29)

(cf. John 14:13-19) (The one who saves will carry the name of the Lord Almighty. The name, "Jesus" means Jehovah (the LORD) saves.)

Because of the details given already, we know that God brings salvation and deliverance through his King the Anointed Messiah who establishes Gods covenant with mankind. So it is easy to see that this verse is referring to Jesus Christ (Al-mesih).

By Obadiah

"For the day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your deeds will return upon your own head." (Obadiah 1:15)

(cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Acts 17:30-31; Revelation 4:1-9:21) (The day of the LORD will not occur without the presence of Jesus Christ because it is through him that all will be judged.)

Knowing that the Anointed Messiah will be the final judge we know this is a reference to Jesus Christs (Al-mesih) judgment of the earth.

By Amos

"In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its ruins, and build it as it used to be, so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name," declares the LORD who will do these things. (Amos 9:11)

(cf. Acts 15:15-17) (The realm of Gods kingdom will be lengthened. This occurred when Gentiles entered the kingdom through the death of Jesus Christ.)

The King that is in the line of David will include all nations in his kingdom.

By Jonah

"In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depth of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again towards your holy temple.' (Jonah 2:2,4)

(cf. Matthew 27:45-66; 28:1-10) (This speaks of Jesus Christs deliverance from the grave. When he said, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me", he was calling attention to Psalm 22 which spoken of his rejection because of our sin but also his victory over death at the end of the psalm.)

The significance of this prophecy wasnt fully seen until Christ spoke that it referred to himself. This prophecy of Jonah describes perfectly what Christ went through.

By Isaiah

Isaiah 9:1-7 (cf. Luke 1:32-33; Hebrews 2:6-10)

The Anointed King who would reign forever on King Davids throne would be a light to the darkness, and would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 11 (cf. Matthew 3:16; Luke 4:18-5:28)

The descendant of Jesse (King Davids father) will be controlled by the Spirit of God, judge righteously, and draw people from all nations to himself. He will be full of wisdom, knowledge, counsel, power and reverence for God.

Isaiah 42:1-8 (cf. John 1:1-12; Matthew 12:1-21)

Gods servant (another title for a king or prophet) would bring justice to the nations, would be a covenant for his people and would be a light to the Gentiles by the power of God. Remember that at this time people already know that there would ultimately be one that would crush the head of Satan. This one has already been described as the descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Jesse and David, and has been described in great detail.

Isaiah 49:5-13 (cf. Luke 2:29-32; Romans 3:28-30)

Gods servant would display the glory of God, bring salvation to Jew and Gentile alike, would be despised by the Jews, but would be looked up to by rulers. He would be a covenant of God to the people.

Isaiah 52:6-15; 53:1-12 (cf. The Gospel accounts of the crucifixion)

A description of, the circumstances around, and the purpose of the death of Gods servant (to bear our sin and intercede for us) is described. His future victory over sin, shame and death is also described.

By Hosea

"Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people', they will be called 'sons of the living God'. The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and they will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel." (Hosea 1:10,11)

(cf. Romans 11:25-32, The Book of Acts) (Gentiles will be included in Gods kingdom and the remaining Jews will repent and embrace Jesus as their king.)

The scope of the kingdom of this "leader" is for all people.

By Micah

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2)

(cf. Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 2:4-21; John 7:42; John 8:51-59)

The birthplace of this ruler who would be a descendant of Judah is named. This ruler is of supernatural origin; he was already existent at that time.

By Nahum

Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! (Nahum 1:15)

(cf. Matthew 4:23; 9:35-36; 11:1-6; Mark 9:50; John 14:27; John 16:33; John 20:19,21,26) (Jesus Christ constantly went out about preaching the good news of the kingdom.)

The message of this Messiah King is given.

By Zephaniah

The King of Israel, the LORD, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. (Zephaniah 3:15)

(cf. Matthew 27:37; Romans 8:1-6; Hebrews 2:14-15) (Jesus Christ is referred to as the King of Israel. Through him fear is taken away.)

Again, the previous prophecies show this to be speaking of Jesus Christ.

By Ezekiel

" 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender spring from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.' " (Ezekiel 17:23)

(cf. Revelation 7:9-10) (The influence of Gods chosen Messiah would be great.)

This is an allegory of the extent of the influence of the Messiah (Al-mesih). It is shown from the context of the chapter that this allegory is referring to a future king who would keep Gods covenant in contrast to the current king whom God would judge.

By Jeremiah

"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

(cf. Hebrews 1:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:21) (This King would be a descendant of David and would be called "LORD (Jehovah, God) our Righteousness.")

This prophecy describes the character and authority of the Anointed King whom had previously been prophesied. He was referred to as "LORD" and through him Gods righteousness came to the people.

By Habakkuk

You came out to deliver your people, to save your anointed one. You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness, you stripped him from head to foot. (Habakkuk 3:13)

(Read verses 1-16.) (cf. Revelation 4:1-9:21; Revelation 20:7-15) (Jesus Christ is the anointed Messiah, Al-mesih).

This prophecy is clearly stated as happening at a specific time in the future. The anointed one would be accompanied by the power of God to conquer Satan as promised to Adam.

By Daniel

"Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.

"Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens', and sixty-two 'sevens'. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two 'sevens', the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary." (Daniel 9:24-27)

(cf. Mark 1:15; Nehemiah 2:4-8; Luke 19:28-24:53) (The anointed would be cut off from any earthly power and influence and appear to be a hope lost. The time of his death is predicted. The sixty-two sevens culminate at Jesus entry into Jerusalem before his death.)

The rule of the Anointed King is further explained. The lack of an earthly kingdom reminds us that his kingdom is primarily a spiritual kingdom.

NOTE: "The decree to rebuild the temple went out in 444 B.C. From 444 B.C. to A.D. 32 is 476 years; 476 multiplied by 365 is 173,740 days; add 116 days for leap years, and the total is 173,880 days. Since the prophetic year of the Bible is always 360 days, the 69 sevens of the prophecy in Daniel (69 multiplied by 7, multiplied by 360) equals 173,880 days. And so, the time given by Daniel from the "commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah, the Prince" works out perfectly -- to the very day!" (Meldau, Fred John, The Prophets Still Speak, 1988, p. 27.)

"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14)

(cf. Matthew 2:11; 28:9; Luke 21:27; 22:69; John 12:23; Revelation 4:9-11; 5:5-14; 7:9-17) (His kingdom would last forever and he would be worshipped, and have great authority. Christ called himself the Son of Man many times.)

Here is described the blessing that would come to all the nations through the one God has been referring to from the beginning of his books of prophecy.

By Haggai

"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, ' says the LORD Almighty. The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty. (Haggai 2:6-7,9)

(cf. Matthew 21:1-16; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; Luke 2:25-32; Luke 2:46-47; Hebrews 12:18-29; 13:20-21; Revelation 11:15-19; 21:22-27) (The presence of Jesus Christ is better than the glory that filled the Solomons temple. The people of God are now Christs temple.)

The desired one mentioned by many other prophets is described here and he will bring a greater glory with him than was ever known before.

By Zechariah

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)

(cf. Matthew 21:1-11) (Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.)

Another event of this Kings life, his coming, the nature of his mission and a description of his character is described.

By Malachi

"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come, " says the Lord Almighty. (Malachi 3:1)

(cf. Matthew 21:1-16; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; Luke 2:25-32; Luke 2:46-47) (Jesus Christ did come to his Fathers temple and has now chosen to take up his dwelling in believers. He is the messenger of the new covenant.)

The one who was desired (previously mentioned) would be the messenger of Gods covenant and is referred to as the Lord.

These prophecies are only some of the prophecies about Jesus Christ. More are found in the same scriptures. It is amazing that they came over a period of 1,100 years through over 20 prophets of God. The consistency of the message over this period of time verifies the message that God sent to mankind. In addition to these prophecies, the law and the sacrifices that God commanded Moses to perform are a picture of the life and sacrifice that Jesus Christ offered for all mankind. Events of the prophets lives were a foreshadowing of the Christ who was to come and who has come. These also fulfill the fact that "all the scriptures" spoke of him. God has confirmed his message to us in this way so we can embrace it with confidence.