How Did Old Testament Believers Get Saved?
When we think about salvation in the Bible, our minds often go directly to the New Testament and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. However, Old Testament believers had their own unique relationship with God and were also promised salvation. So, how did Old Testament believers get saved? The answer lies in their faith, obedience to God’s commandments, and the sacrificial system that pointed toward a future Savior.
The Role of Faith in Salvation
One of the most important aspects of salvation for both Old and New Testament believers is faith. The Bible tells us that it is faith, not works, that plays a crucial role in salvation.
Examples of Faith in the Old Testament
Take Abraham, for instance. In Genesis 15:6, it states, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” This verse highlights that it was Abraham’s faith that was deemed righteous, even before the Law was given to Moses.
Similarly, the author of Hebrews emphasizes faith when he lists various heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11. Figures like Noah, Moses, and David are exemplified not for their perfection but for their unwavering faith in God.
The Assurance of God’s Promise
Old Testament believers trusted in God’s promises and the coming Messiah. The prophets proclaimed that salvation was forthcoming. Isaiah 53, for example, foretells the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many, pointing towards Jesus. This reliance on God’s promises was instrumental in their salvation.
The Sacrificial System
Another vital element of how Old Testament believers were saved is the sacrificial system outlined in the Law of Moses. The book of Leviticus describes numerous sacrifices that were to be made to atone for sin.
Understanding Atonement
In Leviticus 17:11, it states, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls.” The sacrifices were not mere rituals; they symbolized the need for blood to be shed for the forgiveness of sins.
The Day of Atonement was most significant, as it involved the high priest making atonement for the people of Israel. A goat, known as the scapegoat, symbolically carried the people’s sins into the wilderness (Leviticus 16). This act illustrated God’s mercy and foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
Limitations of the Sacrificial System
While these sacrifices were essential, they were temporary. The blood of animals could not fully erase sin. Hebrews 10:4 states, “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Old Testament believers understood this limitation but continued in faith, knowing a greater sacrifice was coming.
Obedience to God’s Commands
Obedience to God’s laws and commandments also played a crucial role in salvation. While no one could keep the Law perfectly, following God’s commands demonstrated a heart aligned with Him.
The Importance of the Law
The Ten Commandments were foundational, giving the Israelites guidance on how to live righteously. While the law served as a mirror to reveal sin, it was ultimately meant to lead them to God’s grace. Romans 3:20 explains, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.”
Grace and Mercy
For Old Testament believers, they relied on God’s grace and mercy along with their obedience. They understood that even in their failures, God’s character was one of forgiveness. Psalm 103:10 says, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” This verse speaks powerfully to God’s willingness to extend grace to those who turn back to Him.
The Hope of the Messiah
Throughout the Old Testament, believers held tightly to the hope that a Messiah would save them. They may not have known Him by name, but their faith pointed toward God’s ultimate plan for redemption.
Prophecies Foretelling the Messiah
There are many prophetic verses that point to this coming Savior. From Genesis 3:15, where God foretells a battle between the seed of the woman and the serpent, to Isaiah 9:6, which describes a Child who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the promise of salvation shone brightly.
Linking Old and New Testament Salvation
When we look at how Old Testament believers were saved, it beautifully connects to how New Testament believers find salvation through Jesus. Both rely on God’s grace. Believers today look back at Christ’s finished work on the cross, while Old Testament believers looked forward in faith to the promise of a coming Savior.
The Unity of Salvation
Understanding that salvation has always been about faith in God’s provision helps us see the unity of Scripture. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, salvation is rooted in the grace of God.
Continuity in God’s Plan
God’s plan has always been focused on restoring the relationship between Him and humanity. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” This encapsulates the message of hope that transcends time.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Old Testament believers got saved through their faith in God’s promises, obedience to His commands, and participation in the sacrificial system that pointed to the coming Messiah. They were looking forward to a future redemption, just as we today look back at what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Through this understanding, we can appreciate the continuity and depth of God’s plan for salvation throughout the biblical narrative.
Common Questions Related to How Did Old Testament Believers Get Saved
Q. What was the primary way Old Testament believers showed their faith?
A. Old Testament believers primarily expressed their faith through obedience to God’s Law and trusting in His promises.
Q. Did Old Testament sacrifices actually save people from sin?
A. While sacrifices were essential for atonement, they were symbolic and temporary, ultimately pointing to the greater sacrifice of Christ.
Q. How did Noah demonstrate his faith?
A. Noah showed his faith by obeying God and building the ark, despite not having seen rain before.
Q. Was the concept of grace present in the Old Testament?
A. Yes, grace was evident in the Old Testament, with passages like Psalm 103 highlighting God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Q. What role did the prophets play for Old Testament believers?
A. Prophets delivered God’s messages, reminding the people of His promises and warning them to return to Him.
Q. Can Old Testament believers be saved like New Testament believers?
A. Both groups are saved by faith in God’s provision; Old Testament believers looked forward to the Messiah while New Testament believers look back at Christ’s sacrifice.
Q. How did the Israelites view the Law?
A. The Israelites saw the Law as God’s guidance for holy living, helping them understand their need for grace.
Q. What promise was central to Old Testament believers’ hope?
A. The promise of a coming Messiah and the restoration of their relationship with God was central to their hope.
Q. Was there an expectation of a Savior in the Old Testament?
A. Yes, there was a strong expectation of a Savior who would redeem and restore, mentioned in various prophecies.
Q. How did Daniel’s faith contribute to the understanding of salvation?
A. Daniel’s unwavering faith amidst trials encouraged others to trust in God’s ultimate plan for salvation and restoration.