Understanding the Fulfillment of Jesus from the Old Testament in the New Testament

Understanding the connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament is vital for anyone wanting to grasp the full story of the Bible. The Old Testament is overflowing with prophecies and promises that find their resolution in Jesus Christ. This journey through redemption shows how the Scriptures create a continuous story of hope, salvation, and divine purpose.

The Word of God reveals that history is not random; it is guided by God’s eternal plan of redemption through His Son. The same God who spoke through the prophets of Israel is the One who fulfilled every promise in Christ. Jesus Himself declared, “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Every word, every covenant, and every prophecy leads to Him.

In this post, we will look at significant prophecies and promises from the Old Testament, examining how they come alive in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. By discovering these connections, we can deepen our appreciation for God’s unwavering plan throughout history.

The Promise of a Savior

From the very start, the need for a Savior is established in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve’s disobedience, God promises that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). This promise, often called the “protoevangelium,” is the foundation for the entire biblical narrative. It foretells victory over sin and the restoration of humanity through one who would be born of a woman.

As we journey through the Old Testament, we see this promise reaffirmed through covenants. God tells Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). This points to the coming Messiah who would bring salvation not only to Israel but to every nation. Later, God makes a covenant with David, declaring, “I will set up your seed after you, who will proceed out of your body, and I will establish his kingdom. Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you” (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Jesus embodies these promises as the ultimate Savior. Born of a woman (Galatians 4:4) and from the lineage of both Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1-17), He fulfills God’s redemptive plan in perfect obedience. Every generation, every prophecy, and every covenant pointed to Him—the promised Redeemer who would crush the power of evil and bring eternal life.

The Prophetic Foreshadowing of Christ

Throughout the Old Testament, many figures and events prefigure Christ’s coming. The sacrificial system in Leviticus reveals humanity’s deep need for atonement and the reality that “without shedding of blood there is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Yet all these sacrifices were only temporary shadows of the perfect Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world.

The Passover lamb, whose blood saved the Israelites from death in Egypt (Exodus 12), symbolizes

Jesus, whose blood redeems humanity from sin. John the Baptist recognized this when he proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

The story of Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of a great fish, foreshadows the death and resurrection of Christ. Jesus said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the huge fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). The prophetic patterns of the Old Testament reveal God’s unfolding plan, fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus.

The Prophecies of the Messiah

The prophets of Israel foretold the coming of the Messiah in great detail. Isaiah 7:14 declares, “Behold, the virgin will conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:23). Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant who bears the sins of many—“He was pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5)—fulfilled in Christ’s crucifixion.

Micah 5:2 prophesies that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being little among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me who is to be ruler in Israel.” The New Testament confirms this in Matthew 2:1. These and hundreds of other prophecies create a divine thread of expectation that reaches its completion in Jesus Christ, proving the reliability and unity of Scripture.

The Role of the Law

The Old Testament Law reveals the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. Paul writes, “By the works of the law no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). The law served as a mirror, showing our need for a Savior.

Jesus did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it perfectly. He lived a sinless life, satisfying every requirement of divine justice. In Him, the demands of the law are met, and the penalty for sin is paid. Through His righteousness, believers are justified by faith, not by works. This marks the transition from the Old Covenant of works to the New Covenant of grace and truth through Christ.

The New Covenant

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God promised, “Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah... I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart I will write it” (Jeremiah 31:31-33).

This covenant was fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus. At the Last Supper, He took the cup and said, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many” (Mark 14:24). The old sacrifices of animals are replaced by the one perfect sacrifice of the Son of God. Through His blood, humanity is reconciled to God and invited into a living relationship with Him.

The Resurrection: The Ultimate Fulfillment

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the ultimate proof of fulfillment. Psalm 16:10 declares, “For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.” Peter cites this verse in Acts 2:31, affirming that it was fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection.

The resurrection demonstrates God’s power over death and confirms every prophecy about the Messiah. It assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life. As Paul writes, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17, WEB). But because He lives, those who believe in Him will also live.

The Great Commission: Spreading the Good News

After His resurrection, Jesus commanded His disciples, “Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This divine command echoes the promise given to Abraham that through his seed all nations would be blessed.

The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Christ is not only historical but ongoing. The Church continues this mission, proclaiming salvation to the ends of the earth. God’s redemptive plan is still unfolding as lives are transformed through faith in Jesus.

The Feasts and Their Fulfillment in Christ

The feasts given to Israel were not mere rituals but prophetic symbols pointing to Christ. Passover foreshadowed the crucifixion—the Lamb whose blood brings deliverance. The Feast of Unleavened Bread represents the purity of Christ’s sinless body. The Feast of Firstfruits points to His resurrection as “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20, WEB).

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out, fulfilling the Feast of Weeks and marking the birth of the Church. The remaining feasts, such as Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles, remind believers of Christ’s return, final judgment, and eternal dwelling with His people. Each feast finds its meaning and completion in Him, the center of God’s redemptive calendar.

The Sabbath and Rest in Jesus

Many confuse the Sabbath commandment with the spiritual rest offered through Christ. The Sabbath was a shadow of a greater reality—the rest found in the Messiah. Jesus invites, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, WEB).

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus also revealed His authority over the Sabbath: “He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath’ ” (Mark 2:27-30). By these words, He made clear that the Sabbath was created for humanity’s benefit, not as a burden of legalism. It points to the freedom and rest believers now have in Him.

Hebrews 4:9-10 confirms, “There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his.” In Christ, believers cease striving for righteousness through the law and rest in His finished work. The true Sabbath is not a day of the week but a life of faith and communion with the Savior.

Why Judaism Still Honors the Law, the Feasts, and the Sabbath

Judaism continues to observe the Mosaic Law, including the feasts and the Sabbath, because it follows the covenant God made with Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai. These observances were given as part of the Old Covenant — a shadow pointing to the coming Messiah. Since many in Judaism do not recognize Jesus as the promised Christ, they remain under the framework of the Law rather than the fulfillment of it.

The Bible reveals that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). In Him, the purpose of the Law was completed. The sacrifices, feasts, and Sabbath rest all pointed to the person and work of Christ. The true Sabbath rest is now found in Him: “There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his” (Hebrews 4:9–10).

Believers in Christ no longer strive for righteousness through the Law but live by grace through faith. The rituals and festivals once required by the covenant serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness and as symbols fulfilled in Jesus — the perfect Passover Lamb, the Bread of Life, and the eternal rest for every soul who believes.

Confusion on Social Media: Mixing the Law and Grace

In the digital age, many voices on social media spread confusion about the law and grace. Some preach that believers must return to Old Testament observances, while others distort freedom into lawlessness. This mixture leads to deception and spiritual exhaustion.

Paul warned the Galatians, “You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4). The law was never meant to save but to reveal sin. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone. Christians must be discerning and return to Scripture, testing every teaching against the Word of God.

True discipleship is not built on social trends or political movements but on knowing Christ and walking in the Spirit. The fulfillment of the law in Him liberates believers to live in righteousness, not bondage.

Politics and the Kingdom of Christ: Where True Justice and Freedom Lies

Jesus made it clear that His Kingdom is not of this world. When questioned by Pilate, He said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight... but now my Kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).

Many in modern times place their trust in political leaders or movements, believing they can bring righteousness, justice, and freedom. Yet Scripture reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Charlie Kirk, who dedicated his life to awakening a generation to truth and moral clarity, left behind a legacy through Turning Point USA that continues to influence many. His passion for biblical values in the public sphere stirred countless young believers to speak boldly about faith and truth. He once argued that those who believe the Bible has nothing to do with politics are mistaken — and in one sense, he was right. The Old Testament was filled with political systems, kings, and rulers chosen by God to govern His people. Yet, every leader failed to bring lasting righteousness. That’s why God sent His Son — to establish a New Covenant not built on earthly authority, but on the redemption of the human heart.

When people interpret the Bible as a command to support or prioritize political causes, they miss the central message of Christ. Jesus did not call His followers to defend an earthly system, but to proclaim a heavenly Kingdom. The Gospel is not a political agenda; it is the message of salvation through grace — transforming individuals, and through them, transforming the world.

No government or leader can fulfill the role of the Messiah. Earthly causes may inspire courage or moral awareness, but true justice and freedom are found only through the reign of Jesus Christ. His Kingdom is not built by legislation or human effort, but by transformed hearts living under the authority of God’s Word.

Believers are called to pray for their leaders, engage the culture with discernment, and stand for truth — yet always remember that our ultimate hope lies in Christ alone. The Kingdom of God transcends every government, nation, and generation. Only Jesus reigns forever, and only His truth sets people free.

The Old Testament Scroll — Foreshadowing the Fulfillment in Christ

Jesus as Savior and Lord

Understanding the Fulfillment of Jesus from the Old Testament in the New Testament

It is crucial to understanding the fulfillment of Jesus from the Old Testament in the New Testament, for every prophecy, law, and covenant pointed to Him. What began under Moses finds its completion in Christ, who is the true Passover Lamb, the eternal High Priest, and the living Word made flesh. In Him, the shadow became substance, and through Him, grace replaced the written code. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we must also receive Him as our Lord. Salvation is not only deliverance from sin, but surrender to His authority. Jesus is not someone we call on in moments of need — He is the One we follow daily in obedience and love. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

To confess that Jesus is Lord means we give Him full authority over every part of our lives — our thoughts, actions, relationships, and decisions. “If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). We are no longer governed by our own desires, but by His Word and His Spirit.

Accepting Christ as Lord also means honoring Him by applying His teachings and walking according to His commands. Obedience is not legalism — it is love expressed through submission to His truth. “He who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked” (1 John 2:6). The grace of God does not abolish His moral law; rather, it empowers us to live it out through the Spirit.

When Jesus is both Savior and Lord, our faith becomes complete. He becomes our guide, our peace, and our authority. His Lordship transforms our lives from the inside out, teaching us to live not for ourselves, but for the glory of God. “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

Understanding the fulfillment of Jesus from the Old Testament in the New Testament allows believers to see the Bible not as two separate stories, but as one divine narrative centered on Christ’s redemptive mission.

Living in Light of Fulfillment

Understanding how Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in Christ strengthens our faith and anchors us in God’s promises. It assures us that every word He has spoken will come to pass. As Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

Living in this awareness calls believers to walk in gratitude and obedience. The same God who fulfilled His promises in Christ continues to guide His people today. Through faith, we live as witnesses of His redemptive power and proclaim His truth to a world still searching for hope.

Reflecting on Redemption

From the first promise in Genesis to the new covenant in Christ’s blood, Scripture tells one unified story—God’s plan to redeem humanity through His Son. Every prophecy, symbol, and feast finds its meaning in Jesus. His life, death, and resurrection are not isolated events but the fulfillment of centuries of divine revelation.

As we reflect on these truths, we are reminded that the Word of God is alive and active, pointing always to Christ. The fulfillment of the Old Testament in the New is a testimony of God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. May every believer rest in the assurance that all of God’s promises find their “Yes” and “Amen” in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and eternal King.

How to Apply the New Covenant in Daily Life

Living under the New Covenant means walking each day in the freedom, grace, and truth that Jesus Christ provides. Instead of striving to meet the demands of the Law, believers rest in the finished work of the cross. “For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). This doesn’t mean living without discipline or holiness — it means our obedience now flows from love rather than obligation. “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we learn to walk in righteousness empowered by grace. “For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). The feasts and Sabbath once reminded Israel of God’s presence, but today we carry His presence within us. “Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Each day becomes an opportunity to worship, rest in His promises, and reflect Christ’s light to others. “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

To live by the New Covenant is to let God write His truth on our hearts and to live with a continual awareness of His mercy. “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind” (Hebrews 10:16). It is daily surrender — not to rules, but to relationship — finding joy, rest, and purpose in Jesus alone. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Continue Your Journey of Healing

If this message encouraged you, I invite you to explore these themes more deeply:

From Pain to Purpose: Rediscovering Life in God’s Word — a Bible-based resource that contrasts secular psychology and philosophy with the unchanging truth of Scripture.

Available on Amazon: https://mybook.to/FromPainToPurpose

Guided by God: Healing the Past, Building the Future through Bible-Based Counseling & Coaching, Journaling Prompts & Exercises — a faith-centered tool designed to support your Christian coaching journey through reflection and spiritual growth.

Available on Amazon: https://mybook.to/GuidedbyGod

Visit HopeWithElisabeth.com to learn more about Bible-based counseling and coaching sessions designed to guide you toward peace, healing, and renewed purpose through God’s Word.