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Throughout most of the Old Testament period, the people of Judah and Israel did not seek or expect salvation. They believed that, after death, their souls went to sheol, best described as a state of semi-consciousness, similar to the pagan hades. It is only in the post-exilic period that we see a belief in heaven, and even this never became a universal belief among the Jews.
People in the Old Testament period believed that God punished them here on earth for their sins, using the armies of other nations to deliver his punishment. They never believed in hell, so salvation from hell had no meaning. The Jews exiled in the Babylonian Empire must have learnt the concept of hell from their contacts with the Zoroastrian religion, but for some reason never really adopted it and therefore Jews of the late Old Testament period had no interest in any kind of salvation. However, Christianity has adopted the concept of hell with enthusiasm and, for Christians, salvation is an important need.
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How does the New Testament reveal what the Old Testament concealed?
The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of prophecies and promises made in the Old Testament, showing how Jesus Christ brings a new covenant and salvation for all people, which was not fully understood in the Old Testament.
What role does the concept of salvation for the Gentiles play in the Old Testament narrative?
The concept of salvation for the Gentiles in the Old Testament narrative highlights the idea that God's salvation is not limited to a specific group of people, but is available to all who believe in Him. This theme emphasizes the inclusivity of God's love and mercy, showing that salvation is not restricted by cultural or ethnic boundaries. It serves to demonstrate God's desire for all people to be saved and to have a relationship with Him, regardless of their background.
Why is the study of the Old Testament basic to understanding the New Testament?
Much of the reason for events and doctrine taught in the New Testament are to be found in the Old Testament. The New Testament would be incomprehensible without the Old. The reason for Christ's coming to earth and why humankind are in need of salvation can be found in the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis.
What are some Old Testament verses that discuss the salvation of Gentiles?
Some Old Testament verses that discuss the salvation of Gentiles include Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 56:6-8, and Psalm 22:27. These verses highlight God's plan to include all nations in His salvation.
Who were the first people to use the Old Testament?
The Hebrew people were the first people to use the old testament.
What are found in the Old and New Testament in the Bible?
Various stages of God's revelation of Himself and His plan of salvation for mankind. He does this via His calling out people (Congregation of Israel in the Old and the Church of God in the New). Though the Patriarchs and His Prophets, all that mankind needs to know to attain salvation is presented.
Did King Saul lose his salvation when he disobeyed God?
The concept of salvation does not appear in the Old Testament; it is introduced in the New Testament. We are told that it is bad to disobey God, but nothing in the story of King Saul suggests that this would have caused him to lose his salvation. The whole issue of how people get saved if they lived and died at an earlier historical period than that of Jesus Christ is somewhat complicated and has involved the concept of purgatory, where the soul of King Saul presumably was sent, pending his salvation.
How did Gentiles get saved in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament, Gentiles could be saved by believing in the one true God of Israel and following His commandments. They could also participate in the sacrificial system and seek forgiveness for their sins. Ultimately, salvation in the Old Testament was based on faith and obedience to God.
What promises does the Old Testament make for gentiles regarding their inclusion in God's covenant?
The Old Testament promises that gentiles can be included in God's covenant through faith and obedience, and that they will be blessed and receive salvation alongside the Israelites.
Why only in the New Testament the salvation was extended to the gentiles?
God has His times and seasons. Actually there were a few Gentiles that received salvation in the Old Testament. Rahab in the Book of Joshua was one and Ruth in the Book of Ruth was another. There were more, but this was the exception to the rule. During Jesus' time on earth more Gentiles are mentioned and then finally when the Jewish people rejected Jesus as the Messiah it was time for the Gentile to be accepted by God on a different basis, although Salvation has always come by faith in God, God created a time when mostly Gentiles could come to Him freely and in great numbers. Salvation to the Gentiles was mentioned in the Old Testament a number of times, but the timing was God's.
The Old and New Testament were written by who?
The old and new testament are written by many different people.
What is Canon in the Old Testament?
In the old testament cannon is the holy land, which Joshua led the people to.
