There is an interesting example of how understanding the First Testament enhances our understanding of the Second. This example involves our “afterlife.” (Although God would probably call it our “True Life”).
The people of the ancient middle east, both Gentiles and Hebrews, had very little knowledge of life after death. In truth they had very little concern. They had foggy notions of a place called Sheol and a faint belief that if they were buried close to their ancestors they would have some type of relationship with them. They believed the “righteous” would sleep on Abraham’s bosom but that too was vague. These folks were in a constant battle just to survive and called upon God more often for help with their daily bread. What came when life ended was less important.
Then Yeshua arrived.
He raised physical worship up to the spiritual realm and added reliance on Himself for our spiritual wellbeing. He directly challenged the popular belief of his time that there is no afterlife. Using a beggar and a rich man, he identified the two possible destinations for eternity. He said he had been in heaven and said there was lots of room for us.
Once having established this reality, He reminded us how to get there.
The impact and history changing words about the afterlife Jesus provided changed everything. Today these concepts are taken for granted. For the common man of Yeshua’s time, this must have been earthshaking.
The people of the ancient middle east, both Gentiles and Hebrews, had very little knowledge of life after death. In truth they had very little concern. They had foggy notions of a place called Sheol and a faint belief that if they were buried close to their ancestors they would have some type of relationship with them. They believed the “righteous” would sleep on Abraham’s bosom but that too was vague. These folks were in a constant battle just to survive and called upon God more often for help with their daily bread. What came when life ended was less important.
Then Yeshua arrived.
He raised physical worship up to the spiritual realm and added reliance on Himself for our spiritual wellbeing. He directly challenged the popular belief of his time that there is no afterlife. Using a beggar and a rich man, he identified the two possible destinations for eternity. He said he had been in heaven and said there was lots of room for us.
Once having established this reality, He reminded us how to get there.
The impact and history changing words about the afterlife Jesus provided changed everything. Today these concepts are taken for granted. For the common man of Yeshua’s time, this must have been earthshaking.