Understanding the Promises in the Old Testament: Substituting “Land” with “Christ”
In the intricate tapestry of the Old Testament, we find numerous promises, many of which refer to a specific “land” that was to be given to the people of God. However, when we delve deeper into the scriptures and apply a Full Preterist New Covenant Creation perspective, we discover a profound and transformative insight: substituting “Christ” for “land” unveils the true intended promises of God. This substitution aligns perfectly with the belief in Christ and provides a deeper understanding of our spiritual inheritance.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, guided by divine inspiration, sheds light on this profound truth in his letter to the Colossians. He writes in Colossians 1:19-20 (NKJV), “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Here, we see that the fullness of God dwells in Christ, signifying that Christ is the embodiment of the divine promises. By reconciling all things to Himself, Christ fulfills the promises that were originally associated with the “land.”
This perspective becomes even clearer in Acts 17:28 (NKJV) as Paul addresses the Athenians: “For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.'” Here, Paul emphasizes that our existence and everything we experience are inextricably linked to Christ. Just as the “land” was promised as an inheritance to the people of God in the Old Testament, our true inheritance is found in Christ.
Substituting “Christ” for “land” allows us to grasp the spiritual depth of the promises in the Old Testament. The “land” promised to the Israelites was a shadow of the greater reality that is Christ Himself. In Him, we find safety, fulfillment, and the true realization of God’s covenant promises.
To conclude, when reading the Old Testament promises, let us remember to substitute “Christ” for “land.” This simple change in perspective brings clarity and a profound understanding of the true intended promises of God. In Christ, we find our dwelling place, our peace, and our inheritance. As believers in Christ, we can confidently embrace these promises and walk in the light of His Word, knowing that all things find their fulfillment in Him.