Does The Old Testament Say Any Thing About The Resurrection? Pastor Carl answers the question!

Dear Pastor Gallups, "Does the Old Testament speak of the resurrection of Jesus? I heard that there were prophecies of Jesus' resurrection but I don't know where they are. Can you help me with this?"  S. T., a PPSIMMONS Subscriber

 

S. T.,

There are no Old Testament Scriptures that directly say "The Messiah will be resurrected after three days." So, in that sense the answer is "no." However, and this is important...There is much Biblical evidence that the references to the resurrection of the Messiah were there all along and that Jesus and the New Testament writers knew it. Consider the following facts:

Jesus refers to his resurrection as having been illustrated by Jonah in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights. Jesus said this would be an illustration of his own resurrection. (Matthew 12:40)

Psalm 22 is an indisputable prophecy about the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus actually quoted the first line of it while upon the cross. The Psalm also speaks of the crucified one eventually having dominion and rule over the earth, implying He will live after the crucifixion.

Psalm 16:10 declares of God - You will not let your Holy One (Messiah) see decay nor abandon him to the grave. The decay process set in after 3 days. That is why Jesus waited to the fourth day to raise Lazarus. Here is a prophecy of the Holy One coming to life before three full days is up.

Isaiah 53:11 - This is another scripture about the suffering and crucifixion of the Messiah. This passage declares  - after the suffering (death) of the Messiah  that He would "see the light of life."  In other words - He would rise from the dead. 

I Corinthians 15:3-5 - Paul declared that Jesus' resurrection was "in accordance with the Scriptures (Old Testament)."

Luke 24:26-27  - Jesus declared that his suffering and rising were in "accordance with the prophets."

John 20:9 - John declares that the Scriptures proclaim that Messiah would rise.

Acts 2:24 - Peter declares that the Scriptures make clear that Messiah would rise.

Daniel 7:9-15 - Daniel has a vision of the risen and reigning Messiah of God.

I hope this helps you S. T. The resurrection of Jesus is the center point of the Gospel message and of our faith. The Old Testament prophesied it – the New Testament records it. You can stand on it!

Visit Pastor Carl's website - http://www.carlgallups.com

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