I & II CHRONICLES The tribe of Judah figures prominently in Chronicles because it is tribe from which Messiah will come. The genealogies in Chapters 1-9 of I Chronicles is a preamble to genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew. The messianic line was threatened by murders, treachery, battles, and captivity but it remains clear and unbroken from Adam to Zerubbabel. (See genealogies of Christ in Matthew 1 and Luke 3) The temple also is a picture of Christ. Note these three passages: "in this place there is One greater than temple." (Matthew 12:6); "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (John 2:19); and "But I saw no temple in it, for Lord God Almighty and Lamb are its temple." (Revelation 21:22)

EZRA: In Ezra we see continuation of promise of God to keep descendants alive. Zerubbabel is part of messianic line. The remnant has returned to land of promise, and it is here in Bethlehem that Jesus will be born. The book of Ezra itself is a picture of Christ and His work of forgiveness and restoration.

NEHEMIAH: Nehemiah is also a picture of Christ in His work of restoration. Nehemiah also is a type of Christ in that he too gave up a high position in order to help his people. In book of Nehemiah, everything except king is restored: temple, Jerusalem, covenant, and faithfulness of people.

ESTHER: Esther pictures Christ in that she puts herself in place of death for her people and is a picture of Christ in His being an advocate for us. Also in this book we see another attempt by Satan to destroy linage of David, but God preserves His people and messianic line.

JOB: Job says, "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on earth;" (Job 19:25) He also cries out for a mediator (see 9:33, 25:4, 33:23). The problems raised in book of Job are answered in Christ who knows of our suffering, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)

PSALMS: In book of psalms we see that life and ministry of Jesus Christ is specifically anticipated. There are five different kinds of messianic psalms. In some, subject of psalm is a type of Christ. In others, psalmist uses language to describe his present experience which points beyond his own life to become historically true only in Christ. We also see in some psalms that it refers to a king or house of David but final fulfillment is not come until Christ. Some are purely prophetic in that they refer only to Christ. And in still others we see that psalmist anticipates coming of Yahweh and His kingdom, which is fulfilled in Christ.

PROVERBS: In book of Proverbs we see fabulous wisdom of Solomon, who it is said was wisest man on earth. However, this wisdom is a picture of Christ who has ultimate wisdom, wisdom of God; "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption..." (1 Corinthians 1:30)

ECCLESIASTES: This book shows us how empty our life can be without a relationship with God. Only Christ can provide those things which make life meaningful.

SONG OF SOLOMON: In Old Testament, Israel is considered to be bride of Yahweh and in New Testament church is bride of Christ. This book illustrate first and pictures second.

ISAIAH: The prophecies in this book are clearer and more explicit than any other Old Testament book. Isaiah is brimming with prophecies of Christ.

JEREMIAH: The book of Jeremiah points directly to Christ: "Behold, days are coming, says Lord, That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgement and righteousness in earth. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Jeremiah 23:5,6)

LAMENTATIONS: Jeremiah, author, is a type of Christ in that both wept over Jerusalem.

EZEKIEL: This book pictures Messiah as a tender twig that becomes a stately cedar.

DANIEL: In visions of Daniel we see prophecies of Christ. Also his vision of 69 weeks pinpoints coming of Messiah.

THE MINOR PROPHETS - HOSEA, JOEL, AMOS, OBADIAH, JONAH, MICAH, NAHUM, HABAKKUK, ZEPHANIAH, HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH, & MALACHI: In these books we see several prophecies of Christ as well as types and pictures of Christ. Space does not permit us to give as much detail on these, minor prophets.

I hope that through this discussion of Scarlet Cord which runs through Old Testament in prophecies, types and pictures of Christ you can see that He is very center, cornerstone if you will, of God's plan of salvation for man. We should not think of Old Testament and New Testament as two distinct and separate parts, but as one whole plan by which God will redeem those who want to be His people. There is much which could be said about differences in Old and New Testaments, but we will save that for a future article. The thing for us to remember is that though there are many significant differences in two testaments as to their purpose and so forth, together they form one beautiful and magnificent account of God's love, devotion, and longing to save His creation - man.

All scriptures quoted are from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Stephen Kingery is an author, preacher, teacher and founder of The Home Bible Study Institute.

Visit our site at http://www.james1-22.org

No name but Christian. We who associate ourselves with Restoration Movement wish to be known only as a Christian. We wish to wear only name of Christ. The name Christian is a Biblical name, "And disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26b) Also we read in New Testament that church was referred to as either church, church of Christ, or church of God. Many people seem to consider themselves a Baptist first and a Christian second, or a Methodist first and a Christian second, or any other man-made name first and a Christian second. We believe that Christian is not just first, but only name we want to wear.

Where Scriptures speak, we speak. Where Scriptures are silent, we are silent. It seems that many Christians are ever ready to argue about Scripture. I would like to point out that it is not really necessary to argue about Scripture. The Bible is quite plain in what it says. There are some principles of interpretation which we must follow, but once we do, truths in Bible are clear. So therefore we believe that if Bible addresses a particular subject and a command is given, we should obey that command. We will stand up and defend what Bible says about how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians. On other hand, if a subject is not covered in Scriptures (if Bible is silent on a subject) then it is not necessary to debate or defend issue.

The plan of salvation. By reading and studying New Testament teachings we see that there is a plan of salvation. We are told by New Testament writers what we must do to be saved. It is not difficult to understand. However, there are many who either try to make it more complicated than it is, or simplify it more than it is, or even to interject man-made rules into what needs to be done. We need to consider all that is in Scriptures concerning salvation, and then not add any additional requirements. Here is plan: Faith or Belief (Romans 10:17, John 3:16); Repentance (Luke 13:3); Confession (Matthew 10:32); Baptism [immersion] (Mark 16:16 & Acts 2:38); and Faithful Living (James 1:12).

I hope and pray that what I have given you in this article is enough to show that there is a difference between those churches who associate themselves with Restoration Movement and those churches we usual call denominational as well as Catholic church. It is vitally important that we continue steadfastly in apostles' doctrine. The Scriptures give us ample warning about following false teaching. If you need or want to know more about Restoration Movement or want to study more about principles of movement, there are many good Restoration writers to choose from. Ask your minister to help you locate this information, he will be glad to help you. Or, write to us. We have several excellent books available by different authors to help you in your study.

All scriptures quoted are from New King James Version unless otherwise noted

Stephen Kingery is an author, preacher, teacher and founder of The Home Bible Study Institute.

Visit our site at http://www.james1-22.org