The apostle John reveals that the Word, who is Jesus Christ, is God and the Creator God of Genesis. All things were made through Him. The Logos, the One who speaks, spoke this world and everything in it into existence. Paul testifies in Colossians 1:16 that Christ was the Creator. Yahweh of the Old Testament and Christ of the New refer to themselves as the First and the Last because both are the same self-existent, eternal Being. In Exodus 3:13-15, Jesus declares that He is I AM, their God. The Bible identifies Jesus Christ as the God of the Old Testament, Yahweh Elohim. Therefore, when Jesus speaks, He is both the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New.

Jesus Christ as God/LORD of the Old Testament: The Israelites knew only one deity, YHWH, who had made a covenant with them and revealed Himself to Moses on the mount. They generally thought of God in the singular as YHWH. However, they also knew that God identified Himself as Elohim, a plural noun indicating more than one Being. John 1:1-3 clearly states that God and the Word are two separate personal Beings, essentially equals, revealing the existence of the Father and the Son. In Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema declares, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!" This does not necessarily speak of God as one in number but describes a characteristic of God, indicating that He is unique and united. The Father and the Son are perfectly united in purpose and harmony. Psalm 2, understood as a Messianic prophecy, refers to the Son as "My Son" and "His Anointed," indicating that the One speaking is the Father. This psalm was used in ancient Israel as a coronation hymn, where the king was considered the son of God by anointing. The New Testament clearly applies this to Jesus Christ, revealing the Father and the Son. Psalm 110 is another Messianic prophecy where YHWH refers to the Son, Jesus Christ, and "my Lord" refers to David or a later Israelite king. Jesus and Peter understood this psalm to refer to the Father and the Son, with the Son being greater than David. In Daniel 7, the Ancient of Days, who is the Father, and the Son of Man, who is the Son, are described. Both terms suggest eternity and eternal life, applicable to both the Father and the Son, though the Father is always shown in the senior position.

Isaiah 9:6-7 declares that a Child is born, a Son is given, whose name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The government will be upon His shoulder, and of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice forever. This prophecy points to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who bears the title Everlasting Father. The God of the Old Testament, identified as Christ, is the One who created all things and is called the Rock in various scriptures. In Deuteronomy 32:6, He is acknowledged as the Father of Israel, having redeemed them from slavery in Egypt, created them, and founded them as a nation. Furthermore, in Jeremiah 31:9, He affirms His role as a Father to Israel, promising to lead them in a future time of repentance when He returns to establish His world-ruling government, maintaining this special relationship throughout eternity as the Everlasting Father.

Jesus claimed to be the God of the Old Testament, a fact reported in the Bible. He stated that He came down from heaven and would return there, indicating His divine origin and eternal existence. Jesus' assertion that no one has ascended to heaven except Him who descended from heaven underscores His unique divine nature. He also claimed to inhabit eternity, aligning Himself with the uncreated nature of God, as mentioned in Isaiah 57:14-15. Jesus used the divine name "I AM" when confronting the Jews, directly associating Himself with the God who spoke to Moses at the burning bush, thus claiming to be the timeless God. Furthermore, Jesus is identified as the Creator in Genesis 1, where He spoke the world into existence, and in John 1:1-3, which states that all things were made through Him. Colossians 1 and 2 reinforce His preeminence as the Creator and Redeemer, affirming His divinity and eternal existence. In Revelation 3:14, Jesus is described as the beginning of God's creation, emphasizing His eternal nature and role in creation.

Jesus Christ is profoundly present throughout the Old Testament, not merely in specific prophecies but as the central figure of the entire narrative. He is often identified as the God of the Old Testament, appearing as the Angel of the Lord or directly interacting with figures such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and Daniel. He spoke with Abraham over a meal, met Moses face to face, appeared to Joshua as the Angel of the Lord, and revealed Himself in visions to Daniel. In many instances where God is mentioned, it is almost always Christ who is speaking or acting, addressing the prophets about Israel's sins and the consequences that follow. His character and manner of dealing with carnal man, as well as with those to whom He has given His Spirit, are vividly displayed in these accounts. Beyond His words and personal appearances, Christ is the object of the Old Testament sacrifices, which all point to Him. The furnishings of the Tabernacle also symbolize aspects of His nature and work. Numerous Old Testament figures serve as types of Christ, foreshadowing His life and mission. Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and others reflect, through their actions and character, various facets of Jesus Christ. Specific events and symbols, such as Abraham's offering of Isaac, the Passover lamb, the bronze serpent in the wilderness, the crossing of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, and water from the rock, are types that Christ later fulfilled directly or through His agency. In the context of the holy days, particularly the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the focus remains on Christ. He is the true bread that came down from heaven, the bread of life that must be consumed daily for spiritual nourishment. This act of ingesting Christ—through His teachings, character, and examples from both the Old and New Testaments—sustains, energizes, repairs, heals, and fosters spiritual growth. Without Him, there is no spiritual life. Christ is the model of sincerity and truth, embodying inward purity and outward goodness, and the feast reminds us annually to integrate Him into our lives through diligent study and practice, shaping us into His image. As the Head of the church, His primary role is to teach us to be like Him, guiding us from the moment of our calling through a rigorous life course of consuming and living out the bread of life.

The glory of God, as revealed in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ, who embodies the divine presence and character. In the Old Testament, this glory was often manifested as the Shekinah, a visible representation of God's presence, such as the burning bush where the Lord appeared to Moses in a flame of fire, or the pillar of cloud and fire that guided the Israelites through the wilderness for forty years. This presence, described as Emanuel—God with us—parallels the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as Emanuel, God dwelling among humanity in the flesh. Scripture ties the Old Testament manifestations of God's glory directly to Jesus Christ. In Zechariah 6, the crowning of Joshua the high priest symbolizes the coming Branch, an heir of David, who is Jesus Christ. This prophecy declares that He will bear the glory, uniting the roles of King and Priest in one person, reflecting the majesty and essence of God's glory. In John 1, the apostle identifies Jesus as the Word who was with God from the beginning and became flesh, tabernacling among us, full of grace and truth. This directly connects to the Shekinah glory that dwelt in the tabernacle, revealing that the same Person who manifested His glory to Moses, abounding in goodness and truth, is Jesus Christ, now incarnate. Furthermore, in John 11, through the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates the glory of God not as mere radiance but as an act of lovingkindness and faithfulness, proving that He is the Christ. This act manifests God's glory in His actions, serving as a witness to His divine identity. Finally, in II Corinthians, the church is described as the temple of the living God, with the glory that Jesus bore now transferred in part to His followers, making them the habitation of the Spirit and bearers of that same divine glory.

Jesus Christ, as the Angel of the Lord, is identified as the God of the Old Testament in numerous accounts. In Acts 7:30-32, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the burning bush, declaring Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of the fathers. This same Angel spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, as noted in Acts 7:38, confirming His direct interaction with the fathers. In Judges 2:1, the Angel is shown to have made a covenant with Israel and promised the land to the fathers, actions also attributed to the Lord, Yahweh, suggesting they are one and the same Being under different titles. In Genesis 22:11-18, the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham, stating that Abraham had not withheld his son from Him, indicating that He was Abraham's God who tested and blessed him. Similarly, in Genesis 31:11-13, the Angel of God spoke to Jacob, identifying Himself as the God of Bethel, the same God who promised the land to Abraham and Isaac. Genesis 48:15-16 further reveals Jacob acknowledging the Angel as the God before whom Abraham and Isaac walked, the One who provided for him throughout his life. In Exodus 3, the Angel appeared to Moses in the burning bush, and the Lord God, identified as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, spoke, presenting Himself visibly. This visibility aligns with various instances in Genesis where the Lord appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The consistent pattern of the Angel and the Lord performing identical actions and bearing the same titles underscores that Jesus Christ, as the divine Messenger, was the God who interacted with the patriarchs and Moses in the Old Testament.

Jesus Christ, as revealed in the gospels, is identified as the God of the Old Testament, the visible manifestation of divinity who interacted with humanity throughout history. John establishes in the opening of his gospel that Jesus, referred to as the Word, was with God from eternity past and was Himself God, the Creator of all things. This Word, the Spokesman, communicated truth and reason, speaking at Creation to bring all things into existence. As the visible God of the Old Testament, He was known as Yahweh, the One who walked and talked with Adam and Eve, dined with Abraham, and appeared to Moses and the elders on Mount Sinai, as well as to Joshua, Gideon, and others in various encounters. While Jesus was the visible God, the Father remained the invisible God, unknown to many, as no one had seen Him at any time. The people of Israel, fixated on a misunderstood monotheism from the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, often failed to grasp the existence of another divine Being beyond the One they knew as Yahweh. Jesus, as the preexistent Son, was the One who always communicated with humanity, while the Father, also called Yahweh in certain Old Testament passages like "The Lord said unto my Lord," remained largely hidden until revealed through the Son's ministry. Jesus came to declare and expound the Father, making Him known through teachings, narratives, and actions, so that humanity could understand this previously unknown God.

Many fail to recognize the preexistence of Jesus Christ as Yahweh, the God of the Old Testament, and the Word from before history began. Some hold a narrow view of monotheism, citing Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: our Lord is one," interpreting it to mean a single person, thus excluding Jesus Christ from divinity. Others believe He was a created being, merely human, or even Michael the archangel, misunderstanding Revelation 3:14 where He calls Himself the "Beginning of the creation of God." Correctly understood, this phrase means the Beginner or Author of God's creation, as supported by Colossians 1:15-17, showing He is the Source of all creation. The New Testament clearly teaches that Jesus Christ was not created but is the Creator of all things, existing timelessly before His human birth, as seen in Hebrews 1:2 and Ephesians 3:9. In Hebrews 7:1-3, Melchizedek, described as king of righteousness and peace, Priest of the Most High God, without beginning or end, mirrors the Son of God, pointing to Jesus Christ as the eternal God being present in Genesis. John 1:1-5 further establishes that Jesus, the Word, was with God and was God from the beginning, possessing self-sustaining life and giving both physical and spiritual life to humanity. In Revelation 19 and I John 1:1-2, Jesus is identified as the Word of Life, the eternal One who has always been with the Father. He declares Himself as the I AM, the One who interacted with Moses and Abraham, affirming His identity as the Almighty God of the Old Testament. John 1:18 reveals that Jesus alone has seen God, having known Him throughout eternity past, enabling Him to declare the Father to humanity. John 3:12-13 and 3:31-32 confirm that He came from heaven, possessing firsthand knowledge of heavenly things, which He taught on earth. Jesus Himself testifies to His preexistence in Luke 10:18, stating He saw satan fall like lightning from heaven, indicating His active role in casting him out and demonstrating the vast power He possesses and shares with His disciples. In John 6:45-46, He claims to have seen the Father, a feat only possible for a divine being, subtly identifying Himself as God. In John 8:52-57, He asserts His existence before Abraham, declaring Himself as the I AM, the God who conversed with Abraham, which the Jews deemed blasphemous. Throughout John, Jesus repeatedly uses the phrase "I am" in titles such as the bread of life, the door, and the light of the world, connecting to the divine name Yahweh and affirming His identity as the God of the Old Testament. In John 10:30, He states, "I and My Father are one," echoing the unity of Deuteronomy 6:4 and equating Himself with the Father. In Matthew 23:37, His emotional lament over Jerusalem reflects personal memories of leading Israel out of Egypt and guiding them through history, confirming He is the Lord of the Old Testament. Paul, in his writings, also identifies Jesus as the Being who accompanied Israel in the wilderness and later became the Savior for sins. Finally, in Revelation 22, Jesus reaffirms His identity as the Ever-Living One, the Creator from the beginning, and the God of the Old Testament, bearing titles only God can claim.

High Christology teaches that the one who became Jesus Christ preexisted as the Word of God, that He was the God of the Old Testament, that He was God in the flesh during His human lifetime, and that He is God today and will always be God into the infinite future, sitting at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Everything in high Christology points to His eternal divinity and preeminence as the eternal companion of the Most High God. The Bible presents Jesus Christ through high Christology as the prevailing view, evident in the Old Testament through Messianic psalms and prophecies that indicate He is either God or possesses Godlike attributes, things only God could fulfill. Passages in Psalms and prophetic books show that the coming Messiah is God, destined to be King, Savior, and to forgive sins, roles no mere man can undertake.

Jesus Christ holds paramount importance to salvation, as emphasized in Hebrews 1:1-14 and John 1:1-18. He is the Potter, we are the clay, and without attachment to Him, there is no fruit, no real life, no salvation. His role is not merely passive; He actively works for our salvation, as He declared in John 5:17, "My Father works and I work." There has never been a moment when He was not God, even during His human life, establishing His unique qualification as our Savior. His greatness surpasses all others, rendering Him the sole figure worthy of consideration for our preparation for the Kingdom of God. The author of Hebrews underscores that Jesus Christ is greater than the prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, and the Levitical priesthood. He is the source of all blessings from now to eternity, having by Himself purged our sins, a keynote of the epistle that highlights His indispensable role. His power, even as a human baby, concealed the omnipotent Creator God, who later revealed Himself through acts like calming the Sea of Galilee, feeding thousands, healing from a distance, and raising the dead. Furthermore, God chose to communicate Himself through Son, not merely in language or through sinful prophets, but by the perfect witness of Jesus Christ. As stated in John 1:18, no one has seen God at any time, but the only begotten Son, in the bosom of the Father, has declared Him through His words and active life. The Son, born in Bethlehem, is the same Person who existed from eternity, affirming with His statement, "The Father and I are one." His perfect example and Word eliminate the need for further prophets, providing the ultimate revelation of God.

The announcement of Jesus Christ's birth carries profound significance, revealing Him as the Lord of the Old Testament. When the angel declared to the shepherds that the Child born in Bethlehem is "Christ the Lord," it signifies Messiah Yahweh, indicating that He is not merely a baby, but God Himself born among us. This is a declaration that the One long awaited has arrived as God in the flesh. The angel's message to Mary also reflects this divine identity through references to Old Testament prophecies, such as naming Him Jesus, meaning Savior, which connotes "God with us," for only God can save. This ties directly to the prophecy of Immanuel, emphasizing that He is God dwelling among humanity. Furthermore, the heavenly host's sudden appearance to the shepherds, described as God's army, underscores the monumental importance of this event, as their General, the Lord of the Old Testament, has been born. These elements collectively affirm that Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, is the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the embodiment of the divine presence promised in the Scriptures.

Jesus Christ stands as the central and most vital part of our spiritual foundation, embodying the Chief Cornerstone upon which the church is built. In Ephesians 2:20, Paul emphasizes that the church rests on the prophets and apostles, with Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone, the primary support and anchor for all spiritual truth. His teaching is the touchstone for all other teachings in God's Word, and His authority surpasses all, as He is the Word and the Boss. In I Corinthians 3:11, Paul reinforces that no other foundation can be laid than that which is Jesus Christ, underscoring that any foundation deviating from His true gospel will fail to support what is built upon it. Paul's imagery of the Chief Cornerstone draws from the massive, precisely fitted stones of the Temple, illustrating Jesus Christ as the immense, unmovable foundation stone that upholds the entire spiritual edifice of God's Temple. As described in Ephesians 2:21, He joins together the whole building, ensuring its stability and unity; without Him, the structure collapses. In Isaiah 28:16, God declares that He lays in Zion a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, and a sure foundation, portraying Jesus Christ as thoroughly tested, pure, and perfect, as well as the standard against which others are measured. This cornerstone is rare, excellent, and priceless, with every aspect of Him being of ultimate value, offering unshakable stability for our faith. Psalm 118:22 further reveals Jesus Christ as the head of the corner, laid by God to provide true salvation, marking the marvelous day of salvation made possible through Him. Until He completed His work on earth, enduring all He faced and rising again, the foundation was not fully laid, but once finished, salvation became assured. In Deuteronomy 30:20, God urges us to choose life, identifying Jesus Christ as our life and the length of our days, extending eternally through His strength. Through the 'I AM' statements in the book of John, Jesus Christ reveals His profound identity and role. As the Bread of Life in John 6, He sustains us spiritually, requiring us to deeply assimilate His teachings into our character. As the Light of the World in John 8:12, He equates Himself with the Lord of the Old Testament, embodying God, Savior, Messiah, and the Word, illuminating the path to righteousness and truth. As the Door in John 10:7, He provides access to salvation and the Father, offering protection and fellowship. As the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, He demonstrates intimate care, leading each of us safely to God's Kingdom. As the Resurrection and the Life in John 11:25, He guarantees our rising from death to eternal life. As the Way, the Truth, and the Life in John 14:6, He is the means, embodiment, and source of salvation and eternal life, connecting us to the Father. As the True Vine in John 15:1, He supplies the spiritual sustenance we need to produce fruit, linking us organically to Him and the Father. Most significantly, in John 8:58, Jesus Christ declares Himself as 'I AM,' identifying as God, the same 'I AM' revealed to Abraham and Moses, the Creator, the Almighty One. This supreme authority is echoed in John 18:37, where He affirms His kingship, demanding our obedience as King of kings, Lord, and Master. At the base of our Christian foundation, He is God Himself, the perfect and Holy One, giving us unshakeable faith and assurance, as recognized by Thomas in John 20:28, proclaiming Him as Lord and God. Thus, Jesus Christ, as the Chief Cornerstone and God, undergirds our entire spiritual lives with His divine presence and authority.

The revelation of Jesus Christ as God and LORD in the Old Testament is consistently shown through His appearances with form and shape like a man. In Genesis, the LORD appeared to Abraham, who saw Him as a man, bowed down, and worshipped Him, and He did not reject the worship. Abraham offered Him water to wash His feet and brought food, which He ate, demonstrating tangible qualities such as feet, a voice, and the ability to converse. This same pattern of God revealing Himself as a man continues throughout the Old Testament. In Judges, Gideon described Him as a man, engaging in extended conversation and proving His divine identity. Similarly, Manoah and his wife, Samson's parents, initially skeptical, became convinced they were in the presence of God, appearing as a man, and feared for their lives upon realizing His true nature. Job declared that his eye saw God, while Isaiah and Amos also witnessed Him, each describing Him consistently as having the appearance of a man. The seventy elders, along with Moses, saw and ate with Him, affirming His solid form and shape. Moses, desiring to see Him in His glory, still perceived God with shape and form, feeling the pressure of His hand and noting His back, implying a front as well. In Joshua and other accounts, God's revelation remains consistent, always presenting Himself with observable, human-like characteristics. These numerous witnesses across different times and contexts establish a clear pattern that God, identified as the One who became Jesus Christ, possesses a definite form and shape, evident to the natural senses of those who encountered Him in the Old Testament.

Moses, in proclaiming the name of the Lord, first refers to Him as 'The Rock,' highlighting a central image of God in his song. This term, as used in Deuteronomy 32, suggests qualities of perfection, justice, truth, and righteousness, portraying God as enduring, unchanging, massive, majestic, strong, solid, stable, reliable, and beautiful. These attributes reflect His eternity, permanence, greatness, transcendence, power, faithfulness, and holy character. Unlike the rocks of other peoples' gods, which produce societal ills like disappointment, oppression, and destruction, Our Rock shows compassion on His servants and brings blessings, fostering a prosperous and peaceful society when His Law is followed. The Rock also embodies God as Creator and a parental figure to the Israelites, both Father and Mother, indicating He alone created them without any collaborator or foreign god. This imagery extends to Jesus Christ, identified as The Rock from which the Israelites were hewn, revealing Him as the God of the Old Testament. Paul, in I Corinthians 10, draws on the tradition of the rock following the Israelites in the wilderness, clarifying that it was the Spiritual Rock, Christ, who accompanied them. He asserts that the God of the Old Testament, Yahweh, is Jesus Christ, the same Lord who supplied manna and water, led them through the wilderness, delivered them from enemies, and placed them in the promised land. Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, possessing the same powers and character, dealing with us as He did with them. Furthermore, Jesus Christ is depicted as The Rock on which the church of God is founded, a sure, massive, immovable foundation. He provides living water, symbolizing God's Holy Spirit, which sustains Christians and enables a godly life toward eternal life, flowing from Him as He sits at the right hand of God as our heavenly High Priest. The Apostles, including Peter and Paul, recognized Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone and foundation of the church, not themselves, emphasizing that salvation begins and ends with Him. To the disobedient, however, He is a Rock of Offense, an obstruction causing stumbling and injury, while to His followers, He is everything good and awesome. In a future aspect, as seen in Daniel 2 and Matthew 21, He is the Stone cut without hands that smites the nations, embodying judgment and destruction for those who reject Him, while offering salvation to those who are humbled by falling on Him.

Jesus Christ holds a position of supreme authority, as He declares in Matthew 28:18, "All authority power has been given to Me in heaven and earth." This authority, translated from the Greek word exousia, encompasses jurisdiction, privilege, capacity, freedom, influence, force, and right, beyond mere brute strength. Jesus is thus perfectly equipped to handle our needs across a vast array of situations. The fact that this authority has been given to Him implies a greater Being as the Giver, underscoring His positional authority under the Father, as seen in I Corinthians 15:25-28, where His rank and status are established in relation to all other beings and institutions. His authority and abilities, now restored to their pre-incarnation state, affirm His power as the One we worship, ensuring that under the Father's guidance, He stands at the controls of the universe. Furthermore, in John 5:17, Jesus reveals His active involvement in God's continuous management and ruling over the affairs of men, stating, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." This ongoing labor demonstrates that He is not distant but deeply engaged in bringing God's purpose to pass at all times. Through His teachings, such as in Luke 10:16, "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me," Jesus establishes that rejecting His messengers is equivalent to rejecting Him and the Father, affirming His divine connection and authority in God's plan.

The Shekinah, the glorious visible presence of God, manifested as the pillar of cloud and fire, guided Israel out of Egypt during the Days of Unleavened Bread. This pillar, symbolizing God's presence, provided protection, illumination, and comfort to the Israelites as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. It was not merely a physical phenomenon but a representation of God's dwelling among His people, emphasizing His constant guidance and support. In the Old Testament, the Shekinah was often associated with the tabernacle and later with Solomon's temple, resting above the mercy seat between the Cherubim, signifying God's throne among His people. Over time, this visible presence was confined by some to the Holy of Holies, limiting the broader understanding of God's manifestations. However, the true essence of God's glory transcends physical representations, encompassing His holy, righteous character, revealed through His goodness, mercy, grace, and truth. This understanding culminates in the revelation that the God of the Old Testament, who led Israel through the wilderness as the Shekinah, is Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The Word, who was with God and was God, became flesh, tabernacling among humanity. His glory, full of grace and truth, was beheld by many, reflecting the same divine presence that guided Israel. This glory, once external as the pillar of fire and cloud, now resides within believers through His Spirit, unifying them with the Father and the Son. As the pillar of fire and cloud remained with Israel for forty years, leading them through trials to the Promised Land, so does the Spirit of Christ dwell in believers, guiding them through their spiritual journey. This internal presence of God's glory, Christ living in us, is the hope of eternal glory, transforming us into His image and ensuring our path to the Kingdom of God during the symbolic trek represented by the Days of Unleavened Bread.

For many who profess to follow Christ, the instructions of God in the Old Testament can seem strange when compared to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Yet, the truth is that the God who gave those ancient commands is the same One who died for the sins of mankind. When Christ returns as King of kings, He will carry out the same instructions He gave to ancient Israel, enforcing His law within the domains He establishes. The peoples of the world at His return will mirror the unrepentant Canaanites, and as a God of justice, He will execute wrath on the hardhearted and rebellious, just as He commanded Israel to do within the borders He set for them. God is a God of great mercy and compassion, but with those who refuse to repent, He remains a God of justice.

In the narrative of Elijah's life, we see a profound lesson about the nature of God's work, particularly through the One who is identified as the God of the Old Testament, Jesus Christ. He reveals Himself not in the sensational displays of power that Elijah often anticipated, such as the earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the still small voice, emphasizing a quiet and gentle communication. As the Logos, the Word, and the Spokesman, He guides, directs, and converts through whispered and gentle words, highlighting a preference for subtle interaction over grandiose miracles. This approach contrasts with Elijah's expectations of phenomenal acts, showing that while He is willing to intervene in our lives for our good, He is not a puppet to be controlled by human desires. Furthermore, as the Captain, Author, and Trailblazer of our salvation, He holds the ultimate authority, always greater than us, dictating the course of our relationship with Him. Through Elijah's story, we learn that God's true work often occurs unseen, in the quiet building of character and faith, rather than in the temporary spectacles of power that Elijah initially sought.

The Christian view of marriage is deeply rooted in the teaching of the Scriptures, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments. The apostle Paul draws his teachings from this unified source, recognizing that the LORD of the Old Testament and the Lord of the New Testament are the same Being who became the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Therefore, a true Christian submits to the entirety of biblical instruction, acknowledging that marriage is not a human contrivance but an ordinance established by God. This understanding shapes the believer's perspective, aligning it with divine purpose rather than personal opinion or societal norms. Marriage, as presented in Scripture, can only be fully comprehended through the doctrine of Jesus Christ and His relationship with the church. Paul emphasizes this connection in Ephesians 5:22-33, illustrating that just as Christ is the head of the church and gave Himself for her, so too should husbands and wives reflect this sacrificial love and submission in their union. This profound mystery ties the earthly institution of marriage to the spiritual reality of Christ's bond with His body, the church, revealing that only through Him can the true significance of marriage be understood and lived out.

In the journey of faith described in Hebrews 11, we find a profound recognition among the patriarchs and heroes of old regarding the identity of the One they served. Moses, for instance, esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, demonstrating an understanding of who He was long before His earthly appearance. Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Samuel, David, Ezra, and Nehemiah all treasured this same Being. When He spoke, they listened with reverence, and His words became as valuable to them as He Himself was. They knew they were dealing with their Creator, and this knowledge sustained their faith through trials and over long periods of conversion. Their trust in Him was not merely in what was said, but in who said it. This personal connection made His promises precious, akin to treasure, enabling them to persevere amidst stress and busyness. Their faith in Him as the source of those promises was their staff and stay, guiding them through a hundred years or more of challenges. This intimate relationship with Him, recognized as the Christ even in ancient times, was the foundation of their endurance and the driving force behind their choices, setting them apart as strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Behind the despair and challenges of the world, the church, and personal struggles, there shines a blinding ray of hope through Jesus Christ. Our patience of hope rests in Him, the same God of the Old Testament, who has dealt with humanity as our High Priest throughout mankind's existence. Through Him, we come to know the Father, as He reveals the Father's character by His own actions. He stands as the model and example, the Head of the church, through whom all our functions and hopes are directed. Our hope is funneled through our knowledge and trust in what the Son has shown us about the Father and His promises for the future. As the Forerunner and Firstborn of many brethren, He assures us that what happened to Him—His death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father—will also happen to us. We can trust that we too will be resurrected and sit with Them in heavenly places, for our hope in Jesus Christ is confident and enduring.

Before we proceed, it is essential to recognize that the God of the Old Testament, who commanded the laws for the benefit of all mankind, is none other than Jesus Christ. He, as the same God, declares with clarity that His laws are given for our good. Since God bestows only good things, and His law is affirmed as holy, just, and good, we understand that Jesus Christ, as the LORD of the Old Testament, established these laws not just for Judah or Israel, but for the well-being of all humanity.

In Genesis 22:11, the Angel of the LORD calls out to Abraham with urgency, and this is Christ Himself speaking, halting Abraham's action at the critical moment. As He watches this scene unfold, which mirrors His own future sacrifice, Christ's voice carries the weight of profound connection to Abraham's obedience. In Genesis 22:12, He affirms Abraham's fear of God, declaring that He now knows Abraham has not withheld his only son from Him, showing that God holds first place in both Abraham's and Isaac's hearts. The tenderness in His words, "Do not lay your hand on the lad," reflects a deep relational bond, foreshadowing His own relationship with God the Father. In Genesis 22:15-18, the Angel of the LORD speaks again, swearing by Himself as the LORD to bless Abraham for his obedience in not withholding his son, ensuring the multiplication of his descendants and the blessing of all nations through his seed. This promise underscores that without the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, a relationship with God the Father would not be possible, emphasizing that for God's plan to unfold, both Abraham and Isaac could have only one God in their lives.

In I Corinthians 10:1-5, the apostle Paul reveals a profound truth about the presence of Jesus Christ in the history of the Israelites. He declares that they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. This signifies that Jesus Christ was actively present with them during their wilderness journey, manifesting as the spiritual sustenance they received. He was in the cloud and in the pillar of fire, serving as the Angel and Messenger of God who led them on their pilgrimage toward the Promised Land. This powerful revelation underscores that even in the Old Testament, Jesus Christ was the guiding force, providing for and protecting His people. Furthermore, in I Corinthians 10:9, Paul warns against tempting Christ, as some of the Israelites did, resulting in their destruction by serpents. This indicates that their actions directly challenged the patience and authority of Christ, who was with them in their trials. The lesson is clear: to test Him is to risk severe consequences, as He holds a sensitive regard for the faith and needs of His people. Additionally, Moses, as the mediator of the Old Covenant, is presented as a type of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses led the Israelites and interceded for them, Christ fulfills this role in a greater, spiritual sense, guiding His followers through their spiritual pilgrimage. The delay of Moses' return from the mountain, prompting the Israelites to turn to idolatry, parallels the warning against perceiving a delay in Christ's coming, which can lead to similar spiritual failures. This comparison emphasizes the importance of steadfast faith in Christ, who remains the ultimate leader and mediator for His people.

Jesus Christ is identified as the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament, the One who acted as the Messenger and Spokesman on God's behalf. In Exodus 23:20-22, the Lord declares that He sends an Angel before Israel to keep them in the way and bring them to the prepared place, warning them to obey His voice and not provoke Him, for His name is in Him. This Angel is understood to be the pre-incarnate Christ, the One who became Jesus Christ. The question arises whether the One who gave the law at Mount Sinai and spoke these words was the Supreme God or the Angel, but the pattern of Christ referring to Himself in the third person, as seen in His teachings, suggests it is Him. In Judges 2:1, the Angel of the Lord states that He led Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land and made a covenant with them, speaking plainly without figurative language. Additionally, in Acts 7:38, Stephen confirms that it was the Angel who spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai and gave the living oracles, identifying this Angel as the Lord, Yahweh, who brought Israel out of Egypt. This aligns with Christ's pattern of sending Himself, as seen in His role as the Helper, indicating that the God of Israel sent Himself as the Angel to go before His people, using third-person titles consistent with His manner of speech.

Jesus Christ is presented as the God of the Old Testament, the One through whom the Father, Absolute Deity, has always expressed Himself to mankind throughout the ages of Israel's history. John, in his Gospel, identifies Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and the God of the Old Testament right from the beginning, emphasizing that He is the continuation of God's revelation. From the very start, Jesus has been the Channel, the express Image of God's manifestation, pointing toward the Father in all that He did, whether through word, gesture, or example. John asserts that the Word, or Expression, is the comprehensive manifestation of the God known to the Jews as Yahweh, Eloah, El, and other names, bridging the gap between previous revelations and the unfolding purpose through Christ. Throughout history, the One who became Jesus manifested Himself in various forms to mankind, appearing as a wayfarer to Abraham, the Captain of the Lord's host to Joshua, and in radiant glory during the transfiguration before His disciples. In each instance, He carried out His representation perfectly, adapting His outward form to suit the Father's purpose. Paul, in Philippians 2, illustrates that Christ, being in the form of God, emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave and becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Despite these outward changes, intrinsically, He remained God, always the true manifestation of the Absolute Deity, His Father. When Isaiah saw God exalted on His throne, it was the One who became Jesus of Nazareth, as the Father remains invisible. Jesus, as the Image of God, not only bore the form but also the heart and nature of God in the Old Testament. When the time came in the Father's purpose, He vacated His glory to reveal God's deepest affections, manifesting the serving, sacrificing, and merciful heart of God even in the guise of a slave. Thus, regardless of the form in which He appeared, Jesus consistently reflected the character and essence of the Father.

The epistle to the Hebrews opens with a powerful focus on Jesus Christ, identifying Him as the central Personality through titles and associations with magnificent accomplishments and bestowed honors. God presents Him as His only begotten Son, through whom the entire creation came into being, and who has given life to all creatures. He is named as the brightness of God's glory and the express image of His person, upholding all things in creation by the word of His power. Jesus Christ purged humanity of sins by sacrificing His perfectly lived life in a painful death, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven to be seated at the Father's right hand, holding the second-highest position of power and authority in the universe. God challenges skeptics by highlighting that no other, be it angel or human, has been given the exalted status of His begotten Son. He emphasizes Jesus Christ's superiority over angels, noting that He lives eternally as the Creator God who began the universe and will end it, remaining the same through the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. God further exalts Him by commanding Him to sit at His right hand until His enemies are made His footstool, a position no angel has ever achieved, underscoring His triumph in becoming human and putting away the sins of men. The apostle John reinforces Jesus Christ's divine identity, stating that He and the Father are one, sharing the same eternal character and existence. As the Word, Jesus Christ was with God in the beginning, and all things were made through Him, confirming His role as Creator and Life-giver. There was never a time when He and the Father existed apart, establishing Him as unoriginated, eternal, and equal in Deity, working in perfect harmony with the Father in creation and its ongoing sustenance.

Jesus Christ is revealed as the God and Lord of the Old Testament, the One through whom mankind has always interacted. He is the Image of the invisible God, as stated in Colossians 1:15, appearing to and conversing with figures such as Adam, Eve, Abraham, Moses, and Joshua in various forms suited to the Father's purpose. Regardless of the guise, whether known as Yahweh, Lord, El Shaddai, or numerous other names, He remains God, called Yahweh 7,838 times and God 4,456 times in the Scriptures. As the express character Image of the Father, He reveals portions of His nature so that we might come to know Him. In John 1:1, the Logos, understood as the expression of God, points us toward God, indicating direction rather than mere association. This revelation to the Hebrew people, familiar with the Old Testament, identifies Jesus of Nazareth as the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed Savior, and the God of the Old Testament. Through Him, we see the Father's power, wisdom, and flawless character, especially in His final form as a man of the seed of Abraham, displaying God's affections and sacrificial nature during His three and a half years with the apostles. Further evidence of His identity comes from the demons, who recognized Him as the Son of God and their Creator, prostrating themselves before Him and acknowledging His history as the God of the Old Testament, as seen in Matthew 4:3, Matthew 8:29, Mark 3:11, and Luke 4:41. Peter also identifies Him correctly as the Christ, the Son of the living God, paralleling the apostle John's declaration in John 1, as noted in Matthew 16:13-16. In Hebrews 1:1-9 and 1:13, God Himself affirms Jesus' divine status, declaring Him as the heir of all things, the One through whom the worlds were made, the express image of His person, better than the angels, the begotten Son, worthy of worship by angels, possessing a throne and rulership, and directly called God by the Supreme Deity. Additionally, in Hebrews 7:3, using Melchizedek as an illustration, Jesus is described as having no beginning of days nor end of life, abiding as a Priest continually, underscoring His divine nature and eternal mediation between God and man from the very beginning in Genesis 1.

Jesus Christ, though of the God-kind, is distinct from the Supreme God, the Father, and is not the Absolute Deity. Scriptures affirm that He pre-existed before His incarnation, was visible and audible to mankind, and was clearly seen by others as the God of the Old Testament. He was worshipped as God, yet He was not the Father, for He Himself acknowledged having a God above Him. In I Timothy 6:16, it is stated that no man has seen or can see the Father, who dwells in unapproachable light, confirming that Jesus, who was seen and heard, must be the God of the Old Testament. His role as the Image of God and Mediator between God and man further distinguishes Him from the invisible and inaudible Father. Despite His divine nature and pre-existence, He submitted to the Father, declaring that the Father is greater than He, and affirming His position as sent by the Father to reveal Him to humanity.