Calvary Baptist Church

Calvary Baptist Church, Grenada, MS, USA

Holding to the truths embraced by Baptist for centuries.

During this time of the year much thought is given to the Christ who was born in Bethlehem, but few give much thought as to why He came. A study of the Scriptures, however, shows a powerful stream of grace.

First, our Lord Jesus Christ came as the fulfillment of prophecy. While Christ was on the cross John observed: “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith ‘I thirst’” (John 19:28). The fulfillment of prophecy was on His mind even while he was on the cross. Back in Psalm 22:15 it had been written, “My tongue cleaveth to my jaws”. Therefore, “that the Scripture might be fulfilled” Jesus cried, “I thirst”. Numerous prophecies in the Old Testament foretold a coming Messiah. The Lord promised in Genesis 3:15 a man was coming to bring victory over Satan. God promised Abraham that through his seed (Christ) all nations would be blessed. Through Jacob God told us that this coming Jew would be from the tribe of Judah and would rule. God promised David that this Messiah would rule over Israel and sit upon David’s throne. Isaiah told Ahaz that this Messiah would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and Micah told us under inspiration of the Holy Spirit that He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:3). Isaiah foretold His death, burial and resurrection for our sins. “But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). “The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (vs. 6). David in Psalm 22 spoke of His crucifixion and His resurrection.

In the New Testament, we find the fulfillment of these prophecies. In Matthew 1:21 we read: “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins”. Mark says He came “to give His life a ransom for many” (10:45). Luke says He “is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (19:10). John declares He came to do “the will of Him that sent me” (6:38). In verse 39 Jesus says, “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which He hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day”. Paul confirms this will when he says, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (I Tim. 1:15).

If our Lord was the fulfillment of prophecy at His first coming, He will also be the fulfillment of prophecy at His second coming. The Old Testament declares “a king shall reign in righteousness” and Jesus is that King. He came to us as a prophet like Moses, having made a sacrifice for our sins, and He now intercedes for us as a priest, after the order of Melchisedec, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. One day He is coming again as King of Kings.

Now consider that Christ is also the fulfillment of history. History is nothing more than His story. Everything in the Old Testament pointed to this coming Messiah and His millennial reign. Look down through the years and one sees man’s sin with collapsed civilizations, cultural systems, and ambitious aspirations. Year after year the sinning, the suffering, the struggling and the dying continue. Where is hope? It is found in the Christ of Bethlehem, Emmanuel, God with us, the Babe of Bethlehem who died as our sin bearer on Calvary, has risen and ascended, and is one day soon returning as world Ruler. Then will the desert blossom like the rose and men will beat their swords into plowshares. Then will the earth “be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14). Christ is not only the fulfillment of prophecy and history, but He is also the fulfillment of destiny, both national and individual. He is the Rock upon which all rise and fall. He was once the “angel of His presence” with Israel, but Israel followed other gods and declared, “His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matt. 27: 25). Israel has suffered ever since. But by His grace a remnant has been preserved and when He comes “they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him” (Zech. 12:10). Then Israel will finally find their high destiny in Christ.

Nations and individuals in Christ alone are the fulfillment of purpose and destiny. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not on the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). Isaiah wrote, “There shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious” (Isaiah 11:10). The one true hope for the nations is the promised return of the Lord Jesus Christ as universal Sovereign. Then shall the meek inherit the earth and peace will cover the earth.

May we reflect upon the true meaning of the incarnation this season and all throughout the year. He came the first time to save and redeem. He shall come the second time to rule and reign.