We Christians have many beliefs that we believe distinguish us from Jews, especially the Jews of today. But as I have reread parts of the Old Testament, I have been astonished to see so much that I considered New Covenant theology. This should not be unusual-either discovering my ignorance, or having to reconsider teachings. Because the Scripture that Jesus and his disciples studied was the Old Testament. The apostles (spiritual leaders of the church, basically the same as the twelve, without Judas, but with Paul as replacement)referred to, based their teachings on, and even quoted it, sometimes with new understanding.
But the fatherhood of God was taught in the Old Testament, as was the presence and leading of the Spirit. Of course, this was more limited to the kings and prophets, not as the indwelling presence available in the New Testament. (Which is why Jesus told them to not go out but to wait until they received the indwelling spirit. It would equip and train them, empowering them for the work ahead.)
And in Isaiah, much is taught about the Messiah who will come. In it, as in the Psalms, the crucifixion is prophecied, as well as the suffering of the Lord, before He reigns. The concept of the Intercessor who will provide forgiveness of sins is
also discussed.
So, in as much as I've said that only Christians claimed an intercessor, I was somewhat wrong. But not completely. Our scripture tells us that the Old Testament guys who were men of faith, believed the truths-not having seen them, except by faith. Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. But it explains that the substance on which the belief was based was the Lord Jesus. Not air, not empty hope, but the promise of a redeemer-the fulfillment being in Jesus.
But the thing is, when people talk about something for centuries without seeing the accomplishment of it, they can get pretty much disgusted with empty promises. So the entire society may hold the form of a belief, but not take it too seriously. Not having been around, I am not in any position to judge their faith.
I do, however, have other comments in the Koran that tell me that besides claiming to have an intercessor, the folks who opposed Mohammed added other gods to the Lord. This clearly disproves them being only Jewish. The Jews were faithful to the concept that the Lord our God is One God. The Christians were the ones with an intercessor-known with such assurance that they could say it did not matter if they were killed. Called polytheists, they clearly embraced a triune god. Three persons in one godhead, the trinity of which the Koran tells them to desist from naming.
So much can be gleaned from Isaiah, that it would require several postings to even begin.
