A Bible Reading Plan (Revised)
There is No Need for Reluctance Towards God
We could spend hours examining the prophecies related to the first coming of the Messiah, but we will not do that now. But I will say this: Many theologians state there are more than 300 prophecies in the Old Testament Scriptures fulfilled by Jesus. Here are only a scant few that many of you will immediately recognize their fulfillment by Jesus in the New Testament:
Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:20); He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14); He would come from the line of Abraham and then through the line of Judah (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 22:18, Genesis 49:10); Messiah would be heir to King David's throne (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 9:7); And His throne will be eternal (Psalm 45:6-7; Isaiah 9:6; Daniel 2:44); Messiah would be ‘God with Us’ (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23); He will be the mediator of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-37; Hebrews 8:8-13) and He would die as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of humanity (Isaiah 53:5-12).
Many years ago, Professor Peter Stoner, then Chairman of the Departments of Mathematics and Astronomy at Pasadena City College and Chairman of the science division at Westmont College outlined the mathematical probability of one person fulfilling just eight of the clearest and straightforward Messianic prophecies.
What was his conclusion? The statistical odds of one person fulfilling only eight of the hundreds of prophecies about Jesus are 1 in 10 to the 17th power (in other words, 1 followed by 17 zeroes).
Listen, if those odds of 1 in 10 to the 17th power are insufficient evidence to demonstrate the historical reality that Jesus is the eternal Son of God and Messiah, then no further evidence will suffice.
And since God fulfilled His promise to humanity regarding the FIRST coming of Jesus, we can now have every confidence in God’s promises regarding forgiveness of sins and eternal life for the penitent and obedient follower of Jesus.
That’s why the writer to the Hebrews tells us “Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus . . . . 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith . . . . 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:19-23).
Are you reluctant or fearful to come before your most merciful Father in heaven? Please, don’t be. He is even now holding out His arms to you who desire to come with penitent and humble hearts.
Remember the story of the Prodigal Son whose father ran out to meet him when he saw him off in the distance. In the same way, YOUR heavenly Father runs to meet YOU – He runs to meet ALL who come humbly to ask Him in prayer for forgiveness.
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About the Author
Richard Maffeo was born into a Jewish home in the early 1950s. In 1972 he discovered Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, and he dove into his awakened faith with a passion that continues to this present day. He has written three books, writes a blog, and teaches several bible studies each week at 55+ communities. You can find his blog at www.inhimonly.blogspot.com. You can find him on Facebook by searching for his name.
Richard and his wife Nancy are married nearly 50 years. They have three grown children.
