Acts 7:2-8

The Old Testament Gospel


Introduction:

Luke gives us a detailed account of the gospel in the Old Testament as preached by Stephen. Stephen is very mindful of the Covenant of Grace that God has established with his father Abraham. Paul alluded to the fact that God preached the gospel to Abraham. Gal.3:8, 9, “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, all the nations shall be blessed in you. So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham the believer.”


  1. The Purpose of the Old Testament Background

    1. God loves everybody! (“even Atheists will be in heaven”)

      1. The modern doctrine that all is alright because God is love

      2. Why should we talk about Abraham?

      3. Why the death of Jesus Christ upon a cross? – Luke 9:51 (Anselm)

    2. The whole purpose of the Old Testament

      1. To show us the need for the Savior, Jesus Christ

      2. To show us the need for the New Testament – Gal. 4:4

    3. Starting with Abraham, not Adam

      1. God appeared to Abraham – (Theophany) Hab. 1:13; I John 1:5

      2. If you reject the Old Testament you are rejecting Jesus – Matt. 5:17-18

    4. The wrongness of the modern teaching refuted:

      1. God acts as Judge – v.7 (The destruction of the flood – Gen. 6 cf. Luke 17:26) and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

Gen. 19 cf. Luke 17:29, 30)

      1. God must cover sin – (Tabernacle and Priestly Sacrifices)


  1. The Provision Of The New Testament

    1. The theme of the book of Hebrews – (Heb. 9:22) Turn To: Hebrews 10:8-18

      1. The very nature and holy character of God makes the punishment of sin absolutely necessary.

      2. The central sacrificial system of the Old Testament with all its repetition is there to teach us that sin must be “expiated” or “propitiated.” (Heb. 2:17; I John 2:2; Heb. 8:12; 10:4)

    2. Why is Abraham so important to Stephen?

      1. To point out the most shocking requirement given to him by God and that is, the sacrifice his only begotten son, Isaac. Gen. 22

      2. Isaac asked his father, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham answered, “God will provide.” Gen. 22:8

      3. Abraham was given a glimpse of the coming of Jesus the Son of God who would be offered up to God the Father – John 8:56 ; John 1:36

    3. Jesus left the courts of glory to sympathize with His people – Heb. 4:14-16; Turn To: Philippians 2:6-11





Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church 207 First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

10/4/2009