The main proclamation sounding from the pages of the New Testament books is the news of the Messiah who has been born, and of the Kingdom that, according to the Savior's word, has "drawn near." But what is the essence...
The main proclamation sounding from the pages of the New Testament books is the news of the Messiah who has been born, and of the Kingdom that, according to the Savior's word, has "drawn near." But what is the essence of the proclamation in the Old Testament books? Did God have something to say to His people and to the other peoples of the earth before the coming of the Messiah He sent?
The answer to this question is found in various Old Testament texts, including those connected with the tradition of wisdom writing. And if we formulate it briefly, the meaning of the pre-Christian proclamation turns out to be the news of the freedom of the human being created by God, and of the Law that helps this free human being choose between good and evil, sin and righteousness, life and death. In essence, it is the news that the human being truly is like God: he is free as God is free; he can choose his own path, and God will not use His power to predetermine his choice or to prevent that choice. And if a person chooses God and the life God offers him, he will not remain alone in the world, without rudder or sails: the commandment given by God will become for the one seeking the righteous path the spiritual compass that helps him not stray from the path he has chosen.
And not only in pre-Christian times: it is no accident that Paul compares the Law with a pedagogue, a "child-conductor," having in mind the meaning this word had in antiquity: a servant who accompanied a child to school and made sure he did not turn aside somewhere along the way. Formerly the Law given by God helped those seeking righteousness walk the path of righteousness; now it helps those seeking the Kingdom follow Christ. God is consistent both in His designs and in how He carries them out. The rest depends on us.
