In a recent teaching, renowned preacher Dr. Abel Damina took a deep dive into the foundational Christian concepts of the Old and New Testaments, urging believers to rethink their understanding of scripture in the light of Christ. The message, titled “Understanding the Old and New Testament in Christ,” offers a fresh perspective on how Christians should approach the Bible, emphasizing the centrality of Jesus Christ in both the Old and New Testaments.
The Inspiration of Scripture
Dr. Damina began by clarifying the concept of divine inspiration in the writing of the Bible. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:16, he emphasized that while the Scriptures were inspired by God, not every event recorded in the Bible was an action instigated by God. Instead, God inspired the authors to document history, prophecy, and divine teachings, even including the words and deeds of Satan and sinful humanity. This distinction is crucial, Dr. Damina taught, for understanding the Old Testament as a collection of writings that ultimately point to Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament: Jesus Concealed
In his teaching, Dr. Damina explained that the Old Testament is filled with symbols, figures, and shadows that point towards Christ. He referenced Luke 24:25-27, where Jesus Himself expounded to His disciples that all Old Testament writings—from Moses to the Prophets—concerned Him. Dr. Damina referred to the Old Testament as “Jesus concealed,” where Christ is hidden within the stories, laws, and prophecies, awaiting revelation in the New Testament.
The New Testament: Jesus Revealed
In contrast, the New Testament is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Dr. Damina emphasized that the apostles, including Paul, Peter, and John, drew their doctrines from the Old Testament but with a clear focus on revealing Christ. The New Testament writings are not merely based on visions or personal revelations, but rather on a deep study of the Old Testament, bringing forth the mystery of Christ. According to Dr. Damina, the New Testament unveils Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, laws, and types.
Christ’s Fulfillment of the Law
One of the most powerful moments in Dr. Damina’s message was his explanation of Jesus’ role in fulfilling the Law of Moses. He taught that Jesus came to do what humanity could not—perfectly obey the law. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the demands of the law and nailed it to the cross, bringing an end to the old covenant and establishing the new covenant of grace. As Dr. Damina powerfully stated, “The law was God’s device to frustrate human effort, so we would rely on Christ alone for salvation.”
The Old Testament in the Light of Christ
Dr. Damina encouraged believers to read the Old Testament through the lens of Christ, seeing it as a foreshadowing of the good things to come. He explained that the sacrifices, rituals, and commandments were all pointing towards Jesus, who would be the ultimate sacrifice and the mediator of the new covenant. He urged Christians not to get bogged down in the letter of the Old Testament law, but to see the grace, salvation, and glory that were concealed within it and revealed through Jesus.
Faith: From Shadows to Substance
In a thought-provoking segment, Dr. Damina discussed Hebrews 11, often known as the “faith chapter.” He explained that the faith of the Old Testament saints was in things hoped for, not yet seen—the promises of God that would ultimately be fulfilled in Christ. In contrast, believers today live in the reality of what those saints hoped for. “We have come to Mount Zion,” Dr. Damina declared, “the city of the living God.” He emphasized that Christians are not waiting for salvation to come—they are living in it, having already received the promises in Christ.
A Call to Understand Scripture in Christ
Dr. Damina’s teaching is a call to the global Christian community to reexamine their understanding of the Bible, focusing on Christ as the central figure of all scripture. He stressed that without Christ, the Bible loses its relevance, as all scripture testifies of Him (John 5:39). The message is a reminder that the entirety of the Christian faith hinges on Jesus—His life, death, resurrection, and the fulfillment of God’s promises through Him.
This teaching has resonated deeply with many believers, offering fresh insights into how they read and interpret the Bible. By understanding the Old and New Testaments in the light of Christ, Dr. Damina asserts, Christians can better grasp the full scope of God’s redemptive plan and live in the freedom and grace that Jesus has provided.
As the message continues to spread, Dr. Abel Damina’s profound insights serve as a powerful reminder that Christ is the heart of the Christian faith, and every scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, points to Him.
This teaching by Dr. Abel Damina can be found on his official ministry channels and is part of his ongoing mission to help believers grow in their understanding of Christ-centered theology. For more teachings and updates, visit his channel.