AI Benchmark: Christological foreshadowing

(RoarGen benchmark requested by Jordan Fowler.)

Christological foreshadowing is a term used to describe the process of looking for hints in Biblical texts that can be interpreted as referring to Jesus Christ. It refers to the idea that God was preparing people for the coming of His Son by providing clues and references throughout the Old Testament, even though at first glance these may not appear related. The concept of Christological foreshadowing has been around since ancient times, but it wasn’t until more recently that scholars began examining scripture with this specific lens in mind.

Christological foreshadowing often involves searching through Biblical passages and finding hidden messages or symbols that point towards Jesus Christ. For example, one common theme found in many Old Testament stories is sacrifice: Abraham offering up his son Isaac; Moses delivering Israel out of Egypt; David sparing Saul’s life after defeating him in battle – all these are examples of how God was using these stories as a way to prepare people for what was ultimately going to happen on Calvary when Jesus gave himself up as a sacrifice for mankind’s sins.

Other symbols associated with Christology include light (such as when God appeared before Moses from within a burning bush), bread (as seen during Jesus’ Last Supper) and water (represented by John baptizing Jesus). These elements have become ingrained into Christian culture over time, but their origins actually lie within Scripture itself – another example of how God had been laying down clues about who His Son would be long before He arrived on Earth.

Certain figures such as King David were also seen as prefiguring Christ due to their leadership qualities and acts of mercy towards enemies – both traits which are attributed to Jesus himself during his ministry here on Earth. Even individual words like ” Emmanuel” (“God with us”) could be viewed from this perspective; taken together they form an overarching narrative where everything leads back towards the ultimate truth revealed by Him who came after them all – our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The Coming of a Savior

The coming of a savior was foreshadowed in many ways throughout the Old Testament. One example is found in Isaiah 7:14, where it states that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and call his name Immanuel. This prophecy has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ’s birth through the Virgin Mary as recorded in the New Testament.

Another example of christological foreshadowing is found in Genesis 22 when God commands Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac on Mount Moriah. Though Abraham was obedient to do so, God provided a ram instead as an offering for him to sacrifice instead, which symbolized how one day Jesus would be sacrificed as a substitute for mankind’s sins.

Daniel 9 contains numerous prophecies about the coming Messiah including His exact time of arrival and mission to bring peace among men. These prophecies have also been fulfilled through Jesus’ life and ministry here on earth according to both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures.

Ancient Prophecies Fulfilled

Throughout the centuries, many ancient prophecies have been fulfilled in regards to christological foreshadowing. The Old Testament of the Bible contains hundreds of references that were meant to point towards Jesus Christ as the Savior. These fulfillments are especially seen in such books as Isaiah, Psalms and Daniel.

In Isaiah 7:14 it is written that a virgin would give birth to a son called Immanuel, which means “God with us” in Hebrew; this prophecy was later fulfilled when Mary gave birth to Jesus (Matthew 1:23). There are several Messianic prophecies about Jesus’s life and death found throughout the Gospels including his betrayal by Judas Iscariot (Psalm 41:9) and even His crucifixion on Golgotha Hill (Psalm 22).

The prophet Zechariah also wrote of an atonement offering being made for sin through Messiah’s death on a cross; he described how they would pierce Him through His hands and feet (Zechariah 12:10). This prediction happened literally during Jesus’ crucifixion where He died for our sins so we could be forgiven before God. All these passages serve as evidence that scripture truly does speak about God’s plan for redemption from ages past – a plan that was fully realized through Jesus Christ.

Divine Promise Revealed

The divine promise revealed in christological foreshadowing is a prominent theme throughout the Old Testament. Throughout the scriptures, there are many instances of God’s promises being fulfilled through Jesus Christ. One example is found in Genesis 3:15 when God promised to send a savior who would crush Satan and restore humanity to communion with Him. This promise was fulfilled by Jesus as he defeated sin and death on the cross.

Another instance of divine promise revealed in christological foreshadowing can be seen in Isaiah 7:14 where it speaks of a virgin birth and that “the Lord himself will give you a sign; behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (ESV). This prophecy was also ultimately fulfilled by Jesus who was born from the Virgin Mary according to Matthew 1:22-23.

Psalm 22:16-18 speaks of how God’s servant would suffer yet be delivered from death saying “they have pierced my hands and feet… they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots” (ESV). These verses were certainly fulfilled by Jesus as He endured suffering on the cross before His resurrection three days later. In this way, we see how each time that Scripture reveals an aspect of God’s divine plan for redemption through Christ – these prophecies all come true with ultimate fulfillment in Him.

Lamb Slain Before Creation

Throughout the Bible, there is a strong presence of christological foreshadowing. In the Old Testament, one example of this can be found in Genesis 22:7-8 when Abraham offers up Isaac as a sacrifice to God and an angel stops him from doing so. While it may appear to simply be a story about faith and obedience, these verses offer much more depth than that. As believers we understand that this was an allusion to Jesus being sacrificed for us on Calvary’s cross – He was “the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).

God told Abraham he had provided Himself with a lamb for sacrifice instead (Genesis 22:13), which again can be seen as a prophecy pointing toward Christ – God Himself providing His own Son to die in our place; taking away our sin once and for all time. This is also echoed throughout other passages such as Isaiah 53 where it speaks specifically about how Jesus would become the ultimate sacrificial offering who will bear our sins upon himself.

As Christians, we look back at scripture through eyes of understanding – seeing stories like Abraham offering up his son not only as tests of faith but also prophecies pointing towards what was ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s death on the Cross for us many years later.

King Born in Bethlehem

The birthplace of Jesus Christ is a point of significant religious importance, as it foreshadows his role as the savior and king. It is no surprise then that Bethlehem plays an important role in christological foreshadowing. King David was born in Bethlehem which sets up a powerful comparison between him and Jesus: both are kings who were born in this small town.

In addition to its association with David, Bethlehem also holds strong ties to other Old Testament figures such as Ruth and Boaz, Jacob and Rachel, Joseph and Mary. By placing Jesus within the same setting where these influential biblical characters lived out their stories, readers are made aware of God’s plan for salvation through Christ’s coming birth. In this way we can see how even something so seemingly insignificant as the place of one’s birth can be used by God to point towards His larger purpose for humanity–the ultimate salvation story found only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Moreover, Bethlehem has long been associated with messianic prophecies given by Isaiah (9:6-7). These scriptures speak directly to the importance of being born into poverty but ultimately ruling over all nations with justice; words echoed in Luke 2 when angels proclaimed “Glory to God in highest heaven…and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” The humble beginning at a manger situated amidst lowly shepherds echoes back not only to David’s beginnings but also serves us a reminder that though our Savior was born into humility He will still be exalted above all others come His return.

Son of Man Crucified

The term “son of man” is found throughout the Old Testament and it was used to refer to a heavenly figure. This phrase became synonymous with Jesus Christ in the New Testament, as He often referred to Himself as such. While this title for Jesus may seem straightforward enough, its significance goes much deeper.

One of the most notable examples of christological foreshadowing concerning this title can be found in Daniel 7:13-14. In these verses, Daniel prophesies that one like a son of man will come on clouds with power and glory from heaven to receive dominion over all nations from God Himself. This prophecy directly ties into Revelation 1:7 which states that “Behold he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him…” These two passages show how Son Of Man is a Messianic term that was applied not only by Jesus but also by those who wrote about Him long before His coming into the world.

There are several instances where Jesus refers to himself as “the Son of Man” while predicting his own death (e.G. Mark 8:31). In doing so, He clearly hints at His fate – crucifixion – which would be fulfilled shortly thereafter (John 19:16–18). By referring to himself in such terms prior to His crucifixion, it becomes clear just how intentional Jesus’ use of language was when speaking about his identity and mission – even if others didn’t understand or believe at first.

Final Sacrifice Atoning Sin

The final sacrifice of Jesus to atone for sin was a christological foreshadowing that is found throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son is demonstrated in multiple ways. In the Old Testament, we see many examples of how Jesus’ sacrificial death fulfilled ancient prophecies. For example, Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac as a symbol for God’s future offering of His own Son (Genesis 22:1-14).

Another key example can be seen in Leviticus 16 when it comes to Yom Kippur or “Day Of Atonement” where two goats were sacrificed; one as an offering and another sent away carrying all the sins into wilderness (Leviticus 16:7-22). This foreshadowed Christ’s ultimate atonement on Calvary when He died for our sins so that those who believe will have eternal life with Him (John 3:16).

Jesus Himself spoke about this christological foreshadowing during His last supper with His disciples before heading out to Gethsemane (Matthew 26:26-28). During this time he shared bread and wine while telling them “This is my body which is given for you…This cup which is poured out for you.” Representing both his suffering and redemption from sin on our behalf (Luke 22:19-20). All these events represent how God’s divine plan had been set in motion long before its actual fulfillment in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Human Flesh Glorifying God

In Christianity, it is believed that through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, God was glorified in human flesh. This notion has its roots in various passages from both the Old and New Testaments that foreshadowed this momentous event. One such passage is found in Isaiah 9:6 which states “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God” (KJV). This verse speaks of how one day a Messiah will come who would be both fully human yet divine at once.

Similarly, Philippians 2:7-8 talks about how Christ humbled himself by becoming man so as to fulfill His mission on Earth; “But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant…and became obedient unto death” (KJV). Thus even though He was equal with God according to His divinity, He chose to take on the humble role of being fully human for our sake.

John 1 also provides an insightful look into christological foreshadowing as it speaks about Jesus being “the true light [that] gives light to every man coming into this world” (1:9 KJV). Here again we see an idea of humanity uniting with divinity when John proclaims that Jesus was indeed God made manifest in fleshly form for our benefit. It shows how through Him we could have access not just spiritually but physically too as it relates to connecting with God Almighty Himself.

Passover Symbolism Explained

Passover is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays, and as a result it plays an important role in Christianity. The Passover story is a crucial part of Christian tradition due to its central role in Jesus’s passion narrative. Through this holiday, many symbols and images can be found throughout the Gospels that foreshadow Christ’s death and resurrection.

One such symbol from Passover is the unleavened bread used during the feast known as matzah or “bread of affliction”. In John 6:48-51 Jesus states that he himself is “the bread of life” which provides eternal sustenance for all who come to him in faith; this statement serves as an allusion to his ultimate sacrifice on behalf of mankind. Just like God provided manna for Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt, so too does Jesus provide spiritual nourishment through his body and blood given at Calvary.

In terms of ritual items used during Passover there are several objects that represent elements within the Passion narrative – including three cups representing joy, suffering, and redemption respectively; these parallel with Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem followed by His crucifixion then ultimately culminating in His glorious resurrection three days later (Luke 22:14-20). When celebrating Passover it was customary for Jews to break off pieces from a roasted lamb bone prior to eating; this practice reflects how Christians see Jesus as being sacrificed on our behalf (John 1:29). By understanding these nuances we gain greater insight into what makes Christianity unique among other religions around world today.

Priesthood Reimagined

The reimagination of priesthood in the Bible is a significant part of christological foreshadowing. In the Old Testament, there are several examples of priests being used as symbols for Jesus Christ. For instance, Melchizedek is seen as a type of Christ in Hebrews 7:1-3 and his mysterious appearance is thought to be an intentional prefiguring of Jesus’ coming. Similarly, Aaron’s priesthood was also meant to prefigure the ultimate priestly work done by Christ Himself (Hebrews 5:6).

Many scholars view the sacrificial system described in Leviticus 1-7 as another example of christological foreshadowing. According to this view, animal sacrifices were intended to point towards God’s perfect sacrifice – His Son Jesus who would ultimately take away all sins through His death on the cross (John 1:29). Even specific instructions such as how much grain and oil should be offered alongside each animal sacrifice were interpreted by some early Church Fathers like Augustine and Chrysostom as symbolic references that pointed forward towards Jesus’ suffering and death on our behalf (Leviticus 2:1-2; Hebrews 9:12-14).

King David himself was viewed by some New Testament authors such as Peter (Acts 2) or Paul (Romans 15) as a figure that hinted at God’s greater plan which would be fulfilled through Jesus’ ministry. Therefore it can be said that throughout Scripture we see various types and shadows pointing forward towards God’s ultimate salvation plan accomplished through His Son – something known today among theologians has christological foreshadowing.

Abrahamic Covenant Renewed

The Abrahamic Covenant, first established in Genesis 17:1-14, was a promise from God to Abraham and his descendants. This covenant is often seen as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant that Jesus Christ would later establish through His death on the cross. The renewal of this covenant occurred when God appeared to Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 26:24 & 28:13-15) where He reaffirmed His promises made to their father, Abraham. This serves as an important reminder for us today that even though our own faithfulness may waver at times, God remains faithful and will continue to keep His promises throughout all generations.

God further renewed the Abrahamic Covenant with Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20). Here again we see how God reaffirms His commitment to bring about redemption for humanity by making them holy before Him. We also see how it sets the stage for future events like when Jesus died on the cross so that believers could have direct access into Heaven itself (John 14:6).

We can look back once more at Genesis 15 where it says “And I will make my covenant between me and you…”(v18) which speaks of an eternal agreement between God and man; one that cannot be broken or changed regardless of circumstances. It is this same promise that Jesus Christ fulfilled by taking away our sins through His sacrificial death on Calvary’s cross; something no other person could ever do (Hebrews 9:12). Thus providing ultimate assurance that despite any uncertainty in life, there is hope knowing that our Heavenly Father has promised never to leave us nor forsake us but rather walk alongside us every step of way until eternity’s end.

Torah Illuminated by Christology

The Torah, which is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, contains a number of stories and teachings that can be seen as foreshadowing of Christ. The concept of a redeemer or messiah was already present in Judaism long before Jesus’ time. But when viewed through the lens of christology, these stories gain deeper meaning and clarity.

In Genesis 22:8-18, Abraham is asked to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah. This event is often interpreted as a prefiguration for God sacrificing his own son Jesus on Calvary Hill many centuries later. Both sons were miraculously spared from death – Isaac by an angel sent from Heaven while Jesus was resurrected after three days in the tomb – and both fathers heard divine voices saying “Do not lay your hand upon him” (Genesis 22:12) and “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Another instance where christological themes are illuminated by Torah literature is found in Exodus 12:3-13 where it tells how every family must take one perfect lamb without blemish to slaughter as a Passover offering each year. This passage has been seen as a prophecy pointing towards Jesus being sacrificed for all mankind so that we may receive eternal life through faith in Him. In John 1:29 we read that “Behold. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Making this connection even more powerful and meaningful for believers today.

Faithful Servants Rewarded

Throughout the Bible, there are countless examples of faithful servants being rewarded by God. This is especially true when it comes to Christological foreshadowing. One of the most prominent examples can be found in Genesis 22 where Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah as an act of faithfulness towards God. Afterward, God provided a ram for sacrifice instead and rewarded Abraham with numerous blessings for his obedience.

The book of Joshua also provides evidence of faithful servants receiving rewards from God after their willingness to serve Him faithfully. In chapter 6, we read how Joshua led Israel’s army into Jericho despite their seemingly insurmountable odds against them; however, through faith and trust in the Lord’s power they were able to overcome all obstacles that stood in their way and eventually claimed victory over Jericho due to His divine intervention. As a result, those who remained loyal and committed during this battle were blessed with great riches which included gold, silver, bronze vessels as well as other precious items that symbolized wealth at that time (Joshua 6:24).

Another example worth mentioning is found in 1 Kings 19 where Elijah faced overwhelming opposition yet still chose to remain devoted and obedient unto the Lord throughout his trials despite having no earthly help or support whatsoever. For this reason alone he was granted special privileges by God such as being taken up alive into heaven without dying (2 Kings 2:11) which ultimately serves as further proof that even under extremely difficult circumstances if one remains steadfastly devoted unto Him then He will reward them accordingly according to His own perfect timing and will.

Wisdom Incarnate Descends

Theologically speaking, the arrival of Christ was not a sudden event. Rather, it had been prophesied and foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament. This concept is known as christological foreshadowing – an idea that refers to how God’s plan for salvation has been made manifest in many ways since before Jesus’ birth. One way this is expressed is through wisdom incarnate descending from Heaven to Earth in order to bring peace and justice.

This notion can be found multiple times in both Jewish and Christian texts, with perhaps the most famous example being the book of Proverbs 8:22-31 which describes Wisdom personified as having been present even at creation: “The Lord created me when his purpose first unfolded.” It goes on to say that Wisdom descends from God’s throne like “a precious corner stone” or “mist rising from the dawn”. These metaphors point towards something more than just knowledge – they allude to a powerful figure who will come down from Heaven and restore balance among humanity.

In Christianity, this same imagery is used by St Paul in Colossians 1:15-20 where he speaks about Jesus being preeminent over every creature – including wisdom itself – thus making him a perfect fulfillment of what was promised by Hebrew Scriptures about divinely ordained savior arriving on earth. Here again we see the connection between earthly wisdom coming down from heaven above and its ultimate manifestation as Christ himself – thereby tying together two separate theological concepts into one larger narrative which ultimately culminates with redemption brought forth by messiah’s arrival on earth.

Restored Relationship with God

The idea of a restored relationship with God is an important concept in Christological foreshadowing. The notion of the reconciliation between God and humans can be found throughout scripture, starting from the time when Adam and Eve were cast out from the Garden of Eden. From that point forward, there was a gap between God and man which needed to be filled if humanity was to receive eternal life. This gap would eventually be bridged by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for all mankind.

Paul speaks of this bridge when he states “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor 5:21). This passage highlights how through Jesus’ death on the cross, those who believe are able to experience restoration with their Creator. Through his actions, believers gain access into His kingdom where they will remain forevermore as partakers in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

The concept of a restored relationship with God is also seen in Isaiah 59:20-21 where it says “And a Redeemer will come to Zion; To those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” declares Jehovah “And as for Me,” declares Jehovah “This is My covenant with them; My Spirit which is upon you.” In this prophecy, we see how even before Jesus came onto earth there had already been plans set forth for redemption and reconciliation between mankind and its Creator. By believing these words spoken by prophets such as Isaiah thousands years ago Christians today can rest assured knowing that despite any circumstances or hardships they may face during their earthly journey they have access into an everlasting kingdom promised by their Father if only they have faith in His Son whom died so that all may live eternally with Him one day soon.

Promised Land Established Forevermore

The promised land was a place of great significance in the Old Testament and is seen as an example of christological foreshadowing. In Genesis 17, God makes a covenant with Abraham that his descendants will possess the Promised Land forevermore. This eternal promise became known as the ‘everlasting covenant’ which foreshadows Jesus’ own everlasting life given to us through His death and resurrection.

The theme of ‘the promised land established forevermore’ is also seen throughout Psalm 105:8-11 where it speaks of how God brought Abraham’s children out from Egypt and planted them into the Promised Land – this again shows how our salvation comes from God alone, just like He promised to Abraham so long ago. This theme appears again when Moses sent spies into Canaan (Numbers 13:17) showing how there is still hope for us even if we are afraid or uncertain about what lies ahead – something that mirrors Jesus’ mission perfectly.

In Joshua 1:3-4, we see that God promises to give Joshua victory over any enemies he encounters in order to bring Israel into their new home in Canaan – here we see another allusion to Christ’s role as our savior who fought against evil on behalf of humanity. The passage goes on further in verse 6 saying “Be strong and courageous”. These words can be interpreted as an encouragement for Christians today who may feel weak or scared at times but should remember they have a powerful Savior watching over them always.

Eternal Life Granted to All Believers

One of the most significant aspects of christological foreshadowing is the concept that eternal life will be granted to all believers. This theme has been consistently presented in numerous passages throughout the Bible, with Jesus being identified as the one who brings salvation and a promise of everlasting life.

A key example from Scripture comes from John 3:16, where it states “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”. In this verse, we see an explicit declaration of faith leading to salvation and ultimately granting access to eternity in heaven. Jesus himself spoke about such an assurance for those who follow Him when He said “Whoever believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25). Here again we find another powerful statement testifying to the hope of living forever with Christ after death on earth.

Other biblical passages like 1 Corinthians 15:22 also refer to how “in Christ all will be made alive”; this further emphasizes how through believing and accepting His gift of grace and mercy believers can enjoy unending joy with Him even beyond physical death. Therefore, understanding these profound scriptures makes it clear why there is so much excitement around christological foreshadowing – because they provide us with ultimate assurance that we too can experience eternal bliss by placing our trust solely in Jesus.

Perfect Love Conquered Death

The idea of perfect love conquering death is an incredibly powerful image and one that has been used to great effect in the christological foreshadowing. In its simplest form, this concept is at the heart of Christianity: Jesus Christ was willing to die for mankind’s sins, allowing us all a chance for redemption and eternal life. This core belief echoes throughout scripture, from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament miracles.

One particularly poignant example can be found in John 15:13 when Jesus says “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Here we see a direct reference to His own impending crucifixion as well as an affirmation of His undying love and faithfulness towards humanity – even those who would betray Him or deny Him.

This verse provides further evidence of God’s unconditional love which transcends time, space, culture and history; it speaks volumes about the power of perfect love that overcomes death itself. Not only does it serve as an example for how Christians should live their lives but also serves as a reminder that if we have faith in God then He will never abandon us nor leave us without hope – even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds such as death itself.

Holiness Transfigured into Humanity

The concept of holiness transfigured into humanity is a key theme that plays out throughout the Bible, and it has its origins in the Old Testament. In the Torah, God gives Moses instructions for how to build a holy place – an earthly reflection of his heavenly temple. It was to be constructed from pure materials such as gold and silver, and was designed to radiate with light. This can be seen as symbolic of Christ’s entrance into human history; he came down from heaven in order to bring divine holiness into our world.

In Isaiah 6:1-3, we see a vision of God’s throne room which is filled with smoke, angels singing praises and proclaiming God’s holiness. We also see Isaiah himself overwhelmed by this vision and crying out “Woe is me. I am lost…for my eyes have seen the King…The Lord Almighty.” This foreshadows Jesus’ later appearance on earth when He would come as both fully man yet still retain His full divinity; just like Isaiah saw in his vision before him.

The New Testament further reinforces this concept through stories like Jesus’ Transfiguration (Matthew 17). Here we find Him temporarily transformed into His true nature – radiantly glorious but still clothed in flesh – so that Peter, James & John could bear witness to what lay beyond their mortal realm. All three apostles fell prostrate before Him at first sight – completely overcome by what they were seeing – only recovering after hearing God’s voice confirming who Jesus truly was. Through these events within Scripture, it becomes evident that humanity will never be able to understand or comprehend all there is about Jesus until He comes again in glory upon Judgment Day.

New Kingdom Established Through Christ

The New Kingdom established through Christ is one of the greatest and most momentous occurrences in all of scripture. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus was able to establish a new kingdom on earth that would transcend time and space. This new kingdom was based upon love and acceptance, rather than law or order, allowing for an unprecedented level of spiritual freedom to exist among believers.

This concept of spiritual freedom is clearly seen in the way Jesus interacted with those he encountered during his ministry. He showed mercy to sinners and compassion towards the outcasts; even healing those who had been cast aside by society due to their physical ailments or disabilities. This act alone demonstrated God’s intention for humanity – a new type of relationship between man and God, where grace replaces judgement as the primary motivator for action.

The notion that this new kingdom can be found only through faith in Jesus Christ was illustrated throughout scripture from Genesis onwards; pointing forward to His eventual triumph over death itself at Calvary’s cross. The significance behind this event must not be underestimated as it marked a fundamental shift away from traditional laws governing mankind – ushering in a period where people could now choose how they wished live their lives without fear of eternal damnation should they fail to obey certain codes or regulations set forth by religious institutions or governments.