Traditional teaching
would date the writing of even the most
recent of Old Testament books as
centuries before the time of Jesus
Christ.
Even more liberal modern critics who
attempt to place "later dates" on Old
Testament scriptures tend to agree that
the Old Testament books were written
long before the birth of Christ.
Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has
substantially silenced those who have
tried to claim that the Old Testament
books were "altered" by Christians.
These Old Testament books which were
written centuries before the arrival of
Jesus Christ and totally beyond
manipulation by His followers tell us
that, one day, a special man will come.
A Messiah. A Savior.
These Old Testament books which were
written centuries before Jesus or His
followers could have had any influence
on their content give significant detail
abut that coming Messiah so that He
could be recognized when He came.
To be genuine, the Messiah must
fulfill a pattern set forth hundreds of
years before the time of Jesus Christ.
The life of Jesus Christ is a literal
point-by-point fulfillment of these
prophesies specifically intended to
identify the coming Messiah.