How do Christians interpret the Old Testament in relation to Jesus Christ?

Christians interpret the Old Testament as a foundational prophecy that points toward the advent of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the redeemer of humanity. By viewing the Hebrew Scriptures as the "Old Testament," Christian tradition frames them as a record of God’s promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.12

This interpretive approach often employs two primary methods:

• Typological Interpretation: Certain persons, objects, or events in the Old Testament are seen as "types" that prefigure or set forth deeper realities in the life and ministry of Jesus. For example, Isaac carrying wood for his sacrifice is interpreted as a type of Jesus carrying the cross, and the sacrificial Passover lamb is seen as an analogy for Christ’s death.3
• Prophetic Fulfillment: New Testament authors frequently cite Hebrew prophets to argue that their writings speak in their entirety of Jesus. This includes interpreting the "Suffering Servant" songs in Isaiah as direct prophecies of the life, suffering, and identity of Jesus of Nazareth.24

Through these lenses, Christians maintain that the Old Testament is not merely a historical record but a divine oracle designed to legitimize the gospel of Jesus as the natural extension of the covenant with Abraham.31