Chapter 1, “Mediation in the Old Testament, Part 1”
Kilcrease begins by discussing the approach he will take to Scripture, then turns his attention to prophetic mediation. he confesses that the Bible is God’s Word, absolutely truthful, inspire by God. He will insist on a literal and supernatural reading, though it is, at times, difficult to say where he draws the boundaries of being literal. Does he allow for symbolic language? It is not altogether clear. Kilcrease does have a number of grammatical oddities in his writing, as well as arguments for which I must question the logical validity. He makes a lengthy argument for traditional (i.e., not modernistic) interpretation of Scripture.
Kilcrease then begins to analyze the themes of exile and return in the Bible. He considers this theme to be central to the entire Old Testament, even serving as a type of Christ’s death and resurrection. This is the pattern Israel sees as the way human experience works. The deliverance Israel hopes for will come from God but is mediated through someone else, whether Adam, Moses, one of the prophets, or the Messiah. Kilcrease spends considerable time demonstrating that God gives himself and his promises to Israel, accomplishing his will through mediators. These mediators represent both God and Israel. They deal with sin through the law. They deliver God’s promises as prophets, of whom Moses serves as our prime example. Again, Kilcrease gives many examples of Moses’ prophetic work, both as a mediator and one who points forward to Christ.
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