Paul describes the Old Testament law as 'our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ' (Galatians 3:24 KJV). The 'schoolmaster' was really an educated slave put in charge of the children to give them their basic schooling.

How can we understand something we have never encountered? An architect will commission a model to be made. Although small, it gives a good impression of the shape and style of the building and how it fits into its environment. God used that approach to help His people understand. So, the flood was a 'model' or 'type' of judgement (

Because our minds are finite, we cannot know what we have not experienced, or learn from the experience of others. We must therefore look back to make sense of the present and the future. It is difficult to imagine how Hebrew-background believers would have thought about discarding so much of the religious way of life they had been brought up to obey, unless a new future had been promised.

Our world suggests many ways to peace: through work or meditation, through religion or recreation. There is some temporary comfort, but can they bring lasting peace to a guilty conscience or confidence of being fully accepted by God? The Bible and personal experience agree that the answer is 'No'. Many people are sustained by the love and provision of parents and do not know where to turn when they die. Others hang onto the advice and care of pastors as though their relationship with God depends on their spiritual mentor.