I have been intrigued by the dialogue between Job and his friends. Many of my congregants have read the first couple chapters of Job, skimmed through the middle chapters and read the last couple chapters. For the average layperson, this is understandable, but not recommended. By reading the book of Job in such a manner, the richness of the dialogue between the individual characters is missed.
For instance, the theme of suffering (justly or unjustly) is prominent in the book. This theme is evident to the most casual reader of the text. However, less obvious themes such as Job’s view of Salvation is woven through the dialogue. One must carefully follow the argument to pick up nuances in the passages.
This paper will attempt to highlight Job’s ancient view of the gospel.
Assuming that the Book of Job is one of the oldest books of scripture and that Job (a Gentile) lived during the time of the patriarchs, Job’s words will be examined carefully to determine what he understood or theorized regarding salvation.
The author will begin the investigation from the viewpoint of the New Testament post resurrection narrative of Jesus speaking to Cleopas and his friend. Luke stated, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). The Book of Job is normally not thought of being part of the collection of Scriptures to which Luke was referring. I am not so sure.