As Easy as One, Two, Three
Most people have heard the phrase, “As easy as one, two, three,” usually used in reference to a task or process that is straightforward and uncomplicated. If you made a list of things you wish were as easy as “one, two, three,” what would be on it? Your list might include an end to disease and suffering, the eradication of wars, a fulfilled life, or lasting peace and tranquility. Would “eternal life” be on your list?
What could be more important than securing your destiny for eternity? The good news is, it’s not complicated! I would like to introduce you to an easily understood “one, two, three” that leads you to eternal life.
So, what is this one, two, three formula?
It is one psalm from the Bible.
Two is the number of the psalm.
And there are three truths found in Psalm 2 that can lead a person to eternal life.
Psalm 2 is one of the clearest prophetic psalms that speaks of the LORD’s Messiah, His Anointed One. Within this psalm, we can be pointed to several places in the Tanakh (the Old Testament) that expand on the identity of this Anointed One. There are three truths in this psalm that make the path to eternal life uncomplicated.
Truth 1: The titles the LORD gives the Messiah reveal how special He is.
In Psalm 2, the first title given is “His Anointed [One],”[1] meaning the LORD’s Messiah, found in verse 2. The second title given to this person is found in verse 5, where the LORD calls Him “My King.” The third title given to this person, “My Son,” appears in verse 7.
Yes, this special person is Messiah and King, set upon the LORD’s holy hill of Zion.
That God has a very special servant whom He calls His Son in an exclusive sense is not an anomaly in the Tanakh. In fact, this Son is alluded to in Psalm 89:27 and in Proverbs 30:4. The latter contains a rhetorical question that asks, “What is His [God’s] name or His Son’s name? Surely you know!”
Abraham and Isaac[2] were a clear picture of the Father and His only Son whom He loved. The story of the binding of Isaac foreshadowed the Son of God, who would be the Lamb of God, given so those who believe in Him might have everlasting life.
Truth 2: This Anointed One will be rejected.
Being God’s chosen servant for the people of Israel and then being rejected was something that happened to Moses,[3] Joseph, and many of Israel’s prophets. Often, these rejections were foreshadowing the One special Servant who would be rejected as well, as Isaiah wrote about.[4]
Not only was this Anointed One rejected by His people, but the Gentiles gathered together against Him as well. It was the chief priests and rulers of the Jewish people together with the Romans who had Him put to death.[5]
Truth 3: Those who will come to Him to worship Him will find true refuge and the blessing of eternal life.
Before the promise, Psalm 2 contains a warning for kings and rulers: they need to be wise, because this Son is given the nations as His inheritance, and He can destroy them.
The promise that follows says those who kiss the Son are doing what the psalmist called for: serving the LORD with fear and rejoicing with trembling.
The result is those who trust and take refuge in Him are blessed. This refuge is spoken of in Proverbs 30:4-5, which is meant to link the Son to this psalm.
Eternal life can be found by understanding and trusting in the Son found in one psalm, Psalm 2, which shares three essential truths.
One, two, three for eternal life.
Joseph was rejected by His brothers[6] and said these true and prophetic words:
And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.[7]
Do you have questions about who the Hebrew Bible says is God’s Son? If so, we would like to help you on your journey to knowing this eternal truth, because as Joseph’s rejection meant life for the people of Israel, Jesus’ rejection can bring life to all who come to Him.
Written by Jeff, Life in Messiah staff
1. Do you know God’s Anointed One, Jesus the Messiah, and have you received eternal life in His name? If you have questions or would like to know more, please contact us.
2. Along with the story of Abraham and Isaac, what are some other ways you notice the Son of God being foreshadowed in the Hebrew Bible?
3. Do you think you could explain to someone from Psalm 2 how they can have everlasting life? Remember, it’s as easy as “one, two, three!”
Endnotes:
[1] The English word messiah comes from the Hebrew mashiach, which means “anointed.” The Greek equivalent, Christos, came into English as Christ. In Scripture, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed for service. But only One rightly fulfills all three functions, Yeshua Hamashiach (Jesus the Messiah).
[2] Genesis 22:1-18; John 3:16.
[3] Number 14:1-4; Acts 7:36-40.
[4] Isaiah 52:13-53:9.
[5] Acts 4:26-28.
[6] Genesis 37:1-28.
[7] Genesis 50:20 Jewish Publication Society 1917 Edition.