I will have to defer you to tomorrow on the Scriptural evidence. Have to prepare a Powerpoint for my Sunday School lesson tomorrow.
As to the deficiency in the OT, I agree. Christ is all over the Old Testament. But, if you look even at the life of the Apostle Peter, it was only after the resurrection that the light seemed to click on - and boy did it. Such is the work of the Holy Spirit. I know the OT saints recognized the need for an atoning sacrifice and the need for God’s grace. It is hard to say if they truly “got” what would happen, since even His own apostles and one as educated as Paul didn’t get it until it was revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. Such it is with us today though.
As to the time of John, I would say that Jesus was saying “Believe I am who I say I am. I am the Messiah. I will save my people from their sins. Believe and live” Only after the cross did we truly know how He would do it (though even it is clearly seen in the Old Testament Psalms and Prophets). We have the benefit of hindsight, don’t ya know.
Yes, but the law and prophets clearly told of the gospel of grace via redemption from sins by Messiah's blood. This was the message of the kingdom that Jesus preached from the very beginning. It never changed.
Only after the cross did we truly know how He would do it (though even it is clearly seen in the Old Testament Psalms and Prophets). We have the benefit of hindsight, don’t ya know.
Really? I think you're missing some things.
"'And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.' This He said, signifying by what death He would die." (John 12:32,33)
That's why it's good to quote the Scriptures, esp. f you are going to say something controversial. That way we will know you are not making it up.