Did the Old Testament ever reveal the Church?

It was said that it shall stand forever (Dan. 2:44). It is the house of God which shall be established on top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow to it (Isa. 2:2). She will rejoice when compared to the barren church of the Old Testament as it was said: “For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman” (Isa. 54:1). There is no comparison between the Church of the Old Testament which was exclusive only to the Jewish nation, and the Church of the New Testament which has the treasures of grace and includes all nations and peoples. The Head of the Church is Christ who is the cornerstone that unites the Jews with the Gentiles, to

927 Mike Aquilina, The Way of the Fathers: Praying with the Early Christians (Our Sunday Visitor, 2000): Article 65.

928 St. Basil of Caesarea, Letters 186–368 204.6 (FOTC 28:76–77).

929 St. Epiphanius of Salamis, PG 42:781.

930 St. John Chrysostom, Praise to Maximus , 3.

931 St. John Chrysostom, PG 52:402.

establish from them His divine house. The Church of the New Testament enjoys a new life through baptism, and is established in Christ, the firstborn of those who have fallen asleep.