Why is recognizing Christ in the Old Testament essential for Christians?

Understanding Christ as the central figure in the Old Testament is crucial because it shows God's unfolding plan of salvation through history. In 1 Samuel 26, David's actions foreshadow the mercy and grace found in Christ. The gospel isn't a New Testament concept; it begins with the types and shadows in the Old Testament, all ultimately pointing to Christ. The prophets longed to see the things now revealed in Him, emphasizing the need for believers to comprehend the entirety of Scripture as a testament to Christ's redemptive work.