Hope your day is blessed. ~:)
Question: "Why should we study the Old Testament?"
Answer: There are many reasons to study the Old Testament. For one, the Old Testament lays the foundation for the teachings and events found in the New Testament. The Bible is a progressive revelation. If you skip the first half of any good book and try to finish it, you will have a hard time understanding the characters, the plot, and the ending. In the same way, the New Testament is only completely understood when we see its foundation of the events, characters, laws, sacrificial system, covenants, and promises of the Old Testament.
If we only had the New Testament, we would come to the Gospels and not know why the Jews were looking for a Messiah (a Savior King). We would not understand why this Messiah was coming (see Isaiah 53), and we would not have been able to identify Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah through the many detailed prophecies that were given concerning Him [e.g., His birth place (Micah 5:2), His manner of death (Psalm 22, especially verses 1, 7–8, 14–18; 69:21), His resurrection (Psalm 16:10), and many more details of His ministry (Isaiah 9:2; 52:3)].
A study of the Old Testament is also important for understanding the Jewish customs mentioned in passing in the New Testament. We would not understand the way the Pharisees had perverted God’s law by adding their own traditions to it, or why Jesus was so upset as He cleansed the temple courtyard, or where Jesus got the words He used in His many replies to adversaries.
The Old Testament records numerous detailed prophecies that could only have come true if the Bible is God’s Word, not man’s (e.g., Daniel 7 and the following chapters). Daniel’s prophecies give specific details about the rise and fall of nations. These prophecies are so accurate, in fact, that skeptics choose to believe they were written after the fact.
We should study the Old Testament because of the countless lessons it contains for us. By observing the lives of the characters of the Old Testament, we find guidance for our own lives. We are exhorted to trust God no matter what (Daniel 3). We learn to stand firm in our convictions (Daniel 1) and to await the reward of faithfulness (Daniel 6). We learn it is best to confess sin early and sincerely instead of shifting blame (1 Samuel 15). We learn not to toy with sin, because it will find us out (Judges 13—16). We learn that our sin has consequences not only for ourselves but for our loved ones (Genesis 3) and, conversely, that our good behavior has rewards for us and those around us (Exodus 20:5–6).
A study of the Old Testament also helps us understand prophecy. The Old Testament contains many promises that God will yet fulfill for the Jewish nation. The Old Testament reveals such things as the length of the Tribulation, how Christ’s future 1,000-year reign fulfills His promises to the Jews, and how the conclusion of the Bible ties up the loose ends that were unraveled in the beginning of time.
In summary, the Old Testament allows us to learn how to love and serve God, and it reveals more about God’s character. It shows through repeatedly fulfilled prophecy why the Bible is unique among holy books—it alone is able to demonstrate that it is what it claims to be: the inspired Word of God. In short, if you have not yet ventured into the pages of the Old Testament, you are missing much that God has available for you.
Link
A really good post my friend. Jim is the history buff in our family and he enjoys the Old Testament over and over and we discuss it on a regular basis. Any one who doesnt read it, is missing out on so much. I dont go to a movie for the credits at the end...I want to see the whole thing...same with Old, then New Testaments. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a insightful post, Sparky. I, myself, find the Old Testament hard to read...which is prob. why I leave it up to Dave to read it to me or discuss it. Thanks for the link. Blessings
ReplyDeleteGood post.
ReplyDeleteA guy I know calls the OT "God's Picture Book".
So much theology and description of God particularly in the design of the Temple.
I'd like to add that Daniel actually prophesied the year that the Messiah would come and hit it (surprise!).
This is why it is said that Jesus came "in the fullness of time".
Looks like they cover it here:
www.gotquestions.org/seventy-weeks.html
Thank you everyone. I was praying that this may lend encouragement & learning to our day. I am but His humble servant and happily so.
ReplyDelete@Ed Bonderenka ~ I once read all that extensively. The teacher I had at the time showed how the "7 weeks" yet to be fulfilled was the Tribulation (3 1/2 years) and the Great Tribulation (also 3 1/2 years). There's much, much more to that. I recommend listening to some of Zola Levett's old TV showings. They might be on YouTube. He's a Christian Jew. Very knowledgeable about the Old Testament and how it all points to our Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Thanks again! And I pray everyone has a very blessed, safe day. ~:)
This is a wonderful post, Sparky. Thank you. It explains well why the Old Testament is as important as the New one.
ReplyDeleteI really love your Sunday posts. They're like a beacon shining brightly in a dark World Wide Web.
God bless.
Thank you Victor, you are always so kind. I pray you have a profitable, happy day there across the pond. ~:)
ReplyDeleteThe Old Testment is all about remembering the times got brought them through even in their rebellion. The message of the coming Christ is woven into it all. I can't dismiss this. Thanks for the insight.
ReplyDeleteAwesome Sunday post as usual. Have a great week my friend!
ReplyDeleteI once told my pastor I thought the O.T. was the BONES of the faith and that the N.T. was the FLESH....the metaphor worked and was even more prescient than I'd thought it would be!
ReplyDeleteWe need those bones on which to hang our faith, our N.T. , the Gospel...Without it, I don't believe the N.T. is as powerful; that understanding of Israel is SO important, isn't it?
this is a great post; I want to send some folks here as they've been asking me "why the OT?" My answers haven't been nearly as good.
ReplyDelete