The Christian's View

Most people are aware that the Bible is divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. Many, however, do not understand the purpose of the Old Testament; nor do they understand its place in one's service to the Lord today. What should be the Christian's view of the Old Testament?

1. The Christians recognizes that the Old Testament scriptures are inspired of God.

Peter affirms that the Old Testament scriptures were not the private interpretation of the writers, but that "holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost"(2 Peter l:20-21). Our lord placed His stamp of approval on the creation story (Matthew 19:5); on the Genesis account of the flood (Matthew 24:37-39); on the story of Jonah (Matthew 12:40); and, in fact, on all the Old Testament scriptures, including the law, the Psalms, and the prophets (Luke 24:44). To claim to believe in Christ, then, while denying any part of the Old Testament, places one in a highly inconsistent position.

2. The Christian recognizes that the Old Testament scriptures are no longer authority in religion for men today.

Occasionally we hear people say, "I believe we ought to take all the Bible as our authority." They mean by this that a Christian ought to obey the commands of the Old Testament as well as those of the New Testament. But the Old Testament scriptures command animal sacrifices, burning of incense, observing annual feasts in the city of Jerusalem, etc. Is the Christian to obey these commands? Obviously not! The truth is: Our Lord fulfilled the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17-18), and having fulfilled them, He "took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Colossians 2:14). At that time we became "dead to the Law," (Romans 7:4; See also Galatians 3:24; Ephesians 2:11-16; 2 Corinthians 3:5-11). The Christian is to hear Christ who speaks through the New Testament scriptures (Matthew 17:5; Hebrews 1:1-2).

3. The Christian recognizes many valuable uses of the Old Testament scriptures.

Someone may be thinking, "If the Old Testament scriptures are not authority, why not just cut them out and throw them away?' We would not do that for two reasons: they are God's word and they still have valuable uses for men today (Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:10,12).

The Old Testament scriptures demonstrate God's attitude toward His law and sin. He demands a strict following of His law (Deuteronomy 4:2; Joshua 1:7). His severity toward those who disobey Him can be seen in His punishment of Adam and Eve, the old world of Noah's day, Nadab and Ablhu, Uzzah, and many others.

The Old Testament scriptures demonstrate God's love for obedience. The blessings He bestowed upon Abraham, Noah, Ruth, Hannah, and other righteous people are an encouragement to the Christians to do God's will.

The Old Testament scriptures contain prophecies and types that confirm the Christian's faith and enlighten him concerning the gradual unfolding of God's great plan for man's redemption. Who would want to be without such prophecies as those of Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Psalm 2, etc. or such types as the Passover, the lifted up brazen serpent, or the high priest's work on the day of atonement' The Christian thanks God for the Old Testament and appreciates its value.

Living Oracles

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Last Updated Sept. 7, 1997 by Bob Cleek bcleek@niia.net

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