There has been quite a bit of debate lately on whether or not the Old Testament is still useful. The truth is that no matter how we may “feel” about the OT, it is still useful today. God gave us the whole Bible for a reason!
Here are just a couple of reasons we should continue to read the Old Testament.
The Old Testament Illustrates Our Need for Jesus
The Old Testament Reveals God’s Faithfulness
The Old Testament Gives Relevant Advice for Modern Life
The Old Testament Connects Us as God’s Family
The Old Testament Allows Us to Understand the New Testament
Another reason that we should continue to read the Old Testament is that when we became God’s sons and daughters we became heirs to all of the promises God gave to the Israelites. The Old Testament is where we find many many promises of God; promises that all Christians can count on! These promises are ours in Christ Jesus.
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
So is it important to study the Old Testament? Absolutely. Just because it wasn’t all written directly to us doesn’t mean we don’t need it. The history, Law, prophecy, and wisdom of the Jewish people that is collected together to make up the Old Testament will enrich our lives in so many ways if we allow it to. In the end, we must trust that since God said that the Old Testament needed to be part of the Bible, it has value and authority in our lives.
