3:23-25; Rom. When we choose to sin, such separates us from fellowship with God (Isa. Are Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit “God” in Nature? 6:1). Leaven, Fall, 1997. heart. Let us consider a number of reasons. Though often unspoken, that agenda can often be deduced by analyzing his selection, arrangement, and editing of events. 9). Predictions were uttered sometimes centuries before their fulfillment. 5:13,19-21), as some assumed (see Rom. 103:8; Jon. Acts 4:12; Rom. God is love (Ex. Heb. The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Old Testament to record what would graciously reveal that redemptive purpose, and even the Redeemer Himself (Luke 24:27). In contrast, biblical history has a clear purpose: it is a progressive revelation of the mind and heart of God for the benefit of needy sinners. 45:21). 10:4). The law condemned the transgressor, but it was impotent to save in any complete sense (cf. 2:14-15; Gal. Therefore, when we read an Old Testament narrative, we ask three questions: The last question will help prevent us reading the chapters as disconnected dots and unrelated atoms. These phenomena of Scripture are proofs of its divine origin. Second, it also proved that man cannot keep a law-system perfectly (Rom.3:10,23; Gal. 139:7-12; Jer 23:23-24). Although it held a distinct place in redemptive history, which it no longer holds, it still has timeless truths to be learned and applied. For example, the law forbade coveting. 4:2; Isa. in all its fullness to as many people as possible. Here are five reasons to study it and benefit from it. Why, then, study the Old Testament? Acts 4:12; Rom. Shakespeare said that history is “a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” The Christian view of history is quite a contrast; we believe God ordained it, organizes it, and moves it towards a meaningful, definite, and certain purpose. 5:8-9; 10:12). 7:13). Your gift enables our worldwide outreach. Old Testament preaching often faces the charge of seeming irrelevance. 1:16). 34:6; Ps. 42:2). Fix that problem! God is just (Ps. Third, biblical prophecy is fulfilled exactly. The sacrifices of the Old Testament economy were a repetitive reminder of the need for divine pardon (Heb. Liberal critics of the Bible choke on predictive prophecy. Therefore, one could know specifically what was forbidden by God, and thus know positively about his personal sin. This fact excludes the notion that the prophets made “educated guesses” by observing events on the current scene. What is the origin of man and the universe? 11:4-40). In arguing the temporary status of the Old Testament system, one should not leave the mistaken notion that the Old Testament is an insignificant portion of scripture. 46:10). It is often regarded as “far away” and “distant” chronologically, geographically, socially, and theologically. This is a question pondered by many sincere people, and it deserves a response. 1:16). It is very interesting, and a well-crafted (true) story. Rom. 1:16). Sure, there are some bits that are tough to read … First, the Old Testament is not a source for determining how to become a Christian (cf. 44:24-45:3). The reality of Israel’s faith rested on the reality of Israel’s history. The main encouragement that comes from the Old Testament is that God promises a Savior to Adam and Eve in the Garden right after their rebellion—and He keeps His promise! Baldwin: Benefits of Studying the Old Testament Published by Pepperdine Digital Commons, 1997. He blogs at Leadership For Servants and you can follow him on Twitter @DavidPMurray. First, the Old Testament is not a source for determining how to become a Christian (cf. The Ligonier Ministries site requires Javascript, but you’ve got Javascript disabled. Col. 3:17; 2 In. The Next 500 Years: 2017 National Conference, God in Our Midst: The Tabernacle and Our Relationship with God, Naming Ligonier the Beneficiary of a Bank or Investment Account, Gifts That Provide Income and Tax Benefits. Second, the Old Testament is not a guide for Christian worship (cf. If the Old Testament has been abrogated, why should a person be concerned with studying it?