Stop Rejecting the Old Testament
It’s Written for You, Dear Christian!
There seems to be a general disregard for the Old Testament. Looking around social media we see a ton of posts around Christianity. Most of which have no Biblical relation, and those that do tend to only focus on the new testament.
The New Testament is very important. It's full of instructions written to Christians after the resurrection of Christ. It also contains the history of the early New Testament Church. As well as, the accounts of Christ, before his death, burial, and resurrection.
But God gave us the the Bible with both the Old and New Testaments so we should be spending equal time in both. We should be familiar with the Old as we are with the New.
Because for the early New Testament Christian, the Old Testament was the only scripture they had. This shaped their entire view of what it meant to be a Christian.
The Old Testament Belongs to the Church
First, because we find that Christ, our savior, is present in it's very pages. We must read the Old testament in search of our King. Not only in the "types" that are often talked about, but actually Him working and moving the people of God.
Second, because without the Old Testament we can not understand the New Testament. Again, this is because the New Testament author's only had the Old as their scripture. Everything they wrote was from a deep understanding of the Old Testament.
This make the Old is the foundation for the New. Without knowing all it's history, laws, commands, and prophecies, we end up loosing much of what the New Testament teaches.
In fact, our King, Christ Himself, confirmed the authority of the Old Testament when he said:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (Matthew 5:17 KJV)
The Old Testament Holds Instructions for the Christian.
The Old Testament contains many direct instructions such as we see in the book of Proverbs. These teach us correct action and thought.
Proverbs 1:10-15 is one such example where Solomon tells his son to not walk with sinners in their evil deeds. This, though an obvious example for most, is instruction for us. Christians are to not follow after evil men and instead be separate, as 2 Corinthians tells us:
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV)
We also read many stories of men and women in challenging situations. Some of these stories tell us of proper action that pleases God. While others, show us actions which displease God and the consequences.
Remember, the people of the Old Testament were still people. They faced the same challenges as modern day Christians face. We should take these stories and find God's sovereignty and control within them. When we do it will give us comfort to know we are not alone in this spiritual battle.
The Old Testament Teaches Us How To Battle
We are in a spiritual war which always existed.
The old testament has many stories of physical wars and how God's people handled them. We have to take these accounts and learn how God expects His people to engage in spiritual battle.
The book of Psalms is a great place to hear of the triumphs and defeats which the men of God faced. How king David relied on God to carried him through each battle. And how David called out to God when David's enemies where upon him.
But we also read of how king David engaged in prayer, praise, and worship. We need to have the same approach and attitude for the spiritual war which rages around us and within us.
Take the book of Joshua for example. There we see God's people fighting physical battles against their enemies. As well as internal ones of doubt, idolatry, and disobedience.
We must rely on God while taking action to shine light in the darkness of this world. To stand up for truth and stop to let the enemies of God triumph over our nations.
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. (Psalm 139:21-22 KJV)
The Church's Existence In the Old Testament
The Church is the body of Christ and the body of Christ is the invisible church. This invisible church is the people who put their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Would this not include Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and all their believing decedents? Would this not extend all the way back to the fall with Adam and Eve, when God promised to crush the head of the serpent?
The Church exists because of God's covenants with man. Be it the covenant with Adam, Abraham, or New Testament believers.
From this it is now clear enough that, since God cannot without a mediator be propitious toward the human race, under the law Christ was always set before the holy fathers as the end to which they should direct their faith. - John Calvin, Institutes
Attention: My Brother in Christ
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Thank you for this encouragement!