Building Bible Confidence: Part 11

Part 11: The Two Testaments (Part 2)

The Old Testament and the Christian

Some Christians may consider the Old Testament as non-relevant to their lives since we are saved through the New Testament; however, the Old Testament is essential and valuable for Christians. The New Testament teaches Christians to appreciate the Old Testament:

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4)

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Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (1 Corinthians 10:11).

The Old Testament is a wonderful series of books that can inspire us, teach us, and explain parts of God’s plan of Redemption. Christians use the Old Testament examples, learning from the lives of the men and women mentioned–both people of faith and people who rebelled against God. Likewise, we learn about sin and transgression, as well as the holiness and severity of God. Additionally, the Psalms, Proverbs, and other books of wisdom teach us about praise, trust, and understanding God's will.

Should Christians Obey the Old Testament?

While useful for example and wisdom, Christians ought not obey the Old Testament. The Old Testament is obsolete, and to obey it is to reject Jesus. Consider a sample of New Testament truths about Christians who attempt to obey the Old Testament as covenant law:

Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (Galatians 3:24-25).

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. […] In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away (Hebrews 8:7, 13)

For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. […] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins (Hebrews 10:1,4).

Some people may be worried when they hear this message. They may believe Christians must honor the Ten Commandments or other parts of the Old Law. Please understand that any moral law from the Old Testament that God wants us to follow today is also found in the New Testament. Consider the example of honoring our parents. In the Old Testament, God wrote a specific command for children:

Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you (Deuteronomy 5:16).

Some are worried that if we take away the power of the Old Law, we will lose these valuable laws. God, however, provided all moral commands for Christians in the New Testament. For example, the Ten Commandments include a law about honoring your parents. Some may be concerned that doing away with the Old Testament would remove our duty to honor our parents. God, however, still cares about children honoring parents. In fact, the New Testament refers the Old Testament Law in example (Ephesians 6:1-4).

A Divine Warning

The Holy Spirit inspired the New Testament writer Paul to warn Christians who attempt to obey the Old Testament. The Bible says these people are in danger of losing their salvation:

You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4).

Christians respect the Old Testament as a wonderful series of books that can inspire us, teach us, and explain parts of God’s plan of redemption, however, we should be cautious not to apply these teachings as commandments since we live under the New Testament. We have been blessed richly to see the completed Word of God! To turn back to the Old Law is to deny God’s gracious act of sending Jesus as a sacrifice for sin. To turn our backs on Jesus is to give up our salvation. 

In Review: The Two Testaments

The Bible is like a long journey; and though it may seem daunting, every step brings us closer to God. Readers can see that it is possible to understand it. The Bible is divided into two main sections: The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament (or the Old Law) includes all the writings before Jesus was born. They are for Christian evidence, example, and wisdom. The New Testament is about Jesus’ life and afterwards. The New Testament completes God’s plan and is the law we are under today.

*This article was taken from The Bible Series, a twelve-part study written by Jonathan Edwards. This study is available for free PDF download at www.pureandsimplebible.com