Why do Christians quote from the Old Testament so much?

Question

They say they love Jesus (whose New Testament is more about love thy neighbor), yet they seem to quote from the Old Testament when it comes to all of the major political issues like homosexuality abortion etc. My opinion: The Jews only have the Old Testament/Torah so leave the hellfire and brimstone to them and lets focus on the love peace and acceptance.

A comment for Cindy. Your wrote "Jesus said , If you love me, you will keep my commands, not command." That is kinda what I am trying to get at. The Religious Right, with GWB as their spearhead, are trying to command. I mean this especially in regards to abortion, homosexual marriage and stem cell research. I thought America was all about the freedom to choose, not to be governed by the religious.

Answer 1

They quote from the old testament when it suites there needs, but if you point out something from the old that is contradictory they will say they don't have to follow it because of the new testament. Talk about double talk.

Answer 2

I don't realize I am until someone points it out. It depends mostly on the question, not the answer. The old Testament Foretells, and the New Testament Fullfills. Most of the laws and sins are outlined in Leviticus, which is in the Old Testament. But there are some in the New Testaments in Acts and in some of Pauls letters to the churches and individuals.

Answer 3

The old Testament has a purpose - one is showing that God is just and will punish those who do not follow His word. This is shown all through out the Old Testament - so that when Jesus came - His words are the only words that will save - if you do not follow those words - just like in the Old Testament God will punish.

Don't listen to anyone who says that the Old Testament laws still apply -they do NOT - Jesus came and gave His life so we can have Eternal Life - Jesus took the Laws away - but He also taught that the only way to Heaven is through Him - if Laws were still in effect - no one could make it to Heaven because no one on Earth is perfect - if we were bound by the Laws - we ALL would have no chance to be with Him in Heaven.

Answer 4

There's a statement by Paul in the New Testament that says: "All scripture is God-breathed (inspired) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness."

That's the only reason I can think of to explain why they incessantly return to the old Law, which Paul says Jesus did away with, "once for all".

No, here's another reason: they think the whole book is one and the same, because the Old and New Testaments are together.

Either way, the answer is ignorance.

Answer 5

There is a difference in Governing by Religions and Governing Religiously. Some people believe that how you lead is how you live. I think you see this in GWB.

For the first part of the question: Just because Jesus was Born and fulfilled Mosaic law. It did not give Christians the right or free pass to sin against God. To be forgiven from a sin, one must be willing to turn from the sin and repent and sin no more. (The sin you repented from should be avoided)
The 10 commandments are still in effect from God.
God has told us in many ways that homosexuality is NOT natural and is punishable by death. Not just physical death, but spiritual death.
Christ is Love, but al so keep this in mind. I love you enough to let you know that it is a sin to be homosexual. It can be forgiven, but you must truly repent to be forgiven. (Yes, I think you can repent on your death bed too.)
I love everyone, but I do hate the sin of homosexuality and I do not have to accept it. I am an American too, and I have the right not to accept it.

Answer 6

Dude- You still have a lot to learn! The OT is still the word of God! No where in the entire Bible will you find that the OT is for the Jews ALONE!

Paul- the NT apostle to the gentiles, had to say this in regards to the OT:

2Ti 3:14 But continue in the things that you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
2Ti 3:15 and that from a babe you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2Ti 3:17 that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work.

Paul is speaking of the OT! The NT as we know it now, wasn't cannonized yet. The NT at that time was just a series of letters floating around the churches....

Only fools will do away with that portion of God's words.

BTW, Jesus Christ was the very God of the OT!

Answer 7

I find that there are a lot of questions where those who seek answers from something they read in the old testament, i try to use both at times to make a point to show the two blend together. But I do in such a way to try not to offend even when some of the questions are just casting stones.

Answer 8

I think it is because while the New Testament made the Old Testament nil and void, a lot of it still holds true and can be found in the New Testament. Also, a lot of Christians are just ignorant, and do not fully understand the religion they are practicing. (And I'm not bashing on Christians, because I am one myself).

Answer 9

If you are Christ's then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. The New Testament has no basis without the Old Testament. The Old Testament has no future without the New Testament.

Answer 10

You cannot have one without the other.

Jesus said that he did not come to change the law, he came to pay the price of the law, so that we were no longer bound to the punishment of the law.

So, the old testament law does still apply, it is just no longer a death sentence.

Jesus said , If you love me, you will keep my commands, not command.