If the new test. of the bible says the old one doesn't have any merit then why even include it in the bible? I'm in the process of reading the bible (todays english version not king james-btw how much of a difference is there between the two??)
2006-09-12 05:32:02 · 20 answers · asked by scarlet_bat 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
heresy maybe you shouldn't be such a *****-didn't i say i was in the process of reading it! christ i've only made it to leviticus so back off, i was told it said that so i thought i'd ask a question-and frankly i'm reading just so i can make a list of the flaws and parts which make NO sense to have my brother inlaw (in seminary school) explain!
2006-09-12 05:39:25 · update #1
Some have said that. But it’s not entirely true.
First, the Old Testament is the basis for the New Testament. It would be difficult to grasp the New Testament without it, because it is the initial revelation. The New Testament is New in the sense that it has been completely redesigned, it is new in the sense that it a fresh testament. It takes what has already been established in the Old Testament and builds on it giving it new insight through the lens of Jesus.
Second, the Old Testament is extensively alluded to and quoted in the New Testament. Hebrews quotes tons of Old Testament passages. Revelation makes allusions to Old Testament Imagery. Jesus uses the Old Testament scripture apologetically against the Scribes, Pharisees, and Satan.
Third, the early church didn't have the New Testament, but rather the Old Testament as interpreted by the apostles. The New Testament was completed until sometime after Christ resurrected and the Christianity began to spread. They used the Old Testament as Scripture in addition to the writings of the Apostles.
Fourth, the purpose of the Old Testament is to show that we need saving. It is the beginning of the redemption story that is completed in Jesus. It lays the foundation, as Paul writes in Romans, with Adam, progressing through Abraham and eventually to Jesus. Without the Old Testament, the first part of the story wouldn't be there.
These are a couple of reasons. I could go on and on about why the Old Testament is essential. But I think this is a good starting place.
Concerning translations, The KJV is an older translations that is said to be "word for word", which means it tries to stick to the original languages as much as possible. The TEV is a paraphrase, which means it attempts to interprett the meanings of passages in light of modern culture and thought with no regards for the original language. It's not to say that one is better than the other, but for study purposes, it might be helpful to pick up a more literal translation (NASB, NKJV, KJV) and compare it to the TEV to get a more wholistic understanding rather than reading one particular interpretation of it.
2006-09-12 05:48:48 · answer #1 · answered by The1andOnlyMule 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The new testament never says that the old testament doesn't have merit. Jesus himself came and said that he was not here to abolish the law of moses, but instead to fulfill it. The law of Moses just shows how sinful people really are, and that they need a savior. So, the old testament is around to show us why we need the savior the new testament talks about.
It doesn't mean we are free to break the laws of moses, but that Jesus actually raised the bar, and lowered it at the same time. He came to pay the price of our sins (lower the bar), and to teach us that God cares more than just about our actions, but our hearts and thoughts as well (raise the bar).
Also, without the prophecies of the old testament, there is no evidence for the support that Jesus was the Messiah, so people need the old testament to show others how Jesus was a Messiah, and more than just some person around at a certain time.
The difference between the two bibles is simple too, it is just a matter of time difference. The King James was translated a long time ago, it was commissioned by King James. The wording was written in accordance to language useage at that time. The newer bibles are translations using the language useage of more modern times. Both translations come from the same original greek and hebrew texts, but, because of linguistic changes over time, they sound different (just like Shakespear sounds different than modern day writers), but when you really read them, they have the same meaning. The king James was around for years, then in the 1950's the NIV was translated. Then around the 80's came the NLT, and now the most recent is the Message in the late 90's early 2000's. All are direct translations of original text.
2006-09-12 05:41:25 · answer #2 · answered by Steve M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The old Testament has some value through the stories. You know, like David and Golliath.
How a small boy can overcome a big man in a fight.
The New Testiment is more about modifying the laws of Moses (Exodus) and some are not easy pills to swallow.
You have a 13 year old daughter and she gets raped. Moses in Exodus says you are supposed to either marry her off to the guy or accept a token payment. Jesus says forgive and forget.
Not an easy thing to do, be a Christian.
Of course Jesus also said give unto Ceasar, so I guess you can call the cops and have the guy sent to the big house if you want.
Does any of that make your or your little 13 year old girl feel any better?
2006-09-12 06:07:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what sort of "Bible" you may be reading, but the two testaments are intertwined. I have never seen in the New Testament that the Old Testament has no merit.
The King James is the most reliable
If you have a hard time understanding it, the Amplified Bible is very good.
2006-09-12 05:36:45 · answer #4 · answered by Linn E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
KJV was renounced by the International Theological Council, of which even the Southern Baptist Convention is a member, as having over 5000 errors of meaning. Snag yourself a copy of NASB.
Considering the cannon of the Christian bible was set back in 330 AD, I'd suggest finding yourself a Bible that includes ALL the books meant to be in there. If your bible does not include the book of Sirach, it's not the cannon as set down in 330AD but by Martin Luther in the mid 1500's.
2006-09-12 05:42:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're reading it, you'll find the difference and the merit. Jesus didn't really abolish the OT, He re-interpreted it, or clarified much of it. The laws are laid out in the OT and they got twisted into legalistic methods of living. People were being put to death for saying the wrong things or acting the wrong way. Jesus shows up and says that we need to look at them in a more moral way with more humanity. The OT still tells what many sins are. The OT is full of lots of other interactions with God. That's why you should bother.
Would you agree that anything that you can learn regarding God is worth bothering with?
2006-09-12 05:38:41 · answer #6 · answered by luvwinz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Old Testament Is the foundation for the New Testament, without it, we would have no clue what the New Testament was talking about. And I don't think the New Testament says there is no merit to the Old, It just says that because of grace, The new covenant, we aren't under the old law anymore.
2006-09-12 05:37:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Old Testament has plenty of meaning for all of us especially those of the Jewish faith. there are many differences in each different version of The Holy Bible. I personally like The Revised Standard Version but have the King James also as it is one of the most popular.
2006-09-12 05:39:58 · answer #8 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leaving out the Old Testament is exactly what satan wants along with his atheist friends and helpers. If the Old Testament is discounted, then the whole bible is questioned. Problem is, they can't TRULY find contradictions. The people on here post jibberish that are things they heard from someone else and have not researched and looked with truly open eyes. I have an article on my page about it. It is the first article...
http://planttel.net/~meharris1/mikescorner.html
2006-09-12 05:36:41 · answer #9 · answered by green93lx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Old Test. has alot of good things to apply to your life such as Proverbs and other things. The New Test. just has the part about Jesus (which is the MOST important considering He is the only way to heaven.)
2006-09-12 05:35:20 · answer #10 · answered by BeeFree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋