Christians: Why do we still read/use the Old Testament?

Question

Christ obliterated its prohibitions and rituals and re-made the entirety of the First Covenent into a Law of Love. Appart from Medieval obsessions with finding 'pre-figurations' in the Prophets and histories and the Psalms (which can be very inspirational), do any of you seriously explore the Old Testament as part of your faith? How/why?

Answer 1

No, but it tell's our history.

Answer 2

You've half answered your own question. Studying ancient prophecies and how they have already been fulfilled is very important to substantiating the character of God.

Firstly, your statement that Christ obliterated the Old Testament prohibitionsand rituals is not entirely accurate. Even Jesus said that he came to fulfill the law, not to utterly eliminate it. He took the punishment, not the Law.

The Psalms are inspirational, but they are more. King David was the writer of the Psalms. God called David a man after his own heart. Therefore, his Psalms (which are professions of love and adoration for God) are an example of how we are to love God.

Additionally, the history outlined in the Old Testament provides the framework for the New Testament. It is the "How and Why" of everything we believe. It validates Jesus authority.

Some Old Testament books, such as Exodus, help us to understand who God is and gives us insight into his character.

If you want specifics, e-mail me.

Answer 3

These statements in the New Testament that show the continuing validity of the Old Testament for the New Testament believer:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:17-19
ALSO: But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Answer 4

Jesus said that not a jot or tittle of the law would be changed until the end of the world, or until all things were fulfilled.

Then he fulfilled all things.

No more old law.

Now, only the New Covenant Church which Jesus founded, has the power and authority to make laws and regulate Christian practices and beliefs.

In any case, the old testament of the Bible is still the written word of God, and that's not something to sneeze at.

Plus, the ot provides the scriptural basis for many end time events, which are yet to occur.

Answer 5

I still read commentaries by W. Cleon Skousen on the Old Testament because they help me understand the psychology of how the Lord deals with people on a long-term basis better, as well as how prophets speak and act. The things that the Israelites were warned against are still in existence today, but in different forms. Also, when the Resurrection happens, don't you want to know about as many people's history as possible? Some of them might be your neighbors. Also, some prophecies in Isaiah and other places have yet to be fulfilled, so we're definitely not done with the Old Testament yet.

Answer 6

Why do musicians still praise Beethoven and other classic Musicians?
Without the Old Testament, we won't understand the new. Jesus recognized the old Testament and often quoted from it. Of course, the Jewish leaders in Jesus' time used the Old Testament as a control tool and Jesus objected to this.
The old testament is indeed filled with many old traditions and rituals which must be recognized.
Christ's new covenant never ignored the Old Testament, he just removed the Old rituals and traditions and broke it down to a testament of LOVE.
The Old testament may well be the greatest love story ever written.

Answer 7

The explanations above are all vague scriptures that could be translated anyway you like. I think the hierarchy of Christianity has kept the Old Testament because it allows them to claim they are Christians but still practice violence, rampant greed and capitalism, as well as sexism and homophobia. It also goes as far as cherry picking the parts they want to still follow, no one has a problem with eating pork or crawfish, and we don't sacrifice animals or stone unwed mothers anymore that would just be crazy, No ****** or Feminists allowed though. This is why I no longer attend church, it's not even about christianity anymore just conservatism.

"Oh, I don't reject Christ. I love Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ." Mahatma Gandhi

Answer 8

Yes we refer back to the old testament also:

2 Timothy 3:16 states that "All scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving , for setting things straight."

Romans 15:4 refers to the pre-Christian inspired Scriptures when it says: "All the thiigs that were written aforetime were written for our instruction."

Although some of the practices at that time were done away with at the arrival of Jesus (such as the sacrifice of animals) that were leading the way to his perfect sacrifice for all mankind; the basic principles were given for out benefit and are timeless. A thorough study of the bible will help you to put in perspective the timeline of all these events and how important they are to all people and to you as an individual.

When coming into contact with Witnesses I began the journey of actually learning what the bible says in a progressive study. There is nothing that can take the place of personal study and the understanding it gives. Then you can truly develope a personal relationship with your heavenly father and he becomes real to you instead of just words in a book. Now I truly appreciate the loving scarifice that Jesus made in our behalf and know what the future has in store. It is becoming more urgent for people to really think about these things considering the times that we live in. Soon God will act to put wickedness to a final end. We all want to be part of his kingdom and must take the time to search it out.

Jehovah's Witness's would be glad to help you to understand the bible better. Please read the following article for your information.

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20010701/article_01.htm

Answer 9

Sure, why forget this gem:

Exodus 11:5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
11:6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.
11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel

Or god saying this:
Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

Matthew 5:18-19
Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.

Anyway, you forgetting something:
Luke 16:17
It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Leviticus 23:14,21,31
It shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations.

1 Chronicles 16:15
Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations ... an everlasting covenant.

Psalm 119:151-2
Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

Answer 10

Yes, for several reasons....
1. as a historical reference....so we know how/why we got to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
2. to verify that His coming and death were foretold long before it actually happened....this is important because; you and I can agree on what we will do next Thursday, but can not possibly accurately predict what will happen in 1400 years, or even ten years in the future.
3. we see a glimpse of the personality of God, for example the story of Sodom an Gomorrah reiterates His displeasure with homosexuality.
4, we also learn that over the years human nature hasn't changed and that is why the Bible is still relevant today.
5. We see the power and complete authority of God ....to create a nation from the descendants of one man of faith and then through them send a Saviour for all mankind.
If given enough time I'm sure I could find more good reasons to study the Old Testament but I hope this helps.

Answer 11

In Christ's own words: "do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them" Matthew 5:17

This answers your "why" question:since Christ did not negate OT, Christians should not reject it too.

Personally, I try to look for the principles behind rituals and practices. And the idea of being a people set apart for God's purpose stands up (the idea of being "Holy" unto the Lord).

I guess we all will have different sharings. The Holy Spirit in you will guide you into all understanding as you read-- and this answer your "how" question :)