Why did the Christian Bible decide to include the books from the Torah and Old Testament?

Answer 1

Because the early Christians were Jewish.

Answer 2

The Old Testament IS the Torah, albeit a slightly different translation.

The reason for it is that there was nothing before the text written in the New Testament to offer history or laws based on the same God and Jesus WAS Jewish after all. It makes sense that the Torah was included in the Christian Bible.

Answer 3

Because the Old testament (the first 5 books of which make up the Torah) is about the same God as the New testament

The New testament is the fulfilment of what is contained in the Old Testament

Answer 4

Christians believe that first God gave the Law to the Jews - and called them his chosen people. According to Christians, the Jews were unable to fulfill the law - no body was able to do this. (Which kind-of makes you wonder why he gave the law in the first place). So Christ, for the Christians, was prophezied and given to the Jews and the world so that the law itself could be fulfilled. Note - fulfilled, not abolished.

Christians keep the Tanach (the complete Jewish bible) around because they believe that the purpose of the law is to show us our sins. But, for Christians they believe that the law cannot offer anything else but to show the errors of our way. It is used for them as a mirror to the soul, but it cannot offer anything else.

They believe that since Jesus completed the law - they are no longer bound to it, and instead find their salvation in Jesus.

*edit*

For the answerer above me and for clarity's sake:

Torah - first five books of the bible that were written by Mosses. These are Gensis and the books of the Law -

Tanach - all of the Jewish bible.

Old Testament - for most Christians corresponds with the Tanach - Catholics have a couple of extra books for certain reasons.

Answer 5

Dear Friend.

It teaches in 2 Timothy 3:16

2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

The Lord included these books in his word for a reason, the old testament books provide us with the background as to why things are today, they also set a pattern for certain things. With the new testament the bible forms a perfect and harmonious means to gain knowledge of the one true god.

So the answer to your question is that the Lord himself established the order of the bible, and only he knows why he chose these books. but all we know is that his choice is perfect.

God Bless

Answer 6

Where to begin? Christ was Jewish. Orthodox Christianity says that Judaism was the precursor to Christianity - the Law and the Prophets lead up to Christ. The Old Testament records God's dispensation to Israel under the Law, as the New Testament records His dispensation under grace. You have to understand the past before you can properly understand the present and the future.

Answer 7

Because the Old Testament helps show us why we need a redeemer, why someone dying for our sins can possibly atone for us, and why we can only be saved through a covenant of Grace. Besides, the New Testament consistently quotes the Old.

Answer 8

History. Christ was a Jew after all. In the holy land. The story doesn't make much sense without the Hebrew prophesies and history. Jesus refers to the OT in his teachings!

Answer 9

We follow Jesus. He is the one who told us that until heaven and earth passed away that his word would remain. That word was the Bible.

Answer 10

those books are full of prophesy about the birth, life and death of christ. it's one complete set of truths.