This article is called “Why should we study the Old Testament. I believe, the study of the Old Testament is vital to a better knowledge and better understanding about God, what He is like, how He has worked in history and a more historical understanding of our creation. But more important we will see who God really is and how humanity has developed and progressed.
The article I am posting here was not written by me. When I post an article that has not been written by me. I always want to give credit to the writer. I will add a few things to the article, like some pictures and conclusion. This article was written by “GOT QUESTIONS MINISTRIES.”
Question: “Why should we study the Old Testament?
“There are many reasons to study the Old Testament. For one, the Old Testament lays the foundation for the teachings and events found in the New Testament. The Bible is a progressive revelation. If you skip the first half of any good book and try to finish it, you will have a hard time understanding the characters, the plot, and the ending. In the same way, the New Testament is only completely understood when we see its foundation of the events, characters, laws, sacrificial system, covenants, and promises of the Old Testament.
If we only had the New Testament, we would come to the Gospels and not know why the Jews were looking for a Messiah (a Savior King). We would not understand why this Messiah was coming (see Isaiah 53), and we would not have been able to identify Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah through the many detailed prophecies that were given concerning Him [e.g., His birth place (Micah 5:2), His manner of death (Psalm 22, especially verses 1, 7–8, 14–18; 69:21), His resurrection (Psalm 16:10), and many more details of His ministry (Isaiah 9:2; 52:13)].
A study of the Old Testament is also important for understanding the Jewish customs mentioned in passing in the New Testament. We would not understand the way the Pharisees had perverted God’s law by adding their own traditions to it, or why Jesus was so upset as He cleansed the temple courtyard, or where Jesus got the words He used in His many replies to adversaries.
The Old Testament records numerous detailed prophecies that could only have come true if the Bible is God’s Word, not man’s (e.g., Daniel 7 and the following chapters). Daniel’s prophecies give specific details about the rise and fall of nations. These prophecies are so accurate, in fact, that skeptics choose to believe they were written after the fact.
We should study the Old Testament because of the countless lessons it contains for us. By observing the lives of the characters of the Old Testament, we find guidance for our own lives. We are exhorted to trust God no matter what (Daniel 3). We learn to stand firm in our convictions (Daniel 1) and to await the reward of faithfulness (Daniel 6). We learn it is best to confess sin early and sincerely instead of shifting blame (1 Samuel 15). We learn not to toy with sin, because it will find us out (Judges 13—16). We learn that our sin has consequences not only for ourselves but for our loved ones (Genesis 3) and, conversely, that our good behavior has rewards for us and those around us (Exodus 20:5–6).
A study of the Old Testament also helps us understand prophecy. The Old Testament contains many promises that God will yet fulfill for the Jewish nation. The Old Testament reveals such things as the length of the Tribulation, how Christ’s future 1,000-year reign fulfills His promises to the Jews, and how the conclusion of the Bible ties up the loose ends that were unraveled in the beginning of time.
In summary, the Old Testament allows us to learn how to love and serve God, and it reveals more about God’s character. It shows through repeatedly fulfilled prophecy why the Bible is unique among holy books—it alone is able to demonstrate that it is what it claims to be: the inspired Word of God. In short, if you have not yet ventured into the pages of the Old Testament, you are missing much that God has available for you.” This concludes the article by Got Questions Ministries. This is a very useful tool with sound biblical doctrine, and I would recommend this site to anyone, who needs help with Biblical questions.”
File written by Adobe Photoshop? 5.0
If you know much about the Bible then you should understand this statement. “WHAT IS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT CONCEALED IS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT REVEALED.” We need the knowledge of both the Old Testament and the New Testament to get the full picture of God, and our past, present and future. The Old Testament and New Testament tells us the ongoing story of SALVATION. I think this link will also help clarify the unity of the Old and New Testament.
CONCLUSION
Here is my suggestion for you. In the Old Testament and New Testament look for sin and salvation on every page. You will get a new view and more understanding of Both Testaments. Never forget that we meet the same GOD in both Old and New Testaments. Hebrews 1:1-2.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and I do hope you will click the links for more vital information. You may enjoy this short video about the much sought after “ARK OF THE COVENANT. Your thoughts, opinions and comments are welcome so leave them below in the comment section. RAY
history and a more historical understanding of our creation. But more important we will see who God really is and how humanity has developed and progressed. 