The Old Testament Is As Inspired As The New Testament

When I went to seminary to do my Masters in Theology and Missions, I did a number of essays after each course elapsed. One of the questions I worked on in my Old Testament (OT) Studies course was about why the Old Testament is still important to study when the New Testament (NT) is in force.

https://livingourbible.wordpress.com/2024/01/02/unified-story-of-the-bible-the-king-and-his-kingdom/

My readings revealed 3 reasons why we must read and study the OT today as believers:

#1. The OT Is Inspired By God As The NT.

During the time of Jesus and the Apostles, the OT was the only Scriptures available to them. They never came to the point to question if the OT was inspired by God. They knew the Law, the Prophets and the Writings were all inspired by God. Thus, they expounded it. Ezra 7:10 says that, “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Most of the writers boldly proclaimed, ‘Thou says the Lord…’ to make the point that the OT originated from God and not man.

#2. The OT Lays A Solid Foundation For The NT.

No one can accurately interpret and preach the NT without understanding the OT. God’s revelation unfolded from the OT to the NT. Can you faithfully understand the book of Revelation without understanding Daniel, Ezekiel and parts of Matthew? Another example is that you can better understand Christ’s death for us when you understand the sacrifices in the OT for atonement of the people. They foreshadowed the need for the Saviour. A neglect of the OT will make our understanding of the NT blurred.

#3. The OT Foreshadows The Coming Of Christ.

The OT predicts the coming of our Saviour and vividly tells of His suffering and Second Coming. Isaiah 9 and 53 for instance tells of His coming and suffering so clearly. Genesis, Micah, Deuteronomy, Malachi, Isaiah, and others all predicted the coming of Christ to sit on the throne of His father David. The genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3 pick the discussion that Christ came from Adam through Abraham to David and finally to Joseph (also an OT just man). Luke 24:25-27, 44-46 says that the Law, the Prophets and the Writings revealed Him.

Reading and studying the OT is as important as reading and studying the NT. Obviously many people don’t read the OT because there are narrative books that keep repeating stories and genealogies about unfamiliar names and laws. Understanding it will help you better understand the New Covenant.

Take Action: Ask God to give you understanding as you read the Old Testament and the New Testament.