The Old Testament is the first section of the Christian Bible, covering the history and teachings that came before Jesus Christ. For Christians, studying the Old Testament is vital for several reasons:
Understanding the Origins of Faith
The Old Testament provides the foundations of the Jewish faith, out of which Christianity arose. Studying the Old Testament gives insight into the origins, context, and progression of God’s relationship with humanity leading up to the New Testament. The Old Testament establishes God’s initial covenants and interactions with mankind (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-21, 17:1-27). It lays the groundwork for core doctrines like monotheism, the Promised Land, the Messiah, and the Day of Atonement. The New Testament assumes knowledge of the Old Testament, so studying the Old Testament enables full understanding of the New.
Appreciating the Role of Israel
Much of the Old Testament follows God’s dealings with Israel. As Christianity inherits the promises and covenants made to Israel in the Old Testament, studying Israel’s history helps Christians appreciate their own spiritual heritage and inheritance (Romans 11:11-36). The Old Testament provides essential context for Jesus as the Messiah and the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s family. Studying Israel’s repeated failures and restoration deepens understanding of human nature and God’s faithfulness.
Gaining Wisdom from Biblical Figures
The Old Testament contains many figures that illustrate timeless truths about human nature and godliness. Studying the lives of figures like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and Daniel provides wisdom and encouragement for living faithfully. Their examples of courage, leadership, integrity, and devotion continue to inspire. The Old Testament also warns believers through negative examples like Cain, Saul, and Jeroboam who illustrate the consequences of disobedience (1 Corinthians 10:1-13).
Understanding Biblical Imagery and Symbolism
The New Testament contains many allusions to people, places, and events from the Old Testament. Without knowledge of the Old Testament, Christians miss the layers of meaning in references like the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:29), Elijah and John the Baptist (Luke 1:17), and Jesus as the new Adam (Romans 5:12-21). The Old Testament origins of symbols like the bread and wine, light versus darkness, and the lion/lamb enhance theological understanding.
Discovering Pointers to Jesus Christ
Christians recognize Jesus Christ as the central figure of the Bible. The Old Testament contains many hints, prophecies, and foreshadowings of Jesus as the coming Messiah and Savior. Studying features like the Passover lamb, the manna from heaven, and the Tabernacle sacrifices opens eyes to see Jesus throughout the Old Testament and appreciate His fulfillment of God’s promises (Luke 24:27).
Gaining Wisdom for Holiness and Morality
While Christians are not under the Old Testament Law, its commands still impart timeless ethical wisdom (Romans 7:7, 12). Studying the Law, Proverbs, and other teachings in the Old Testament provides instruction for living righteously, pursuing justice, showing mercy, walking humbly, and loving God and neighbor wholeheartedly (Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:34-40). It provides perspective on moral issues like marriage, sexuality, and the value of human life.
Encountering the Nature and Character of God
The Old Testament provides glimpses of God’s incredible power, holiness, justice, mercy, faithfulness, gentleness, and comfort. From Genesis to Malachi, Scripture testifies to who God is through His acts, promises, and interactions with humanity. Getting to know the God of the Old Testament allows for a deeper awe, love, and trust to grow.
Appreciating the Old Testament’s Lasting Impact
Beyond its religious significance, the Old Testament has shaped cultures and societies for centuries. It has influenced politics, philosophy, literature, art, and social movements across the world. Modern legal codes draw on Old Testament laws. Phrases like “forbidden fruit,” “rise and shine,” and “two by two” originate from Old Testament stories. Studying the Old Testament thus enhances historical and cultural literacy.
Preparing to Interact Knowledgeably with Judaism
As Christianity arises from Second Temple Judaism, studying the Old Testament prepares Christians to discuss their faith intelligently with Jewish friends or colleagues. It enables clarity in explaining how Jesus Christ fulfills Jewish messianic prophecies. Appreciation for the Old Testament as part of the Jewish Scriptures promotes interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Deepening Understanding of Human Nature
The Old Testament offers profound insights into human behavior and tendencies. It displays how quickly mankind falls into sin, confirming the doctrine of original sin. Through emotive stories, it reveals the internal struggles between flesh and spirit that all humans face. Most importantly, it testifies to people’s need for inner transformation and renewal by God’s Spirit.
Learning a Literary Masterpiece
The Old Testament stands as one of the most influential literary works in human history. As literature, it utilizes a range of literary forms like poetry, prophecy, proverbs, letters, and historical narrative to profound affect. The Psalms convey deep emotions and yearnings. Careful reading unveils sophisticated structures, archetypes, and poetic techniques that enhance interpretive study.
Appreciating the Old Testament’s Part in Salvation History
The Old Testament forms the first part of God’s unfolding plan for redeeming humanity known as salvation history. It establishes God’s initial covenants (Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) and sets the stage for the New Covenant in Christ. It traces God’s dealings across thousands of years to pave the way for grace. Studying it helps complete the picture of God’s mission to restore mankind.
Revealing the Need for Jesus Christ
A core message of the Old Testament is human inability to fulfill God’s standards through their own efforts. Despite having the perfect Law, the Israelites failed and rejected God again and again. This reveals humanity’s need for a Savior. The Old Testament ultimately leaves everyone in a state of anticipatory tension until the solution of Jesus arrives in the New Testament.
Enriching Spiritual Growth
All Scripture, including the Old Testament, is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As part of God’s Word, the Old Testament nourishes souls, renews thinking, and enhances spiritual maturity as Christians meditate upon, study, and live out its truths.
Revealing God’s Faithfulness and Sovereignty
Amid human evil, drama, and failure, the Old Testament boldly displays God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. He remains committed to His purpose and promises despite setbacks and imperfect servants. Seeing how God works patiently through thousands of years offers courage that God remains in control even when humans mess up or don’t understand His ways.
Preparing for Christ’s Second Coming
The Old Testament points forward to the return of Jesus Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7). Studying Old Testament prophecies and promises related to the New Heavens and New Earth enhances hope and readiness for Christ’s return. The Old Testament anticipates God’s plan to restore perfect communion between Himself and mankind in the new creation.
In summary, studying the Old Testament provides an essential foundation for Christian faith. It reveals God’s nature, illuminates the human condition, displays God’s unfolding plan, and points to humanity’s need for Jesus Christ. While not required for salvation, studying the Old Testament equips believers to understand the New Testament, grasp God’s complete revelation, gain enduring wisdom for godly living, and ultimately know Jesus Christ more deeply.