Is the Old Testament relevant to the modern-day Christian?

[Clare73]

A think makes something else obsolete by doing everything that it does and more, so something being obsolete does not mean that it should be avoided. The promises of a new covenant do not void the promises of a covenant that has already been ratified.

It does when the promises and basis for that covenant are fulfilled.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Jesus Christ of Nazareth is all over the Old Testament. It answers every query about God. And guess what, He does have the perogative to change His will (mind). This is the mystery. I could go on.....Be blessed.

It is totally relevant to modern Christians. The whole Bible is all about Jesus Christ. He demonstrated that to the two disciples at Emmaus. The New Testament is a mystery in the Old Testament, and the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament. The Bible is designed as an uninterrupted stream of the development of God's plan of salvation for mankind. Most if not all the events in the Old Testament are some aspect that shows the Jesus Christ of the New Testament.

There are some churches that are anti-Semitic, and because of that teaches that the Old Testament is irrelevant to modern Christians. This is an error. The Yahweh of the Old Testament is the Jesus Christ of the New. This is shown in many places. John 1:1 tells us that it was Jesus Christ who created the universe and the world. It was Jesus Christ who communed with Adam in the Garden, met with Abraham just before Sodom was destroyed. He was the captain of the host and met with Joshua just before the battle of Jericho, and He actually fought and won the battle. He was the one who was in the fiery furnace with the three young men in the book of Daniel. It was Jesus Christ who spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai. It was also the voice of the Son of God who spoke to Samuel in the Tabernacle.

 

[Diamond7]

As for all of those Laws, man y are recorded for historical reference and do not need to be focused on.

What we need to focus on is the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells us: "For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" Matthew 5:18 We need to follow all of the law because as David tells us in Psalm 119 all of the law was given for OUR benefit and well being. Just like the natural laws of science there are consequences to breaking and the violation of God's law. For example we need to diet and exercise. Lots of people are sick because they do not follow the diet God gives us. My brother has multiple stints that could be avoided if he followed the proper diet for his condition. He is on oxygen because he would not quit smoking and drinking. There is no end to the problems we will have if we do not follow the law of God. People say: I am going to die anyways. That is not the issue, unless you let them euthanize you. If you want to live and life is always the right choice. Then we need to follow the laws that God has given us for our benefit so we can be healthy and not get sick.

God does bail us out but a lot of pain, misery, suffering and sorrow could be avoided if we followed His plan & program for us to follow. Jesus even sums it up into there laws, Love God, Love your neighbor and love yourself. Then all well go good for you. All of the law and all of the prophets show us how to follow this easy simple teaching of Jesus.

 

[Diamond7]

If God’ God’s people and God’s word are not consistent in all they say and do, and all they don’t say and don’t do, then there is no truth to find. We can make it up and be just as righteous as everyone else who makes up doctrines and teaches them as the commandments and precepts of God.

I am sure you could condense this down. There is a lot of repetition. Einstein could reduce everything down to E=MC2. Jesus reduced everything down to love God, your neighbor and yourself.

 

[Ephesians321]

You literal can not have a New Testament without the Old Testament. Everything points to Christ. Christ is found throughout the whole Bible.

Did you know 1 Corinthians 10:6 is commonly very poorly translated into English, Paul did not write "examples" he wrote "types". Basically Paul called the whole Old Testament, the Law and the Prophets were typology of the Church and Christ. Isn't that powerful and

 

[Ephesians321]

You literal can not have a New Testament without the Old Testament. Everything points to Christ. Christ is found throughout the whole Bible.

Did you know 1 Corinthians 10:6 is commonly very poorly translated into English, Paul did not write "examples" he wrote "types". Basically Paul called the whole Old Testament, the Law and the Prophets were typologies of the Church and Christ. Isn't that powerful, rich, and edifying. Christians today should read the Old Testament as typological and prophetic in nature.

 

[Ephesians321]

Oops the three minute edit expired

Old Testament = physical typologies (shadows), prophetic, death

New Testament = spiritual realities, fulfillment, life

 

[Clare73]

What we need to focus on is the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells us: "For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished"

Everything necessary for redemption was accomplished and completed with the cross and the resurrection.
The Decalogue is now summed up in one rule (Ro 13:9), love of God and neighbor as self (Mt 22:37-40).
He who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law (Ro 13:8).

 

[Studyman]

You literal can not have a New Testament without the Old Testament. Everything points to Christ. Christ is found throughout the whole Bible.

Agreed.

Gen. 1: 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

But men loved darkness.

 

[Diamond7]

Everything necessary for redemption was accomplished and completed with the cross and the resurrection.
The Decalogue is now summed up in one rule (Ro 13:9), love of God and neighbor as self (Mt 22:37-40).
He who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law (Ro 13:8).

Does anyone really love their neighbor? Even when you try, people are so wacco that it is just about impossible.

 

[Studyman]

Does anyone really love their neighbor? Even when you try, people are so wacco that it is just about impossible.

I would suggest looking into how the Jesus of the Bible loved His neighbor and HIS enemies.

This “Love” would have been the definition of Love that God intended we use, Yes? Gods Love, not man’s.

There was certainly a difference in Scripture between the two.

 

[Diamond7]

I would suggest looking into how the Jesus of the Bible loved His neighbor and HIS enemies.

Jesus was a carpenter which is one of the few professions that is honest work.
Although we read that soldiers and tax collectors were able to be saved.

Even He told them to buy a sword: Luke 22:36 (NIV): "He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."

 

[Clare73]

Does anyone really love their neighbor? Even when you try, people are so wacco that it is just about impossible.

Keeping in mind that love of neighbor is not about agreement or feeling, but about being committed to their well-being as you are to your own, to do for them the necessities they cannot do for themselves.

 

[Studyman]

Jesus was a carpenter which is one of the few professions that is honest work.
Although we read that soldiers and tax collectors were able to be saved.

Even He told them to buy a sword: Luke 22:36 (NIV): "He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."

The journey His people are on is no picnic.


Eph. 6: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 

[Clare73]

The journey His people are on is no picnic.

As his journey was no picnic.
The servant is not greater than his master.

Eph. 6: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 

[Dan2255]

Some Christians find reading the Old Testament arduous and unnecessary. All of those laws and calls for sacrifice just do not seem to have value. The God of the Old Testament seems so harsh with all that wrath and judgment -- that God does not seem to be the same God that Jesus refers to -- that God of Love.

First, we either believe the WHOLE Bible or we don't.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, II Timothy 3:14 (NKJV)​

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All Scripture means ALL as in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The verse also explains the value that this inspired, God-breathed, scripture has. This alone should be reason enough tp study the Old Testament.

As for all of those Laws, many are recorded for historical reference and do not need to be focused on. The civil and ceremonial laws are not relevant for today, but the moral laws still are valid. The Ten Commandments are valid today as they were in the days of Moses. Jesus summarizes the Commandments:

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matt 22:37-40​

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The First of the Great Commandments is actually found in Deut 6:5. Jesus finds value in the Old Testament, so should we. In fact, the Old Testament is referenced over 1600 times in the New Testament. For this reason, some say that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. The Messianic prophesies of the Old Testament foretold of Jesus in which He has already fulfilled many.

How do we reconcile the persona of God in the Old Testament versus the New Testament? First, God is unchanging so to see God as different is our lack of understanding. The God of the Old Testament had to deal with a rebellious and disobedient people for several thousand years. The deserved punishment, which they received, but they also received mercy by not being fully punished. Israel also received grace by God defeating their enemies, restoring them and sending them a Messiah. The New Testament covered almost 100 years -- not nearly the same time frame. Much of the New Testament is focused on Christ, his words, his teachings and the spreading this word by the apostles and disciples.

The value of the Old Testament provides much context to demonstrate how much God loves His people in spite of their disobedience. The need for the Messiah is shown because following the Law is insufficient because no one is capable of NOT sinning. The history, poetry and wisdom of the Old Testament actually glorifies Jesus because He is all of it so that He can be the Redeemer.

The New Testament is from the Old Testament scriptures. It’s sad they divided the Bible as they did. The Old Testament testifies of Christ and the new brings it to light.

 

[Clare73]

The New Testament is from the Old Testament scriptures. It’s sad they divided the Bible as they did. The Old Testament testifies of Christ and the new brings it to light.

The OT is the NT concealed, and the NT is the OT revealed.

 

[Peacemaker1]

Jesus Christ risen is the new thing told about in the old, therefore the old testament has nothing revealed, as all was and is revealed when new.


all philosophy is vain, only vain people speak and hear vanity, as seen in all of the old testament, which these people reveal to all here, they still only follow the ways of the old, but Jesus Christ ended them by doing all new, to stop vanity and all iniquity, by showing the true new is doing, not vainly talking.

 

[Dan2255]

Jesus Christ risen is the new thing told about in the old, therefore the old testament has nothing revealed, as all was and is revealed when new.


all philosophy is vain, only vain people speak and hear vanity, as seen in all of the old testament, which these people reveal to all here, they still only follow the ways of the old, but Jesus Christ ended them by doing all new, to stop vanity and all iniquity, by showing the true new is doing, not vainly talking.

I will have to disagree just a little. What scriptures did the God’s children read during the apostles time and beyond until what we now call the Bible was not available to them as it is today to us? All the scriptures in the Old Testament haven’t been fulfilled but yes they are mentioned in the New Testament. But the early Christians who could read could have read the Old Testament if one was available to them.

 

[Peacemaker1]

I will have to disagree just a little. What scriptures did the God’s children read during the apostles time and beyond until what we now call the Bible was not available to them as it is today to us? All the scriptures in the Old Testament haven’t been fulfilled but yes they are mentioned in the New Testament. But the early Christians who could read could have read the Old Testament if one was available to them.

believing Christ rose from the dead is the new test, it is belief in the heart unto righteousness, it is the receiving of the Holy Spirit, which is Christ in you, Himself the Spirit of Christ you are joined one with, instructing you in the mind of Christ of all things. the old test, has not a lot on its own, all of what the new test has and needs to be, to fulfill all things, is missing in the old test, who is also the old man, the new man is renewed in the knowledge of Christ.