The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, truth, and inspiration, guiding believers toward a deeper relationship with God. But perhaps no part of Scripture is more misunderstood by Christians than the Old Testament. Often regarded as outdated or irrelevant, some dismiss its teachings entirely, while others cling to it as if salvation still depends on keeping its laws. Both extremes miss the beauty and purpose of the Old Testament in God’s redemptive plan.
How often do we wrestle with questions like: What role does the Old Testament play in our faith? Is it still binding for Christians today? How can we learn from it without being bound by its regulations? These questions are not new. The early church faced similar struggles, as believers sought to reconcile their Jewish heritage with the freedom found in Christ. Today, these same questions remain, challenging us to understand the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.
The Old Testament is not merely an ancient collection of stories and laws—it is part of God’s inspired Word, preserved for a purpose. Within its pages, we find the heart of God revealed through His interactions with humanity. We see His justice, mercy, and faithfulness on full display. But as Christians, our understanding of the Old Testament must be informed by the New Testament, where Christ’s fulfillment of the law and the prophets takes center stage.
As we delve into this topic, let’s approach it with open hearts and minds, seeking to align our understanding with God’s truth. The goal is not to diminish the Old Testament but to honor its role in pointing us to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God’s promises. By understanding its proper place, we can better appreciate the freedom and grace we have under the New Covenant.
The Old Testament: Not Authoritative Today
The first thing we must recognize is that the Old Testament, while inspired, is not the authority for Christians today. Hebrews 1:1-2 lays this foundation clearly: “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world.” While God revealed His will through the prophets in the past, His ultimate and final revelation is through Jesus Christ.
This shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant is at the heart of the gospel. The law, given through Moses, was never intended to be the final word. Instead, it served as a “guardian” to lead us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). When Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He signaled the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. The Old Testament’s authority was completed in Him.
Why Christians Are Not Bound by the Law
Many misunderstand this transition and attempt to impose Old Testament laws on New Testament believers. A common example is the debate over observing the Sabbath. While the Sabbath was a sign of the Mosaic Covenant, Christians are no longer under its requirements. Paul addresses this directly in Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a Sabbath day—things which are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.”
This doesn’t mean the Old Testament is irrelevant. On the contrary, it remains a vital part of Scripture, filled with wisdom, history, and prophecy. But its laws are no longer binding because Christ has fulfilled them. Romans 10:4 declares, “For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” To live as though the law still applies is to diminish the work of Christ and the freedom we have in Him.
The Danger of Returning to the Law
Throughout his letters, Paul warns against returning to the Mosaic law. In Galatians 5:1, he pleads, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” The law, though holy and good, was a heavy burden that no one could bear. Its purpose was to reveal sin and our need for a Savior (Romans 3:20). To cling to it now is to reject the freedom Christ purchased with His blood.
Ephesians 2:14-16 highlights how Christ broke down the dividing wall of the law, uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body: “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances.” Through His death, Jesus established a New Covenant, one that brings peace and reconciliation.
The Old Testament’s Lasting Value
While the Old Testament is not our authority, it is still immensely valuable. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.” The Old Testament provides the foundation for understanding God’s redemptive plan and reveals His character in powerful ways.
The stories of faith, courage, and God’s unwavering love inspire us to trust Him more deeply. The prophecies, fulfilled in Christ, strengthen our faith in His sovereignty. And the wisdom literature offers practical guidance for daily living. Far from being irrelevant, the Old Testament is a treasure that enriches our understanding of the gospel.
Living Under the New Covenant
As Christians, our call is to live under the authority of Christ. He is our teacher, our Savior, and our Lord. The Old Testament is a shadow; Christ is the substance. By keeping our eyes fixed on Him, we honor the entirety of Scripture and live in the freedom of His grace.
Let us cherish the Old Testament for what it is: a divinely inspired record of God’s work throughout history. But let us also embrace the New Covenant with joy and gratitude, knowing that Christ has fulfilled the law and offers us life abundant. In Him, we find all we need—yesterday, today, and forever.
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