Is the Old Testament still relevant for Christians today?
Introduction
For a new Christian, the Old Testament (OT) can feel overwhelming, distant, and even confusing—full of laws, wars, and prophets that seem far removed from the simple grace of Jesus. If we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), why should we bother with the "Old" part of the Bible?
The truth is, the Bible is a single, unified story of salvation that culminates in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is not a cancelled contract; it is the essential foundation upon which the New Testament (NT) is built. To fully understand Jesus, the Gospel, and the Christian life, we must understand the OT.
Three Reasons the Old Testament is Essential
The Old Testament remains authoritative and relevant for every Christian today because it reveals the character of God, the need for a Savior, and the pathway to holy living.
1. It Reveals the Full Character of God (Theological Foundation)
The Old Testament is where we first meet the attributes of God—His holiness, justice, mercy, power, and faithfulness—which remain constant throughout the New Testament.
God’s Holiness and Justice: The Law and the Prophets reveal the absolute purity of God's standards and the seriousness of sin. Without understanding the strict justice of the Old Testament, the amazing grace of the New Testament loses its shock and its value.
God’s Mercy and Covenant: The OT is a story of God patiently entering into covenant (binding promises) with flawed people, consistently showing mercy and forgiveness despite their failures (e.g., Abraham, David). This demonstrates the relational, patient, and loving nature of the God who is revealed most fully in Christ.
2. It is the Unfolding Story of Jesus (The Redemptive Foundation)
The Old Testament is not merely a prelude; it is the necessary context for the New Testament. It is a book written entirely about Jesus, who is the promised Messiah.
Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus Himself taught that the Scriptures testified about Him: “You search the Scriptures [the OT] because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39).
Understanding the Sacrifices: The system of priests, sacrifices, and the Temple, as detailed in the OT, reveals the problem of sin and the necessity of a perfect sacrifice. When Christ died on the cross, He fulfilled this system, becoming the final High Priest and the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-12). We cannot grasp the power of the Cross without knowing what came before it.
3. It Provides Enduring Moral and Spiritual Principles (The Practical Foundation)
While the ceremonial laws (sacrifices, dietary rules) have been fulfilled in Christ, the enduring moral and spiritual principles of the Old Testament still guide the Christian life.
"All Scripture is profitable...": Paul affirmed that the entire body of Scripture is profitable for the believer: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and 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). This includes the Old Testament.
The Moral Law: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) are still foundational to Christian ethics and are reiterated and deepened by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). The wisdom of Proverbs, the worship of the Psalms, and the justice of the prophets are all timeless spiritual guides for believers today.
Conclusion
The Old Testament is not a book you have graduated from; it is a book you need to continually study. It provides the deep roots of your faith.
To fully appreciate the light of the New Testament, you must first understand the shadow of the Old Testament. By studying it, you will gain a deeper understanding of God's character, a clearer picture of Christ’s mission, and a richer foundation for your own journey of discipleship.
