Why the Old Testament?

We have started a bible study recently for new Christians; at our last meeting, someone asked why the old testament matters to us.  This was an honest question, and it got me thinking.  I wonder if this is something a lot of people think about?  It seems that a lot of times the old testament isn’t really focused on, but it has so much to teach us!  Sometimes it’s seen as out-dated or that since we aren’t under the law anymore, it doesn’t apply or matter at all in our lives.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.
From the first book (Genesis), we’re shown the majesty and authority of God in creation and we see his desire for man to have a relationship with him.  We see all too quickly though that we chose to separate ourselves from Him; we are shown what sin is and its many consequences, both in physical suffering and death and even more so in its complete severing us from God.  Throughout books like Genesis, Exodus and Judges, just to name a few, we see God’s dealings with us; we see the establishment of the law and God’s promises to the people of Israel, if they will obey him.  We see God’s continued patience and justice, as he deals with a people who, in spite of his incredible works, reject the true God.  In the books of the law, like Leviticus, it’s impressed on us even more thoroughly that we can never measure up to God’s perfect law.  We see the animal sacrificial system, the need for a high priest, and why only death can lead to forgiveness of sin.  With the tabernacle, we are shown the magnificence of God’s presence and see the fear and reverence that we should feel at the mere idea of approaching the creator of the universe.  Without all this, we can’t truly appreciate and understand who Christ is, why he came, and what he has done for us, for the unspeakable gift he has given us!  Furthermore, the prophets, like Isaiah for example, are filled with prophecies of Christ, further showing the Bible’s reliability, God's lordship over even time itself, and proving that Jesus was indeed the planned fulfillment of God's promises.  And as a last thought, Paul and Peter, not to mention Jesus himself, quoted the old testament often to support their own teaching, showing its relevance and that it is god-breathed and just as vital for teaching us!

Ashley
Jude.three.blog@gmail.com