Why Should We Read The Old Testament?

[Edward]

I see many Christians who wont or dont like to read the OT. They have seemingly good reasons to not read it, it's been replaced by the new covenant, we're not under the law anymore, that was them in olden days and the world is different now...all sorts of reasons. I'm starting to understand just how wrong they are. There are many good reasons to read the OT.

The main reason I see is the types and shadows, and prophecies. If you read closely, Jesus is on almost every page. Plus, I think that there's more prophecy in the OT than the NT, with regard to us as believers. Sure, Revelation will tell you all about what's coming for the unbelievers in the end times, but it doesn't say a whole lot about the resident Christians who are here on earth, and how God will be dealing with (us) them during those times. Isaiah spells it out.

Let's jump right in, shall we? Jesus said that He's coming back for an unblemished Bride. Who is that? I am not unblemished. Are you unblemished? Do you know anyone who is unblemished? Me either. Most talk is cavalier about the Bride of Christ. "We're all the Bride" is one thing I hear sometimes. As if, Jesus will work His power upon us and we'll suddenly become unblemished or something. I think that's dangerous thinking. We're not waiting on God to become more mature Christians, He's waiting on us! Of course we can do nothing apart from Jesus, but we do need to get off the duff and press forward. Time is short, and we're not useful to the Lord as babes in Christ. The Lord knows this. The Lord is about to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh and do big things in the world. It is already underway.

Read your old testament Brothers and Sisters...Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.../

That's both, a prophecy and a command.

 

[reba]

Jesus read those scriptures ...

 

[Eugene]

Why Should We Read The Old Testament?

2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

"We're all the Bride" is one thing I hear sometimes.

They're wrong. Rev 19:7-8 says the bride makes herself ready:
Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness (Righteous acts) of saints.

 

[Nathan]

Personally, I read it because I like to see how God worked back then also. We know the same Faith that saves today, is the same Faith they had back then.

Sheds a lot of light on how we should see God, and how God see's us - and what God wants from us.

Simply stated, I believe the NT shines a spotlight on the OT.

 

[WIP]

Why Should We Read The Old Testament?

I believe it is important to understanding our Creator more deeply. As I've listened and read the Bible the last three or four times I learned something about God that I don't think I would have necessarily picked up on if I only studied the New Testament. I noticed a recurring theme that jumped out at me so I did a little self study. Using the NKJV I counted 133 references where God declared, “I am God,” or “I am the Lord,” or “I am your Shield,” or “I am your salvation.” Why did He do this? The answer? I also found 134 references of God saying, “I will be known,” or “so that you/they will know that I am Lord/God,” or “Know Me.” God wants us to know Him. Not just with a head knowledge but intimately and personally.

 

[Kidron]

Jesus read those scriptures ...

And he fulfilled many of them

 

[dirtfarmer]

dirtfarmer here

When Jesus said " Search the scriptures" ,as recorded in the gospel according to John, He was referencing the only written scripture of his day. It is known today as the old testament. We learn of God's power from those scriptures, but it is the new testament that reveals God's love for us.

 

[Douglas Summers]

I see many Christians who wont or dont like to read the OT. They have seemingly good reasons to not read it, it's been replaced by the new covenant, we're not under the law anymore, that was them in olden days and the world is different now...all sorts of reasons. I'm starting to understand just how wrong they are. There are many good reasons to read the OT.

It is a mute discussion. It's all the word of God and the word of God will not return to the worshiper Void.

 

[JohnDB]

The Old explains the New. It has many answers to today's world.

Especially the prophets and the Psalms.

Prophets for the heathen questions and Psalms for our lives.