Why Study the Old Testament?

Steven’s Scribbles
“Why Study the Old Testament?”
Rom. 15:4
    
    It is a verifiable fact that we no longer live under the Old Testament/Covenant (Rom. 7:1-6). When Jesus died on the cross, He took the commands found in the Old Law and nailed them to the cross (Col. 2:8-15). In doing so, Jesus instituted a new Law; the Law of Christ (Heb. 8:1-7; 1 Cor. 9:19-21). With this being the case, why study the Old Testament? While there are many cases to be made for being a student of the Old Covenant, the most compelling has to be Rom. 15:4; “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” The Old Testament reveals God’s plan to redeem mankind, the Messianic promises that identify Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ, and the various shadows that are revealed in the New Covenant. Furthermore, without a thorough knowledge of the Old Covenant, one would miss the 280+ Old Testament references revealed in the New Testament. Through the fulfilled promises and prophecies of the Old Testament (2 Peter 1:19-21), we as Christians can have that blessed assurance, or hope, of heaven. Hope used in the modern English language today does not translate well to what the Greek word means. Hope in Rom. 15:4 is translated from ἐλπίδα (elpis). A simple definition found in HELPS word study gives us a deeper insight into what Paul was trying to tell the church in Rome. Elpis - expectation of what is sure (certain); hope. Through the promises made and promises kept through the Old Testament, we can have a certain expectation of the promises that lie ahead of us. When we understand this biblical truth, we should desire to study the Old Testament. It will also help us understand how we become heirs to the same promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:23-29). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley