Is There Value in the Old Testament?

The Bible is an amazing collection of true accounts from the very mind of God. The 27 books of the New Testament give us, as Christians, our “marching orders.” From Matthew account of the of Jesus through the triumphant Revelation given to John, the New Testament is the source of precepts and concepts for the Christian mind.

But what are we to do with the first 39 books, the Old Testament? Is there any value to be gained from those books, despite the fact that we no longer follow the Law of Moses?

In Romans 15:4, Paul wrote about the Old Testament with these words: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” From this verse, I believe Paul gives us four things we can gain from the Old Testament.

1. Education. The things were written “for our instruction,” wrote Paul. There are many basic things we can learn from the Old Testament, from the names of people and places to certain worship practices within the Jewish religion. We also, though, can learn much more important things. We are introduced to so many characteristics of our Heavenly Father in the Old Testament, and we are told of the attributes that would accompany the Messiah. We learn timeless lessons about sacrifice and faithfulness from the Old Testament. It is also worth noting that we would fail to understand much of the New Testament (including Hebrews, Revelation, Jude, and Romans) if it were not for the Old. There are approximately 1100 quotations and allusions to the Old Testament found in the New.

2. Endurance. When we read of Abraham’s journeys, we see a living example of patience. When we know that Sarah was beside him through these journeys, we learn more of patience. When we read of prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Elijah and we see them continue to teach God’s Word despite rejection by both “prince and pauper,” we can learn how to be patient. Of course, when we think of patience, one name comes to mind that that is Job, and Old Testament patriarch. Although he went through tremendous difficulty, he did not curse God with his mouth. If I ever need patience as I follow God, I can turn to these Old Testament people who endured and know that they are cheering me on as I attempt to endure (Hebrews 11:1-12:3).

3. Encouragement. As you attempt to walk with God, do you ever have a “down” moment? Do you have difficulties as you face certain situations in life? Though the Christian life is the “abundant life” (John 10:10), each disciple still needs encouragement from time to time. Turn to the Psalms, found in the Old Testament. How many millions have been comforted and encouraged by the immortal words, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want”? For another example, take note of the fact that we are taught in three consecutive Psalms that God is our Judge, not man (Psalm 50); God forgives even the vilest of sins (Psalm 51); and that God’s love endures and that He loves what is holy (Psalm 52).

4. Expectancy. Throughout the pages of the Old Testament, there is a common thread among those who were God’s faithful. They were continually looking forward to the day that the Messiah would come. While many held a false view that He would be an earthly King, their expectant nature was, nonetheless, real. As we expect the day of His return, we can look to the Old Testament for an example of how we should constantly be looking forward to that day.

The Old Testament is a treasure trove of beautiful literature and wonderful examples from God. It is filled with wonderful information for us. While we are under the authority of the New Testament, we should still read, study, and understand the Old Testament. We will be richer for it.