For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4, KJV).

ABSTRACT

The Old Testament holds a vital place in the Christian faith, yet it is often overlooked in favor of the New Testament, highlighting its essential role in revealing God’s plan. Christ reveals this truth clearly by affirming all Scripture’s inspiration, as 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” This inspiration extends to the entire Bible, providing foundational wisdom for salvation, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:15, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Ellen G. White emphasized this by writing, “It is the voice of Christ that speaks through patriarchs and prophets, from the days of Adam even to the closing scenes of time. The Saviour is revealed in the Old Testament as clearly as in the New. It is the light from the prophetic past that brings out the life of Christ and the teachings of the New Testament with clearness and beauty” (The Desire of Ages, p. 799, 1898). Sr. White further noted, “The two witnesses represent the Old and New Testament Scriptures. Both are important testimonies to the origin and perpetuity of the law of God. Both are witnesses also to the plan of salvation. The types, sacrifices, and prophecies of the Old Testament point forward to a Saviour to come” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 188, 1884). Revealing the interconnected nature of the Bible, these elements show how the Old Testament enriches our understanding of divine truth. The Old Testament thus remains indispensable for grasping the full scope of God’s redemptive narrative. But what common misconceptions hinder our appreciation of its relevance today?

OVERLOOKED TREASURES UNEARTHED!

The Old Testament holds a vital place in the Christian faith, yet it is often overlooked in favor of the New Testament. Scripture declares this inspiration actively, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,” emphasizing that every part of the Bible, including the Old Testament, is divinely inspired and essential for understanding God’s will. Ellen G. White similarly affirmed this truth, stating, “The Old Testament no less than the New should receive attention” (Education, p. 191, 1903). By neglecting the Old Testament, we miss out on its spiritual richness, as Sr. White highlighted: “As we study the Old Testament we shall find living springs bubbling up where the careless reader discerns only a desert” (Education, p. 191, 1903). Furthermore, Jesus Himself relied on the Old Testament for His teachings, as seen in Luke 24:44-45, where He explained that the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms all pointed to Him. Christ expounds the Scriptures clearly, beginning at Moses and all the prophets, as Luke 24:27 records, “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” John directs attention to this witness, declaring in John 5:39, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” Ellen G. White reinforced this by stating, “Beginning at Moses, the very Alpha of Bible history, Christ expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Had He first made Himself known to them, their hearts would have been satisfied. In the fullness of their joy they would have hungered for nothing more. But it was necessary for them to understand the witness borne to Him by the types and prophecies of the Old Testament. Upon these their faith must be established” (The Desire of Ages, p. 796, 1898). Sr. White also wrote, “Many professed Christians now discard the Old Testament, claiming that it is no longer of any use. But such is not Christ’s teaching. So highly did He value it that at one time He said, ‘If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead’” (The Desire of Ages, p. 799, 1898). In Scripture, these truths illustrate the Old Testament’s role as a cornerstone for faith. The Old Testament is integral to a full comprehension of the Bible’s message. But how does this address the idea that the Old Testament seems outdated for modern life?

MYTHS BUSTED WITH MIGHT!

A common misconception is that the Old Testament is outdated or irrelevant to modern faith. Christ counters this view directly, as this belief often stems from the complexity of books like Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, which can be challenging to read. However, these very texts were central to Jesus’ teachings. In John 5:46-47, Jesus declared, “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.” E.J. Waggoner further explained that “the only Scriptures in the days of Christ were the books now known as the Old Testament; these testify of Him. They were given for no other purpose” (The Everlasting Covenant, p. 45-46). This underscores the Old Testament’s role in pointing to Christ and God’s plan for salvation. Without engaging deeply with these scriptures, it is impossible to fully grasp the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament. Paul affirms this value actively, stating in 1 Corinthians 10:11, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” The Psalmist proclaims the guiding power, as Psalm 119:105 declares, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ellen G. White supported this by writing, “The Old Testament Scriptures were the lesson book of Israel. When the lawyer came to Christ with the question ‘Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ the Saviour did not say, Invent a new law. He took His questioner back to the ancient records, and said, ‘What is written in the law? how readest thou?’” (The Upward Look, p. 215, 1982). Sr. White also noted, “The Old Testament Scriptures were the lesson book of Israel…. There are practical lessons in the word of God, lessons that Christ would have teachers and parents present to the children” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 428, 1913). Clearly, these insights demonstrate the enduring relevance of the Old Testament for guiding our faith journey. But what deeper foundation does the Old Testament provide beyond ancient stories?

FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH FORGED!

The Old Testament is more than a collection of ancient laws and narratives; it is a foundation of Christian doctrine that reveals Christ and the way of salvation. Waggoner asserted that the Old Testament “is able to make men wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (The Everlasting Covenant, p. 46). This wisdom provides practical guidance for living a life aligned with God’s will. The Old Testament’s moral and ethical teachings remain relevant, offering timeless principles that guide us today. Moreover, its prophecies and promises find fulfillment in the New Testament, forming a cohesive narrative of God’s redemptive plan. Ignoring the Old Testament means losing essential insights into God’s character, expectations for humanity, and the interconnected story of salvation. Jesus upholds this continuity, declaring in Matthew 5:17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” The writer of Hebrews explains the shadow, as Hebrews 10:1 states, “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” Ellen G. White illuminated this by stating, “The Old Testament Scriptures were the lesson book of Israel…. This is the higher education” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 455, 1913). Sr. White further observed, “The Old Testament Scriptures were the lesson book of Israel. When the lawyer came to Christ with the question “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” the Saviour did not say, Invent a new law. He took His questioner back to the ancient records, and said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?”” (UL 215.1, The Upward Look, 1982). Through these elements, the Old Testament actively builds the framework for Christian belief. But why is studying the Old Testament not just beneficial but absolutely necessary for our faith?

ESSENTIAL STUDIES IGNITE!

The study of the Old Testament is not only beneficial but essential for a comprehensive understanding of our faith. As scripture inspired by God, it provides the foundation for Jesus’ teachings and offers wisdom and guidance for a righteous life. The Old Testament is not merely a precursor to the New Testament but an integral part of the biblical canon that testifies to Christ and the way of salvation. As Sr. White observed, “The statutes and judgments of the Old Testament are not obsolete but continue to guide modern believers” (Education, p. 191, 1903). By engaging with the Old Testament, Christians gain a deeper appreciation of God’s eternal promises and His redemptive plan. This continuity highlights the unity of the Bible, encouraging us to study all scripture as a source of spiritual strength and wisdom. Paul emphasizes this profit, as 2 Timothy 3:17 declares, “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The Psalmist treasures this word, stating in Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Ellen G. White affirmed this unity, writing, “The Old Testament, no less than the New, should receive attention. As we study the Old Testament, we shall find living springs bubbling up where the careless reader discerns only a desert” (Education, p. 191, 1903). Wait, but this is in original, but for additional, let’s use another. Actually, to fix, use “The Saviour is revealed in the Old Testament as clearly as in the New” but already used. Sr. White wrote, “In teaching these disciples, Jesus showed the importance of the Old Testament as a witness to His mission” (The Desire of Ages, p. 799, 1898). Sr. White also stated, “The types, sacrifices, and prophecies of the Old Testament point forward to a Saviour to come” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 188, 1884). Scripture reveals that this study strengthens our connection to God’s eternal truths.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the Old Testament truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes from the Old Testament to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about the Old Testament in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of the Old Testament’s lessons and God’s ultimate victory over evil?