To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into Jesus’ illustration of blending timeless and fresh divine truths, portraying Scripture as a vast storehouse enriched by nature and experience, while emphasizing the essential unity between the Old and New Testaments. It examines how Jesus integrated ancient prophecies with contemporary applications, defends the inseparability of these testaments against opposition, and reveals God’s character of justice and mercy through the law and gospel. Culminating in a call for introspection, it challenges the community to actively engage with these principles, fostering growth and unity in faith.

UNLOCKING THE TREASURES OF GOD’S WORD: THINGS OLD AND NEW (MATTHEW 13:51-52)

Jesus concluded His first parables with a profound illustration: “Every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old” (Matt. 13:51-52, KJV). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. This imagery invites us to see ourselves as custodians of divine truths, tasked with sharing both ancient and fresh revelations. Like a skilled artisan blending old and new, Jesus’ teachings connect timeless truths with practical applications for today. Ellen G. White reflects on this in Christ’s Object Lessons: “The great storehouse of truth is the word of God—the written word, the book of nature, and the book of experience” (p. 125, 1900). These are treasures available to every seeker. Scripture further supports this through Proverbs 2:4-5, which declares, “If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (KJV), highlighting the diligent pursuit of divine wisdom. Moreover, Psalm 119:72 affirms, “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (KJV), underscoring the incomparable value of God’s instructions. A prophetic voice once wrote, “The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun” (The Great Controversy, p. 470, 1911). In a passage from Steps to Christ we read, “The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation of character” (p. 91, 1892). As I reflect, I realize this call applies to me personally. Am I using these treasures to uplift others? Collectively, we must ask: Are we engaging with Scripture to discover its richness anew? How do we, as a community, ensure we depend on His wisdom and not our own?

TREASURE HOUSE OF TRUTH

Isaiah 34:16 directs us to seek God’s Word as the ultimate storehouse of truth. It says, “Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail.” From the natural world to personal experience, God reveals Himself through various channels. In His sermon at Nazareth, Jesus proclaimed, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” as He brought forth truths to liberate and heal (Luke 4:16-22). This integration of old and new truths is a challenge to us. Sr. White writes, “In the search after truth they are to depend upon God, not upon human intelligences” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 125, 1900). Often, we rely on intellect or tradition rather than God’s leading. Scripture further supports this through Romans 15:4, which states, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (KJV), emphasizing the instructional role of ancient writings. Additionally, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (KJV), affirming the comprehensive utility of God’s Word. The inspired pen reminds us, “The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be compared with scripture. The student should learn to view the word as a whole, and to see the relation of its parts” (Education, p. 190, 1903). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The Bible contains all the principles that men need to understand in order to be fitted either for this life or for the life to come” (Education, p. 123, 1903). Personally, I find reassurance that God’s Word has fresh meaning even today.

HARMONY OF OLD AND NEW TRUTHS

Jesus presented new truths like the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10, which challenged prevailing norms with principles of humility, mercy, and peace. Yet, He also upheld the old truths, explaining to His disciples on the road to Emmaus how “all things must be fulfilled” concerning Him (Luke 24:25-27). This harmony reflects God’s consistency—His Word is unchanging yet ever-relevant. “The Old Testament sheds light upon the New, and the New upon the Old,” Sr. White reminds us (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 128, 1900). The law and gospel are inseparable. The law is the root, and the gospel is the fragrant blossom. This relationship brings to mind my own journey of understanding. I often wrestle with blending reverence for tradition with embracing new light. Scripture further supports this through Hebrews 1:1-2, which proclaims, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (KJV), illustrating the progression of divine revelation. Moreover, 2 Peter 1:19 states, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (KJV), highlighting the continuity of prophetic light. A prophetic voice once wrote, “The law and the gospel are in perfect harmony. Each upholds the other. In all its majesty the law confronts the conscience, causing the sinner to feel his need of Christ as the propitiation for sin” (Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 240, 1958). In a passage from The Desire of Ages we read, “The gospel of Christ reflects glory upon the Jewish age. It sheds light upon the whole Jewish economy, and gives significance to the ceremonial law” (p. 211, 1898). As a community, how can we ensure we do not discard the old while embracing the new?

DEFENDING TRUTH AGAINST OPPOSITION

Jesus defended Himself against Satan and the Pharisees by quoting Scripture from the Old Testament (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; Luke 10:25-28). This underscores the impossibility of separating the Old Testament from the New. Rejecting the Old Testament means rejecting Christ Himself, as He said, “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me” (John 5:46). Sr. White emphasizes that “the law is the gospel embodied, and the gospel is the law unfolded” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 128, 1900). For me, this connection is both humbling and inspiring. Scripture further supports this through 1 Peter 3:15, which instructs, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to anyone that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (KJV), urging preparedness in faith defense. Additionally, Jude 1:3 exhorts, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (KJV), calling for vigilant protection of truth. The inspired pen warns, “Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in the place of God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to pastors, to professors of theology, as their guides, instead of searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for themselves” (The Great Controversy, p. 595, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The truth must be proclaimed, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear. And yet we must not cherish a spirit of recklessness” (Evangelism, p. 166, 1946). It reminds us as a community to use Scripture holistically, not piecemeal, when addressing modern challenges. How does this holistic approach reveal deeper aspects of divine love?

GOD’S LOVE REVEALED IN THE LAW AND GOSPEL

God’s law and gospel together demonstrate His character of justice and mercy. Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matt. 5:17). The law reveals our need for a Savior, and the gospel provides the solution. Sr. White asserts, “The law is the root, the gospel is the fragrant blossom and fruit which it bears” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 128, 1900). This blend of justice and grace assures us that God’s love is both corrective and redemptive. When I fail, His law convicts me, and His gospel restores me. Scripture further supports this through Romans 13:10, which affirms, “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (KJV), showing love as the essence of legal obedience. Moreover, Galatians 3:24 explains, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (KJV), depicting the law’s guiding role to grace. A prophetic voice once wrote, “It is transgression of God’s law—the law of love—that has brought woe and death. Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God’s love is revealed” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). In a passage from Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “The law of God, from its very nature, is unchangeable. It is a revelation of the will and the character of its Author” (p. 365, 1890). As a community, let us emulate this love by balancing discipline with compassion. How can we apply this balance in our daily reflections and interactions?

A CALL TO PERSONAL AND COMMUNAL REFLECTION

Ultimately, the treasures of God’s Word challenge us to grow both individually and collectively. I am called to explore these truths personally, finding new applications for old lessons. We must bridge the gap between ancient principles and contemporary life. This is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual responsibility. Are we truly reflecting Christ’s love in how we live and teach? As we draw from the treasure house of truth, let us remember that it is our unity in Christ’s mission that makes these truths impactful. Scripture further supports this through Psalm 119:15, which states, “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways” (KJV), encouraging deep contemplation of divine commands. Additionally, Joshua 1:8 commands, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (KJV), promising blessings from consistent reflection. The inspired pen encourages, “In all true teaching the personal element is essential. Christ in His teaching dealt with men individually. It was by personal contact and association that He trained the twelve” (Education, p. 231, 1903). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The mind should be stored with Bible truth. Its fortresses should be strongly guarded. Right principles should be plainly enunciated” (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, p. 93, 1977). In the words of Sr. White, “Both [the Old and New Testaments] present truths that will continually reveal new depths of meaning to the earnest seeker” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 128, 1900). May we be those seekers, willing to mine the treasures of God’s Word, share its riches, and reflect His love in every facet of our lives.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the harmony of old and new truths, allowing them to shape my understanding and daily decisions?

How can we adapt these profound scriptural connections to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from longtime community members to newcomers, without compromising theological depth?

What are the most common misconceptions about the unity of the Old and New Testaments in our 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 embodiments of scriptural harmony, living out the integration of law and gospel as beacons of God’s love?