THINGS NEW AND OLD: (Matthew 13:51-52)

ABSTRACT

This article examines the role of the community as stewards of God’s Word, highlighting how to bring forth things new and old from its treasures. It discusses the unity of the Old and New Testaments in revealing Christ, Jesus’ and Paul’s examples in presenting truth, encouraging us to engage deeply with Scripture for contemporary relevance. “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, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV)

STEWARDS OF SACRED TRUTH!

We are called to be stewards of divine truth, drawing from the inexhaustible treasure house of God’s Word. Like skilled craftsmen, we must bring forth both “things new and old,” presenting the timeless truths of Scripture in a way that resonates with the hearts and minds of those we serve. This essay will delve into the rich tapestry of biblical revelation, exploring the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments and their relevance to our lives and the world today. How can we effectively present these truths, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern challenges? Let us embark on this journey of discovery together. Ellen G. White emphasizes the importance of this work: “We have a solemn, sacred message to bear to the world. We are to be witnesses for Christ. We are to reveal Him to men.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 21, 1901). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. This lies in the community’s shared faith and love, as we see how true harmony comes from abiding in Him. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10, KJV) “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2, KJV) “He has made them the depositaries of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 455, 1889) “The search for truth will reward the seeker at every turn, and each discovery will open up richer fields for his investigation.” (Christian Education, p. 119, 1894) This weighty responsibility demands that we be thoroughly equipped, drawing from the full treasury of God’s Word. We must not only understand the truths ourselves but also be able to present them in a clear, compelling way that will touch the hearts of our hearers. How does the Master illustrate this storehouse of spiritual riches?

MASTER’S MIGHTY STOREHOUSE!

Jesus, in His concluding remarks to the parable of the sower, likened His disciples to a householder who brings forth “things new and old” from his treasure. (Matthew 13:51, 52, KJV). He declared, “Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” This powerful image paints a picture of a rich storehouse filled with both familiar and fresh insights. Sr. White, in Christ’s Object Lessons, beautifully expands on this concept: “The great storehouse of truth is the word of God,—the written word, the book of nature, and the book of experience in God’s dealing with human life. Here are the treasures from which Christ’s workers are to draw.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 125, 1900). This means that our source of knowledge is not limited to just the Bible, but also to the world around us, and to the lessons we can learn from our experiences and the experiences of others. She further explains, “We should not be satisfied with a superficial knowledge of the Scriptures. We must dig deep for the hidden treasure.” (Ibid., p. 111, 1900). This “digging deep” implies a constant, active engagement with the Word, not a passive reading. It requires prayerful study, reflection, and a willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding. This shows how the Word provides endless riches for growth and service. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11, KJV) “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” (Psalm 119:130, KJV) “The Bible is the storehouse of the unsearchable riches of God.” (Our High Calling, p. 348, 1961) “The word of God is like a treasure-house, containing everything that is essential to perfect the man of God.” (Christian Education, p. 115, 1894) It is not enough to simply repeat what we’ve heard. We must, through prayer and study, seek to understand these truths for ourselves, and then present them in a way that is relevant to the people we are trying to reach. This treasure house is not just for show; it is meant to be used, shared, and explored. We must be diligent students, always learning and growing, so that we can effectively share the treasures of God’s Word with others. How does this unveiling of Christ form the heart of biblical revelation?

CHRIST REVEALED IN SCRIPTURES!

The great treasure house of truth is revealed in God’s Word, spanning the Old and New Testaments. As Isaiah declares, “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” (Isaiah 34:16, KJV). This is not just a suggestion, but a command to each and every one of us, so that we can gain a true knowledge of God. We are not left to our own devices to interpret the Scripture, but God through His spirit will guide us to a true understanding, if we come to Him with a humble heart. This “book of the Lord” isn’t a stagnant dusty tome. It’s a living document filled with His very breath of life. Sr. White affirms the Bible’s central role in revealing Christ: “The Old Testament sheds light upon the New, and the New upon the Old. Each is a revelation of the glory of God in Christ.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 128, 1900). Both testaments work together like two sides of the same coin. The Old Testament prepares the way and prophesies the coming of Jesus the Messiah. Then, the New Testament testifies about Jesus Himself and reveals the full scope of God’s plan of redemption for mankind. Without the Old Testament, we could not fully appreciate the significance of Jesus’ life and sacrifice. And without the New Testament, the Old Testament prophecies are hard to interpret, which is why it becomes so easy for so many groups to completely miss their mark on the identity of the Messiah. This unified testimony points to the unwavering nature of God’s love and His commitment to His people. She adds, “The Bible is its own interpreter. Scripture is to be compared with scripture.” (Ibid., p. 112, 1900). This principle of biblical interpretation is crucial. We must allow the Bible to explain itself, rather than imposing our own preconceived ideas onto it. This demonstrates how both Testaments harmoniously point to Christ as the center. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39, KJV) “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27, KJV) “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.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 799, 1898) “There is no discord between the Old Testament and the New. In the Old Testament we find the gospel of a coming Saviour; in the New Testament we have the gospel of a Saviour revealed as the prophecies had foretold.” (The Signs of the Times, 1886) This unified testimony points to the unwavering nature of God’s love and His commitment to His people. How did Jesus at Nazareth draw from this wellspring of truth?

JESUS’ WONDROUS WELLSPRING!

Jesus, in His sermon at Nazareth, demonstrated the skillful use of this treasure house. He read from Isaiah, proclaiming, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19, KJV). He then declared, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” (Luke 4:21, KJV). Jesus did not come to do away with God’s word, but to fulfill it. He used the familiar prophecies of old to introduce a new era of grace and redemption, thus presenting things “new” from the “old”. We see that Jesus knew the word, and He was intimately familiar with it, which makes the question “How much time are we spending with God’s word daily?” that much more piercing to the heart. Are we as familiar with the scriptures as our Lord and Master was, or do we only give it lip service? This instance serves as a powerful example for us. How frequently do we take the time to truly study the Bible? Do we let the word transform and change us to reflect the image of Jesus? Like Jesus, we are called to draw from this treasure house, connecting the timeless truths of Scripture to the present context. Sr. White emphasizes the importance of studying the Scriptures in the very same way Jesus did: “The example of Jesus in opening the Scriptures to the disciples, showing them that all the prophecies concerning Himself were fulfilled in His mission, should be followed by us.” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 107, 1923). This highlights Jesus’ masterful connection of prophecy to fulfillment. “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) “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.” (1 Corinthians 10:11, KJV) “When Jesus in the synagogue read from the prophecy, He stopped short of the final specification concerning the Messiah’s work. Having read the words, ‘To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,’ He omitted the phrase, ‘and the day of vengeance of our God.’ Isaiah 61:2. This was just as much truth as was the first of the prophecy, and by His silence Jesus did not deny the truth.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 240, 1898) “Again and again He quoted from the prophets, and declared, ‘This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.’ If they had honestly searched the Scriptures, bringing their theories to the test of God’s word, Jesus need not have wept over their impenitence.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 241, 1898) This instance serves as a powerful example for us. How does the old and new form a tapestry of divine revelation?

OLD AND NEW DIVINE TAPESTRY!

The ministry of Jesus highlighted the interplay between old and new truths. He presented “new” concepts, such as the Beatitudes, which turned conventional wisdom on its head. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3-4, KJV). These ideas represented a radical shift in understanding true blessedness and challenged the established norms. At the same time, the disciples had to grapple with accepting “old” truths, particularly the understanding of the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection. “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:25-26, KJV). How often do we fall into this same trap the disciples did? Are we too wrapped up in what we think or believe, to give God the chance to show us His truth? We must not let our preconceptions blind us to the deeper meanings within Scripture. It is a process of continually learning, unlearning, and relearning. Sr. White cautions against clinging to old traditions that obscure the truth: “Many cling to their old ideas and interpretations of Scripture, and because they do so, they do not see the beauty and force of the truth that Christ came to reveal.” (Review and Herald, August 28, 1888). We must be open to the new light that God shines upon His Word, even if it challenges our previous understanding. This reveals the dynamic balance between established foundations and fresh insights in God’s revelation. “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Proverbs 4:18, KJV) “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19, KJV) “We must not think, ‘Well, we have all the truth, we understand the main pillars of our faith, and we may rest on this knowledge.’ The truth is an advancing truth, and we must walk in the increasing light.” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 33, 1946) “New light will ever be revealed on the word of God to him who is in living connection with the Sun of Righteousness. Let no one come to the conclusion that there is no more truth to be revealed. The diligent, prayerful seeker for truth will find precious rays of light yet to shine forth from the word of God.” (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 35, 1946) We must be open to the new light that God shines upon His Word, even if it challenges our previous understanding. How did Paul’s method persuade from the Scriptures?

PAUL’S PERSUASIVE POWER!

The Apostle Paul followed this pattern, “And he reasoned with them out of the scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” (Acts 17:2-3, KJV). Paul, when he spoke to his fellow Jews, understood that they already had a foundation upon which to stand, and with which they had intimate knowledge. He uses this foundation of “old”, the scriptures of the Old Testament, and shows them how they pointed directly towards what was then “new”, the coming and ministry of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This illustrates Paul’s use of familiar Scriptures to unveil the fulfillment in Christ. “And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” (Acts 18:4, KJV) “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.” (Acts 17:17, KJV) “And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.” (The Abiding Sabbath and the Lord’s Day, p. 71, 1891) “They came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews, and Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.” (The Abiding Sabbath and the Lord’s Day, p. 86, 1891) This approach shows how we can connect ancient prophecies with present realities to illuminate the gospel. How does Paul’s redemption plan demonstrate continuity and expansion?

PAUL’S REDEMPTION PLAN!

Paul’s teaching exemplifies this approach as he laid out the plan of redemption to the Jews: “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.” (Acts 28:23, KJV). He connected the ancient prophecies of the Old Testament to the life and mission of Christ, highlighting how Scripture testifies about Him: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39, KJV) and “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” (Hebrews 10:7, KJV). Paul’s message was both bold and tender, demonstrating that God’s plan spans generations, calling us to faith. Redemption unfolds through Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This unfolds in Paul’s persistent use of Moses and the prophets to persuade others about Jesus, as we see how the Scriptures consistently point to the Savior across ages. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3:24, KJV) “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7, KJV) “With the Scriptures in his hand, Paul reasoned with them from the prophecies concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 228, 1911) “Paul appealed to the Old Testament Scriptures as the basis of his teaching.” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 117, 1911) Sr. White supports this by stating, “The work of God in the earth presents, from age to age, a striking similarity in every great reformation or religious movement” (The Great Controversy, p. 343, 1911). She also observes, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 113, 1890). Thus, Scripture provides both evidence of God’s eternal purpose and a guide for human faith and obedience. How does the law and gospel connect like roots and blossoms?

LAW AND GOSPEL UNITED!

The relationship between the law and the gospel is like the connection between roots and blossoms. Sr. White describes this unity, stating, “The law is the root, the gospel is the fragrant blossom and fruit which it bears” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 128, 1900). Jesus affirmed this harmony, teaching that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17-18, KJV). This fulfillment does not nullify God’s commandments but magnifies them, revealing their spiritual depth and relevance. The law and gospel harmonize in revealing God’s character. This harmony appears in how the law points to our need for grace, as we see the gospel bringing the law’s principles to life in Christ. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” (Romans 3:31, KJV) “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24, KJV) “The moral law was never a type or a shadow. It existed before man’s creation, and will endure as long as God’s throne remains. God could not change nor alter one precept of his law in order to save man; for the law is the foundation of his government. It is unchangeable, unalterable, infinite, and eternal.” (Review and Herald, June 17, 1884) “The apostle Paul clearly presents the relation between faith and the law under the new covenant. He says: ‘Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ ‘Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ ‘Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 373, 1890) Sr. White captures this sentiment, stating, “No man can rightly present the law of God without the gospel, or the gospel without the law.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 128, 1900). She further emphasizes, “The gospel is a revelation to men of the immensity of God’s love, as shown in His plan to save the lost” (Steps to Christ, p. 68, 1892). Thus, the law stands as a foundation, pointing toward Christ’s redemptive work and calling us to deeper faith. What responsibilities do we hold toward God?

Our responsibilities to God are rooted in devotion, obedience, and faithfulness. Jesus emphasized obedience as an expression of love, saying, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, KJV). Sr. White supports this by stating, “Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship.” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892). This responsibility extends to seeking truth and living by it. Isaiah 34:16 calls us to “seek out of the book of the LORD, and read,” reminding us that studying Scripture is an act of faithfulness. Additionally, God calls us to be stewards of His word and ambassadors of His love. Sr. White writes, “Christ’s followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true object of life is ministry.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 326, 1900). Thus, we owe God our study, obedience, and willingness to share His truth with others as an act of love and devotion. Obedience defines our faithfulness to God. This definition emerges in how keeping commandments reflects love, as we see Scripture urging the community to live out devotion through service. “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,” (Deuteronomy 10:12, KJV) “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8, KJV) “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898) “Before there could be any permanent reformation the people must be led to feel their utter inability in themselves to render obedience to God.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 524, 1890) This responsibility extends to seeking truth and living by it. What responsibilities do we hold toward our neighbor?

Our responsibilities to our neighbor are rooted in compassion, service, and selflessness. Paul instructs, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, KJV). Sr. White echoes this, writing, “The greatest work that can be done in our world is to glorify God by living the character of Christ.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 415, 1900). This calls us to reflect God’s love in tangible ways, supporting others in their struggles and uplifting them with encouragement and truth. By serving others, we honor God’s command to love sacrificially. Sr. White further explains, “Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 384, 1900). Thus, our duty to our neighbors reflects God’s love, fulfilling His law through acts of mercy and service. Compassion drives our service to others. This drive manifests in bearing burdens together, as we see the community embodying Christ’s love through selfless acts. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, KJV) “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” (Romans 15:2, KJV) “The Samaritan had fulfilled the command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” thus showing that he was more righteous than those by whom he was denounced.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 383, 1900) “And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love our neighbor impartially.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 607, 1898) This calls us to reflect God’s love in tangible ways, supporting others in their struggles and uplifting them with encouragement and truth. How do we defend the truth in our reflections?

DEFENDING THE TRUTH!

The Scriptures call us to a journey of discovery, where each step uncovers treasures of truth and grace. Jesus defended Himself against Satan and religious leaders using the Old Testament: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4, KJV). Sr. White warns, “Satan is constantly endeavoring to cast reproach upon the work of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 516, 1911). Yet, the Old and New Testaments together form a harmonious narrative, unfolding God’s eternal plan. Truth prevails through Scripture’s power against deception. This prevails in Jesus’ use of the Word to counter falsehoods, as we see the Bible equipping the community to stand firm in faith. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1, KJV) “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2, KJV) “… Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which will be needed.” (The Great Controversy, p. 599, 1911) “Satan employs every possible device to prevent people from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God’s work the prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and His followers.” (The Great Controversy, p. 591, 1911) Yet, the Old and New Testaments together form a harmonious narrative, unfolding God’s eternal plan.

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