“The Old Testament is the cradle in which
the Christ child is laid.” – Martin Luther
Do We Need the Old Testament? The Benefits of the Old Testament, as seen in Romans 15:1-13.
The Old Testament provides the historical and theological foundation of New Testament Christianity. Most Christian denominations at least tacitly accept the Old Testament as part of their sacred writings. Searching, I did not find any who explicitly deny the Old Testament, other than the revived Marcionite Christian Church. Their website states, “The Hebrew bible (Old Testament) and the carnal deity portrayed within it, is antithetical to the words and teachings of Jesus Christ...It represents an alien culture and religion diametrically opposed to the God revealed to us through Jesus Christ...”
Marcion of Sinope[i] (ca. AD 95-160) rejected the entire Old Testament and some of the New Testament, focusing on the writings of Paul. His Bible contained a truncated Gospel of Luke, 10 epistles of Paul—and no Old Testament. Most other Christians rejected him and his views as heretical, and he started his own church circa AD 144.
Though I have not found reference to another Christian denomination that officially rejects the Old Testament, many modernists and liberals view the religion and morals of the Old Testament as primitive. They have no qualms rejecting any parts of the Old Testament they find personally offensive.[ii] Other Christians may find it dull, boring, and hard to read. Still others see it as confusing or irrelevant. Due to these various considerations, many who do not outright reject the Old Testament as part of their sacred scripture nevertheless do not read and study it.
However, the unity of the Old and New Testament Scriptures is an important and edifying truth. Paul illustrates this unity in 1 Timothy 5:18, quoting both the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 25:4) and New Testament (Luke 10:7) as scripture. (See also Galatians 3:24-25, the law as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.) In Romans 15:1-13, Paul refers to the Old Testament five times in these 13 verses. He directly lauds and demonstrates its utility.
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
The Old Testament instructs and admonishes the believers and their churches, verse 4. Cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11. The things written in the Old Testament were not for them alone, but were written and preserved for the learning of those who some come afterward (2 Timothy 2:2). If God had them written and preserved for our instruction and admonition, then the apparent conclusion is that the words should and must be read and studied.
The Old Testament testifies of Christ, verse 3. Cf. Luke 24:25-27; 44-45. Paul refers to Psalm 69:9, as it prophesies and speaks of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament provides an example (vs. 1-3), supporting Paul’s point to the Roman believers that they should care for others, as did our Lord. It promotes unity (vs. 6-7). It confirms promises made to the fathers (v. 8). It shows the promises were not for Abraham’s seed alone, the circumcision, but also foretells the inclusion of the Gentiles (vs. 9-12). In rapid succession draws out this conclusion from Psalm 18:49, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1, and Isaiah 11:10 (in the law, in the prophets, and in the psalms).
The Old Testament teaches us patience, comfort, hope, and unity, verses 4-7, 13. The Old Testament encourages the people of God through his promises and their fulfillment (for example, Matthew 1:22 with Isaiah 7:14). We learn from its record the creation of the world; the origin of sin; the work of God in his providence, his miracles, and his judgements; and the promise of a Saviour (e.g., Genesis 3:15). We see that he is “the God of patience and consolation,” as well as “the God of hope.” We can be fully persuaded that, what God has promised, he is able also to perform.
Yes, the Old Testament is the cradle in which the Christ child is laid, so to speak, promising us a Saviour and promoting our faith, hope, and love. Read it for instruction. Read it for admonition. Read it in unison with the New Testament.
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