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Do Christians Accept the Old Testament? Understanding the Foundation of Christian Faith – Viral Believer
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Do Christians Accept the Old Testament? Understanding the Foundation of Christian Faith

As a core component of Christianity, the Bible comprises both the Old and New Testaments, which together form the basis for Christian beliefs and practices. However, there is often confusion and debate around whether the Old Testament, primarily comprising Jewish scriptures, holds the same standing and authority as the New Testament in the Christian faith. This article explores the significance of the Old Testament for Christians by examining its connections with the New Testament, and delving into the teachings of Jesus Christ and his disciples.

While the Old Testament devotes itself primarily to the covenant between God and the people of Israel, the history and teachings within these sacred texts also serve as a foundation for the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It’s essential to recognize that the New Testament fulfills and extends the divine messages found in the Old Testament, with Christians ultimately embracing the entire Bible as the inspired Word of God. The aim of this article is to shed light on the key aspects of the Old Testament that hold relevance for Christians and explore how these teachings intertwine with the central concepts found in the New Testament.

Key Takeaways:

  1. The Old Testament serves as a foundation for the New Testament, establishing the roots of Christian faith.
  2. Jesus Christ regularly referenced the Old Testament and showed how its teachings pointed towards his coming.
  3. The Ten Commandments, found in the Old Testament, are an essential part of Christian ethics and morality.
  4. The Old Testament prophesies the coming of the Messiah, fulfilled by Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
  5. The Old Testament highlights God’s consistent, loving nature and his desire for a relationship with his children.

Jesus and the Old Testament

Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and his fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies concerning the coming of the Messiah. In fact, Jesus himself referred to the Old Testament scriptures on numerous occasions, using them to illustrate and validate his teachings.

For instance, in Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus affirmed that he came not to abolish the Old Testament, but to fulfill it: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” This passage highlights the continuity between the Jewish scriptures and Jesus’ teachings, confirming that the Old Testament remains a vital part of the Christian faith.

Furthermore, Jesus often utilized the Old Testament to teach his followers and explain concepts that were considered radical at the time. For example, in Luke 24:27, Jesus gave his disciples a comprehensive overview of Old Testament scriptures, emphasizing how they pointed to the coming of the Messiah: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” In this way, Jesus linked his life and teachings directly to the Old Testament prophesies, forming a cohesive message that would eventually become the Christian faith.

Ten Commandments and Christian Ethics

The Ten Commandments, originally received by Moses from God in the Old Testament (Exodus 20), serve as a cornerstone of Christian ethics and morality. Jesus not only upheld the importance of these commandments but even elaborated on them, emphasizing their significance and relevance for his followers.

In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments by stating the two greatest commandments: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” With this statement, Jesus validated the importance of the Old Testament commandments while also making it clear that they are to be understood and obeyed through the lens of love.

Christians, therefore, strive to adhere to the Ten Commandments as guidelines for ethical behavior and as a means of developing a closer relationship with God. By doing so, they demonstrate their allegiance to both the Old and New Testaments, recognizing that both are essential elements of their faith.

Prophesies of the Messiah

As mentioned earlier, the Old Testament contains prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, a savior who would deliver humanity from sin and usher in a new era of peace and righteousness. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of these prophesies, connecting the Old Testament passages to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

For example, Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7 proclaim the birth of a child who would bring light to a dark world: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Christians interpret these verses as direct prophesies of Jesus’ birth, affirming his divine nature and purpose.

Additionally, passages such as Isaiah 53 illustrate the sacrificial nature of the Messiah’s mission, speaking of one who would suffer for the sins of the world. Christians see this as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion, pointing to his role as savior and redeemer. By accepting these prophesies, Christians emphasize the integral role of the Old Testament in confirming Jesus’ mission and identity.

God’s Nature and Relationship with Humanity

The Old Testament not only lays the foundation for Jesus’ teachings, but it also provides a glimpse into the nature of God and his desire for a relationship with humanity. From the creation of the world in Genesis to the trials and tribulations faced by the Israelites, the Old Testament demonstrates God’s enduring love, mercy, and compassion for his people.

In the book of Hosea, for example, God uses the relationship between the prophet Hosea and his unfaithful wife, Gomer, to illustrate his love for Israel, even though Israel had turned away from him (Hosea 1-3). This profound example showcases the relentless and forgiving love that God has for his children, a love later perfectly embodied by Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Furthermore, the Old Testament provides Christians with insights into God’s involvement in their lives, affirming his faithfulness and provision. Through the historical accounts and wisdom literature, such as the Psalms and Proverbs, God’s nature is unveiled as a loving Father who guides, comforts, and strengthens those who trust in him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while certain aspects of the Old Testament may seem foreign or disconnected from Christianity, it is vital to view these scriptures as the foundation upon which the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ are built. By embracing the Old Testament and its teachings, Christians not only gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ life and mission, but they also recognize the consistent, loving nature of God woven throughout the entirety of the Bible.

The Old Testament remains an essential part of the Christian faith, encompassing a range of teachings and themes that serve as a basis for Christian beliefs and practices. From the prophesies of the Messiah and the Ten Commandments to the intimate relationship between God and his people, the Old Testament offers invaluable insights that ultimately complement and support the New Testament.

In recognizing and respecting the validity of the Old Testament, Christians acknowledge the interconnectedness of the Bible as a whole, allowing them to appreciate the true depth and beauty of their faith. As believers in Jesus Christ, Christians accept the Old Testament as a crucial component of their spiritual journey, allowing it to guide, enrich, and strengthen their walk with God.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.