The Old Testament often gets overlooked, but it holds so much wisdom and insight for Christians today. From learning about God’s promises to understanding key parts of the New Testament, the Old Testament is foundational for deepening our faith. By studying it, we can gain a fuller picture of God’s story, His nature, and how He’s been working through history.
Whether you’re new to the Bible or have been reading it for years, here are 13 reasons why every Christian should spend time exploring the Old Testament.
Foundational to Understanding the New Testament
The New Testament is filled with references, prophecies, and concepts from the Old Testament. By studying it, you’ll discover how deeply connected the two are. Jesus, Paul, and many other New Testament figures often refer back to the Old Testament, which means knowing it well gives us a clearer understanding of their teachings and the significance behind many passages. It’s like having the full backstory that makes everything come together.
Reveals God’s Character
The Old Testament is filled with stories that show us who God is—His love, justice, mercy, and patience. Through these stories, we see how God interacts with His people, and it reminds us that He is always faithful, even when we’re not. It’s a powerful way to understand the heart of God and how His character has been consistent throughout time.
Shows the Importance of Prophecy
Predictions about the future make up a big chunk of the Old Testament, and many hint at Jesus’s arrival. Looking into these helps us see how God was setting things up for hundreds of years before Jesus showed up. This makes a solid argument for trusting the Bible and strengthens our belief in God’s plan to save people through Christ.
Teaches Valuable Life Lessons
The Old Testament brims with stories of actual individuals facing genuine hardships. Consider Joseph, who experienced betrayal, or Moses, who grappled with insecurity. Their narratives provide insights about trust, resilience, faith, and obedience. These age-old stories continue to resonate with us today, showing us how to handle our own difficulties.
Deepens Our Understanding of Jesus
Jesus referenced the Old Testament and lived His life to fulfill its prophecies and laws. Studying it allows us to grasp the scope of Jesus’ mission and how He came to realize the promises made well before His birth. It also demonstrates that the Old Testament was always pointed to Him, which makes His role as the Messiah even more significant.
Connects Us to Biblical History
The Old Testament provides a thorough account of God’s connection with His followers throughout time. It shows us we’re part of a bigger tale—one that goes back thousands of years. Reading about how God stayed true in the past helps us see He’s still at work in our lives now, carrying on the same story of salvation.
Illustrates God’s Covenant Promises
God makes many promises to His people in the Old Testament. These promises, from Noah to Abraham to Moses, show us that God keeps His word. When we understand these promises, we can better grasp the importance of the New Covenant through Jesus and how it fits into God’s larger plan to save us.
Offers Wisdom and Guidance
Books like Proverbs and Psalms contain wisdom that applies to our lives today. These books offer advice on relationships, how to make choices, and how to handle difficult situations. When we read these books, we get practical guidance to help us live our day-to-day lives just as God wants us to.
Helps Us Understand Sin and Redemption
The Old Testament doesn’t shy away from how serious sin is and how humans always need to be saved. The system of sacrifices makes it clear that we need a Savior. As we learn more about how the Old Testament views sin, we grow to value what Jesus did on the cross even more.
Provides a Deeper Understanding of God’s Law
God’s Law fills the Old Testament, showing us His standards of holiness and justice. Christians now live under grace, but understanding the Law helps us value Jesus’ work in fulfilling it. It also paints a clearer picture of God’s values and gives our faith its moral base.
Explains the Concept of Sacrifice
The Old Testament’s sacrificial system might look odd to us now, but it shows how serious sin is and why we need to make amends. When we look at the Israelites’ sacrifices, we start to understand why Jesus’ final sacrifice matters so much. It wasn’t just for show—it wrapped up a system that had been around for hundreds of years.
Reveals God’s Plan for the Nations
Right from the start, God had a plan for everyone, not just Israel. As we read the Old Testament, we see that God always wanted to bring people from all over into His family. This worldwide mission becomes clear in the New Testament, but you can see where it all began in the Old Testament.
Studying the Roots of the Bible
The Old Testament isn’t just an old batch of stories—it forms the base of our faith and helps us better grasp who God is, what He’s done, and what He’s still up to. Studying it allows us to grow closer to God, get a stronger grip on the Bible, and live out our faith with more wisdom and certainty. So, don’t pass over the Old Testament—it’s packed with stuff waiting for you to uncover!
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Jannah is a dedicated Christian content writer with growing experience, driven by her love for sharing the message of faith. She brings dedication and passion to every piece she writes, drawing from her background as a former lector. Jannah is committed to creating meaningful and inspiring content that reflects her Christian values.