To understand how Christians should study the Old Testament, one must begin with the recognition that the Old Testament is an integral part of God's revealed Word. It lays the foundation for the New Testament, provides essential historical context, and contains timeless principles applicable to Christians. Studying the Old Testament with a comprehensive approach, while respecting its context and original audience, enables Christians to understand its relevance and application today.
Recognizing the Authority and Inspiration of the Old Testament
Christians must approach the Old Testament as divinely inspired scripture. The apostle Paul affirms in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." This includes the Old Testament, which was the only Scripture available during the early church. Therefore, Christians should acknowledge that the Old Testament serves as part of God's complete revelation to mankind, and it remains authoritative for doctrine and instruction.
Additionally, Peter, in 2 Peter 1:21, teaches that "no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." This reminds Christians that the Old Testament prophets spoke not of their own accord but under divine inspiration. Consequently, the authority of the Old Testament should be respected and studied with the understanding that it is God's Word.
Embracing the Historical-Grammatical Method of Interpretation
Christians should employ the historical-grammatical method when studying the Old Testament, which emphasizes understanding the text within its historical context and grammatical structure. This method encourages readers to examine what the text meant to its original audience, taking into account the cultural, social, and historical settings in which it was written. This is vital because it helps prevent misinterpretation by imposing modern ideas or biases onto the text.
For example, the laws given in Leviticus and Deuteronomy were specifically for the people of Israel living under the Mosaic Covenant. While Christians today are not bound by the ceremonial laws, understanding the principles behind them reveals much about God's holiness, justice, and the nature of sin. The ceremonial sacrifices in Leviticus, for example, point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, making the Old Testament rich with typological references that illuminate the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
Understanding Covenants and Promises
The Old Testament contains a series of covenants that reveal God’s unfolding plan of salvation. These covenants are vital for understanding the theological framework of both the Old and New Testaments. Key covenants include:
The Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17), in which God promises never to destroy the earth by flood again.
The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-21), where God promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation and bless all nations through him.
The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:5-6), establishing Israel as God’s chosen people and giving them the Law.
The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16), which promises an everlasting throne to David's descendants, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34), which promises a future time when God's law would be written on hearts, fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of Christ.
Studying the Old Testament with a focus on these covenants allows Christians to trace the progression of God’s redemptive plan throughout history and understand how the New Covenant, established through Christ, fulfills the promises made in the Old Testament.
The Old Testament and Prophecy
Many prophecies in the Old Testament point to future events, some of which were fulfilled in the New Testament, especially in the life and work of Jesus Christ. Understanding these prophecies is crucial for a comprehensive study of scripture.
For instance, prophecies such as Isaiah 53, which foretells the suffering servant, find their fulfillment in Christ’s sacrificial death. Micah 5:2 predicts the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem, while passages such as Psalm 22 describe the suffering of the righteous one, which closely aligns with Christ’s crucifixion.
However, Christians must also recognize that some prophecies remain unfulfilled, especially those concerning the ultimate judgment of the world and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. These eschatological prophecies emphasize the importance of studying the Old Testament in light of the entire biblical canon to grasp the full scope of God’s plan.
Applying the Moral and Ethical Teachings of the Old Testament
While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament no longer apply to Christians under the New Covenant, its moral and ethical teachings remain valuable. Jesus himself affirmed the ongoing relevance of the moral law when he stated in Matthew 5:17, "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." Thus, principles such as the Ten Commandments remain central to Christian ethics.
The Old Testament is also rich in wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, which offer timeless guidance on righteous living, human suffering, and the pursuit of godly wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 states that “the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge,” emphasizing that a proper reverence for God is foundational to understanding life’s complexities.
Seeing Christ in the Old Testament
The Old Testament contains many shadows and types that prefigure Christ, sometimes referred to as "Christophanies" or appearances of Christ in a symbolic or literal way. Jesus, after his resurrection, taught his disciples that the Old Testament bore witness to him, saying, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled" (Luke 24:44). Therefore, Christians should study the Old Testament with the understanding that it ultimately points to Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfill the promises and expectations laid out in the Law and the Prophets.
The sacrificial system, the role of the high priest, and the tabernacle/temple are among the most notable shadows of Christ in the Old Testament. The book of Hebrews, in particular, explains how Christ fulfills these roles, making the study of these Old Testament themes essential for understanding his role as the ultimate high priest and sacrifice.
Using the Old Testament for Christian Instruction
The Old Testament continues to instruct Christians, not only in matters of faith but also in understanding God's character. Romans 15:4 emphasizes that "whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Studying the Old Testament encourages believers by revealing God's faithfulness, holiness, and mercy.
For instance, the story of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt in Exodus demonstrates his power and willingness to save his people, reinforcing the belief that God will ultimately deliver his followers. Likewise, the account of the Babylonian exile in books like Daniel and Ezekiel reveals God's justice and sovereignty, along with the hope of future restoration.
The Psalms, with their expressions of human emotion, trust in God, and cries for deliverance, remain a valuable resource for Christian worship and prayer. The book of Proverbs offers wisdom for daily life, teaching believers how to navigate complex social, personal, and spiritual situations with discernment.
Avoiding Misinterpretation and Misapplication
A responsible study of the Old Testament also involves avoiding common pitfalls of misinterpretation. Christians must refrain from reading New Testament concepts back into the Old Testament in ways that distort its original meaning. For example, while the Old Testament offers numerous sacrifices, these were temporary and foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which the New Testament later clarifies. Misapplying ceremonial laws or interpreting Old Testament prophecies without considering their historical context can lead to doctrinal confusion.
John 16:13, often misinterpreted as a promise of ongoing direct guidance for all believers, was a promise given specifically to the apostles to guide them into all truth regarding Jesus' teachings. Today, the Holy Spirit guides Christians through the written Word, not through direct revelations. Thus, diligent study of the Old Testament, alongside the New Testament, enables believers to correctly handle the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Conclusion
Studying the Old Testament is essential for Christians, as it provides the historical foundation, theological framework, and prophetic background necessary to understand the New Testament. It reveals God's nature, the progression of his plan of salvation, and the principles that guide righteous living. By approaching the Old Testament with respect for its historical context, recognizing its covenantal structure, and seeing how it points to Christ, Christians can deepen their faith and understanding of God's Word. Through careful and prayerful study, the Old Testament continues to instruct, encourage, and inspire believers to walk in obedience to God's revealed will.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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