-
Why would a lack of knowledge of the Old Testament weaken our understanding of the New Testament?
-
Without the understanding of the OT, the NT is foundationless. The weight of Jesus Christ is enhanced when we undertand the story begins with the beginning of time as we know it. We see God remaining true in the OT so we know He will remain true with the promises of the NT as well.
-
Lack of Old Testament understanding might hamper New Testament comprehension.
New Testament writers frequently cited the Old Testament. Understanding the Old Testament’s history, principles, and stories helps understand the NT.
Matt, Mark, Luke, and John often quote Old Testament prophecies and events. This helps us understand Jesus’s life, teachings, and mission. Many Old Testament prophecies foretell the Messiah. The New Testament believes Jesus fulfilled these prophecies. Jesus’s Bethlehem birth (Micah 5:2) and Isaiah 53’s suffering servant may be missed without the Old Testament.
The Mosaic Law and Covenant given to Moses in the Old Testament is crucial to understanding the New Testament. Love, grace, and forgiveness are key to Jesus’ Law teachings. On the Mount (Matthew 5-7) connects Old Testament legalism to greater righteousness. Old Testament patterns and symbolism foreshadow Jesus’s life and mission.
The Passover lamb, Ark of the Covenant, and High Priest foreshadow Jesus as God’s sacrificial Lamb, presence, and last High Priest. New Testament writers use contextual interpretation to assume their audience knows Old Testament passages. Without Old Testament context, New Testament verses may be misinterpreted. Working through the Old Testament helps us comprehend the New Testament’s message, ideas, and theology. Considering both testaments improves understanding of God’s redemption. -
we wouldn’t understand the requirement of a sacrifice for forgiveness of sins or the promise of a Savior
-
understand key Biblical teaching and the five major covenants with God. The OT tells of the constant battles people faced, and includes promises to be fulfilled that we read in the NT. God speaks to the fathers by the prophets, but in the NT He speaks to us through His Son
-
God is good for His word and it is important for us to understand that His timing is not ours and He gives us information in different ways. Part of our journey in life is learning to trust in God’s work. He does not tell us everything. We find ourselves waiting and trusting with some information but not all.