Throughout history, people have wrestled with how much emphasis to place on the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT). Second-century gnostic Marcion believed that we should completely reject the OT as it represents a different god and different people. This belief crept its way into the minds of future scholars who began to study the OT in search of flaws or issues. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum are those who see the OT as the primary source of understanding God and his people and the NT as an explanation of what is written in the OT. What is the correct balance of emphasis between the two testaments, and how do we appropriately study them both?
Let us first survey the NT and see what it says about its relationship with the OT. Jesus bears witness to the validity of the OT and its continuity with the NT when he says that he has come to “fulfill the Law and the Prophets” (Matt 5:17–20). In fact, Jesus uses the OT numerous times in his teaching to explain the purpose of his coming (Matt 9:13; 10:36), to describe God’s requirements (Matt 12:7), and to express emotion on the cross (Matt 27:46). Jesus considers the OT to be “Scriptures” (Matt 26:54, 56), and Paul writes that all “Scripture” is from God and profitable for Christian living (2 Tim 3:16–17). Paul explains that the OT serves as an example to modern Christians of why one should not pursue their evil desires (1 Cor 10:6). The examples of the OT are to serve as our instruction (1 Cor 10:11). Further, as Paul writes in Romans, the things written in the “former days” are written so that those in Christ can be instructed by example on how to have endurance and encouraged by that. The NT, with its vast amount of OT quotes and references, testifies to the importance of the OT and its continuity with the NT.
Frequently studying the OT can sometimes seem like we are not talking about important elements of the NT. However, when studying about God, his relationship with man, and how we should live our lives, the OT provides valuable information that is only affirmed and further commented on in the NT. Sermons that center on the OT are important and necessary but are only complete when accompanied by principles, texts, and ideas found in the NT. While the study of Jesus in the NT is of obvious importance, the purpose and function of Jesus on earth are only fully understood when founded upon an OT understanding.
Let us never forget that both the OT and NT are crucial for the Christian to study as it is all a part of God’s writings to man.
Nate Kidwell
Dalraida church of Christ is a congregation of Christians that meet in the mid-town area of Montgomery, Alabama. Our goal and purpose is to seek and follow God and His Word in everything that we do in life.