The Importance of Reading Old Testament Books to New Testament Believers

For many Christians, the New Testament often becomes the focal point of their study and spiritual growth. After all, it contains the teachings of Jesus Christ, the establishment of the Church, and letters to believers that offer practical guidance for living out the faith. While the New Testament is undoubtedly central to Christian theology, the Old Testament is equally vital and foundational for a full understanding of God’s Word. Here are several reasons why New Testament believers should prioritize reading the Old Testament:

1. The Old Testament Lays the Foundation for the New Testament

The New Testament is built on the foundation of the Old Testament. Without an understanding of the Old Testament, it can be difficult to grasp the full significance of the New Testament’s teachings. The promises, prophecies, covenants, and laws of the Old Testament all point to the coming of Jesus Christ. For instance, the sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus helps believers understand the significance of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy

Many New Testament events and teachings are direct fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies. For example, Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant, a prophecy fulfilled in the life and death of Jesus Christ. Micah 5:2 foretells the Messiah’s birthplace in Bethlehem, and Psalm 22 vividly describes the crucifixion centuries before it occurred. Reading the Old Testament allows believers to see how God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ, strengthening their faith in the reliability of Scripture.

3. Understanding God’s Character

The Old Testament provides a rich and detailed portrait of God’s character. Through its narratives, poetry, and laws, believers learn about God’s holiness, justice, mercy, faithfulness, and love. Stories like God’s covenant with Abraham, His deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, and His patience with the wayward nation of Israel reveal a God who is both transcendent and intimately involved in the lives of His people.

4. Lessons from the Lives of the Saints

The Old Testament is filled with stories of individuals whose lives provide lessons in faith, obedience, and perseverance. From Abraham’s faith to Joseph’s integrity, from David’s repentance to Esther’s courage, these narratives offer timeless insights and encouragement for believers today. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame,” draws heavily on Old Testament figures as examples of faith in action.

5. The Old Testament Reveals the Need for a Savior

The Old Testament’s laws and history reveal humanity’s inability to live up to God’s holy standards, demonstrating the need for a Savior. The sacrificial system, the priesthood, and the failures of Israel all point to the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. Paul writes in Galatians 3:24, “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.”

6. It Deepens Worship

The Psalms, the hymnbook of the Old Testament, provide words of worship, lament, and thanksgiving that are timeless and deeply personal. They teach believers how to bring their emotions before God and trust in His sovereignty, even in the midst of trials. Additionally, understanding Old Testament festivals, such as Passover, enriches the meaning of New Testament events, such as the Last Supper and the death and resurrection of Jesus.

7. A Unified Story of Redemption

The Bible is not a collection of disconnected books but a unified story of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. From Genesis to Revelation, the narrative unfolds God’s work in creation, humanity’s fall, and His plan to redeem and restore all things through Christ. Reading the Old Testament helps believers see this big picture and understand their place within God’s story.

8. Inspiration for Practical Living

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job offer wisdom and guidance for everyday life. They address themes such as integrity, relationships, suffering, and the pursuit of true wisdom. These timeless truths remain relevant for New Testament believers seeking to live in alignment with God’s will.

9. Jesus and the Apostles Referenced the Old Testament

Jesus and the New Testament writers frequently quoted and referenced the Old Testament. Jesus Himself said 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.” Understanding these references requires familiarity with the Old Testament.

Conclusion

For New Testament believers, the Old Testament is not merely historical background but a vital part of Scripture that enriches faith, deepens understanding, and reveals the heart of God. By engaging with the Old Testament, believers can gain a fuller appreciation of God’s redemptive plan and grow in their relationship with Him. As Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

John Mammen