Among some Christians, there’s a trend to view the part of the Bible written before Jesus Christ’s first coming as old. The word “Old” in “Old Testament” even adds to that impression. Although we appreciate the Psalms, the historical events that are described, and the Prophets, we sometimes think of the Old Testament as replaced by the New Testament, particularly the books of the Law (Genesis to Deuteronomy). How often have you skipped over the descriptions of the offerings, feasts, and the tabernacle in Exodus, or the details of the service of the priests in Leviticus?
Although it’s true that we are in the New Covenant today through the shedding of Christ’s blood (Matt 26:28; Heb 9:15, 12:14) and we’re not subject to the Old Covenant or justified by the law (Gal 2:16; 3:11, 12), it is still the Word of God which never passes away (Is 40:8; Luke 16:17).
In fact, Christ Himself stated that the Scriptures, the Law of Moses and the Prophets spoke of Him (Luke 24:27,44). This means even the Law, which we often don’t pay much attention to, is speaking of Jesus Christ! We may be reading about sheep and goats, or about the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, or enjoying a Psalm without realizing that God is actually describing some aspect of Jesus Christ.
You’ll also find the Old Testament is frequently quoted in the New Testament. Here are some examples: On the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out, Peter addressed the crowd with a passage from the book of Joel (Joel 2:28-32) showing them how this prophecy was being fulfilled that day. Paul demonstrated that the rock in the wilderness that the Israelites drank from as representing Christ (1 Cor 10:4). Hebrews 11 is filled with examples of faith of people from the Old Testament. 1 Peter 2:5 tells us that we Christians today are God’s holy priesthood who are to offer spiritual sacrifices. Galatians 3:29 tells us that we’re Abrahams children through Jesus Christ.
This shows us the “Old Testament” is definitely not obsolete but supports the New Testament. Its principles and words are very much alive today and applicable.
Not only is it not obsolete, but there are prophecies in the book of Daniel, for example, that are yet to be fulfilled, such as in chapter 9 verse 27. We are still waiting for the seven year covenant between Israel and other parties which will signal the final seven years of this age before Christ’s return. Similarly, we are waiting for the fulfillment of Daniel 7, the kingdom being given to Christ and His saints (us Christians).
By reading the Old Testament, we can also appreciate God’s sacrifice of His only begotten Son as foreshadowed in the story of Abraham offering Isaac his son on the altar (Gen 22:1-19)
The story of Noah and the flood is a picture of the coming judgment on this world before Christ’s second coming (Matt 24:37-39)
Isaiah 53 describes the life that Christ lived on earth and His suffering and death.
Psalm 22, written by David, describes Christ on the cross being surrounded by bulls gaping at Him and raging, His bones out of joint, His heart melting, and His garments being divided.
The law, which contains, the offerings (Lev 1 to 5) and feasts (Lev 23), show us different aspects of Christ’s nature that are formed in us through our growth as well as what God has provided to us in Christ. For example, the burnt offering represents Christ’s complete consecration, obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, the Passover represents Christ as the Lamb whose blood was shed to free us from captivity to Satan and this world. The feast of tabernacles signifies how we Christians “live in tents” as sojourners in this world.
The “Old Testament” makes up 77 % of the Bible, so we definitely should not count it out! We need to dig out and discover the unsearchable riches of Christ through the revelation by the Holy Spirit!