Why Does the Old Testament Matter for Christians Today?
The Old Testament matters for Christians because it gives us the story, language, promises, themes, and expectations that help us understand who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. Without the Old Testament, much of the New Testament becomes difficult to understand. Good Bible Study therefore includes learning to read both Testaments as one unified story centered on Christ.
Is the Old Testament Still Relevant for Christians?
Yes. The Old Testament is not simply background information for Christianity. It is Scripture that shaped Jesus, the apostles, and the earliest church.
When Paul wrote that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16), the Scriptures Timothy had known from childhood were primarily what Christians now call the Old Testament.
The early followers of Jesus continually returned to these Scriptures to understand God’s purposes and explain the gospel.
How Does the Old Testament Help Us Understand Jesus?
Jesus did not appear in the middle of an unrelated story. His life, death, resurrection, and Kingdom ministry bring to fulfillment themes that have been developing from Genesis onward.
After His resurrection, Jesus met two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Luke tells us that, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained what the Scriptures said concerning Himself (Luke 24:27).
The promises to Abraham, Israel’s exodus, the covenant, the sacrificial system, the priesthood, the kingdom of David, the prophets, and Israel’s hope for restoration all contribute to our understanding of Jesus.
Why Does Creation Matter to the Gospel?
The Bible begins with creation because the gospel is God’s answer to what went wrong with His good creation.
Genesis 1–3 introduces many of the questions the rest of Scripture addresses. What does it mean to be human? Why is the world broken? Why do people experience alienation from God, one another, and creation?
The New Testament presents Jesus not merely as the solution to individual guilt but as the One through whom God is restoring what sin has damaged. Paul describes Christ as the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), while Revelation concludes with new creation and the Tree of Life (Revelation 21–22).
How Does the Old Testament Explain the Kingdom of God?
Jesus began His public ministry proclaiming the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14–15). His listeners already possessed a biblical framework for understanding kingship and God’s reign.
The Old Testament tells the story of God as King, Israel’s desire for human kings, God’s covenant with David, the failures of Israel’s rulers, and prophetic promises of a coming righteous King.
When Jesus announces God’s Kingdom, He is bringing that long story toward its fulfillment.
What Can Christians Learn From Old Testament People?
The Old Testament is remarkably honest about people. Abraham sometimes trusted God and sometimes acted from fear. Moses faithfully led Israel but also failed. David worshiped God passionately yet sinned terribly. Elijah demonstrated extraordinary faith and later became deeply discouraged.
These stories remind us that biblical heroes are not the ultimate heroes of Scripture. God is.
Paul says that events in Israel’s history were recorded as examples and warnings for God’s people (1 Corinthians 10:6–11). Their stories teach us about faith, unbelief, grace, obedience, consequences, and God’s persistent faithfulness.
Why Should Christians Read the Psalms, Proverbs, and Prophets?
The Old Testament does more than tell history. It teaches God’s people how to pray, worship, grieve, hope, make wise decisions, pursue justice, and remain faithful.
The Psalms give language for nearly every human emotion. Proverbs teaches practical wisdom for everyday life. The prophets reveal God’s passion for faithfulness, justice, mercy, and covenant loyalty.
These books help form a biblical imagination for life with God.
How Should Christians Study the Old Testament?
Start by reading each passage in its own historical and literary context. Ask what it meant within Israel’s story before immediately asking how it applies today.
Then consider where the passage fits within the larger biblical story. What does it reveal about God? What problem or promise does it introduce? Does the New Testament return to this passage or theme?
Consistent Bible Study gradually helps us recognize connections that are easy to miss when we read isolated verses.
The Old Testament matters because the Christian story did not begin in Matthew. The entire Bible tells the story of God’s faithful work to bring life to His creation, and that story reaches its center and fulfillment in Jesus.
Bible Institute Network exists to help potential students at every level find trusted Bible study resources, ministry training, and educational opportunities that can help them grow in their understanding of Scripture and prepare for faithful Christian service.
Bible Institute Network was founded by Steve Lawes, who is also the founder of Church Encourager and Christian Practices.
