Why do we have the Old Testament?

Why do you have all the narratives? Wisdom literature? Prophets? For most people, the Old Testament merely seems to be a quaint collection of interesting and uninteresting material to read. But there is a reason for its existence.

The Old Testament is a grand outline of God’s selection of His people. God told them, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). We see many of their trials and tribulations, and we see God responding to them, teaching us how God responds to good and evil.

Paul used the Israelites as an example from which to learn (1 Corinthians 10:1-12). They were baptized into Moses but they still fell away from God and were punished. God wants to show His grace to you. If you become a Christian by being baptized, then your story is not finished. You have to be strong and faithful. It means taking heed lest you fall.

Kyle Campbell