The Value of the Old Testament

THE VALUE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT


Matthew 5:17
Think not that I am come to destroy the law,or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

FULFILL: live in perfect harmony with the LAW - not do away with it

Romans 10:4
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Christ is the END (GOAL) of the LAW

1. The goal of the LAW is righteousness. God revealed it to men to show them how to be righteous.
2. The end was never achieved
3. Jesus made us righteous -achieved what the LAW never accomplished

Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Paul's estimate of the Old Testament was that it was written for our instruction.

THE LAW:

1. ETHICAL (Ten Commandments) attitudes
2. CEREMONIAL (Sacrifices and ceremonies)

JESUS= sermon on the Mount built upon the ETHICS of the LAW