Introduction to the Misunderstanding of the Old Testament

It is a common misconception among Christians that certain parts of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, are only meant for Jews. This belief often stems from a lack of understanding of the New Testament's teachings and the significance of the Old Testament in the broader Christian context. This article seeks to clarify this misunderstanding by examining the relevant verses and historical context.

Why Christians Avoid the Old Testament

Many Christians choose to bypass the Old Testament, arguing that it is not meant for them. This avoidance is rooted in the belief that the Old Testament laws and regulations are no longer applicable, as they are seen as being fulfilled by Jesus Christ. However, this belief is often based on a selective reading of certain passages and a misunderstanding of the overarching context of the Bible.

Galatians 3:24-25

Gal 3:24-25: "The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor."

While this passage suggests that the Old Testament law was guiding principles, it emphasizes that once faith in Christ has come, believers are no longer under the tutelage of the Old Testament law. Instead, they are under the new covenant that Jesus established. The implication is that the laws and regulations of the Old Testament are now obsolete, replaced by the teachings of Christ.

Hebrews 8:13

Heb 8:13: "By calling this covenant 'obsolete,' he confirms that it is obsolete and what remains is new."

According to this verse, the covenant (referring to the Old Testament law) has been made obsolete by the new covenant established by Christ. This means that Christians are no longer bound by the specific regulations of the Old Testament. Instead, they are called to live according to the principles of the new covenant, which are rooted in faith and Christ's teachings.

Relevant Verses on Sabbath and Dietary Laws

Romans 14:5: "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day."

This verse emphasizes that personal conscience and faith are more important than external judgments. Christians are not bound by strict observance of the Sabbath or dietary laws, as these were shadows pointing towards the reality of Christ. This means that while Christians may choose to observe the Sabbath or follow dietary laws, they are free to make personal choices based on their own faith and understanding.

Colossians 2:16-17: "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."

This passage further reinforces the idea that the New Testament should be the guide for Christian living. The old laws and regulations are seen as placeholders, pointing towards the reality of Christ's teachings. Christians are encouraged to focus on the substance of their faith rather than the shadows or symbols.

The Integrity of the Bible: Keeping or Cherrypicking?

For Christians, the idea of cherrypicking is a challenging one. While it is true that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament laws, this fulfillment does not mean that every single law or regulation can be discarded. The key is to understand that Jesus' fulfillment of the law means living a life of perfect obedience to God's will, not necessarily following every jot and tittle of the Old Testament.

However, many Christians selectively follow certain laws while conveniently ignoring others. This selective approach to following the Bible is often referred to as "Cafeteria Christianity." It bypasses the unity and integrity of the Bible, treating it more like a buffet of optional teachings rather than a comprehensive guide.

The Historical Context and the Remnant of Israel

Another argument used by some Christians is that the Old Testament was only for the Jews, citing historical context and selective portions from the New Testament. However, this argument often overlooks the broader historical and theological context.

In the New Testament, there are references to the Israelites being scattered (Romans 11:25) and even having some ongoing significance (Romans 11:1-2).

Jeremiah 31:31-34: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and I did not continue in their obedience. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.’"

This passage indicates that the new covenant with Israel and Judah would be greater and more significant than the old covenant. It suggests that the entirety of God's people, whether Jews or Gentiles, will be included in this new covenant.

Conclusion

Christians are called to understand and follow the Bible holistically, recognizing that the Old and New Testaments together form a unified whole. While Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament laws, this fulfillment does not negate the relevance and significance of the Old Testament for believers today. It is important to avoid cherrypicking and to seek a balanced approach that honors the integrity of God's Word, embracing both the Old and New Testaments as guiding principles for Christian living.