Why is the Old Testament so difficult to get through?
A Bible topic was discussed and someone shared this lament: I find this very confusing. And every time I try to read Deuteronomy or any of the Old Testament books it throws me off so much that I just skip it it go to the New Testament, because I don't know what I'm reading.
A: I hope this article can help you.
Pastor and Bible Teacher John MacArthur has a OT series that can help. You can find the mini series sermons below. Skip the links here until you read this page.
I will note the OT does have various laws for Israel, and its to govern an entire nation whom God was calling them to be and to live as a light to all nations. They failed to do that and later in wrong attitudes thought only they were the ones saved. And stopped being a light to the world.
The laws were Moral Laws, Ceremonial Laws, Civil Laws, Judicial Laws, Health Laws, Social Laws, Land Laws, & Employmemt Laws.
Among the laws is The 10C. Which is the only one we Believers look at. They are a reflection of God's holiness (of his moral perfection), and pre fall humanity were designed to live those out, (as image bearers of God), but there was also an element of freedom in them to obey or disobey (like the present fall Angels had) and the humans chose wrong. Now humanity has the fallen sin nature [are spiritually dead]. Thus man doesn't have the righteous nature [as some would also interchangably call it], until we are restored to it by Jesus thru the Gospel, and there gain the ability to live Christlike [we have the ability to live out the communicable attributes of God that pre fall mankind posessed- (the inner man had spiritual life, and lived perfect, but had lost), and additionally what they didnt have or know about to live out -until salvation became available, since those were not things man even could grasp or live out without God redeeming man. A good look at the Attributes of God will show this]. However we redeemed are still stuck in this sin stained body, so we cannot fully live righteously until we depart this flesh and gain our eternal body once we die/Jesus returns. Then we will be fully perfect in all ways.
So no, we dont obey those other Israel national laws and customs. Instead those born again by God have the righteousness of Christ covering them and they (not legalistically) naturally live out the righteous nature [the inner man has spiritual life now from God] & thus being and becoming more Christ like (as we mature in those moral areas, and as we conquer sin in our lives; still stuck in these corrupted bodies).
So earlier OT books and some later areas clarify on these. But there are many areas in the OT that focus on right living and mindsets for holiness, and also God reveals himself to us, and thru the OT & NT we come to know God more and more, even when here on earth as Jesus. The NT goes into explaining the mystery revealed of the Promise for Mans salvation in Him, and he accomolishes it. Then the Gospel is told, believers are sent out, they write eyewitness testimony to share with varied audiences (Jews, Gentiles, each Gospel has a revealing theme about Jesus, as later Paul's Gospel & Revelation does). People get saved, the churches are formed in towns and cities and spreads globally. Thr Apostles deal with church issues by visiting and sending letters, and all throughout the NT we see holy living principles (as the OT does too) and holy living commands. The rest is promises for Believers, and then God leaves us with a forward looking joy - Christ returning for us, rewards given to the faithful believers, and He ushers us into a sinless eternity to be with Him.
You'll see JMac makes good points in the first or 2nd sermon about the OT and the importance of us knowing the NT. So its good you began in the NT. Keep plugging away at the OT. God gave it to us as history, teaching, and godly instruction. Look for these things and themes as you read the OT, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you. It will result in joy and gratitude. 😊
I highly recommend using these resources for studying and understanding Scripture, and also going through the book by book series at GTY (Grace To You), so you have a deeper understanding of Scripture as you study through each book.
John MacArthur preached through the NT in 43 years and spent some years going through important books and sections of the OT. I see nothing wrong with and encourage you to study first through the NT as the Bibles focus is on Jesus; God in the Flesh, our Savior. And then go through the Old Testament. Also you can read the Bible cover to cover in daily time with the Lord, and use sermons studies to expound on the Bible seperately daily too. Two different readings and focuses. One is daily devotions the other is deep diving. They way your daily time with the Lord in the Word is a habit for life, and you can also study deeper during the day in other areas of Scripture.
For now, to clear up the OT and give you a eye opening blessing, check out the mini series✝️✨️
OT Mini series
Finding Christ in the Old Testament:
Related Resources
If the Angels fell and Humans fell, why did God only offer salvation to mankind?
Because we were created in God's Image, (and to felliwship with him), and by his grace decided to save us. By doing so his glory, and this other attributes would be revealed, which pre fall humanity & angels would never see or know about Him, thus by redemption we can further glorify and praise Him [who is worthy of it]. We get to know more and more about God through the Bible, which he gave to us to know Him, love Him, appreciate Him, be in awe of Him, glorify Him, and live for Him. The angels look into these things from Heaven and are in awe and have curious wondering of, as Scripture tells us. So He is further glorified by the Angels God sealed to himself in Heaven, (who now can never fall). Angels and Humans are eternal beings. So if you think about it it kinda further shows a glimmer of the fact that once someone is sealed to God (such as saved man) it is eternally permanent, though Scripture clearly tells us of our eternal security as redeemed ones. And shows our eternal righteousness, that we will live as originally designed in eternity. Sin will never enter again.
** Bookmark this page so you can go through these resources today and in the coming days and weeks.
God bless 😊
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