Getting to Know Your Bible, Part 2

Last week we began a series on the importance of getting to know our Bibles. We laid the foundation that the Scriptures are God’s inspired words, revealed by the Holy Spirit so we may understand the will of God (2 Timothy 3:16). 

We noted there are 66 books in the Bible, with two major divisions: the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament has 39 books and are divided into several different categories. The Old Testament is primarily God’s dealings with the nation of Israel and how God has worked through Israel to bring about the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 

Moses is recognized as the great lawgiver under the old covenant, thus, the Old Testament is often referred to as the Law of Moses. This week we want to consider the purpose, design, and weaknesses of the Old Testament in greater detail. 

The old covenant was a shadow of the true spiritual blessings that were to come later.

 “… since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the
tabernacle…” (Hebrews 8:4-5, NASB)

The old covenant promised a new covenant.

 “… Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, when I will effect a new covenant…” (Hebrews 8:8; Jeremiah 31:31, NASB)

The old covenant was not intended to be a permanent law. 

“When He said, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear,” (Hebrews 8:13, NASB).

The old covenant was a tutor to lead us to Christ. 

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” (Galatians 3:24-25, NASB) 

The old covenant could not take away sins. 

“Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins,” (Hebrews 10:2-4) 

The old covenant has been done away with. 

“having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross,” (Colossians 2:14, NKJV) 

While the Law of Moses was not the real substance of spiritual blessings and forgiveness of sins that we are able to now enjoy through Jesus Christ, it was not without any benefit. It was to train us up so we could believe in Jesus Christ. And within the story of the Old Testament we find many great examples of faith which have been written for our learning and admonition (Romans 15:4).