OLD TESTAMENT

Definition

The Christian Meaning and Imagery of the “Old Testament”

In Christianity, the Old Testament refers to the collection of sacred writings composed before the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It includes the Law (Torah), the Prophets, and the Writings, encompassing history, poetry, prophecy, and law. Christians understand the Old Testament as God’s covenant with Israel, His revelation of His character, His promises, and His moral and spiritual instruction.

The imagery of the Old Testament conveys foundation, covenant, prophecy, law, and preparation. It lays the groundwork for the coming of Christ and the New Covenant, serving as both instruction and foreshadowing, and revealing God’s justice, mercy, holiness, and faithfulness.

1. Old Testament as Covenant and Law

The Old Testament depicts God’s covenant relationship with His people, calling them to obedience, faithfulness, and holiness.

Exodus 6:7 (NIV)

I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

It symbolizes relationship, commitment, and divine authority.

2. Old Testament as Foundation for the New

The Old Testament lays the spiritual, moral, and prophetic foundation for the New Testament.

Matthew 5:17 (NIV)

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

It emphasizes continuity, fulfillment, and God’s unfolding redemptive plan.

3. Old Testament as Revelation of God’s Character

The Old Testament reveals God’s holiness, justice, mercy, patience, and steadfast love.

Psalm 103:8 (NIV)

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

It conveys God’s moral nature and faithful character.

4. Old Testament as History and Testimony

The Old Testament preserves the historical record of God’s dealings with humanity and His covenant people.

Genesis 2:4 (NIV)

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

It symbolizes remembrance, testimony, and God’s providential guidance through history.

5. Old Testament as Poetry and Worship

The Old Testament contains prayers, songs, and wisdom literature that express worship, lament, gratitude, and awe before God.

Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

It emphasizes adoration, reflection, and reverent worship.

6. Old Testament as Prophecy

The Old Testament includes prophetic writings that point forward to the Messiah and God’s plan of redemption.

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

It symbolizes anticipation, hope, and God’s sovereign foresight.

7. Old Testament as Moral and Ethical Instruction

The Old Testament teaches moral law, justice, and holy living rooted in love for God.

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

It conveys obedience, righteousness, and spiritual formation.

8. Old Testament as Preparation for Salvation

The Old Testament prepares the way for salvation through Christ by revealing humanity’s need for redemption.

Galatians 3:24 (NIV)

So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.

It emphasizes foreshadowing, guidance, and divine preparation.

9. Old Testament as Witness to God’s Sovereignty

The Old Testament proclaims God’s rule over creation, nations, and history.

Psalm 103:19 (NIV)

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

It symbolizes divine authority, power, and kingship.

10. Old Testament as Call to Faith and Obedience

The Old Testament repeatedly calls God’s people to trust Him and walk in obedience.

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

It emphasizes faith, trust, and covenant loyalty.

Summary: What “Old Testament” Means in Christianity

Christian imagery of the Old Testament represents:

✔ God’s covenant and law with His people
✔ Foundation and preparation for the New Testament
✔ Revelation of God’s holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness
✔ Historical testimony of God’s actions in the world
✔ Poetry, worship, and wisdom
✔ Prophecy pointing to the Messiah
✔ Moral and ethical instruction for holy living
✔ Preparation for salvation through Christ
✔ Witness to God’s sovereignty over all creation
✔ Call to faith, trust, and obedience

In Daily Life: Living Out the Old Testament in Faith

The Old Testament is foundational to the Christian faith, offering rich instruction on obedience, justice, mercy, worship, and trust in God. Though fulfilled in Christ, its teachings continue to shape the daily lives of believers by revealing God’s character, exposing the seriousness of sin, and cultivating reverence, faith, and wisdom.

Below are practical ways Christians can live out Old Testament principles each day.

1. Living in Covenant Relationship with God

The Old Testament presents God as a covenant-keeping God who calls His people to faithfulness and obedience.

Exodus 6:7 (NIV)

I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

Daily Practice

• Live faithfully before God. Remember that belonging to God involves relationship, loyalty, and trust, not mere rule-keeping.

• Honor God in daily decisions. Seek to reflect His holiness in how you speak, work, and treat others.

• Remember God’s faithfulness. Regularly recall how God has acted faithfully in Scripture and in your own life.

Encouragement:
God’s covenant is not fragile. Even when you struggle, He remains faithful and invites you back into trust and obedience.

2. Understanding the Old Testament as Foundation for Christ

The Old Testament prepares the way for Jesus, revealing God’s unfolding plan of redemption.

Matthew 5:17 (NIV)

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Daily Practice

• Read Scripture as one story. Notice how Old Testament promises point forward to Christ.

• Grow in biblical understanding. Let the continuity of Scripture strengthen your confidence in God’s purposes.

• Respond with gratitude. Seeing God’s long-term plan deepens worship and trust.

Encouragement:
Your faith rests on a God who plans patiently and fulfills faithfully. Nothing in Scripture is wasted or accidental.

3. Reflecting God’s Character in Daily Life

The Old Testament reveals God’s holiness, mercy, patience, and steadfast love.

Psalm 103:8 (NIV)

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Daily Practice

• Practice mercy and patience. Reflect God’s compassion in your relationships.

• Pursue holiness. Let God’s character shape your conduct and priorities.

• Forgive as God forgives. Remember how often God shows grace to you.

Encouragement:
God’s character is consistent. As you grow closer to Him, He shapes your heart to reflect His love and faithfulness.

4. Trusting God Through History and Circumstances

The Old Testament shows God working through generations, nations, and unexpected events.

Genesis 2:4 (NIV)

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

Daily Practice

• Remember God’s past works. Let Scripture remind you that God is active across time.

• Trust His sovereignty. Even when circumstances feel unclear, God remains in control.

• Learn from history. Allow biblical accounts to shape wisdom and discernment.

Encouragement:
The God who ruled history then is the same God guiding your life now.

5. Worshiping God Through Praise and Awe

The Old Testament invites believers into worship through poetry, song, and reflection on creation.

Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Daily Practice

• Begin with worship. Start your day by acknowledging God’s greatness.

• Respond with gratitude. Notice God’s glory in creation and daily provision.

• Express worship honestly. Bring joy, sorrow, and praise before God.

Encouragement:
Worship reorients the heart. When life feels heavy, praise lifts your eyes back to God.

6. Living with Hope Through Prophecy

Old Testament prophecy points to God’s redemptive purposes and future hope.

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Daily Practice

• Live with expectation. Remember that God keeps His promises.

• Hold onto hope. Even in uncertainty, trust that God is working toward redemption.

• Share hope with others. God’s promises bring reassurance in difficult times.

Encouragement:
What God promises, He fulfills. Hope rooted in Him is never misplaced.

7. Practicing Moral and Ethical Faithfulness

The Old Testament teaches how to live rightly before God and others.

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Daily Practice

• Love God fully. Let devotion to God shape your priorities.

• Act justly and mercifully. Treat others with dignity, fairness, and compassion.

• Let obedience flow from love. Faithful living begins with a willing heart.

Encouragement:
God’s commands are not burdensome—they are pathways to life and wisdom.

8. Living by Faith, Not Self-Reliance

The Old Testament teaches dependence on God rather than human strength.

Galatians 3:24 (NIV)

So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.

Daily Practice

• Trust God’s provision. Do not rely solely on your understanding.

• Live by faith. Place confidence in God’s promises rather than performance.

• Rest in God’s grace. Obedience flows from trust, not fear.

Encouragement:
God does not ask you to save yourself—He invites you to trust Him.

9. Resting in God’s Sovereignty

The Old Testament proclaims God’s reign over all creation and history.

Psalm 103:19 (NIV)

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

Daily Practice

• Release control. Trust God with outcomes you cannot manage.

• Submit your plans to God. Seek His will above your own.

• Find peace in His rule. God’s sovereignty brings stability and assurance.

Encouragement:
Nothing is outside God’s authority. You are never beyond His care.

10. Choosing Faith and Obedience Daily

The Old Testament consistently calls God’s people to trust and obey Him.

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Daily Practice

• Walk by trust. Bring decisions and concerns before God.

• Obey even when uncertain. Faith grows through obedience.

• Follow God’s guidance. Let Scripture shape your steps.

Encouragement:
Faithful obedience may feel costly, but it always leads to life and peace.

Conclusion: Living the Old Testament Today

The Old Testament continues to shape Christian faith by grounding believers in God’s character, purposes, and promises. As you live out its principles—trust, obedience, justice, mercy, and worship—you grow in wisdom and faith, anchored in the God who is faithful across generations.