"They Don't Believe in the Old Bible!"

It bumfuzzles (yes, I use that word!) at times to hear about some people believing that "the churches of Christ" do not believe in the Old Bible (that's what some call the Old Testament). I don't know how many times I have been singled out on issues like this, but it does give me opportunities to give an account for the hope that is in me as Peter once stated (1 Pet. 3:15). First of all, I am not a church of Christ preacher. I am simply a Christian, one who belongs to the family of God as He added me upon my obedience to the Gospel. I do not want to be called a "church of Christer," as that would imply I'm being denominationalized. Second of all, I do believe in the Old Testament. Here's how I would discuss this with someone who thinks I believe otherwise.

The Mosaical Law was for Jews and Jews alone (Gen. 17:9-10). They were once the chosen people of God. When Christ died on the cross, the old law was nailed with Him (Col. 2:14). Jesus provided a new and better covenant, which made the old law obsolete (Heb. 8:13). Does that mean that the Old Testament should be disregarded today? Absolutely not!

Paul says "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction..." (Rom. 15:4). Paul made it very clear that there was a distinct difference in the old covenant and the new covenant in 1 Corinthians chapter three, as he contrasted both laws. If the old law has been done away with yet it is still important, what does that mean for us today?

Paul told Timothy "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16). This includes the Old Testament, because it was inspired by God as well! However, that's not the law that we are under today. We have so many great character examples, Bible history and lessons for us all in the Old Testament. I'm so grateful that we have all of God's inspired Word. Along with the changing of the law, here are some other things that changed.

First, the priesthood changed. High priests under the Mosaical Law had to come from the Levitical tribe. Jesus changed that because He became our High Priest inaugarating the New Covenant (Heb. 7). Along with that, those of us who are members of Christ's body are part of the priesthood of believers (1 Pet. 2:9). Second, the sacrifice changed. Instead of the offerings of lambs, bulls and goats which were offered up continually, Jesus offered Himself up once for all time (Heb. 10:10). Third, worship changed. Not only did the day of the week change from the Sabbath to the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2), but our practices changed. It is well documented in the Old Testament that people worshipped with instruments, but in the New Testament the examples and commands indicate that we should only sing and make music in our hearts (Acts 20:7; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Fourth, the people changed. The Gospel was first shared with the Jews on the day the church was established, but the Gentiles were finally given equal opportunity beginning with the household of Cornelius (Acts 10).

Thanks be to God that we are under the perfect law of liberty in Christ Jesus (Jas. 1:25). Peter even said the Old Covenant was a yoke that was unbearable (Acts 15:10). When somebody asks you why you don't believe the Old Bible, can you give them an answer? I know I can, partly because I am so thankful that God gave us His Son as the "guarantee of a better covenant" (Heb. 7:22).