Sidney Greidanus lists six “reasons for preaching from the Old Testament as well as the New” (Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method
[Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999], 25–32):
- The Old Testament is part of the Christian canon.
- The Old Testament discloses the history of redemption leading to Christ.
- The Old Testament proclaims truths not found in the New Testament.
- The Old Testament helps us to understand the New Testament. [Understatement!]
- The Old Testament prevents misunderstanding the New Testament.
- The Old Testament provides a fuller understanding of Christ.
In some sense, these six reasons are remarkably unremarkable. Although reminders of what we should know are helpful and needed (2 Peter 1:12-13), one has to wonder about the state of Christ’s Body when she needs reminding the OT is part of Christian canon (or any of the six for that matter).
Nevertheless, all six reasons must be embraced and valued by all who name Christ as Lord.
Thanks for sharing!
7. The Old Testament was all the Bible that Jesus and His apostles had. Jesus found it sufficient for preaching the kingdom of God, and the apostles found it sufficient for preaching Jesus.
7a The Law of Moses was all that DAVID had as he wrote \I love Thy Law.\ WOW