1. The Bible is incomplete without it.
   1. The New Testament is given to complete the story, not replace it.
      1. If we toss out the Old Testament because we have the New, how are we to properly understand the redemptive storyline that does not find its origins in the New Testament but the Old.
   2. The curse comes upon humanity in Gen. 3:14-19. The curse is removed in Rev. 22:3. Completing God’s redemptive work.
      1. So why did Jesus come?
      2. The OT is able to make one wise for salvation. 2 Tim. 3:14-17.
      3. The OT initiates what the NT continues.

1. The OT is re-actualized in the NT in order to complete it
2. The NT authors do not bring some new fantastic teaching, but they more fully explain the true meaning of the OT.

1. God’s character is the same throughout.
2. It instructs us in godly living.

2. The Old Testament reveals Christ.
   1. It points to Christ.
   2. It instructs believers concerning the person and work of Jesus, the promised Messiah.
   3. It provides the context of what it means to say that Jesus kept all the Law.
   4. Jesus’ testimony in Luke 24.
3. The Old Testament is the Bible that Jesus and the Apostles used.
   1. Jesus used it, not only to show who he was, but to teach people.
   2. The disciples quoted from the OT
   3. Paul used it quite extensively
4. The Old Testament provides historical setting out of which Christianity and the New Testament emerge.
   1. The story line of God’s redemption begins in the OT and continues its flow through the NT.
   2. Stephen (Acts 7) and Paul (Acts 13:16-41) use the OT to declare God’s plan for salvation.
   3. What conclusions do we arrive at from the Scriptures being handled in this way?
      1. The OT offers essential and terminological background to the NT.
      2. The OT offers the essential promises of a savior.
      3. Therefore, Christianity did not emerge in a vacuum.

5. The Old Testament history is true
   1. We learn the history of the Israelites.
   2. We learn why the OT authors included certain events and not others.
   3. The history it records is both purposeful and relevant because it is redemptive.
6. The Old Testament reveals the true nature of God and man.
   1. We learn who God is.
   2. God establishes our identity, origins, purpose, and destiny.
   3. The Good News
   4. What do we do with this information?
      1. We respond in faith and repentance
      2. Faith is turning to God and believing all that he has done and said.
      3. Repentance is turning from your sins

7. The Old Testament helps us to understand the New Testament.
   1. It helps us understand the life and work of Jesus and his purpose.
   2. It helps us understand Hebrews and Revelation.
8. The Old Testament lays the foundation for biblical prophecy.
   1. We learn about the various covenants (Abrahamic, Davidic, etc.)
   2. We see promise and fulfillment throughout.
9. The Old Testament presents doctrine in story form.
   1. We learn God’s character and attributes.
   2. We learn about Christ’s priesthood, kingship, and prophetic office.
   3. We learn about justifying faith, effectual and fervent prayer, perseverance, and forgiveness.
10. The Old Testament comforts and encourages us.
    1. God is a promise keeping God.
       1. As we study the Old Testament, we see God repeatedly keeping his promises in spite of the faithlessness of the people.
       2. The Bible declares that God keeps his promises. (Num. 23:19; Josh. 23:14; 2 Sam. 7:25; 1 Kings 8:20; Heb. 6:13
    2. Romans 15:4.
    3. Hebrews 11.
    4. The babe in the manger.