Read: Romans 4:1-5;13-17
When I talk to Christians, all the way from casual churchgoers to pastors and church leaders, it is very common to draw a large distinction between the old and new testaments. The simplest version of this is the idea of the “angry” old testament God and the “loving” new testament God. However, there are more subtle versions of this that treat to old testament as a collection of the rules Christians no longer have to follow, or simply as a set of predictions about Christ. The old testament is treated as less true or as partially true.
This is an old debate, one of the very earliest that Jesus followers had to work out. Very often Paul’s letters are used to supercede the new testament over the old, based on his emphasis on salvation by faith. However, in this passage we see that this is a misuse. With the example of Abraham, Paul points out the fundamental unity between the old covenant and the new: both are based on faith and rely on a gracious and loving God.
The old testament can sometimes be challenging or confusing, but so can our lives. We can find Christ there, but also can find stories about God’s work with humanity. That ¾ of your Bible isn’t something to be avoided, but something that ultimately presents the same God. How familiar are you with the old testament? What assumptions do you hold about it? How can we encourage ourselves to see it in unity with the Gospel?
Covenant God, you offer salvation and life to all who trust you. Help us to see that faith in the fullness of the holy scriptures. Keep us from prejudice and preference in our lives and in our study. Reveal your love to us even in difficult places, that we may share that love with the whole of our lives. This we pray in the name of Christ, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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