Radical Change from OT to NT

Since “we become what we behold,” it’s important for us to develop a healthy view of the relationship between the OT and the NT. God progressively revealed His heart and ways over time in the OT, then leaped forward with the revelation of His Son in the NT.

Until Jesus’ birth as the incarnate Son, aspects of God’s character and humanity’s purpose remained hidden in mystery. So the NT builds upon the OT like adulthood builds upon our childhood. Read the OT, inserting yourself into the story in your imagination to learn how to live…in part (1 Corinthians 10:6+11 for a lens into the OT). And also know that in these days God has spoken even clearer through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3) so don’t rest satisfied in an OT faith.

Paul demonstrates this radical change from the OT to the NT with three powerful “how much more” arguments in 2 Corinthians 3:7-11. Paul’s argument recognizes Moses as one of the great OT figures of faith. Then he argues from the most astounding event in his eventful life, when God spoke face to face with Moses and gave him the tablets of the Ten Commandments. When Moses came down from the mountain, his face glowed with the reflected glory of God (Exodus 34:29).

• If the Law that brought death came with glory, then the NT ministry of the Spirit will be even more glorious (3:7-8).
• If the OT ministry that condemns is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness (3:9-10).
• If what was fading away was glorious, how much greater is the glory that lasts forever (3:11).

Yes, in time gather a good working knowledge of the OT because the OT launches the NT. But make our priority to soak in the NT. Get key books under your belt as a priority, which the “DiscipleMaking Companions” aim to do. “Christ in us” depicts our source of all effective life and ministry. It’s the resurrected life of Jesus within that flows out of our hearts to touch others. Make the life of Jesus your lifelong passion. Note a few of the promises below, and start gathering your own words from the Lord.

• Are you insecure? Your God will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).
• Inadequate? You can do all things through Christ (Phil. 4:13).
• Guilty or Shameful? There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1).
• Worried? God has offered to trade His peace for our anxiety
  (Phil. 4:6-9; 1 Peter 5:7; John 14:27).
• In doubt? God provides wisdom for the asking (Jas 1:5).
• Overwhelmed? God never gives us too much (1 Cor. 10:13).

This is Reflection #40 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com