Jul 7

2 Peter 3:1-18
Memorise Ephesians 2:20
“built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets”

The relationship between the Old and New Testament can be described as perhaps the two wings with which the bird of Christianity can fly with, or the two pillars or foundations upon which the building of Christianity is built upon. Whichever the analogy you use, the idea is clear – the whole Bible, both the Old and the New Testaments, are essential to our understanding of God and salvation. Together they form the complete revelation from God.

Peter was quick to stress this point in his epistle, as he warned about the apostasy of the last days. He wrote to encourage Christians to ‘be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets’ – a clear reference to the words of the Old Testament; and also to heed ‘the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour’ – referring to the New Testament. Together they form a complete unit which would be our protection against sin and apostasy. Those who would ignore the Bible, especially the history found in the Old Testament, would be the scoffers of the last days, who ‘willingly are ignorant’ of the literal account of the global flood in Genesis, and as such do not believe in the second coming of Jesus. If they would take heed of the prophecies of the Old Testament, they would also have realized that many of them remain yet unfulfilled, as they spoke of the return of the King and Judge of the world, who would come to rule the whole Earth from Jerusalem.

Certainly, the Old Testament remains relevant for us even until today, for it comes in one complete set together with the New Testament. It is the foundation upon which the Church is built. To ignore it would certainly be to our detriment, for in so doing we miss out on the bulk of God’s revelation to His people. In the writings of the prophets, we see detailed accounts of God’s dealing with His children, of His abiding and nurturing presence with them. We read of the wonderful praises that His people write of Him, and also of the wise words of exhortation directed to His children. We also read of prophecies fulfilled in Christ, and those yet to be fulfilled, looking forward to His second coming. Indeed, there are so many precious gems found in the whole Bible, Old and New Testaments. Would we spend the effort to mine them?

Thought: Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine, with jewels rich and rare.
Prayer: Lord, help me to love Your Word and hide it in my heart!