The Value of All of Scripture - Alternative View - January 23
The Value of All of Scripture
Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. - (1 Corinthians 10:11)
No one is supreme and sovereign but God, so He has the right to draw up the rules of kingdom life. The Word of God reveals the absolute standard to which all other standards must bow, since it is right about everything on which it speaks.
This means we must take seriously the whole Bible, including the revelatory aspects of the Old Testament. Paul told Timothy, who did not yet have a New Testament to read, that the Scripture (Old Testament) was sufficient for all of life (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The statements of particular Old Testament regulations may differ in their contemporary application (e.g., Acts 10:1-23). But the clear principles of Old Testament truth—as they reflect the character of God and the operation of His kingdom—are applicable to us. “They were written for our instruction”(1 Corinthians 10:11), and the typological nature of the old covenant is fulfilled in the new covenant, providing us wisdom for all of life today.
On a national level, Israel is the only government legislated by God, thus it is the only place we can look to for guidance on how government should work and refl ct the character of God. This is the effect that Israel’s government was to have on other nations—to serve as a paradigm for them to emulate (see Deuteronomy 4:5-8).
Since God is the only true authority in His kingdom, we must live under His revealed authority as it applies to every area of life, whether that be the individual, family, church, or society at large.
Reflection: How do we learn truth about God from the Old Testament? Read >Luke 24:13-27. How does the Old Testament point us to Christ?
You have given us all that we need in Your Word to know how to live life to its fullest. We are without excuse. I am without excuse, God. Grant me favor as I seek You each day at the place of Your Word.
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