Why Study The Old Testament?

INTRODUCTION to my book “The Sacrificial System”

Why Should We Study

The Old Testament?

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One might ask, “Why should a Christian study a series of lessons from the Old Testament?” Don’t we live this side of the cross? Don’t we live under the New Testament of our Lord and Savior who died and with that death established his “Last Will and Testament? The obvious answer to these questions to a student of the word of God is “YES.” We are now living live this side of the cross of Jesus. We live under the “Last Will and Testament” the “New Testament” of our Lord. This is the law that will judge all who have lived after the death of our Lord. Again then if this is correct, why would we study at length a series of lessons from the “OLD LAW?”

For the answer let us turn to God’s word which shall give us the reason for such an endeavor. Turn with me and read from the book of Romans ( Romans 15:4) where Paul writes: “ For whatsoever were written were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” Turn with me now to the book of Galatians (Galatians 3:24-25 ) where we read these words: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” [ please note that throughout our study we will be quoting from the King James Edition of the Bible ]

From the passages we must conclude that what was written “aforetime” that is to say that which was written prior to the writing of the book of Romans ( in particular the reference is clearly to the Old Law ) were written and preserved for a purpose which God had. That purpose was that God’s children might through the reading of them have learning and knowledge and through study of them might learn patience and understanding. The text also says that through these scriptures we might have comfort in their reading and might be made more aware of the hope God has planned for us in eternity.

Further we learn from the second scripture from Galatians that the Old Law the Old Testament was to serve as a schoolmaster to bring us to the realization of Christ. The Greek word here is paidagosos (paidagosos) which means a guide, a guardian of children. What Paul is saying is that the Old Testament was to serve a purpose, that preparing the learner for the coming Messiah ( Christ ). It was to establish the need of a Savior as the Law was incapable of bringing men to perfection ( a right standing with God ). Our Old Testament was to bring man to the realization of their own inadequacies and a need for one who would take their place. It was to bring man to the startling fact that in order to please God it was going to require “Faith” and not simply works as the Old Law practiced.

To this end we too must follow their example and study with earnest desires the Old Testament with these same thoughts in mind: How do these scriptures cause me to learn more of God and His will for me?; How do these scriptures bring me the true knowledge of patience and hope in Christ?; How do they bring me to greater faith in the Lord?

For these reasons alone we ought to desire to learn all we can from those words of God recorded and preserved for our benefit. Yes we live under a new and better law, but to neglect the rich studies of the Old Testament is to miss so much of what God’s overall plan for man is.

Why Study The

Tabernacle With

It’s Sacrifices?

For an answer to this question we again would as for God’s guidance from His Holy Word. Turn with me to the book of Hebrews ( Hebrews 8:1-2 ) for a look at what God has to say through His inspired writer. “Now of things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is set on the right of the throne of the Majesty in the. heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.”

Once again let us turn to the book of Hebrews ( Hebrews 10:1 ) where we read the following: “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers hereunto perfect.”

From these two passages we would like to draw the following conclusions. When you see a shadow being cast you are made aware that there is something following that is casting that shadow. The shadow is not reality and at very best doesn’t but give a faint picture of what is reality. But the shadow does reveal something about the reality. These scriptures make it clear that the Old Law with its sacrificial system was but a shadow of the true the reality. The true what? The reality of what? The scriptures stated above clearly define our answers. The Old Testament tabernacle was the shadow. What then was the reality, that which was casting the shadow? The text says it is “ a true sanctuary which the Lord pitched, not man.” That is to say that this is in contrast to and earthly, temporary structure, the tabernacle to the true tabernacle of the Lord. It was to show the temporary nature of man’s life here upon the earth. It was a shadow of the reality in Christ. The word translated tabernacle literally means a tent, a temporary dwelling place, an abode. The question then arises; “Where then is the true tabernacle of God, that eternal abode, that place where God and Christ abide now in this life and in the final abode of the soul?” “What was casting a shadow that we read about in the books of Leviticus and in Numbers?” We contend and hope to prove through our study that the “TRUE TABERNACLE OF GOD” is now “THE LORD’S CHURCH” over which He now serves a “High Priest” over those of us who are His “Kingdom of Priests” (Revelation 1:5-6, 9 ) The Lord now has put an end to all animal sacrifices by offering Himself once for all for a complete sacrifice. ( Hebrews 10:12 )

For a further scriptural answer we turn to again the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 9:23 ). Here the writer says; “It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.” What then of the Old Testament things that were shadows of the true? Let us suggest the following for your consideration.

THE BOOK OF LAW ( THE SHADOW )

THE NEW COVENANT ( THE REALITY)

THE JEWISH PEOPLE ( THE SHADOW )

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS ( THE REALITY)

THE TABERNACLE ( THE SHADOW )

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH ( THE REALITY)

THE VESSELS OF WORSHIP (THE SHADOW )

THE NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP (THE REALITY)

THE HIGH PRIEST ( THE SHADOW )

OUR HIGH PRIEST JESUS THE CHRIST (THE REALITY)

THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD (THE SHADOW )

THE KINGDOM OF PRIESTS ( THE REALITY)

THE YEARLY SACRIFICES ( THE SHADOW )

THE ONE TRUE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST (THE REALITY)

From these scriptures and our in-depth study we hope to see an even truer picture of Christ, His church, and God’s plan for man. Truly we can learn much from a study of this Old Testament Law with its sacrificial system. It is through these scriptures ( Leviticus and Numbers ) that we can see the place of our Lord’s dwelling now and in the redeemed church of heaven where we will serve God face to face in our own reality for all of eternity.

 May God richly bless each and every one of you who have given of your time to read and study from these few notes compiled for our mutual learning and growth in the true knowledge of Christ.

Throughout our study ask yourself this question: If this is the shadow under the Old Law what is the reality under the New Law which was casting the shadow?

This is but the introduction to the book I have written and taught from. The complete book can be yours to download. If you would be interested in a copy please leave me a comment and make sure to include your e-mail address. I will respond and attach a complete copy of the book in a PDF format that you can read with any Adobe Reader or other program that allows you to read PDF files. The file is rather large as the book is 169 pages complete with text, illustrations, charts and diagrams all which are suitable to teach from or share with others. Your e-mail address will not be shared with anyone. The download will be free of charge. I would ask though, if you enjoy it share it with others and consider making a small donation so I can continue to develop useful Christian literature in the future. May God bless you as you study from this book. My e-mail is heeaton@yahoo.com if you would rather make your request there.

How Do You Catch A Monkey?

How Do You Catch A Monkey?

One of the oldest methods of catching a monkey is so simple you would seriously doubt it really works. A hunter merely cuts a small hole in a gourd, ties it to a tree, then places a few seeds inside the gourd. Soon a monkey happens by, and overwhelmed by curiosity, reaches through the tiny hole to explore. Feeling the seeds, he scoops hem up in his hand and tries to pull his fist out of the tiny hole.  To his dismay, he finds that he cannot free himself. He stubbornly refuses to let go of his precious treasure and keeps his fist closed until the hunter returns and captures him.

Oh, how pitiful to witness the thousands of people trapped by Satan using the same method. Satan baits the trap with material possessions, success, popularity, physical pleasures, social acceptance, and numberless other “precious treasures” that are so important to us. Then we, like little monkeys, grab and grasp and make tight little fists around our treasure only to discover that we are trapped in an existence of worldliness. God word says that we cannot serve both God and mammon (Matt.6:24). Have you been trapped by Satan’s little traps? Don’t foolishly hold onto your “precious treasure” and be lost eternally! Don’t try to gain the “whole world” and lose your own soul. Release whatever might be keeping you from your God. Don’t be caught like the little monkey! Pray, then read in God’s word what Hs will is for you.    Bro. Eaton

The Ten Commandments

THE LAW OF MOSES by Bro. Eaton

Many today are confused about the “Law of Moses” or “The Ten Commandments”. Many think that we must adhere to the Ten Commandments as the very basis of ones faith. We need to examine the facts with an open mind allowing God’s word to speak to our hearts.

We begin with the premise that the “Law” and the “Covenant” are the same thing. One will read of the giving of the “Law” in the Old Testament book of Exodus 20:1-17.  After the tablets which were written by the hand of God were destroyed, we read that Moses wrote the words of the “Covenant” and the “Commandments” on tablets of stone. (Exodus 34:27-28) Those “10 Commandments” are called the “Covenant of God” as recorded in Deuteronomy 4:13. The tables of stone are called the “Tables of the Covenant” in Deuteronomy 9:9-11.

Jeremiah wrote of a new covenant with the house of Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-34) which was written on the inward parts and on the heart. Gentiles (all non-Jewish) were without hope being “Strangers” to the “Old Covenant” (Ephesians 2:11-13). To conclude, everyone who was not born into the family as a descendant of Abraham (an Israeli) was a Gentile and not bound to the “Covenant of God” which included all the provisions for worship and life (including the two tablets known as the “Ten Commandments”). You and I would not have been bound to the “Covenant of God” unless we were Jewish! So where do we go from here?

Christ Abolishes the “Law of Commandments.” (Ephesians 2:15) His blood blotted out the “Handwriting of Ordinances” which was against the Gentile. That blotting out included the “Ten Commandments” which were part of the “Covenant of Ordinances.” The “Law of Moses” or “The Covenant” was removed and made no longer binding on anyone. It was removed because it was not perfect as recorded in Hebrews 8:6-13. Under the “Old Covenant” there was a veil between God and man. Only once a year was the high priest allowed into the “Holy of Holies” behind the veil. Only he was allowed in. No other worshipper could enter or they would have been struck dead by the hand of God. Not only that, but, only those of the priesthood could enter the “Holy Place.” The common Jew could only worship afar.  When Christ died on the cross that veil was ripped from top to bottom. There now was nothing separating man from His God. The “Old Covenant” the “Old Testament” was nailed to the cross. It was made void when Christ issued a “New Covenant” a “New Testament” to rule all worshippers.

Please read on and let me explain it in simple words. Most everyone has a will written for the benefit of their family which lists the wishes of the writer. That will or as it is called the “Last Will and Testament” of the deceased. It is in effect from the time it is written until the death of the testator. Some way down the road the will needs to be changed. When a new will is written the old one becomes null and void. The new will takes effect and remains effective until the death of the testator or it is rewritten. You can no longer use the old will at the death of the testator. The only one that is in force is the “Last Will and Testament.” You cannot use the old one, nor any part of it no matter how much you might want to. That was not the will that showed the wishes of the testator. So we conclude that our loved ones must honor the last will as it is probated. This is simple to understand. BUT WAIT!!!! Am I saying we don’t have to keep the Ten Commandments? To make is simple…YES. But do not close your mind yet. Let me continue to explore God’s word concerning the principles God gave us in those Ten Commandments. God is the same today as He was yesterday in all of His principles. He has simply through the death of His Son issued in a perfect “Last Will or Testament” which allows man to go directly before His throne without a priest or an high priest. Christ became our High Priest to intercede for us before His Father. So where do we go now to find the principles of the Ten Commandments. Allow me to paraphrase.

NO OTHER GOD         Old Law Ex. 20:30       New Law Acts 14:15; 1 Cor. 8:5-6

NO IDOLATRY             Old Law Ex. 20:4-5      New Law 1 Jn. 5:21; 1 Cor. 8:4

DO NOT TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN

                                    Old Law Ex. 20:7         New Law Jm. 5:12; Mt. 12:36-37

REMEMBER THE SABBATH

                                    Old Law Ex. 20:8         New Law  *Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2

HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER

                                    Old Law Ex. 20:12       New Law Eph. 6:1

DO NOT KILL               Old Law Ex. 20:13       New Law 1 Pt. 4:15

DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY

                                    Old Law Ex. 20:14       New Law 1 Cor. 6:9-10

DO NOT STEAL           Old Law Ex. 20:15       New Law Eph. 4:28

DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS

                                    Old Law Ex. 20:16       New Law Col. 3:9; Rev. 21:8

DO NOT COVET          Old Law Ex. 20:17       New Law 1 Cor. 6:10; Eph. 5:3

*The day of worship in the New Testament is the “Lord’s Day” or Sunday the first day of the week

The conclusion: We live under the perfect Law of Christ, His Last Will and Testament. We have nothing separating us from God (the veil). The blood of Christ brings forgiveness today, not the blood of bulls and goats which is required under the “Old Law.”  If you keep the “Old Law” you must keep it in it’s entirety including the animal sacrifices. But, no one can do that because that requires a priesthood which can trace it’s linage to Aaron the Hi-priest of that law. That means that no one can worship under the Old Law today. All they can do is to go through cafeteria style and pick what appeals to then which will always include the Ten Commandments.  The New Testament will be the book of judgment for all who have lived after Christ died on the cross. That includes all mankind. Christ and the New Testament writers have presented the same basic principles as listed in the Ten Commandments. The only way to heaven is through Christ by obedience to his will (New Testament). Please don’t try to resurrect the old. Accept the Will of Christ. On the judgment day we will stand before God and be judged by the things written therein. May God bless you in this brief study. Please feel free to leave my any comment along with a contact so we can be of further help to you.