“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7. As we walk in the way of the LORD, we have an obligation to learn all we can about this new way of living. As I have worked with prisoners over the years, they tell me that there are certain rules and regulations they must learn and live by. The prison environment has boundaries that have to be learned and obeyed. If they break some of them they could lose their lives. Breaking others would bring about differing consequences of differing severity.
The same is true with the Christian walk. There are rules of conduct and rules of behavior that line out our obligations and commitments for living. And why do we have these rules? To protect us, our families and society. Sin kills and destroys. It causes pain and binds us in slavery and to passions that ruin our lives.
Knowledge is the key to success. If you know what the speed limit is on a certain section of the road, you won’t get a ticket for exceeding the speed limit. If you don’t know what the limit is, you might be endangering yourself and others. If a sign warns you to slow down because the bridge is out ahead, and you ignore the sign, you could lose your life. Read! Learn! Study for truth!
David tells us, “You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees!” Psalm 119:4, 5. These precepts are for our good. They warn us of troubles ahead and the way to get around them. By ignoring them we bring upon ourselves most of the trouble we are in. Then we blame God. Not His fault, He has warned us.
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word… I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:9, 11.
Many claim to be Christians. Many people are turned off to Christianity because they see the actions of those who call themselves “Christians”. But Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21.
Just because you claim “the Name”, or go to church, or carry the Bible does not make you a Christian. To be a Christian you must walk as Jesus walked and live the obedient life He lived. Look at the people going to church. Are they living as Christ?
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32. Knowledge is power. Truthful knowledge is more powerful. The scripture is truthful knowledge. We need to learn how to use scripture.
Since Jesus is a holder of the God-title, and is the LORD of the Old Testament and New Testament, I know that I can believe both Old and New Testaments. Prophecy teaches me to accept both Old and New Testaments as relevant in my life today. Peter tells us that scripture (Old Testament to Peter) is of God – 2 Peter 1:19-21. Since God is eternal, scripture is eternal – both Old and New Testaments. It is very important to understand that the Old Testament has never, nor ever will be, done away with. You can stand on it as a sure and certain rock of truth.
In his letter to Timothy Paul states that the Holy Scriptures “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15. Most of the Christian world teaches that the Old Testament is no longer needed. It teaches that all you need is the New Testament to learn your salvation. But Paul refutes that doctrine. 30 years after Christ died Paul was teaching and preaching Old Testament (“scripture” to Paul) as needed to show us salvation.
Paul went on to say, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. Paul again lets it be known that the Old Testament scriptures (the only scriptures known to Paul) are what we need to be studying. This book stands on the truths of Paul, and more importantly, the truths and teachings of Jesus. “They have Moses and the prophets, let them listen to them.” “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” Luke 16:29, 31.
The whole New Testament teaching, (there was no New Testament, as we have it today, until about 300 years after Christ), is to return us, point us, to the teachings of the Old Testament. The only way we can understand the New Testament is to know the Old Testament. The New Testament was written to “men who know the Law.” Romans 7:1. For you to know the truths of salvation, you must study the Old Testament scriptures. Then you will understand the New Testament. As a whole, they will change your life.
