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The Purpose and Value of the Old Testament
by H.G. Bishop Moussa
Have you ever wondered about the connection between the Old and New Testaments? In part 3 of this series, His Grace Bishop Moussa discusses the purpose of the Old Testament and its modern manifestation in our liturgical worship and services.
A- Why Study The Old Testament?
The Old Testament is the basis and the
foundation of the Christian belief. The Following reasons are listed to
indicate the value of this wonderful spiritual treasure.
Experiential School:
It is a school of experience, in which we observe God's dealing with us. Means
of Spiritual Fulfillment: It is a source of spiritual satisfaction through the
promises of God, and the beautiful prayers found in the Psalms and in the lives
of the children of God.
An Invitation to Repentance and Purity:
The Old Testament, as well as the New, declares clearly the judgmental
attributes of God, inviting people to repent. In it we notice the blessings of
repentance and God's punishments for disobeying His Commandments.
A Source of Wisdom:
It is a source of Wisdom for in it we read the Proverbs of Solomon, and the
wonderful wisdom granted to him by God.
A Spring of Prophecy:
It is a source of prophecies fulfilled in the Old and the New Testaments
assuring that God is the author of the Book.
A Wealth of Literature:
It is a wealth of art. In it we find stories, poems, wisdom, law and art ....
etc.
B- The Coptic Orthodox Church & The Old Testament
We as Orthodox Copts are firm believers in the Old Testament as a divinely
inspired book. As a testimony to that, the life of the Church is richly blessed
with Old Testament readings.
The Psalms in the Church Office:
Psalms are used in the Prayers of the vespers (morning & night) as well as
the liturgy.
The Lectionary during the Lent:
The Church reads complete books of prophecies during Jonah’s fast and during
the great Lent.
The Lectionary during the Passion Week:
Many extracts from the Old Testament are read during the Passion (Pascha) week.
The Doxologies & Songs Of The Daily Midnight Vigil.
An abundance of quotations from the Old Testament are used in the Vigil.
The Daily Office of Personal Devotions:
The Psalms are used in the book of daily prayers (Agbeya) which is divided into
seven prayers to be offered by all Orthodox Copts at appointed hours.
Let us not belittle the Old Testament, because of some attacks which are
leveled, not only at it, but also, at the New Testament as well.
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