"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets*, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son..."
In the OT, the story of salvation comes piecewise ("at many times") and piecemeal ("in many ways") through multiplicity ("by the prophets") whereas in the NT it is given all at once, all together in the Singularity ("in these last days...by his Son"). What is found with much effort in the OT -- in narrative, poetry, hyperbole, rhetoric, judgment, and prophecy -- is (by comparison) handed to us in the NT, both in Jesus' bodily explanation and in the apostles' doctrinal; however, I believe the effort of learning the OT -- with a mind to its historical context and thus a reading of its original meaning -- is absolutely essential for a balanced perception of God. To support this point, consider Matt 13:52 where Jesus says that the disciple of the kingdom is to be handed in both. Sure the emphasis is on assimilating the 'new' revelation of Jesus with the 'old,' but the priority of the former does not obviate the latter (cf. Heb 2:1 for a similar emphasis). I find that the OT consistently challenges and enriches my framework for perceiving God, and that always by lending gravity to my natural tendency to regard the grace of God with levity. I need the mind of the OT with all of its struggle and longing to appreciate the astounding hope of the gift of Christ Jesus.
*refers to all of the OT witness, so say commentators (cf. Deut 18:15; Acts 1:16; 3:22; 4:25; 7:37; 26:22)
In the OT, the story of salvation comes piecewise ("at many times") and piecemeal ("in many ways") through multiplicity ("by the prophets") whereas in the NT it is given all at once, all together in the Singularity ("in these last days...by his Son"). What is found with much effort in the OT -- in narrative, poetry, hyperbole, rhetoric, judgment, and prophecy -- is (by comparison) handed to us in the NT, both in Jesus' bodily explanation and in the apostles' doctrinal; however, I believe the effort of learning the OT -- with a mind to its historical context and thus a reading of its original meaning -- is absolutely essential for a balanced perception of God. To support this point, consider Matt 13:52 where Jesus says that the disciple of the kingdom is to be handed in both. Sure the emphasis is on assimilating the 'new' revelation of Jesus with the 'old,' but the priority of the former does not obviate the latter (cf. Heb 2:1 for a similar emphasis). I find that the OT consistently challenges and enriches my framework for perceiving God, and that always by lending gravity to my natural tendency to regard the grace of God with levity. I need the mind of the OT with all of its struggle and longing to appreciate the astounding hope of the gift of Christ Jesus.
*refers to all of the OT witness, so say commentators (cf. Deut 18:15; Acts 1:16; 3:22; 4:25; 7:37; 26:22)
3 comments:
Good post brother!
Dude. this reftagger stuff is ballin'. thanks for the head's up.
definitely linking to your blog on mine.
dog, whenz you gonna post a nutter?
-dardrone
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