Why do Christians still read the Old Testament?

Christians still read the Old Testament because it is the inspired Word of God. It reveals creation, sin, covenant, worship, prophecy, and the long preparation for Jesus Christ.

It is Christian Scripture. The Old Testament was the Bible of Jesus, Mary, the apostles, and the first Christians. Jesus quoted it as authoritative, prayed its Psalms, and declared that He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Mt 5:17). St. Paul said that the sacred writings are "inspired by God" and useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:15-17). The Church therefore rejects the Old Testament as neither obsolete nor unworthy. Its books are permanently part of Sacred Scripture (CCC 121-123).

It tells one history of salvation. God created the world, called Abraham, formed Israel, gave the Law, established the kingdom of David, and spoke through the prophets. These events reveal God's holiness, mercy, justice, and faithfulness. They also expose the depth of human sin and the need for a Savior. The covenants with Noah, Abraham, Israel, and David prepare for the new and everlasting covenant established by Christ.

It points toward Jesus. After His Resurrection, Jesus explained to the disciples on the road to Emmaus what referred to Him "in all the scriptures" (Lk 24:27). The Passover lamb anticipates His sacrifice (Ex 12; 1 Cor 5:7). Manna prepares us to understand the Bread of Life (Ex 16; Jn 6:48-51). David's kingdom points toward Christ's kingship. Isaiah's suffering servant helps reveal the meaning of the Passion (Isa 52:13 through 53:12). This Christian reading is called typology, which recognizes how persons and events of the Old Covenant prefigure their fulfillment in Christ (CCC 128-130).

It teaches Christians how to pray and live. The Psalms give words for praise, repentance, fear, grief, gratitude, and hope. The wisdom books teach virtue and expose folly. The prophets demand justice, fidelity, and care for the poor. Christians read these texts in light of Christ and the Church, while respecting their original historical and literary settings.

Begin with Genesis, Exodus, the Psalms, and one Gospel. Read them together. The Old Testament makes the Gospel clearer, and Christ opens the deepest meaning of the Old Testament.