Learning from the Scriptures

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

From Paul’s vantage point the scriptures consisted of the Old Testament. The New Testament had not been written yet. He is making reference to the Old Testament. The purpose of the Old Testament was for our learning and that through patience and comfort of the scriptures we would find hope.

From the Old Testament we learn about the wrath of God, but we also learn about the forgiveness of God through His son, Jesus.  In the Old Testament we learn of God’s displeasure of sin, seen in His destroying mankind with a flood, and His destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. But, we learn of the Good Shepherd who gives his life for the Sheep. We learn of the cross and the redemption of man through the One who would be led as a sheep to the slaughter. We read from the prophets of the Babe to be born in Bethlehem who is destined to rule the nations.

But, Paul does not mean to imply that the New Testament is of no value. From our vantage point we can see God’s entire redemptive plan for man. Build your hope on those things written about in the Bible.