What Is the Old Testament to a New Testament Believer?

Seven answers that will change how you read the first half of your Bible

by Yvonne Perry| Founder of The Bible Bloom

Have you ever opened the Old Testament and wondered, "Does any of this still apply to me?" 

Maybe you’ve read about sacrifices, kings, prophets, or long lists of names and thought, "What does this have to do with following Jesus today?"

You’re not alone.

Many new believers spend most of their time in the New Testament because it feels easier to understand. But the truth is, the Old Testament is an incredible gift. It helps us know who God is, understand why Jesus came, and see His plan unfolding from the very beginning.

Here are seven simple truths that can completely change the way you read the first half of your Bible.

1. The Old Testament Reveals Who God Is

Before it tells us what God did, the Old Testament shows us what God is like.

We see that He is holy, loving, patient, just, merciful, faithful, and compassionate. Even when people failed Him over and over again, He continued to pursue them with grace and truth.

As you read, pay attention to God’s character. The same God who spoke to Abraham, Moses, and David is the same God who invites you into a relationship with Him today.

2. It Tells the Story Leading to Jesus

The Bible is really one big story, and Jesus is at the center of it.

The Old Testament prepares the way for His coming. It introduces God’s promises, shows humanity’s need for a Savior, and points forward to the One who would rescue us from sin.

When you read it with Jesus in mind, many passages take on new meaning.

3. It Helps You Understand the New Testament

Have you ever noticed that Jesus and His followers often quoted the Scriptures? At that time, they were referring to what we now call the Old Testament.

Many teachings in the New Testament make more sense when you know the stories, symbols, and promises that came before them. Reading both parts of the Bible together gives you a fuller picture of God’s plan.

4. It Teaches Timeless Spiritual Truths

While Christians are not under the old covenant law in the same way ancient Israel was, the Old Testament still teaches valuable lessons about trusting God, obeying Him, walking in faith, and turning back to Him when we stray.

The people may have lived thousands of years ago, but their struggles often sound surprisingly familiar. They dealt with fear, doubt, pride, disappointment, and hope—just like we do.

Their stories remind us that God remains faithful through every generation.

5. It Shows That God Keeps His Promises

One of the most encouraging things about the Old Testament is seeing God fulfill what He says He will do.

He promised descendants, deliverance, protection, restoration, and ultimately a coming Messiah—and He kept those promises.

When you see His faithfulness in the past, it strengthens your confidence that He will be faithful in your own life as well.

6. It Gives Us Wisdom for Everyday Living

The Old Testament is full of practical wisdom.

You’ll find guidance about making wise choices, treating others with kindness, handling success and failure, seeking justice, practicing humility, and trusting God during difficult seasons.

Books like Proverbs offer everyday wisdom, while the Psalms give words for seasons of joy, grief, gratitude, fear, and worship.

7. It Reminds Us That God Has Always Been Working to Save His People

Sometimes people think the Old Testament is about rules while the New Testament is about grace. But when you read carefully, you’ll see God’s grace throughout the entire Bible.

From the very beginning, God was making a way to redeem humanity. He called people to Himself, showed mercy when they failed, and continued working out His plan of salvation.

The arrival of Jesus was not an unexpected change of direction—it was the fulfillment of God’s plan that had been unfolding all along.

So, Should New Testament Believers Read the Old Testament?

Absolutely.

You don’t read it to earn salvation or because you’re trying to follow ancient ceremonial laws. You read it because it helps you know God better, understand the story of redemption, appreciate the work of Jesus more deeply, and grow in wisdom and faith.

The Old Testament isn’t just the first half of your Bible—it’s the foundation that helps make sense of the second half.

A Simple Tip Before You Read

When you open the Old Testament, ask yourself these questions:

• What does this passage teach me about God?

• What does it reveal about people and our need for Him?

• How does it point me toward Jesus or God’s plan of redemption?

• What truth can I apply to my life today?

  
  

You don’t have to understand everything on the first read. Keep showing up, keep asking questions, and keep trusting that God can use His Word to help you grow.

The more you read the Old Testament, the more you’ll discover that it isn’t just ancient history—it’s part of the beautiful story of a faithful God who has been drawing people to Himself from the very beginning.

Before you open those first 39 books, pray that prayer. God wrote it for you. He will help you read it.

Want to Go Deeper This Month?

We are in Week 3 of our Building Strong Foundations in God's Word series here at The Bible Bloom — and this month we are reading through passages that show the unity of the Old and New Testaments in clarity.

Download your free June Scripture Reading Plan and June Scripture Writing Plan on the Bloom Library page.