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Lesson 2(a): Introduction to the Old Testament. What is the Old Testament. Let’s start with the name:. Covenant. Old Testament. ברית. Hebrew: berîth. δι αθήκη. Greek: diatheke. What is a Covenant?. Sunday School Answer: “A 2-way promise” Other words Agreement Contract
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What is the Old Testament Let’s start with the name: Covenant Old Testament ברית Hebrew: berîth διαθήκη Greek:diatheke
What is a Covenant? • Sunday School Answer: “A 2-way promise” • Other words • Agreement • Contract • Why “Covenant”? What is the difference? • The Lord doesn’t break his side no matter what. • More like a “1-way promise with conditions”. (SM! D&C 82:10)
What is the “Old Covenant” • Examples of Covenants in Old Testament • Adam’s Covenant with God • Law of Sacrifice • Law of Moses • Abrahamic Covenant • Covenant with the People of Israel • What is the Common theme? • The Lord sets blessings and rewards, fulfilled when people are faithful. • Where else in the scriptures does this theme arise? • Pride Cycle! Most of the Book of Mormon covers a portion of the same time period, is part of the “Old Covenant”
The New Covenant “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” - Matthew 5:17
Elder Packer (Video)The Importance of the Old Testament
“Now almost abandoned by the Christian World…” • Why? • Deals with uncomfortable lessons of punishment and consequence • Often unclear and confusing • Strong doctrines that differentiate Christianity. • Most modern Christians try to be “inclusive”, which is good unless it means “inclusive of doctrine” • NT allows for that, OT does not.
Strong, Differentiating Doctrines • Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament, is the premortal name for Jesus Christ, who is the promised Messiah. • Jehovah (Jesus Christ) created the heavens and the earth. • The Fall of Adam and Eve was a real and necessary step in the progression of all mankind. • God can and does intervene directly in the lives of individuals and nations. • We receive blessings from God by making and keeping sacred covenants. • Idolatry in any form is spiritually destructive. • The Lord has promised a literal gathering of Israel in the last days. • There are prophecies concerning the Lord’s first and second comings. • The Father’s plan of happiness is taught to His children through His prophets.
OT Timeline 1167 pages(70x more) 17 pages Adam Abraham (b.1992) Malachi Moses (~1400 BC) 4000 BC 2000 BC 400 BC
Page Difference • Why such a difference? • Proliferation of writing • Moses one of only to see early history • Many parts lost • What has the Lord done to make up for it? • Pearl of Great Price • JST • Modern Revelation (much expounded on creation/fall)
Torah ("Teaching"), Nevi'im ("Prophets") and Ketuvim ("Writings")
Where have we seen “Law and Prophets”? “Think not that I am come to destroy the OLD TESTAMENT: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” - Matthew 5:17
Notebook Ideas • How have the covenants you have made with God affected your life and the way you conduct yourself daily? • What strong principles found in the Old Testament to do you find difficulty in believing/understanding? • What missing pieces in the early Bible history do you wish you knew more about?