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Why Does the Bible Remain Relevant in the 21st Century?

The Bible has been under scrutiny for centuries, with some modern critics dismissing its teachings as outdated or irrelevant in today’s world. Statements such as “The Bible has extraordinarily little practical value for the modern human being” or “Biblical references to family lines, virginity, and fear of God were relevant cultural concepts in biblical times, but they have little relevance in the Twenty-first Century” are not uncommon. However, these sweeping generalizations fail to grasp the full scope and depth of the Bible’s message.

To answer whether the Bible is still relevant today, we must first acknowledge what the Bible says about itself. In 2 Timothy 3:16, the apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.” When Paul wrote these words, he referred to the entire body of Scripture, which includes both the Old and New Testaments. Contrary to the belief that some parts of the Bible are no longer useful, Paul underscores the comprehensive and enduring value of all Scripture.

Thus, the question is not whether parts of the Bible are outdated, but rather how all of Scripture remains applicable to guiding human conduct, informing moral decisions, and providing a foundation for faith.

What Role Does the Old Testament Play for Christians Today?

One of the common criticisms against the Bible is the argument that the Old Testament, or Hebrew Scriptures, is irrelevant to Christians. After all, the Mosaic Law, with its sacrificial system, is no longer practiced. Does this mean that the Old Testament is outdated?

When Paul wrote to Timothy about the Scriptures that made him “wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15), he was referring primarily to the Old Testament. Timothy had been taught the Hebrew Scriptures from childhood, long before the New Testament writings were completed. This reinforces the fact that the Hebrew Scriptures remain an integral part of the Bible and offer value beyond their original cultural and religious context.

Though Christians are no longer bound by the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law, the Old Testament continues to reveal the foundational principles of God’s justice, mercy, and love. Consider passages such as Psalm 119, which extol the greatness of God’s laws: “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). The principles found in the Hebrew Scriptures continue to provide guidance in Christian living, shaping the character and conscience of those who seek to live righteously before Jehovah.

How Does the Bible’s Genealogies and History Apply to Us?

Another critique of the Bible’s relevance is the inclusion of genealogies, such as those found in 1 Chronicles 1-9, which critics argue hold no value for people today. However, these genealogies serve a critical purpose in the Bible’s overall message.

First, the genealogical records preserved in Scripture were essential for identifying the Messiah. According to prophecy, the Messiah would be a direct descendant of King David (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The genealogy of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38, traces His lineage back to David and even further to Abraham. These genealogies verify that Jesus was indeed the promised “Son of David” (Luke 1:32), fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. Without these records, the identification of the Messiah would be uncertain.

Moreover, the historical accounts and genealogies found in the Bible teach us about the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises. The experiences of figures such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David serve as lessons for Christians today, reminding us of God’s sovereignty and the importance of faith. Romans 15:4 tells us, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Why Is the Mosaic Law Still Important for Understanding Sin and Redemption?

The detailed sacrificial system found in Leviticus may seem foreign and unnecessary for Christians who no longer practice animal sacrifices. However, the sacrificial laws of the Old Testament serve a crucial role in helping us understand the seriousness of sin and the necessity of redemption. Hebrews 9:22 explains, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.”

The sacrifices prescribed under the Mosaic Law foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself “once for all” to atone for the sins of mankind (Hebrews 9:11-12). By studying the sacrificial system, Christians can gain a deeper appreciation for the value of Christ’s sacrifice and the gravity of the redemption He provides.

Additionally, the principles of the Mosaic Law continue to instruct Christians in matters of justice, morality, and compassion. While the ceremonial aspects of the Law no longer apply, the moral teachings contained within it reflect God’s standards of righteousness. For example, Leviticus 19:18 instructs, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” a commandment that Jesus later affirmed as one of the greatest in the Law (Matthew 22:37-40). Therefore, the Mosaic Law remains relevant by pointing us to the higher principles of love and justice that are fully realized in Christ.

How Do We Benefit from “All Scripture”?

Paul’s declaration that “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial” (2 Timothy 3:16) emphasizes that every part of the Bible has been preserved for our instruction. Even passages that may seem obscure or difficult to understand at first offer valuable lessons when viewed in the broader context of Scripture.

For example, the book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on ritual purity and holiness. Although Christians are not bound by these ritual laws, the principles behind them remain significant. Leviticus teaches us about the holiness of God and the need for His people to be set apart from sin. First Peter 1:15-16 echoes this call to holiness: “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

Furthermore, the Bible’s historical books, such as 1 and 2 Kings or 1 and 2 Chronicles, recount the successes and failures of Israel’s kings. These accounts serve as warnings and encouragements to believers today. The story of King David, for instance, reveals both the consequences of sin and the power of repentance and forgiveness. David’s heartfelt prayer in Psalm 51 is a model of true repentance, showing us how to seek God’s mercy after falling into sin.

How Does the New Testament Confirm the Relevance of the Old Testament?

Some argue that the New Testament supersedes the Old Testament, making the latter irrelevant. However, the New Testament writers frequently refer to the Hebrew Scriptures as authoritative and relevant for Christian doctrine. Jesus Himself affirmed the continuing relevance of the Old Testament. In Matthew 5:17-18, He stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law did not render it obsolete but rather brought its true meaning to light. The moral and ethical teachings of the Old Testament, as well as its prophecies concerning the Messiah, continue to be relevant for believers today. The New Testament builds on the foundation laid by the Old Testament, bringing the message of salvation to its full realization in Christ.

Moreover, the apostles consistently relied on the Old Testament to explain and validate their teachings. For example, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2 is filled with references to the Hebrew Scriptures, demonstrating how the prophecies of Joel, David, and others were fulfilled in Christ. Similarly, Paul’s letters frequently quote the Old Testament to support his arguments, such as in Romans 3:10-18, where he cites Psalms and Isaiah to demonstrate the universality of human sin.

How Does the Bible’s Relevance Extend Across Generations?

One of the remarkable aspects of the Bible is its ability to speak to people across different cultures, time periods, and generations. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as “living and active,” emphasizing its enduring power to convict, guide, and transform individuals regardless of the era in which they live.

The Bible’s moral teachings, such as those found in the Ten Commandments, remain as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. For instance, the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16) speaks to the importance of honesty and integrity, virtues that are still highly valued in modern society. The Bible’s emphasis on justice, compassion, and personal responsibility continues to provide a moral compass for believers in every generation.

While cultural contexts may change, human nature remains the same. The struggles, temptations, and challenges faced by people in biblical times are not so different from those we encounter today. The Bible addresses timeless issues such as pride, greed, lust, and envy, offering divine wisdom for overcoming these sins and living a life that honors God.

What About the Bible’s Prophecies and Future Relevance?

The Bible’s relevance is not limited to the past and present; it also provides insight into the future. The prophetic books of the Old and New Testaments contain promises of what is yet to come, including the return of Christ, the establishment of His Kingdom, and the final judgment. These prophecies offer hope and direction for believers as they navigate a world filled with uncertainty and chaos.

Revelation 21:1-4 provides a vision of the new heavens and new earth, where death, mourning, and pain will be no more. This promise of future restoration gives Christians the confidence that God’s purposes will ultimately be fulfilled, and it motivates them to live faithfully in anticipation of Christ’s return. The Bible’s prophecies assure us that its message will continue to be relevant as long as God’s plan for humanity unfolds.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).