Hebrew and Christian by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 8, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 26.

Hebrew and Christian.

By Editor

A NEW book, which we see is very highly commended by the religious press, is entitled, "Scriptures, Hebrew and Christian. Arranged and edited for Young Readers." No doubt the book is a valuable one, but we are sorry to see that no one thus far has objected to the (perhaps unintentional) slight placed by the title upon the Old Testament. The term, "Hebrew and Christian Scriptures," applied to the Old and the New Testament, tends to strengthen the already too prevalent idea that the Old Testament is not for Christians,—that it is to be studied, if studied at all, merely as ancient history, and not as something which contains doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. This is a grave error.

The Old Testament is very properly termed the "Hebrew Scriptures," if reference is had only to the language in which it was written. In that case, however, the New Testament should be termed the "Greek Scriptures," since it was written in Greek. But "Hebrew" Scriptures cannot with any propriety be used in contrast with "Christian" Scriptures. If the New Testament is the Christian Scriptures because it contains the life of Christ, then the Old Testament writings are equally entitled to that appellation; for, says Christ, "They are they which testify of me." John 5:39. Paul, who had no Bible but the Old Testament, declared that he had said "none other things than those which Moses and the prophets did say should come; that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles." Acts 26:22, 23. And so thoroughly Christian are the Old Testament writings that Peter, speaking of Christ's work from the beginning of his ministry till his second advent, said: "Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." Acts 3:24. Let us take heed that we be not carried by the popular drift away from the old landmarks, but let us, with the New, search also the Old Testament Scriptures, which are able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.