How Can We Grow in Holiness through Reading the Old Testament?

Cultivating Biblical Godliness

by Michael P.V. Barrett

Although the Old Testament can appear irrelevant, outdated, and difficult to read, there are precious nuggets of truth in it which are vital for Christians to understand. That is why Michael Barrett provides this practical approach to reading the books of law, history, prophecy, and poetry through the lens of Jesus. As Barrett explains, “Seeing Christ and the gospel in the Old Testament gives life to what otherwise seems to be dry and outdated.” Grow in personal holiness today as you learn to read and apply the Old Testament properly.


Presuppositions About the Bible
Misunderstandings of the Old Testament
Procedures for Bible Reading
Purpose of the Bible
Practical Reading of the Old Testament
Conclusion


Michael P.V. Barrett is vice president for academic affairs/academic dean and professor of Old Testament at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.


“Which believer doesn’t want to be holy? Which believer doesn’t want to understand the Old Testament better? Well, here’s a short booklet that will do both for you. While Dr. Barrett concedes that parts of the Old Testament are frustrating and difficult to understand, he also outlines simple, practical steps that will not only give you greater understanding of the Bible but also produce greater likeness to Christ.” – David Murray, professor of Old Testament and practical theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

34 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2017

About the author

Dr. Michael P. V. Barrett is the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Whitefield College of the Bible, the Theological Seminary of the Free Presbyterian Church of North America. For almost thirty years, he was a professor of Ancient Languages and Old Testament Theology and Interpretation at Bob Jones University Seminary. His other works include "Complete in Him: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Gospel."

Reviews

[Tim Ingrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a generally well-written popular introduction to the OT and how to receive edification reading it. I’ve been looking out for something just like this for a while, and I’ll be glad to pass this out to church members who express frustration with reading the OT and aren’t up for a 200-pg book. It’s just about the right level of simplicity for its brief length.

One shortcoming is that Barrett’s framing of the goal of Bible-reading, personal holiness, is a little too flat as a description of Christian maturity. This becomes especially apparent where he discusses the value of the wisdom literature.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too many Christians ignore the first 39 books of God's Word, and this brief examination is a needed correction for this shortcoming. This excellent study also gives needed insight for how to read the Bible as a whole.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another question asked and answered - this geezer does this well

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to read something on reading the Old Testament to fuel your holiness? Author and Old Testament professor Michael P.V. Barrett has written for us this booklet addressing this topic for Reformation Heritage Book’s series “Cultivating Biblical Godliness Series.” There were four titles are in this series that I previously read that I enjoyed, namely What is Experiential Calvinism?, How Should We Consider Christ in Affliction?, How Can I Stop Worrying? and Do I Develop Heavenly Mindedness and Spiritual Conversation? I also enjoyed this present volume.
This booklet open with a section called “Presuppositions about the Bible” that goes over what the Bible teach about the characteristics of the Bible itself (its authority, infallibility, sufficiency, etc) and then there’s a section on misunderstandings of the Old Testament before going over “procedures for Bible reading.” I like how under “Procedures for Bible reading” it begins with telling readers to begin each session of Bible study with prayer. Prayer is important! Secondly, spend time in the Bible, thirdly pay attention to context and fourtly meditate on what you read. I appreciate the author also saying there’s a place to use appropriate tools such as a good study Bible and language tools. The author then goes over the purpose of the Bible before giving practical advice on reading the Old Testament which gives counsel of how to interpret various literary forms found in the Old Testament such as Law, history, prophecy and poetry.
I found this edifying and was amaze how much can be packed in such a short volume. I recommend this.