In my discussions with people over the years I have perceived that many people might not really believe that the old testament is scripture. Verbally people will include it as scripture, but they don’t always seem to treat it as such. I have known some who will only acknowledge that it has a nice moral stories and some history, but nothing truly important for new testament Christians.
I would like to just briefly point out two scriptures.
Romans 1:2 “Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures”.
Here Paul calls what we know as the old testament, scripture.
2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice”.
Paul told new testament Christians that the old testament is profitable for reproof, correction and instruction in equity or justice. I do not think that most Christians give much credence to the last item in connection with the old testament. Most would tell you that the new has replaced the old for that purpose. Many would include reproof and correction as well.
The English translations make Paul seem very difficult to understand. That is why we have so many different groups teaching so differently about Paul’s writings. Some disregard him all together when the problem is the translation. If you believe that Paul’s writings are inspired then you must also give the old testament the respect and attention it truly deserves as scripture.
Tim