Things That Are Old

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very time we take a vacation and visit Antique Malls, I am impressed by the large number of people who are interested in the old things of the past. Why are they interested? Is it because old items are in better condition or that they are more durable? No, because even though some of them may be, many of these items are so old that they no longer function.

To illustrate, one time I purchased a very old brass horn, the kind that was used on the horseless carriage. It had a large black squeeze type bulb to provide the wind that was necessary to blow it. However, the bulb on this one was split and would not perform. While in the store, I removed the bulb and blew directly into the horn, and the sound almost shook the rafters.

Again, why are these old things so valuable to us? It is because we associate them with the past and the days of our forefathers.

This leads us to a very important question, “Why are we concerned with the old spiritual things of the past from the Bible? Are they better than the modern ways of mankind today? The answer, “yes, they are better because they came from God!”

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

Therefore, there is no way that modern man can improve upon God’s word. To add to, or to take from His word is a dangerous sin that must be avoided. John wrote this warning:

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9).

To be pleasing to God, we must love and follow His old paths for today! They are new compared to the old Law of Moses, but they are old compared to modern day teaching. We must love the “new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20), in the same way that the Psalmist loved God’s law in his day.

“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalms 119:97). The following command from the Old Testament is certainly good advice to follow under the New: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls....” (Jeremiah 6:16).

Someone may respond by saying, “But we live in a technological modern age, and the Bible is out-dated!” Yes, we live in a technological modern age, but the moral and spiritual needs are the same. We still need to know that all are sinners and need a Savior (Romans 3:23). We still need to know that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and that Jesus is the only Savior.

What is so modern about lying, stealing, using God’s name in vain, lusting, adultery, fornication, and idolatry? Therefore, sinners need to be saved by the gospel, God’s power to save (Romans 1:16), just as much as they did in the first century. The gospel is old in years, but likewise new and relevant today for all who are lost in sin.

Thus, we can conclude that there is nothing new today that can take the place of the old, old story. This is something that will never grow old to the point of not being able to function.

Have you let that which is old, make you new?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). —BBBristow