What Is the Old Testament?
The Old Testament is a record of God’s dealings with His children from the Creation to about 400 B.C. The word that was translated as testament could also be translated as covenant. A covenant is a special relationship with the Lord into which a person or a group may enter. The Lord sets the terms for the rewards (blessings, salvation, exaltation) and the efforts (obedience to rules and commandments). A covenant is fulfilled when people keep their promises and endure to the end in faith, with the Lord giving blessings during mortality and salvation and exaltation upon completion. The Old Testament contains covenants and doctrines the Lord gave to His children to prepare them for the first coming of the Messiah and to teach them how to return and live in His presence.
The Old Testament is an inspired voice from the past with vital messages for today. It also contains the historical and doctrinal roots from which all of our other scriptures spring and lays a foundation for understanding who we are today and what we believe. With the help of modern revelation we can more correctly understand and appreciate the Old Testament