The Torah in 2min

Connecting The Torah to the Big Picture of the Bible

To understand the Torah correctly, let's take a quick look at the big picture of the Bible. From the beginning of creation, God reveals who he is. The God of love who wants to share his love and the mighty creator who creates mankind. Sadly, mankind turns away from God. Since then, God has been unfolding his plan to save all humanity through Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the focus of this rescue plan is on the problem of mankind. Right at the beginning, the Torah shows us how the problem came about and how it can truly be seen as a problem. And this is the perfect introduction to understanding the entire Bible.

The Key Ideas of The Torah

Basic concepts such as love and sin are introduced. We also learn how heaven, earth, and the first humans were created. But man's problem begins with the fall of man. Since then, he's suffered the consequences of his sin, separation from God.

A prime example of the consequences of sin is seen with God's chosen people, Israel, who were enslaved in Egypt. But God saves his people in order to have fellowship with them and promises them the wonderful land of Canaan. On the way there, God gives the law, his perfect standard, which reveals what sin is before holy God.

In order to have fellowship with God despite their sin, God erects a tabernacle in the midst of his people, his holy dwelling place. And since the Israelites live sinful lives, God shows them a way to draw close to him through sacrifices, purity laws, and other moral instructions. However, the people repeatedly break the law and rebel against God. Despite their unbelief, God still leads them to the border of the promised land of Canaan. And it's here that he reminds the people of their salvation from slavery along with his faithful provisions while once again reminding them of his law.

Summary + Application to Christ

Although the people of Israel continue to rebel against God, he repeatedly shows his solution to the problem. A savior will come.

In summary, the five books of Moses show the origin of the problem, the fall of man, the understanding of the problem through the law, and the consequences of the problem in the history of God's people.

Action Steps

Do you see yourself in the people of Israel? Try using the Ten Commandments to check yourself and see whether you are living up to God's perfect standard. Do you realize that you need a savior?