IPHC Frequently Asked Questions

First, Christians refer to the Old Testament (abbreviated as OT) because the collection of books in the Hebrew Bible speak of the old covenant and point to the new covenant. Hebews 8-10 draws a sharp contrast between the old covenant the new covenant in Jesus Christ.

The abbreviation OT is a standard abbreviation as is NT for the New Testament. We also abbreviate books of the Bible (Gen. for Genesis, etc.) and this has become accepted editorial policy for almost all Christian publishers. The abbreviations are not meant to be disrespectful of the Word of God.

Second, it seems to me that the phrase "genuine holiness" is redundant. Like you, I have heard it used (and probably used it myself!) to contrast a kind of holiness that is defined more culturally than in the blood of Christ, power of the Word, and life of the Holy Spirit.

Doug Beacham
Executive Director
IPHC Church Education Ministries



		Isn't it disrespectful of the Word of God to use OT to refer to the Old Testament? First, Christians refer to the Old Testament (abbreviated as OT) because the collection of books in the Hebrew Bible speak of the old covenant and point to the new covenant. Hebews 8-10 draws a sharp contrast between the old covenant the new covenant in Jesus Christ. The abbreviation OT is a standard abbreviation as is NT for the New Testament. We also abbreviate books of the Bible (Gen. for Genesis, etc.) and this has become accepted editorial policy for almost all Christian publishers. The abbreviations are not meant to be disrespectful of the Word of God. Second, it seems to me that the phrase "genuine holiness" is redundant. Like you, I have heard it used (and probably used it myself!) to contrast a kind of holiness that is defined more culturally than in the blood of Christ, power of the Word, and life of the Holy Spirit. Doug Beacham Executive Director IPHC Church Education Ministries


		Last update on 10/4/06 ©IPHC Ministries. All rights reserved