Why do christians include the Jewish scriptures in their bibles?

Answer 1

The "Jewish scriptures" were quoted from and taught by Jesus Christ.

In the flesh, Jesus was a Jew who revealed and illuminated the Jewish scriptures to those who were and are called, to understand its Truth at this time. The Truth, that still escapes most of the world to this day.

"Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures [the only scriptures extant at that time - the 'Jewish scriptures']." (Luke 24:45)

In His original, natural state, before He became flesh and blood, Jesus was the "WORD" of God, the "Spokesman" for the Father in heaven who executed all that the Father commanded of Him, and spoke all that the Father commanded Him to speak.

"...Let US [not 'ME'] make man in OUR [not MY] image, after OUR [not MY] likeness..." (Gen.1:26).

"...He that sent Me is True; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of Him... I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things... for I do always those things that please Him." (John 8:26-29)

Jesus Christ was the Almighty Creator God of the Holy Spirit-inspired "Jewish scriptures" who was instrumental in the creation of the universe:

"All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3)

The "Jewish scriptures" did not die with Jesus on the stake. The "understanding" He gave to His disciples [quoted above] came AFTER His resurrection, before He ascended into heaven -- and are the same "Jewish scriptures" from which His apostles taught and by which they continued to be inspired.

That "inspiration" continues to this day... because, in Truth... they are not "Jewish scriptures" at all. They are the WORD OF GOD, "Spiritual Bread" by which men may feed their hearts and minds [their spirits]... and live Eternally.

"Search the [Jewish] scriptures; for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life: and they are they which TESTIFY OF ME." (John 5:39)

The "Jewish scriptures" are ALL ABOUT CHRIST!

"...all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms [the Jewish scriptures], CONCERNING ME." (Luke 24:44)

The "Jewish scriptures" cannot be EX-cluded from God's Word. God's Word is Alive... and that Life is transferrable to all men through the One of whom they testify - Jesus Christ.

Along with the rest of the world... the Jews have yet to learn this, also. As yet... they still don't know the One of whom their own scriptures speak.

Ultimately, God's Word is for all men. The Bible isn't a "Christian" Bible. And the Old Testament isn't "Jewish scriptures."

All of the "inspired books" of God shall Judge all men [every nation] at the Last Great Day:

"...the Word that I have spoken, the same shall Judge him at the Last Day." (John 12:48)

"...and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (Rev.20:13)

The Word of God is One... it's inseparable.