I had the impression that the New Testament was exactly that. A new set of rules that replaced the old set in entirety. If this indeed so; then why does the bible, still contain the Old Testament? Surely, as we have been given the second testament via Jesus then, for a Christian, the Old Testament should be meaningless.
My take on it - the Old Testament isn't just rules. There is Genesis (which Jesus doesn't throw out) and the history of the Jewish people. That stuff is important to Christians. I guess the rules are kept there for historical purposes...also it gives important context. If Jesus is throwing out the old rules, it might be useful to know what rules they are and why they are being replaced.
One more reason is because of the Messiah prophecies.
™ Version 4.2
