What is the Old Path (Ang Dating Daan)?

I. Origin of the Term “The Old Path”

The phrase “the old path” finds its most direct biblical counterpart in verses such as Jeremiah 6:16: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths: “Where is the good way?” Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” The term suggests a return to the timeless teachings and moral foundations laid out in Scripture and upheld by successors of the biblical faith through generations.

In many languages, including Tagalog (in which it is called “Ang Dating Daan”), the idea of the “old” or “ancient” path signifies a path that has withstood the test of time and remains undefeated by shifting human philosophies or cultural changes. Groups or movements that adopt the name “The Old Path” generally strive to position themselves in continuity with early Christianity, guided by this foundational concept of returning to a purer, more authentic biblical message.

II. Historical Context and Usage

Historically, movements referring to “The Old Path” have interpreted it as pointing to faith and practice rooted in Scripture alone. The connotation is that the earliest Christian believers lived and taught in close alignment with what is recorded in the Old and New Testaments—before traditions and human additions might have obscured simpler gospel truths.

One notable group that has popularized the Tagalog phrase “Ang Dating Daan” is based in the Philippines. They have promoted extensive broadcast programs, large-scale gatherings, and teaching sessions to explain Christian beliefs as they understand them. However, use of the phrase “the old path” is not exclusive to any single movement or denomination. It appears in general Christian parlance—often in sermons and writings—to emphasize faithfulness to what is perceived as the unaltered message found in the Bible.

III. Biblical Foundations of “The Old Path”

1. Focus on Scriptural Authority

From a biblical standpoint, the core notion of returning to the “old path” rests upon total submission to the authority of God’s Word. Psalm 119 consistently highlights the value and timeless reliability of Scripture. For instance, Psalm 119:105 states: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The “old path” involves viewing the Bible’s teachings on morality, worship, community, and salvation as definitive for all times.

2. Call to Obedience

Individuals and ministries that invoke Jeremiah 6:16 emphasize the idea of divine instruction that has remained constant. The call is to “walk in it”—an active, ongoing, disciplined alignment to God’s precepts. When believers seek the path God ordained from ancient times, they affirm that the Creator’s design has never changed. It calls for self-examination, repentance, and a wholehearted pursuit of God.

3. Continuity with Ancient Faith

Many references in the New Testament similarly point to preserving the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). Early church teachings are acknowledged as the foundation. The “old path” perspective considers that the commands, moral structures, and principles given to prophets and apostles have been preserved through generations, so authentic Christian faith still resonates with the same truths declared at the start of biblical revelation.

IV. Key Themes and Emphases

1. The Centrality of Christ’s Resurrection

Groups espousing “the old path” uphold the resurrection of Christ as the bedrock of faith. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 declares: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” The earliest believers affirmed the resurrection as the ultimate sign of God’s power, which still stands as the core teaching of biblical Christianity.

2. Adherence to God’s Created Order

Many who speak of “the old path” also emphasize that the cosmos testifies to God’s design. The “heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1), reinforcing that there is intention and order in creation—pointing back to a Creator whose blueprint we should follow. Proponents often highlight that this design aligns with Scripture and is consistent with certain archaeological and geological findings that they interpret to support a more recent creation timeline.

3. Moral and Spiritual Holiness

Another theme tied to the “old path” is the call to holiness and separation from sin. Passages like 1 Peter 1:15–16 say: “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Such teachings stress that true worship involves turning away from worldly practices and honoring God as the ultimate source of purity.

V. Contemporary Expressions of “Ang Dating Daan”

1. Broadcast and Teaching Ministries

The phrase “Ang Dating Daan” has become recognizable through media broadcasts, especially in the Philippines and among Filipino diaspora communities. These ministries typically present Scripture-based arguments for their doctrinal stances. Their followers often testify to changed lives and renewed devotion to the God of the Bible.

2. Core Doctrinal Points

• Belief in the God revealed in Scripture as the sole Creator and sustainer of life.

• Acceptance of Jesus Christ’s divinity, atoning death, and resurrection as the exclusive path to salvation.

• Sincere emphasis on repentance and baptism, aligning with teachings such as found in Acts 2:38: “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

• Encouragement of Bible-centered worship and moral conduct that resonates with the instructions given to the earliest Christian assemblies.

3. Areas of Distinct Interpretation

Different groups or individuals interpreting “the old path” may hold variations in theology or emphasis on certain practices. While many prioritize biblical commandments, interpretations of ceremonial laws or discussion of certain doctrines can differ, similar to how early and medieval Jewish and Christian scholars debated fine points of the Law. These differences demonstrate the complexity of biblical hermeneutics and the importance of careful exegesis.

VI. Maintaining Faith in the Reliability of Scripture

1. Textual Consistency and Manuscript Evidence

References to “the old path” often involve affirming that the Scriptures we have today are consistent and reliable. Scholars who study ancient manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls for the Old Testament or early Greek New Testament papyri, have demonstrated remarkable textual retention over centuries, giving credence to the view that the biblical message remains intact.

2. Archaeological Corroboration

Archaeological findings, such as evidence confirming the historical existence of biblical cities like Jericho or the presence of ancient Israelite settlements, offer supportive context. While not every artifact is directly tied to every scriptural claim, many items from the ancient Near East do align with general and specific details described in the Bible. This background strengthens confidence in “the old path” as rooted in real events and real places.

VII. Conclusion: Walking in “The Old Path” Today

“The Old Path” or “Ang Dating Daan” centers on a timeless invitation: to embrace the wisdom, moral instruction, and redemptive message passed down from the earliest biblical recordings. Jeremiah 6:16 remains a central calling—both a challenge and a promise: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Many who embark on this path do so from a conviction that the same God who spoke through the prophets and who raised Christ from the dead continues to redeem and guide people today. The approach encompasses commitment to scriptural authority, recognition of Christ’s risen power, and a belief that creation itself testifies to God’s design. In taking up “the old path,” there is confidence that God’s timeless truths continue to offer a foundation for moral living, spiritual insight, and hope in the life to come.