Question
We can learn a lot from the Old Testament but there is one major distinction between the Old Testament and the New Testament and that is a vital distinction . What do you think that distinction is and why is it important when we read the Bible? (5 marks) square
Solution
4.1
(326 Votes)
Nora
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
The major distinction between the Old and New Testaments is the arrival and ministry of Jesus Christ, and the subsequent establishment of the New Covenant. This distinction is vital for understanding the Bible as a unified narrative of God's relationship with humanity.The Old Testament largely focuses on God's covenant with the Israelites, emphasizing the law, prophecies, and the anticipation of a Messiah. It lays the groundwork, revealing God's holiness, humanity's sinfulness, and the need for redemption. The system of sacrifices and the detailed legal code highlight the inability of humanity to achieve righteousness through their own efforts.The New Testament fulfills the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus, as the Messiah, establishes a New Covenant based not on adherence to the law alone, but on faith in Him and His atoning sacrifice. This New Covenant offers forgiveness of sins and a direct relationship with God, accessible to all people, not just the Israelites. The emphasis shifts from outward adherence to the law to an inward transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit.Understanding this distinction is crucial because it prevents misinterpreting the Old Testament legal code as a set of rules for salvation. The Old Testament law serves as a tutor, pointing to the need for a savior. The New Testament reveals that savior in Jesus, who fulfills the law and offers a new way to relate to God. Without understanding this progression and the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in the New, the Bible's message of grace and redemption through faith in Christ is obscured. It's like reading the first half of a story without knowing the ending – the full meaning and impact are only realized when both testaments are understood in light of each other.