How to Understand Old vs New Testament

When you open the Bible, you’ll notice it’s divided into two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Sometimes this division can feel confusing—Do Christians still follow Old Testament laws? Why does the New Testament feel so different? Understanding how these two parts fit together will give you clarity and confidence as you read.

The Old Testament: God’s Covenant and Promise

The Old Testament contains 39 books, written before the birth of Jesus. It tells the story of creation, God’s covenant with Israel, the giving of the law, and the words of the prophets.

• Purpose: To reveal God’s holiness, humanity’s need for a Savior, and the promise of the coming Messiah.
• Key Verse: “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.” — Jeremiah 31:31 (NIV)

The New Testament: God’s Fulfillment in Christ

The New Testament contains 27 books, beginning with the birth of Jesus. It shows how God’s promises in the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ and explains how believers should live under the new covenant of grace.

• Purpose: To reveal Jesus as the Messiah, show how salvation comes through Him, and guide the church in faith and practice.
• Key Verse: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” — John 1:17 (NIV)

How the Two Work Together

1. Promise and Fulfillment
   The Old Testament points forward to Christ; the New Testament shows His arrival and work.
2. Law and Grace
   The Old Testament law revealed sin and humanity’s need for redemption; the New Testament reveals Jesus as the one who fulfilled the law perfectly and offers grace.
3. Unity of the Story
   Together, the Old and New Testaments tell one story: God’s plan of salvation from creation to eternity.

Practical Tip

Don’t see the Old Testament as outdated or irrelevant. Instead, read it as the foundation that makes the New Testament shine. For example, understanding Passover in Exodus deepens our appreciation of Jesus as the Lamb of God in John 1:29.

Closing Encouragement

The Old and New Testaments are not two separate Bibles—they are two parts of the same story. When you read both together, you’ll see God’s faithfulness, promises, and ultimate plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

✨ Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry, you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page. I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel. This is where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.