Biblical Foundations预览

The New Testament consists of 27 books written by 9-10 authors over 100 years. It was written in Greek and covers the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Church, and the end times. It’s in this testament, especially, we learn valuable insight into the roles of God, the Father, Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Specifically, we are shown their roles in the lives of believers.

The Old Testament ends with Malachi 4:6, and the New Testament begins with Matthew 1:1. Between these two verses is a period known as the Intertestamental period, or anecdotally, as “400 years of silence”. During these years we do not have written record or indication of God’s words or movement. This time was crucial, and likely confusing, to the remnant of Israel because the Old Testament prophets foretold of the coming Messiah. Strangely, in their eyes, God was silent for the next 400 years. We might wonder, “why”. We aren’t told in Scripture, but some Christians believe it was out of righteous anger from the Lord over Israel’s constant rebellion. Others believe it built anticipation for Christ’s coming. Malachi 4:6, recorded a prophecy that was fulfilled by John the Baptist in Luke 1:17, which ended this silence from God; John came to prepare the way for Jesus!

The New Testament is often understood to be separate from the Old Testament, which could not be further from the truth. The Old and New Testaments go together, revealing God and His character. There is an account woven through both testaments, known as the scarlet thread, that cohesively and decisively points us to Jesus. We find this thread in the many prophecies from the Old Testament that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Further, the epistles (letters from the apostles to the early Church) refer often to Old Testament laws and figures. To fully grasp God, reading the Old and New Testament is essential.

Prayer: God, thank you for how your Word teaches about you. Show me more as I read my Bible daily.