The New Testament

Hebrews 12:24

New Testament means “the new covenant”

Theme: The Covenant of God through Christ

(“covenant” Malachi 3:1)

Key Chapter: John 15

Key Verse:

Hebrews 12:24

24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,

(1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 10:4-14)

and to the blood of sprinkling,

(Exodus 24:8; Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:10)

that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

(Hebrews 7:19)

27 books, 260 chs, 7,957 verses, and 180,382 words

Grade Level: 5.6

AUTHOR

The Holy Spirit of God by inspiration (2 Timothy 3:15-16) by at least eight Jewish men (Romans 3:2; 2 Peter 1:21).

DATE WRITTEN A.D. 45-95

BACKGROUND

In the New Testament, every book of the Old Testament is quoted from, except Ruth, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations.

Or to take that mathematically, in another way:

In the New Testament there are 260 chapters; 209 have references to the Old Testament, leaving only fifty-one chapters with no reference.

Thus the Old and the New Testament are interwoven with the weave of constant reference, allusion, and quotation; and no single reference in the New contradicts the Old, or undermines its authority. They all accept its full authority and its Divine nature.

- G. Campbell Morgan, D.D.

SETTING

The Roman Empire was in full control of most of the population at this time, which brought a semblance of peace. It was during an eight-year period of time of world peace that Jesus was born into this world to a young virgin named Mary. Roman crucifixion had become the capital punishment of the day that would fulfill Bible prophecy concerning the Messiah. As the New Testament progresses on God sent the Gospel to the world by the road and travel systems of that the Romans had built.

PURPOSE

The word “Testament” speaks of a last will and testament that came into effect upon the death of the testator. The New Testament was ratified with the blood of Christ, and a person enters into that covenant relationship when he comes to God on His terms. This redemptive covenant is a unifying theme that binds the books of the New Testament together (see Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 8:7–13; 9:15–17).

COMPARISON WITH OTHER BIBLE BOOKS

The Old Testament:

The Old Testament opens with a one man alone in fellowship with God.

The New Testament closes with one man alone in fellowship with God.

In the Old Testament we have man made in the image of God.

In the New Testament we have God made in the image of man.

In the Old Testament we have an interpretation of human need.

In the New Testament is a revelation of Divine supply.

In the Old Testament we have the unveilings of the human heart.

In the New Testament we have the unveiling of the heart of God.

Christ in the New Testament:

He was concealed in:

Theophanies,

types, and

figures in the Old Testament,

But in the New Testament He is revealed as:

the virgin born,

sinless,

Son of God

that came and died on the cross to atone for man’s sins.

He is the resurrected Christ that fulfilled all Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.

Outline

I. The Christ Of God.

Matthew - John

II. The Church Of God.

Acts

III. The Correspondence Of God.

Romans - Jude

IV. The Coming Of God.

Revelation