Evergreen Faith : The Old vs. New Testament
- Boundless Team
- Mar 22
- 5 min read
A Message from FA Memphis
The Old and New Testaments are not two different religions but one continuous story of God’s plan to redeem humanity. While the Old Testament establishes the foundation through laws, sacrifices, and prophecies, the New Testament reveals their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Together, they demonstrate God’s unwavering love and His consistent mission to restore our broken relationship with Him through the power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Grounding Our Faith: Key Bible Verses
To understand how these two halves of the Bible fit together, we look to the Word itself. Here are a few foundational verses that bridge the gap:
Hebrews 10:1 (NIV)
"The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming: not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship."
Luke 24:27 (NIV)
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."
Matthew 5:17 (NIV)
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
Micro-Study: Understanding the Big Story
If you’ve ever picked up a Bible and felt like you were reading two completely different books, you aren’t alone. The Old Testament can feel heavy with laws, genealogies, and ancient rituals. Then you flip to the New Testament, and suddenly there’s a focus on grace, love, and a Man named Jesus.
But here’s the beautiful truth: you can’t fully understand the New Testament without the Old, and you can’t fully appreciate the Old Testament without the New. They are one single, cohesive narrative of redemption. At Boundless Online Church, we love diving into these connections because they prove that God has had a plan for you since the very beginning.
Act I: The Foundation and the Need (Old Testament)
The Old Testament isn't just a history book; it’s a "setup" for a Savior. It starts with perfection in Eden, but quickly moves to the "Fall of Man." This is one of the 16 Fundamental Truths we hold dear: the realization that humanity chose its own way over God’s way, creating a gap that we could never bridge on our own.
For thousands of years, the Old Testament shows God’s people trying to bridge that gap through the Law and the sacrificial system. Every lamb offered on an altar was a "shadow" of something greater. It was a temporary fix that pointed to a permanent solution. The Law wasn't there to save people; it was there to show people that they needed saving. It was like a mirror, showing us the dirt on our faces but lacking the power to wash us clean.
Throughout these pages, God makes promises (covenants). He promised Abraham that through his offspring, all nations would be blessed. He promised David that a King would sit on his throne forever. These weren't just nice thoughts; they were the blueprints for the arrival of Jesus.
Act II: The Fulfillment and the Solution (New Testament)
When Jesus arrives in the Gospels, He doesn't throw out the Old Testament. Instead, He says, "I'm here to finish what was started."
The New Testament records the arrival of the Messiah: the one the prophets whispered about for centuries. Where the Old Testament showed the problem of sin, the New Testament provides the answer. In the Old Testament, the High Priest entered the temple to offer blood for sins; in the New Testament, Jesus is the High Priest and the sacrifice all at once.
One of the most powerful connections is the "New Exodus." Just as God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Old Testament), Jesus delivers us from the slavery of sin and death (New Testament). This is the heart of why we gather for Sunday Sermons: to celebrate that the "ransom" has been paid in full.
The Holy Spirit: The Power to Live the Story
As an Assemblies of God ministry, we place a high value on the role of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the Spirit would "come upon" specific people for specific tasks. But in the New Testament, after Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers.
This is a vital part of the story. Redemption isn't just about getting us to Heaven; it's about God living inside us here and now. If you’ve ever wondered what Pentecostal means or why people still talk about the relevance of speaking in tongues, it’s all tied to this "Act II" of the story. The same God who parted the Red Sea is the same God who empowers you to face your struggles today through His Spirit.
Why This Matters for You Today
Understanding that the Bible is one story changes how you read it. It means:
God is Faithful: If He kept His promises over thousands of years to bring Jesus, He will keep His promises to you.
You Have a Place: You aren't an afterthought. You are part of the "New Testament" era: the time of grace where anyone, anywhere, can meet Jesus.
The Story Isn't Over: Just as the Old Testament pointed to the first coming of Christ, the New Testament points to His second coming. We are living in the "in-between," waiting with purpose.
If you’re looking for a place to study these truths deeper with others, we invite you to check out our Bible Study Club or the Clarion Call Bible Study. Whether you’re a night-shift worker, a busy parent, or someone just starting their faith journey, there is a seat for you at the table.
One God, One Plan
The God of the Old Testament isn't "angry" while the God of the New Testament is "loving." He is the same God: holy, just, and incredibly merciful. The Old Testament shows His holiness and the standard of righteousness; the New Testament shows His mercy and the way He made for us to meet that standard through His Son.
When you see the Bible as one story of redemption, the "hard parts" of the Old Testament start to make sense as the necessary backdrop for the "good news" of the New Testament. It’s a story of a Father who refused to give up on His children.
If you are struggling to see how your own story fits into God's big narrative, or if you have questions that feel too big to ask, don't stay in the dark. We have resources like 7 Life Questions Everyone's Afraid to Ask to help you navigate these waters.
A Simple Prayer for Your Journey
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Thank You that from the very first pages of Genesis to the final words of Revelation, You have been pursuing me. Help me to see the "Big Story" of Your love. Open my eyes to see Jesus on every page, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I can live out my part in Your story today. Amen.
Connect with Us
We believe that no one should have to walk their faith journey alone. Whether you are celebrating a victory or walking through a valley, we are here to stand with you.
Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.
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Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies. Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.
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