The terms "Old Testament" and "New Testament" are deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and theological understanding of God's relationship with humanity. To fully appreciate why these testaments are labeled as "Old" and "New," one must delve into the concept of covenant, which is central to the biblical story and underpins the division of the Bible into these two sections.
In biblical terms, a covenant is a solemn agreement or pact between two parties. In the Bible, covenants are predominantly between God and humans, serving as a framework for understanding God's promises and expectations. The concept of covenant is woven throughout the biblical text, illustrating how God interacts with His creation.
The "Old Testament" refers to the collection of books that form the first part of the Christian Bible, corresponding to the Hebrew Bible. It is called "Old" not because it is outdated or irrelevant, but because it represents the original covenants made between God and His people, primarily through figures such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David.
The covenant with Noah, found in Genesis 9, was God's promise never to destroy the earth with a flood again, signified by the rainbow. This covenant was universal, encompassing all of humanity and creation. The Abrahamic covenant, detailed in Genesis 12 and 15, involved promises of land, descendants, and blessings, setting the foundation for the nation of Israel. The Mosaic covenant, given at Mount Sinai and recorded in Exodus 19-24, was a conditional covenant, where God gave the Law and the people of Israel agreed to follow it. The Davidic covenant, found in 2 Samuel 7, promised that David's lineage would endure forever, pointing towards a future king.
These covenants collectively form the foundation of the "Old Testament," which is characterized by laws, rituals, and the history of Israel's relationship with God. The Old Testament is "old" in the sense that it represents the original agreements that were in place before the coming of Jesus Christ.
The "New Testament," on the other hand, refers to the collection of books that detail the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early Christian church's formation and teachings. The term "New" signifies a new covenant established through Jesus Christ, which fulfills and transcends the old covenants.
This new covenant is prophesied in the Old Testament, particularly in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant different from the one made with the ancestors of Israel. This new covenant would be written on the hearts of the people, offering a more intimate and personal relationship with God. The fulfillment of this prophecy is found in the life and work of Jesus, as described in the New Testament.
In the Gospels, particularly in the accounts of the Last Supper, Jesus explicitly refers to His sacrificial death as the establishment of this new covenant. In Luke 22:20, Jesus says, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." This statement signifies that through His death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant that offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
The new covenant is characterized by grace, faith, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Unlike the old covenant, which was based on adherence to the Law, the new covenant emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation. This shift is eloquently explained in the book of Hebrews, particularly in chapters 8 and 9, where the author discusses the superiority of the new covenant over the old.
The division of the Bible into the "Old" and "New" Testaments reflects this theological progression from the anticipation of the Messiah and the establishment of Israel as God's people, to the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ and the expansion of God's covenant to include all of humanity. This division is not merely chronological but represents a profound theological shift in how God relates to humanity.
The "Old Testament" is foundational, providing the context and background for understanding the "New Testament." It is a testament to God's faithfulness, justice, and mercy throughout history. The "New Testament" reveals the culmination of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, offering a new way of relating to God that is accessible to all people, regardless of ethnicity or background.
In summary, the Bible's testaments are called "Old" and "New" because they represent two major covenants between God and humanity. The "Old Testament" encompasses the original covenants with the patriarchs and Israel, while the "New Testament" describes the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. This distinction highlights the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan of salvation, demonstrating His unchanging love and faithfulness across the ages.
