What is the New Testament Explained as Books and Covenant
- First, the New Testament is the 27-book collection that tells the story of Jesus and the growth of the early church through the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation.
- Second, the New Testament also refers to the new covenant ratified by Jesus’ death, through which believers receive forgiveness of sins.
- Together, these two meanings show why Christians live under apostolic teaching and the authority of Christ’s covenant promises.
We are now prepared to go into the next question: What is the New Testament? As we deal with this question, it is important to recognize that, like the Old Testament, this phrase is commonly used in two ways. First, it can describe the 27 books of the New Testament. Second, it refers to the covenant ratified by the death of Jesus Christ, through which you and I receive the forgiveness of our sins.
Let us first consider the 27 books of the New Testament. As we read these books, they unfold for us the ministry of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection on the third day. His resurrection is the bedrock of the Christian faith. Paul says that if there is no resurrection of Christ, then our preaching and our faith are fruitless. It is important for us to recognize that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give us insight into the ministry of Jesus from four distinct perspectives.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke are often called the Synoptic Gospels because they present Jesus from a similar vantage point. John, however, views Him from a unique perspective. John the theologian helps us understand that Jesus Christ was the Word made flesh and that He was, in fact, God. As we continue through the remainder of the New Testament, we witness the expansion of the kingdom of God.
“First, it can describe the 27 books of the New Testament. Second, it refers to the covenant ratified by the death of Jesus Christ, through which you and I receive the forgiveness of our sins.”
The book of Acts provides us with the beginning of the New Testament church as we watch the gospel move from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. We also find epistles that were written to specific church communities and addressed critical issues they faced. In addition, there are general epistles that were not directed to one particular congregation but to a broader audience of Christians living in various places. Thus, we find both specific epistles and general epistles within the New Testament.
We also encounter the great book of Revelation, an example of apocalyptic literature. This book ultimately demonstrates that Christians would be victorious over the persecution they were experiencing. As we read through the New Testament, we gain a clear understanding of the apostles’ doctrine and the faith once delivered to the saints.
The other way we understand the phrase “New Testament” is as the new covenant ratified by Jesus Christ, through which we receive the forgiveness of our sins. This covenant was prophetically announced in Jeremiah 31:31–34, where God declared, “I will make a new covenant.” Through this covenant, God promises, “I will remember your sins no more.” We understand and know that this promise is accomplished through the work of Jesus Christ.
“As we read through the New Testament, we gain a clear understanding of the apostles’ doctrine and the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Therefore, when we look at the books of the New Testament, we see that they unfold for us the apostles’ doctrine, while the new covenant itself was ratified by the blood of Jesus Christ. These are the two primary ways we can understand the phrases “New Covenant” and “New Testament.” Both concepts are essential to understanding God’s redemptive work and His relationship with His people.
I want you to enjoy this chapter and all that it has to offer. As a child of God, recognize that we are governed by the New Testament. Through it, we gain insight into the apostles’ doctrine and understand how the early church lived and worshiped. We recognize these 27 books of the New Testament as authoritative and as providing valuable insight into the life of the New Testament church.
This is Question #2 in Orpheus J. Heyward’s God’s Word: The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture. For the full book, click HERE
