THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE NEW

The Bible as we know it is divided into two parts called the Old Testament and New Testament. the name Testament came into the English version from the Latin Bible where the word 'testamentum' is used to translate a Greek word which usually means 'last will and testament' but which was used in the Greek version of the Old Testament known as the Septuagint (LXX) to translate the Hebrew word meaning 'Covenant'. Neither 'testamentum' or testament convey the idea of Covenant yet the main theme of the Bible is Covenant relationship between God and Man especially the relationship which God initiated for reconciliation of sinful man to Himself.

The Bible is throughout the book of a covenant people. It is not simply God's revelation of Himself in general terms; it is a revelation which follows one clearly defined channel. Our idea of the church becomes vague unless we consider it against the whole background of Biblical revelation.

We need to see how vitally important the OT is for understanding both the mind and teaching of Jesus, and the whole manner in which the story of His life is set forth in the gospels and the influence of the Spirit after the resurrection upon His followers as described in the Acts and Epistles.