Old and new are one

The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed; the Old Testament is in the New Testament Revealed.

The Bible consists of 66 books written by more than 40 authors, on three continents, over a period of over 1700 years. Yet it expresses a single, integrated message – that man can have a relationship with God through salvation in Jesus.

Every detail of the text is skillfully designed to point us to Jesus. Its origin is outside of space and time – its origin is God. It is authenticated by fulfilled prophecy – God alone knows the end from the beginning. No other religious texts authenticated through fulfilled prophecy. The prophecies of the Bible all point to Jesus.

Jesus fulfills the prophecies and authenticates the message of Old Testament through His life and teachings. The Old Testament is quoted by New Testament authors more than 250 times. Jesus directly quotes from all three section of the Old Testament – the Torah (Law), the prophets and the writings (e.g. Psalms). He considers ALL of the events recorded in the Old Testament to be literal and true – including seven literal days of creation and the flood of Noah.

Jesus directly affirms the accuracy and authority of scripture in Matthew 5:17-18, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” And “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). Jesus used scripture to correct His critics when they wrongly criticized His actions and teachings, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). The Gospels contain 1800 verses which quote the teachings of Jesus. 180 of those verses are direct quotes from the Old Testament. Ninety-two times Jesus and the apostles reference the Old Testament by stating, “It is written.”

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy to the devil when he tempted Him (Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:16 and 6:13). He quoted the law in the sermon on the Mount (Exodus 20:13, 14). During His ministry he repeatedly quoted the Law and the Prophets in support of His teachings. He quoted scripture to silence His critics (Psalm 110:1). At the conclusion of His ministry,

He quoted the Psalms during his triumphal entry (Psalms 8:2) and from the cross (Psalm 22:1 and 31:5). “Old” and “New” are one!

Scripture teaches us God’s plan of salvation, guides us through the process of sanctification and directs us to pursue grateful service. The goal of every believer is to become more like their savior – Jesus. First the scriptures point us to Jesus and teach us how to be saved through Him. Then they guide us in becoming more like him – the process of sanctification. Jesus prayed to His Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).