O.T. vs. N. T.???

What is the relationship of the teaching of the Old Testament to the teaching of the New Testament?

The Bible is not only the best-selling book in history, it is also the most beautiful story every told. The Bible is a unified, cohesive collection of 66 books, yet with differences and changes between the two Testaments. Thus, the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament and their teaching is one of unified beauty yet with different aspects, for each part.

First, the Bible is one unified story of God redeeming a people to Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. Whether it is God creating through His Word or the elect at the end of time falling before the lamb that was slain, the Bible is a story about Jesus, showcasing his majesty, glory, and nature. AS the word “canon” implies, the whole of the Bible is the “rule” for God’s people to know and submit to. The whole Bible is God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16), so it contains His whole authority on all matters. This means both Testament’s teaching is equal, of the same value, impotence, and authority. All of Scripture must be taught because all of Scripture is a beautiful revelation of God, His Son Jesus, and their plan, throughout the ages to save the elect.

Secondly, there are differences in the Testaments, especially since one is called the Old and the other is called the New. Yes, both Testaments reveal a covenant God who is redeeming a people through His covenant relationship. But there are differences in the covenants and how they are communicated and what they accomplish. As Augustine rightly helps, in this discussion, “the new is in the old concealed; the old is in the new revealed”. The Old Testament and the New Testament act as counterparts, pointing to each other, with clear distinctions. The Old Testament points forward to Christ through types (Ark of the Covenant), shadows (The ark with Noah), figures (Boaz), places, events (day of atonement), and laws. The New Testament reveals Christ in the flesh, telling both about his life and then explaining how God’s elect live in light of Christ’s life and death. This means the Old Testament helps illustrate the New, while the New Testament helps illuminate the Old. Thus, their teaching has the same authority yet can be communicated in different manners. No, many of the Laws or commands of God, from the Old, do not apply to us today, because Christ perfectly fulfilled them. Yet there are New Testament implications that require a holy life of God’s people, living under the same Word of God.

The Bible is the whole counsel of God, showing His heart and will for His people. Yes, the Bible is made of up of different genres of writing and different books and Testaments. So, there are clear differences that must be handled correctly. But the whole Bible is God’s inerrant, inspired Word, so it all must be taught, applied, and humbly followed by God’s people.