The New Testament
by Don WalkerIn Matthew 26:28 Jesus said,
"For this is the blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." The New Testament is a power indeed. That
"everlasting covenant" (Hebrews 13:20) provides the marching orders for New Testament Christians. That New Testament provides a blueprint for the New Testament church. No child of God should be without a working knowledge of this powerful section of Holy Writ (Hebrews 5:12-14).
The New Testament is a fulfillment of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17) and stands as the reality that cast the shadow of that first covenant (Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:17). Concerning the truth, the Hebrews writer recorded this point regarding the high priest,
"who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: For, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount" (Hebrews 8:5).
The New Testament's message is really quite clear. The proclamation that Christ is coming again rings forth from Acts, chapter one,through the end of Revelation. Realizing this point, righteousness and temperance should mark our lives, for one day we will be judged by the very testament (the words of Christ) that we speak of now (Acts 24:25; John 12:48). Its division is truly quite logical when we read it in this light. Notice how the New Testament is divided:
Matthew -- John ... The life of Christ
Acts ... The history of the Church
Romans -- Jude ... How to live as a Christian
Revelation ... How to die as a Christian
Truly the New Testament is a great blessing for men. Sealed with the blood of Christ, it will shine a light, enabling us to follow in the footsteps of our Lord, Jesus Christ. May we each thank the Father for such a bountiful gift. May we ever keep the importance of this New Testament before our minds as we study our Bibles much more, and much more seriously.
