Difference Between Old Testament and New Testament

Old Testament vs New Testament
 

Difference between Old Testament and New Testament is one of the most basic questions anyone may ask about the Bible. It is important to know that both the Old Testament and the New Testament are the forms of the Bible. The Bible is considered the holy book of the Christians. The background of the events that are found in the New Testament forms the Old Testament. In short, it can be said that the Old Testament is the very foundation of the dogmas of Christianity. It is no hyperbole that Old Testament is a forerunner of the New Testament. It is believed that the New Testament has its foundation or the basis in the Old Testament. This is the why the New Testament is considered to be based on the systems, covenants, and promises found in the Old Testament.

What is the Old Testament?

The Old Testament does not speak about the Gospels. On the other hand, it tells us why the Jews were in search of a Messiah. The Messiah is identified as Jesus of Nazareth due to the explanations given in the Old Testament. There are details about the intricate prophecies about his birth, manner of death, and even resurrection. Detailed descriptions about the Jews are only in the Old Testament. Prophecies are made in the Old Testament. The Old Testament mentions the commandments. The Old Testament shows the wrath of God against sin and only glimpses of the God’s grace can be seen.

What is the New Testament?

The New Testament introduces the Gospels for us. When it comes to the description of Jews, the New Testament gives only a sketchy description of the Jews and their customs. The prophecies made in the Old Testament are all fulfilled through Gospels in the New Testament. This is because of the fact that several prophecies in the New Testament have their substrata in the Old Testament. The New Testament establishes the fact that God granted the commandments as possible means of salvation. The New Testament shows God’s grace towards sinners. Only glimpse of God’s wrath can be seen.

What is the difference between Old Testament and New Testament?

• Old Testament and New Testament are both forms of the Bible. The Old Testament as the name implies was written first. The New Testament was written later.

• The New Testament introduces the Gospels for us, whereas the Old Testament does not speak about the Gospels but, on the other hand, it tells us why the Jews were in search of a Messiah.

• The Messiah is identified as Jesus of Nazareth due to the explanations given in the Old Testament.

• One of the main differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament is that you can find detailed description about the Jews only in the Old Testament whereas the New Testament gives only a sketchy description of the Jews and their customs.

• It is important to note that the prophecies made in the Old Testament are all fulfilled through Gospels in the New Testament. This is because of the fact that several prophecies in the New Testament have their substrata in the Old Testament.

• Another important difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament is that the Old Testament mentions the commandments whereas the New Testament establishes the fact that God granted the commandments as possible means of salvation.

• Old Testament shows God’s wrath against sin while giving glimpses of his grace. New Testament shows God’s grace towards sinners while giving glimpses of his wrath.

• According to the Old Testament, Adam lost the paradise. New Testament speaks about how the paradise is gained again through the second Adam, namely Jesus.

• Old Testament says man lost the relationship he had with God because of sin. New Testament says this relationship between man and God can be restored. As you can see, the New Testament is a book of hope.

Images Courtesy:

1. The Incarnation illustrated with scenes from the Old Testaments and the Gospels, with the Trinity in the central column, by Fridolin Leiber, 19th century via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
2. Sermon on the Mount, by Carl Bloch via Wikicommons (Public Domain)