The title 'New" Testament implies that a Bible existed before and that now is referred to as 'Old'. The word "Testament" means "covenant," and wherever there is a covenant, we will find two parties. Here the two parties are God and man. The “New Testament” is only considered new with regard to time, because it follows the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), but is actuality a renewal of Hebrew Bible, adding Messianic understandings of the Hebrew Bible. This is the emphasis of the Book of Hebrews. Portions of the Hebrew Bible centered on the Law, History, Poetry, and other writings. The “New Testament” (Apostolic Writings) is centered on the renewal of the covenant established with the faithfully obedient people of the Hebrew Bible and the Messianic interpretation of those scriptures from the mindset of Jesus the Messiah. Moses brought forth the definition of sin and Jesus as Messiah demonstrated the grace and truth of those definitions (Jn.1:17). The Hebrew Bible is filled with shadows and promise, and the Apostolic Writings are a reality and observance and explanation. The Hebrew Bible gives a beginning, the Apostolic Writings show a consummation. The opening verses of the Apostolic in Matthew's Gospel are linked directly to the Hebrew Bible. Successive books show logical progression in God's program, even though the books themselves are not necessarily in chronological order.
- Professor: Shadrach Martin