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A number of problems might easily be settled when one comes to see the difference in the Old and New Testaments.

First, it should help people understand there were no Christians in the Old Testament times. Too often we hear people speak of Abraham or David as “fine Christian men.” They were godly men, perhaps, but not Christians. There could be no Christians before Christ came.

Second, it would help those who contend they want to be saved “like the thief on the cross.” It has been pointed out again and again that before the death of Christ He sometimes pardoned men directly but that after His death His new covenant came into effect and men could, from that time on, be pardoned only by meeting the conditions of pardon announced in it.

Third, it would help those who are confused about the Sabbath day. That day which corresponds to our Saturday was an obligation that grew out of the first covenant and was an obligation resting on those only to whom the first covenant was addressed.

It was never given to a Gentile nation. Furthermore, even the obligation of keeping the Sabbath day ceased when the first covenant was superseded by the second and greater. The first day of the week was never a “Sabbath” and those who speak of it as being a Christian Sabbath show they do not understand the teaching of the scriptures on the subject.

Fourth, an understanding of the place and purposes of the two testaments would help all who are seeking the way to heaven. They would first know not to look in the Old Testament for the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” They would know the answer to this question is not given there but is given in the New Testament where alien sinners are, told to trust and obey Jesus. These confused souls would not be turning through the Bible in frantic search. They would look to the right place, the Christian age when the lost were being saved. They would learn what the apostles told sinners to do and they would do likewise. In so obeying they would become Christians and would, from that moment on, do all in their power to do the Lord’s will as it is revealed in the New Testament.

As a final word of caution, no one should ever be led by such an investigation as this to think that the Old Testament is not needed to help enlighten us today. Without it we would know little of creation and of God’s dealings with men for thousands of years before Christ came to bless the world. We would lack so many of the evidences that are needed today to prove Christianity came from God. “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” The Old Testament is worthy of study and should be studied diligently. The New Testament spreads before us God’s plan in its completed form. May God bless you in your search of the way.

Adapted from the tract What Is The Difference Between The Old And New Testaments?

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