The Bible’s most noticeable feature is its two parts: the Old Testament (originally in Hebrew and Aramaic) and the New Testament (originally in Greek). This obvious division reflects the two main covenants or testaments made by God. As we follow the Bible’s teaching about each covenant, we discover an essential framework for understanding the Bible. Here are examples:
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son. (Hebrews 1:1-2)
For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself…. Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant… but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. (Hebrews 3:3, 5, 6)
Here, again, is the Bible interpreting itself. Hebrews 1:1-2 states the theme of Hebrews. Look more closely at its three contrasts:
- When did God speak? “Long ago” / “in these days”
- To whom did God speak? “God spoke to our fathers” / “He has spoken to us”
- By whom did God speak? “By the prophets” / “”by His Son”
God is the same; He never changes (Numbers 23:19; James 1:17). But His dealings with people have changed through history, just as He planned. Think of God’s command to Noah to build a huge boat to survive the flood. We still learn from that history (Luke 17:26-27; 1 Peter 3:20-21; 2 Peter 2:5-9). But God made that covenant with Noah (Genesis 6:18), not others. Thus, the command to make an ark was not repeated in the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:8), nor is it applied directly to us.