Settling The Two Testaments

When it comes to the Old and New Testaments—both of which we walk through in Chapter One of Faith Basics—I’m often asked:

• Why are there two testaments?
• What’s the difference between them?
• And why does God seem so different between the two?

These are great questions. They help us wrestle with the authority of God’s Word and how we understand His nature. Too often, we can find ourselves dismissing parts of Scripture simply because of confusion or misconceptions. So let’s take a closer look at these foundational ideas.

Why Are There Two Testaments?

The two Testaments represent two distinct covenants—two ways God relates to His creation. In Scripture, the word testament means “covenant” or “sacred agreement” between God and humanity.

• The Old Testament centers on God’s covenant with Israel (before the coming of the Christ).
• The New Testament centers on God’s new covenant through Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, our relationship with God is established under the Law—outlined in the first five books of the Bible. God gave His Law to reveal His holiness and to show humanity that we could never achieve righteousness on our own. The Law is a work-based system: I either obey or disobey, and when I disobey, I must make a sacrifice to atone for my misdeeds.

But as Scripture reveals, no one can perfectly keep the Law. God’s standard of righteousness exposes our inability to save ourselves. Jesus addresses this directly in Matthew 5:17, declaring that He came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.

Paul echoes this in Romans 5:10-11:

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

The Old Testament, then, establishes our need for a Savior—one who could live the righteous life we could not and give that righteousness to us. This leads us to the New Testament, where our relationship with God is now established under grace.

Grace allows us to receive the righteousness of Christ as our own through faith. John 20:31 captures this purpose beautifully:

“These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”

So, the Old Testament tells the story of humanity’s experience with God under the covenant of Law, while the New Testament tells the story of our experience under the covenant of grace—fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

What’s the Difference Between the Two?

As we’ve alluded to, the difference between the two Testaments is found in how we relate to God and how He relates to us. While this may seem like a simple framework, it captures the profound shift between the Old and New Covenants.

How We Relate to God

• In the Old Testament, humanity related to God through the Law. Righteousness was maintained through obedience, sacrifice, and priestly mediation. Worship and relationship were centered on the Tabernacle or Temple. Faithfulness to God was demonstrated through adherence to His commands as part of His chosen people, Israel.
• In the New Testament, our relationship with God is no longer based on the Law but on grace through faith in Jesus Christ. His sacrifice fulfills the Law’s demands once and for all, removing the need for continual offerings. Now, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, every believer can approach God personally and directly.

How God Relates to Us

• In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself through covenants, prophets, and signs. His presence dwelt among the people, but within the boundaries of the Tabernacle or Temple. His holiness required separation, emphasizing the need for repentance and purification.
• In the New Testament, God draws near to humanity in an entirely new way—through Jesus Christ. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” Jesus embodies God’s presence and perfectly reveals His character and will. Through Christ, God’s mercy, grace, and desire for reconciliation are made fully known. And now, through the Holy Spirit, God’s presence dwells within believers, removing the need for temple, priest, or ritual.

Why Does God Seem Different Between the Two?

At first glance, the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New can seem very different—the former emphasizing judgment and law, the latter grace and love. But together, they tell one continuous story: the story of a holy God pursuing, redeeming, and restoring His people.

The Old Testament shows humanity striving toward God through covenant and command. The New Testament shows God coming to humanity through Christ and grace.

The difference is not in God’s nature but in His unfolding plan of redemption. He is the same faithful, righteous, and loving God throughout—working across both covenants to bring us back into right relationship with Himself.