Some readers feel that the Old and New Testaments are two very different books — one about law and judgement, the other about grace and love. But Christians have always read them as one story in two parts. Seeing how they connect makes both halves richer and clearer.
Jesus' own view
After his resurrection, Jesus walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. "Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27, KJV). Later he told the apostles that everything written about him "in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms" must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). For Jesus, the Old Testament was not a separate religion but the story that led to him.
Five ways the testaments connect
1. Promise and fulfilment
The Old Testament is full of promises: a descendant of Eve who would crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15), blessing for all nations through Abraham (Genesis 12:3), an everlasting King from David's line (2 Samuel 7), a new covenant written on the heart (Jeremiah 31:31–34). The New Testament announces that these promises are fulfilled in Jesus. Paul writes, "all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20, KJV).
2. Shadow and reality
Many Old Testament practices are described as shadows of something greater (Hebrews 10:1):
- The Passover lamb points to Jesus, "our passover… sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7).
- The temple — God's dwelling with his people — points to Jesus, who "dwelt among us" (John 1:14), and to the church as God's temple.
- The high priest points to Jesus, our great high priest (Hebrews 4:14).
- Animal sacrifices point to Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9–10).
3. Patterns and types
Some people and events in the Old Testament form patterns (often called types) that are repeated and fulfilled in Christ:
- Adam: Paul calls Jesus the "last Adam" who brings life where the first brought death (1 Corinthians 15:45).
- Moses: a prophet like Moses would come (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22).
- David: the shepherd-king pointing to the Good Shepherd and true King.
- Jonah: Jesus spoke of the "sign of Jonas" — three days and nights before rising (Matthew 12:40).
4. Old covenant and new covenant
The covenant at Sinai showed God's holy standard but could not change hearts. The prophets promised a new covenant, and Jesus established it through his death (Luke 22:20). The letter to the Hebrews explains this in detail. See the main covenants in the Bible.
5. Quotations and allusions
The New Testament quotes the Old Testament hundreds of times and alludes to it far more often. Matthew repeatedly notes that events happened "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet". Revelation is full of images from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah and Exodus. You cannot fully understand the New Testament without the Old.
Continuity and change
The two testaments share the same God, the same story and the same gospel of grace — Abraham was counted righteous by faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3). But there are also changes:
- The sacrificial system is fulfilled in Christ and no longer needed.
- God's people now include all nations, not one nation.
- The Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers (Acts 2:17, quoting Joel).
- Ceremonial and food laws given to Israel are not binding in the same way on Gentile believers (Acts 10; Acts 15; Mark 7:19).
The moral heart of the law — love for God and neighbour — remains (Matthew 22:37–40).
"Isn't the God of the Old Testament different?"
Some people think the Old Testament shows a harsh God and the New a loving one. But the Old Testament describes God as "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" (Exodus 34:6, KJV), and the New Testament also speaks of God's judgement. Both show one God who is both just and loving — supremely revealed at the cross.
How to read with both testaments in mind
- When reading the Old Testament, ask: How does this prepare for Jesus?
- When reading the New Testament, ask: What Old Testament background helps me understand this?
- Use the cross-references in your Bible to follow quotations.
Continue with Old Testament prophecies about Jesus and the big story of the Bible.