Introduction to the New Testament The New Testament tells a new and climactic part
of the continuing story of how God lovingly pursued intimacy with all
peoples.
Because of His great love, God gave His Son, Jesus, who, by dying on the cross,
established a new promise, the new covenant, so that each of us may return to
God.
The older covenant, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, involved God working
primarily through one people, Israel, to bring the blessing of salvation to all
peoples of the world.
The former covenant's laws revealed the righteous standard of perfection required
by a holy God for people to know Him.
The New Testament story began to be told after more than 400 years of silence.
There had been no scripturally recorded word from God since the prophet Malachi,
the last of the Old Testament prophets.
Then the New Testament broke that silence with the loving arrival on earth of God's
Son, who became man, born as a baby, named Jesus.
When the time came, Jesus gave His life to pay the penalty for the sins of the world.
In this way, He became the Redeemer and Savior for those who believe in Him.
The four Gospels begin this New Testament story by telling of Jesus' life,
His birth, teachings, deeds, death, and resurrection.
The next book, called the Acts of the Apostles, tells how the good news of
Jesus' salvation exploded into the first century world, causing the formation of
many churches throughout the Roman Empire.
Then there is a series of letters that teach believers how to grow in their faith
and apply it to everyday living.
The rest of the story of Jesus is described in the last book of the New
Testament, the Book of Revelation.
This book tells how Jesus Christ will one day return as He promised, restoring all
creation, so God's people can be with Him, to know Him and enjoy Him forever.