New Testament theology – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

New Testament theology reveals God's fulfilled plan of redemption through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. It builds on Old Testament promises and points to the new covenant, where salvation is offered by grace through faith. The New Testament highlights Christ’s role as the fulfillment of the law, the foundation of the Church, and the source of the believer’s new life through the Holy Spirit. It teaches that the Church is united in Christ and called to live in holiness, service, and gospel mission. Ultimately, it looks forward to Christ’s return and the full restoration of creation.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament lays the groundwork for New Testament theology by establishing God’s promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), the law through Moses (Exodus 19-20), and the hope of a coming Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2).
• The sacrificial system, priesthood, and temple worship all point forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ (Leviticus 16; Psalm 110; Isaiah 53).
• The prophets spoke of a new covenant and a Spirit-filled transformation of the heart (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• New Testament theology centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ—the promised Messiah—who fulfills the law and prophets (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:27; John 1:17).
• The New Testament, written over several decades by those who walked with Jesus or were directly inspired by the Holy Spirit, reveals the coming of the Messiah—His birth (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20), life (John 1:14; Acts 10:38), death (Mark 15:33-39), and resurrection (Luke 24:1-12; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
• It records the birth of the Church (Acts 2:1-47) and outlines the core doctrines of the Christian faith (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Titus 2:11-14).
• Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God established a new covenant of grace, replacing the old system of law and sacrifice (Hebrews 8:6-13; Romans 3:21-26).
• New Testament theology teaches that salvation is a gift of God’s grace received through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7).
• Believers are united in Christ as one body, the Church, and are empowered by the Holy Spirit for holy living and gospel mission (Acts 2:38-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
• The book of Hebrews explains the new covenant established through Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13; 9:11-15).
• The epistles provide guidance for Christian living and church life (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Timothy 3:14-15).
• The New Testament ends with the promise of Christ’s return and the full restoration of creation (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 21:1-4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Living out New Testament theology means letting the story of Jesus reshape your story. It’s more than believing in His life, death, and resurrection—it’s walking with Him daily, fueled by grace, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As part of the Church, you’re not alone; you’re invited into a family where your gifts matter, your burdens are shared, and your faith is strengthened. This kind of life is about relationship, purpose, and hope that outlasts every hardship because it's anchored in Christ. When you follow Him, you believe in the gospel for the forgiveness of sins, and you become a living reflection of it.

UNDERSTAND

• New Testament theology focuses on Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills Old Testament promises and established the new covenant.
• New Testament theology confirms that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ.
• New Testament theology calls believers to live holy, purposeful lives while anticipating Christ’s return and creation’s restoration.

REFLECT

• How does the new covenant and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers encourage you to live in a way that honors God?
• What does it look like for you to live out New Testament theology?
• How does being part of the Church challenge and encourage you to live with purpose and hope as you await Christ’s return?

ENGAGE

• How does the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in the life and work of Jesus shape our understanding of God’s plan?
• What does it look like for believers to live out the new covenant together in practical ways?
• How can the anticipation of Christ’s return influence the way we live and serve in the Church today?