I'm sure many struggle, as I have, with the differences between the Old and New Testaments in the Bible. They are both from the same book and are both GOD's word. So why do they differ so much? In the Old Testament, GOD demands blood sacrifices from various animals and lays down laws to Moses that seem unreasonable by today's standards. To understand the differences between the two testaments, I first had to understand the word testament. Testament is synonymous with covenant or agreement. GOD's covenant was made with many Old Testament characters and was broken by many only to be reestablished when a worthy person was born. For example, GOD made HIS covenant with Eve, then it became void by the sin of Cain. When Seth was born, GOD reestablished the covenant for Seth was a righteous man.



So how does the New Testament fit in? Even in the Old Testament, GOD states that there will be a New Covenant to be established, replacing the old when the time is right. Blood needs to be shed for the redemption of sins, hence the sacrifices. When Jesus came to earth, He shed His own blood as a "once-and-for-all" sacrifice so the sacrificing of animals is no longer required (thank you LORD). By allowing HIS only Son to be sacrificed, GOD established a new covenant with us. The Old Testament righteous did not sacrifice in vain. They were required to continuously make sacrifices to renew reconciliation and to keep the covenant. The beauty is that Jesus sacrifice is retroactive. Through Him, the Old Testament righteous men and women will be saved.

​

GOD's new covenant that we learn of through the New Testament does not make the Old Testament pointless. The Old Testament is GOD's teaching tool and gives many examples of righteousness as well as wickedness. The New Testament or Gospel releases us from the dogmatic laws of the Old Testament through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our savior.  GOD wants us back so much that HE has made it exceedingly easy for us to find our way home.