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The Two Testaments

Introduction: Read Hebrews 9:15

1. This volume, the Bible, is the STANDARD by which we will be judged (John 12:48).

2. It is a handbook on salvation, and all things connected with it.

3. As with any tool, it must be handled properly (2 Tim. 2:15).

I.   Notice With Us The Most Apparent Divisions: Old and New Testaments.

A. By “testament” is meant: “Covenant, agreement, will.”

B. We must know of these two testaments, and man must be able to find himself as to the testament, will, dispensation or law to which he is subject.

C. Both testaments, given from God. God spake in time past, and then, a change: He speaks through His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).

II.  What Do We Find In The Old Testament?

A. 39 books, detailing two dispensations: Patriarchal and Mosaic.

B. The Patriarchal Age — A “patriarch” was a “father.”

1. A dispensation where3in God dealt with the “fathers.”

2. No law had been written down for man, but law was given to man, as God spake to the fathers.

a. Adam and Eve sinned, and sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4).

b. The men of Noah’s time sinned (Gen. 6:5).

c. Sodom and Gomorrah sinned (2 Peter 2:6).

C. The Mosaic Age — Israel, under the Law of Moses.

1. The law was only given to Israel (Exod. 20:1-2).

2. The law, a schoolmaster to lead Israel until that time when justification would be by faith in Christ (Gal. 3:23-25).

3. Christ came to fulfill that law (Matt. 5:17), being the END of it (Rom. 10:4).

D. Hebrews 11 details those, under both Patriarchal and Mosaic law, who walked by faith, doing as God bade them.

III. Law For All Men Today: The New Testament Of The Christ.

A. 27 books — 4 giving the life of the Lord, lived under the Old Testament law, but pointing to the New.

B. 23 books detailing the life, work, service and worship to be rendered unto God through the Christ.

C. Reminders as to our law today:

1. Believe in the Christ, or perish (John 3:16).

2. God says, “Hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5).

3. Christ, the Way, The Truth, the Life (John 14:6).

4.Man must obey the Word of the Lord (John 12:48)

Conclusion:

1. Man can find himself — he is subject to the New Testament.

2. Salvation cannot be obtained in trying to live under either the Patriarchal or Mosaic system; Christ’s law was not there!

3. You must believe in the Christ, turn from sins, confess the Christ, and be baptized for remission of sins. Then, you have responded to the proper law, and in the proper way!