What is the difference between the Old and New Testaments?
The Old Testament records God's covenant with Israel and the long preparation for the Messiah. The New Testament records Jesus' coming, death, resurrection, and the birth of the church. Both are God's Word; both are about Christ.
The Old Testament (39 books) tells the story of creation, fall, the calling of Abraham, the exodus, the law, the kingdom, the exile, and the prophets' promises. The New Testament (27 books) records Jesus' life, the apostles' work, and the future hope.
Christians read both as Scripture. Jesus said the Old Testament writings bore witness to him (John 5:39); Paul says they were written for «our instruction» (Romans 15:4). The Old Testament is not replaced; it is fulfilled.
The two Testaments are like Act 1 and Act 2 of one drama. The promises of the Old are kept in the New; the New is incomprehensible without the Old. Together they tell one story of one God saving his people in Christ.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.