"The New Testament is distinguished from the Old Testament by the word "new" It is not just a revelation but a continuation of the history of God's activity in the new world.[i] "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John1:29) This verse from the New Testament would make no sense to one without knowledge of Old Testament passages such as Exodus 12. It's important that one realise the Old Testament and New Testament do not represent a plan A and plan B by God. It's always been plan A; it's always been Jesus from before the foundation of the world. What a glorious continuation indeed.
"The New Testament is linked to the Old Testament in the sense that it was viewed by the early church as having the same authority as the Old Testament. It was seen as revelatory of God's will and as scripture."[ii] "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16) Paul's is referring to the Old Testament in this passage. As such, the Old Testament is to be used today as it was then, for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. However, Peter refers to Paul's writings as scripture in 2 Peter 3:16, which would indicate that Paul's writings are also inspired of God. Thus, Old and New Testaments are God breathed and should be read and understood as such.
It is important that I remind myself of these truths often so that I do not forget how the New and Old Testaments are inextricably linked.
[i] Hester, Kevin, Dr. "What Is the New Testament." Student-My Welch College. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.
[ii] Hester, Kevin, Dr.
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