Old Testament vs. New Testament for Disciple-Making

Old Testament vs. New Testament: Understanding the Similarities and Differences FOR DISCIPLE-MAKING

DISCIPLE-MAKING. ANYTIME. ANYWHERE.

One of the most common questions people ask when they begin reading the Bible is:

"What's the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament?"

Understanding how these two sections of the Bible fit together is one of the keys to understanding God's plan of redemption. While the Old Testament and New Testament have distinct purposes and historical settings, they tell one unified story—the story of God's love, His faithfulness, and His plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ.



Whether you're new to the Bible or have been studying Scripture for years, learning how the Old and New Testaments complement one another will deepen your faith and strengthen your understanding of God's Word.

What Is the Old Testament?

The Old Testament is the first section of the Bible. It records God's relationship with His people before the birth of Jesus Christ.

It includes:

• The creation of the world
• The lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
• Moses and the Exodus
• The giving of God's Law
• Israel's history
• The Psalms and Proverbs
• The writings of the prophets
• God's promises of a coming Messiah



Throughout the Old Testament, we see God's holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness as He prepares the way for the Savior.

What Is the New Testament?

The New Testament begins with the birth of Jesus Christ and records His life, ministry, death, resurrection, and the growth of the early Church.

It includes:

• The four Gospels
• The book of Acts
• Letters written to churches and believers
• The book of Revelation

The New Testament reveals that Jesus is the promised Messiah foretold throughout the Old Testament and explains how believers can experience salvation through faith in Him.

How Are the Old Testament and New Testament Different?

Although they tell one continuous story, there are important differences between the two.

Historical Focus

The Old Testament focuses on God's covenant relationship with Israel and His preparation for the coming Messiah.



The New Testament focuses on Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the spread of the gospel to all nations.

The Law and Grace

The Old Testament contains God's Law, given to guide His people and reveal His holiness.

The New Testament teaches that salvation comes through God's grace by faith in Jesus Christ. While believers continue to learn from God's moral teachings, Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law through His life, death, and resurrection.

Prophecy and Fulfillment

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies pointing to the coming Messiah.

The New Testament shows how those promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

How Are They Similar?

The Old Testament and New Testament are not competing stories.

They are one story.

Both reveal:

• The character of God
• God's love for humanity
• Humanity's need for salvation
• God's plan of redemption
• The importance of faith
• The call to obedience
• God's desire for relationship with His people



From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently points people toward God's saving work.

Why Should Christians Study Both Testaments?

Some believers spend most of their time reading the New Testament because it focuses directly on Jesus.

Others enjoy the stories and wisdom found throughout the Old Testament.

The truth is that Christians benefit from studying both.

The Old Testament helps us understand:

• Why Jesus came
• God's promises
• Biblical history
• The foundation of the Christian faith

The New Testament helps us understand:

• The life and teachings of Jesus
• Salvation through Christ
• The early Church
• Christian living
• The Great Commission



Together, they provide a complete picture of God's plan.

Building a Strong Foundation in God's Word

Studying both Testaments helps believers develop a balanced understanding of Scripture.

It also prepares Christians to answer questions about their faith with confidence and wisdom.

When believers understand the entire Bible, they are better equipped to:



• Share the gospel
• Lead Bible studies
• Disciple others
• Apply biblical truth to everyday life
• Teach future generations
  

Study the Old Testament with D-Life

The D-Life Old Testament Journals guide readers through one year of daily Bible reading featuring:

• 260 key Old Testament stories
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Weekly Scripture memory
• Discussion guides
• Prayer requests
• Personal application through the SPACE Bible Study Method

These journals help individuals and groups build a strong foundation in God's Word while growing together in discipleship.

Study the New Testament with D-Life

The D-Life New Testament Journals guide believers through the entire New Testament in one year.

Each journal includes:

• Daily Bible reading
• Weekly Scripture memory
• Discussion questions
• Prayer pages
• Personal application
• Two unique years of New Testament studies

Whether you're reading through the New Testament for the first time or the tenth time, the journals help you continue growing in your understanding of Christ and His mission.

Disciple-Making Begins with God's Word

Jesus called His followers to make disciples, and disciples grow by knowing and applying Scripture.

The more we understand both the Old and New Testaments, the better equipped we become to teach others, answer questions about our faith, and help others follow Christ.



That's why D-Life exists—to equip ordinary believers with practical, biblical resources that lead to lifelong disciple-making.

Start Studying the Bible Today

Whether you're just beginning your journey through Scripture or you're leading a church, small group, or family Bible study, D-Life provides practical tools to help you grow.

Our Old Testament and New Testament Journals, D-Life Online, disciple-making training, and leadership resources provide a simple, biblical, and reproducible pathway for spiritual growth.

Ready to deepen your understanding of God's Word? Contact us today to learn more about our Old Testament and New Testament Journals, online Bible study resources, and disciple-making training. Together, we'll help you grow in your faith and make disciples who make disciples.

Because the Bible isn't two separate stories.

It's one story of God's love, redemption, and His invitation to follow Jesus.

DISCIPLE-MAKING. ANYTIME. ANYWHERE..

Frequently Asked Questions About the Old Testament and New Testament