The Old Testament in 2min

Connecting the Old Testament to the Big Picture of the Bible

The Bible reveals God's plan to rescue humanity through Jesus Christ.

This rescue plan consists of two parts, the Old and the New Testament.

The books of the Old Testament focus here on the earth and the problem of mankind.

It consists of four parts.

The Torah shows us how the problem started right at the beginning.

The books of history show us how the effects of the problem worsened.

The poetic books describe the longing for salvation.

And the prophetic books warn of the consequences of the problem while announcing the solution.

The Key Ideas of the Old Testament

But what exactly is the problem and how can it be recognized?

Well, let's take a look at the origin of the problem. The fall of mankind. You see, mankind was supposed to rule in God's place here on earth and represent him. However, we rebelled against God and the relationship was broken. But God went after mankind on a rescue mission.

He divided humanity into different nations and chose one nation to show his glory. Then God gave this nation the law with the Ten Commandments. It revealed God's perfect standard and mankind's problem that we are sinners because we rebel against God. The law therefore highlights the problem, but it does not offer a solution.

Summary + Application to Christ

But the solution is repeatedly foreshadowed that a savior would come who would restore the broken relationship between God and mankind and reign with peace on earth.

So at the end of the Old Testament, the exciting question remains unanswered.

Who is this announced savior and how will his kingdom on earth come about?

To summarize, the Old Testament shows the origin of the problem, the fall of mankind by using the law.

Action Steps

Through the Ten Commandments, you can test yourself. Have you sinned and fallen short of God's standard?

Consider taking the test now.