Questions Raised and Answered by the New Testament Books
- How can the New Testament help us today?
- The New Testament speaks to important issues such as the
nature of salvation by God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the nature of the Church, and the
role of the Holy Spirit.
- Answers to questions about suffering and the role of Christians in the world today can be
found in the New Testament.
Here are some key questions raised and answered by the New Testament writings
- Who is Jesus of Nazareth?
Brief Answer: Jesus is God in Incarnate, the long-awaited Messiah, and the Savior of the world
(e.g., John 1:1-14; Matthew 16:16; Luke 9:20).
- Why did Jesus come to earth?
Brief Answer: Notably, Jesus came to save humanity from the consequences of sin by offering
Himself as a sacrifice. As God Incarnate, He showed the kind of personal relationship God
wants to have with us. Jesus came to model the values God wants us to live by as well as
showing us what God is like (e.g., Matthew 1:21; John 3:16-17; Luke 19:10).
- What is the Gospel?
Brief Answer: The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for
the forgiveness of sins, the possibility of a close relationship with God as Father, and the promise
of eternal life with our Creator (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Mark 1:15).
- How can one receive salvation?
Brief Answer: Salvation is received through repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and acceptance of
His lordship over us (e.g., Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 2:8-9).
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
Brief Answer: The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, empowers believers, and convicts the world of
sin (e.g., John 14:26; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:14).
- What is the Kingdom of God?
Brief Answer: The Kingdom of God is the reign of God over all creation, which is both a present
reality and a future hope (e.g., Luke 17:20-21; Matthew 6:33; Revelation 21:1-4).
- What are the mosts important commandments?
Brief Answer: To love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and to love your neighbor as
yourself (e.g., Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31).
- What is the nature of the Church?
Brief Answer: The Church is the body of Christ, a community of believers united in faith,
worship, and mission (e.g., Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
- What happens after death?
Brief Answer: Believers will be resurrected to eternal life with God, while those who reject
Christ will face judgment (e.g., John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation
20:11-15).
- What is the nature of Christian ethics?
Brief Answer: Christian ethics involve living a life of love, holiness, and service, following the
example and teachings of Jesus. In short, it is to be Christlike (e.g., Romans 12:9-21; Galatians
5:22-23; Matthew 5-7).
- How should Christians respond to suffering?
Brief Answer: Christians are encouraged to endure whatever suffering comes their way with
faith, knowing that it can produce spiritual growth and that God is with them (e.g., Romans
5:3-5; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 4:12-13).
- What is the role of faith in the Christian life?
Brief Answer: Faith is central to the Christian life. It is through faith that how believers are
justified, live, and please God (e.g., Hebrews 11:1-6; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:7).
- What is the relationship between the Old and New Testaments?
Brief Answer: They are two parts of God's Word to us. It is impossible to fully understand one set of writings without understanding the other. The New Testament is the story of the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and laws through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (e.g., Matthew 5:17-18; Hebrews 8:6-13; Luke 24:44-47).
- What is the mission of Christians in the world?
Brief Answer: Christians are called to make disciples of all nations, sharing the Gospel and living as witnesses of Christ (e.g., Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
- What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection?
Brief Answer: The resurrection of Jesus confirms His divinity, assures believers of their future resurrection, and validates the Christian faith (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:12-22; Romans 4:25; 1 Peter 1:3).
-- Howard Culbertson,
Afterword: What Is the Message of the New Testament for Us Today?
The message of the New Testament can be summed up as a declaration of God's love for humanity and His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. It teaches us important truths about:
- Salvation and Redemption: Humanity is offered salvation and forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ, who died and was resurrected to reconcile people with God.
- Love and Compassion: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving others, advocating for compassion, humility, and service to one another.
- Hope and Eternal Life: Believers are promised hope, spiritual transformation, and eternal life through faith.
- Living Out Faith: The New Testament calls for a life of discipleship, marked by ethical behavior, kindness, and commitment to spreading the teachings of Jesus.
- Unity and Community: The New Testament encourages believers to form a supportive and unified community, working together to reflect the love of Christ in the world.
In essence, the New Testament invites us to live a life transformed by grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and anchored in the hope of eternal life.
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