Faith in the Old Testament vs. New Testament deep meanings and teachings.
Discover the deep meaning of faith in the Old Testament vs. the New Testament. Learn how faith evolved from obedience to salvation through Jesus Christ, with key biblical teachings and examples.
Faith in the Old Testament vs. New Testament: Deep Meanings & Teachings
Faith is a central theme throughout the Bible, but its expression and understanding evolve from the Old Testament to the New Testament. While both testaments emphasize trust in God, the New Testament expands faith’s role, centering it on Jesus Christ. Let’s explore their similarities, differences, and spiritual teachings.
1. FAITH IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
A. Definition & Meaning of Faith in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, faith is primarily about trusting in God’s character, His promises, and obeying His commands. It was demonstrated through obedience, covenant loyalty, and reliance on God's deliverance.
Habakkuk 2:4 – “The righteous shall live by his faith.”
Faith was not merely believing in God’s existence but actively trusting Him through obedience.
B. Key Characteristics of Old Testament Faith
- Faith Expressed Through Obedience – Faith was shown through actions, like following God’s law and commands.
- Faith in God’s Promises – Many believers had faith in the future fulfillment of God's covenant.
- Faith in God's Deliverance – Trusting in God's ability to save, protect, and provide.
C. Examples of Faith in the Old Testament
Abraham – The "father of faith," who trusted God’s promise without seeing immediate results.
Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”
Moses – He trusted God’s power to deliver Israel despite challenges.
Exodus 14:13-14 – “Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord.”
David – Had faith in God’s protection and guidance.
Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, etc.) – Spoke and acted in faith despite persecution.
2. FAITH IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
A. Definition & Meaning of Faith in the New Testament
In the New Testament, faith shifts from covenantal obedience to personal belief in Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith is now centered on grace through Jesus Christ rather than obedience to the Mosaic Law.
B. Key Characteristics of New Testament Faith
- Faith in Jesus Christ – Salvation comes through believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” - Faith Produces Salvation – Justification comes through faith, not works.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” - Faith Is a Relationship – Faith is personal, trusting Jesus daily, not just religious rituals.
C. Examples of Faith in the New Testament
Jesus’ Teachings on Faith – Faith in Him brings eternal life.
John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
The Apostles’ Faith – The early church spread the Gospel through faith in Jesus.
Acts 16:31 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”
Paul’s Teaching on Faith – Righteousness comes through faith, not the Law.
Romans 3:28 – “A person is justified by faith apart from the works of the Law.”
3. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FAITH IN THE OLD & NEW TESTAMENTS
| Aspect | Old Testament Faith | New Testament Faith |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Trust in God’s covenant and promises | Trust in Jesus as Savior |
| Expression | Obedience to the Law | Grace through faith in Christ |
| Salvation | Based on faith and obedience | By faith alone (Ephesians 2:8) |
| Covenant | Old Covenant (Moses, Abraham) | New Covenant (Jesus Christ) |
| Example | Abraham, Moses, David | Jesus, Apostles, Paul |
4. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OLD & NEW TESTAMENT FAITH
Though faith takes a new dimension in the New Testament, it does not replace Old Testament faith—it fulfills it.
Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
- Old Testament faith looked forward to the coming of Christ.
- New Testament faith looks back at Christ’s finished work.
Hebrews 11:39-40 – “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us.”
5. APPLICATION: HOW TO LIVE IN FAITH TODAY
Believe in Jesus – Accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Walk in Faith Daily – Live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Trust in God’s Promises – Stand firm on His Word. Demonstrate Faith Through Love – Faith expresses itself through love (Galatians 5:6). Stay Rooted in the Bible – Build faith through Scripture.CONCLUSION
Faith in the Old Testament was based on trust in God's promises and obedience to His law. In the New Testament, faith is centered on Jesus Christ, bringing salvation by grace. Though the expressions of faith have changed, its core—trust in God—remains the same.