New Testament Survey

New Testament Survey - What is New Testament Survey?
In a New Testament Survey, you find the study takes into account an introduction, history and genealogies, the explanation or interpretation of texts, and their applications to life. The New Testament was originally written in the everyday Greek during the period of approximately from AD 45 to AD 95. The Greek language and religious beliefs greatly influenced the Jewish and Gentile citizens of the region and is obvious throughout the New Testament books.

Studying the New Testament brings us a better understanding of the times, cultures, and events surrounding the purpose of its intent. It is most often viewed as have five sections:

• The Gospels
• Acts of the Apostles
• The Epistles
• General Epistles
• The Book of Revelation

The Gospels were written from four different perspectives (commonly believed to be Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), but are still in harmony with each other. The book relating History is called Acts or Acts of the Apostles. The Epistles (letters) were written by Paul and found in the books of Romans through Philemon) with the General Epistles being written by different authors and are found from Hebrews to Jude. Lastly, the book of Revelation (considered mostly prophetical) was written by John while imprisoned on the isle of Patmos. As with the rest of the Bible, all scripts are said to be by the divine inspiration of God and direction of the Holy Spirit to the writers.

What do New Testament Survey Studies Teach?
A New Testament Survey shows in the four Gospels (meaning Good News of Jesus Christ) that we can learn about the birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. The Israelites were waiting for the promised Messiah to come. God sent Jesus as Himself in the flesh to earth to be that Messiah.

• Matthew 1:1 begins with the genealogy of Jesus proving the Old Testament prophecies of his lineage and birth as they were foretold. Tragically, as Matthew shows us, Jesus was not recognized by some of the Hebrews but continued to teach and preach until He was crucified for doing so by their disapproving, legalistic leaders.
  
  
• Mark’s narrative is mostly chronological. Many of the events he recounts center around Jesus’ Galilean ministry and accounts of healings like the eyes of a blind man and many more. This book also tells of Jesus forewarning His disciples of His crucifixion and resurrection.
  
  
• Luke 2 contains one of the most beautiful accounts of the birth of Christ Jesus. Luke then moves to tell about Jesus teaching at the Temple at age 12. Then Luke jumps to the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. This book ends with the joyous and thrilling account of the resurrection of the Lord. It is known to be one of the most beautiful and accurate account of Jesus’ life.
  
  
• John was an apostle and did not dwell as much on the life of Jesus as he did the fact that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. This book makes it clear that Jesus was not just an ordinary man and that He offered the divine gift of forgiveness of sin and promised eternal life for those who would believe in Him.

The Book of Acts starts after the resurrection of Christ. It deals greatly with the power bestowed on the Apostles and followers of Christ through and outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They were given the commission to go out and teach others about Him and to perform miracles of healing and deliverance to far reaching lands. It was the beginning of the founding of the Church and Acts gives account of its beginning and history.

When you continue in the New Testament, the next part contains letters written by Paul to specific churches he had established or visited. The letters were written to provide official doctrines, practices, and much encouragement. Next, the General Epistles offer additional training and lessons with applications to our daily living. The last book of the New Testament is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The Revelation is the book of prophecy that describes the appointed time that Jesus will return to earth for all those who have been faithful believers and followers to Him. It is very much a book of hope to all who have accepted Jesus. They (His Church) are called His Bride.

What is the Purpose of a New Testament Survey?
A New Testament Survey shows the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises, judgment, and rewards. God sent Jesus in human form to provide a way of reconciliation to Himself. Christ took on the sins of the world so that the debt for your sin and mine is paid in full by Him.

All of mankind has sinned¹ (defied or rejected God), and has need of repentance and forgiveness. The New Testament illustrates the blueprint for living a righteous life pleasing to the Lord and the provision He has offered us to achieve it. Only through Jesus Christ we are given the opportunity to accept the way to reunion with God² for eternity.

If you have never explored the New Testament, please search it for yourself. The Lord says we are to get understanding;³ pray for it, and He will give it.

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¹ Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
² Matthew 11:27 “…and no one knows the Father except [through] the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal to him.”
³ Proverbs 4:1, 7 (NKJV) “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom And in all your getting, get understanding.”

A helpful summary of each New Testament book can be found at GotQuestions.org.

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