Posted: August 14th, 2022

Between the Old and New Testaments, there is symmetry and asymmetry

Between the Old and New Testaments, there is symmetry and asymmetry
The intertestamental period, also known as the Second Temple period, is the time span between the last writings of the Old Testament and the first writings of the New Testament. This period is marked by significant historical, political, religious and cultural developments that influenced the formation of Judaism and Christianity. In this paper, I will explore some of the aspects of symmetry and asymmetry between the Old and New Testaments, focusing on the themes of covenant, prophecy, messianism and eschatology.

One of the main symmetries between the Old and New Testaments is the concept of covenant. A covenant is a solemn agreement between God and his people, involving promises, obligations and consequences. The Old Testament records several covenants that God made with different individuals and groups, such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and the nation of Israel. These covenants established God’s relationship with his chosen people, his expectations for their obedience and faithfulness, and his promises of blessing and protection. The New Testament reveals that God made a new covenant with humanity through Jesus Christ, who is the mediator and fulfilment of all the previous covenants. The new covenant is based on God’s grace and forgiveness, rather than on human performance and merit. It is sealed by the blood of Jesus, who died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. The new covenant also promises a new heart and a new spirit for those who believe in Jesus, as well as the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides, empowers and transforms them. The new covenant is open to all people, regardless of their ethnic, social or religious background.

Another symmetry between the Old and New Testaments is the role of prophecy. Prophecy is a form of divine communication that reveals God’s will, purpose and plan for his people and for the world. The Old Testament contains many prophecies that were spoken by various prophets who were called and inspired by God. Some of these prophecies were fulfilled in their own time, while others pointed to future events that would happen in the intertestamental period or in the days of the Messiah. The New Testament shows that many of these prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate prophet who speaks God’s word and reveals God’s truth. Jesus also fulfilled many of the messianic prophecies that predicted his birth, life, death and resurrection. Moreover, Jesus gave new prophecies that foretold his second coming and the end of the age. The New Testament also records the prophecies of other apostles and writers who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s message to the church and to the world.

However, there are also some asymmetries between the Old and New Testaments that reflect the different contexts and perspectives of their authors. One of these asymmetries is the understanding of messianism. Messianism is the belief in a future leader or saviour who will deliver God’s people from their enemies and establish God’s kingdom on earth. The Old Testament expresses various forms of messianic hope that emerged in response to different historical situations. For example, some passages envision a royal messiah who will be a descendant of David and who will rule over Israel with justice and peace. Other passages anticipate a priestly messiah who will restore the temple worship and purify the people from their sins. Still other passages expect a prophetic messiah who will announce God’s judgement and salvation to the nations. The New Testament identifies Jesus Christ as
the fulfilment of all these messianic expectations, but also redefines them in light of his life, death and resurrection. Jesus is not only a king, but also a servant who suffers for his people. He is not only a priest, but also a victim who offers himself as a ransom for many. He is not only a prophet, but also a son who reveals God’s love and grace. Furthermore, Jesus introduces a new dimension of messianism that involves his present reign in heaven and his future return in glory.

Another asymmetry between the Old and New Testaments is the conception of eschatology. Eschatology is the study of the last things or the end times that relate to God’s final judgement and salvation for his people and for the world. The Old Testament presents various eschatological scenarios that reflect different stages of Israel’s history and theology. Some passages depict a national eschatology that focuses on Israel’s restoration from exile and its dominance over its enemies. Other passages describe a cosmic eschatology that involves a universal cataclysm and a new creation. Still other passages portray an individual eschatology that concerns the fate of each person after death. The New Testament develops these eschatological themes in light of Jesus Christ’s first and second coming. It affirms that Jesus has inaugurated God’s kingdom on earth through his ministry, death and resurrection, but also asserts that Jesus will consummate God’s kingdom when he returns in power and glory. It also emphasizes that Jesus is the judge and the saviour of all people, and that those who believe in him will inherit eternal life, while those who reject him will face eternal punishment. The New Testament also introduces new eschatological concepts, such as the resurrection of the body, the rapture of the church, the antichrist, the tribulation, the millennium and the new heaven and new earth.

In conclusion, the intertestamental period is a crucial bridge between the Old and New Testaments that provides the historical and theological background for understanding the emergence and development of Judaism and Christianity. The Old and New Testaments share many symmetries that demonstrate the continuity and coherence of God’s revelation and plan for his people and for the world. However, they also exhibit some asymmetries that reflect the diversity and complexity of human responses and interpretations of God’s actions and words. By exploring these symmetries and asymmetries, we can gain a deeper insight into the richness and relevance of both testaments for our faith and life.

Bibliography

– Bockmuehl, Markus N.A., ed. The Cambridge Companion to Jesus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001.
– Collins, John J., ed. The Oxford Handbook of Apocalyptic Literature. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014.
– Dunn, James D.G., ed. The Cambridge Companion to St Paul. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
– Evans, Craig A., ed. The World of Jesus and the Early Church: Identity and Interpretation in Early Communities of Faith. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 2011.
– Hagner, Donald A., ed. The New Testament Background: Contemporary Documents. London: SPCK, 2019.
– Wright, N.T., ed. The New Testament and the People of God. London: SPCK, 1992.

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