Click here for a printable version of this: Course Introduction

Taken together, the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) reveal God’s plan to save his people and expand his kingdom.

The theme of the Bible follows a pattern of Creation, Covenant, Sin, Exile, Resurrection, and Restoration [see An Overview of the Bible: Creation, Sin, Exile, and Resurrection/Restoration].

We should read Scripture with an understanding of that pattern. Knowing how a specific passage fits within God’s plan helps us interpret what we read.

For example, how do the results of Adam and Eve’s sin apply to Christians today? Should we read Gen 3:16‒19 as something to enforce?

Or does Christ’s death, resurrection, and return to heaven change how we relate to God and to one another (Rom 5:17–21; Gal 3:28)?

By studying how the Old Testament fits with the New Testament, we can better understand God’s plan for us as his kingdom expands to fill the earth (Gen 1:26‒28; Rev 21:1‒8, 22‒27).

Jesus talked about the Old Testament many times. This shows that it is important for us to understand it too. The New Testament quotes the Old Testament about 850 times.

This Old Testament Survey is as an important part of our training program to help men and women reach others with God’s message.

Old Testament Survey introduces the Bible and different translations.

This course talks about biblical history and life in those times.

Information on each Bible book includes the author, the people who first received the book, the purpose of the book, a key verse, and an outline of the book.

We will also talk about how to apply the book to your life and ministry.

The Bible Survey is divided into two parts:

Part One: Teaches about the books of the Old Testament.

Part Two: Teaches about the books of the New Testament.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

 When you finish this course you should be able to:

  • Identify basic parts of the Bible.
  • Explain the difference between translations and paraphrases of the Bible.
  • Describe life in bible times.
  • Summarize the major events of the Old Testament.
  • Know these things for each book in the Bible:
    • Author
    • Recipients
    • Date when it was written
    • Purpose of the book
    • Key Verse
    • Life and Ministry Principle(s)
  • Teach what you have learned to others.
Image via Wikimedia Commons This photo is of the oldest complete Bible we have. It’s from the 4th century.

What specific things do you hope to accomplish by studying the Old Testament?

Go to Chapter 1: Introducing the Bible

Return to Old Testament Survey main page