The New Testament begins with the four accounts of the life of Jesus. It is important to remember that Jesus lived and died under the Old Testament law. These four accounts of Jesus' life are written from difference aspects, but all faithfully record all God wants us to know about the life of Jesus. The ultimate design of each is the production of faith in Jesus.
What does one then do with this faith? The book of Acts answers the question. Believers are told to repent (Acts 3:38, 17:30), confess their faith in Christ (acts 8:37), be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) or to wash away sins (Acts 22:16).
How does the convert now live as a Christian? This is answered in the letters written to the churches and individuals beginning with Romans and ending with Jude. In the pages of these books we find instructions on individual responsibility of the Christian as well as that of the congregation. The structure of the local church with elders as the appointed bishops or overseers (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1) is addressed. The qualifications for elders is provided by 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Deacons, special servants to the church under the direction of the elders, also have qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The preacher's role is dealt with in the two epistles to Timothy and also in Titus.
This brings us to the last book of the Bible, Revelation. The basic message of Revelation is who is victorious in the end. Rome, the ruler of the world for over a century, would continue to rule for another three hundred years. The stated goal of some of the Emperors of Rome was the eradication of Christianity. God had predicted through Daniel that His kingdom would break in pieces and consume all the former world kingdoms and it would stand forever (Daniel 2:44). Who would win? The message of Revelation says God and His faithful followers will ultimately win the victory, but the battle will result in the physical death of many of the faithful. But those who die are victorious for they receive "a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10) and "rest from their labors" (Revelation 14:13).
Next week, Lord willing, we will continue our examination of rightly dividing the word of truth.
-- Denny