Overview of the New Testament- Themes Genres and Comparisons with Other Sacred Texts
Try to define the New Testament in a way that might inform someone who has never heard of it before
The New Testament records the actualization of God’s promise of salvation to the human race when the First Parents sinned. Adam and Eve had defied God by eating the Forbidden Fruit, which severed their relationship with the Creator. God cursed human beings but promised that Eve’s offspring would restore the intimate relationship God had with mankind before the Fall. The New Testament provides extensive details of ways God re-establishes His relationship with mankind, beginning with the birth of Jesus Christ (Davis, n.d.). Additionally, the New Testament explains how mankind can manifest their salvation and influence other people to convert to Christianity. Overall, the New Testament provides information on how God reconnects with mankind, as promised, when Adam and Eve sinned and disconnected their relationship with the Creator. Need help with your assignment ? Reach out to us. We offer excellent services.
What are the primary themes found in these books?
The New Testament has several themes, such as discipleship, the Messiah, the Second Coming, and Salvation. Firstly, under discipleship, the New Testament explains how Christians should live, observing the precepts given to them by Jesus Christ before His death and ascension to heaven. Christians are urged to be good disciples by spreading the gospel, manifesting the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and using the Gifts to make a difference in the world. Additionally, discipleship teaches Christians to be imitators of Jesus Christ by always doing good works and avoiding evil. Secondly, the New Testament has the Messianic theme, which has Jesus Christ as the centre of attention.
According to the books of the New Testament, Jesus is God’s anointed one who came to save human beings on earth. However, the New Testament does not actualize the prophesied Messiah, who is said to be mighty enough to defeat Israel’s enemies. Instead, books of the New Testament portray Jesus as a Messiah who helps sinners, heals, saves, and dies on the cross to save mankind (Ryken, 2015). Thirdly, the New Testament has salvation as its primary theme. According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ was sent by God to save mankind and restore the intimate relationship He shared with them in the Garden of Eden before the Fall. The New Testament teaches that Christians can have a close relationship with God if they believe that Jesus died on the cross to save them and that He dwells in their hearts. Lastly, the New Testament teaches about the Second Coming of Jesus. The New Testament proposes that Jesus will come secretly, rapture the church, and punish evildoers by banishing them to hell forever.
What are the major literary genres?
The New Testament has several literary genres, such as poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction stories. Poetry is manifested in literature with stanza-like lines instead of the typical prose, such as the Beatitudes. Occasionally in the gospel, Jesus uses poetry to present His teachings to the disciples and crowds. Additionally, the New Testament has fictional stories, which Jesus uses most to teach disciples how they should behave after His ascension (Davis, n.d.). For instance, the parable of the Sower is a fiction that uses imaginary characters to teach the importance of vigilance. Moreover, the New Testament has drama, such as when Jesus beats the business people at the temple because they are abusing God’s house. Lastly, the Bible has non-fictional stories, such as the narration of the birth of Jesus, His works, arrest, death, and ascension to heaven.
In what way does this collection of early Christian documents resemble the Scriptures of other world religions?
The early scriptures are similar to those of other religions in several ways. For instance, the early scriptures emphasize that the world was created by a Superior Being, which other religions, such as Islam, identify with. Additionally, the early scriptures indicate that God gave human beings guidelines on good and evil behaviour, which acts as the blueprint for Christians to date (Ryken, 2015). Similarly, other religions, such as Buddhism, have guidelines for their followers that differentiate good from evil. Further, early scriptures depict a Messiah who is sent by God to save mankind. Other faiths, such as Baha’i, believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah who used His teachings to strengthen their relationship with God. Lastly, early scriptures reference the Middle East significantly, a concept that is present in the Druze faith.
In what way does the New Testament differ from other sacred texts?
The New Testament differs significantly from other religious teachings. For instance, according to the New Testament, Jesus is the Son of God, which religions, such as Islam, reject. Additionally, the New Testament argues that Jesus died on the cross for mankind’s sake, a concept that Buddhists refute vehemently (Ryken, 2015). Lastly, the New Testament indicates that Jesus will come again to rapture the church, an idea that religions, such as Judaism, refute. Therefore, the New Testament has teachings that conflict with those of other religions, as explained.
References
Davis, H. G. (n.d.). Major themes and characteristics. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/biblical-literature/Major-themes-and-characteristics
Ryken, L. (2015, November 11). What every book of the New Testament is about. Crossway. https://www.crossway.org/articles/what-every-book-of-the-new-testament-is-about/
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Question 
After reviewing the first part of this week’s reading assignment, try to define the New Testament in a way that might inform someone who has never heard of it before. What are the primary themes found in these books?
Overview of the New Testament- Themes, Genres and Comparisons with Other Sacred Texts
What are the major literary genres? In what way does this collection of early Christian documents resemble the Scriptures of other world religions? In what way does the New Testament differ from other sacred texts?