It’s remarkable that the Bible, written over centuries by many different people in diverse places and cultures, carries such a consistent and unified message. At first glance, the Old Testament and the New Testament can feel worlds apart. The Old Testament often centres on laws, commandments, and a structured way of living that shaped the identity of Israel as God’s people. These laws, from the Ten Commandments to the intricate rules of worship and daily life, weren’t just arbitrary restrictions, they were meant to guide a community in holiness, justice, and compassion.

Then we step into the New Testament, and the focus shifts. Here we see Jesus, the Word made flesh, embodying grace and truth. The emphasis is less on external regulation and more on transformation from within. Instead of merely telling people how to live, Jesus shows them: by eating with outcasts, forgiving sins, healing the broken, and ultimately giving his life for the sake of the world. The Apostle Paul captures this when he writes that the law was our guardian until Christ came, but now we’re justified by faith.

Yet these two parts of Scripture are not in conflict. The laws of the Old Testament prepared the way, revealing humanity’s need for God’s mercy. The grace of the New Testament fulfils the heart of those laws, drawing us into deeper relationship with God. From start to finish, the Bible tells one story, a God who longs to restore his people and renew creation.