29. How are the Old and New Testaments related to each other?

The Old Testament is to be read in the light of Christ, and the New Testament is to be read in light of God's revelation to Israel. Thus the two form one Holy Scripture, which reveals the Person of Jesus Christ and his mighty works. As Saint Augustine says, "The New is in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed."

(Augustine of Hippo, Questions in the Heptateuch 2.73; Matthew 5:17-18; Luke 24:25-27)  

 

Augustine, Questions in the Heptateuch 2.73

"The Old Testament is to be read in the light of Christ, incarnate, crucified and risen, and the New Testament is to be read in light of God's revelation to Israel. As Saint Augustine says, "the New is in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed." 

Matthew 5:17-18 (ESV)

Christ Came to Fulfill the Law

¹⁷ "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸ For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Luke 24:25-27 (ESV)

²⁵ And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.