Books of the Bible - A Quick Review
There are sixty-six books of the Bible, thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament. The thirty-nine Old Testament books of the bible start with Genesis and end with Malachi. They start at the creation of all things by God almighty and go through the history of the first 4,000 years, approximately, of our planet. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (the first sin), Noah’s ark and the flood, the birth of two nations through Abraham (Isaac and Ishmael), the many rise to fall instances of Israel, Moses and the Ten Commandments, Israel’s judges, Israeli kings, and many miracles from God, just to briefly summarize. There are also many very specific details about the temple sacrifices, the laws and instruction for the time before Christ in the Old Testament books of the Bible. Many of these books of the Bible are written by prophets who recorded visions, revelations, and messages from God. There is beautiful poetry written in the Old Testament and Proverbs or “sayings of the wise,” which are great to ponder and apply to daily living. Genesis, Psalms, and Proverbs are probably the most popular Old Testament books of the Bible. However, there is no book more important or significant than the other; it is all God-inspired!
The New Testament books of the Bible start with Matthew and end in Revelation (which is the prophesy of the end times). The first four New Testament books of the Bible, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are called the Synoptic Gospels. They are four different accounts of the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ (the Messiah prophesied about in the Old Testament) by four different authors who witnessed these things. Thirteen of the New Testament books of the Bible are written by the apostle Paul. Paul (once known as Saul) was a Pharisee and persecuted and murdered Christians in the early church until Jesus revealed himself to Paul and opened his eyes to the truth in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He went on to serve Christ with his life and ultimately his death.
The heart and soul of the Christian faith lies in the New Testament–salvation the way to eternity in Heaven with God. Only through faith in Christ as the final sacrifice for our sins can we receive salvation. Along with salvation, God also gives us the Holy Spirit, who lives in us to help us survive and live for Him while we are here. The New Testament books of the bible teach us about the work of the Holy Spirit and instructions on Godly living.
Revelation tells us what will happen in the end times. It will not be a pretty sight, but if you love Christ as savior, you will be fine. With Christ you receive eternal life in Heaven; without Him you receive eternal damnation in Hell.