What does the New Testament accomplish?

Answer 1

The Old Testament chronicles the people of Israel (Jews), who are God's chosen people. God promised the Jews that he would send them a Messiah who would save them from their sins (Sinful people cannot stand before a perfect God; thus a savior was needed to live a perfect life and die as a sacrifice in order to atone for the sins of the world).

The New Testament tells us that Jesus Christ is that savior. The first four books, the Gospels, are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These record the life, death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus. Acts records how the history of the early Christian church, the Epistles are letters of encouragement and guidelines for Christian living, and Revelation discusses the end times and Jesus' final return.

Without the New Testament, we would not know that Jesus died for the sins of the world, and that we are free in Him. Without Jesus, it is impossible to get to Heaven, so that knowledge is extremely important, and it is all contained in the New Testament. Otherwise, we would be waiting for a savior that has already come.

Additional Answer:

Think of it as Part II of a book. In the New Testament, Jesus comes to fulfill prophesy and re-establish our link to God by His sacrifice. Jesus reveals the Father and tells us of His Kingdom of God to come shortly. It uses the authority of the Old Testament scriptures, depending upon the scholar you read, thousands of times. It reveals the 'Oracles of God' (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2; 1 Peter 4:11) have been preserved accurately by the Jews as was commanded to be our guide avoiding the same mistakes of the past. It also contains the sure word of prophecy yet to be fulfilled (approx. 28 percent). These as well as writings in the NT, reveal the future events on our horizon.

It also tells us of our future role upon the EARTH with God and His Son, making their tabernacle amongst men. We inherit the Earth and all that is made that the Father has given to the Son who will share it with us as co-inheritors. It gives us the future 'better Covenant' promised to be written upon our hearts.

Hebrews 8:6-12New International Version (NIV)

6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said[a]:

"The days are coming, declares the Lord,

when I will make a new covenant

with the people of Israel

and with the people of Judah.

9 It will not be like the covenant

I made with their ancestors

when I took them by the hand

to lead them out of Egypt,

because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,

and I turned away from them,

declares the Lord.

10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel

after that time, declares the Lord.

I will put my laws in their minds

and write them on their hearts.

I will be their God,

and they will be my people.

11 No longer will they teach their neighbor,

or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,'

because they will all know me,

from the least of them to the greatest.

12 For I will forgive their wickedness

and will remember their sins no more."[b]

Answer 2

The New Testament serves as the second part of the Christian Bible, providing teachings, narratives, and guidance on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It also outlines the early Christian church and the spread of Christianity. By emphasizing the message of salvation and redemption through Jesus' sacrifice, the New Testament plays a central role in shaping Christian beliefs and practices.