The End of the Old Testament and the Transition to New Covenant

The Old Testament, a foundational part of Christian scripture, concludes with the Book of Malachi, the last of the twelve minor prophets. Malachi addresses critical issues such as the people's unfaithfulness, the corruption of the priesthood, and the need for genuine worship. This book also contains a prophecy about the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord, setting the stage for the arrival of Elijah according to Malachi 4:5-6.

Laws and Practices Post-Old Testament

With the end of the laws given by God to the people, there was a period of 400 years without any new writing. This era of silence was followed by the beginning of the New Testament with the Gospel of Matthew, marking the start of a new era centered on grace. While the previous laws remained valid, the approach changed. Instead of relying solely on fear of punishment, Christians are encouraged to live a godly life out of love for God, with the promise of heaven for those who follow Jesus' teachings.

The Dissolution of Messianic Offices

Historically, the three messianic offices of Prophet, Priest, and King were anticipated in the Old Testament. Moses foretold the coming of a future great prophet, as described in Deuteronomy 18:15-18. David, in his Psalms, spoke of a future great priest who would have an eternal priesthood, which is compared to the passage in Hebrews 7:19-28. Additionally, God sent Nathan the prophet to inform David that one of his descendants would sit on an everlasting throne and rule over an everlasting kingdom, as indicated in 2 Samuel 7:12-17.

These prophecies point to Jesus Christ, who has assumed these roles in the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 4, refers to the Hebrew Bible as the "Old Covenant," and this terminology was first used by Melito of Sardis in the late 2nd century CE. Jerome later translated the term "covenant" as "testament," leading to widespread use of the term "New Testament" in Christian literature.

The Naming of the Hebrew Scriptures

The term "Old Testament" was originally a Christian name for the Hebrew Bible, a designation that came about after Christianity split from its Jewish roots in the early centuries CE. In academic circles, the Jewish scriptures are more commonly referred to as the "Hebrew Bible" or "Tanakh." The transition from the Old Testament to the New Covenant represented a significant shift in religious practice and belief, emphasizing faith and grace over strict adherence to laws and commandments.

Conclusion

The end of the Old Testament signifies more than the conclusion of a book; it marks the transition to a new era of covenant with God. The promise of Elijah's return and the fulfillment of the prophetic, priestly, and kingly roles through Jesus Christ offer a contrasting yet connected narrative to the ongoing Christian faith.