The Order of the New Testament: It Wasn’t a Mistake!

I have had many people ask me to explain why the books of the Bible are not put in chronological order.  Many believe a mistake was made when the books were placed in the order in which they are now found.  In response, I have prepared a chart to show why God preserved the N.T. books in the order He did.  He did not make a mistake!  He is showing us His plan from the Church Age to the end of the 1,000 year Kingdom… and beyond.  As you read though the chart below, you will begin to see what I mean.  So… without further delay – enjoy a brief trek though the N.T. and discover why God did what He did.

 

 

New Testament Survey

 

-Why The 27 Books Of The New Testament Were Preserved In The Order They Were-

 

The 27 books of the New Testament were preserved in the order that they were preserved was to transition us from the Old Testament Law to Church Age Grace, and from Church Age Grace to the Tribulation, and from the Tribulation, the Kingdom of Heaven and eternity future.  It is progressive in nature.

 

There are three distinct divisions to the 27 books in the New Testament:

 

Division #1:            Transitional books from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

 

            -Matthew / Mark / Luke / John

            -These 4 books bridge the Old Testament and reveal the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Division #2:            Transitional book from the Jews to the Gentiles.  This has 3 parts       

           

1.       Acts.  A historical account of the events immediately after the ascension of Jesus Christ.     

2.       Romans to II Thessalonians.  The doctrinal section on the Church Age.  All books are addressed to the Churches.

3.       I Timothy to Philemon.  Personal instructions to Church Age Christians.  All books are addressed to individual believers.

 

Division #3:            Transitional book from Church Age to the Tribulation.  This also has 3 parts.

 

1.      Hebrews to II Peter.  Transitional section from the Church Age to the Tribulation.  Primary focus is Jewish, although many spiritual principles are taught for the Church.

2.      I John to III John.  Instruction to the Church in the last days of the Church Age. 

3.      Jude and Revelation.  The Tribulation period, 2^nd Coming of Christ, Millennium, and Eternity future.

 

Note:  I hope this will be a help to you as you begin to use the rules to Bible Study which unlock spiritual understanding.

 

 

Your Paraclete,

 

Mark Harrell