What Christians Believe: The New Testament Explained

If you’ve ever been curious about Christianity or wanted to understand what Christians believe, you’ve probably heard of the Bible. The Bible is the holy book of Christians, and it’s divided into two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each part plays an important role in the Christian faith, but today we’re going to focus on the New Testament.

The New Testament is the second half of the Bible, and it tells the story of Jesus Christ—his life, teachings, death, and resurrection—as well as the early days of the Christian Church. It’s the foundation for many of the beliefs and values that Christians follow today.

In this article, you’ll learn what the New Testament is, why it was written, what it contains, and why it matters to Christians. Whether you’re new to the topic or just want a simple explanation, this guide will help you understand the New Testament in a clear and easy way.

1. What Is the New Testament?

The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible. It is a collection of 27 books that talk about the life of Jesus, his teachings, and the beginning of the Christian Church. If you’ve ever wondered where Christians get their beliefs about Jesus and how they should live, the New Testament is where you’ll find the answers.

As the second major section of the Bible, the New Testament comes after the Old Testament. While the Old Testament focuses on the history of the Jewish people, God’s laws, and promises made before Jesus was born, the New Testament shows how Christians believe those promises were fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

The biggest difference between the two is this: the Old Testament looks forward to a Savior, while the New Testament tells the story of that Savior—Jesus—and the message he brought to the world. The New Testament is especially important to Christians because it’s where you’ll find the teachings they try to follow every day.

2. When and Why Was the New Testament Written?

The New Testament was written almost 2,000 years ago, during the 1st century AD. Most of the books were written between about 45 AD and 100 AD. This was a time when the Roman Empire ruled a large part of the world, including the places where Jesus lived and taught, like Israel.

Back then, people didn’t have smartphones, the internet, or even printing presses. So, the followers of Jesus wrote down his life story and teachings to make sure others could learn about him, even after he was gone. These writings also helped the early Christian communities grow stronger in their faith and stay united.

The New Testament was written to share the message of Jesus, explain who he was, and show how his followers started the Christian Church. It also answered important questions that new Christians had about how to live, how to treat others, and what it means to follow Jesus. So, when you read the New Testament, you’re seeing the foundation of what Christians believe, written down during one of the most important times in their history.

3. Structure of the New Testament

The New Testament is made up of 27 books, and each one has something important to say about the Christian faith. These books are grouped into four main sections, and each section helps you understand a different part of the story.

1. The Gospels

There are four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books tell you about the life of Jesus—his birth, miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection. If you want to know who Jesus is and what he said and did, the Gospels are the place to start.

2. The Acts of the Apostles

This book is often just called Acts, and it tells the story of what happened after Jesus rose from the dead. You’ll read about how his followers, called apostles, spread his message and started the Christian Church. It focuses a lot on the work of two key leaders: Peter and Paul.

3. The Epistles (Letters)

There are 21 letters in the New Testament. These are messages written by early Christian leaders like Paul, Peter, James, and John to different churches or people. The letters give advice, answer questions, and help people understand how to live as followers of Jesus.

4. The Book of Revelation

Revelation is the last book of the New Testament. It’s full of symbols and visions, and it talks about the future, the battle between good and evil, and the hope that Christians have for a new heaven and a new earth.

Each part of the New Testament gives you a different piece of the big picture—from the story of Jesus to the growth of the Church and what Christians believe about the future.

4. The Gospels: The Life and Teachings of Jesus

The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament. They are called Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and they tell you the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, and actions. If you want to learn who Jesus was, what he did, and why he’s so important to Christians, the Gospels are the best place to begin.

Each Gospel talks about:

• Jesus’ birth (especially in Matthew and Luke)
  
• His ministry—how he traveled, taught people, and helped those in need
  
• His miracles, like healing the sick and calming storms
  
• His death on the cross
  
• His resurrection, which means he came back to life after dying
  

Even though all four Gospels share the same basic story, they are a little different in how they tell it.

• Matthew was written mainly for Jewish readers, so it often shows how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
  
• Mark is the shortest and most direct. It focuses on Jesus’ actions more than his words.
  
• Luke gives lots of detail and includes stories about Jesus’ compassion for the poor, women, and outsiders.
  
• John is different from the others. It focuses more on who Jesus is and his deep spiritual teachings.
  

Together, these four Gospels help you get a full picture of Jesus—what he said, what he did, and why Christians believe he changed the world.

5. The Acts of the Apostles: The Early Christian Church

The Book of Acts, also called The Acts of the Apostles, comes right after the Gospels in the New Testament. It tells you what happened after Jesus rose from the dead and returned to heaven. This book shows how the Christian Church began and grew during its early days.

In Acts, you’ll read about how Jesus’ followers, called apostles, were filled with courage and started sharing his message with people all around them. Two of the main leaders in this book are Peter and Paul.

• Peter was one of Jesus’ closest followers. In the first part of Acts, you’ll see how he became a strong leader, preached to large crowds, and even performed miracles in Jesus’ name.
  
• Paul comes later in the story. At first, he didn’t believe in Jesus and even tried to stop Christians. But after a powerful experience, he became a believer and started traveling to many places to teach others about Jesus.
  

The Book of Acts shows how Christianity spread from Jerusalem to other parts of the Roman Empire. The apostles faced many challenges, like being arrested or threatened, but they didn’t give up. Their goal was to tell everyone that Jesus was alive and that his message was for all people, not just a few.

By reading Acts, you get to see how the small group of Jesus’ followers grew into a worldwide movement—one that still exists today.

6. The Epistles: Letters to Early Christians

The Epistles are a group of letters in the New Testament written to help and guide the first Christians. These letters were written by early church leaders like Paul, Peter, James, and John. You’ll find a total of 21 Epistles, and they were sent to churches and individuals across different cities and regions.

The person who wrote the most letters was Paul. He traveled to many places, started new churches, and then wrote letters to help those churches grow in their faith. Other writers, like Peter, James, and John, also sent letters to encourage and teach believers.

These letters were written for many reasons:

• To give guidance on how to live as followers of Jesus
  
• To offer encouragement during hard times and persecution
  
• To provide correction when people were confused or doing things that went against Jesus’ teachings
  

Some of the main themes you’ll find in the Epistles include:

• Faith: trusting in Jesus and believing in his message
  
• Grace: the free gift of God’s love and forgiveness
  
• Salvation: being saved from sin through Jesus
  
• Church life: how Christians should treat one another, work together, and stay united
  

When you read the Epistles, it’s like you’re reading personal letters meant to help people just like you—people who wanted to understand their faith and live it out in everyday life.

7. The Book of Revelation: Visions of the End Times

The Book of Revelation is the last book of the New Testament, and it’s very different from the others. When you read it, you’ll notice that it uses symbols, visions, and powerful images to describe what many Christians believe will happen in the future. This type of writing is called apocalyptic, which means it talks about the end of the world and the final battle between good and evil.

Revelation was written by a man named John, who was living on the island of Patmos. He was there because of his faith in Jesus, and while on the island, he had a series of visions that he believed came from God. He wrote them down to share with other Christians, especially those who were suffering or being treated unfairly.

Some of the main themes in Revelation include:

• The fight between good and evil
  
• The idea of a final judgment, where everyone is held accountable for their actions
  
• A message of hope and victory for those who believe in Jesus
  

Even though Revelation can seem confusing at first, its main message is meant to encourage you to stay faithful, even when times are hard. It reminds you that no matter how dark the world may seem, good will win in the end, and a new, peaceful world will come for those who trust in God.

8. Who Wrote the New Testament?

The New Testament was written by several different human authors, most of whom were followers of Jesus or leaders in the early Christian Church. Even though each writer had their own style and background, they all shared the same goal: to help others know Jesus and live according to his teachings.

Here are some of the key authors you’ll learn about:

• Paul: He wrote the most books in the New Testament—at least 13 letters! Paul started off as someone who didn’t believe in Jesus and even tried to stop Christians. But after a powerful experience, he became one of Christianity’s most important teachers and missionaries.
  
• The Gospel Writers:
  
  • Matthew was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He used to be a tax collector.
    
  • Mark wasn’t one of the twelve, but he worked closely with Peter and wrote down what Peter taught.
    
  • Luke was a doctor and a close friend of Paul. He also wrote the Book of Acts.
    
  • John was another of Jesus’ disciples and was very close to him. He also wrote letters and the Book of Revelation.
    
• Peter: One of Jesus’ closest followers and a strong leader in the early Church. He wrote two letters found in the New Testament.
  
• James: He was the brother of Jesus and a leader in the church in Jerusalem. He wrote one letter with practical advice for Christian living.
  
• John: In addition to writing the Gospel of John, he also wrote three letters and the Book of Revelation. Christians believe he was the same John who was one of Jesus’ original disciples.
  

Even though humans wrote the New Testament, Christians believe the writing was inspired by God. That means they believe God guided the authors and helped them write down the truth he wanted people to know. So when you read the New Testament, you’re not just reading ancient letters or stories—you’re reading something that Christians believe carries a deeper, spiritual message from God to you.

9. The Language and Translation of the New Testament

When the New Testament was first written, it wasn’t in English. It was actually written in a language called Koine Greek, which was the common, everyday language in many parts of the Roman Empire at the time. If you had lived during that period, you probably would’ve heard Koine Greek in the streets, in the markets, and in government offices.

As Christianity began to spread, people in other regions needed to read the New Testament in their own languages. That’s why some of the earliest translations were made into:

• Latin – used in the Roman Empire and became the main language of the Western Church
  
• Syriac – a language spoken in the Middle East
  
• Coptic – an Egyptian language used by early Christians in Egypt
  

These translations helped more people understand the message of Jesus and allowed Christianity to grow in different cultures and countries.

Today, the New Testament has been translated into hundreds of languages, including many different versions in English. You might have heard of translations like the King James Version (KJV), the New International Version (NIV), or the New Living Translation (NLT).

These modern translations are very important because they help people like you read and understand the New Testament in a way that makes sense today. Even though the words might be slightly different depending on the version, the meaning and message stay the same—so everyone can learn about Jesus and the Christian faith, no matter what language they speak.

10. How the New Testament Was Collected and Canonized

You might wonder how the 27 books of the New Testament were chosen and why they’re included in the Bible today. This process is called canonization, which simply means deciding which books were officially part of the Christian Bible.

In the early years of Christianity, many different writings were being shared—letters, stories, and teachings about Jesus. But not all of them were trusted or used by everyone. So, early Christians worked carefully to choose the books that truly reflected the message of Jesus and the teachings of his apostles.

To be included in the New Testament, each book had to meet three important criteria:

1. Apostolic authorship: Was the book written by an apostle or someone close to one? The early Church trusted those who had a direct connection to Jesus and his first followers.
   
2. Consistency: Did the book agree with what Christians already believed and taught about Jesus? It had to match the core truths of the faith.
   
3. Widespread use: Was the book already being read and used by churches in many places? If it helped people grow in faith and was used in worship, it was a good sign.
   

The process of choosing these books didn’t happen overnight. It took a few hundred years for everything to come together. During that time, early church leaders and councils met to discuss and agree on the official list of books. One important moment came in the 4th century when the list we know today was confirmed by church councils like the Council of Carthage (397 AD).

Thanks to this careful process, the New Testament you read today contains the books that early Christians believed were truly inspired and trustworthy. These are the writings that continue to guide and teach people like you, even centuries later.

11. Core Themes of the New Testament

When you read the New Testament, you’ll notice that certain important themes come up again and again. These ideas are at the heart of what Christians believe and how they live. Let’s take a look at some of the main ones:

Love, Forgiveness, Grace, Faith, and Salvation

One of the biggest messages in the New Testament is love—God’s love for you, and how you should love others. Jesus taught that love is the most important commandment.

You’ll also read a lot about forgiveness. No matter what mistakes you’ve made, the New Testament teaches that God is willing to forgive you if you’re truly sorry.

Grace is another key idea. It means that God gives you his love and help freely—even if you haven’t earned it. It’s a gift.

Faith is about trusting in God and believing in Jesus. Christians believe that faith is what brings you closer to God.

And through all of this, the New Testament talks about salvation—being saved from sin and given a new life with God, both now and forever.

The New Covenant

The New Testament also introduces something called the New Covenant. In simple terms, a covenant is a special promise or agreement. In the Old Covenant, people had to follow a set of laws given to Moses. In the New Covenant, the focus is on Jesus. Christians believe that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God made a new promise: anyone who believes in Jesus and follows him can have a close relationship with God and receive eternal life.

This New Covenant is based not on rules, but on faith, love, and grace.

Spiritual Transformation and Community

Another big theme in the New Testament is spiritual transformation. That means becoming a new and better person on the inside. The more you follow Jesus, the more your heart, thoughts, and actions begin to change for the better.

The New Testament also talks a lot about community. Christians are not meant to walk this journey alone—they are encouraged to support one another, gather together, and live in unity. The Church isn’t just a building—it’s the people who follow Jesus and help each other grow in love and faith.

All these themes come together to show you what the Christian life is all about: a loving relationship with God, a changed heart, and a caring community.

12. Jesus Christ in the New Testament

Jesus Christ is the central figure in the entire New Testament. Everything in the New Testament points to him—his life, his message, and what he means for you and the world. If you want to understand Christianity, learning about Jesus is the most important place to start.

In the New Testament, Jesus is called by many important titles, including:

• Messiah, which means the chosen one sent by God
  
• Son of God, showing his unique relationship with God
  
• Savior, because Christians believe he came to save people from sin and bring them back to God
  

The New Testament tells you about Jesus’ life and teachings, especially in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). He taught people to love God and love others. He showed kindness to the poor, healed the sick, and forgave those who did wrong. He used simple stories, called parables, to help people understand God’s truth.

But the most important part of Jesus’ story is his death and resurrection. He was crucified—nailed to a cross—even though he had done nothing wrong. Christians believe he willingly died to take the punishment for the sins of all people. Then, on the third day, he rose from the dead, proving his power over death and showing that his message was true.

For Christians, Jesus is more than just a good teacher or a historical figure. He is the heart of their faith. They believe that by trusting in Jesus, you can be forgiven, experience God’s love, and have the hope of eternal life. The New Testament was written to help you see who Jesus is—and how his story can change your life.

13. The Role of the New Testament in Christian Belief and Practice

The New Testament plays a very important role in how Christians believe and live. It’s more than just a book—it’s a guide for life and faith. When you read it, you’ll see that it gives answers to big questions like: Who is God? What does He want from me? How should I treat others?

Source of Doctrine and Guidance

The New Testament is the main source of Christian beliefs (called doctrine). It teaches you who Jesus is, what he did, and what it means to follow him. It also explains key ideas like grace, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit. Christians turn to the New Testament when they want to understand how to live in a way that pleases God.

Used in Sermons, Personal Study, and Worship

You’ll find the New Testament used in many ways:

• In sermons, pastors read from it to teach and inspire people during church services
  
• In personal study, people read it at home to grow in their faith and get closer to God
  
• In liturgy (worship and prayer services), verses from the New Testament are often read out loud as part of Christian tradition
  

Many Christians read the New Testament every day, even if it’s just a few verses, because it helps them stay focused on what matters most.

Foundation for Christian Ethics and Moral Teaching

The New Testament also gives you a clear picture of how to live. It teaches values like honesty, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love for others. Jesus’ teachings, especially in the Gospels, show you how to treat people with respect and compassion—even those who are different or difficult.

For Christians, the New Testament is the foundation of their spiritual life. It shapes what they believe, how they act, and how they relate to others. When you read it, you’re not just learning facts—you’re discovering a way to live with purpose, love, and faith.

14. The New Testament and the Christian Church

The New Testament is a key part of how the Christian Church was formed and how it continues to grow today. If you go to a church or learn about different Christian groups, you’ll see that the New Testament plays a big role in almost everything they do.

Influence on the Formation of Different Denominations

Over time, different groups of Christians began to understand and practice the teachings of the New Testament in slightly different ways. This led to the formation of different denominations, such as Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians. Even though these groups may have differences in how they worship or organize their churches, they all look to the New Testament for their core beliefs about Jesus, salvation, and how to live as Christians.

Use in Sacraments Like Communion and Baptism

Two of the most important practices in the Christian Church are Communion and Baptism, and both are deeply connected to the New Testament.

• Baptism is a symbol of starting a new life with Jesus. It’s based on what Jesus and his followers taught in the New Testament.
  
• Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper) remembers Jesus’ last meal with his disciples. The instructions for this come directly from the New Testament, especially the Gospels and Paul’s letters.
  

When you see these sacraments being practiced in church, you’re seeing the New Testament come to life.

Ongoing Role in Christian Community Life

The New Testament isn’t just an old book from the past. It’s still active in the daily life of churches today. You’ll hear it read in church services, quoted in songs and prayers, and used in small group discussions or Bible studies.

It also helps Christian communities learn how to care for one another, work together, and grow in their faith. Whether it’s helping the poor, praying for each other, or teaching children, the values and instructions often come straight from the New Testament.

In short, the New Testament is like a roadmap for the Church. It guides what Christians believe, how they worship, and how they live together as a community of faith.

15. Differences in New Testament Usage Across Christian Traditions

Christians around the world all read and respect the New Testament, but depending on the tradition you follow—Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox—you may notice some differences in how it’s used and understood. These differences don’t change the main message, but they can affect things like worship style, teaching, and daily practice.

Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Perspectives

• Catholics use the New Testament along with teachings from the Church and the Pope. They believe both the Bible and Church tradition work together to guide faith.
  
• Protestants focus mainly on the Bible itself, often using the phrase “Scripture alone” to say that the Bible is the highest authority for faith and practice.
  
• Orthodox Christians also value the New Testament highly, but they place strong emphasis on the ancient traditions and writings of the early Church Fathers alongside it.
  

Even though each group has its own approach, they all include the same 27 books in the New Testament.

Slight Variations in Emphasis, Interpretation, and Translation

Depending on your tradition, the way the New Testament is interpreted might be a little different. For example:

• One group may focus more on faith and personal salvation, while another might put more emphasis on community and sacraments.
  
• Some use older Bible translations like the King James Version, while others prefer more modern or easier-to-read versions.
  

Also, the words and meaning of some Bible passages might be explained in different ways depending on the beliefs and teachings of the church.

Shared Reverence Despite Differences

Even with these differences, one thing remains the same: all Christian traditions deeply respect the New Testament. They believe it is inspired by God and full of truth about Jesus, salvation, and how to live a good and faithful life.

No matter what tradition you’re part of—or even if you’re just learning—know that the New Testament is something all Christians treasure, and it continues to shape millions of lives around the world.

16. Why the New Testament Still Matters Today

Even though the New Testament was written nearly 2,000 years ago, it still has a powerful impact on the world today. Whether you’re religious or just curious, you’ll find that the New Testament continues to shape culture, values, and lives in many important ways.

Its Influence on Western Culture, Law, and Values

Many of the ideas found in Western society—like the importance of equality, human rights, and compassion—have roots in the teachings of the New Testament. Laws about justice, caring for the poor, and loving your neighbor have been influenced by its message.

Even if you live in a country that’s not very religious, you might still see its influence in holidays like Christmas and Easter, or in the way people talk about forgiveness, kindness, and doing what’s right.

Relevance of Its Moral and Spiritual Teachings

The New Testament offers timeless advice for your everyday life. It talks about things you still face today—love, anger, forgiveness, patience, and hope. Its message helps you understand how to treat others, how to make good choices, and how to find peace during hard times.

Whether you’re looking for spiritual answers or just a guide to being a better person, the teachings of Jesus and the early Church still speak clearly to the challenges people face today.

Continued Impact on Millions of Lives Globally

Around the world, millions of people read the New Testament every day. It’s been translated into hundreds of languages, and people of all ages and backgrounds find comfort, direction, and inspiration in its pages.

Churches use it to teach and worship. Families read it at home. Many people turn to it during times of trouble or when they want to grow in faith. Its message of hope, love, and new life continues to change lives, one heart at a time.

So even in our modern world, the New Testament still matters—because it speaks to your heart, your choices, and your journey through life.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned about the New Testament, you can see why it’s such an important part of the Christian faith. You discovered that it has 27 books, written by followers of Jesus, that teach about his life, death, and resurrection, and guide Christians in how to live. It includes stories, letters, and teachings that shaped the early Church and continue to influence millions of people today.

The New Testament is not only a historical document that helps you understand the past—it’s also a spiritual guide that speaks to your heart right now. Its messages about love, grace, faith, and hope are just as powerful today as they were long ago.

If you’re curious or want to learn more, take the next step: open the New Testament and start reading it for yourself. Whether you read one verse or one chapter at a time, you’ll begin to discover wisdom, comfort, and truth that can help you on your journey.