The apostolic teaching of the New Testament is united by a common source—Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Christianity is not first a doctrine but a divine life, which necessarily produces doctrine as truth lived and experienced. The New Testament, though unsystematic in form, reflects deep inner harmony, centering on Christ’s person and work, and reveals one consistent gospel through diverse voices. All apostles testify to the same salvation, and their inspired writings together form the complete and enduring foundation of Christian truth.
Christianity is primarily life, not merely doctrine—a new moral creation embodied in Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word. This divine life spreads through humanity, reconciling it with God and leading to full restoration. For individuals, Christianity begins not in thought, but in regeneration, conversion, and sanctification. Doctrine is organically included as this life grows into awareness of God’s truth in Christ.
Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life.” His doctrine is not speculative abstraction but divinely inspired expression of life—truth with power to reach heart, will, and conscience. The Bible is not a textbook for scholars alone, but a book of life for all, containing God’s vivifying breath, capable of transforming sinners into new creatures. Dogmatic systems are helpful for theology, but never substitute the living words of Scripture, which are “spirit and life.”
The Internal Harmony of the New Testament
Though not arranged like a theological textbook, the New Testament exhibits deep inner unity and divine harmony. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans approaches a systematic presentation, yet maintains the impassioned and practical tone essential to Holy Scripture. The key task of theology is to bring this living order to light.
Core of Apostolic Preaching
The central content of apostolic teaching is the gospel of Jesus Christ—his person, atoning work, resurrection, exaltation, and second coming. It presents salvation as rooted in the promises and types of the Old Testament, and fulfilled in Christ. This message encompasses:
- The person of Jesus as Messiah
- His holy life and redemptive death
- His resurrection and ascension
- The church as a divine institution
- The communion of believers
- The Word and sacraments
- The Holy Spirit’s regenerating and sanctifying work
- Repentance, conversion, and final glorification
- The resurrection of the body and life everlasting
All apostles are united in these essentials, drawing directly from their personal relationship with the risen Christ and illumination by the Holy Spirit. Their inspiration was not mechanical, but preserved their individual gifts and personalities while guiding them in truth.
Inspiration and Revelation
Apostolic inspiration was not merely for writing, but an abiding spiritual state. It dealt with moral and salvific truth—not exhaustive knowledge in history, geography, or science. The canon of the New Testament comprises the complete revelation needed for salvation. Later figures, even if exceptionally inspired, must be measured by the apostolic standard.
Unity in Christ
Ultimately, the New Testament is one book, with a single authorial mind—the mind of Christ. Christ gave his words to the apostles; they, through the Spirit, conveyed his glory to the church. This is the source of the unity and harmony of its 27 books, which remain sufficient until the return of the personal Word and the full revelation of glory in the kingdom of light.
