This period might be referred to as the "Gospel Age" for the gospel is the message preached, Mark 16:15-16. However, we call it the "Christian Period" as those who obey the gospel are called "Christians," Acts 11:26. Jesus Christ is the focal point of all the Biblical history, and through Him God now speaks to us, Heb. 1:1-2. During the Patriarchal and Mosaic Periods God was preparing the way for the coming of Christ. Many prophecies and promises pointed to this age, to salvation through Christ, and to the establishment of His kingdom, 1 Pet. 1:10-12.

I. The New Testament Is God's Revelation For Christians

A. Its Central Theme Is Christ, Gal. 4:4-5; Matt. 1:21-25.

1. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John tell of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ which is "the gospel", 1 Cor. 15:1-4.

2. The book of Acts records the history of how the apostles preached the gospel and of what the early church did as they received it.

3. The books of Romans through Revelation are letters written to churches and individual Christians exhorting them to faithfulness and guarding them against false doctrine.

B. The Birth And Life Of Christ

1. John the Baptist prepared the way, Matt. 3:1-6.

a. The law and the prophets prophesied until John, Matt. 11:13.

b. John bore witness that Jesus is the Son of God, John 1:29-34.

2. His earthly ministry was in preparation for the kingdom, Mark 1:14-15.

a. Jesus preached to the Jews only, Matt. 15:24

b. During His lifetime, He sent apostles only to Jews, Matt. 10:5-7.

C. The Death Of Christ

1. Actually, the Christian Period begins with the death of Christ, for at death His will became "of force," Heb. 9:16-17; Col. 2:14.

2. The church was not established till after His death, Matt. 16:18.

3. The gospel was not preached to "all the world" till then, Mark 16:15-16.