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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Historical Continuity</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/h/historical_continuity.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/h/historic.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Historical Continuity</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/h/historical_context_of_god's_promises.htm" title="Historical Context of God's Promises">◄</a> Historical Continuity <a href="/topical/h/historical_continuity_and_faithfulness.htm" title="Historical Continuity and Faithfulness">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Historical continuity refers to the consistent and unbroken transmission of events, beliefs, and practices through time. In the context of the Bible, it underscores the unfolding of God's redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation, highlighting the coherence and unity of Scripture despite its diverse authorship and historical settings.<br><br><b>Biblical Narrative and Continuity</b><br><br>The Bible presents a continuous narrative that begins with creation and culminates in the new creation. This continuity is evident in the genealogies, covenants, and prophecies that link the Old and New Testaments. For instance, the genealogy of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/1.htm">Matthew 1:1-17</a> traces His lineage back to Abraham, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The Berean Standard Bible states, "This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham" (<a href="/matthew/1.htm">Matthew 1:1</a>).<br><br><b>Covenantal Continuity</b><br><br>Covenants play a crucial role in maintaining historical continuity. The Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants are interconnected, each building upon the previous one. The Abrahamic Covenant promises blessings to all nations through Abraham's seed (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>), which is fulfilled in Christ. The Mosaic Covenant establishes the law, which points to the need for a Savior. The Davidic Covenant promises an eternal kingdom through David's line, realized in Jesus Christ, the "Son of David" (<a href="/matthew/22-42.htm">Matthew 22:42</a>). The New Covenant, prophesied in <a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a>, is inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, offering redemption and eternal life.<br><br><b>Prophetic Continuity</b><br><br>Prophecy serves as a bridge across the Testaments, providing continuity through the anticipation and fulfillment of God's promises. The prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah, His suffering, and His reign. <a href="/bsb/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a> vividly describes the suffering servant, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion. The Berean Standard Bible captures this in <a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Isaiah 53:5</a>: "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."<br><br><b>Typological Continuity</b><br><br>Typology is another aspect of historical continuity, where events, persons, or institutions in the Old Testament prefigure and foreshadow New Testament realities. For example, the Passover lamb in <a href="/bsb/exodus/12.htm">Exodus 12</a> is a type of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (<a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a>). The Berean Standard Bible reflects this typology: "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" (<a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a>).<br><br><b>Continuity in Doctrine and Practice</b><br><br>The continuity of biblical doctrine and practice is evident in the consistent themes of sin, redemption, and restoration. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>). The Berean Standard Bible records Jesus' words: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them" (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>).<br><br><b>The Church and Historical Continuity</b><br><br>The Church, as the body of Christ, represents the continuity of God's people from Israel to the present. The early Church saw itself as the continuation of the faithful remnant of Israel, inheriting the promises and mission to be a light to the nations. The apostle Paul emphasizes this continuity in <a href="/bsb/romans/11.htm">Romans 11</a>, where he describes Gentile believers as grafted into the olive tree of Israel, sharing in the rich root of the patriarchs.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>Historical continuity in the Bible is a testament to the divine authorship and inspiration of Scripture. It reveals a coherent and unified narrative that transcends time, culture, and human limitations, ultimately pointing to the eternal purposes of God in Christ Jesus.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/historic.htm">Historic</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/historical_periods.htm">Historical Periods</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/canonicity.htm">Canonicity</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/iddo.htm">Iddo (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/patriachs.htm">Patriachs</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/patriarch.htm">Patriarch (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/triune.htm">Triune</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/trine.htm">Trine</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/immersion.htm">Immersion</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/i-iii.htm">I-iii</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/introduction.htm">Introduction (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/ladder.htm">Ladder (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/genealogies.htm">Genealogies (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/immaculate.htm">Immaculate</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rehoboam's.htm">Rehoboam's (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/elohim.htm">Elohim (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ethiopic.htm">Ethiopic</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/enrollment.htm">Enrollment (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/conception.htm">Conception (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/concubine.htm">Concubine (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shemai'ah.htm">Shemai'ah (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wars.htm">Wars (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/historic.htm">Historic (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/libraries.htm">Libraries</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ezranehemiah.htm">Ezranehemiah</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ezra-nehemiah.htm">Ezra-nehemiah</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/seer.htm">Seer (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judges.htm">Judges (117 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/concordance.htm">Concordance</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hezekiah.htm">Hezekiah (124 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/commentaries.htm">Commentaries</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rehobo'am.htm">Rehobo'am (42 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stoics.htm">Stoics (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/continual.htm">Continual (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shemaiah.htm">Shemaiah (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sanhedrin.htm">Sanhedrin (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/moabites.htm">Moabites (26 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bible.htm">Bible</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thessalonica.htm">Thessalonica (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel (129 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/chronicles.htm">Chronicles (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/aren't.htm">Aren't (102 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab (162 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/predestination.htm">Predestination</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jerobo'am.htm">Jerobo'am (92 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philosophy.htm">Philosophy (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tyre.htm">Tyre (59 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gospel.htm">Gospel (108 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/warfare.htm">Warfare (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/macedonia.htm">Macedonia (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rehoboam.htm">Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ethiopia.htm">Ethiopia (26 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/deal.htm">Deal (170 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/numbers.htm">Numbers (136 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines (224 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/language.htm">Language (112 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah (104 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/history.htm">History (57 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/anem.htm">Anem (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon (277 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jeroboam.htm">Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/books.htm">Books (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/epistle.htm">Epistle (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/john.htm">John (154 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/criticism.htm">Criticism (1 Occurrence)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/h/historical_context_of_god's_promises.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Historical Context of God's Promises"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Historical Context of God's Promises" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/h/historical_continuity_and_faithfulness.htm" 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