I am studying the Bible to help me better understand the religious viewpoint?

The Old Testament is the imperfect testament which demonstrates the consequences of sin. The New Testament is the perfect testament that gives freedom and life. If you study the relationship between the two testaments; their areas of agreement, and areas of disagreement, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the way they reflect each other, it will help you understand a great deal about what Christ came to teach us.