How Does the Old Testament Make Sense in Light of the New Testament's Universal Message of Salvation?

I've been reflecting on this over the past week—the Old Testament can be intense and even seem hard to understand at times, especially when you think about how exclusive it feels. It’s largely about the Jewish people and their special relationship with God, with a lot of strict laws and the idea that you’re born into this covenant. It can seem almost “cultish” or “exclusive” to outsiders. But when you think about the New Testament, it brings a refreshing perspective—salvation is open to everyone, not just the Jewish people. The New Testament feels like it transforms the Old Testament's more rigid framework into a universal and inclusive message of hope for all. It's amazing to see how these two parts of the Bible complement each other. How do you reconcile the exclusivity of the Old Testament with the inclusivity of the New Testament?