Is God of the Old and New Testament the same.

Is God of the Old and New Testament the same.

Is the God of the Old and New Testament the same?

Last Updated

May 9, 2021

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Many people wrongly assume that the God of the New Testament (‘NT’) defers from the God of the Old Testament (‘OT’).  

They perceive the God of the OT as moody, unpredictable, and hot-tempered. While at the same time view the God of the NT as a judge free, grace-giving, and a Father who is ready to spoil His children. 

So does the Bible present us with two conflicting Gods? The good God of the NT and to use the words of a prominent atheist author Richard Dawkins – “a moral monster and bully” of the OT. 

No. The Bible presents one God, and it becomes clear through progressive revelation in the Bible that God is both ‘gracious’ and ‘just.’ Both the OT and NT depict these qualities. 

While it is true that one clearly sees the evidence of the grace of God in the NT that concludes at the cross of Jesus Christ, it does not mean that the God of the OT failed to depict grace. 

In the very beginning, in the book of Genesis, God’s grace is evident in the Garden of Eden; after Adam and Eve’s collapse to sin, God pursues them with grace instead of wiping them out.

Likewise, the OT is filled with the grace of God. He graciously tolerates the people of Israel even after their repetitive rebellion and, also other nations, for example, in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah where He was willing to spare the city for the sake of 10 righteous people.

Now just as God’s grace is seen in the OT, His justice is evident in the NT as well. 

To name a few examples; Jesus clearing the temple (John 2) or the hardening of the hearts of the Jewish nation (Romans 11), not to mention the book Revelation that lays out God’s final justice and judgment that will take place at the end times.

In conclusion, the Bible does not portray a dual-headed God, but it unveils to us the totality of God’s whole nature. God is Just and full of Grace. 

the Bible does not portray a dual-headed God, but unveils to us the totality of Gods' whole nature.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Who is God?

Here are few examples of who God is. His nature and everything about Him.

love satan?

If we are to love our enemies, should not God also love Satan?

The Bible tells us to forgive and pray for our enemies. Does this mean the same for God? Will God ever forgive Satan?

Create satan

Did God create Satan? And if so why does He not just get rid of him?

The Bible tells us that God is love, gentle, kind and just. If so how could a God like this create Satan who is evil?

loving allow suffering

Why would a loving God allow suffering?

This question distinguishes between two characteristics of love and suffering. However, it can be misleading as it assumes that God had inherently prepared for a world for pain and sickness. This is not true.

God change his mind

Does God change His mind?

No. God does not go back on His promises nor does He tell us something one day and something different the next. Unlike us, God can always be trusted to keep His Word.

Loving god kill

How Can a Loving God Kill People in the Old Testament?

Many scriptural critics have imposed this question on Christians accusing them of serving a “crazy” God who would destroy innocent nations in the Old Testament.

Does God Harden hearts

Why does God harden hearts?

What is the deal with God hardening people’s hearts? Is not our hearts hard enough let alone have God to harden it?

does god command human sacrifice

Does God Command Human sacrifice?

In Genesis chapter 22 we come across this overwhelming passage where God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his long-awaited and promised son, Isaac.

can got get jealous

Can God get jealous?

The Bible not only says that God is a Jealous God, but it also declares that one of His very names “is Jealous.”

starving children

Does God not care about the millions of starving children in the world?

People often blame God for the number of starving children in the world and accuse Him of lacking power or the care to provide for them. So is this true?

Is God the author of evil?

Is God the author of evil?

Is God the author of evil?

Last Updated

May 18, 2021

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The Bible states that God created everything; it also states that God is morally perfect.

If this is true, how could there be evil? 

There is an indirect sense in which God is the author of moral evil. 

God created moral beings with a free choice, and this is the origin of moral evil in the universe. 

So ultimately, God made evil possible by creating free moral creatures who are responsible for moral evil. 

So is this necessarily a bad thing? If you have a choice even to think right now ~ this would mean that it is not a bad thing at all because you have the ability to choose.  

God made evil possible by creating free creatures, but the free creatures made evil actual

In conclusion, God only created good things, one of which is the power of free moral beings. 

However, we have to keep in mind that God only permitted evil but does not promote it. He will ultimately produce a greater good through it. 

God has allowed evil to exist (though for a limited time) to essentially display His mercy and grace. While the evil may seem to be overpowering, we can take courage because God will work things out for the glory of His name and that there is a sovereign purpose in all things that God has permitted. 

Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)

20. But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

God made Evil possible by creating free creatures, but the free creatures made evil Actual.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Who is God?

Here are few examples of who God is. His nature and everything about Him.

love satan?

If we are to love our enemies, should not God also love Satan?

The Bible tells us to forgive and pray for our enemies. Does this mean the same for God? Will God ever forgive Satan?

Create satan

Did God create Satan? And if so why does He not just get rid of him?

The Bible tells us that God is love, gentle, kind and just. If so how could a God like this create Satan who is evil?

loving allow suffering

Why would a loving God allow suffering?

This question distinguishes between two characteristics of love and suffering. However, it can be misleading as it assumes that God had inherently prepared for a world for pain and sickness. This is not true.

God change his mind

Does God change His mind?

No. God does not go back on His promises nor does He tell us something one day and something different the next. Unlike us, God can always be trusted to keep His Word.

If God already knows my future. Does that not take away my free will.

If God already knows my future. Does that not take away my free will.

If God already knows my future. Does that not take away my free will?

Last Updated

May 8, 2021

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Atheists will often bring up this claim stating that since Christians believe God is Omniscient and Omnipotent (which means all-knowing and all-powerful); does it not take away our free will?

In simple terms, since God already knows our actions, thoughts, and, has pre-ordained our future; are we not just robotic toys in this world?

These are all valid claims; however, not many have gone beyond this question to understand God’s eternal ways and motives.

To break this down, we will look at one scenario from the book of Genesis. Where Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit which God had already known they would do and, therefore were predestined to eat from it.

ARGUMENT 1

“Why did God make the wrong choice available in the first place?”

We should know that God always provides us with more opportunities for the right choice. God said they could eat from ‘any’ tree in the Garden, but there was only ‘one’ wrong choice Adam and Eve could make, and God still made it available. 

God is always in favor of us doing good, and there are multiple good choices to make compared to the bad choices. The real question is why do we always choose to do the wrong thing? 

ARGUMENT 2

Likewise, why does God still make the wrong choices available to us today?

Could God remove all wrong choices? Yes.

However, He makes those options still available because He wants us to choose Him based on love and not by force.

The essence of love cannot be fully expressed if one does not have a choice or an alternative. Love is seeing the wrong thing but caring enough about someone to do the right thing.

ARGUMENT 3

“If God knows everything about us, how does that give us free will since He would know all our choices and actions?”

Having foreknowledge about something or someone does not necessarily take away ones free will. Even humans can know or have foreknowledge of the free actions of each other. 

If I gave you an option of having a pizza or a rat for dinner, you would most likely choose the pizza, and you would be doing so freely, and I would have done nothing to influence your action.

If we as humans can know much about each other, God can also have foreknowledge of the ways we would act freely but to a greater extent. 

Christians believe that the God of the Bible is relational, and therefore by nature, He would know our character. We are all presented with choices in our lives, and while each person’s circumstances may be different, God still knows and understands each of us intimately.  

ARGUMENT 4

“Why would God place a tree in the garden and then forbid Adam to eat from it?”

God gave Adam the freedom to choose. 

If Adam did not have a choice, he would have been like a prisoner, and his obedience to God would have been hollow. 

The distinction in the two types of trees provides an exercise of judgment, with rewards for choosing to obey and sad consequences for choosing to disobey.

When we look deeper into the issue, we can notice something deeper, and that is the human tendency to sin. Regardless of the choices in front of us, we should be asking ourselves why we love sin that separates us from God. 

Although God has allowed for evil & sin to exist (temporarily), He did not just leave us alone to fend for yourselves. He alone provided the provision through which we must be saved at the cross of Christ. In this sense, God foreknew your sinful disobedience and, therefore, already had a plan in place for our redemption. 

Today, if you are reading this, I hope you reflect on the most crucial choice ahead of you. Choose Christ or choose sin

Choose Christ or choose sin.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Who is God?

Here are few examples of who God is. His nature and everything about Him.

love satan?

If we are to love our enemies, should not God also love Satan?

The Bible tells us to forgive and pray for our enemies. Does this mean the same for God? Will God ever forgive Satan?

Create satan

Did God create Satan? And if so why does He not just get rid of him?

The Bible tells us that God is love, gentle, kind and just. If so how could a God like this create Satan who is evil?

loving allow suffering

Why would a loving God allow suffering?

This question distinguishes between two characteristics of love and suffering. However, it can be misleading as it assumes that God had inherently prepared for a world for pain and sickness. This is not true.

God change his mind

Does God change His mind?

No. God does not go back on His promises nor does He tell us something one day and something different the next. Unlike us, God can always be trusted to keep His Word.

Loving god kill

How Can a Loving God Kill People in the Old Testament?

Many scriptural critics have imposed this question on Christians accusing them of serving a “crazy” God who would destroy innocent nations in the Old Testament.

Does God Harden hearts

Why does God harden hearts?

What is the deal with God hardening people’s hearts? Is not our hearts hard enough let alone have God to harden it?

does god command human sacrifice

Does God Command Human sacrifice?

In Genesis chapter 22 we come across this overwhelming passage where God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his long-awaited and promised son, Isaac.

can got get jealous

Can God get jealous?

The Bible not only says that God is a Jealous God, but it also declares that one of His very names “is Jealous.”

starving children

Does God not care about the millions of starving children in the world?

People often blame God for the number of starving children in the world and accuse Him of lacking power or the care to provide for them. So is this true?

Why can’t we see God?

Why can’t we see God?

Why can’t we see God?

Last Updated

Aug 8, 2021

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Skeptics usually put off the idea of the existence of God simply based on the fact that we cannot see Him.

The first thing that we have to keep in mind is that there are many things in life that we believe in and cannot see.

There are subatomic particles that we cannot see, but we believe in it.

There are effects in nature, such as gravity, that we cannot see (although we can feel its effects), but we still believe in it.

There are laws of logic on which basis we live our lives that we cannot see, but we still know that they are real.

Therefore, believing in things that we cannot see is something we generally do, and should not be used as a basis for not believing in God. 

Secondly, by definition, God cannot be seen. God is a Spirit being (which does not have flesh and bones Luke 24:39) and therefore is not physical. Jesus Himself quotes:

John 4:24 (NKJV)

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Therefore, using the reasoning saying ‘you cannot believe in God because you cannot see Him’ commits what scholars call a ‘category fallacy,’ it is like saying I do not believe in the musical note ‘C’ because I cannot smell it. 

Thirdly we cannot see God during our time on earth because He now requires that men seek Him by faith. 

In the beginning, when men (Adam and Eve) did see God in the Garden of Eden, they rejected Him and broke His law.  God now requires that men believe in Him by earnestly seeking Him through faith.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Although we cannot see God, we can still see the full revelation and the essence of God through Jesus Christ.

John 14:9 (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

You might be thinking that it is a hard ask for anyone to believe without seeing; in fact, even Jesus’ disciple Thomas doubted that Christ had resurrected and even asked if he could physically touch the wounds of Jesus. And only then he believed.

Like Thomas, we also might have doubt, but Jesus understands that and only asks of us to have a little faith, and in turn, we would be more blessed than those who have seen: 

John 20:29 (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Conclusion

Lastly, one of the greatest hopes of the Christian church is the promise of what we call in theology the beatific vision or the vision of God as said by John in His letter;

1 John 3:2 (NKJV)

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

John is basically saying that the very substance and essence of God, which is concealed from our eyes right now, will be seen in all of its glory, majesty, and splendor in heaven.

Until that day, the scriptures tell us consistently that no person shall see God and live; this is because God is holy, and we are not (Exod. 33:20). 

Even Moses, as righteous as he was, pleaded with God on the mountain to let him have an unveiled look at God’s glory. God only allowed him to catch a refracted glimpse of God’s back parts, but he said to Moses, “My face shall not be seen. (Exod. 33:23)” 

Ever since Adam and Eve fell and were driven from the Garden, God has been invisible to human beings, but not because God is intrinsically incapable of being seen. The problem is not with our eyes but with our hearts. 

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, made the promise that someday, a certain group of people would see God.  

Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

It’s because we’re not pure in heart that God remains invisible, and only when we’re purified will we see him.

to experience Jesus Christ in your life is to see the full revelation and essence of God.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Who is God?

Here are few examples of who God is. His nature and everything about Him.

love satan?

If we are to love our enemies, should not God also love Satan?

The Bible tells us to forgive and pray for our enemies. Does this mean the same for God? Will God ever forgive Satan?

Create satan

Did God create Satan? And if so why does He not just get rid of him?

The Bible tells us that God is love, gentle, kind and just. If so how could a God like this create Satan who is evil?

loving allow suffering

Why would a loving God allow suffering?

This question distinguishes between two characteristics of love and suffering. However, it can be misleading as it assumes that God had inherently prepared for a world for pain and sickness. This is not true.

God change his mind

Does God change His mind?

No. God does not go back on His promises nor does He tell us something one day and something different the next. Unlike us, God can always be trusted to keep His Word.

Loving god kill

How Can a Loving God Kill People in the Old Testament?

Many scriptural critics have imposed this question on Christians accusing them of serving a “crazy” God who would destroy innocent nations in the Old Testament.

Does God Harden hearts

Why does God harden hearts?

What is the deal with God hardening people’s hearts? Is not our hearts hard enough let alone have God to harden it?

does god command human sacrifice

Does God Command Human sacrifice?

In Genesis chapter 22 we come across this overwhelming passage where God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his long-awaited and promised son, Isaac.

can got get jealous

Can God get jealous?

The Bible not only says that God is a Jealous God, but it also declares that one of His very names “is Jealous.”

starving children

Does God not care about the millions of starving children in the world?

People often blame God for the number of starving children in the world and accuse Him of lacking power or the care to provide for them. So is this true?

Who created God?

Who created God?

Who Created God?

Last Updated

May 3, 2021

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Christians believe that God is the creator of all things, but skeptics would cross-question that statement asking who created God?

Firstly, we should realize that there always has to be something that has eternally existed. The Bible states that this is the infinite and personal God.

God has existed from all of eternity; nothing caused Him to exist, He had no beginning, and He will have no end.

Our only other option (from an atheist standpoint) is to believe that some sort of material / matter has eternally existed. Consequently, one must choose between an infinite personal God who has always existed or a lifeless impersonal matter.

More importantly, this question commits what scholars call a ‘category fallacy,’ it is like saying I do not believe in the musical note ‘C’ because I cannot smell (elaborated in the argument below). 

One of the best arguments I have heard on this subject was from a debate by Kent Hovind; here is a summary of what he said. 

“Asking where God came from would imply that you are thinking of the wrong God. The God of the Bible is not affected by time, space, or matter; if He had been, then He would not have been God.

To elaborate a bit more, scientists call time, space, and matter a continuum that means that they would all have to come into existence simultaneously.

If there was matter but not space, where would you put it? If there were matter and space but no time, then when would you put it? All three elements would have had to come into existence simultaneously.

The Bible clearly answers that in just ten words in the first verse of the Bible ~ Genesis 1:1.

“In the beginning (time) God created the Heavens (space) and the earth (matter).”

The God who created this universe is outside of this universe. He is above it and beyond it, in it, through it, and He is unaffected by it.

The question of where God came from assumes that there is a limited God, which is our biggest problem. The God of the Bible is not limited by time, space, or matter. 

If we could fit the infinite God in our three-pound brain, then He would not be worth worshiping. 

We must not limit the infinite God by our finite understanding.

Psalm 90:2 (NKJV)

Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

The God who created this universe is outside of this universe. He is above it and beyond it, in it, through it, and He is unaffected by it.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Who is God?

Here are few examples of who God is. His nature and everything about Him.

love satan?

If we are to love our enemies, should not God also love Satan?

The Bible tells us to forgive and pray for our enemies. Does this mean the same for God? Will God ever forgive Satan?

Create satan

Did God create Satan? And if so why does He not just get rid of him?

The Bible tells us that God is love, gentle, kind and just. If so how could a God like this create Satan who is evil?

loving allow suffering

Why would a loving God allow suffering?

This question distinguishes between two characteristics of love and suffering. However, it can be misleading as it assumes that God had inherently prepared for a world for pain and sickness. This is not true.

God change his mind

Does God change His mind?

No. God does not go back on His promises nor does He tell us something one day and something different the next. Unlike us, God can always be trusted to keep His Word.

How can I be sure that God really exists?

How can I be sure that God really exists?

How can I be sure that God Exists?

Last Updated

Sep 20, 2021

Reading Time ‘Minutes’

Word Count

There is no nation or tribe in the world which does not, in one form or another, believe in a God, a spirit, or a being that is superior to itself.

This fact even applies to the most isolated tribes who have never had contact with another culture, let alone heard the gospel. 

How is that possible?

Firstly, humans have the intellectual capacity to deduce from the vast, beautiful creation surrounding us that there is an invisible creator. Nobody believes that a car, a watch, or a paper clip just happened; there always has to be a creator. 

This is evidence from Paul statement in the New Testament:

Romans 1:20-21 (NIV)

20. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.


21. 
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

In verse 20 ~ Paul affirms that we will all be without excuse before God because we can experience the extent of His power and divine nature through creation alone.

In verse 21 ~ Paul continues to say some Humans have ignored this very evidence and have instead rejected His existence in love for their own wicked deeds.

This is true of all who have disregarded the existence of God, as they desire the darkness more than acknowledging the presence of a Holy God.

This is the burden of Romans chapter 1, that in the light of all the evidence available no one can claim ignorance of God as an excuse for refusing to honor Him or be grateful to Him. 

Psalm 19:1 (NKJV)

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Another good argument for the existence of God is the complexity with which creation is designed, allowing us to conclude on His power and knowledge.

Still, it does not give us any information about His character (e.g., love, life, mercy, goodness).

The Bible has been given to us for this purpose, to know Him. Therefore, if you want to know God in His fullness, you should read the scriptures to unfold His Nature and His divine plan for you.

The complexity through which creation is designed is clear evidence for the existence of God.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Who is God?

Here are few examples of who God is. His nature and everything about Him.

love satan?

If we are to love our enemies, should not God also love Satan?

The Bible tells us to forgive and pray for our enemies. Does this mean the same for God? Will God ever forgive Satan?

Create satan

Did God create Satan? And if so why does He not just get rid of him?

The Bible tells us that God is love, gentle, kind and just. If so how could a God like this create Satan who is evil?

loving allow suffering

Why would a loving God allow suffering?

This question distinguishes between two characteristics of love and suffering. However, it can be misleading as it assumes that God had inherently prepared for a world for pain and sickness. This is not true.

God change his mind

Does God change His mind?

No. God does not go back on His promises nor does He tell us something one day and something different the next. Unlike us, God can always be trusted to keep His Word.

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