Message Library

The Old and New Testament God

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever

Hebrews 13:8

Scripture tells us that God is immutable, that he is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. God is perfect, having all knowledge and the Word says, All things are possible for God. (Matthew 19:26) God is omniscient meaning he is all knowing and there is nothing for him to learn. For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)

From the Word we know that God never changes and this is a blessing because everything else in life changes. Knowing God never changes, why do people see a different God in the Old Testament as compared to God in the New Testament? We will attempt to show that God is the same throughout the Bible. The difference is because God reveals himself differently in the first covenant than he does in the second covenant. As we study the Old Testament and New Testament, God continually reveals himself, showing his love and blessings to those who follow him, and reveals his wrath against sin.

In the Old Testament God is revealed through the Israelite people and he took an active part in molding them into Godly people. People in other nations saw the power of the true God and how he blessed the Israelite people. In the New Testament God is revealed in Christ and those who except Christ as their savior are filled with the Holy Spirit and become God’s family. All Christians in God’s family are essentially the new Israel. God is now revealed by the people in his family, guided by the Holy Spirit

The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (Exodus 34:6) You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. (Psalm 86:5) All through the Word God reveals his love, compassion, and forgiveness to those who worship him. The difference is that in the first covenant God brought his wrath down on sinful people and carried out his wrath through his people. He guided his people, through the prophets and in the New Testament he guides us through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament his wrath is carried out through Satan who God has given limited authority. The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness. (Romans1:18) Revelation chapter 6 reveals God wrath against the sinful world, but he protects the souls of his people, those in his family

Today be thankful that God is unchanging, that his love, mercy and grace extend forever for his people. Also be thankful that God hates sin and disciplines us when we sin, making us more Christ-like. If God could tolerate sin he would not be God, and if sin were allowed in heaven, it would not be heaven.

Prayer: Lord thank you for always being the same, perfect in love and perfect in judgment. Help me to hate sin as you hate sin, and through the power of the Holy Spirit I will ask Christ to fight my battles. I pray that I will always seek victory in Christ to overcome whatever mountain Satan puts in my path. In Jesus name, Amen