Why Does God in the Old Testament Seem So Different Than Jesus? | Dr. Jo Vitale

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message challenges the common perception that God in the Old Testament is different from Jesus, promoting an idea of a loving God in the New Testament and a judgmental God in the Old. However, this teaching reveals that both testaments present a consistent picture of God's character, which is fundamentally rooted in love and justice.

God's faithfulness endures throughout all generations (Psalm 119), and Jesus Christ is described as the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This consistency is essential to the Christian faith, yet we often struggle to reconcile the different portrayals of God in the Old and New Testaments.

Instead of seeing a flip between an angry God in the Old Testament and a loving God in the New, this message suggests that both testaments present a thread of God's judgment and love running throughout. This thread is woven together intricately, demonstrating how God's character is consistent across the Bible.

Key Scripture References

• Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is described as the same yesterday, today, and forever, highlighting the consistency of God's character throughout history.
• Psalms 119 - God's faithfulness endures throughout all generations, demonstrating that His love and commitment to His people remain unwavering.
• Exodus 34:6-7 - God introduces Himself as the Lord, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love. This passage showcases the core of God's character, which is consistent across the Bible.
• Jonah 3:10 - After Jonah preaches to the people of Nineveh, they repent, and God relents from judgment. This passage demonstrates God's love and mercy, as well as His willingness to delay judgment for the sake of His people.
• Matthew 5:22-24 - Jesus warns that it is better to pluck out one's eye than to cause oneself to sin, highlighting the importance of living a life of holiness and avoiding evil. This passage shows how Jesus emphasizes the importance of judgment and accountability in the New Testament.
• 2 Peter 3:8-9 - God is patient with humanity because He does not want anyone to perish but wants everyone to come to eternal life. This passage explains why God delays judgment, giving people an opportunity to respond to His love.

Key Takeaways

• The Bible presents a consistent picture of God's character, which is fundamentally rooted in love and justice. Both the Old Testament and New Testament demonstrate this consistency.
• God's judgment and love are not opposing forces but rather fundamental aspects of His character. He cares deeply about justice and wants to protect His people from evil.
• The delay of God's judgment is not because He lacks love or compassion, but because He wants everyone to have the opportunity to respond to His love and receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.
• God's character is consistent across the Bible, and we must be careful not to compartmentalize different aspects of His nature. Instead, we should see how they are intricately woven together in a beautiful narrative of love and justice.

This Week's Challenge

Take time this week to reflect on God's character as presented in the Bible. Ask yourself:

* How does God's love and judgment intersect, and what does that mean for my life?

* In what ways can I respond to God's love and justice in my daily interactions with others?

* How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's character and live accordingly?

Practically, take the following steps this week:

1. Read through Psalm 119 and reflect on how God's faithfulness endures throughout all generations.

2. Pray for a greater understanding of God's character and how it intersects with your life.

3. Seek to live out God's justice and love in your daily interactions with others, whether through acts of kindness or standing against injustice.

Reflection Questions

• How has your perception of God's character changed as you've studied the Bible? What insights have you gained about His love and judgment?
• What are some ways in which you can respond to God's love and justice in your daily life, whether through prayer, service, or standing against injustice?
• How does the concept of delayed judgment (2 Peter 3:8-9) change your understanding of God's character? What implications does this have for how you live your life?