The perceived difference between God’s character in the Old and New Testament has long been a source of confusion for many believers. However, a deeper examination reveals God’s unchanging nature throughout scripture, consistently displaying both justice and mercy. The Old Testament laws, particularly the Herem laws in Deuteronomy 13, were established to maintain Israel’s purity and demonstrate God’s holiness.This divine consistency is illustrated through various biblical accounts. The story of Achan shows God’s justice within His covenant relationship with Israel, highlighting the serious nature and communal impact of sin. Conversely, Rahab’s story demonstrates God’s mercy amid judgment, as she and her family were spared because of her faith. Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross perfectly exemplifies this dual nature of God’s character, showing both ultimate justice and supreme mercy. Understanding cultural context and progressive revelation helps us grasp how God meets people where they are while drawing them toward His perfect standards.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you typically view God’s character in the Old Testament compared to the New Testament?
- Why do you think people often struggle with God’s justice in the Old Testament?
- How does understanding the cultural and historical context help us better interpret difficult passages in Scripture?
- In what ways do you see God’s mercy demonstrated in the Old Testament?
- How does Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross help us understand God’s justice and mercy working together?
- What does it mean that God is unchanging in His character?
- How should we approach passages in Scripture that seem difficult to understand from our modern perspective?
- What role does progressive revelation play in how God reveals His will to His people?