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The Unity of God’s Character Across Testaments

One critique often raised is the purported difference in God’s character between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Detractors claim that Jehovah in the Old Testament appears wrathful and punitive, while the New Testament presents God as loving and forgiving through Jesus Christ. This objection misreads the text and misunderstands the nature of God’s revelation.

Understanding Context and Covenant

First, it’s imperative to understand the context in which actions and decrees of God are presented in the Bible. Different covenants mark the relationship between God and humanity at different periods. In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law served a theocratic society and was specific to a time and place, serving as a “tutor leading to Christ” (Galatians 3:24, UASV). In the New Testament, the focus shifts from national Israel to the establishment of a spiritual kingdom that is not tied to any political entity.

God’s Justice and Righteousness

In both the Old and New Testaments, God’s character is one of justice and righteousness. The Old Testament instances that highlight God’s wrath are typically against grave sins like idolatry and injustice. The severity of the Mosaic Law had a specific purpose: to show the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort. Far from portraying a vengeful God, these sections underscore God’s consistent moral standard.

God’s Love and Mercy

Likewise, the portrayal of God’s love and mercy is not restricted to the New Testament. Numerous Old Testament passages extol God’s kindness and long-suffering. For example, Jehovah proclaims His own nature in Exodus 34:6, “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.” Furthermore, the entire sacrificial system was an avenue for atonement and reconciliation, indicating a God eager to forgive.

Jesus Christ: The Complete Revelation of God

The life and teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament are the most complete revelation of God’s character. The apostle John summarizes this by saying, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, UASV). Christ’s mission was not to overhaul the perception of God but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). This continuity is evident throughout Christ’s teachings, which often reiterate and elaborate on Old Testament principles.

The Case of Divine Judgment

Divine judgment is a theme that persists from the Old Testament into the New Testament. The God who executed judgment against the wicked in the days of Noah is the same God who will judge the world through Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31). While the New Testament emphasizes God’s grace, it does not shy away from themes of judgment and the need for righteousness. Hell, as eternal destruction rather than eternal torment, is also distinctly outlined in the New Testament (Matthew 10:28).

Hermeneutical Consistency

A consistent hermeneutic approach, grounded in the objective Historical-Grammatical method, clarifies these supposed contradictions. An accurate interpretation should take into account the context, genre, and aim of each book and passage in the Bible. Misunderstandings often arise from isolating verses and ignoring their historical and literary settings.

Summing It Up: A Cohesive Portrait

In conclusion, perceived inconsistencies in God’s character arise from misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the biblical text. A thorough, context-sensitive reading reveals a remarkably unified portrayal of God throughout the Scriptures. Both Testaments consistently depict a God of justice, righteousness, love, and mercy. From the legal codes of ancient Israel to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Bible provides a cohesive understanding of God’s character that withstands critical scrutiny. Therefore, claims that the Bible portrays an inconsistent God rest on precarious foundations and collapse under rigorous examination.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).