New Testament God vs. Old Testament God

Attribute	New Testament God	Old Testament God
Personality	Loving, forgiving, merciful	Jealous, vengeful, wrathful
Relationship with humans	Emphasizes love and forgiveness	Emphasizes obedience and punishment
Role in creation	Seen as the father figure	Seen as the lawgiver
Interactions with prophets	Guides and supports them	Can be harsh and demanding
Teachings on morality	Focuses on love, compassion, and forgiveness	Emphasizes obedience, justice, and punishment

New Testament God

In the New Testament, God is often portrayed as a loving and merciful deity. This is evident in passages such as John 3:16, which states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This emphasis on love and forgiveness is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the embodiment of God's love for humanity.

Another key attribute of the New Testament God is his desire for a personal relationship with his followers. This is highlighted in verses like James 4:8, which encourages believers to "draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." The idea of God as a loving father figure who cares for his children is a prevalent theme throughout the New Testament, reinforcing the notion of a close and intimate connection between God and humanity.

Furthermore, the New Testament God is often portrayed as a God of grace and redemption. This is exemplified in passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." The concept of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is a central tenet of the New Testament, emphasizing God's willingness to forgive and redeem those who believe in him.

Additionally, the New Testament God is seen as a God of peace and reconciliation. This is evident in verses like Romans 5:1, which declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." The idea of God as a peacemaker who seeks to reconcile humanity to himself is a prominent theme in the New Testament, underscoring the importance of harmony and unity among believers.

Lastly, the New Testament God is often depicted as a God of hope and promise. This is illustrated in passages such as Jeremiah 29:11, which proclaims, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The idea of God as a source of hope and assurance for the future is a recurring motif in the New Testament, offering believers comfort and encouragement in times of uncertainty.

Old Testament God

In contrast to the New Testament God, the God of the Old Testament is often portrayed as a God of justice and judgment. This is evident in passages such as Exodus 34:6-7, which describes God as "slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished." The emphasis on God's righteousness and holiness in the Old Testament underscores the importance of obedience and adherence to his laws.

Another key attribute of the Old Testament God is his sovereignty and power. This is highlighted in verses like Isaiah 45:7, which declares, "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things." The idea of God as the supreme ruler and creator of the universe is a central theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing his authority and control over all aspects of existence.

Furthermore, the Old Testament God is often depicted as a God of covenant and promise. This is exemplified in passages such as Genesis 17:7, where God establishes a covenant with Abraham and his descendants, promising to be their God and the God of their descendants after them. The concept of God's faithfulness to his promises and his commitment to his chosen people is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, underscoring the importance of loyalty and obedience in the relationship between God and humanity.

Additionally, the Old Testament God is seen as a God of holiness and purity. This is evident in verses like Leviticus 11:44, which commands, "Be holy because I am holy." The emphasis on God's holiness and the requirement for his people to be set apart and consecrated for his purposes is a prominent theme in the Old Testament, highlighting the importance of moral purity and spiritual cleanliness in the worship of God.

Lastly, the Old Testament God is often portrayed as a God of wrath and judgment. This is illustrated in passages such as Nahum 1:2-3, which proclaims, "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies." The idea of God as a righteous judge who punishes sin and wickedness is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and the importance of repentance and atonement.