The New Testament vs. The Old Testament - God and Israel

Attribute	The New Testament	The Old Testament - God and Israel
Time Period	1st century AD	Before 1st century AD
Main Characters	Jesus, disciples, apostles	Abraham, Moses, David
Focus	Teachings of Jesus, salvation, grace	Covenant with Israel, laws, prophecies
Language	Greek	Hebrew
Key Events	Crucifixion, resurrection, Pentecost	Exodus, giving of the Law, conquest of Canaan

God in The Old Testament

In the Old Testament, God is often portrayed as a powerful and wrathful deity who demands obedience and punishes those who disobey. He is seen as a strict and just ruler who enforces his laws with a heavy hand. God is often depicted as a warrior who fights on behalf of his chosen people, Israel, and who delivers them from their enemies. He is also seen as a creator who made the world and everything in it.

God in The New Testament

In contrast, the God of the New Testament is portrayed as a loving and merciful deity who offers forgiveness and redemption to all who believe in him. He is seen as a compassionate and caring father who is willing to sacrifice his own son for the salvation of humanity. God is often depicted as a healer and a teacher who offers guidance and support to his followers. He is also seen as a God of grace and mercy who offers salvation to all who repent.

Israel in The Old Testament

In the Old Testament, Israel is portrayed as God's chosen people, who are called to be a light to the nations and to follow God's laws and commandments. The Israelites are often depicted as a stubborn and rebellious people who frequently disobey God and face the consequences of their actions. Despite their shortcomings, God remains faithful to Israel and continues to protect and provide for them.

Israel in The New Testament

In the New Testament, Israel is no longer seen as the exclusive chosen people of God, but rather as a symbol of all believers who have faith in Jesus Christ. The focus shifts from a physical nation to a spiritual community made up of Jews and Gentiles alike. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the key to salvation, rather than adherence to the laws and rituals of the Old Testament.

Comparison of God in The Old and New Testaments

• In the Old Testament, God is portrayed as a powerful and wrathful deity, while in the New Testament, he is seen as a loving and merciful father.
• The Old Testament emphasizes obedience to God's laws and commandments, while the New Testament focuses on faith in Jesus Christ as the path to salvation.
• God in the Old Testament is often depicted as a warrior who fights on behalf of his chosen people, while in the New Testament, he is portrayed as a healer and a teacher.

Comparison of Israel in The Old and New Testaments

• In the Old Testament, Israel is seen as God's chosen people who are called to follow his laws and commandments, while in the New Testament, Israel is a symbol of all believers who have faith in Jesus Christ.
• The Old Testament portrays Israel as a physical nation with a special relationship with God, while the New Testament emphasizes a spiritual community of believers from all backgrounds.
• Israel in the Old Testament is often depicted as rebellious and disobedient, while in the New Testament, the focus is on faith in Jesus rather than adherence to the laws of the Old Testament.

In conclusion, the attributes of God and Israel in the Old and New Testaments are distinct and reflect different aspects of the relationship between humanity and the divine. While the Old Testament emphasizes obedience to God's laws and the special status of Israel as God's chosen people, the New Testament focuses on faith in Jesus Christ and the inclusion of all believers in a spiritual community. Both testaments offer valuable insights into the nature of God and the role of humanity in his plan for salvation.