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Now to today’s “crisis with faith.”
Is the God of the Old Testament the same as the God of the New Testament?
I believe 100% yes! Let me make my case through some iconic Old Testament events. Let give Three Points.
The Statements Of Jesus
Let’s start in Exodus 3. God visits Moses from within a burning bush and gives him his mission of taking the Israelites (God chosen people) out of Egypt. In verse 14, Moses wonders what name he should call God,
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” ~Exodus 3:14
Lets contrast this too the New Testament. In John Ch.8 (verses 48-59), the Jews and religious leaders of the time are skeptical of Jesus and claim Him to be “demon possessed.” Jesus ends out the chapter by making this statement, “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” ~John 8:58. His listeners knew very much what He was talking about by the fact that they tried to stone Him following His speaking. (verse 59)
Jesus claimed to be God. Now, is there evidence to His claim? Let’s continue.
The Miracles of Jesus
Lets look no further then the recorded miracles that happened all around Jesus.
They are throughout the Gospels, including healing (Luke 5:12-26) and even resurrections from the dead (John 11, Luke 7:11-17).
Lets also not forget the miracle transformations that happened among the disciples. Look at Peters radical transformation after seeing Jesus alive again (John 18:12-26 compared to Acts 2:14-43).
Also, don’t forget the radical conversion and transformation of Saul later in the New Testament (Acts 9)
The Prophecy of Jesus
God spoke of the Messiah, the promise to Israel, numerous times throughout the Old Testament. He gave signs for His people to watch out for. Jesus fulfilled every single one. This proves He is the the promised Messiah.
Lets look at a few.
Born in the Line of King David (2 Samuel 17:12-16, both the Physical line (Matthew 1) and the Legal Line (Luke 3) )
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2- Luke 2:4-6)
Born to a virgin (Isaiah 7:14-Luke 1:29-34)
He would be wounded for our transgressions. (Isaiah 53).
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all ~ Isaiah 53:5-6
This happened when Jesus went to the Cross. There He paid the fine we could never pay His in life’s blood.
“What fine?” You may ask.
Well, God is ultimately the Judge. He has given us the Moral Law (Ten Commandments) which have deliberately broken. Every time we lie (7th commandment) or covet (10th Commandment). Or even when we don’t put God first in our life (1st and 2nd commandment) we sin against a Holy and perfect Judge. Breaking His Law, and Him being a Good Judge, He must punish us of our sins. This punish is eternity in a real place called Hell. Hell is a place of torment where no mortal would want to go.
So, we stand condemned before the Judge. What are we too do? We can’t just apologize, that doesn’t wipe away the past sins; even doing good works won’t free us from these transgressions, this Judge won’t be bought.
“The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with evil intent!” -Proverbs 21:27
But, there is Good News. Well, God made a way of salvation. His Messiah. God sent Himself in the form of a man, born of a virgin, in the person of Jesus Christ. He would live a sinless life, then suffer, bleed and die the punishment promised Him in Isaiah 53. To take our sins upon Himself. He paid our fine before the Holy Judge, out of His wondrous love for us.
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. ~John 3:16
All that is required is a proper response to His sacrifice. A genuine repentance, turning and forsaking of sins, and Trust in Jesus Christ as Savior, the way you would trust a parachute before a jump out of a plane.
This is the ONLY way provided for salvation from our sins.
God will then forgive your sins and will grant you a new heart with new desires. This is the Gospel.
Through the darkness of our sins, God provided us a light of salvation.
Isaiah 9:2, 6
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned....For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
God Bless!
For more answers regarding Jewish and Old Testament tradition and Jesus Christ and the Christian faith, visit: http://www.jewsforjesus.com/ or http://www.gotquestions.org/.
Also, here is an awesome video from “Jews For Jesus” regarding Christ in the tradition of Passover.
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