How do we keep ourselves from setting up in our minds and hearts a false Jesus, one that is not represented in the scriptures? How do we have the mindset of knowing the Messiah in the power of his resurrection and the son of man in his humanity without remaking him in the image of our mind? A fewScriptures come to mind quickly, “study and show thyself approved” and “mercy triumph over judgment”.
It seems to me that it comes down to a matter of the heart, something that God is always interested in. Is the church trying to remake the gospel into its own water downed version to accommodate the culture of the day? This isn’t new! Jesus was not accepted as the savior of the world when he announced who he was. And I dare say with trembling fear, it will be that way in the near future when he returns. Only those who are ready (in heart and soul) will see him. I am thinking of the parable of the 10 virgins, 5 were taken and 5 were left. I am also thinking of the many times Jesus said, “Those who have eyes to see let them see”, and “those who have ears to hear, let them hear”.
After just reading a few pages about God’s goodness and God’s severity, it leaves one thinking that the two appose one another, but indeed, they do not! God of the former covenant (Old Testament) and the new covenant (New Testament) is the same God. There are things revealed about his character in the former covenant that seem odd or strange to our human minds, but they come from a position of a Holy God, full of mercy, grace, goodness, justice, righteousness, faithfulness, etc. If you want the savior of the New Testament, Jesus, then you must embrace and accept the same God that is revealed in the former covenant also. John 1 tells us that Jesus is the word (the whole word, not just the New Testament part). Whether or not this is an easy thing to understand and accept or it is difficult to understand and embrace, it is Truth.
One huge difference I see between the former covenant and the new covenant we have in Christ, is the complexity that our sins have been washed away by the uncorrupted blood of the eternal God though Jesus his son, not just temporarily covered by blood of lambs and bulls. I do not understand it all, and I would question anyone who had all the answers to an infinite God, that I am sure of! I am not a biblical scholar so I cannot go through all the differences of the former covenant and the new covenant, but this is the one that compels me to run to the mercy and grace of God for forgiveness. God of the Old Testament and the New Testament is the same God. He is Infinite, holy and in his goodness he also is sever, in his grace he also requires justice, in his love He also demonstrates correction. Great is the mystery of God, and anyone who would try to explain it away in a book, or a sermon only belittles the greatness of our God. ONLY God knows the wholeness of who He is, we can only touch but a small sampling here on this earth, and that by faith to believe He is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. What is revealed for all to know is revealed in his Word.
Because the mind cannot understand the complexity of God, does not diminish who he is, in fact it seems to me that in order for God to be God, then I will not ever get to the end of who He is or fully understand everything about him. He is the Infinite one, the Great I AM. In his goodness, he calls all mankind unto his own, some answer the call and some do not and this too is a great mystery. If God has called you and you have answered, then praise him, live for him and give him all glory and seek to know the God through a covenant relationship with the sacrificial lamb Jesus, who is revealed to us in the former covenant and the new covenant.
With the Master in mind,
Chilon
