From pulpits to news shows they cry, “God has changed!” Okay, they don’t say it quite that way, but that is the bottom-line. Most people simply accept this at face value and move on, but is it true? Are the pundits on-track? Has God really changed?
The premise typically goes something like this, “God was a God of Judgment in the Old Testament and a God of Grace in the New Testament.” Though often repeated, it is simply not true. God is neither capricious nor single-minded. We were created in His image and we clearly understand that judgment and mercy are not antithetical concepts. There are times when justice demands judgment, and other times when mercy is right and proper.
In the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, God said, “As I live! … I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. … Why then will you die…” (Ez. 33:11) God is crying out, “I have made a way for you to be righteous before me, why would you choose death?”
In the New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira lied to God. The resulting judgment was the immediate death of both husband and wife. (Ac. 5) In his letter to the Romans, Paul warned, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people…” (Ro. 1:18) Note the present tense.
While examples are numerous, it doesn’t take long to realize that God is still the God that does not change (Mal 3:6 OT) and that He is still the same yesterday, today and forever. (He 13:8 NT) When we follow the path of wickedness we suffer His judgment and when we turn to His ways, we experience His grace and mercy. I am glad He has laid out His expectations graciously so I don’t have to worry about tripping over His judgment.
What do you think?