The Atheist Continues Reading, part III
Second, is the god depicted in the Old Testament books I have read so far (Genesis through Numbers) the same god that I will encounter in the New Testament, or are these two different gods? If it is the same god, then it would seem that reading the Old Testament is worthwhile because it will teach me quite a bit about the character of this god, even if the covenants change. On the other hand, if we have two different gods here, then I should probably stop reading the Old Testament, as it is really telling me nothing useful. (source)
Yes, the God from the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament.
You hit the nail on the head. The covenants change, which is why the seeming change in character. I assure you, however, the Father is every bit as wrathful as you see in the Old Testament (cf. Rom 9:22-24; 1 Cor 11:32b; Rev 3:19). It is the Holy Spirit that shows the nurturing side of God’s character, and the Son who bore the Father’s wrath so that we, the elect, don’t have to. For a good outline of the Father’s continuing wrath, see this recent post.
Because God is a Trinity–three Persons of one essence–anything spoken of one can also be spoken of the others. So Jesus Christ–God–is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8), and so is the Father. His character has not changed, His wrath is merely sated in a different fashion.
By all means, read the Old Testament. It will give you insight into God’s character. He does punish, He does destroy. He is vengeful and full of wrath when His children sin. He smites the disobedient. But He is more complex than righteous anger. He loves the world so much, that He offered us the means of salvation (Jn 3:16) if we only confess faith in Christ (Rom 10:9-10). A single confession that will change your life forever for the better.
