Is the God of the Old Testament a God of wrath and the God of the New
Testament a God of Peace? Many believe so, but God himself says he is
the same yesterday, today, and forever. His basic nature never changes,
and the story of David and Solomon is a good example of this.
It was in David's heart to build a house for Yahweh Elohiym (1 Chronicles 22:7-10), but Yahweh
spoke to David and said that he could not do that because he had shed
so much blood, but that he would have a son named Solomon who who be a
man of peace, and Solomon would build the house for Yahweh.
What insight this passage gives into the heart of Yahweh Elohiym
who is a God of love and peace yet helped David win so many battles
against his enemies, who helped David shed much blood, yet because of
the fact of the bloodshed would not allow David, the man after his own
heart, to build a house of worship for him.
Is this a contradiction in the basic nature of our God?
No. The Old Testament is full of references to the mercies of Yahweh and
his loving kindness, and the Everlasting Arms.The list of his love for
mankind, as demonstrated under the Old Covenant goes on and on.
It is Yahweh Elohiym who is First and Last and alone created the earth and redeemed fallen mankind (Isaiah 44:6,8,24 45:5,21).
It is Yahweh Elohiym who is the Father of Eternity and is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).
How can that be?
Because Jesus is Yahweh (Isaiah 44:8).
This Commentary is based on 40+ years of daily Bible reading by the editor, comparing English translations with biblical languages, along with the work of respected scholars. Scripture passages often appear in the top portion of each post (most translator supplements are in [brackets]) Scroll down to see commentary in the numbered footnotes. Use the "search this blog" feature located in the side bar (top right) to find commentary on scripture passages or books of the Bible.
How can a sinner do miracles
When Jesus made clay and healed a
blind man on the Sabbath day, there was division within, and opposition
from, the religious leadership of his time.[i] All who opposed the works of God, did so simply because they were not of God.[ii] But some were confused and asked how a man that is a sinner could do such miracles?
That’s
a good question, and it is one that Jesus addressed in Matthew chapter
seven when he spoke of the false prophets who would not be granted
entrance into his Kingdom.
[iii]
Jesus clearly told us that there would be men (and women) who were not
of God doing miracles and performing great signs and wonders.
In the book of Acts, we read of a man named Simon who used sorcery to
deceive the people. He claimed to be a great power of God and from the
least to the greatest, because of the signs and wonders he performed,
the people believed him.[iv]
The
apostle Paul prophesied concerning the Man of Sin, who would use
miracles, signs, and lying wonders to steal the souls of those who,
because they chose to follow what they could see with their physical
eyes rather than the truth of God’s Word, would follow The Son of
Perdition into eternal condemnation.[v]
And
finally, in THE REVELATION, the apostle John was shown that spirits of
devils could deceive people through the working of miracles and that
some wonders are indeed lying wonders.[vi]
How can we tell the difference? Some have been given the gift of Discerning of Spirits. Others have not. But all have been given the gift of the WRITTEN WORD OF GOD—THE BIBLE. We worship God through his risen Son based upon what has already been WRITTEN.[vii] We discern what is of God and what is not of God in the same way. But if we are hearers of the Word and not doers of the Word, if we heap teachers to ourselves simply because what they teach makes us “feel good,” then the scriptures are clear that our discernment will be seriously distorted, and we are headed for a fall.[viii]
The
Bible tells us our physical bodies are beneficially or adversely
affected by distorted discernment, so it is not advisable to take
lightly anything that may interfere with our understanding of the
expressed, will of God according to his written Word.[ix]
If
someone claims to be a great power of God simply because they perform
signs and wonders, examine their doctrine (and lifestyle) against the
light of scripture. Does it measure up? If it does not, do not make
excuses for them. Flee from them!
Run to Jesus. Run to his Word. And you will be safe.[x]
Is it well with your soul?[xi]
[i] John 9:16, All scripture references in this commentary are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Scriptures[ii] John 8:47[iii] Matthew 7:22-23[iv] Acts 8:9-11[v] 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12[vi] Revelation 16:14[vii] Isaiah 8:19-20[viii] Matthew 7:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:3-4[ix] Proverbs 4:20-22, Luke 11:34-36[x] Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 14:26,[xi] John 3:14-21, Romans 10:9-10. 13
Is it well with your soul?[xi]
[i] John 9:16, All scripture references in this commentary are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Scriptures[ii] John 8:47[iii] Matthew 7:22-23[iv] Acts 8:9-11[v] 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12[vi] Revelation 16:14[vii] Isaiah 8:19-20[viii] Matthew 7:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:3-4[ix] Proverbs 4:20-22, Luke 11:34-36[x] Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 14:26,[xi] John 3:14-21, Romans 10:9-10. 13
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