God in OT vs. God in NT/now

[Rayn]

Question:
In the Old Testament, God showed His wrath by destroying cities (think Sodom and Gomorrah), by having entire clans swallowed up by the earth (in Exodus), by the 10 plagues of Egypt, and so on. Now, why doesn't God do similar things in our times? Why aren't those people who engage in perverse practices treated the same way they would have been back then? Not that I'm complaining . . . :pray

Thanks for the help,
Rayn

[His Bride]

God intervened in human history in the form of the God-man Jesus. We now live in the Age of Grace when we are spreading the Gospel, giving people the opportunity to be saved by trusting in the finished work of Jesus dying on the cross. When the Age of Grace is over God will once again enter history, this time as the Judge. What we read about in the Old Testament will be nothing compared to the wrath He will exhibit at that time. Take a look at the Book of the Revelation. It's all there!

[fracturedInfinity]

Question:
In the Old Testament, God showed His wrath by destroying cities (think Sodom and Gomorrah), by having entire clans swallowed up by the earth (in Exodus), by the 10 plagues of Egypt, and so on. Now, why doesn't God do similar things in our times? Why aren't those people who engage in perverse practices treated the same way they would have been back then? Not that I'm complaining . . . :pray

Thanks for the help,
Rayn

Maybe he is. Maybe we are too quick to discount the occurances in the world today as time just moving forward, instead of realizing that God is working.

Or maybe this is why:
John 20:29
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

[Jesus is coming soon]

Question:
In the Old Testament, God showed His wrath by destroying cities (think Sodom and Gomorrah), by having entire clans swallowed up by the earth (in Exodus), by the 10 plagues of Egypt, and so on. Now, why doesn't God do similar things in our times? Why aren't those people who engage in perverse practices treated the same way they would have been back then? Not that I'm complaining . . . :pray

Thanks for the help,
Rayn

God is holy. He has to in nature punish sin. You can see that in the OT. When Jesus came he took that punishment for us and he paid for us with his blood when he died. He gave us grace in the NT because of Jesus.

[1angel4u]

Question:
In the Old Testament, God showed His wrath by destroying cities (think Sodom and Gomorrah), by having entire clans swallowed up by the earth (in Exodus), by the 10 plagues of Egypt, and so on. Now, why doesn't God do similar things in our times? Why aren't those people who engage in perverse practices treated the same way they would have been back then? Not that I'm complaining . . . :pray

Thanks for the help,
Rayn

Jesus's coming changed everything! :)

The blood He shed on the Cross paid for all of everyone's sins, past-present-future. We just have to ACCEPT this free gift from God. It's so simple, yet trips so many people up. :idunno :scratch

We are in the age of Grace, just as His Bride stated. Here's how Merriam-Webster desribes Grace, beautifully!:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grace

Main Entry: 1grace
Pronunciation: \ˈgrās\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin gratia favor, charm, thanks, from gratus pleasing, grateful; akin to Sanskrit gṛṇāti he praises
Date: 12th century
1 a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b: a virtue coming from God c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2 a: approval , favor <stayed in his good graces> barchaic : mercy , pardon c: a special favor : privilege <each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling> d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency e: a temporary exemption : reprieve

So, we're in the age of choosing or not choosing: God's unmerited divine assistance for our regeneration or sanctification, His approval, His favor, mercy, pardon. Accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour - or don't.

God doesn't force anyone to come to Him. However, He does make sure everyone has an opportunity to learn about His redemption plan in their lifetime; Act. 4:10, 12 It is by the name of Jesus Christ...Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

YSIC,
1angel4u

[jean]

Because His second return is final,that is why He gave us all HIS best in the New Testament,a better covenant than the Old Testament,since it is final the punishment is permanent,because this old earth and heaven will pass away and a new heaven and a new earth will be our abode.MHO only.

[Robert]

Just wait until the rapture. After that, we'll see a return of Biblical puishment.

[Rayn]

Thank you everyone--it makes more sense. After all, Jesus says He came to save the world, not to judge it.

Rayn

[His Bride]

Thank you everyone--it makes more sense. After all, Jesus says He came to save the world, not to judge it.

Rayn

Just keep in mind that because He is holy and just He must act in judgment upon a sinful world one day. All who accepted His atonement as the punishment for sin are exempt. But a great majority are still awaiting their sentence. It will be a very very grievous day indeed.

[Doulos]

Question:
In the Old Testament, God showed His wrath by destroying cities (think Sodom and Gomorrah), by having entire clans swallowed up by the earth (in Exodus), by the 10 plagues of Egypt, and so on. Now, why doesn't God do similar things in our times? Why aren't those people who engage in perverse practices treated the same way they would have been back then? Not that I'm complaining . . . :pray

Thanks for the help,
Rayn

The Old Testament covered thousands of years. In it you can find both the punishment and restorations of Israel in several instances. Further, when God moves strongly, purposefully and evidently He holds his people up to a higher standard. This can be seen both in those who were swallowed up in the desert and with Ananias and Sapphira. The New Testament only covers a 70 - 90 year span (not including prophecy) and doesn't really focus on Israel. But, if we include in our knowledge the history that occurred after the close of the New Testament we see that God has continued to both punish and bless Israel as He always has. I believe that God has been remarkably consistent across time.