Expert: LEBoyd - 10/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear LE Boyd:

It has become my ambition to create a table that shows the major differences between Old Testament and New Testament beliefs.

In my view, the Old Testament belief system is easier to understand and explain.  Using that as a starting place, a teacher can then show all the ways Christ changed the belief system.

I would like to develop a comprehensive list of these changes, put that in a table, and then use the table as a structure for a course of study.

I would appreciate any thoughts you might have in response to this table (which is a first draft I wrote today, and which I know has some problems, but I'm wondering if you will spot the same problems).  

Thanks for your time and any comments you might provide.

Jeff Williams

Lakewood, Ohio


ANSWER: Jeff,

Well, first let me say that I don't believe there are any major changes in the belief system between the OT and the NT.  I believe the NT clearly points this out through the many references to OT Scripture.

For example, your first premise that God's central concept is Law Giver and Enforcer is not what I read in the OT.  As I read a book of the OT I try to pick out what major concept of God is taught.  Genesis is Creator, not just of the Universe but of the whole concept of God and the Plan of Salvation.  Exodus is a great book that shows God's Love.  Joshua is a great book that shows God is true to His promises.

As I look at your list, I could continue through your whole list and show many examples of where what you say the NT is also fits for the OT.

Sorry I can't agree with you and therefore help you.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt and thoughtful reply.  But I do have a follow-up question.  If there are not any major changes in the belief system between the OT and the NT, why does Paul in Romans (and elsewhere)  attack the law?  Paul contrasts the law vs. faith and says we are justified by faith.  Isn't that a change in beliefs?  

Answer
Jeff,

I don't believe Paul attacks the OT Law vs. Faith in Romans, in fact I believe Romans is one the best book that show that the OT and NT themes are the same.  The whole section of Chapters 4 through 8 is an argument that the OT and NT are the same and that man corrupted the OT Law.

That corruption is what you have in your table referencing the Sanhedrin (and in fact the "council" for the NT).  Abraham obeyed the commandments of God (prior to the OT Law), but this was after his faith made him righteous.

I also think a study of the book of Hebrews gives the same message (especially Chapter 6).  Galations of course tells us the purpose of the OT Law was for tutoring or (in my own words) teaching us the nature of God - the same God of the OT and the NT.

Paul attacks the corruption of men towards both the OT and the NT in several of his letters, but he always understands that the OT and the NT teach the same thing.

Hope this helps.