Difference between Old Testament and New Testament
Part – 1
Many think that Jesus came and changed the commandments given by Father God, i.e. The Words of God in the Old Testament.
Because of this, the image and thought that Father God is very strict and only Jesus is loving has come to the minds of many.
Due to this, many people mistakenly look at the reference to the spoken Words and Prophecies in the Old Testament and about the events that took place there.
As proof of this, they will refer to the Words of Jesus Christ, “You have heard that it was said to those of old. But I say to you that” Matthew 5:27,28.
But before He said all these words, He also mentioned this verse very clearly.
Matthew 5:17
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Furthermore,
Matthew 5:18,19
For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one title will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
By saying these verses, He taught and warned of how long the Words of God in the law will endure and that no one should transgress it, even the least of it.
Alright, let's go through the Words of Jesus one by one.
Matthew 5
21: You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
22: But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hellfire.
Here, Jesus did not remove or change the commandment “You shall not murder”.
But instead, He reveals the true and deeper meaning of that commandment. Words spoken by many with jealousy, anger, enmity, and irritation can pierce like a sword and tear the heart of the afflicted. It will remain as an unhealed wound in the heart of the afflicted. This wound can very much impact the afflicted’s state of mind, life, and future. This is what Jesus said, “You murder through your wicked words one’s mind, his life and future.
Therefore, you will be subjected to judgment, condemnation, and hell fire.” Saying so, Jesus here reveals the Truth of the commandment “You shall not murder”.
The things which happen to those who suffer like this are very painful. Many people get depressed by such words and would stand narrowed down in a corner by not rising in society. They will underestimate themselves. Some will stop doing the good deeds they were doing. Many people fall sick. Some will become hard-hearted and will rise to take revenge. This is how murders and revenge take place in society.
Father God had commanded, “You shall not murder”. But Jesus precisely pointed out the root of where the murder begins.
After saying this, Jesus further says….
Matthew 5
23: Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you
24: leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Why is Jesus saying this because…
“You have spoken like the piercing of a sword, hurt your brother, and murdered his state of mind, life, and future. And now you are coming to God's presence. In this situation, your prayers and offerings will not be accepted by Me because your brother has a grievance against you. You have hurt him with your words and murdered him. Therefore, first go set it right and come, and then I will accept you and your offering”. This is what Jesus said to those who are angry with their brother without cause calling him an idiot (he is a waste) and a fool.
This is one of the reasons why the prayers of many are not answered today. This is one of the reasons why many despite receiving promises from God have not yet received the blessings according to those promises. This is one of the reasons why Christians fail to reflect the Image of Jesus Christ through their lives. This is one of the reasons why God could not shake the nations despite so many fasting prayers and worship services that take place. This is one of the reasons why the revival which is to come in the nation is being hindered.
The enemy will also confuse this Word and cause the Christians or believers to misunderstand it. One of them is...
The Lord rebukes and chastises (causes wounds or scars) those He loves when they make mistakes or transgress by sinning. That wound is caused while uprooting the bitter seed that fell into us or is sown in us by the devil. (In many, that fallen seed would have become a tree)
Yes, God leads us through some difficult paths to uproot the evil natures or deeds which are found in us, from our lives. That is what I mean here.
Sometimes God speaks directly through His Words and many times He speaks, warns, and rebukes through His true prophets to correct His people. But the enemy will show these Words like the piercing of swords. The enemy will wrongly portray God and His Words by saying, “God does not love you, that is why He rebukes you like this in front of everyone.
That's all, He will abandon you.” Likewise, he will also wrongly portray the servant of God who warns us with the Word of The Lord, and he will cause us to deviate from God by not giving ear to The Truth. Is he a servant of God? Is he hurting my heart so much? If he is a servant of God… one should speak lovingly, one should speak comfortingly… leaving that he is speaking so hurtfully. This way the devil will sow the seed of rebellion in your heart.
Therefore, beware of his tricks.
To escape from such a trick of the devil, to perceive God and His Words as is, and to accomplish God's will in our lives, God decreed His Holy Spirit to be our Helper.
If you have not yet received the Spirit of The Lord, ask God and receive today. Depend on The Spirit of the Lord in all things. Then you will know The Truth and The Truth will set you free.
If you have been wounded by the words of others which were like piercings of swords, today itself come to Jesus just as you are and tell Him everything that has ever happened to you. He will heal your wounds, protect you so that those words will not hurt you any longer, and exalt you through His Living Words. Amen! Hallelujah!!
Thus, the New Testament is nothing but the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
To be continued...
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