God of the Old and New Testaments

How many gods are there? Even within Christianity the question is not as obvious as it seems. Some of the ‘early church fathers’, primarily Marcion (ca. 110-160 AD), taught there were two gods, a wrathful, vengeful, bloodthirsty god of the Old Testament and a loving, full of grace, merciful god of the New Testament.

Vocal Heresy Then Hidden Now

The concept was considered heresy during his lifetime, there is no basis for it in Scripture, but his idea has persisted into today. Though it is hidden under two millennia of teachings, Marcion’s two god heresy is still prevalent. The God of the Old Testament, Jehovah vs. the God of the New Testament, Jesus. The Old Testament Law in opposition to the New Testament Grace. Discussions that stem from the concept often don’t recognize the inherent assumption that there are two diametrically opposite gods.

From a Scriptural perspective, Deuteronomy chapter 6 states “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” highlights that there is one God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Israel, the Creator of heaven, earth and all things.

One God Two Ways

Although there is only one God, Genesis illustrates that there are two ways. God’s way, and the serpent’s way, light and darkness, “In the day you eat of it you shall surely die” and eat, “you shall not surely die, but will become as gods.” God’s way and man’s way. Paul calls these the diverging ways of the spirit and the flesh.

Two opposing forces have always been at war for the soul of every human, God gives life, but the serpent kills. God says “I am that I am”, the true, the real, the only. The serpent says “I will be like the Most High”, an imitation, a counterfeit, an instead-of.

All Roads May Lead to Rome

There are two paths, God’s, and all others, narrow and wide, life and death. All roads may lead to Rome, but for most Christians, Rome is not where they want to end up. Christians are not looking for Rome, but for a city made without hands, that God is the builder. Only His path leads there.

But if any man loves God, the same is known of him.

…we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

For though there be that are called gods,(imitations, counterfeits) whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1Co 8:3-6)

What was once heresy in the days of Marcion has become disguised in commonly accepted modern day doctrine. Generations of retelling have not turned this heresy into truth, only concealed it behind robes of legitimacy. There are not two gods in the Christian Scriptures, only one, the same God in the Old Testament as in the New. Jesus told the Jews of His day “It is my Father who glorifies me, whom you say is your God.” (John 8:54)

Icons Of Early Church Figures

Church Of The Agony

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