 | Reverend Terry G. Fox is Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church. He is Chairman of the North American Mission Board, member of its Executive Committee and the FamilyNet Broadcast Communications Committee, as well as numerous other subcommittees. He's listed on the Who's Who Among Outstanding Corporate Executives. He is a sought after speaker and has traveled and ministered in many places in the United States, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Rev. Fox and his wife Barbara have three children. You may contact him at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 South Topeka, Wichita, Kansas, 67211; phone (316) 262-1452; or Fax (316) 262-4704. |
Religion
2003-07-01 16:09:00
Were people less accountable in the Old Testament?
: Since God had not yet given His Son to people in the Old Testament, were they ultimately held to a lower standard (less accountable) than people who live in the time of the New Testament who have His Son?
ANSWER: Yes, the Bible seems to state that this is true. A direct reference is St. Paul's speech to the religious philosophers in Athens. Referring to their idol worship, he said: "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead." (Acts:17:30-31) But your question is directed more to the Jews who had the Old Testament. They were clearly responsible for avoiding idol worship; and they knew that there was One God and they had the Ten Commandments. But Christ raised the standard for them. In Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" He said, "Unless your righteousness supercedes that of the Pharisees and teachers of the Law you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matt.5:20) This was a shock to the Jews because the Pharisees lived by hundreds of strict rules and were notoriously religious. Then He went on to make the requirements based on internal attitudes rather than external acts: "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder'. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement." Matt.5:21 [hate = murder] "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery' . But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matt. 5:27 [lust = adultery] Essentially, all that was lacking in each case was the opportunity! Also: "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy'. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matt.5:43-44 The requirements were made harder.....then how could this be called "Good News" (Gospel)? Because Christ paid the penalty for sin by dying on the cross and will accredit His righteousness to any who accept and entrust themselves to Him; then the Holy Spirit indwells the new believer and enables him to live a righteous life. It is clear that none could have qualified on their own. By God's grace, a rescue has to take place. Jesus stated the principle this way: "Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required." (Luke 12:48) Much what? Probably: Information, opportunity, time, influence, intelligence, possessions.
