Some might see a different God portrayed throughout the Bible, as though we see Him evolve from the Old Testament to a New Testament version. Some might say they can’t believe in a God that would be of one sort or another, that might be contrary to their sensibilities or expectations. Some might wonder how God could be so different from one Scripture to another. Does this conflict with the assertion that God is changeless, the great “I AM”?
Consider how your views and understanding have changed in the course of your short life. When you arrived in this world you could not speak at all. How you perceived the world evolved as you grew. You experience life differently than yesterday. It is hopeful to think that you will experience life differently tomorrow in a richer, more meaningful way than today. Our view of a given place, thing, or person might take on a quite a different aspect and experience because we are different.
Have you ever had an experience that changed everything? Have you ever had an “Aha!” moment? Have you ever gone back to a favorite book you enjoyed as a child? You might see that book differently through adult eyes rather than through the eyes of a child. Life is like that.
Viewing God as anything other than changeless speaks more to the progressive nature of man. It’s like sitting in a car traveling down the road and supposing the landscape is changing, not because the car is moving, but everything else is.
God reveals Himself as we are ready. Jesus came in the fullness of time, that God determined to be just the right time. The Old Testament prepares us for the New. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, the true revelation of God. The Holy Spirit speaks through the thoughts, experiences, and revelations contained in Scripture. That is the living word. That is where progress and life reside. God becomes more real as we get closer to Him.
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