Comparing the LORD of the Old and New Testaments: A Distinction in Roles and Powers

The term 'LORD' in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is a translation of the Hebrew word 'YHWH', known as the tetragrammaton. This distinction between the 'LORD' of the Old Testament and the 'LORD' of the New Testament is significant in understanding the differences in their roles and attributes. This essay aims to explore and analyze these differences by examining specific passages and theological insights.

Introduction to the Distinction Between the Old and New Testaments

The Old Testament and the New Testament represent distinct phases in the history of the Israelite and Christian peoples. The Old Testament focuses on the relationship between God and the Israelites, while the New Testament centers on the life, teachings, and actions of Jesus Christ, as well as his followers' experiences.

The LORD of the Old Testament: Deliverance with Hard Love

The Old Testament LORD, as depicted in various sections of the text, often represents a challenging and sometimes harsh deity. Job 16:14 and Job 30:21 exemplify this point:

"He breaketh me with breach upon breach he runneth upon me like a giant.

"Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me.

These passages underscore the intense and often painful nature of the relationship between God and the Israelites, reflecting a form of hard love rather than unconditional love. The LORD of the Old Testament, as portrayed here, is a powerful figure who demands obedience and righteousness from his people.

The LORD of the New Testament: No Direct Deliverance

The New Testament, focusing on Jesus and his teachings, portrays a different aspect of the LORD. For instance, Deuteronomy 32:5 and Deuteronomy 32:17 illustrate a more questionable and ambiguous relationship between God and his people:

"They have corrupted themselves… they are a perverse and crooked generation.

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God to gods whom they knew not…

These verses suggest that the relationship between God and his people has become distorted and that many have wandered away from the path of righteousness. The New Testament LORD, while still supreme, does not directly provide the same level of deliverance and support found in the Old Testament.

The Distinction of Jesus as a Separate Entity

Further, it is crucial to understand that Christianity and Judaism are often seen as separate religions with distinct beliefs. The New Testament portrays Jesus as a distinct entity from the Old Testament LORD:

Christianity is polytheistic and Judaism is monotheistic.

Christianity and Judaism are two different faiths since Jesus was deified at the Councils of Nicea around 300 CE AD.

This implies that while the Old Testament LORD is one, Jesus is often seen as a distinct personage within the theology of Christianity. The New Testament does not offer the same level of deliverance through the Old Testament LORD but rather through the actions and teachings of Jesus and the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises.

Revelation and the LORD's Power

The Book of Revelation also highlights the power and dominion of the LORD, often using the title 'KING OF kings and LORD of lords' to denote his authority:

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Revelation 19:15–16 emphasizes the sovereignty and power of the LORD, indicating that this power is different from the sometimes harsh and demanding nature of the Old Testament LORD.

Conclusion: A Shift in Perspective and Power

In conclusion, the distinction between the 'LORD' of the Old Testament and the 'LORD' of the New Testament is not only linguistic but fundamentally theological. While the Old Testament LORD is a figure of hard love and challenging authority, the New Testament LORD represents a different kind of power—one that comes in the form of grace, mercy, and wisdom through the person of Jesus Christ. Understanding these distinctions is essential for a comprehensive theological and biblical interpretation.

For further exploration, the concepts of YHWH's deliverance in the Old Testament, Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises, and the distinct roles of the 'LORD' in the New Testament should be studied.

Keywords: Old Testament LORD, New Testament LORD, Biblical Interpretation, Jesus vs. God