Question
Gramps,
Someone explained to me that they thought Jehovah/God of Old Testament days was harsh, whereas after life experiences, suffering the atonement, Jesus/God became gentler, more patient, long suffering. I’ve never heard of this idea and I’m wondering what your take on this notion is. God never changes is a bit problematic with this notion.
Shelley
Answer
Shelley,
I would disagree with it. God did not change how He deals with us. I would say that the Old Testament God of wrath is very much still with us. It is the side of God we see when His gentle, more patient, long suffering reaches its end and we still choose sin.
I think many people who think He has changed don’t truly understand just how much time is condensed into the Old Testament. It reads as a cliff note version of history covering just the highlights of God’s dealing with His people. Between the wrathful acts, you have long periods of God being patient, long suffering, and gentle with His people.
Then you have the Book of Mormon which shows this even more clearly with Nephites prospering and then becoming wicked. After some time their wickedness leads to their destruction. Then they repent and the Lord blesses them so they start to prosper again.
Gramps