Fountain of Israel's Bible Studies - Grace in the Old Testament

Introduction

• Opening: Praise to the Most High God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• Appreciation: Thanks extended to viewers, particularly those in Houston.
• Topic: Exploring grace in the Old Testament (Old Covenant).

Misconception of God in the Old Testament

• Some view God in the Old Testament as impatient and harsh.
• The aim is to identify instances of grace in the Old Covenant, contrary to the belief that grace only exists in the New Covenant.

Scriptural Analysis

1. New Testament Foundation

• 2 Timothy 1:8-9: Discusses holy calling and grace given through Christ before the world began.

2. Examples of Grace Run Out (Old Testament)

Numbers 16:1-31

• Story of Korah: Korah challenges Moses' leadership, God's patience runs out, resulting in Korah and his followers being swallowed by the earth.

Numbers 14:36-38

• Scouting of Canaan: Negative report leads to a plague striking those who doubted.

Numbers 21:4-9

• Fiery Serpents: Complaints lead to serpents being sent, but looking at a bronze serpent provides healing - an act of grace.

Leviticus 10:1-2

• Nadab and Abihu: Offering of unauthorized fire to the Lord leads to their death as grace runs out.

2 Samuel 6:1-7

• Uzzah's Death: Uzzah touches the Ark of the Covenant and is struck dead.

2 Kings 2:19-24

• Elisha and the Juveniles: Children mocking Elisha are mauled by bears.

3. Instances of Grace (Old Testament)

Genesis 6:3-8

• Noah’s Grace: Despite wickedness, Noah finds grace in God's eyes leading to the ark and salvation from the flood.

Genesis 19:1-16

• Lot’s Escape: Angels warn Lot, giving him and his family a chance to escape Sodom's destruction.

Exodus 34:1-10

• Moses and Covenant Renewal: God renews covenant and proclaims mercy, grace, and longsuffering.

4. Israel’s Repeated Cycle of Disobedience and Grace

Judges 2

• Judges Raised: Israel's cycle of disobedience, oppression, crying out, and being delivered by judges.

Judges 3

• Deliverance Through Othniel: Israel cries out, delivered by Othniel.

Judges 4-10

• Continued Pattern: Israel falls back into sin, experiences oppression, and is delivered.

5. Grace in Repentance

Jonah 3

• Nineveh’s Repentance: Citywide repentance leads to God sparing Nineveh, emphasizing grace.

Ezekiel 18:4-32

• Individual Responsibility: Souls that sin will die, but turning from sin leads to life. God prefers repentance over punishment.

New Testament Connection

Acts 15:1-11

• Salvation by Grace: Discusses circumcision debate, concluding salvation is by grace, applicable to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Conclusion

• Ezekiel 18: Summarizes grace, repentance, and personal responsibility.
• Final Exhortation: Reminder of ongoing grace and urging self-reflection and alignment with God.

Key Takeaways

• Old Testament Grace Exists: Numerous examples show grace and second chances.
• Continuity Between Testaments: Both Old and New Testaments emphasize grace, repentance, and God’s patience.
• Personal Reflection: Encouragement to use grace wisely, understanding it as an ongoing opportunity to align with God's will.