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A Change of Allegiance  /  Chapter 4, The God of the Bible  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
Taylor argues the paradox resolves this way: God’s nature doesn’t change, but the “means” and “battle plan” do; what does it mean to say the New Covenant changes “how we serve God” rather than who God is, and where are you tempted to use “Jesus changed things” to avoid the Old Testament’s God?
Another way to ask: Taylor says God doesn’t change, but His way of acting does under the New Covenant. What does it mean that the New Covenant changes how we serve God, not who God is, and where do you use “Jesus changed things” to avoid the Old Testament picture of God?

Direct Answer Taylor means God’s character—holy, just, zealous—remains constant, while the covenantal way God’s people carry out His will (including warfare) is transformed under Jesus’ authority. The temptation he warns against is using “Jesus changed things” as a way to deny or soften the Old Testament’s portrayal of God as warrior and judge.

Support from Transcript:

  • Taylor names the paradox: Jesus’ call to love enemies and “resist not evil” seems to contradict “God as a warrior” and “eye for an eye.”
  • His resolution: “the change from the Old to the New Testament was not a change in the nature or character of God, but a change in how we serve God, and ultimately how we live in His kingdom.”
  • He insists, “God cannot change,” citing “no variation or shadow of turning.”
  • In the New Covenant God is still “holy and zealous to establish His kingdom,” and still “serious about our lives being dedicated to Him alone.”
  • He clarifies: “What has changed is the means by which God's will is to be accomplished and manifested.”
  • He emphasizes Jesus’ authority: only Jesus could say, “But I say unto you,” and be received as “one having authority.”
Discussion Follow-ups Where do you prefer a “nicer” God to solve discomfort with judgment or war texts? How can you affirm unchanging character while honestly embracing Jesus’ new covenant commands?

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