“THE GOD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT” DOCTRINE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | PAGE 1 OF 3
“The God of the Old Testament” doctrine:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Pacific Church of God believe regarding the “God of the
Old Testament”?
The term “God of the Old Testament” never appears in the Bible. Traditionally, many Church of God
organizations have used this phrase to refer to the belief that the One Who later became Jesus Christ
was exclusively the ONLY God Being that Israel and the Patriarchs were aware of and had any interaction
with. The Pacific Church of God believes that both God the Father and the One Who became Jesus Christ
were known and active in both the Old and New Testaments. God the Father and the One Who became
Jesus Christ have worked together throughout eternity and continue to do so as They carry out the
Father’s plan of salvation for mankind (John 5:17; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6).
Does the Pacific Church of God believe that Jesus Christ was a created
being?
No. Before He lived on the earth, Jesus Christ was the Word—a divine, eternal God Being. The Word was
with God from the beginning and the Word was God (John 1:1). Jesus Christ and God the Father are One
(John 10:30). They are identical in nature, character, and divinity, though not equal in authority (John
14:28; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Corinthians 15:27-28).
Does the Pacific Church of God believe that Jesus Christ is worthy of
worship?
Yes. As an eternal being, Jesus Christ is worthy of worship. Unlike the angels, Jesus Christ permitted both
men and angels to worship Him. We worship Him today as one of the two God Beings (Colossians 2:8-9;
Mark 5:6; John 9:38).
Does the Pacific Church of God believe one has to understand and agree
with this interpretation of the “God of the Old Testament” doctrine to
be saved?
No. We are each individually responsible for how we respond to the truth God reveals. God works with
each person He calls individually, and we are all at different stages of growth and understanding in our
Christian lives. God judges us based on how we respond to the knowledge He has revealed to us. We all
individually have the responsibility to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. To those
“THE GOD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT” DOCTRINE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | PAGE 2 OF 3
whom much is given, much is also required (Philippians 2:12-13; Romans 14:23; Luke 12:47-48; 1
Corinthians 12:1-31).
If I have a different understanding of this doctrine, can I still fellowship
with the Pacific Church of God?
Yes. Historically, many members have fellowshipped with the Pacific Church of God who have held
differing personal beliefs on a variety of doctrinal points. We welcome all those who are interested in
fellowshipping in peace and contributing to mutual edification.
Where should I go if I have further questions about this doctrine?
First and foremost, go to your Bible. We are told to grow in grace and knowledge and to prove all things
(2 Peter 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). We are also admonished to follow the example of the Bereans who
“searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:1-15). Seek the truth
for yourself directly from the word of God.
To aid in further study of this subject, the Pacific Church of God has created the following Study Papers
addressing some of the more common questions:
• The “I AM”
• Who was the God at Mount Sinai?
• The Rock That Followed Them
• Hearing and Seeing God
• He Who Dwells Between The Cherubim
• Why Did Christ Have To Reveal God The Father?
Sermons expounding on this topic can be found in the Sermon Archives, and include the following titles:
• “The Unity And Teamwork Of The Father And Son” (Recorded 2/11/17)
• “How Can We Grow In The Grace And Knowledge Of God And Christ?” (Recorded 6/17/17)
• “Look To God” (Recorded 7/22/17)
• “The Tearing of The Veil” (Recorded 8/19/17)
• “Who Is The Most High God, The Almighty God?” (Recorded 9/11/17)
• “Christ Our High Priest” (Recorded 10/28/17)
• “Christ Our Mediator And Intercessor” (Recorded 2/3/18)
“THE GOD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT” DOCTRINE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | PAGE 3 OF 3
This collection of resources will continue to expand, so please revisit the Sermon Archives and Study
Papers pages in the future for more information.
Finally, if you have specific questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to one of our Elders.
Scriptural reference links provided courtesy of Bible Gateway. The Pacific Church of
God does not own, administer, support, or endorse this website, and links are
provided for your convenience. Links are subject to change without notice.
