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Some Concepts found in the Old Testament The God known by the Jews is actually the God of the entire universe. This God made everything, and therefore is the only one with the right to be worshipped and obeyed. No other god or spirit should be worshipped'. Mankind has chosen to disobey this God, and thus to cut off his original relationship with God. Mankind's underlying attitude of rebellion against God shows itself when people prefer their will instead of God's will. A decision contrary to God's will is called "sin". God hates sin, but, God loves people. God should punish people because of sin, but because of his love, God has provided a way for people to avoid punishment. and return 'to a good relationship with God. The Bible sums up this plan of God with the word "save". God will save people. The noun is "salvation". God's plan is for people to receive salvation. To begin this plan, God chose a man named Abraham. Abraham's descendants are called the Jews. Therefore the Jews are called "the chosen people". God entered into a‑relationship with the Jews. The ultimate purpose was to extend this relationship to all people. The Bible uses the word "covenant" to describe this relationship.
The terms of this covenant were: The Jews, just, like all people, were sinners. But God said, "I will treat you like a non‑sinner (like a righteous person)" The Bible says, "Abraham believed God, and was counted as righteous". God gave detailed laws about moral behavior to the Jews. Since the people did not completely obey these laws, it was impossible for them to deny that they were sinners. Therefore they knew they needed God to forgive them. God also gave the Jews detailed laws about ceremonies which they were to perform because of sin. Through these ceremonies., God showed the idea of substitution for sin. An animal was killed in place of the person who had sinned, and the person was forgiven.
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