Christians often assume too sharp a distinction between the Old and New Testaments, argues preacher, author, and teacher J. Ellsworth Kalas. They are too quick to view the Old Testament as a strict book of laws and commandments and the New Testament as a witness to grace. The God of the Old Testament is misperceived as a God of wrath and judgment, while the God of the New Testament is viewed as a God of love and mercy.

J. Ellsworth kalas is Senior Professor of Homiletics at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he was formerly president. He also served as a pastor for many years.