why didnt god require a lot of faith during the old testament? he openly performed "wonders" and openly smote

Answer 1

We killed his son, so he's gone into hiding. He's in them there hills, we just gotta smoke him out!

Answer 2

When people in shamanic cultures speak of things in the spirit world they rarely mention the context. Others know which context because they are familiar with the practice. In the bible, there are places where you read "God said" then later it goes into detail, that it was during a dream of vision, but not all verses explain this. If you practice shamanism it becomes more apparent that any "God said" is from visions or dreams.

The reason there is less of that now is because some people have taken verses out of context to oppress people who were practicing divination, by presuming false prophets, even though Paul told the Thessalonians not to despise prophecy and let the spirit die, but to test it.

Answer 3

Compare the culture then to what we have now. Most people weren't literate, and there certainly wasn't the technology and media like we have now. How could God demonstrate His power to a world that largely couldn't read and relied on word of mouth communication and oral history? The "wonders" and symbols He used along with fulfillment of prophecy were important and effective strategies for revealing Himself to His people (and to the rest of the world of the Israelites.)

Also, everything in the Old Testament was about setting up the world for the coming of the Messiah. God was protecting the lineage of the Jews and working through leaders and circumstances to give us symbols and foreshadowing that all ultimately pointed to His plan of the Messiah. Many of those "wonders" He performed can also be interpreted as "types" of "shadows" of Christ. This is too deep of a doctrine for me to explain here, but other believers will understand what I mean by this, and if you are really interested you can google it and learn more about it--I'm sure there are plenty of theological websites devoted to that subject.

Now we have the gospel of Christ and the Word of God in written form for every person to read for him/herself--the ultimate revelation of God. We also have the Holy Spirit at work in the world all around us to quicken our spirits and reveal the truth of God to us. I suppose it's a trade-off, but I think I prefer this way--it would be too easy in this day and age for skeptics to try and pick apart and dismiss any sign and wonder God performed as a hoax or trick, so even if God did perform them, it wouldn't change things. It comes back to faith, as it always has. It took faith for the Old Testament heroes to trust in God to deliver them each time---the wonders came AFTER they stepped out in faith believing and put their lives on the line.
Whoever is still around during the Tribulation is going to see some signs and wonders all right, but it will be a terrible time--I'm certainly hoping for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture for the Christians, as I'd just as soon not stick around to see God's wrath and power like that!

Answer 4

When the Israelites were brought out of Egypt, God's intent was to purge all forms of false worship.

His main thrust was obedience. Faith is a concept concerning to believe something unseen. By establishing laws and statutes, the template was laid to continue in the manner He set forth.

His 'wonders' helped a simple people understand how powerful a god He was. The seed of faith was planted and it was up to His people to properly cultivate it.

Answer 5

Because the dispensation of the 'Holy Spirit' had not come. They were living under the law; a law that was not perfect and could not save them. Old Testament people needed Christ's sacrifice just as much as New. It is the difference between--law and grace. Law kills, grace sets you free.

Answer 6

Egads! Openly smote?
Think of it as a recruiting tool. Plus, it'd be like being in a band and still getting requests for songs you wrote like thousands of years ago.
"Dude, play Free Bird for the 100 millionth time."

Answer 7

Open smoting is so embarrassing. You just stand there smoted for all to see. If the smoting wasn't bad enough, you also have to deal with ridicule.

Give me a proper smoting in private, any day.

Answer 8

They had to follow the law back then. Their faith was that by following the laws and sacrificing for their sins, they would be with God for all eternity. Now we have Jesus and can have a relationship with God.

Answer 9

He still doesn't require a lot today new or old testaments. All that is required is having faith the size of a mustard seed.

Answer 10

well in the new testament, we are covered by the blood of Christ so how can you say he didn't require a lot of faith? We all sin abundantly.