The past and history in particular give us the possibility to learn from events that changed the world. From mistakes and decisions that have been made before. Get inspired now with these facts that will help you learn more about yourself.
“The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” Zephaniah 3:17
Christ's image has changed throughout history. Numerous factors made His faithful go go from unmeasured fear of a God with very little mercy and harsh punishments, to the benevolent God of today, characterized by His kindness and incomparable love.
“ I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Grave mistakes have been committed in the past in Christ's name, making His image blur a bit from what the Bible professes. The inquisition was a clear example of it, where those who did not comply to the rules imposed by the council, were persecuted.
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.' ” Isaiah 41:13
Some were marked as heretics, resulting in tortures and even death for those condemned of this terrible accusation. In that time, God was fervently feared, and religion was experienced as a rigid and unquestioning practice, that could calmly lead you to the fire pit.
“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.” Isaiah 25:1
In those times, the image of the devil was as powerful as that of Jesus, because they relied on the devil to justify persecuting the faithful without a reason. From there the persecution also extended into North America, specifically the United States.
“ So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.” 1 John 4:16
In modern times, the way we view Christ, changed drastically: He was presented as an understanding friend; an adviser who welcomed all, someone more like the profile of Saint Francis of Assisi, with austerity as His standard.
“Those who say, 'I love God,' and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.” 1 John 4:20
This last "version" of Christ the way we know Him, is the most in accordance with the Holy Bible: someone who is all love and all forgiveness, someone who teaches from compassion and who loves selflessly. But at the end of the day, Christ is and will be the way we imagine Him, without us needing someone to tell us.