Christian maturity, covenant, and law are topics, today, with more on escaping racism. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Ian” (Level 1 with 37 points, a member since September 30, 2012) posted the following:
Why do most Christians ignore God’s laws?
THE BATTLE AXE: Escape from Racism (10/24/2012)— Because they identify racism with social realities, many fail to recognize that racism is a spiritual problem that derives from sin, an influence that dominates the will of created beings and living creatures, and that opposes the divine existence of GOD. Despite accounts from the Bible and The Book of Mormon, bias, discrimination, prejudice and racism (called being a respecter of persons in Scripture) are forms of unrighteous judgment, and therefore are disgusting and hateful to GOD. Becoming free of racism within others as well as from within oneself, requires power that comes only from GOD. At no time in the history of mankind has the righteousness of GOD been identified as the result of skin color, and ethnic origin. Yet, condemnation, and the curse of GOD against sin have been promoted as portrayed through race. Mature believers from every ethnic origin now trust that Jesus Christ has broken-off every curse that may have come through earlier forms of the law. In many settings where racism now appears, doctrinal differences were first at issue; and racism emerged later as the corruption of sacred truth. While originally competition, conflict, division and schism may have begun through the Devil, racism appears maintained primarily through operation of the world system. There, contrary to the holy writings and promptings by the Spirit of GOD, mankind insists upon customs and traditions that amplify racial differences, and that enlarge human error. Clearly the Scriptures teach us that there are divine standards for holy service, for entering the presence of GOD, and for obtaining divine favor. As demonstrated by the account of Abel and Cain (sons of Adam), every sacrifice is not answered with holy fire confirming acceptable worship, and commanded obedience. Standards for the people of GOD, and genuine priesthood after the things in heaven, have been demonstrated through Jesus Christ, the Incarnate person of GOD. In Scripture, class differences began among the sons of Adam very early on the basis of such elements as prowess in hunting (Nimrod). Later, ethnic discrimination appears against the Jews (who were herdsmen, keepers of livestock), that apparently began in Egypt on the basis of occupation. The Jews were not chosen as a divine instrument to promote their ethnicity, their economic productivity, or any racial differences. Nor were the Jews taken into covenant to perpetuate racial conflict. Even so, wherever the people in the covenant of Moses have gone in Diaspora, there have been problems that result because they must separate (i.e., be cleansed and set apart) to serve Almighty GOD. Like many contemporary Jews, some Christians account themselves socially acceptable and involved in the great issues of modern society. However, they too have a duty to be “a peculiar people,” and should answer sanctification, the operation of the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD whereby a believer is set apart to be further made fit for eternal life.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. (Deuteronomy 4: 5-10, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); Faith Establishes Law (03/10/2012); Support For The Bible (03/11/2012); Dispatch 42: Unprofitable Servants (09/21/2011); Why Disobey? (03/18/2011); Two Opinions? (03/19/2011); To Do His Will? (01/31/2011); To Get Wisdom? (02/01/2011)
Until they are mature, created beings and living creatures do not fully grasp the divine realities of law from GOD. While the law is to make Almighty GOD, who is nonmaterial and spirit both known and visible, there are many other sacred operations and purposes accomplished through the law that at first cannot be seen, and understood. The law must respond to many subtle points (barely visible differences; fine details), and goes beyond attitudes, behavior, and conduct of the living. Law is a display of divine will, thus, in this sense, the law itself is invisible; and may only be “seen” after being assimilated, and internalized. Do you see what I mean?
When still developing, many Christians acknowledge the covenant of Moses (called “the law” in Scripture) as an historical foundation for Christian belief. However, they mistakenly understand the covenant as having been ended by Jesus, rather than transformed, improved, and extended. These incorrectly apply the critiques that identify the shortcomings of the Mosaic covenant, and its system of animal sacrifices for atonement, and propitiation of sin. In addition to condemning the rites and ceremonies from the Tabernacle and Temple, many condemn all the civil law, ordinances, statutes and testimonies of Israel, pointing to them as the cause of the failures and sins of the people. More than this, they do not yet comprehend the various connections among faith, forgiveness, humility, judgment, love, obedience, and righteousness.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, when lacking balance and depth of understanding, many are prone to regard salvation as a free gift that demands no action, or change on the part of believers. While they are correct that, as with the Creation of mankind, salvation is an operation of divine person, and that believers have no active part or “say” in the sacred process; it remains, believers must respond to various disciplines and standards for fellowship within the body of Christ. All believers do not preach or sing in the choir, yet, all are given the “work” of spreading the Gospel through their routines of daily living.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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