Mysteries, truth, and the frustrations of language are in focus, today, as I respond to the writer at thoughts.com using ID “anonuman,” who commented upon A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013) with the following post:
Rather than “mysteries” or special knowledge it should be described as broader or deeper or more complex concepts. I am certainly grateful to God for the gift of faith that He has given me through my study of the Bible and the fruit of my seeking God and of God’s provision of my need.
THE BATTLE AXE: A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013)—(5.) Correctly understood, the holy writings are eternal, immutable, prophetic, and unchanging. The Scriptures are a tool whereby the Spirit of GOD operates both through and upon human consciousness in multiple dimensions. Included are aspects of time (e.g., past, present and future), space (e.g., earth, heaven, the universe), and personal investment through relationships (e.g., adoption, coworkers, family, friendship, marriage). In addition to content readers may describe as historical, the holy writings include divine law, principles, rules, standards and truths that are fixed and permanent features establishing the sphere of human existence, and the specific boundaries and constraints for covenant with GOD. (6.) Many of the accounts provided through the Scriptures serve as examples, illustrations and warnings that point to possible outcomes, persons and situations other than those directly described. (7.) The process of the Scriptures conforms to that for all divine revelation by use of narrative forms that promote understanding through discovery. Included are the uses of additive repetition, allegory, parables, proverbs, types, and understatement.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1st Corinthians 3: 8-15, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why “Mysterious” (11/11/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Dispatch 36: His Grace (09/15/2011)
Be encouraged! I sometimes make the mistake of speaking about sacred “mysteries” as though I mean to say “discrete, and fixed data.” What I really am trying to describe is a consciousness of divinity that exists within the “mind of GOD,” is itself divine and, when imparted to created beings and living creatures, transforms their awareness and continuing existence in “surprising” ways. The limits and obstacles of our language become apparent here. For we are speaking of something that is active, alive, has no boundary, cannot be measured, and is without dimension.
GOD is a spirit, and cannot be apprehended by mankind apart from operations by GOD upon what has been put forth as his Creation. Through the Bible, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, mankind has been given tools for agreement and meaning whereby we may ground our thoughts and communication (we say “reference points”). However, such eternal processes as communion, fellowship and revelation are experienced as discovery, and the realization of ancient things that exist as if they were new creations.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, within the World system of common human experience, we speak of truth and wisdom as though they are a matter of intelligence, knowing and mental functions (e.g., fantasy, imagination, recall). For mature believers in Christ, truth and wisdom may be understood as aspects of Divine Person. As the content of sacred being, they are inseparable from other divine substance such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, righteousness, and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of faith you now contain.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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