"And the dead who are in Christ shall rise first, " your thoughts on that?
THE BATTLE AXE: Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013)—There are now Christian believers who teach the followers of Jesus should avoid dairy products, eat no red meat, and purify themselves by becoming vegetarians. Others also make issue that diet is a matter of conscience, and religious liberty. Jesus our savior ate the lamb of Passover, and never identified eating or drinking any specific foods as a sinful act. Even so, Scripture teaches that the results of unrestrained appetite will be the same as that for sin, the transgression of divine law: death. (See Genesis 2: 16-17, Ecclesiastes 3: 12-14, Matthew 11: 18-19, Luke 22: 7-20 and 1st Corinthians 10: 31, KJV.) In the early church, there was great uncertainty because of quarrels over eating meals, and sharing food that had been killed and sacrificed by Gentiles when worshipping idols. Among the principles promoted to resolve the matter, it was stated that all unrighteousness is sin; and those things we do that are not from faith are sin (1st John 3: 4, 1st John 5: 17, Romans 6: 23 and Romans 14: 22-23, KJV). Applying these same principles to addiction, promiscuity, and other life issues, modern believers are careful to discipline themselves and maintain a lifestyle that continues their purity before GOD in Christ. In the same way habitual masturbation is not clearly listed in the Bible by name as forbidden behavior or a sin, yet, may be identified as a form of uncleanness like nocturnal emissions and males spilling their seed to the ground during intercourse with a woman (called, Onanism), peculiar dietary practices that are not now a violation of sacred law, should be thoughtfully examined as a matter of good taste and wisdom that may separate believers from the congregation, disqualify them from serving, and suspend their privileged access to the presence of GOD because they manifest ungodliness and a carnal spirit (see Deuteronomy 23: 9-11, Genesis 38: 6-10 and 1st Corinthians 6: 18-20, KJV). Eating crabs, lobster, prawns, shrimp and other shell fish are avoided by many Christian believers as causing defilement, pollution, impurity, and uncleanness. Rules identifying clean and unclean animals and sea food were developed some time after Adam left Eden, and probably a short time after Nimrod began to have reputation as a mighty hunter (Genesis 10: 9, KJV). Before and following the flood in Noah’s day, the inheritance of divine priesthood included these dietary laws and prohibitions that later were restored by GOD through Moses as tools to further sanctify and set apart a covenant people. Because the Bible gives no exhaustive list that names every creature to be held as unclean—yet, does identify specific characteristics, classes and examples—what may be eaten by modern believers is not understood as an issue of sin. Correct focus is to be, instead, upon accountability, discretion, respect and reverence as aspects of promoting holiness and sound relationship with GOD (see Genesis 8: 19-21, Psalms 141: 3-5, Proverbs 23: 1-3, Proverbs 23: 6-8 and Matthew 15: 8-20, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9: 13-24, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); Experience is Not Evidence? (05/05/2013); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012)
“7 SkyWalker”, here are a few points that have been useful for many committed Christian believers:
(1.) Both divine promise and prophecy appear through this statement that is forward-looking, yet, is not intended as a mere “prediction” of the future. The Bible explains that prophecy serves to comfort, edify (we say, build up understanding), and exhort (we say, urge hearers to take action). Even so, prophecy pertains to revelation (i.e., GOD making himself known to created beings and living creatures through law, divine intent, sacred events, and sovereign purpose). Promise—like judgment that resolves conflict and settles disputes—further establishes certainty, expectation and conviction of divine righteousness that dispel confusion, doubt, and fear.
(2.) The “dead in Christ” spoken of are those who are blameless and without sin through the ministry of Jesus Christ now occurring in heaven, the place of celestial presence. The resurrected Jesus, who ascended into heaven before the witness of his apostles, is still alive; and as a divine High Priest within the Sanctuary of the Temple in heaven is completing the work begun upon the earth. The Savior is now engaged in the tasks of applying blood (the sacred tool used to carry life essence—we also say, spirit) for atonement to sin through the process of judgment using the Books of Life. Those dying since Adam are being examined, and the process will continue until all those living at the time of his return to the earth also have been correctly endorsed through examination. Once the case-by-case investigation is finished, Jesus must cleanse all instruments and the holy places above continuing to use his own holy blood.
(3.) Satan is important to the completion of these things, and so is not destroyed, but lawfully preserved by GOD. While he may yet appear in heaven among the holy angels, he may not interrupt the work of judgment and worship going on within the Holy Place. Just as he will never be allowed to enter the Holy City built and transferred by Christ from heaven to earth as the New Jerusalem, Satan is not now permitted into the Sanctuary; and there is no record that he has expressed awareness, or genuine commitment to this work of GOD. As was done by the High Priests upon the earth on the annual Day of Atonement provided to the covenant people, the sins of mankind are to be removed from the Sanctuary by placing them upon a goat of sacrifice who is loosed into the wilderness. (Satan is to serve in this capacity, and so is often called the “scapegoat”.) The destruction of Satan will occur before the judgment of the wicked, who are to be raised from the dead in the second resurrection. He will not serve as their accuser, for the wicked will be judged by the record of their own deeds that have been recorded in the Book of Life.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) Christ will come to harvest the earth receiving only those who have already been approved and endorsed by judgment. This is what some speak of as the Advent, “his appearing,” “the Rapture,” and the Second Coming. This sacred event is also known as the first resurrection. These are not taken up to be at leisure, to be idle, or to be at rest. As immortal and incorruptible, the risen companions to Jesus will assist in preparing the new earth as well as completing and witnessing judgment of the wicked.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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