Death, evil, mortality, and divine purpose are considered, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Complex Maker” (Level 7 with 29,956 points, a member since November 20, 2010) posted the following:
Why did God make it everything has to die someday isn't he the one that's evil?
THE BATTLE AXE: Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014)—(5.) The use of images and physical materials to express belief, and for believers to identify themselves to one another is not idol worship. While objects may be set apart (we say, consecrated, sanctified) for exclusive use in holy service (e.g., crosses used in sacred procession, prayer chambers, holy ground, fragrant substances and their incense burners), among Christians, no inanimate object or thing is exalted as though it contains, or acts on behalf of a deity. Christian symbols are not to be confused with occult objects fashioned to permit human alteration and control through magic. Included are such devises as amulets, candles, lucky charms, gem stones, and talismans. Like Aaron’s rod that budded, the rod of GOD that was used by Moses was a device to make visible divine authority and sacred election as well as the active presence of GOD.
(6.) In the same way Christians are not confused or embarrassed to see film actors who portray biblical characters in movies and TV programs, because they understand the process is not one of making false claims for reverence and worship, believers do not see paintings and other imaginative depictions of Jesus as being counterfeits, idols, or misrepresentations of divinity. There are ordinary objects that have been used to trigger operations of the faith that resides within believers. For example, aprons and handkerchiefs were used by the apostles of the early church when healing; icons have been used; blessed beads and cords have been used when reciting psalms and other prayer cycles; and the cup used for the Lord’s Supper was venerated as a holy grail. Even so, at no time were such objects identified as having value apart from the divine purpose of salvation, or the imparted Spirit that indwells the entire body of believers, the Holy Ghost. Rather than human institutions and man-made objects, those created of GOD through the process of interaction focused upon Christ are the true repository for divine power and presence.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings. Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel. (Numbers 35: 29-34, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Believers Fear (09/09/2014); Freedom of Foul Speech? (09/10/2014); On Death and Pain (05/08/2014); A “Good” Verse? (05/09/2014); Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); Sin Causes Death? (02/04/2014); Succession (02/05/2014)
“Complex Maker”, where you are able to shift your thinking to see from a different point of view, here are a few ideas that have come from GOD that should be useful:
(1.) Life is GOD’s intent, however, death is GOD’s tool. Death is not simply a punishment for sin, or a way to condemn those who make mistakes. Death is used to cleanse and continue the earth as a sphere of life; and death furthers the dynamic of life that is change and movement generated by diversity and imbalance. Death as a consequence in divine judgment permits mankind a portion of the consciousness and experience had by divinity; and reveals the otherwise unseen compassion, integrity, reliability, and righteousness of GOD.
(2.) As understood among Christian believers, the word “evil” does not mean “bad”, “sinful” or “wicked”. In the holy writings GOD proclaims: I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things (Isaiah 45: 7, KJV). We speak of divine evil as calamity; catastrophe; sudden, sweeping change; upheaval. Human evil, then, is destruction; arbitrary, uncalled for, and unnecessary change; change that provides no balance or benefit.
(3.) The childish complaint that “GOD won’t let us have our way” is false. GOD does allow mankind to challenge his environment, to alter and question the boundaries for human existence. Even so, many of the boundaries must remain in place for the sake of divine order, and to allow mankind to have clarity, focus, stability, and value.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Death is only one observable fact of the full divine plan for our universe. In addition to death, through Jesus Christ, there are ongoing sacred operations for correction, healing, divine love, redemption, resurrection, salvation, sanctification, and eternal life. Following final judgment, mortality will no longer exist. Mankind will be transformed, and become both immortal and incorruptible to live with Christ upon the earth.) 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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