Both finite ethnic and infinite spiritual identity are in view, today. Christians are to be distinctive as set apart for service to GOD (we say, sanctified) through their endowments and gifts of divine purpose, fellowship, sacred knowledge, and sacred practice (we say, sacraments). Thus, believers are described by the truth as found in such Scripture as Psalms 4: 3 (KJV): But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Because the followers of Jesus Christ receive fresh spirit content from the makeup of divinity—yet, must develop and minister upon the earth challenged by the same life experiences and carnal process as others—many are confused about how to correctly identify those belonging to GOD through the sacred events (we say, miracles) of baptism and rebirth. While believers are correct to acknowledge their human origins, and express themselves respecting their own and the culture and heritage of others, their primary source of self-definition will always be Christ as their redeemer and savior. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “yacov” (Level 2 with 494 points, a member since April 23, 2010) challenged all who are born again with the following:
Identity Crisis Alert - Believers, do you understand who Israel is?
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:28-29
Who are Israelites; to whom [pertaineth] the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;Whose [are] the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ [came], who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 9:4-5
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalm 73: 25-26, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Fallen Nature? (09/01/2014); In the Likeness of His Resurrection (09/02/2014); A Common Heritage? (07/13/2014); Asleep Through the Holocaust? (07/14/2014); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012); Blessings, Curses and Woes (10/03/2012)
“yacov”, along with permanent changes to awareness and self-will, carnal, material and social identity are so completely altered in those who walk by faith (not by sight), they are said to be “born again” (i.e., conceived and generated from divine DNA), and are a completely new creation. Here are a few points shared in the holy writings that have helped many to further understand this:
(1.) Luke 10: 21-23 (KJV): 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. 22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. 23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: 24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
(2.) 1st John 3: 1-3 (KJV): 3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
(3.) Romans 2: 28-29 (KJV): 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
(4.) 2nd Corinthians 5: 16-18 (KJV): 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Galatians 6: 14-16 (KJV): 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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