(02/29/2016) Atonement and The Cross?

The sacred operations of atonement, crucifixion, and Jesus Christ as High Priest are topics, today.  Correctly understood there are many separate divine works that comprise the full atonement that pertains to preparing for and completing final judgment.  The return of Christ to heaven following his death upon the cross was as much to complete raising up the New Jerusalem, and bringing his followers under his blood within the Books of Life as for demonstrating resurrection and the first death, or addressing the issues of sin.  In addition to his roles as Risen Lord, Jesus is to be seen and acknowledged as prince, and High Priest.  Where Christ has suffered the most in body and spirit, and does not go before the Father without joy, all complaining, murmuring, and weeping from the earth become superfluous.  The work of Christ above explains the delay in his Second Coming (Advent).  Consider the following Scriptures and the presentation below:

John 3:  12-15, King James Version (KJV):  12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?  13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.  14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 6:  37-39, KJV:  37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.  38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.  39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

Hebrews 2:  14-18, KJV:  14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;  15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.  17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.  18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews 3:  1-6, KJV:  1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;  2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.  3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.  4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.  5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;  6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “razzyandmax” (Level 2 with 482 points, a member since January 15, 2008) posted the following:

Question about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.?

Question: If Jesus Christ would have never been Crucified, would the Atonement have taken place? Which part of the Atonement allows people to be forgiven of their sins? Death on the Cross or Suffering in Garden of Gathsemane? (Sp?) I have my own answer and am wondering How all of you feel about it.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  (For until the law sin was in the world:  but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift:  for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 5:  12-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Bridge To Heaven (01/27/2016); More Than Death Needed (12/07/2015); The Lamb of GOD (08/19/2015); Saved by His Death? (05/13/2015); Can Man Kill GOD? (12/14/2014); An Eternal and Permanent Solution? (12/15/2014); The Ascension of Christ? (12/19/2012); GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012)

“razzyandmax”, many mature Christian believers understand that through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now.  The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross is a “one-time event” among multiple acts of divine revelation to make the character and nature of unseen divinity known to all created beings and living creatures.  The Savior’s crucifixion is inseparable from the appearance of divinity in flesh (we say, Incarnation), the imparting of spirit substance from the makeup of Deity (we say, the falling of the Holy Ghost—also called the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth), and the cleansing of heaven as a seat of judgment.  In keeping with the pattern Moses was commanded to reproduce upon the earth, the cross provides the sacred blood required for the divine operations performed by Christ as High Priest to restore the Sanctuary in heaven.  Through sin, the altar of incense that represents the prayers lifted up to GOD, the furnishings, and even the throne of mercy have been defiled and polluted by contact with elements that include confession, deceit, disobedience,  petitions, tears, and weeping.  Consider again how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Exodus 30:  8-10, King James Version (KJV):  8 And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.  9 Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.  10 And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements:  once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations:  it is most holy unto the LORD.

(2.)  Ezekiel 45:  17-20, KJV:  17 And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel:  he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.  18 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the first month, in the first day of the month, thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish, and cleanse the sanctuary:  19 And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering, and put it upon the posts of the house, and upon the four corners of the settle of the altar, and upon the posts of the gate of the inner court.  20 And so thou shalt do the seventh day of the month for every one that erreth, and for him that is simple:  so shall ye reconcile the house.

(3.)  Malachi 2:  13, KJV:  13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-19, KJV:  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;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) Hebrews 7:  25-27, KJV:  25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s:  for this he did once, when he offered up himself.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/28/2016) On Carrying The Cross

Today, points are shared to clarify the duties of carrying the cross as opposed to dying on the cross.  Believers in Jesus Christ as Messiah and Son of the Highest all are called to stand at the foot of the cross.  The work given from the cross to those born again is to care for and truly love mankind.  Believers are to become permanently centered in acknowledging, receiving, and putting forth blessing (gifts) from divinity.  The One Sent has commissioned every disciple and follower as Those Sent.  The crucifixion of Jesus is not the only one we learn of as young people growing up; however, it is the only one that offers forgiveness and reconciliation to GOD.  In the words of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (see Daniel 3:  29, King James Version (KJV) ), “…there is no other god that can deliver after this sort.”   Readers are encouraged to consider the following, and the presentation below:

Jeremiah 23:  33-37, KJV:  33 And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.  34 And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.  35 Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?  36 And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more:  for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.  37 Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

Colossians 3:  12-16, KJV:  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1st Thessalonians 4:  6-8, KJV:  6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter:  because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.  7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.  8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

John 20:  19-22, KJV:  19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.  21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:  as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.  22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Warren M” (Level 2 with 556 points, a member since April 12, 2008) posted the following:
 

How could Jesus ask others to carry their respective crosses, when he could not even carry his own?

Update:  Reference: Matthew 16:24-26
"24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?"


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.  And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.  And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.  And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.  And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.  But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.  For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.  Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.  For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?  And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.  (Luke 23:  23-33, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Only One Sent? (02/19/2016); More Than Death Needed (12/07/2015); Saved by His Death? (05/13/2015); Called To Be Servants? (11/25/2015); When Asked to Serve? (01/21/2015); Asked to Carry the Cross? (07/25/2014); Good Intentions? (07/26/2014); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)


“Warren M”, for mature Christian believers, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now.  The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross is a “one-time event” that establishes a “one-of-a-kind” salvation whereby divinity has begun the ongoing transformation of mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible.  Believers and followers of Christ are not asked to die upon the cross themselves; yet, they must accept that divine demands and provisions are made pertaining to their continued existence.  While as those “born again” believers are in death with Christ and have already begun eternal life in his resurrection, as mortals on the earth, we will complete mortality (die) in the framework of time.  All will be held accountable to appear in judgment regarding the specific duties and responsibilities that have been part of their redemption.  Humanity is to receive sacred knowledge, and an imparted Spirit (we say, breath, word) from divinity that will replace their inborn life essence (we say, a fresh endowment of substance from the makeup of Deity).  Mankind is required to acknowledge the suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Savior as well as his appearances upon the earth to those chosen and prepared beforehand.  More than this, all who come under the blood of the cross must confess their infirmity and need for expiation, forgiveness, a substitute in the judgment that expresses divine wrath against sin, and the things commanded and prophesied as their expectation (we say, hope).  Thus, “carrying the cross” means living upon the earth as a new creation having an uninterrupted consciousness of divinity.  Commitment, faith and works, and willing submission must come into view.  Consider how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Hebrews 10:  5-10, King James Version (KJV):  5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:  6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.  7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.  8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;  9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.  10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

(2.)  Luke 9:  57-62, KJV:  57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead:  but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.  61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

(3.)  2nd Timothy 2:  11-13, KJV:  11 It is a faithful saying:  For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:  12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:  if we deny him, he also will deny us:  13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful:  he cannot deny himself.

(4.)  Colossians 3:  9-11, KJV:  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;  10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:  but Christ is all, and in all.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) Acts 10:  36-43, KJV:  36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:  (he is Lord of all:)  37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;  38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:  who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.  39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;  41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.  42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.  43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/26/2016) Curses, Tithes and The Cross

More is shared, today, on the curses in Scripture lifted by the work of Jesus Christ upon the cross.  Those who claim the ministry of Jesus denied the sacred history of Israel must surely be ignorant of the various curses incurred from GOD that include Moses denied setting foot within the Promised Land, and the house of David rejected by the 10 tribes that established a kingdom under Jeroboam the son of Nebat (who caused Israel to sin through worship of the golden calf at both Bethel and Dan).  Many see captivity and exile as having been curses.  Restoration and repair of the covenant of Moses should come into view at the cross as well as acknowledgment of Jesus as the heir for a new covenant in his blood replacing Solomon (who supported the idolatry of his many wives).  Because the anointing of David by Samuel the Prophet included that he would serve as king, judge, high priest and prophet, and that he wore a sacred ephod and commanded the courses for service within the Tabernacle—and even called GOD, “father”—the establishment of a permanent house for GOD (we say, Temple) appears as part of the inheritance granted to one that would come from his loins.  However, David acquired a name as a “bloody man.”  Consider the following from Scripture, and the points presented below:

Genesis 4:  11, King James Version (KJV):  11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;

1st Chronicles 22:  7-9, KJV:  7 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:  8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars:  thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.  9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about:  for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

Numbers 35:  33, KJV:  33 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.

Ezekiel 22:  4,  KJV:  4 Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.

Amos 9:  10-12, KJV:  10 All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.  11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:  12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.

Colossians 1:  19-21, KJV:  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Jesus would be “the man of rest” (we also say, prince of peace) from the House of David.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now is the judgment of this world:  now shall the prince of this world be cast out.  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.  This he said, signifying what death he should die.  The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever:  and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?  Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you:  for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.  While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.  (John 12:  31-36, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Draped Upon The Cross? (02/22/2016); Solomon Punished For Sins Of David? (08/28/2015); Christ the Son of David? (06/12/2015); The House Ye Build Unto Me? (07/31/2014); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013)


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Cross Broke Every Curse? (02/25/2016)—(5.)  Simply being in covenant does not establish salvation.  In the same way family fortunes, honor, prestige, and reputation are stabilized and passed on from generation to generation, covenant and curses are transmitted through inheritance; and salvation may begin or be ended as an aspect of ones family life and heritage.  Because an infant does not have prerogative regarding baptism and circumcision, or the peculiar benefits and protection that are placed upon his life by being entered into covenant (we also may say, a framework of law), formal events for voluntary confirmation of faith and public confession of commitment are held that include bar mitzvah and first communion.

(6.)  Covenants with divinity establish direction for life experience by declaring and detailing standards and terms for continuing exchange and interaction.  Repeated violations by those within covenant have underscored the need for divine salvation that could be inclusive and permanent.  Like covenants, curses pertain to the living, and their future offspring as conditions for their existence and life experience.  Along with the closeness and strength of relationships and their benefits, eternal life and judgment also are placed in the balance.

(7.)  The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.  For those in covenant who had left Egypt with Moses, the tithe was more than a peculiar portion (10%) of ones goods and produce.  In the same way, Pharaoh ruled as a god claiming ownership of the land, livestock, and people of Egypt, the true GOD revealed himself having ownership of the firstborn of all, and the entire earth.  Thus, the return to GOD of a tithe was more than simply an acknowledgment of duty through inheritance that resulted from the oath of Jacob, who became Israel in his relationship with divinity.  The tithe was not a payment or a reward so much as an holy offering, a divine indulgence, and a spirit process acknowledging the ownership of GOD.  Christian believers also are to understand that Levi offered tithes while yet unborn, and still in the loins of Abraham.  Clearly, then, the biblical tithe is revealed as an aspect of communication and spirit expression, not process that is carnal, material, monetary, or social.

Even so, there is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (8.)  As a new creation, the church of Jesus Christ is not a copy of things from ancient times, nor a device to repeat the prayers and praises of our forefathers.  Yet, given that GOD is a spirit who is immortal, invisible, and unchanging, many of the patterns established earlier are continued because we acknowledge that same GOD, today.  With this in view, tithes are in no way a portion of what we possess that is to be given to GOD.  Rather, tithes are what belong to GOD, and are to be acknowledged and restored as a prerequisite for our ongoing use of things belonging to divinity.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(02/25/2016) The Cross Broke Every Curse?

Covenant with divinity, with a chosen worship community, and the curses broken by the death of Jesus upon the cross are topics, today.  Curses are manifestations of the wrath of GOD against sin.  The Savior’s death on the cross granted mankind a new level of freedom as believers in GOD.  What we speak of as “the curse of the law” are the errors and limitations that result from the character, nature, and operations of the divine directives that expose and identify sin, yet, do not eliminate and remove it.  Being “under the works of the law” means being dependent upon correctly performing all the actions required within the law, and trusting the law for necessary sacred knowledge, relationship with divinity, and salvation.  Curses may be broken through commitment, expiration, and the operations of faith; thus, we see Ruth of Moab, an ancestor of Jesus Christ, becoming accepted as a covenant-partner first through marriage, then through Naomi, and again through Boaz (see the Book of Ruth).  In this a curse was broken (Deuteronomy 23:  3-4, King James Version (KJV):  3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:  4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.)  Believers who enroll as members of a congregation are given opportunity to “break the curse.”  Members agree to cooperate with and obey those who have been appointed as leaders, supervisors and fellow-workers.  Unspoken and unwritten terms may include agreement to avoid having firearms, quarreling, and committing criminal acts and physical violence on church grounds.  The peculiar agreement for church membership shared among some congregations is no less a legal obligation than that for a credit card, and may include participation in meeting the financial needs of the group.  In the same way, ones household must make payments to meet the demands of those supplying goods and services, the congregation must have a reliable and steady cash flow to respond to its various creditors.  Many church groups now employ mechanisms and secular rules for association that have been used widely among businesses, schools, and government agencies.  With this in view, an assembly may conduct some form of background check, and is not required to accept every candidate for membership.  Consider again the Scriptures and the presentation below:

Hebrews 7:  14-19, King James Version (KJV):  14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.  15 And it is yet far more evident:  for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,  16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.  17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.  19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Malachi 3:  9-11, KJV:  9 Ye are cursed with a curse:  for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.  10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

John 8:  34-36, KJV:  34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.  35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever:  but the Son abideth ever.  36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Daisy” (Level 4 with 3,301 points, a member since April 20, 2011) posted the following:


If Jesus came to break all curses, then..?

Why do Pastors say a curse will fall upon us if we don't give our tithe? Please answer, I don't understand this...


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.  And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.  So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse:  for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith:  but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:  for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.  (Galatians 3:  7-14, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Christ A Curse? (01/25/2016); Christ Receives the Tithes? (08/04/2015); Some Points on Tithing (03/19/2015); The Curse of Black Skin? (02/05/2015); A Curse Removed (12/26/2013); Intercession (12/27/2013)


“Daisy”, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now.  The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross did not totally eliminate or remove sin as an influence from the earth.  A new divine provision was established that is crucial to atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification, yet, did not automatically annul all curses, disobedience, and transgression.  The many curses from GOD inflicted upon Israel even included condemnation of the Aaronic priesthood as a continuing line from the time of Eli (with his sons, Hophni and Phinehas) and Samuel the Prophet.  Similarly, because those from the mob that demanded Jesus be crucified also agreed his blood should be upon themselves and their future generations, the divine provision for a remnant has been established, that does not automatically extend to every one.

Many of the “curses” described in the Bible are negative conditions in contrast to blessings that result from violation of “covenant law” that includes what we call the Ten Commandments, commandments to observe peculiar ceremonies, offerings, and observances as well as laws regarding diet, food, health and personal relationships.  The 12 tribes of Jacob and the mixed multitude of Gentiles who left Egypt with Moses all agreed to the terms for continuing as a people of GOD when they heard the law proclaimed by Jehovah at Mt. Sinai.  Realizing the covenant agreement would have to be repeated many times in order to maintain the commitment of the people, Moses commanded that, after crossing the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, the blessings and curses of the law should be proclaimed from the top of two opposing mountains, Ebal and Gerizim.

Believers, today, often fail to recognize that their own membership within a congregation of believers is “on condition,” has been through their own word, and is a formal agreement and “signed pledge” that also may detail their accountability, specific duties, and necessary responsibilities.  (At first, children only have place in the agreement through their parents.)  The ceremonies of the church such as baptism, confession and confirmation are to establish ones spiritual commitment, while the bond of love and unity within the congregation must come through such practical tasks as decorating the altar, food distribution, fund raising, making repairs, and group study.  The basis for agreement is different, and turns upon principles for association, and necessary discipline, not upon ceremonial law.  Correctly understood, violation of ones “oath” is cause for denial of status as a “member in good standing,” dismissal, and excommunication.  Consider how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 11:  26-29, King James Version (KJV):  26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;  27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:  28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.  29 And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.

(2.)  1st Samuel 3:  10-14, KJV:  10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.  11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.  12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house:  when I begin, I will also make an end.  13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.  14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

(3.)  James 4:  17, KJV:  17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, it should be shared, (4.) Romans 3:  20-22, KJV:  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:  for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/24/2016) Drugged On The Cross?

Reconciliation, and the purity and sobriety of Jesus Christ upon the cross are in view, today.  The cross is to be seen as a depiction of offering and sacrifice to GOD from mankind as well as the deliverance of divine judgment against sin.  The Savior did not become delirious, faint, hallucinate, or pass out upon the cross.  Christ appeared in the earth to accomplish a work of cosmic proportion that would impact the entire Creation and universe for eternity.  He was to die, be buried, be raised from the grave, and appear before the throne of divine judgment.  Not only would he endure condemnation upon the earth for a divine covenant partner, Israel, he would be judged on behalf of the entire Temple community (priests, Levites, scribes, beggars, etc.) as well as for all the sin of Adam with his children as heirs and offspring of GOD.  In their despair of life, hysterical fear, and weakness, many who are untrained think it an act of love (or mercy) to share illegal and prescription drugs that should be administered only by health professionals, perform euthanasia, and provide assisted suicide to family and friends.  Many believers understand that Jesus was challenged and tested while on the cross, and refused to drink a mixture that might have dulled his senses.  As one living out the vow of a Nazarite, Jesus would avoid strong drink.  Thus, instead of being given a testimony describing such remedies, believers have been given accounts of the exalted work of our Savior upon the cross to transform the meaning and value of death through resurrection, and the continuous, voluntary acceptance of divine will. 

Psalm 69:  20-22, King James Version (KJV):  20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness:  and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.  21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.  22 Let their table become a snare before them:  and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.

Jeremiah 8:  13-15, KJV:  13 I will surely consume them, saith the LORD:  there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.  14 Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there:  for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.  15 We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!

Jeremiah 9:  12-15, KJV:  12 Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through?  13 And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;  14 But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:  15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

Jeremiah 23:  14-16, KJV:  14 I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing:  they commit adultery, and walk in lies:  they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness; they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.  15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall:  for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.  16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you:  they make you vain:  they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Dangerous Mr.” (Level 7 with 62,504 points, a member since May 20, 2012) posted the following:


Why wouldn't a loving god give his only begotten son some opiates while his son was hanging on the cross?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,  They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall:  and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.  And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots:  that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.  And sitting down they watched him there;  And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.  Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.  And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,  And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.  Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,  He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him:  for he said, I am the Son of God.  (Matthew 27:  33-43, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross Must Occur? (02/23/2016); The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); (To Express the Fullness of GOD? 07/09/2015); Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015); The Agony of Death? (03/22/2015); Divine Purpose? (01/08/2015); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); According to the Eternal Purpose (11/20/2012); Henceforth, Of This Fruit (11/21/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012)


“Dangerous Mr.”, for many mature Christian believers, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now, making possible the answer below: 

(1.)  At Gethsemane, Jesus realized the work of the cross would be beyond comprehension for created beings and living creatures despite the careful plan of divinity appearing and abiding upon the earth in flesh (we say, Incarnation).  Both a revealing of divinity and the sacred potential of humanity was being required.  There would have to be total  authenticity, completeness, legitimacy, purity, and sobriety for what would be displayed to the living (both those in heaven and upon the earth).  Christ approached the cross somewhat in the same way many professional athletes approach their season, the playoffs, and the final championship game.  They demand the best from themselves and each other.  They would despise one another, and know their careers have lost all meaning and value were they to deliberately “throw the big game,” or foolishly become the cause for losing.  Only showing their own true excellence is genuine and real are sufficient to satisfy the demand of the inner desire and hunger to attain the highest levels for unforgettable victory.  2nd Corinthians 5:  20-21, King James Version (KJV):  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

(2.)  On the cross, Jesus was to demonstrate the inadequacy of all mankind’s finite tools and responses intended to enable endurance and repel the overthrow by death of human awareness and self-will.  Apart from the sacred operations of divinity, there is no practice or preparation for completion of ones mortality.  Sin routinely operates through features of the flesh that include appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mind (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, intellect, instinct, recall).  Conscience, discernment, inhibitions, restraint, self-discipline and vigilance are vital aspects of full exercise for what men know as “the will to live.”  Jesus demonstrated that along with existence, the things pertaining to life from divinity also are sacred law, longsuffering, divine love, and eternal purpose.  1st John 4:  9-11, KJV:  9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

(3.)  Once he began his “full-time” prophetic ministry, the duty of Jesus Christ as the Son of Adam and the Son of GOD was to unselfishly minister to others in accordance with their needs, not his own.  This required accountability, alertness, constancy, and vigilance.  Throughout his time upon the cross, Jesus remained ready to receive a word from the Father; and did minister to John and his own mother.  Matthew 20:  27-28, KJV:  27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:  28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Jesus was to establish access to divinity while serving upon the earth not having all the things of divine authority and GODhead.  Like others who appeared as prophets and spokespersons of GOD, he would receive and share sacred knowledge, yet, would have to endure growing and waiting for fulfillment as well as separation from GOD and man because of his character, nature, and works that included dying on the cross.  Philippians 2:  5-11, KJV:  5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/23/2016) The Cross Must Occur?

Focus, today, is upon divine revelation, sacrifice, salvation, his completion of mortality, and choosing to “save” the life of Jesus.  The regular transition from day to night with its massive realignment of planets and stars is a cosmic event that moves the entire universe, yet, occurs quietly and without upheaval.  Similarly, the divine operations to establish salvation for mankind—along with the transformation of humanity to exist as eternal companion to Jesus Christ—quietly occurs at a level that involves all the forces of existence throughout time, space, and all the spheres of life.  Even so, the cross must depict the tragic depths of human loss through sin and transgression of divine law.  The agony, cruelty, and self-destructiveness that become a continuing condition for the living may only be changed and permanently altered through the active presence of divinity made visible in dutifulness, humility, obedience, and suffering.  Consider the following Scriptures and the presentation below:

Luke 23:  39-43, King James Version (KJV):  39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.  40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?  41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds:  but this man hath done nothing amiss.  42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Luke 24:  25-27, KJV:  25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:  44-48, KJV:  44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.  45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,  46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:  47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

1st Peter 3:  18, KJV:  18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Dantintac” (Level 6 with 14,724 points, a member since October 05, 2010) posted the following:
 

Christians--if you could save Jesus' life, would you do so?

Let's suppose you were back in Palestine roughly 2000 years ago. You find out Jesus is about to be crucified. But you have the means to save him and keep him from being crucified. But there's a catch. If you save him, then salvation is gone for everyone. So do you save him? Or stand back and let him die?

I've asked similar questions before but got only a few answers. Let's see what people say this time.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he:  hold him fast.  And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.  And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.  And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.  Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place:  for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.  Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?  In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.  But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.  (Matthew 26:  48-56, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Only One Sent? (02/19/2016); The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); Messiah and the Unthinkable? (09/25/2015); Saved by His Death? (05/13/2015); Gall Refused on the Cross? (03/20/2015); The Agony of Death? (03/22/2015); The Passion at Gethsemane (03/28/2013); Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013)

 

“Dantintac”, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing despite time and space to here and now.  A person’s desire to intervene, or cancel the death of Jesus upon the cross does not derive from sacred knowledge, from a correct understanding of the many divine operations to benefit mankind (e.g., atonement, forgiveness, Incarnation, longsuffering, rebirth, repentance, revelation, sanctification), or from awareness of eternal purposes.  Hidden and unseen aspects of our character and personality that are finite, temporal (we say, brief, fleeting, that do not endure) and driven by features of the flesh (e.g., appetite, emotion, imagination, intellect, logic) are dominant, rather than the indwelling Spirit imparted from GOD.  Mature Christians generally agree that the appearance of divinity as Jesus Christ is crucial to preserving and recovering Creation from the operations of sin, and must occur within the frameworks of time and space to make divinity correctly known (we say, for the full revelation of GOD).

GOD is a spirit, yet, communicates and interacts with created beings and living creatures, who exist as carnal, material, and social entities.  Divine spirit can only be known through discernment and realization wherein ones own spirit content from GOD is applied to affirm and recognize oneness and unity without sameness.  The events at the cross occurred after thousands of years of preparation, wherein GOD used thousands of devices to make mankind aware of his invisible presence.  Included were angels, covenants, judgments, kings, sacred law, nations, patriarchs, promises, prophets, spokespersons, and the holy writings.  Only by passing through death on behalf of mankind could Jesus establish the everlasting kingdom.  Consider again how this is stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  John 10:  17-18, King James Version (KJV):  17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

(2.)  John 12:  23-27, KJV:  23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.  24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:  but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.  25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.  26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be:  if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.  27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour:  but for this cause came I unto this hour.

(3.)  John 18:  35-37, KJV:  35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me:  what hast thou done?  36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world:  if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews:  but now is my kingdom not from hence.  37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

(4.)  John 19:  10-12, KJV:  10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?  11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above:  therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.  12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him:  but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend:  whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.) 2nd Corinthians 7:  9-11, KJV:  9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:  for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:   but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC