Today, focus is on the importance and value of being in a personal relationship with divinity. Correctly understood, GOD is more than an abstract idea, an imaginary being, or an unseen force like the wind. GOD is immutable and unchanging, yet, uses change, diversity, and process. Thus, for mankind there are birth, death, aging, growth, learning, and transformation to be immortal. Understanding that as humans we are made in the image of GOD, we are certain GOD has character, mind, person, and potential that include intimate communication, exchange, expression, and interaction (we say, personal relationship). While collectives, congregations and communities of faith are in place that seek to facilitate and make it easier for an individual to receive confirmation, guidance, instruction, and support, institutions and organizations can not replace, or be a substitute for the internal operations of divine Spirit that are actually what set a person apart as a “child of GOD.” One of the fighters at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Anonymous” (Level 1 with 189 points, a member since December 27, 2016) posted the following:
What is the wlole point of having a relationship with God? The whole idea of salvation? How is my life on earth different?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 1-10, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: First Seeking the Kingdom (03/03/2017); Hope That Is True (02/20/2017); Warnings Against Forgetting GOD? (02/16/2017); Are All Religions Acceptable? (01/11/2017); Reflections on Existence (12/19/2016); Eternal Life From GOD (10/24/2016); His Children Are Sanctified (10/12/2016); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013); Can Someone Be Happy? (12/10/2013)
“Anonymous”, human potential includes the possibility for expression of a character and nature that is animal, human, or divine. Men and women may become the heirs and offspring of GOD. In the same way it is required of created beings and living creatures that they acknowledge and respond to conditions, obligations, and multiple events that describe life experience (e.g., changes in the weather, hunger, pain, sleepiness), the living also are required to recognize and show respect to the active presence (we say, breath, life essence, spirit, word) and persons that are the complete GODhead. Through revelation—that includes appearing in carnal form as Jesus Christ—the immortal, incorruptible Creator makes divinity knowable, known, and “visible.” All the features of consciousness and existence are used, yet, uppermost are operations of divine Spirit, rather than intellect, logic, carnal reason, or science. Things that are carnal, material, and social are given new meanings and values. By accepting and conforming to sacred law and divine order self-will in finite beings becomes infused with authority, godliness, and inseparable aspects of spirit content from the makeup of Deity such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. For those who are in an ongoing personal relationship with GOD as sinners now born again, permanent changes are being made in their makeup and substance that gradually appear through their daily routines and lifestyle. The gifts of GOD they are to apply and put to use go beyond and transcend the usual frameworks provided for duration, prosperity, and survival. Christian believers receive comfort, atonement and salvation from the consequences of sin, and even the beginnings of their eternal life as companions to GOD. Consider the following from the holy writings:
(1.) Romans 8: 5-9, King James Version (KJV): 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
(2.) Romans 8: 13-17, KJV: 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
(3.) Ephesians 2: 11-13, KJV: 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 2nd Peter 1: 2-4, KJV: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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