Today, reply is on the existence of only one tree of life. As with the tree of knowledge, the burning bush, the barren fig tree, and the cross, simple figures and images are used throughout the holy writings to communicate regarding the things that are deep and profound. Thus, the awesomeness and power of divinity are portrayed using abundance, multiplying, plenty, rebirth, replenishing, and reproduction. GOD is to be known and spoken of as One, yet, the fullness of divinity appears using multiple events, forms, and persons (e.g., the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Similarly, divinity appears using diversity and many different devices that give expression to the same eternal purpose (e.g., active presence, authority, birth, divine law, spiritual gifts, imparted Spirit, sovereign will). A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Oku” (Level 2 with 951 points, a member since September 23, 2011) posted the following:
If the Earth has all the requirements for life to arise and survive, why is there only one single tree of life?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4: 4-6, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Plantings of the Lord (02/10/2017); Acorns Become Oak Trees? (02/09/2017); A Rebellious Fig Tree? (12/21/2016); The Barren Tree? (12/06/2013); Fruits From a Barren Tree? (12/07/2013); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010); Known by GOD? (10/16/2010)
“Oku”, be alert to see a pattern that appears throughout the holy writings: “oneness without sameness.” Your question conforms to a familiar pattern (when ABCDEFG appears, we know XYZ is coming; when 2-4-6-8-10 appears, we should expect 14-16-18-20!) used within the holy writings to describe the character, nature, and sufficiency of GOD: why does Gideon go into battle with only 300 soldiers after sending thousands back to their homes? Why are there only 5 loaves and 2 fishes to feed 5,000 men not counting the women and children? Why is there only one sun, one moon, one GOD, one universe?
Mature Christians trust that GOD is the invisible, yet, active presence (we say, breath, spirit, word) who has put forth all duration, existence, form, life, person, and substance. GOD may inhabit consciousness and self-will within the living, and uses multiple divine events and sacred operations to reveal and permit discovery of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Secular knowledge concentrates on objects that are carnal, material, and social. Thus, human intelligence, logic, science, and “critical thinking” often center in describing precise dimensions and measurable form. By contrast, sacred knowledge and practice go forward as responses to defining precepts, principles, and regularities that are emanated from divinity (i.e., have divine person, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of Deity as their origin), and that are fixed, immutable and unchanging. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:
(1.) Colossians 2: 8-12, King James Version (KJV): 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
(2.) Romans 1: 20-22, KJV: 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
(3.) Job 33: 4, KJV: 4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
(4.) 1st Timothy 3: 16, KJV: 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Romans 8: 5-9, 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment