(04/18/2016) The Cross a Human Sacrifice?

Today, points are shared on the death of Jesus at the cross as a divine, not human, sacrifice.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Why is human sacrifice acceptable in the case of Christ but is seen as an abomination and heathen/pagan act all through the old testament? 

Update:  It seems that his life was not as strong and powerful as his death, and that raises a lot of suspicions for me

Update 2:  Anasan= don't you think the Jews were shedding enough blood by being killed on a daily basis but you think they somehow needed Jesus's imperfect blood. The Jews could have kept killing 2 goats a year for atonement (that was fine) but it makes no sense that God would send himself, say it's his son, see all of this trouble and then plan his death through a planned suicide. That's not even a sound message.

Update 3:  anonymous he died alright, went to hell (christians like to say the grave but that's not ever how it's translated) came back to earth and ascended into heaven as the story goes. I swear you guys get more ignorant of this story by the day.

Update 4:  Scott-= why dont you tell that to paul who said him and God were one just like jesus and when he asked in Romans 9:20 Nay but, O man, who are you that replies against God? Like if Paul was God. 
Then he afterwards tells people that God makes some people trash and some people fit for him, so how do you find converts while using this message.

Update 5:  Every person who edited the bible and added to the bible is playing god,,,friend

Update 6:  Jesus must be a Canaanite

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  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.  (Colossians 1:  12-20, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sign of Divine Love? (04/14/2016); Divine Meanings and Values? (03/31/2016); Atonement and The Cross? (02/29/2016); The Bridge To Heaven (01/27/2016); The Lamb of GOD (08/19/2015); A Halo Upon Jesus? (09/25/2013); On Marketing Church, and Speaking by Occasion (09/26/2013); Only One GOD (09/14/2013); Weed and Godly Wisdom (09/15/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, followers of Christ are to trust that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross is endowed with meaning, power, and value within a framework of “imparted faith” (as opposed to one of time and space), where faith is a non-material spirit substance from the makeup of Deity with other inseparable spirit content such as holiness, longsuffering, love, “person”, “presence”, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  For many, the “sacrifice” of Christ as the chosen Lamb of GOD is being examined only by using finite human language and terms for understanding that are carnal, earthy, and social.  Human sacrifice has only been required where there has been idolatry, occultism, false worship, and response to demons and devils.  For mature Christian believers, however, the crucifixion of Jesus is a “sacred event” wherein the fullness of GOD (we say, the GODhead) appears in the form of flesh (Incarnation) to complete divine operations begun before the foundations of earth and heaven.  The range and scope, therefore, of the Savior’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension go beyond the ceremonies, demonstrations and practices provided as foreshadowing and oracles to the Jews.  Those caught up in the operations of sin that appear as natural, normal, and routine fail to realize that sin is contrary to all existence.  Lacking discernment that emerges through ones spirit nature, sin is not recognized as foreign, strange, and unrelated.  It is no contradiction to men of faith that GOD, who is Almighty and the origin of all, may pass through death that is not “almighty”, and may not be the end of all.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 12:  3, King James Version (KJV):  3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

(2.)  1st John 2:  27, KJV:  27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

(3.)  John 3:  31-34, KJV:  31 He that cometh from above is above all:  he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth:  he that cometh from heaven is above all.  32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.  33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.  34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God:  for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, (4.)  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

(01/20/2015) The Idea of Perfection?

Spiritual confusion stemming from the account of sin among angels in heaven comes into view, again.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Earl” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since November 21, 2013) posted the following:


If demons are angels that sinned, doesnt that mean heaven isnt perfect?

Maybe god isnt perfect either , or maybe there is no such thing as perfect when referring to a "being"


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  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:  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.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:  For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  (2nd Peter 1:  2-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Scriptures and Perfection? (10/27/2014); GOD to “Try Harder”? (03/17/2014); Unclear Scriptures? (03/18/2014); A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); The Adversary? (12/05/2012); “Soul” Food? (12/06/2012); Before the Fruit? (11/10/2012); Why "Mysterious" (11/11/2012)


“Earl”, your expression of faith moves me to share a few points from my own understanding of divine perfection:

(1.)  While to be “perfect” is to be complete, finished, and at the highest level of quality, the perfection of GOD expressed through material creation, created beings, and living creatures also generates change, development, diversity, growth, and movement.  Divine perfection must be established using a divine standard that would include balance, all specific holy intent, eternal life, and sacred purpose.

(2.)  GOD is a spirit, and the perfection of spirit is not apprehended using finite intellect, logic, mathematics, reason, philosophy, and science.  Spirit is without measurable dimensions that are the core substance for secular knowledge.  Aristotle’s course for classifying and grouping things is plain, and has served on many levels for human experience.  When applied to spiritual things that rule becomes what Christians call “discernment” (spirit content must be used to recognize and respond to other spirit content).

(3.)  Sin is no material or spirit thing put forth from the Creator, yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  Christians who receive Jesus Christ as redeemer and savior also acknowledge his office as the High Priest within the Temple of heaven.  The cleansing and removal of the marks from sin are accomplished only by applications of blood that convey life and sacred substance (we say, divinity).

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Just as their place in relationship are not the same as that for Deity, perfection for GOD is not that for finite beings.  The Creator is immutable and unchanging; and is being made known and revealed to the created through multiple sacred processes.  Included are atonement, advent, correction, healing, incarnation, death, judgment, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/03/2014) Sin and the Great Flood

The meaning of sin, sinners and the Great Flood are topics, today.  Also, there is more describing divine and demonic process.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” using the ID “Dead Reagan” (Level 3 with 1,768 points, a member since January 26, 2009) posted the following:


How many babies and pregnant women did god murder in his Great Flood?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Divine not Demonic Process? (11/02/2014)—(5.)  In accordance with the revelation of GOD appearing through the person of Jesus Christ, the sacred device of imparting living substance (we say, divinity, a holy spirit) from the makeup of GOD to abide and indwell mankind is applied that somewhat replaces use of angelic visitations.  Mankind’s need for a greater level of continuous, immediate and personal awareness of the divine will is clearly displayed by the account of the Prophet Daniel (see Daniel 12:  4-10, KJV).  Despite several visitations and visions, Daniel could not understand and convey to others the most complete and effective applications of what had been revealed to him.  The process of GOD continues to be simple (i.e., plain, straightforward, uncomplicated), yet, profound (i.e., consisting in enduring truth; making multiple declarations; far-reaching in consequences); and is directed to establishing existence, life, purity, and truth.  By contrast demonic process always appears through such devices as appeals to appetite, emotion, (e.g., anger, fear, pride) and intellect; deceit; error; exploitation; focus upon temporal conditions and circumstances; immaturity and imperfection; lying and corruption of truth.  Consider again Matthew 16:  13-28, Mark 8:  27-38, 2nd Corinthians 4:  3-5, James 4:  5-10, Titus 2:  11-14, Ephesians 2:  1-10 and 1st Peter 5:  7-9, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.  And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him:  and the LORD shut him in.  And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.  And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.  And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.  Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.  And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:  All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.  And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth:  and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.  And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.  (Genesis 7:  15-24, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Destroyed in Noah’s Flood? (04/28/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013);  That Mortal Children Die? (12/15/2013); Going It Alone? (12/16/2013); A Slaughter of Innocents (12/15/2012); Signs of Messianic Belief? (12/16/2012)


“Dead Reagan”, here are a few points Christian believers receive from divinity that may help you correctly comprehend the spiritual concepts of “sin” and “sinners”:

(1.)  Sin is no living entity, or material substance created by GOD; and the place of sin within the spheres of existence (e.g., earth, heaven, the universe) is that of corruption, decay, and rot.  Sinners all lose their integrity as images or vessels of GOD.  Thus, there can be no compassion, or sacred connection to GOD for those in destruction, who are the creations of sin, and no longer “angels”, “babies”, “women” or expressions of Almighty GOD.  While sin is no “thing”, lacks person, dimension, and measurable form, sin does have direction, effect, and presence.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will within temporal beings and living creatures.  Sin alters the completeness, durability, perfection, and soundness of the living; yet, has no enduring influence or power against divinity, and the divine will.

(2.)  The Great Flood you speak of is a sacred event using elements within a material world whereby the character, intent, nature, righteous, and wrath of GOD against sin have been revealed.  The Flood is more to be seen as a cleansing (from “top to bottom” so to speak), and correction of the Creation by its Sovereign Maker than a lawless act of anger, blood lust, or hatred intended to destroy all mankind. 

(3.)  The authority of GOD as the owner, possessor, and ruler of all the earth is a non-negotiable condition for its continued existence.  The elimination of sin requires multiple, permanent changes to all that exists, and occurs without sudden upheaval and widespread destruction only through such divine operations as atonement, covenant, death, promise, prophecy, rebirth, sanctification, and resurrection.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  While aspects of the immutable, unchanging love of GOD may be more clearly seen in the sacred processes of Creation and Salvation—where those who were to live could make no comments or input (i.e., had no role as decision-makers)—the righteousness of GOD, who remains invisible and set apart as sanctified, is most directly displayed through Judgment.  Men will appear to speak on their own behalf in Judgment.  Neither Christ or Satan will be present as their accuser; and they will be judged by the record of their living deeds.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/02/2014) Divine not Demonic Process?

Points are shared, today, commenting upon conflict among believers that results through claims of guidance by angels.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” using the ID “…..” (Level 2 with 467 points, a member since December 31, 2009) posted the following:


If Jesus talked about the spirit world so much, then why do Christians today call it the devil's work instead? 

Update : I think I have to specify: Whenever someone says they talk to a guiding angel from Heaven, why would a church-goer spill such violent hateful statements against that person, when Jesus said to seek out the spirit world of Heaven (as in 1Hebrews 1:1-14)?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:  that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  (1st Peter 4:  10-16, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Adversary or Servant? (11/21/2013); How To Renew The Mind (11/22/2013); A Visit from an Angel? (10/20/2013); The Head Not The Tail? (10/21/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); Of Sure Hope and Certainty (09/05/2013)


“…..”, where your question is intended to gain legitimate responses shared among Christian believers, and is not just to serve as a complaint or observation, here are a few points important for growth within the body:

(1.)  GOD is a spirit who has generated and put forth all created beings and living creatures, the conditions for their duration, and the spheres of life wherein they may exist (e.g., earth, heaven, the universe).  In response to the need among the living for correct information about the active presence, makeup, operations, and substance of divinity (we say, revelation), multiple sacred devices have been employed such as natural events (we say, calamity, catastrophe, plagues), angelic visitations, human spokespersons (we say, prophets), and incarnation (instances where divinity appears having form and flesh).

(2.)  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, believers are to internalize aspects of the full spirit content that describes divinity.  As vessels of divine matter, believers are to contain such inseparable elements as faith, forgiveness, holiness, divine law, sacred knowledge, promises, prophecy, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Thus, believers embrace the holy writings as a standard to correctly discern and recognize sacred matter, for the Scriptures document covenants and operations of GOD using thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years.

(3.)  From the time of Adam, those in relationship with GOD both in heaven and in the earth must be alert to counterfeits and deceptions regarding divine intent and the sovereign purposes of GOD.  The operations of sin were first realized among the holy angels, and now appear throughout the earth.  Sin opposes the continued existence of limits and restrictions that derive from sacred law (e.g., condemnation by judgment, prohibition (thou shalt not) and punishment by loss of privilege).  More than this, sin opposes the continued existence of the Law Giver, of true worship, and of the divine order throughout the universe founded upon principles of godly law.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  All believers also must live within the confines of a secular world where defilement, hardship, profanity and sin are ever present.  Experiencing the new life provided through Jesus Christ is only accomplished by those who maintain discipline and focus through such features as cleansing, meekness, obedience, prayer, sacred practice (we say, sacraments), and unselfish service.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/16/2014) False Angels of Light?

Fallen angels, deceit, and sin are topics, today, along with more on humility and salvation.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Towwwdothello” (Level 7 with 25,991 points, a member since December 27, 2007) posted the following:


Do you think a demonic being would attempt to impersonate a benevolent angel?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Humility Needed for Salvation? (08/15/2014)—Humility always will be prominent where displays of divine authority are legitimate and righteous.  Those entrusted with godly power are those who acknowledge there also is power greater than their own, and who recognize that authority and privilege always entail nonnegotiable accountability, duty, obligation, responsibility, and work.  Humility does not cancel or oppose decisiveness, determination, discipline, firmness, persistence, restraint, or steadfastness.  To express humility does not require that a person beg, cringe, grovel, or abandon all their ideas of integrity, human dignity, and worth.  Those showing humility within their relationship with GOD as Creator and Savior do so without disgrace, dishonor, humiliation and shame despite various efforts by those in rebellion to GOD.  Humility is shown by those anchored in divine strength, rather than by those bound through carnal weakness.  See Proverbs 15:  32-33, Proverbs 22:  3 and 1st Peter 5:  1-11, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.  And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.  Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.  (Jude 1:  5-7, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sin Causes Death? (02/04/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); An Attack Upon Creation? (12/08/2012); The Focus of Judgment? (12/09/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012);Spirit Matter (10/21/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012)


“Towwwdothello”, here are a few points important to Christian believers as they apply themselves in service to GOD:

(1.)  Angels are not mortal beings, nor are they immortal; and their duration continues at the direct discretion of GOD.  There now are many angelic beings whose spirit makeup has become corrupted, defiled, and diminished through the operations of sin.  While sin has no existence as a material object or spirit substance, sin may dominate the awareness and self-will of created beings and living creatures.

(2.)  Those who are deprived of their first estate (i.e., their consecrated place within the divine order) are now to be understood as having lost all authority, hierarchy, privilege, and rank established and imparted by the Creator.  However, as finite beings, many are self-deceived, defiant, ignorant, presumptuous (i.e., taking to themselves authority and privilege not given), rebellious, and stubborn.  Also called “unclean spirits” (because they complement and further corruption and defilement of the divine content deposited within others), the fallen ones can not impart existence or life (we say, raise the dead), and provide no cleansing, godly instruction, encouragement, single-minded support, or enduring benefit as agents of GOD who serve in the earth.  Such insist they are now of greater dominion and power because, often, they truly can deceive humans and successfully exploit weaknesses in mankind.  Although an angelic being is no longer entrusted with certain duties, and may have lost eminence, position, prestige, and status, there is no change in their accountability, and requirements for judgment.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, those who are the lawful agents of divinity are recognized by displays of divine humility, sacred knowledge, love, mercy in judgment, eternal purpose, godly wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Shows of carnal brilliance (e.g., emitting light, radiance, shining in darkness) apart from the law and word of GOD are not to be regarded as displays of holiness, divine glory, and sacred intent.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/20/2012) Doom

     The “end of the world,” the New World Order (NWO), and more on fasting “after the spirit” are shared, today. An Internet writer using the ID “lalapef melfofo” (Level 2 with 618 points, a “Yahoo! Answers” member since July 30, 2012) posted the following:


How do people not see the end of the world is so close?

2012, here comes doom! The NWO is here


THE BATTLE AXE: Fasting “After the Spirit” (09/19/2012)—The practice of fasting with meditation that is often found in eastern traditions generally focuses upon making oneself empty in order to receive enlightenment and power by eliminating the action and content of mind along with other obstacles that entangle ones spirit. By contrast, the Christian practice of fasting is intended to make one full of the Holy Spirit, and is joined to prayer, partaking of the Lord’s Supper (also called Communion and the Holy Eucharist), and continuing active service to GOD. See Isaiah 58 and 1st Corinthians 11: 14-30, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (2nd Peter 3: 9-15, King James Version)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Girdle 50: Unquenchable Life (01/06/2012); Binder 2: Why Begin With Scriptures? (09/29/2011); To Whom Much Is Given… (03/02/2011); Hoping for End? (11/06/2010); Getting Ready? (11/05/2010)


Here are some thoughts you may find useful:

      How, why and what we know is determined by features of both our carnal and spiritual experience. The “end of the world” is not a “social truth” contained in our focus upon the goals, living routines and national imperatives of our family, our peer groups, or even our competitors and enemies. A person must accept the notion that the world (i.e., the order and patterns for existence created by mankind) exists infused with and surrounded by realities that are totally spirit in their nature and substance. To the extent one regards reality as including no more than the narrow dimensions of being carnal, material, physical and social, they commit one of mankind’s most common examples of “human error.”

      Many Christian believers are convinced that true knowledge regarding the end of the world has been recorded among the holy writings that forecast and predict events of the final times. More correctly, the Holy Scriptures detail the operation of the Divine Person, and the sacred purposes that will be fulfilled through the course of eternity. There is a “big picture” that many miss by clutching at straws of detail. For example, believers must learn to say that demons and devils do not go to a “resting place,” to some grave (hell), or to a “final reward.” They are neither mortal nor immortal, and do not “die”. Instead, because they pursue complaining, insurrection, lawlessness and revolution, they go to judgment, imprisonment, and are destroyed in a lake of fire. Similarly, through the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD, believers acquire a completely new way of thinking that expounds incorruptibility and immortality for mankind through Jesus Christ, rather than by simple obedience of divine law.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, as a condition of existence for spirit, eternity is not a measure of time. Believers are not given accounts of devastation, ruin and violence, so much as proclamations of divine compassion, law, glory, and salvation. The many levels of intimacy and permanence for relationship with GOD must come into their view.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC