Sins of ignorance, the misuse of freedom, and widespread spiritual confusion are the focus of today’s presentation. Also, there is more on cults.
THE BATTLE AXE: On Cults (08/30/2012)—Religious sects are different from cults. Sects are products of schism within an orthodox body, and therefore maintain great continuity with traditional beliefs and practices. Cults are held to arise spontaneously around novel beliefs and practices. Because cults may feature the use of devices associated with traditional religion (such as dogma, imagery, language formulas, and ritual drama), these relatively small groups may be labeled as believers at the forefront of new religious movements. For many the core issues in the discussion of cults are merely the “sensational” aspects described in the media: (1) their reliance upon intimidation; (2) their adoption of paramilitary models with stockpiling and use of weapons for self-defense; (3) their use of “mind control” techniques; and (4) their finish through mass suicide. Cults generally lack the comprehensive doctrine, history, sacred purpose, and spiritual benefit provided through the church created by Jesus Christ. At best, cults fulfill intense, yet, temporary emotional, psychological, and social needs.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the man Micah had a house of gods, and he made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. In those days there was no king in Israel: but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17: 5-6, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Cults (08/30/2012); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); Set Free To… (03/27/2012); Bad Knowledge? (02/05/2011); Responsibility? (01/25/2011)
One of the most startling accounts of mankind’s need for divine presence and a holy ministry to dispel spiritual confusion is recorded in the Book of Judges, Chapter 17. There, a man named Micah, a descendant of Joseph, from the tribe of Ephraim, resolves a dispute with his mother. When 1100 pieces of her silver were taken from her, she began to call down curses upon the thief, not knowing, her son was the person responsible. When he “confesses” and restores the money, his mother is pleased, and calls to Jehovah for a blessing upon her son. More than this, she dedicates the silver to Jehovah to be used to make a graven image. The molten image is then displayed in a chapel or shrine along with teraphim (small idols representing gods believed to protect ones household), and an ephod, (a holy garment to be worn only by those anointed as priests, and a feature in the regalia of the high priest).
More than simply an account of a dysfunctional family (where a son steals from his mother’s purse to buy cigarettes or marijuana), or an incidence of flagrant idol worship among the covenant people, we are given a description of sins that result through ambition, including one man’s desire to establish his own household as an independent worship unit. Many factors are important to explaining how this could come about: (1) there was no central authority (a king) to enforce uniform obedience to covenant law throughout the many regions and local areas; (2) Levites had no authority except when serving at the Tabernacle. The Levites were dispersed in their cities, suburbs, and fields, going to the Tabernacle only occasionally as scheduled for their service; (3) the priesthood and those of the Tabernacle were both too far away (i.e., remote), and the focus of sacrificial service did not permit continual oversight upon developments within the twelve tribes; (4) the people were ignorant of the law, and were not regularly instructed, or given correction regarding even the most basic commandments forbidding idolatry; and (5) the tradition of Judges sent by GOD (usually following visitations) did not focus upon declaring divine law, or administering ordinances and statutes associated with the covenant so much as upon the deliverance and survival of Israel when threatened by the enemies of GOD.
When a young Levite, who had left the portion donated to his family in Judah appeared in the hill country of Ephraim, Micah offered to exalt him as father and priest, to provide him with priestly regalia, to give meals and housing, and to pay him 10 pieces of silver per year. Next, Micah consecrated the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah. The account concludes: Then said Micah, Now know I that Jehovah will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest (Judges 17: 13).
Those who assume, like Micah, that we may bargain for, buy, control, and possess divine blessings, or purchase the holy provisions for deliverance, redemption and salvation from GOD using our material goods, operate in gross spiritual confusion. When every man does “what is right in his own eyes,” rather than conform to faith as spirit-content imparted from GOD, he becomes blind to the extreme, yet subtle workings of his own appetite, desire, fantasy and imagination. Rightly understood, “religious liberty” means strictly conforming to models given by GOD, and dutifully performing sacred tasks that are assigned. Micah may have had no deliberate intent to challenge GOD, to disobey, or rebel; and Micah was overjoyed to have finally secured for himself and his own household a believer’s most coveted condition and tool, a direct access to Jehovah GOD. However, in ignorance, Micah and all the others had behaved as lawless and irreverent, thoroughly violating the covenant and its primary laws.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, spiritual confusion appears wherever divine law, the sacred spirit, and the holy word of GOD are not consistently relied upon to have power over awareness, and to moderate discernment. Lacking all of these three in proper measure, at no time did Micah recognize that he himself was being rogue and was behaving as a renegade. While every prophet or spokesperson from GOD also had authority to offer sacrifices for sins, only the priests serving the Tabernacle (and later, Temple) were approved to make acceptable holy offerings.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Friday, August 31, 2012
(08/30/2012) On Cults
Considered today are
cults, the benefits of wearing religious items on ones person, and the spiritual
issues of owning manufactured tools and technology. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer
using the ID “foxy_R” (Level 1 with 210 points, member since June 24, 2006)
posted the following:
When does religion become a cult ?
I know this question will anger some, I am really sorry it's not ment to. My little sister has joined a religious group through school and in the last 6 months has started to spiral out of controll. We were brought up religious, church on Sundays, ect. Now she is throwing all her things out, she said she is not suppose to have worldly possessions. She broke up with her BF of almost 2 yrs,and has stopped being friends with 90% of her friends because they are "non believers" (even if they are religious) she has to read and write bible verses every day. singing and dancing are sins. I just want my fun loving sister back but the more we try to steer her from this group the more she considers us the enemy. Any suggestions?????
THE BATTLE AXE: On Religious Items (08/29/2012)—Men and women take comfort from many objects used to reinforce awareness of doctrines and teachings of various belief systems. Included are depictions of angels, medals, rosaries, mezuzahs, phylacteries, and prayer rugs. Amulets, good luck charms, and talismans are associated with magic and witchcraft, and not with Christian belief. As such, these are objects that reinforce the superstitious idea that a person is endowed with a unique quality (i.e., luck) that enables them to influence the outcome of events, and that maneuvers every result to their benefit and favor. As an instance of power that is not derived through the Spirit of GOD, luck is to be classed with charms, deceits, enchantments, and spells promoted by demons and devils. In the same way money is an idol in the lives of many, drugs, guns, sex, and other people (for example, celebrities, ones children, ones spouse, ones employer) become idols, because fear and desire distort their true usefulness and value making them appear “all powerful,” controlling, and sovereign over life and death. Those who exaggerate the importance of body parts (breasts, buttocks, penis, etc.) also practice a form of idolatry no different than worship of the lingam, phallic worship, and worship of the yoni. Consecrated items (e.g., the rod of GOD used by Moses; the flesh hooks, ladles, gold and silver vessels, and other utensils used in service at the altar of sacrifice; the holy ground of Tabernacle and Temple) at first were common, and became holy only in the sense that they were to function strictly in divine service. Similarly, a man or woman is holy only to the extent they are filled with the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD, function fulfilling sacred purposes, and make the Divine Person present and visible. Christians are correct to respect manufactured tools, and to carefully clean, estimate their value, store, and use them as needed. Included are automobiles, cell phones, computers, firearms, recording devices and televisions. Christians may occasionally wear festive clothing and jewelry; however, women are specially cautioned to never be without the adornment of a spirit that is quiet, and ready to receive instruction from GOD (1st Peter 3: 1-6, King James Version).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10: 24-28, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mixing Islam and Christianity (03/26/2012); Girdle 3: Through The Fire (11/18/2011); Dispatch 44: Just A Closer Walk (09/23/2011); To Do His Will? (01/31/2011); Chewing Gum? (01/30/2011)
While cults may be characterized by dietary laws, dress codes and strict social discipline, the elements that actually mark a group as a cult are its (1) departures from, and exaggerated focus upon selected doctrines and teachings of established belief systems; (2) dependence upon the human characteristics and personality of its leaders--as distinct from their spiritual anointing or divine endowment--who are typically aggressive, combative and defensive; (3) isolation and “quarantine” of its believers in communes, gated communities and “secure” facilities; (4) imbalance between recruitment programs and outreach or service programs for the larger community; (5) efforts to manufacture experiences of divine presence; and (6) that members are not entitled to leave the group.
Generally, cults do not come under organized campaigns of attack by “mainstream” religious groups. Churches, synagogues and others dismiss their members who drop out to join cults as being apostates, heretics or simply immature and irresponsible persons. The cult is held to be a temporary phenomenon that cannot prosper, or be self-sustaining. Nevertheless, because they are seen as attacks upon civil law, “common sense” practice, customs, and tradition, cults quickly come under the condemnation of communities where they spring up.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, to the extent a cult maintains rules of secrecy they will be characterized as endorsing occult practices, superstition and unbelief. Also, while members of cults may be required to participate in fund raising activity, information regarding income, expenses, and the distribution of money are not routinely shared with donors, members, or government tax authorities.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
When does religion become a cult ?
I know this question will anger some, I am really sorry it's not ment to. My little sister has joined a religious group through school and in the last 6 months has started to spiral out of controll. We were brought up religious, church on Sundays, ect. Now she is throwing all her things out, she said she is not suppose to have worldly possessions. She broke up with her BF of almost 2 yrs,and has stopped being friends with 90% of her friends because they are "non believers" (even if they are religious) she has to read and write bible verses every day. singing and dancing are sins. I just want my fun loving sister back but the more we try to steer her from this group the more she considers us the enemy. Any suggestions?????
THE BATTLE AXE: On Religious Items (08/29/2012)—Men and women take comfort from many objects used to reinforce awareness of doctrines and teachings of various belief systems. Included are depictions of angels, medals, rosaries, mezuzahs, phylacteries, and prayer rugs. Amulets, good luck charms, and talismans are associated with magic and witchcraft, and not with Christian belief. As such, these are objects that reinforce the superstitious idea that a person is endowed with a unique quality (i.e., luck) that enables them to influence the outcome of events, and that maneuvers every result to their benefit and favor. As an instance of power that is not derived through the Spirit of GOD, luck is to be classed with charms, deceits, enchantments, and spells promoted by demons and devils. In the same way money is an idol in the lives of many, drugs, guns, sex, and other people (for example, celebrities, ones children, ones spouse, ones employer) become idols, because fear and desire distort their true usefulness and value making them appear “all powerful,” controlling, and sovereign over life and death. Those who exaggerate the importance of body parts (breasts, buttocks, penis, etc.) also practice a form of idolatry no different than worship of the lingam, phallic worship, and worship of the yoni. Consecrated items (e.g., the rod of GOD used by Moses; the flesh hooks, ladles, gold and silver vessels, and other utensils used in service at the altar of sacrifice; the holy ground of Tabernacle and Temple) at first were common, and became holy only in the sense that they were to function strictly in divine service. Similarly, a man or woman is holy only to the extent they are filled with the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD, function fulfilling sacred purposes, and make the Divine Person present and visible. Christians are correct to respect manufactured tools, and to carefully clean, estimate their value, store, and use them as needed. Included are automobiles, cell phones, computers, firearms, recording devices and televisions. Christians may occasionally wear festive clothing and jewelry; however, women are specially cautioned to never be without the adornment of a spirit that is quiet, and ready to receive instruction from GOD (1st Peter 3: 1-6, King James Version).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10: 24-28, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mixing Islam and Christianity (03/26/2012); Girdle 3: Through The Fire (11/18/2011); Dispatch 44: Just A Closer Walk (09/23/2011); To Do His Will? (01/31/2011); Chewing Gum? (01/30/2011)
While cults may be characterized by dietary laws, dress codes and strict social discipline, the elements that actually mark a group as a cult are its (1) departures from, and exaggerated focus upon selected doctrines and teachings of established belief systems; (2) dependence upon the human characteristics and personality of its leaders--as distinct from their spiritual anointing or divine endowment--who are typically aggressive, combative and defensive; (3) isolation and “quarantine” of its believers in communes, gated communities and “secure” facilities; (4) imbalance between recruitment programs and outreach or service programs for the larger community; (5) efforts to manufacture experiences of divine presence; and (6) that members are not entitled to leave the group.
Generally, cults do not come under organized campaigns of attack by “mainstream” religious groups. Churches, synagogues and others dismiss their members who drop out to join cults as being apostates, heretics or simply immature and irresponsible persons. The cult is held to be a temporary phenomenon that cannot prosper, or be self-sustaining. Nevertheless, because they are seen as attacks upon civil law, “common sense” practice, customs, and tradition, cults quickly come under the condemnation of communities where they spring up.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, to the extent a cult maintains rules of secrecy they will be characterized as endorsing occult practices, superstition and unbelief. Also, while members of cults may be required to participate in fund raising activity, information regarding income, expenses, and the distribution of money are not routinely shared with donors, members, or government tax authorities.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
(08/29/2012) On Religious Items
I respond to a question
on the benefits of wearing crosses and religious items; and there’s more on sin
without wrongdoing. For new readers: The feature below (The Battle Axe) shares
addenda, afterthoughts and corrections to the previous day’s posting.
Also, The Double Dagger (as below) identifies articles among the total of 432
earlier posts that complement the day’s post, and that continue to be available
archived at both WordPress.com and thoughts.com. The focus of today’s
presentation was selected from “Yahoo! Answers” where a writer using ID
“conundrum” (Level 7 with 28,340 points, a member since June 23, 2007) posted
the following:
Of what benefit is it to wear crosses and other religious items on the body,does it give protection?
Iam still to read where the followers if Christ donned such attire in the first century ..
THE BATTLE AXE: Sin Without Wrongdoing? (08/28/2012)—Despite the many demonstrations that sin results in death, destruction, loss and shame, even educated and mature men and women continue to indulge this noxious influence upon human will as a legitimate aspect of their own personal makeup, their own private feelings, and their own hidden person. “Common sense”, human logic, philosophy, religion and science have not been sufficient to eliminate sin. Sin is no thing of matter or spirit, contains neither thought or feeling, and must be understood as indiscriminate and mindless. Sin was first apprehended by GOD among the holy angels, who are neither mortal nor immortal. For mortals, the sting of death is sin (i.e., the barb or hook that stops death from being withdrawn; the feature that introduces poison). Speaking to Israel, GOD makes a divine appeal against sin that is directed to all mankind: GOD takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked; men are to repent and live (see Ezekiel 33: 11-20).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. (2 Kings 18: 1-6, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Idols of Flesh (03/12/2012); The Accursed Thing (02/05/2012); Meal Time Grace (11/14/2010); Things? (11/13/2010)
Mature Christian believers generally regard crosses, crescents, stars of David, and similar objects as tokens to trigger thoughts of a person’s faith. As mere prompts and reminders to direct a person’s feelings and thoughts, symbols are regarded as harmless. To regard any object as having power within itself to repel demons, to guarantee prosperity and success, or to protect from bodily harm and death would be to hold that object as an idol—a vessel containing a god, and an object possessing “person” that is to be appeased and worshiped.
Simple objects may be used to signal a person’s participation within a sacred relationship or worship community (such as the fish sign or the wedding ring); and may even be used to concentrate awareness, and trigger the operation of a person’s faith resulting in a miracle (for example, a handkerchief or another person’s shadow—see Acts 19: 11-12 and Acts 5: 14-16, KJV). Some use of symbols may be discouraged among believers. For example, the use of scars and tattoos are forbidden among Christians along with piercing a servant’s ear to indicate that, out of love, they have committed themselves to lifelong servitude as another person’s slave.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, occult practices, superstition and unbelief are often characterized as attacking Christianity by using religious symbols. Given that an object has been cleansed, prayed over, prepared and set apart (we say “blessed” or “sanctified”) for exclusive use in service and worship to GOD, the dedicated or devoted thing may become defiled, and profaned through abuse, desecration and vandalism. Believers may react with anger, embarrassment, fear, and indignation. Yet, it remains that the spirit content of a believer is determined by GOD, not by human objects and events.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Of what benefit is it to wear crosses and other religious items on the body,does it give protection?
Iam still to read where the followers if Christ donned such attire in the first century ..
THE BATTLE AXE: Sin Without Wrongdoing? (08/28/2012)—Despite the many demonstrations that sin results in death, destruction, loss and shame, even educated and mature men and women continue to indulge this noxious influence upon human will as a legitimate aspect of their own personal makeup, their own private feelings, and their own hidden person. “Common sense”, human logic, philosophy, religion and science have not been sufficient to eliminate sin. Sin is no thing of matter or spirit, contains neither thought or feeling, and must be understood as indiscriminate and mindless. Sin was first apprehended by GOD among the holy angels, who are neither mortal nor immortal. For mortals, the sting of death is sin (i.e., the barb or hook that stops death from being withdrawn; the feature that introduces poison). Speaking to Israel, GOD makes a divine appeal against sin that is directed to all mankind: GOD takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked; men are to repent and live (see Ezekiel 33: 11-20).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. (2 Kings 18: 1-6, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Idols of Flesh (03/12/2012); The Accursed Thing (02/05/2012); Meal Time Grace (11/14/2010); Things? (11/13/2010)
Mature Christian believers generally regard crosses, crescents, stars of David, and similar objects as tokens to trigger thoughts of a person’s faith. As mere prompts and reminders to direct a person’s feelings and thoughts, symbols are regarded as harmless. To regard any object as having power within itself to repel demons, to guarantee prosperity and success, or to protect from bodily harm and death would be to hold that object as an idol—a vessel containing a god, and an object possessing “person” that is to be appeased and worshiped.
Simple objects may be used to signal a person’s participation within a sacred relationship or worship community (such as the fish sign or the wedding ring); and may even be used to concentrate awareness, and trigger the operation of a person’s faith resulting in a miracle (for example, a handkerchief or another person’s shadow—see Acts 19: 11-12 and Acts 5: 14-16, KJV). Some use of symbols may be discouraged among believers. For example, the use of scars and tattoos are forbidden among Christians along with piercing a servant’s ear to indicate that, out of love, they have committed themselves to lifelong servitude as another person’s slave.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, occult practices, superstition and unbelief are often characterized as attacking Christianity by using religious symbols. Given that an object has been cleansed, prayed over, prepared and set apart (we say “blessed” or “sanctified”) for exclusive use in service and worship to GOD, the dedicated or devoted thing may become defiled, and profaned through abuse, desecration and vandalism. Believers may react with anger, embarrassment, fear, and indignation. Yet, it remains that the spirit content of a believer is determined by GOD, not by human objects and events.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
(08/28/2012) Sin Without Wrongdoing?
Labeling everyone as “sinners” before they have committed any sins, and simply because they are human, is considered, today. Also, there is more on identifying ones thoughts and feelings that are genuinely from GOD. The Yahoo! Answers writer using the ID “religion to rational” (Level 3 with 1,144 points, a member since May 31, 2012) posted the following:
Why do religions often say that people all have sins simply just because they are human without doing wrongs?
THE BATTLE AXE: Tests for Origins (08/27/2012—Believers are to use the criteria that legitimate divine predictions of future events are recognized by their being completed and actually coming to pass. This may be for events carried out by human agents or natural forces as well as miracles, signs and wonders. In general, prophecy declares divine purpose, and thereby explains the past, present and future operation of GOD among men. Believers are not encouraged to concentrate upon foretelling events so much as upon speaking to comfort, edify and exhort the body of believers (see 1st Corinthians 14: 2-4). While a person’s individual growth may include speaking in tongues (that others cannot translate or understand), dreams, trances, and unique experiences such as those described in Scripture, their spiritual value must be determined on the basis of their having benefit to other believers also.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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: 19-21, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Religion, Anyhow? (02/18/2012); Believers and The Police (01/23/2012); Sin Inherited? (01/22/2012); Girdle 11: The Wages Of Sin (11/26/2011); Limit to Sin? (03/21/2011); Born With Sin? (12/20/2010); For Our Sins? (11/21/2010)
As part of the revelation that Divine Person is holy, pure and supremely righteous, Christianity teaches that the nature of created beings and living creatures (such as angels, animals, demons, and humankind) has been altered despite containing the imparted substance of GOD that determines all existence. Through the influence of sin over will, the living repeatedly oppose and resist divine will. Sin without “wrongdoing” is possible because “sin” may describe the condition of ones inner nature, and of various patterns displayed through the content of a person’s spiritual being.
Given that sin does not have material being, and lacks dimension, form and substance, Christians could say that sin “does not exist,” and therefore, mankind may not destroy or remove sin. However, sin clearly has direction, effect, and presence. Sin is not the creation of GOD, and cannot dominate the divine will. Nevertheless, sin can invisibly direct the attitudes, behavior and conduct of persons in heaven, and upon the earth. Sin is uncovered, made knowable, and made visible to the living through various divine tools. Included are: admonitions, chastisement, and warnings; law (prescriptions and prohibitions); covenant, dynasty and nation; sanctions in the law (punishment); faith; and the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD.
Language in the Scriptures often suggests that sin is an inherited characteristic, or another inborn trait like height, weight and the color of ones hair. For example, the Apostle Paul laments the human predicament that results by sin saying, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” (See Romans 7: 12-25 and Romans 8: 5-14.) The divine “remedy” for sin among humans only comes by the operation of GOD through both flesh and Spirit. Thus, GOD appears in the earth Incarnate--born of a woman, and born “under the law.” Rather than condemnation and the destruction of humanity, GOD has chosen to engage sacred processes for the recovery of mankind. Included here are sacrifice, death, rebirth, redemption, salvation, sanctification, resurrection, and judgment.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, sin is not a mental process that relies upon choice, decisions, logic, and reason. Sin is more like compulsion, habit, impulse, and obsession--behavior patterns that describe character, personality, and psychological makeup. Sin is at a very different level from these, because of “direction”. Sin opposes the existence of GOD, and the continued being of all that live as divinely created.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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