(09/20/2013) According to This Word

     Today, I share some thoughts (below) about the importance of using Scripture references in my blog presentations.  In addition, there is more on Gentiles and the law.  By now my regular readers may realize that I deliberately omit citations of Bible verses and passages within my daily response, yet, share them in the BATTLE AXE and GOLDEN ARROW sections.  This device allows me to encourage exercise of discernment by my readers as well as to provide balance, readability, and a peculiar level of simplicity for the daily response.


THE BATTLE AXE:  (09/19/2013) Gentiles and the Law?—In the Bible’s earliest uses of the word “Gentiles” (for example, see Judges 4, KJV), those occupying Canaan in covenant to GOD are described—the people who were selected before the tribes of Jacob.  Later, where Isaiah proclaims and prophesies salvation through “a root of Jesse,” Christian believers understand that, first, David and later Jesus Christ would appear to establish divine operations in the earth to properly recover and transform the Gentiles as covenant partners and servants to GOD (e.g., see Isaiah 42:  6 and 49:  6, KJV).  Therefore, the mixed multitude that left Egypt along with Moses may be seen as a remnant, or a seed of planting, in a recurring work of redemption and salvation.  See Romans 3:  21-31, Romans 15:  7-12, Revelation 7:  1-17 and Revelation 22:  14-15, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  To the law and to the testimony:  if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  (Isaiah 8:  20, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Missing Information? (06/12/2013); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Scriptures and Sayings? (06/09/2013); The End of Pain? (06/10/2013); Words Spoken By GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013)


(1.)  Rightly understood, our reading of the Scriptures is not merely for factual and literal statements describing celestial scenes, spiritual events, and eternal operations.  Believers are to discover and discern doctrine, guidelines, precepts, and principles that affirm the active presence of divine spirit.  Detailed knowledge of pre-existence is not provided through the holy writings so much as through the imparted, indwelling spirit of the Lord.  See Genesis 2:  17, John 13:  7, John 16:  12 and John 16:  12-14, King James Version.

(2.)  Many believers rely upon being able to quote chapter and verse as a demonstration that they are approved of GOD.  However, even Satan has demonstrated such mastery when challenging Jesus (see Matthew 4:  1-11, KJV).  Be not deceived:  Salvation through Jesus Christ is not a matter of how much Scripture we may know and repeat to others.  There will always be an immense treasury of divine truth that remains inaccessible, unseen, and untapped (see Deuteronomy 29:  29, Acts 1:  6-7 and Revelation 10:  4, KJV).

(3.)  As beginning believers, we must stick to the “sincere milk of the word,” and are not ready for “strong meat.”  Later, however, we should demonstrate adult understandings for the many truths of GOD.  Thus, for example, there is no single Scripture stating the tables of stone given to Moses were an incarnation or material appearance of the Word, and of the glory of GOD.  Even so, believers do not err where they discern and recognize the spiritual truth that the tables of law, written with the finger of GOD, are put forth as an “offspring” of GOD, and are an appearance of Christ.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  For example, (4.)  Human believing and knowing are acts and works that express desire, intent and self-will.  However, these can not accomplish the divine works of rebirth, redemption, and salvation that must occur through grace and faith (see Ephesians 2:  8-9, James 2:  19 and James 3:  13-18, KJV).)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Love has spoken.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC