Today,
the error of describing relationship to divinity through Christ as a form of
chattel slavery is in view. Willing servitude (as opposed to
forced labor), expresses affection, devotion, humility and
love (we say, desire to add value). Throughout the Scriptures,
language appears to declare the place of the created with the Creator. There
were those who served Israel as “slaves” to GOD; however, only by human
arrogance, error, exploitation, and sin were such living sacrifices
taken to be ones own personal belongings and “private property.” Consider the
following, and the presentation below:
Psalms 84: 9-11, King James Version
(KJV): 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine
anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had
rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of
wickedness. 11 For the LORD God
is a sun and shield: the LORD
will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them
that walk uprightly.
Ezekiel 34: 31, KJV: 31 And ye my
flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am
your God, saith the Lord GOD.
Matthew 18: 1-4, KJV: 1 At the same
time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst
of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become
as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever
therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the
kingdom of heaven.
1st John 3: 1-3, KJV: 1 Behold,
what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called
the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall
be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall
see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself,
even as he is pure.
1st Corinthians 7: 21-23,
KJV: 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but
if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called
in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he
that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with
a price; be not ye the servants of men.
One of
the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no required profile
information shared) posted the following:
"I am currently
a slave in Christ" - Is Jesus a master who has slaves??? That's what this guy is
saying.?
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20160209072430AALyyb0
THE
GOLDEN ARROW: And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in
themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into
the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee
stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other
men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I
fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican,
standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven,
but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you,
this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for
every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself
shall be exalted. (Luke 18: 9-14, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: Fulfilling Divine Law? (07/14/2015); Slaves to Sin?
(04/13/2015); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013); Only One GOD
(09/14/2013); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce
(11/17/2012)
“Anonymous”, Christian
believers are to continually acknowledge the exalted sovereignty of GOD, and
their own status as dependent with other created beings and living creatures in
relationship to our Maker. GOD is the single and sole source for the many
sacred benefits, opportunities, and possibilities provided to the living.
Included are atonement, correction, forbearance, forgiveness, promise,
prophecy, rebirth, resurrection, and sanctification. Correct language to
describe the bond with Deity established through Jesus Christ and the Holy
Spirit must repeatedly acknowledge our gratitude, our indebtedness, our
continuing infirmity and need as well as our desire for greater closeness and
intimacy. Varying levels of shared affection, respect and trust must come into
view, therefore, obedience and servitude are to be understood as indicators and
marks of ones love. The words used, then, describe relationships that also are
through the law, and lawful such as child, disciple, prisoner, servant, and
slave. Consider how this may appear in verses from the holy
writings:
(1.) Exodus 21: 5-6,
King James Version (KJV): 5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my
master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: 6 Then his master
shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto
the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he
shall serve him for ever.
(2.) John 15: 14-16,
KJV: 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I
call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I
have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have
made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and
ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your
fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he
may give it you.
(3.) Romans 8: 16-18,
KJV: 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. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in
us.
(4.) 2nd Timothy 1:
7-9, KJV: 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of
love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of
our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of
the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called
us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to
his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world
began,
There is far more to be
said, understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) Colossians
3: 12-15, KJV: 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel
against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above
all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in
one body; and be ye thankful.) 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