(02/28/2017) "Only GOD Can Judge"?

Today, language that speaks to judging others and final judgment by GOD are considered.  In addition to divine operations that express the will of divinity, “judgment” means the final conclusion, outcome, sentence, or verdict in formal tribunals to determine accountability, sacred content, value, and worth.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” using the ID “Joker” (Level 2 with 251 points, a member since April 13, 2013) posted the following:

What is the meaning of "Only God can Judge us"?
Please explain.

Thank You very much.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.  And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.  And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.  (Exodus 34:  4-8, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Accepting Divine Judgment (02/26/2017); Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Blame, Sin and Salvation? (02/13/2017); Having to Pass Inspection (02/06/2017); Judgment Focused On Content? (08/30/2016); A Fool of the Church? (01/26/2016); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); Stoning in the OT? (06/07/2014); Suffering Circumcision? (06/08/2014)  

“Joker”, created beings and living creatures encounter many errors and sins in their own efforts to correctly respond to the judgment of GOD.  Among sinners, it often is common to hear it said, “Only God can judge me!” because they are speaking in exaggerated pride, and are focused on the social process of judging others and being judged by others.  In effect, they are saying, “I am not  willing to allow anyone else to judge me.  I might allow God to judge me—however, I still have a “god-given” right to change my mind about that.”  More correctly understood, judgment is a sacred event and a spiritual process that fulfills multiple eternal purposes of GOD.  Included are revelation (i.e., making Deity, who is spirit, knowable, known and “visible”), resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes through the application of divine law as well as selecting the vessels of imparted Spirit among created beings and living creatures that are to endure as immortal life companions to divinity.  Where mature Christian believers say, “only GOD may judge,” they tend to be addressing the qualifications for the one who officiates as the embodiment of the law, and therefore, has the greatest influence and weight in deciding the outcome of formal tribunals.  Judgment requires examination and inclusion of multiple subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meanings and value; actions and events having GOD as the only true witness).  The demands of concluding and final judgment that express the sovereign will of GOD include balance, completeness, discernment, impartiality, longsuffering, mercy, restraint, and righteousness.  Another meaning of the phrase, “only God may judge,” centers in the word “judge” as meaning “condemn” or “damn” (i.e. , send someone to hell).  Therein, the guilty often insist that only Deity is justified and qualified to rule that a life should be destroyed or totally erased.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 17:  8-13, King James Version (KJV):  8 If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;  9 And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:  10 And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:  11 According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do:  thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.  12 And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die:  and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.  13 And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

(2.)  Psalms 50:  3-6, KJV:  3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence:  a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.  4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.  5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.  6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness:  for God is judge himself. Selah.

(3.)  2nd Timothy 3:  1-5, KJV:  1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Revelation 21:  5-8, KJV:  5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write:  for these words are true and faithful.  6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/27/2017) The Holy Spirit "Begotten"?

 

Today, the origin of the Holy Spirit as a “begotten” aspect of the GODhead is considered.  For many mature Christian believers, the verse from the Gospel of Matthew (28:  19, King James Version, KJV) is familiar as “the Great Commission,” however, this Scripture is not to be seen as commanding the use of specific holy names or a formula to invoke the divine presence during rituals of water baptism.  What should come into view, instead, is how the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are each to be knowable, known, and recognizable through the sacred actions, practices, and events they produce that may include separate aspects of baptism and rebirth.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “DIGIMAN” (Level 6 with 22,625 points, a member since June 28, 2010) posted the following:

 

In Matthew 28:19, is the ***holy spirit*** begotten like Jesus ?

9 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(or Spirit)

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:  I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:  I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.  With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.  (Psalms 91:  14-16, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Knowing GOD and Sin? (02/03/2017); Exalted By The Father? (01/26/2017); Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); The Spirit and Prophecy (01/04/2017); Holy Writings and Spirit? (12/16/2016); The Relationships With GOD? (11/30/2016); Divine Meanings and Values? (03/31/2016)

 

“DIGIMAN”, the GODhead is marked by oneness without sameness.  Language in the Scripture that speaks to Jesus Christ as “begotten” acknowledges the appearance of divinity using human form (we say, the Incarnation) as a tool for the full revelation of GOD whose makeup and substance is spirit.  Inseparable aspects of the totality of sacred substance have been made manifest that include faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, active presence, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  For mature Christian believers, the major focus for the entire Scripture record (Genesis to Revelation) is Jesus Christ, not the Holy Spirit who appears as his agent, co-worker, and spokesperson.  Jesus is to be known as both the “son of Man” and “the son of GOD.”  This allows sinners to acknowledge the completeness and fullness of Deity, the continuing possibilities for correct relationship with divinity, and the eternal existence, participation, and provision of GOD for existence, life, meaning, and value.  It is correct to say that Christ was “begotten”, for the Son of the Highest did come to the earth by human birth, even though not by human sexual reproduction.  Before becoming known through flesh and spirit, the One Sent to begin the transformation of mankind through baptism and rebirth (death and burial of ones inborn spirit, rebirth having divine DNA, so to speak) existed in heaven as The Word.  Consider again the following from the holy writings:

(1.)  John 1:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

(2.)  Galatians 4:  4-7, KJV:  4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

(3.)  Colossians 1:  16-20, KJV:  16 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:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 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.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 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.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Acts 17:  29-31, KJV:  29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.  30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/26/2017) On Accepting Divine Judgment

Jean Cousin, The Last Judgment

Today, reply is made to a question on accepting divine judgment against family members.  Judgment pertains to the unshakable majesty and sovereignty of GOD.  The saved do not become all-knowing and omniscient.  In the same way we will not get to meet and be friends with every other person on the earth during our lifetime, we may not get to be in direct contact with, and come to know everyone in heaven during eternity.  As witnesses to their righteous judgment, believers will see everyone sent to the lake of fire and the second death.  Christ will declare them “workers of iniquity” and will say, “I never knew you.”  Similarly, the saved will have selected recall of sins and suffering from the earth as though many never occurred.  The changes made through resurrection will render those we loved on the earth knowable only as pleasant memories, and unrecognizable as those we may continue to love who also have eternal life.  It is GOD’s revealed intent that none should perish, yet, the demands of divine law must go forward.  GOD is no less divine when we as his children do not get to have our way.  The authority, divinity and righteousness of GOD are immutable and remain unchanged; therefore, our obedience, respect, and reverence may increase, yet, should never become less.  In the same way parents must acknowledge their own children may become defiant, incorrigible, and come under the punishments of law beyond the home that apply to the larger community and all humankind, children also must accept that their parents may come under the condemnation of divine law and the demands of GOD upon his Creation.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers (India)” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

Christians, would you still worship God if you knew your mother was burning alive in the flames of hell for eternity?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  My soul yearns for you in the night;  in the morning my spirit longs for you.  When your judgments come upon the earth,  the people of the world learn righteousness.  But when grace is shown to the wicked,  they do not learn righteousness;  even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil  and do not regard the majesty of the Lord.  Lord, your hand is lifted high,  but they do not see it.  Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame;  let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.  (Isaiah 26:  9-11, New International Version, NIV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Temporal and Eternal Judgment (02/15/2017); Blame, Sin and Salvation? (02/13/2017); In Her father's House? (02/08/2017); Dead While We Live? (02/02/2017); Accepting the Divine Will? (12/06/2016); Hell and The Cross? (04/10/2016); Damnation And The Cross? (03/06/2016); Approaching Mothers Day (05/07/2015)

“Anonymous”, accepting divine judgment against family, friends, and even ourselves first requires we become transformed to acknowledge continually that GOD is spirit, and is not limited by frameworks of emotion, social conventions, time, and space as are created beings and living creatures.  We could say, however, GOD is “limited” by divine law, and wrath against sin that are permanent aspects of his sacred makeup.  Christian believers seek a continuing relationship with GOD, however, this requires they all gradually change, grow, and become mature (i.e., balanced, complete, consistent, stable) as vessels of “sacred knowledge” and spirit substance imparted from GOD.  All start as sinners whose awareness and self-will regularly focus on expressing exaggerated pride, self-interest, self-promotion, and self-will.  Following water baptism that depicts the death, burial, and resurrection of their inborn spirit, the believer is “born again” and can then “grow up again” as an offspring of GOD.  Even then, having become lawful and legitimate as sons and daughters of GOD who are living on the earth and mortal, believers do not immediately arrive at a full acceptance of divine authority, the commitment to endure suffering for the name of Jesus Christ, correct understanding and obedience of divine law, or respectful submission to judgment and the multiple operations of GOD (e.g., atonement, chastisement, forgiveness, sanctification, suffering, the harvesting of believers from the earth at the Second Coming).  Consider again the following from the holy writings that include the demands of the law and warning for the church (Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica):

(1.)  Job 2:  7-10, NIV:  7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.  8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.  9 His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”  10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”  In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

(2.)  Revelation 3:  19-22, NIV:  19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.  20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.  21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.  22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

(3.)  Luke 14:  25-27, NIV:  25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:  26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.  27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

(4.)  1st Peter 4:  14-16, NIV:  14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

(5.)  Revelation 2:  21-23, NIV:  21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.  23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Romans 7:  4-6, NIV:  4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.  5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death.  6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/24/2017) Sin to Cover Sin?

© Copyright 1998, from Dr. Eddy Cheong (Malacca, West Malaysia) http://eddyssite.com/mls/mls.htm

Today, King David, the death of Uriah the Hittite, and the operations of sin are considered.  Sin promotes nonexistence and return to the conditions that were in place before the Creation of heaven and earth.  The mechanics and process of sin always result in the increase and intensification of what is at first a reversible error.  The movement is from deceit, defiance and ignorance of the law to repeated transgressions to deliberate iniquity and persistence of attitudes and actions that violate both the letter and the spirit of the law.  Efforts to cover, rather than confess and abandon sin, usually go from one extreme to another, beginning with lies and even finishing with murder.  Thus, Jesus declared:  I am the door:  by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  I am the good shepherd:  the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep (John 10:  9-11, King James Version, KJV).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “STORMY K” (Level 3 with 1,207 points, a member since September 24, 2006) posted the following:

Why did King David order the death of Bathsheba husband Uriahs while he was away at war?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But the end of all things is at hand:  be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:  for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  (1st Peter 4:  7-8, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Sure Mercies of David (09/19/2016); Iniquity Forgiven? (02/16/2016); All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); Repentance, Sin and Willpower (09/08/2015); Was David a “Good” Man? (01/13/2015); A Curse Removed (12/26/2013); Intercession (12/27/2013); Why “Mysterious” (11/11/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012)

“STORMY K”, many mature Christian believers hold that, when King David could not cover the pregnancy of Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife), and his own sin of adultery against their marriage, the King ordered the death of Uriah by requiring the commander Joab to have the troops abandon Uriah on the battlefield.  In the same way the holy writings use thousands of events, from thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years to make the character, makeup and substance of the Creator knowable, known, and “visible”, the scriptures also reveal the consequences and operations of sin.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the divine order that has put forth the universe.  Sin is no material object or divinely created “thing” that may be destroyed, eliminated, or erased without an extended series of interventions from GOD.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures; and believers can not consistently and correctly recognize, respond to, and resist sin without fresh endowments of spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Such finite human tools as emotions, intellect, logic, philosophy, science, and technology are not enough to eliminate and remove sin.  Thus, doctors, educators, lawyers, politicians, scientists, and rulers also are among the many people corrupted by sin.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 30:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:  2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!  3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

(2.)  Ezekiel 18:  4-9, KJV:  4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine:  the soul that sinneth, it shall die.  5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,  6 And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,  7 And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;  8 He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,  9 Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

(3.)  Romans 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  3-9, KJV:  3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  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

(02/23/2017) Working to Pay GOD?

 

Today, reply is made to a question on repentance and what sinners may do to pay for their sins.  Deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ is not about “owing”, “paying”, and “punishment”; it is about sinners being loved, divinely provided for, and joyfully receiving such gifts from GOD as atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, and sanctification.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

What else can people do but just work to pay for their "sins"?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  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:  8-15, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Blame, Sin and Salvation? (02/13/2017); No Repentance Without Rebirth? (12/14/2016); The Work of Forgiving (11/23/2016); Why Are Works Required? (07/18/2016); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016); A Dry Thirsty Land (05/01/2016); Sin Turned To Goals (05/02/2016); They Shall Not Be Mentioned (05/03/2016)

 

“Anonymous”, part of what is meant by “repentance” and  “salvation” among mature Christian believers is the “living out” of a new commitment, exclusive devotion, and an eternal, ongoing relationship with divinity as well as their fulfilling heartfelt promises to GOD.  As “born again” believers, Christians learn to utter and use new meanings for old language, so to speak.  What once was understood as personal achievement, accomplishments, and the outcome of ones own efforts and striving must be understood in terms of divine gifts, grace, sacrifice from GOD, and endowments of spirit content from the makeup of the Creator.  Included are inseparable aspects of Deity such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Therefore, repentance and sorrow for sin come into view as permanent changes that are completed in a sinner by the active presence of the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  The sacred practices (e.g., baptism, confession, marriage, Sabbath-keeping, study of the holy writings), praise, prayer, and unselfish service performed by a believer are not so much “buying ones way into heaven,” or “payback” and payment of debt and penalties from sin as they are the god-given methods to build up a new relationship with the Creator, to display a believer’s growth, improvement and learning, to make visible the multiple operations of GOD through the life of created beings and living creatures, and to express gratitude, respect and reverence (like saying “thank you” with actions and not merely words).  Even with repentance there also must be atonement, judgment, mercy and resurrection from death.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  1st Peter 1:  3-9, King James Version (KJV):  3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

(2.)  Matthew 3:  8-12, KJV:  8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father:  for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.  10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees:  therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance:  but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:  he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:  12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

(3.)  Acts 5:  29-32, KJV:  29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.  30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.  31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 7:  9-11, KJV:  9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:  for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Hebrews 6:  4-6, KJV:  4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/22/2017) Acknowledging the Divine Presence

Today, practices to acknowledge the divine presence in the camp of those who left Egypt with Moses are considered.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (Singapore)” using the ID “Adam” (Level 4 with 4,977 points, a member since April 25, 2011) posted the following:

Exodus: laws of moses when u poop put a stick in the ground (did moses aim this at just one guy?)?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:  and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:  but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:  whereunto also they were appointed.  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:  which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  (1st Peter 2:  6-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Divine Presence and Spirit (01/18/2017); The Old Self Crucified? (04/03/2016); Pork, A Stumblingblock? (03/06/2015); Deliverance A Benefit Of Salvation? (02/23/2015); Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); Divine Law Speaks of Spirit? (07/30/2014); Holy Ground (03/30/2014); The Temple Mount (03/31/2014)

“Adam”, those who received the Ten Commandment law had to learn to display uninterrupted acknowledgement of divine presence.  The men, women, and children who left Egypt with Moses were Gentiles and a “mixed multitude” as well as those from the 12 tribes of Jacob.  A single, sacred standard for all would be put forth to cleanse and sanctify them for a continuing relationship as covenant partners with the Most High.  While in Egypt, their daily lives maintained customs, rituals, and traditions that exalted secular knowledge (e.g., government, politics, science) and also embraced astrology, idolatry, sorcery, superstition, and the occult.  The size of their camp is estimated to have been as many as 3½ million, for men of fighting age alone were more than ½ million.  The people lived in tents, and the livestock were kept in close quarter.  The “promised land” was already occupied by seven tribes who were in a covenant with GOD, and were to be replaced because they repeatedly had violated their contract.  When GOD spoke declaring the terms (commandments) of his new covenant, the people were awestruck, and petitioned that GOD would use prophets and spokespersons to reveal divinity, rather than speak from heaven again.  With this in view, the active presence of GOD among the people was made visible by the pillar of cloud by day, fire by night; by the tabernacle; and by multiple aspects of divine order that included captains over thousands, hundreds, fifties, twenties and tens (we say, hierarchy, rank); the falling of manna for only six days; and the keeping of Sabbath.  Consider again the following from the Scriptures:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 23:  12-14, King James Version (KJV):  12 Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:  13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:  14 For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy:  that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 14:  1-2, KJV:  1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God:  ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.  2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Deuteronomy 12:  1-7, KJV:  1 These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.  2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:  3 And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.  4 Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.  5 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:  6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:  7 And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/21/2017) Equal Footing With GOD?

Today, reply is made to a question on oneness and sameness of authority within the GODhead.  Correctly understood, divinity must be acknowledged as spirit substances that are diffuse, yet, inseparable, and are not limited through frameworks of time and space, discrete events, or natural law that applies to material and physical objects and their processes for duration.  That one aspect of the full GODhead has appeared using flesh to complete mortality does not alter or diminish the character, description, and nature of Deity.  The  essential elements of divine existence and process (e.g., authority, glory, government, grace, ownership, preeminence, active presence, purpose) continue as immutable and unchanging.  The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Trilobiteme” (Level 3 with 1,651 points, a member since September 29, 2011) posted the following:

If the old testament says there is one God and Jesus Christ said the Father and I are one does that mean he on equal footing with God?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.  (John 1:  1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Exalted By The Father? (01/26/2017); The Firstborn of GOD (01/02/2017); Different Form, Same Relationship? (11/20/2016); Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016); A Servant and More (08/17/2016); The Holy Spirit and Unity? (08/13/2015); Oneness, Not Equality or Rank? (07/16/2015)

“Trilobiteme”, don’t be confused by the many divine uses of flesh and blood.  Sacred operations by the persons of  GOD all express oneness without sameness.  Therefore, in general, Christians regard argument, debate, and questions about differences in divine authority, function, and majesty to be irrelevant, unfruitful, and useless—they do not build up spiritual control and power.  Mature Christian believers often understand the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) to be made up of all spirit substance that may ever exist, is active, eternal, and incorruptible.  The inseparable aspects of spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, word) do not appear having measurable dimensions and form except as the person Jesus Christ.  The makeup of Deity is held to include existence, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, person, presence, sovereign will, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Through rebirth and sanctification, believers enter into a transforming relationship that does not encourage pursuing questions regarding differences in authority and hierarchy within the GODhead.  In their beginnings, believers may envision the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit relying on images and thoughts that are carnal, material and social.  However, eventually, focus is to be on the work of proclaiming the gospel, edifying the body of believers, and performing in accordance with the principles and precepts of divine law and the imparted, indwelling Spirit.  With this in view, consider, again, the following:

(1.)  Philippians 2:  5-11, King James Version (KJV):  5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(2.)   Colossians 1:  12-20, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 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:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 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.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 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.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  1st Corinthians 15:  21-28, KJV:  21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23 But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.  28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/20/2017) Hope That Is True

Today, hope and sacred truth are topics.  Authentic and godly hope always consist in expectations begun, confirmed, and sustained by divinity.  While hope appears within the frameworks of time and space as promoting change, targeting future events, and “forward-looking,” correctly understood, hope pertains to the continuity and full revelation of things eternal and immutable, yet, presently unknown.  With this in view, hope is different from imaginings and projections based on confirmed secular knowledge, and the operations of finite human intellect.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “2017” (Level 7 with 61,162 points, a member since December 25, 2008) posted the following:

What is hope? is it true?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;  Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!  O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.  Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.  They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith:  and the LORD hath not sent them:  and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.  Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.  And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies:  they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.  Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:  Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall:  there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.  (Ezekiel 13:  2-11, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Eternal Life From GOD (10/24/2016); The Problem of Faith? (05/22/2016); It Takes The Cross (04/22/2016); About The End Of The World (08/30/2015); A New Year’s Message, 2015: Great Expectations? (01/01/2015); Begotten Unto A Lively Hope? (10/04/2014); Of Sure Hope and Certainty (09/05/2013); Prophetic Demonstrations (10/06/2013)

“2017”, sinners repeatedly confuse “hope” with selfish desire, dreams, fantasy, and wish-fulfillment—things that are carnal, material and social that can be “all in the mind” of an individual.  Mature Christian believers should understand hope as an aspect of existing in an ongoing relationship with GOD through the person of Jesus Christ.  Crucial are acceptance, respect, trust, and truth.  As the new creation through Christ, “born again” believers eventually “grow up again” to acknowledge hope as a spirit substance from the makeup of divinity imparted through baptism that is inseparable from other aspects of Deity revealed in the life and person of the Savior.  Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Along with joy, hope operates as power and strength that eliminate despair and fear during times of hardship and suffering.  While all things are possible with GOD, a believer’s hope is “realistic” only when it centers upon the things that are in agreement with divine law and have been proclaimed, promised, prophesied, and revealed.  To hope is to anticipate, expect, and look forward to the actualization and fulfillment of things commanded and unfolding through legitimate operations of GOD that will complete sacred projects, conform to pre-set divine patterns, and implement eternal purposes.  The Christian has certainty that their hope is sound for it is grounded in divine substance (e.g., breath, life essence, spirit, word).  Consider the following from the Scriptures:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 29:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(2.)  Lamentations 3:  21-24, KJV:  21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  22 It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  23 They are new every morning:  great is thy faithfulness.  24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

(3.)  Romans 15:  1-7, KJV:  1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.  3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.  4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.  5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:  6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Hebrews 6:  16-20, KJV:  16 For men verily swear by the greater:  and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.  17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:  18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:  19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;  20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC