(03/23/2018) "I Never Knew You"

Today, the reply is on the unimportance of “being a majority of humanity” to the sacred operations of divine judgment and salvation through Jesus Christ.  Christian belief is not on the basis of popular opinions, or practices that are in fashion as customs, traditions, and trends.  The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “STEVAN THE HEATHEN” (Level 1 with 34 points, a member since August 10, 2017) posted the following:


The majority of humanity do not believe in a christian god. Is the majority wrong?


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:  Being A Holy Nation (02/20/2018); Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Standards For Godly Behavior (02/01/2018); Without the Divine Image? (10/15/2017); All Have Come Short (10/11/2017); Did Jesus Want Popularity? (06/11/2015); The Needs of the Many? (03/08/2015); What GOD Demands (05/10/2014); The Body of Moses (05/11/2014)


“STEVAN THE HEATHEN,” while the demonstration by Moses and those who left Egypt says that faith is required for deliverance and the salvation of GOD, coming into divine blessing is not a matter of a “head count,” and how many people are involved.  (Only 2 from the army of more than ½ million actually set foot on their portion of the Promised Land; neither Aaron nor Moses was one of them).  Here are some points and selected verses from the Bible to consider regarding the new creation that is being established by divinity through Jesus Christ:

1.  The process of judgment is a fixed, non-negotiable aspect of divine existence whereby created beings and living creatures will be assessed and examined in terms of their character; effect; preparation, readiness, and willingness to be perfected; and their fullness of substance required for existing eternally as a companion and joint-heir with Christ.

2.  The demands and righteous standards of divine judgment and sacred relationship discourage lawlessness and slackness.  Given that Adam (the male) was created to exist as a companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity, it was not until mankind (the pair) required permanent change to recover from transgression of divine law that Adam became mortal (subject to death), would multiply and reproduce as the animals, and would have to thrive under the dominion of forces and influences that were not divine. 

3.  The integrity of GOD (we say, majesty, glory, righteousness) requires that every utterance by divinity of proclamation, promise, and prophecy be properly executed and fulfilled.  Included are the sanctions and warnings within sacred law that describe punishments and rewards.  

4.  Satisfaction of eternal purpose and sacred process may be accomplished through operations by divinity on behalf of mankind (we say, grace), and often will not require direct action and participation by a crowd, a multitude, or all living.  There may be delay, expiation, forgiveness, hierarchy, joining for oneness without sameness, mercy, representative sacrifice, substitution, the use of emblems, and use of a part to represent the whole.  It is written:

(1.)  Judges 7:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod:  so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.  2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.  3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

(2.)  Matthew 7: 21-23, KJV:  21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:  depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

(3.)  Luke 13:  22-24, KJV:  22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.  23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,  24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate:  for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 

(4.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  1st Peter 3:  18-22, KJV:  18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:  19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;  20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.  21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:  22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/23/2014) Worship Wear?

The apparel and clothing we should put on as we enter the divine presence for worship are topics, today, along with more on “the flesh.”  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers Canada” using ID “ebenezer” (Level 1 with 28 points, a member since December 30, 2013) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United States:


How important is the way we dress when we worship god ?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Spirit Gives Birth to Spirit (01/22/2014)—While “the flesh” refers to carnal, material and physical conditions for the body (such as appearance, motor coordination, features, form, pain, pleasure, sensation, and temperature), as used by Jesus and throughout the holy writings, the word “flesh” also applies to emotional, intellectual, and mental events (such as disposition, introspection, moods, pride, temper, and self-awareness).   Aspects of relationship also may be labeled as “the flesh” (such as competition, conflict, envy, malice, passion, and rivalry).  See Galatians 2:  19-21, 1st Peter 4:  1-6, 2nd Peter 2:  9-11 and 1st John 4:  2-4, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;  While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.  Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.  (1st Peter 3:  1-4, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Attending Church? (11/12/2012); A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Christian Modesty (10/15/2012); The Meek Will Inherit (10/16/2012); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012); What is Worship? (10/18/2010); No Free Will (10/19/2010); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010); Known by GOD? (10/16/2010)


“ebenezer”, often in present-day assemblies and congregations there is an acceptance of casual dress and “street clothing” at church gatherings in order to place emphasis upon inward learning and growth, rather than upon outward and surface appearances.  Here are a few points from Scripture you may find useful:

(1.)  What a person wears may set them apart (we say, prepare and sanctify them) for holy service; and their apparel when they approach GOD in worship communicates intent, respect and the content of their spirit (such as faith, gratitude, holiness, humility, joy, wisdom, wrath against sin, and zeal).  Thus, it is written:  And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.  And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.  And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office (Exodus 28:  1-3, KJV).

(2.)  They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causeth sweat.  And when they go forth into the utter court, even into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered, and lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments; and they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.  Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.  (Ezekiel 44:  18-20, KJV)

(3.)  I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.  In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;  But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.  (1st Timothy 2:  8-10, KJV)

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.) Many Christian believers now understand that Adam and Eve first appeared before GOD covered only by a radiance that came from within their own inner being.  When the pair forgot the word spoken by GOD, and violated trust, all mankind lost this aspect of divinity, and as carnal creatures in flesh now must use clothing to cover nakedness.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  (Romans 13:  12, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/10/2013) Why Was A Son Sent?

Atonement, revelation and Christ as divine High Priest are topics, today.  Also, there is more on the ascension and resurrection of Jesus.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers UK & Ireland” using the ID “Carly” (Level 1 with 85 points, a member since 09 November 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers Canada:


Is it true that God did not send His Son into the world to be it's judge, but to be it's Savior?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013)—(5.)  The vision of Jesus seated in heaven is intended to proclaim that Christ is again acknowledged as Son of the Highest before the Host of Heaven, is exalted by GOD the Father, and rests from the works of his ministry upon the earth in a place of authority and favor with GOD.  The vision of Jesus standing points to the second advent, and indicates that Christ is active, aroused, and willing to return to the earth on behalf of those purchased by his death upon the cross.  Even so, there are many works to be finished before death and sin are fully eliminated, and until judgment and salvation are completed.  For believers in the earth, the present day is a time for afflicting oneself before GOD (i.e., continuing confession, humbling oneself, repenting, and soul-searching).  Once Jesus completes the present work of High Priest wherein he applies his blood to make atonement for those who acknowledge him as their only deliverer, intercessor and mediator, Christ will go on to complete other sacred tasks that include harvesting his believers from the earth; destruction of the devil and his angels in the lake of fire; preparing for and completing judgment of the wicked; and establishing the Heavenly City, New Jerusalem, upon the earth.  Those who are believers, now, are also to assist in the completion of these various tasks along with the holy angels, and so will be taken up from the earth in what is called “the Rapture.”  (See Acts 7:  51-60, Acts 24:  14-16, 1st Thessalonians 4:  16-17, and Revelation 20:  6, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:  yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.  (Romans 5:  6-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); Why Blood? (04/13/2013); Time Before the Sun? (04/14/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013)


“Carly”, you need a broader view.  Here are a few points to consider that Christian believers may acquire by careful study of the Bible, however, for full clarity, can only be opened and explained to them in depth through the imparted Spirit of GOD ministered to mankind by Jesus Christ:

(1.)  The appearance of GOD in flesh (we say, Incarnation) is a single aspect of multiple divine operations and sacred purposes that fit together as the larger work of revelation.  Like Creation, Judgment and Salvation demonstrate and provide only partial knowledge of the divine nature, and the full spectrum of sacred events being used to establish permanent relationships with created beings and living creatures.

(2.)  The Bible uses figures, incidents, and patterns that express divine intent as if everything needed to be said about divinity could be summed up in a single narrative, or story.  Things that occur upon the earth are shown to be shadows appearing from light that first falls upon things that exist in heaven.  Among other things often overlooked and poorly understood, Jesus is to be received as a divine High Priest from the Temple in the Heaven, similar to Aaron (brother to Moses) and Melchizedek, the King of Salem.  Atonement for sin must be made in order to correctly establish eternal life.

(3.)  Christ, as Son of the Highest, was provided as the “sacrificial lamb” whose holy and innocent blood must, in addition to atonement, be used in cleansing away sin transferred from the earth to the Sanctuary in heaven.  He is uniquely suited to be Judge over mankind having lived in flesh upon the earth.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Sin opposes the continued existence of GOD, of divine law, of right knowledge, respect and reverence toward GOD, and of all that has been created by GOD.  The work of Christ as High Priest, who is to make atonement for sin, is occurring now along with investigative judgment that determines those for whom his blood legitimately may be applied to expunge their transgressions of the law from the Book of Life.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Even so, be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming soon.  Grow in grace.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC