(10/07/2019) Taboo To Be "spiritual"?

Today, the reply is on being challenged, isolated, or mocked for displaying attitudes and behavior that are modest, quiet and “spiritual”. It is written: Psalms 131: 1-2, King James Version (KJV): 1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. 2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Isabelle” (Level 1 with 91 points, a member since August 13, 2011) posted the following:

Why is it taboo nowadays to be modest or "spiritual"?

I live in a western society if I am modest and decide to not drink I am laugh whether with family, collegues or neighbours. These people tend be middle aged and mock the fact that I am very spiritual and chose to not drink alcohol, strict diet and avoid proscmisicous behaviour.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (2^nd Corinthians 10: 12, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Perfection Of Divinity (09/17/2019); Will You Lose Family? (01/20/2019); Condemned By The Bible? (06/08/2018); Someone Who Is Kidding? (03/24/2017); “Good grief!” and Prophecy? (11/06/2016); How Is Flesh Evil? (10/28/2016); Mockers in the Last Days (11/14/2012); Thoughts Upon A Warrior’s Fall (11/15/2012)

“Isabelle”, guidance among Christian believers includes instructions and warnings that many in modern times will display attitudes reflecting the worst in mankind, rather than the image of GOD that appeared on the earth through Jesus Christ. While we are in The World system of meanings and values, it is common to examine repeatedly how we are alike or different from others (i.e., compare and contrast). Some feel good about themselves only when they can see flaws, infirmity, unsolved problems, and weakness in the lives of others. They rely on finite human tools such as carnal reason, emotion, gossip, intellect, logic, philosophy, politics and science along with academic and secular knowledge, rather than the system of Christian beliefs, sacred knowledge, and endowments of spirit content from divinity. Many Christians understand that the operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine order and sacred law throughout the universe. Sin has not been created or put forth by GOD, yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures. Christians will continually examine and focus on the life, ministry, and works of Jesus Christ; and will display his divine substance within their own lifestyles and daily routines. Those who turn away from the operations of sin, and commit their lives to goals expressing godly principles often are despised, mocked, isolated, and scorned. Such must have the added strength that comes with a fresh deposit of the same inseparable spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that was imparted in Creation to Adam and Eve. Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Galatians 5: 19-23, King James Version (KJV): 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

(2.) 2^nd 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.

(3.) 1^st Peter 4: 1-5, KJV: 1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xxl9Wk3idA) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:47 PM, October 06, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/45/32/a0/4532a0b1a45c081459a3bad1373f8fe9.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/02/2019) Those Who Prefer Evil

Today, reply is on those who prefer evil and wickedness, and holy writings that teach on such sinners among those who are to be in accord and covenant relationship with divinity. Developing and mature Christian believers eventually acknowledge that evil, sin, and wickedness are not fruits produced through the imparted Spirit of GOD. None may lay hold on salvation relying on the operations of carnal desire, self-will, and finite human willpower. It is written: Romans 8: 5-9, King James Version (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. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

What if I prefer evil over good?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. (Deuteronomy 30: 15-20, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Heathen and Pagan Ways (09/01/2019); Works Without Divine Faith? (05/06/2019); The Penalty of Death? (04/26/2019); Known By Spiritual Fruit (03/06/2019); Doing The Devil's Work? (02/21/2019); Recognizing Holy and Unholy (01/31/2019); Sinners Must Become Convicted (11/27/2018)

“Anonymous”, there are many who feel that (1) GOD does not exist; (2) there is no reason to be afraid of bad consequences or punishment for your attitudes and behavior; (3) mankind only has to answer the laws of nature; and (4) I am free from the laws and restrictions made by other people. When those who are entered into accord and covenant relationship with divinity repeatedly choose to violate divine law, and continue as unrepentant sinners, they come under the curses of the law, rather than the blessings. As those in defiance and rebels against the sovereign will of GOD, they are labeled as “workers of iniquity” and “transgressors”. More than this, they are those who reject forgiveness and despise divine mercy. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Deuteronomy 29: 16-21, King James Version (KJV): 16 (For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we came through the nations which ye passed by; 17 And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:) 18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; 19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: 20 The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven. 21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:

2. Leviticus 26: 13-21, KJV: 13 I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright. 14 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; 15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: 16 I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. 18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. 19 And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: 20 And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. 21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

3. Psalms 7: 11-16, KJV: 11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. 14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Ezekiel 18: 23-28, KJV: 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. 25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? 26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. 27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/07/2018) Evil From The LORD

Today, reply is on the divine creation of evil as well as the evil generated and maintained by disbelievers and sinners. Like sacred events (we say, miracles) that conform to their own set of divine laws, evil that carries out and fulfills divine intent does not violate divine order, natural law, or sacred law. The two different origins of evil put forth different circumstances and conditions, and display different forms, operations, eternal purpose, and sacred substance. Many mistakenly entertain the thought that evil and wickedness can not exist in the presence of divine holiness, majesty, and purity; and that GOD may not exist where evil has control and power. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data appears) posted the following:

Why do people who don't believe in God say that if he was real there wouldn't be evil?

If God was real why would he have to live up to someone's standards? If he's our creator he can do what ever he wants to us he doesn't need anyone approval. Do people not believe cause they can't stand the fact of something being more powerful than them?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil. (Micah 2: 1-3, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Condemned By The Bible? (06/08/2018); Divine Devices for Judgment (06/04/2018); With A Divine Eye (05/02/2018); How Is Flesh Evil? (10/28/2016); All Is Vanity? (07/28/2015); Evil Is Not Sin And Wickedness? (12/09/2014); Divine Goodness? (12/10/2014)

“Anonymous”, many things developing Christian believers will see among sinners and those obeying their own flesh express vanity (the absence of spirit content from GOD), spiritual confusion, and exaggerated pride. The evil they promote does not express awe (i.e., acknowledge the awesomeness of GOD; fear of the lord), and is contrary to all existence, life, and divine order. The three persons who exist as one GOD (the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) have used Creation to display their oneness without sameness, sacred authority, divine prerogative, and sovereign will. Evil as a creation of GOD is not the same as the evil that describes human character and makeup, or evil displayed by mankind as iniquity, sin, and wickedness. Where evil is a divine tool, evil may appear as calamity, disaster, suffering, or “the unexpected” and “the unknown.” Evil will be an overturning or sudden reversal of human circumstances and conditions to establish the correct acknowledgment that only GOD may supply many of humanity’s continuing needs; that mankind also must fulfill eternal purposes; and that the living must continually respond to the active presence (we also say, breath; life essence; spirit; word) who is GOD. To have a complete and correct knowledge of divinity requires a person become transformed by the operations of GOD in their life. We say, You must be born again!, however, those “born again” must “grow up again” and become mature as vessels of divine spirit. A sinner must receive a new inner makeup that includes spirit substance from the Creator. Inseparable aspects from GOD should appear such as commitment, discernment, faith, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Isaiah 5: 21-22, King James Version (KJV): 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

(2.) Ecclesiastes 8: 11-13, KJV: 11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: 13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

(3.) Genesis 6: 5-6, KJV: 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

(4.) Galatians 5: 19-23, KJV: 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) James 1: 12-15, KJV: 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/08/2018) Condemned By The Bible?

Today, reply is on whether the Bible condemns those who disagree with what it contains and presents.  Increasingly, mature Christians acknowledge the Bible as a sacred object and “an evidence of things unseen” that displays and embodies inseparable aspects of divine fullness.  Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Even so, those who lack sacred knowledge, and rely primarily on secular knowledge often are fearful that making their own study of the Scriptures will result in imbalance, spiritual confusion, superstition, and vulnerability.  The holy writings are taken to be an important source and standard for sacred beliefs, however, the outcomes of divine judgment involve more than applying truths from the written record provided for men on the earth.  Along with human attitudes, behavior, motives, and conduct, the sacred considerations of judgment by GOD include atonement, forgiveness, grace, mercy, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, repentance, and sovereign will.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:


Does the bible say everyone who disagrees with it is evil?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.  (1st Timothy 6:  3-5, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Weapons Of Our Warfare? (05/18/2018); GOD’s Will Be Done (04/27/2018); On Selecting Scripture Verses (04/11/2018); The Option of Atheism (02/11/2018); Secular History, Sacred Revelation? (01/11/2018); In Order To Understand (12/01/2017); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Science and the Laws of Nature? (03//23/2013)


“Anonymous”, the primary goal of a Christian believer is to display Christ in the life; here are some Scriptures that add to and reinforce their understanding:
(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.)  Deuteronomy 29:  18-21, KJV:  18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;  19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:  20 The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.  21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:

(3.)  Proverbs 30:  5-6, KJV:  5 Every word of God is pure:  he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.  6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

(4.)  John 3:  11-12, KJV:  11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.  12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

(5.)  Romans 10:  13-17, KJV:  13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

(6.)  2nd Thessalonians 3:  1-3, KJV:  1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:  2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men:  for all men have not faith.  3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  Revelation 22:  18-21, KJV:  18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.  20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.  Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/04/2018) Divine Devices for Judgment

Photo by Dave Smith:  "The Tree of Knowledge" sculpture in bronze at the Oro Valley Public Library (Oro Valley, Arizona), February 4, 2010, 6:08 AM


Today, reply is on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that was planted along with the tree of life within the Garden of Eden as a divine device for judgment like childbearing, not one for imparting sacred guidance, instruction, and wisdom.  Divinity began to admire and examine the inner content of mankind as a major aspect of the fullness and process of Creation.  To the extent the male received more direct fellowship with GOD than the female, his endowments of divine substance from the makeup of GOD (e.g., faith; longsuffering; restraint; oneness without sameness; wisdom; wrath against sin) equipped the male to escape deception, and it was not his greater supply of knowledge, intelligence, or carnal reason.   Exchanges and expressions not seen by Deity before their disobedience would become visible in the pair that included ambivalence, covetousness, embarrassment, fear, forgetting, recall, repentance, and evil surmising (suspicion).  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:


What was God's point to "the tree of knowledge of good and evil" if not to deliberately introduce evil into the world?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.  For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.  Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.  (1st Timothy 2:  8-15, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  With A Divine Eye (05/02/2018); Childbearing Pertains to Judgment? (02/23/2018); Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); GOD Knowing the Price? (06/15/2016); Expulsion from Eden (05/05/2014); Blasphemy Against the GODhead (05/06/2014); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013)


“Anonymous”, many want to complain that GOD himself is the origin and source of disobedience to divine law, sin, and wickedness.  They may not have thought about it before that the genuine sacred processes of GOD include imposing divine order throughout the universe; commanding divine law and sacred proclamations; creation; communicating with created beings and living creatures; acknowledging, assigning, displaying, and making permanent (we say, judgment to determine) the attributes, duration, divine substance, quality, and value of Creation; fulfillment of divine promise, prophecy, and eternal purpose; revelation of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit; the Trinity); salvation; and the second death.

Heaven and earth are both divine creations, while “the world” is the creation of mankind.  In the present day as at the beginning, divinity continues to use finite and temporal devices and tools to call forth displays of the inborn spirit within the living as well as their fresh endowments of spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD through rebirth.  Otherwise hidden and invisible aspects of personhood appear as responses of the living to carnal, material, organic, and social elements, objects, and settings.

The error of the first pair (Adam) went far beyond their own level of comprehension.  The two enjoyed daily and personal  contact with GOD whereby they would receive an abundance of sacred knowledge to exist as companions to immortal, incorruptible Deity.  By relying on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil as an immediately available source for complete knowledge to dwell on the earth, Adam unintentionally altered the character, nature, and operation of human consciousness.  Once the pair disobeyed by embracing earthy, secular knowledge they could no longer properly discern (i.e., recognize and respond to) the multiple, inseparable aspects of divinity as an active presence (we also say, breath; life essence; spirit; word), or maintain divinity as the primary focus of their feelings and thoughts.  Their separation from GOD to establish the integrity of their being became amplified at the level of their self-will.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, many now regard “the tree of the knowledge” as the tree of death.  They acknowledge the profound distinction of that tree from the tree of life whose fruit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance:  the fruit of the Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/02/2018) With A Divine Eye

Today, reply is on respect and reverence for divinity as the correct expression of godly knowledge and wisdom that were to be shown by Adam and Eve.  Following their disobedience, human potential to display a human and divine nature also increasingly began to appear expressing an animal nature.  The value for mankind of knowledge and wisdom was to increase through communication, exchange and interaction in continuous relationship with the Creator; and both the flesh and spirit were to be edified.  Asking, humility, and need would promote displaying the divine image, sharing, and oneness without sameness.  The first pair were to utilize frameworks of time and space to acknowledge divine fullness while acquiring diverse and new information in agreement with the manifestation of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD.  Human history has shown that the mistaken emphasis on knowing “good” and “evil” carried mankind away from the eternal purpose of GOD, that Adam would be a close companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Spirituality and Religion forum using the ID “🕳🕴” (Level 5 with 8,487 points, a member since June 16, 2013) posted the following:



Wouldn't it be calling God evil to say that Adam and Eve had no knowledge of Good and Evil?

Remember when they covered themselves? (Gen. 3:7) Wouldn't you be saying God was evil if you claim they knew good and bad only after they ate from the tree. Because they covered themselves only after they ate, did they not? They saw this evil thing after they ate, right? God had them walk around naked. What happened?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?  (Matthew 7:  7-11, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Origin And Source (04/26/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); The Coming(s) of Christ (03/11/2018); Comparing Sacred and Secular (03/15/2018); Sin No “One-time” Event (01/03/2018); Did GOD Lose Control? (03/23/2017); Our Beginnings Were Perfect? (12/14/2015); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015)

“🕳🕴”, here are some thoughts to consider:  where “good” and “evil” are known by mankind through comparison and contrast of earthly things, the divine consciousness defines them both with an eye to chaos, flux, pre-existence, the present, the future, and eternity as well as to the humanly inconceivable.  Unlike the process for holy angels whereby they received full knowledge from their beginnings, the operations of GOD for mankind have included the imparting of knowledge and wisdom to humans through discovery, gradual growth, learning, reflection, and revelation.  It is no offense to GOD that men have curiosity (like that shown by Moses that resulted in his approaching the burning bush), or that the living lack and seek greater knowledge and wisdom.  However, there are many responses the living may make that are in the nature of sin such as arrogance, defiance, impatience, exaggerated pride, presumption, rebelliousness, and stubbornness.

When sinners turn to Jesus Christ for forgiveness, rebirth, and life as his new creation, most start out having multiple concerns, doubts, questions, and uncertainties.  All who become “born again” must also “grow up again” by facing life challenges, sacred duties, “growing pains,” hardships, and suffering.  As new offspring and vessels containing spirit content from the makeup of GOD (we say, the children of GOD; sons and daughters of GOD; joint heirs with Jesus Christ), developing believers are to become mature/ripe for harvest by the Lord at his second coming (we also say, his appearing; the Advent; the Rapture). 

Integrity of being was established by GOD for mankind by providing the pair, Adam, with independence, self-government under GOD, self-will (we also say, willpower), and separation.  Even so, since the time of Adam, finite consciousness and self-will in created beings and living creatures may be dominated by the operations of sin that oppose the continued existence of sacred law, the Lawgiver, and divine order appearing as the universe.  Sin is an influence that has not been created by either divinity or mankind; and sin is no material or ordinary substance that can be destroyed, eliminated, or isolated from the living.  Adam underwent a profound transformation wherein the fullness and purity of their divine spirit content shifted and was altered through multiple, simultaneous actions that resulted in reconfiguration for aspects of their internal order (e.g., expectation, desire, intellect, potential, recall, recognition).

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, it is written:  James 1:  5-6, King James Version (KJV):  5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/30/2018) Possibilities Through "Active Presence"

Today, mankind’s accountability for sin, sovereign grace and divine prerogative as well as definitions for “evil” and “temptation” are topics.  In the same way the word “law” appears in the holy writings with many different meanings and uses, the word “evil” has more than a single application.  Where GOD speaks of evil as a divine creation the consequences of judgment and wrath against sin should come into understanding along with the expression of divine disfavor.  Thus, divinity being the cause of disaster, calamity, catastrophe, and upheaval are spoken of more than GOD being the origin of sin, wickedness, and wrongdoing.  The living are to behold the image of GOD, and conform themselves to operations of covenant relationships, divine law, eternal purpose, and sacred will.  Regular communication, exchange, and interaction with divinity should display such features as acceptance, gratitude, humility, obedience, respect, restraint, trust, and truth.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers (UK & Ireland)” forum who uses the ID “?” (Level 2 with 780 points, a member since March 01, 2018) posted the following:


 
If god made evil (Isaiah 45:7) and made it very alluring, then how is it mankind's fault for wanting it?



THE GOLDEN ARROW:  What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.  For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.  For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.  Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.  Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?  Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?  What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:  And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,  Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?  (Romans 9:  14-24, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  His Enemies A Footstool (04/29/2018); Why Does GOD “Repent”? (04/06/2018); Adam’s Imperfection and Sin? (08/10/2017); Divine Accountability for Sin? (10/05/2016); Evil Is Not Sin and Wickedness? (12/09/2014); Divine Goodness? (12/10/2014); Evil is not Sin? (09/22/2013); Moses Killed? (09/23/2013)



“?”, a divine declaration is made to those in covenant relationship with GOD in Isaiah 45:  7, King James Version, KJV [I form the light, and create darkness:  I make peace, and create evil:  I the LORD do all these things.] that should not be taken out of its context.  This truth is to further the sacred revelation of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) ).  The “evil” that is spoken of is not sin, temptation, transgression of divine law, and wickedness.  Rather, divine authority is proclaimed over possibilities for catastrophe, disaster, and upheaval; the overturning of mechanical and natural laws; and the administration of what appear to created beings and living creatures as conundrums, opposing forces, and paradoxes.

GOD is to be known as the source and origin of all that exists, and that appears as the ordered Creation and universe.  GOD is the divine ruler and sovereign over all, yet, may not be apprehended by created beings and living creatures without displaying as active presence, and through directed revelation.  Mankind is accountable to divinity on the basis of having endowments of spirit content from the makeup of GOD that establish such features as consciousness, existence, life, and self-will (willpower).  Inseparable aspects of Deity are imparted to indwell all created beings and living creatures.  Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Therefore, the living are joined to divinity, and are to share the oneness and sameness that appears within the GODhead.

Divine judgment acknowledges the damage wrought to Creation by the operations of sin.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and divine order throughout the universe.  Sin promotes return to the conditions of chaos, flux, streaming, and spiritual confusion that existed before the founding of heaven and earth as fixed platforms within the expanse.  “Temptation” that is challenge, hardship, and trial are used by GOD to complete and finish preparation of the living that is distinct from enticing and seducing men away from mature accountability, sacred duty, and covenant responsibility.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)   Isaiah 45:  5-10, King James Version (KJV):  5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me:  I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:  6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.  7 I form the light, and create darkness:  I make peace, and create evil:  I the LORD do all these things.  8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness:  let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.  9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?  10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?

(2.)  Job 12:  12-16, KJV:  12 With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.  13 With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.  14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again:  he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.  15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up:  also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.  16 With him is strength and wisdom:  the deceived and the deceiver are his.

(3.)  James 1:  12-14, KJV:  12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:  for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:  14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:  and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.  17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18-29, KJV:  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/06/2018) Why Does GOD "Repent"?

Today, reply is on divine confession, grace, repentance, and revelation.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:



Did God do something wrong in Genesis 6:6?

I'm SORRY that I bumped into you. I REGRET stealing. I REPENT of my sins.



THE GOLDEN ARROW:   So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel:  and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.  And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it:  and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.  And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.  (1st Chronicles 21:  14-16, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); An Act of GOD? (12/20/2017); Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); Having Consciousness of Death (11/03/2017); Making Sense of Preexistence? (10/06/2017); Corruption of Ones Spirit? (05/14/2017); Divine Knowing, Finite Will? (09/28/2016)



“Anonymous”, developing Christian believers are always a bit surprised to find language in the holy writings suggesting that GOD is not pleased with outcomes and responses to the word he himself has spoken and sent forth.  In effect, the perfect, unchanging Creator seems to confess having “changed his mind” and made a costly error when making decisions and exercising his sovereign will.  Correctly understood, mature followers grasp that the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) are providing sacred knowledge and  further revelation of the divine makeup and process to benefit mankind following the fall of Adam.  Through judgment and expressions of divine wrath, otherwise unseen  grace, righteousness, and mercy become displayed; and GOD is to be seen saying he regrets the course that mankind through self-will has chosen to pursue as his created, for it has continued corruption in the earth, and irreversible operations of sin. 

That divinity is deeply moved and sorrows for mankind is not simply on the basis of finite human conduct (so to speak, you expect “babies” to make mistakes in the course of their growing up); and his suffering is not a matter of divinity being easily hurt, emotional, and vulnerable.  In the same way knowing the pattern ABCDEFG we can say XYZ is coming without being able to read minds, or tell what an individual’s specific future actions will be (i.e., destiny; fate; predestination), the consciousness of GOD apprehends mankind within cosmic  patterns that include the conditions of chaos, flux and instability that were in place before the foundations of heaven and earth were laid; the impact of events that must follow the operations of sin; the imperatives (i.e., things that must be done) and limitations of divine law as well as the true threat presented by sin.

Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and all divine order required for existence and life throughout the universe.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures.  Thus, sin must be annihilated (totally eliminated, erased, and wiped out).  However, sin has never been created by GOD, and may not be simply removed by a “do over.”  Therefore, the multiple operations of GOD include forbearance, forgiveness, imparting aspects of divine personhood, Incarnation (divinity using the form of mankind to appear on the earth as Jesus Christ), rebirth, reconciliation, and men being led to be Christ-like. 

Consider again the verse you cite in its context, a passage that showcases the grace of GOD along with the following that uses language from the Bible that are the genuine focus of godly faith.  The proclamations of punishment and wrath against sin made by GOD are usually “on the condition” that there is no change or repentance by mankind:

(1.)  Genesis 6:  5-8, King James Version (KJV):  5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.  7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.  8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

(2.)  Numbers 23:  19, KJV:  19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent:  hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

(3.)  Jonah 3:  3-10, KJV:  3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.  4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.  5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.  6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.  7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing:  let them not feed, nor drink water:  8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God:  yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.  9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?  10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 55:  6-13, KJV:  6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:  7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:  and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:  the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.  13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree:  and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(08/10/2017) Adam's Imperfection and Sin?

Today, reply is to the suggestion that Adam was imperfect long before their Fall by eating the forbidden fruit.  Mankind and sacred law have crystallized a divine concern and focus on sin.  However, in agreement with divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will, possibilities for contradicting, contrary, negative and opposite states should never appear as natural and normal aspects of existence.  Through the law, the living are provided with admonitions, sanctions, and information about the benefits from obeying and penalties from disobeying the divine will.  Thus, before any act of disobedience was committed, the pair had been told that death would follow.  Error and possibilities for wrongdoing existed before divine law and complete sacred knowledge regarding sin began to be transmitted to mankind; and, initially, there was no eternal purpose that created beings and living creatures resist sin, or that divinity eliminate sin.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “NB” (Level 4 with 3,755 points, a member since December 15, 2012) posted the following:


Had Adam and Eve already been imperfect before they ate the forbidden fruit?

Somehow, a corrupt being entered the sacred garden of Eden, and he succeeded in persuading the first woman, Eve, that the fruit would bring her benefits. We have, then, that the mortal being (human) was created in the image and likeness of God, so it's thought that as such Eve would not be deceived, nor would Adam believe what Eve said, for both would have the wisdom to realize that they were being deceived by the snake (Satan, roughly speaking).

We also have that, if this is true, then the snake was able to deceive the mind of one who was created by a perfect being (God), then his strength would be extraordinarily greater. Besides being able to enter the sacred garden, of course, knowing that God, considered omniscient, could see him there and have him expelled.

Was it all deliberate, then? Did God indirectly wanted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit? There's no reason in a place like the Paradise to have a tree that could not even be touched, with fruits that could not be eaten.

PS: english is not my mother language, sorry


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.  But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.  What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.  But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.  For I was alive without the law once:  but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.  And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.  For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.  Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.  Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.  (Romans 7:  5-13, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Operations of Sin (07/25/2017); Christian Beliefs About Sin (07/20/2017); On Law and Sin (06/07/2017); Corruption of Ones Spirit? (05/14/2017); That GOD Is Immutable (05/04/2017); Did GOD Lose Control? (03/23/2017); Our Beginnings Were Perfect? (12/14/2015); The Origin of Sin? (07/31/2015); All Have Sinned? (07/29/2015)


“NB”, here are some points many mature Christian believers have considered:
Given that “perfection” pertains to the fullness of divinity who is the source of all that exists, perfection must be known through revelation.  Sin should not be understood as an outcome, or result of divine errors and lapses during the sacred operations of Creation.  Sin is an enigma to the living, for sin is no material or spirit thing created by GOD, yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence; and sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.  The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of all divine law, promote non-existence, and restore the conditions of chaos and flux that were in place before the foundation of heaven and earth.  The corruption that results from sin first appeared among the holy angels (who are neither mortal nor immortal), and was introduced among mankind by one of the angels who, himself under an influence that is not divine, used deceit and guile.

Adam (the first pair) were finite, created beings who were to function and operate in agreement with multiple fixed conditions and limitations generated by the character, makeup, and substance of GOD.  The two lacked and were not given many things that would be supplied by their continuing as companions of divinity.  They were to endure and survive on the basis of love, respect and trust, more than a formal code of law; and this did not make them imperfect.  At their own creation, the angels received the full deposits of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom they would display throughout their existence as servants of divinity.  Mankind must acquire discernment, sacred knowledge, and wisdom gradually through discovery, growth and learning.  Mankind has been endowed with his own consciousness and self-will that permits independence, integrity, and levels of separation from divinity, yet, that also allow for continuous communication, exchange and interaction (we say, relationship).

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, at one place in the Bible, GOD says, I create “evil”.  The Creator is not speaking of sin.  Many are confused because they repeatedly seek to use secular language to consider divine processes and sacred themes.  They rely on carnal, material and social definitions for sin such as corruption (i.e., decay, disintegration, rot), defiance, disobedience, rebellion, unrighteousness, and wickedness.  Evil is the introduction of widespread, arbitrary, disruptive, unneeded and unwanted change; thus, evil is calamity, catastrophe, disaster, personal tragedy, and upheaval.  Among those inclined to error the more necessary understanding will be missed:  evil is the malicious denial of the immutable, unchanging sovereign will of GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/28/2016) How Is Flesh Evil?

Today, definitions of “evil”, and the enmity between flesh and spirit are considered.  Created beings and living creatures are required by GOD to express and manage their own measure of life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word).  While sinners take the focus of divine judgment to be discrete episodes, process, and events within the frameworks of time and space, for divinity Judgment concentrates upon the enduring and lasting aspects of ones full makeup and substance from GOD.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Dead Mans Curve” (Level 7 with 261,115 points, a member since March 02, 2006) posted the following:

What is so evil about the flesh?

I don't understand why the flesh is so evil?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  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:  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  (Romans 8:  1-4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Need for Incarnation? (09/29/2016); Must GOD Hate Sinners? (09/01/2016); The Flesh An Obstacle? (07/29/2016); Evil Is Not Sin and Wickedness? (12/09/2014); Divine Goodness? (12/10/2014); GOD Permits Evil? (05/12/2014); Why the Gospel for Our Children (05/13/2014)

“Dead Mans Curve”, mature Christian believers use a sacred vocabulary that also defines “evil” as change brought about by men that is arbitrary, destructive, pointless, sudden and unnecessary as well as sacred events that express divine judgment and wrath against sin by using widespread calamity, catastrophe, disaster, and upheaval (we say, condemnation, disfavor, plague, punishment).  GOD, who is spirit in form, nature and substance, is immortal,  immutable, incorruptible, and unchanging.  The Creator puts forth (we say, “creates”) both evil and peace (i.e., the condition of balance, completeness, continuity, rest, stability) for the further revelation of divinity (i.e., making divine authority, sacred law, and the will of GOD knowable and known).  Carnal being (we say, the flesh) operates using process that is material and mechanical, and that may be described as temporal units (e.g., cycles, phases, and stages).   With this in view, evil and wickedness are not the same.  Sin is an immaterial and unseen influence that opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all divine order from law.  Sin generates and promotes chaos, nonexistence, and returning to the conditions that were in place before Creation was begun.  Sin may be a residue from preexistence, and has not been created by GOD; yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  Ordinarily, the flesh appears as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sexual activity), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall, thought).  Like sin, the flesh does not automatically agree and perform according to dictates and principles of divine law.  Until destroyed in death, the flesh opposes and resists the spirit of GOD that resides within the law.  Consider the following points from the holy writings:

(1.)  Isaiah 45:  5-8, King James Version (KJV):  5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me:  I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:  6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.  7 I form the light, and create darkness:  I make peace, and create evil:  I the LORD do all these things.  8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness:  let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

(2.)  Proverbs 8:  13, KJV:  13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil:  pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

(3.)  Proverbs 24:  19-22, KJV:  19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:  20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.  21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king:  and meddle not with them that are given to change:  22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC