(03/16/2021) Restoring Relationship With Divinity

 

Salvation is provided by divinity to the living that establishes and restores active relationships between the Creator and the created. In a remarkable miracle, Jesus restored mortality to a man named Lazarus, and continuing to live on earth as a mortal, Lazarus eventually died a second time. Salvation goes beyond divine works that focus on the flesh such as healing the sick and raising the dead, and salvation is not a one-time sacred event. Correctly understood, salvation continues Creation by amplifying, perfecting and restoring the communication, exchange and interaction GOD set out to share with mankind. Salvation is more than being restored to life having flesh and a material form after a person has completed their mortality. Salvation is provided to those living on the earth for their inborn spirit substance to become permanently transformed, for them to receive immortality, and for them to continue to exist as a companion to the divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Only at the appearing of Jesus Christ to harvest from the earth those who belong to him as anointed, edified, purchased, redeemed, and saved will the living become perfected through operations of GOD. While they live, those who are being saved are being prepared to enter into full relationships with divinity that complete and realize conversion, rebirth, repentance, and new life that resembles, reflects and reveals the character and nature of Christ. Before Jesus restored Lazarus from the dead, the Savior had shared an ongoing relationship with his sisters, Mary and Martha, and everyone within the household of Lazarus. Lazarus was not raised as an act of salvation for a long-time disciple and follower, nor was Lazarus raised so he could face divine judgment. The figure of Lazarus appears like that of Abraham who is called the Friend of GOD. Raising Lazarus was an act of sacred demonstration that also expressed affection, friendship, love, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the performance of sacred promise. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 15: 51-54, King James Version (KJV): 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. A fighter in the Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Uncle Travus Top Pen Kuiper” (Level 3 with 1,330 points) posted the following:

Is it too late to be saved after death? then how do you explain the story of Lazarus according to Mark 6:11?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: John 11: 41-45, King James Version (KJV): 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Both Existence and Life (12/11/2020); When Does Resurrection Occur? (10/25/2020); Sacred Law Promotes Relationships (04/23/2020); Salvation Is Not Predetermined (03/15/2020); Only Divine Resurrection Saves (12/24/2019); (06/23/2019) Preserved As Life Companions; Repentance Must Happen Now (06/07/2019)

“Uncle Travus Top Pen Kuiper”, salvation must occur as an aspect of ones life experience through multiple sacred operations carried out by divinity on behalf of the living (we say, by divine prerogative and the sovereign will of GOD; by the grace of GOD). In addition to repenting for sin, the living are to experience rebirth, acknowledge atonement, and become ripe for harvest from the earth by Christ at his coming. Mature Christian believers receive the account of Lazarus returned from the dead as a sacred event provided to further prepare the followers of the Savior for his crucifixion and resurrection from the dead to appear in heaven. Life was restored to Lazarus to demonstrate that Jesus was endowed with divine authority and power; however, Lazarus was not lifted up to heaven for divine judgment as will occur in the resurrection of those who complete their mortality on the earth. In death, the dead do not continue to operate carrying on life processes, or having intent and purpose. Consider again the following:

(1.) Psalms 115: 15-18, King James Version (KJV): 15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. 16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

(2.) Lazarus of the miracle

This personage was the brother of Martha and Mary of Bethania; all three were beloved friends of Jesus (John 11:5). At the request of the two sisters Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41-44). Soon thereafter, the Saturday before Palm Sunday, Lazarus took part in the banquet which Simon the Leper gave to Jesus in Bethania (Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-11; John 12:1-11). Many of the Jews believed in Jesus because of Lazarus, whom the chief priests now sought to put to death. The Gospels tell us no more of Lazarus (see ST. LAZARUS OF BETHANY). [Downloaded 12:25 PM, March 15, 2021 from New Advent: The Catholic Encyclopedia @ https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09096a.htm].

(3.) John 12: 1-2, KJV: Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) John 12: 9-11, KJV: 9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 6:15 PM, 03/15/2021 @ https://christianclipartreview.blogspot.com/2018/04/lazarus-come-forth.html

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/09/2019) Christ Displayed Authentic Humanity

The image depicts the compassion and authentic humanity of Jesus as he wept over Jerusalem, and as he acknowledged the death of his friend Lazarus

Today, the reply is on the display of authentic humanity by Jesus Christ while in flesh on the earth. Following the fall of Adam, mankind could not embody divinity except by coming and going in what we might call “episodes” and “visitations”. The “hand of the Lord” (i.e., the Holy Spirit) might fall on someone (e.g., Ezekiel, Samson, Saul, Daniel), however, the spirit would not remain. Jesus would show the abiding image of GOD for the new creation that would have a fresh endowment of the same divine spirit imparted to Adam from the makeup of GOD. Also, the doctrine and teaching of the Father shared by Jesus along with the gospel of the cross and his resurrection, would be the foundation whereby every member of the church headed by Christ would be enabled to receive the indwelling Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth). It is written: John 14: 15-21, King James Version (KJV): 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Norine” (Level 1 with 37 points, a member since October 01, 2019) posted the following:

Re: Matt 12:28 "If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God the Kingdom of God has come unto you" who is the Holy Spirit. Did Jesus fulfill...?

Update: THE PASSOVER IN LUKE 22:16; 18 WHEN HE SAID

"...I WILL NOT ANY MORE EAH THEREOF, UNTIL IT ***BE FULFILLED*** IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD" (LUKE 22:16)?

AND

..."I WILL NOT DRINK OF THE FRUIT OF THE VINE, UNTIL THE KINGDOM OF GOD ***SHALL COME" *** (LUKE 22:18)?

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 12:28 THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE HOLY SPIRIT! DID JESUS FULFILL SETTING UP "TABLES" AS THEY DID UNDER THE "FIRST COVENANT" (HEB 9:1-2) ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST (ACTS 2:2-3)?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1^st John 4: 12-16, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Entered Into Divine Glory (09/03/2019); Understanding Oneness Without Sameness (08/27/2019); Spirit Using Human Form (08/16/2019); Moses Was Not Divine (04/24/2019); GOD’s Will Be Done? (03/27/2019); Flesh As Divine Vessels? (01/14/2018); An Habitation of GOD (07/24/2016); The Cross and The Pharisees? (04/21/2016)

“Norine”, an important way to understand the distinct operations on the earth by Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit is to continually acknowledge that, at all times while in flesh, Jesus was required to display and manifest authentic humanity. His behavior, conduct, and speech were always fashioned, formed, and made to be consistent with such finite human elements as appetite, sensation, and emotions/mind at the same time he was being permanently altered through operations of the Holy Spirit that determine accountability, commitment, discovery, godliness, gradual growth, ability to serve unselfishly, and the endurance of suffering. Jesus would proclaim the truth that fresh endowments of the same life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word; the law and the prophets) imparted to Adam at Creation will be imparted from GOD to abide and indwell the church he would found. The appearing of Jesus on earth presenting mortality as the Son of Adam and the Son of GOD does not conflict with or contradict his appearing in the heaven as an aspect of full Godhead and as the Word. The inseparable sacred substance of divinity includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Philippians 2: 5-13, 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. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

(2.) Hebrews 12: 1-4, KJV: 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

(3.) Luke 17: 20-24, KJV: 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. 22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. 23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. 24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 6: 19, KJV: 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:00 PM, October 08, 2019 @ https://nallifollowthelight.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/jesus-crying.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/01/2019) Two Uses For Resurrection

A depiction of Lazarus raised from the dead.

Today, reply is on two distinct uses of resurrection that appear within the holy writings; entrance of the dead into eternal life through Jesus Christ; and, that all who appear in the sacred presence for tribunals of final judgment must be alive. Those who were returned to life from the dead while on the earth neither completed their judgment, nor altered their condition of mortality. In the same way, believers must distinguish between Lazarus in the parable of the rich man and the beggar, and Lazarus, brother to Mary and Martha, whom Jesus commanded to come forth from his resting place alive, developing believers are to exercise alertness, discernment, and vigilance to recognize and respond to the many subtleties (i.e., barely visible differences; hidden shifts in meaning and value) that appear within the course of our speaking about judgment and resurrection. Many are sure that only by answering in resurrection will mankind see the complete fulfillment of divine cleansing, healing, exorcism, and the perfection of human godliness. Distinctions must be acknowledged between the first and second judgments that are completed through (1) the first and second resurrections, (2) demonstrations where the dead are made alive, (3) apprehending Jesus Christ through the death, the resurrection and the judgment the Savior had to undergo, and (4) sacred resurrection where the dead are enabled to appear within the tribunals of divine judgment. These things are not provided to cause confusion, or humble the living before divinity; rather, they are shared to make the entire Creation aware of the difference between dying a second time after being raised from death, and the second death that will complete divine judgment, end human mortality, and totally eliminate the operations of sin. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Blue Ridge” (Level 1 with 24 points, a member since January 05, 2019) posted the following:

Jesus Raised the Dead?

During His earthly ministry, Jesus raised several people back to life. Great, right? The problem is that each person that was brought back to life had to die again. Horrible! Let me get this straight. I thought resurrection meant BRAND NEW BODY NEVER TO DIE AGAIN. What do you say? Why did Jesus raise people back to life knowing that they were going to die again? Wow!! Dying TWICE in one life time must suck big time. What do you say?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20: 4-6, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Name “Resurrection Sunday” (04/23/2019); Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); Judgment Perfects Divine Revelation (12/18/2018); How Sinners Become Perfect (11/26/2018); The Elimination of Sin (11/25/2018); Challenged To Explain Resurrection (10/08/2018); Bereavement, Death and Suffering (11/10/2017); The Place of Torment? (08/21/2017); The Administration Of Death (07/11/2017)

“Blue Ridge” in Christian belief, resurrection is a sacred process made visible to mankind on the earth through divine revelation and Incarnation that display otherwise invisible aspects of divine fullness (i.e., Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Those raised from the dead by Jesus Christ while on the earth were entered into his resurrection, and appear as new life, rebirth, and new creation. The dead are returned to exist within communities and relationships of love, of ministering the gospel, and of service to the Savior. While they live they experience divine joy, and are becoming mature/ripe for harvest (we say, Advent, the Rapture, the Second Coming) when the Lord will receive those who are his from the earth. In addition to inseparable aspects imparted from the makeup of GOD (e.g., balance, completeness, dominion, faith, holiness, personhood, utterance, wisdom, wrath against sin), resurrection demonstrates the authority, prerogative and sovereignty of divine will over existence, life, mortality, mechanical process and natural law as well as forgiveness, immortality, incorruptibility, and reconciliation. Resurrection as a divine operation also is used to ensure that the dead will appear before divinity in living tribunals for final judgment that are set apart (sanctified) by impartiality, mercy, permanence for its renderings, and righteousness. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Romans 6: 3-7, King James Version (KJV): 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

2. Romans 6: 8-13, KJV: 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once:  but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

3. Philippians 3: 7-14, KJV: 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Luke 16: 22-31, KJV: 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:25 PM, April 30, 2019 @ http://openmyeyeslord.net/Website%20Images/Lazarus.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/15/2017) Signs From The Dead?

Lazarus reborn and in Abraham’s Bosom

Today, additional points are shared on communicating with the dead and those now thought to be in heaven.  It is correct to be cautious in opening ourselves to others while we are in bereavement, for there are many who do not share our faith and our private understandings.  In addition to those who will impose opinions that arise from their own lack of sacred knowledge, often there are also those who are intrusive, overbearing, and presumptuous.  The mourner must be vigilant, for even those who seem to be harmless and well-meaning may corrupt and disrespect carefully-selected things that truly are necessary in our ongoing growth and recovery.  Having said this, the mourner must have the boldness to fashion their own new life, and should not shrink from learning and sharing again.


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Comfort Through Christ? (01/13/2017)—The hope of the living must be in GOD.  Desire for communication and exchange with the dead arises from aspects of carnal reasoning along with existence being understood as a condition that is only material, physical, and social.  For those in bereavement, features such as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), and emotion/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, imagination, recall) become objects for focus and response, rather than interaction and life experience as directed through divine spirit content.  It is correct to say there are specific divine laws and rules that govern both the living and the dead, and the Bible is our most trusted source for that kind of information.  Mechanical, recurring, and routine aspects of living are described as being experienced and shared by all.  Because concentration upon the occult and the supernatural usually result in spiritual confusion, mature believers often discourage faith within the living that relies too heavily upon apparitions, dreams, signs, or visitations from the dead.  Contact with those who died and are now alive again through resurrection (e.g., Jesus, his mother Mary, and certain of the saints) through sacred events (we say, miracles) and through the Holy Spirit must be carefully examined using earlier Scripture accounts as legitimate sacred standards.  Thus, while the parable shared by the Savior using Lazarus, a beggar, and Dives, a rich man, is not intended as a revelation that describes heaven such as later appears through prophecy, the account makes many points concerning the divine law and restrictions that set heaven apart as sanctified.  All who appear in the divine presence are alive, yet, not in the same form and manner as that required to be upon the earth.  Consider the Scriptures below.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (1st Corinthians 15:  51-57, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Purpose of Resurrection (07/05/2016); The Dimensions of Death? (04/24/2016); The Return to Dust? (06/14/2015); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); A Sleep and a Second Death (09/16/2014); Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion (04/24/2014)  


Comfort to the believers in Christ includes the following:

(1.)  Matthew 5:  4, King James Version (KJV):  4 Blessed are they that mourn:  for they shall be comforted.

(2.)  Psalms 146:  3-5, KJV:  3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.  4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.  5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

(3.)  Isaiah 8:  19-20, KJV:  19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter:  should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?  20 To the law and to the testimony:  if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

(4.)  Matthew 22:  31-33, KJV:  31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,  32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.  33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

(5.)  Ecclesiastes 9:  1-6, KJV:  1 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God:  no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.  2 All things come alike to all:  there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not:  as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.  3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all:  yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.  4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope:  for a living dog is better than a dead lion.  5 For the living know that they shall die:  but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.  6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

(6.)  1st Corinthians 15:  12-22, KJV:  12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:  14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ:  whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:  17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.  20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  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.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (7.)  Luke 16:  19-31, KJV:  19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:  20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,  21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table:  moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.  22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom:  the rich man also died, and was buried;  23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.  25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things:  but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.  26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed:  so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.  27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:  28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.  29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.  30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham:  but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.  31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose 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

(10/07/2013) Assurances of Salvation?

Today, response is made to a writer who sees all Christians as under condemnation, despite divine forgiveness.  Also, there is more on how both death and resurrection are shown in Jesus Christ.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “The Truth Hurts” (Level 3 with 1,838 points, a member since August 12, 2013) posted the following:


How do Christians feel knowing that they will go to hell?

When they sin they disobey God and sin leads them to hell. It means that all Christians will go there since everyone has sinned sometime in their lifetime.

Additional Details

So God forgives? Great that means that if they ask for forgiveness everyone can go to heaven then.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013)—  (5)  Many make the mistake of thinking the resurrection of Jesus only restored his life and healed his body, and that this, in effect, cancelled the death of Jesus upon the cross.  In addition to a re-joining of ones physical body (flesh) and life essence (spirit), resurrection is a sacred event that includes ones appearance in the celestial presence (we say, heaven), and is more than simply reanimating the dead upon the earth.  The transformation of created being and flesh is made whereby the mortal is made immortal, and the corruptible is made incorruptible (many say, one is made permanently sanctified).  Jesus raised the dead on several occasions:  he raised the ruler of the synagogue’s daughter in private, before a few witnesses; he raised the widow of Nain’s son in public before a huge crowd arriving into the city with Jesus, and a second huge crowd leaving the city with the mother and body of her child; and Jesus raised Lazarus days after his internment.  These miracles of life were provided as assurances that Jesus would be able to complete the necessary work of divine atonement.  Lazarus and the others all died again in order that they might be resurrected.  Jesus must become sin upon the cross; and the death of Jesus (the destruction of sin) must occur before the Savior may demonstrate resurrection to mankind.  See Mark 5:  35-43, John 7:  11-16, John 11:  18-45, John 10:  17-19 and Romans 6:  3-5, King James Version.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;  Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;  And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.  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.  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  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.  (Acts 17:  24-31, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); Scriptures and Sayings? (06/09/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); The Golden Age? (01/10/2013); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013); The Gospel not Logical (09/16/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012)


“The Truth Hurts”, the truth of GOD revealed in Jesus Christ can not be completely and correctly understood without a personal experience of the operation of divine spirit that must be received by every believer.  Even so, here are a few points to consider that have been very helpful to those not yet in Christ, and not yet having Christ in them:

(1)  GOD is a spirit who has content, person, power and presence.  The Creation of GOD is being established through multiple operations of divinity.  Included are birth, death, forgiveness, judgment, reconciliation, repentance, and revelation.

(2)  GOD continues to appear among mankind through sacred events (e.g., government, miracles, worship), holy writings, and divine utterance (e.g., praise, proclamation, promise, prophecy).  Even responses to readers and writers online may convey aspects of the inseparable spirit content from Divine Person.  Included are faith, gratitude, holiness, hope, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

(3)  Christian believers are given many experiences that serve as assurance and guarantee of their salvation.  In addition to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, believers are endowed with the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Sprit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  Through baptism, each believer is altered and changed by GOD, as if dying and being born again from divine DNA.

This is not the whole story.  No one can tell you everything, yet, you may discover all for yourself.  There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4)  Born again believers must become perfected (we say, balanced, mature, stable).  They must meet the same challenges of life in the earth as nonbelievers, however, they are now equipped with divine content that makes sin more contrary to their nature, easier to recognize, and easier to resist.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC