The
value and weight in divine judgment for ones belief, sacred content,
and works (actions) are in view, today. Because the sacred quality of a
person’s character and nature determines the sacred quality of their
deeds and works, the focus in final assessment may be described as
three-fold. Even so, correctly understood, the outcomes of judgment
depend most upon grace, sacred love, divine prerogative, eternal
purpose, revealed truth, and sovereign mercy. Acts of finite human
effort and self will are not the foundation for eternal acceptance and
everlasting approval. Along with belief, commitment, obedience,
repentance, and willing submission must become recognizable as
expressions from the imparted Spirit of GOD. Consider how this is
stated in the language of the Scriptures as well as the presentation
below:
Exodus 33: 18-19, King James Version (KJV):
18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I
will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name
of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be
gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
John 1: 10-14, KJV:
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons
of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were
born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of
man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the
Father,) full of grace and truth.
Ephesians 2: 8-9, KJV: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2: 4-6, KJV:
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved
us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with
Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
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.
Romans 5: 1-2, KJV:
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this
grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Connie” (Level with points, a member since ) posted the following:
Does Christianity credits what you believe far above what you do?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s,
and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his
saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength
shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD
shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his
king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. (1st Samuel 2: 6-10, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: More On Divine Justification (02/08/2016); Not Through
Human Will? (01/29/2016); The Origin of Sin? (07/31/2015); Law in
Christian Belief? (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Focus
of Judgment? (12/09/2012); His Burden is Light? (12/10/2012); A Golden
Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012)
“Connie”,
I trust my understanding of divine judgment has come to me from Jesus
Christ, and is as unfamiliar and unpopular for many believers today as
were his teachings among the followers of tradition in ancient Israel.
Personal relationship with the Creator and Maker for created beings and
living creatures may only be through such sacred devices as atonement,
confession, covenant, duty, promise, prophecy, resurrection, revelation,
sanctification, service, and suffering. There are multiple hidden
connections among “active presence,” existence, life, and directed will.
For
those in flesh, what we “do” may emerge primarily from appetite (e.g.,
hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sense experience (e.g., hearing,
seeing, tasting, touching), or operations of emotions/mind (e.g., anger,
fantasy, fear, guilt, imagination, recall). Also, we may be directed
by our inner spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that was first
breathed into Adam as the “breath of life” (we also may say, life
essence, spark of life, spirit, word), and is refreshed and renewed
through Jesus Christ.
On
one level, divine judgment is the application of divine law to resolve
conflicts and settle all disputes. In addition, divine acknowledgment
of what and who we are will be established through assessments of our
sacred substance as it has appeared within our attitudes, behavior and
conduct. Divine law is a standard for measuring actions and events,
however, unseen elements also must be accounted for such as
comprehension, consequences, and intent.
For
any to continue as immortal, incorruptible living companions to
divinity, the inseparable aspects of consecrated character, nature, and
person must appear. Included are faith, forgiveness, holiness,
humility, longsuffering, love, mercy, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath
against sin.
There
is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For
example, neither Christ nor Satan will physically appear in judgment to
accuse mankind. (Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire before full
final judgment is completed.) All will be examined through the record
of their own deeds that is preserved within heaven through the Book of
Life. The present salvation that includes atonement through the blood
of Jesus, and fellowship with GOD through the Holy Spirit (we also say,
the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of
Truth), is preparing those upon the earth to be those who are ripe for
harvest, and will be gathered by Christ at his Advent (Second Coming).
The presently ongoing transformation will be completed as both the quick
and the dead that are his will be taken up to meet him in the air.)
Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according
to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
How divine law is a mechanism to establish belief in Christ is the topic, today. Also, there is more on divine love revealed through prophecy, and the Book of Revelation. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “J H” (Level 5 with 6,067 points, a member since March 26, 2011) posted the following that was first asked at “Yahoo! Answers Canada”:
What did Apostle Paul mean by saying that the Law was a schoolmaster ?
Galatians chapter 3
23.But before Faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto
the Faith that afterward be revealed.
24,Therefore the Law was our schoomaster to bring us unto Christ
that we might be justified by Faith.
1. Can you support what Paul is saying through scripture?
IN other words, how could the Law bring anyone to a
belief in Christ ?
THE BATTLE AXE: Divine Love Revealed? (10/02/2013)—The Book of Revelation is the final book approved as a legitimate part of the full holy canon formed by the Old and New Testament writings that were collected and united as the Bible. Many complain against Revelation (notice no “s”) as though it had been written for their amusement and entertainment, and was found to be confusing and disappointing by its use of sacred figures, symbols and types. Like the Book of Daniel, that provides information from GOD describing a broad continuum of sacred events, Revelation cannot be understood and correctly valued without the imparted, indwelling Spirit now available through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Although angel messengers were sent to Daniel who responded to his questions regarding the purposes of GOD, the prophet was overwhelmed by the cosmic scale and breadth of truth that he was given. Readers who are spiritually unprepared can not grasp the meaning and importance for things written in Daniel, Ezekiel, Revelation, and the many other books labeled as “prophecy”, because these writings require that one applies aspects of their own sacred being. Revelation is impossible to grasp without divine presence. Moreover, the divine tool of prophecy used to reveal sacred person and eternal purpose is the transfer of spirit through utterance and vision. There must be discernment and recognition of the holy. Along with the tools of divine law, judgment in righteousness, promise, and sacraments (specific practices to focus and maintain spirit content), prophecy generates expectation for sacred events (we say, hope). The truths revealed through prophecy do not say “I love you” to mankind as a mantra, a catchphrase, or by the letter, rather, they say I love you by operations of Spirit. (See Deuteronomy 29: 29, Daniel 9: 21-27, Revelation 5: 1-14 and Revelation 22: 8-16, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians 2: 16-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); According to the Word (09/20/2013); Law in Christian Belief (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); The Law Not Flawed (12/30/2012); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012); The Crux of the Matter (10/26/2012); Women Ordained to Minister? (10/27/2012); About False Witness (09/09/2012); Nostradamus (09/10/2012)
“J H”, here are a few points to consider that many Christian believers are finding useful:
(1) There are multiple layers for the intent and work of divine law among created beings and living creatures. The law imparts aspects of existence; generates and maintains divine order; protects and shields spirit content; and, along with praise, prayer, proclamation, promises and prophecy, reveals a necessary and peculiar experience of Divine Person.
(2) Despite their gifts of animal instinct, emotion, intellect and intuition, self-will in created beings and living creatures may be dominated by sin. Sin is no material or spirit thing, has not been created or put forth by GOD, and has no divine substance. Yet, sin has direction, effect, and presence. Sin opposes all divine law, the continuing existence of GOD, and all the Creation of GOD.
(3) As an influence upon attitudes, behavior and conduct, sin escapes detection until there is damage and loss (like with errors and mistakes, you usually don’t know you’ve made one until after you’ve taken action). Given that sin operates through subtleties (barely visible differences) within awareness, and emerges through self-will, sin does not register as alien, foreign, strange, and unnatural.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4) The law is a schoolmaster as it provides correction, guidance, instruction, and knowledge. Because focus of the sacred law goes beyond the carnal, emotional, physical and social, the law feeds, nourishes, and prepares a person to receive the spirit content that brings them to Christ. Only those receptive and teachable through the imparted, indwelling Spirit consistently reject sin as contrary to their own inner nature.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Hope as an aspect of Christian belief is considered, today, along with more on experiences of Jesus appearing to believers after his resurrection. The “Yahoo! Answers United Kingdom” writer using ID “i § seals” (Level 4 with 4,381 points, a member since June 3, 2012) posted the following:
How can hope be certainty?
hope
/hop/
Noun
A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
Verb
Want something to happen or be the case: "he's hoping for compensation"; "I hope that the kids are OK".
Synonyms
noun. expectation - expectancy - expectance - trust - promiseverb. trust - expect - anticipate
cer·tain·ty
/'s?rtnte/
Noun
Firm conviction that something is the case.
The quality of being reliably true: "a bewildering lack of certainty in the law".Synonyms
certitude - assurance - sureness - surety - assuredness
It seems that hope cannot be certainty, no matter how good one thinks it sounds. If I "hope" for a free car tomorrow, it is not "certain" that I'll get it. In fact, if one is "certain", "hope" becomes redundant.
Zen your way out of that one.
Additional Details
It's not an "attack", Richard, it's just a question.
THE BATTLE AXE: A Need to Know? (09/04/2013)—(5.) There are experiences of GOD granted among mankind on what seems to be a “need to know” basis. Experiences of seeing Jesus as Risen Lord seem not to be for everyone, everywhere. On the one hand, where one believer has a peculiar anointing, gift or experience of truth, the full body of believers are understood as having that anointing, that gift, and that truth. On the other hand, those who receive special visitations often must also endure vicious opposition, great suffering, persecution, and death: To whom much is given from him, much is required. Apparitions and visitations that are to reinforce faith can also to be regarded as “put downs” for pride, and “extra strength” rebuke to establish a believer in humility. They are not so much answers, rewards and conclusions of spiritual growth as they are beginnings. See Luke 12: 42-48 and 1st Corinthians 12: 18-23, King James Version. (6.) In Christ, preparation for ministry of the gospel may begin in both positive and negative life experiences that seem entirely secular and irrelevant to Christian belief. Included may be the challenges and trials endured in bereavement and loss of family and friends, childbearing and homemaking, combat and military service, manual labor in construction, farming and raising livestock, or marriage, divorce and sexual relationships. The continuous operation of GOD through ones life experiences supplies growth and material that result in the special instances of holy encounter, insight, spiritual benefit, and sacred vision. Often, it is the broad mosaic of life experience that must appear before one embraces church attendance, regular prayer, and daily study of the holy writings. (7.) Believers are wise to examine and review their own experience for life lessons from GOD. However, the choice to make “baggage” of experience from the past is unrighteous and unwise. It is more correct to acknowledge GOD as cause and source, and not to attribute all to personal failure, sin and wretchedness. Again, see Psalms 119: 1-17, John 9: 1-3, Luke 9: 51-62 and Ephesians 2: 1-9, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God. Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God. (Jeremiah 3: 21-25, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Our Present Comfort? (06/28/2013); Come As You Are (06/29/2013); The Ascension of Christ? (12/19/2012); GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012)
Here are a few points you may find helpful that are commonly shared among those anchored in Christian belief:
(1.) Certain hope cannot be based upon ideas that are generated from animal instinct, fantasy, imagination, or lies. Thus, hope may not be carnal, material, social and temporal in its nature. Believers are correct to hope only for the completion and fulfillment of ongoing divine operations, promises recorded in the holy writings, and the events described as sacred prophecy. Hope is always certain when grounded in truth that proceeds from GOD.
(2.) To hope is to have expectation, and to quietly wait for things anticipated. Thus, to hope is to “tarry”, and to display a content of being that derives from the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD. Included are aspects of divinity obtained through baptism and being “born again” such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Saying this another way: A believer must only hope for what they are commanded and instructed to expect. All else would be “vain” hope, hope void of divine substance, that even when fulfilled cannot provide lasting contentment.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (3.) hope operates as persistence and spiritual tenacity that provide strength against forces and influences promoting arbitrary change, despair, giving up, letting go, and quitting. In this sense, the believer is like the professional gambler who never depends upon chance, avoids the “sucker bet,” and only bets “the sure thing.” The hope of believers in Jesus Christ, go beyond healing, daily nourishment or shelter, and cleansing from sin. The Christian hopes for increasing measures of the ongoing revelation of GOD, and the intimate place as sons and daughters within the celestial presence.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Whether the holy writings show that Christ addressed obeying the law is the topic, today. Also there is more on believing GOD to be a divine trickster. A “Yahoo! Answers United Kingdom” writer using ID “Olly” (Level 6 with 10,907 points, a member since February 23, 2008) posted the following:
Is there any mention in the Bible by Jesus to obey the law?
THE BATTLE AXE: A Divine Trickster? (09/02/2013)—(4.) The processes of GOD for the redemption and salvation of mankind also are to impart, portray and reveal the nature of divine person. As a result, those chosen as disciples, followers, priests, prophets, and spokespersons serve displaying gravity, humility, sobriety and truth (see John 4: 23-24, 1st Timothy 3: 1-13 and James 3: 13-18, KJV). Believers can never obtain the benefits of new life from GOD relying upon craftiness, guile, lies and trickery. See 1st Peter 2: 1-10, 1st Peter 2: 19-25, 1st Peter 3: 10-18 and Revelation 14: 1-5, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matthew 5: 16-24, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Science and the Laws of Nature? (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013)
Olly, the holy writings record many instances of conflict and controversy for Jesus that centered upon the traditions of law for Israel, and the authority of Jesus as Christ and Messiah. Many Christian believers find the following points to be helpful:
(1.) Not all Jews believed that the Scriptures contained promises of a Messiah, a divine ruler who would be sent from GOD to reign over the covenant people of GOD in the earth. While Jesus rarely made any public boast or claim to be Messiah, he identified his work as a fulfillment of the word of GOD, and repeatedly proclaimed that he was not sent to alter, destroy or replace the covenants and promises that served as the foundation of Israel as a nation, and as the divine law of GOD among mankind.
(2.) Acknowledging the doctrine and teachings of Jesus, New Testament writers affirm that all the law given to mankind from GOD is “holy, and just, and good.” However, through ceremony, informal practices and traditions that fostered and continued human error, the true nature and spirit of divine law has been warped, and made to appear as flawed. Because the law in and of itself does not eliminate sin, or establish salvation, there are many spiritual disappointments and limitations collectively called “the curse of the law.” The Gospel of Jesus Christ also proclaims, by the blood of the Cross, Christ ended the curse of the law. The Savior has demonstrated that the sacred purposes and righteousness of GOD established and performed through the law is also accomplished through the operations of faith. In the new birth, believers are transformed to display the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD. Their new divine content includes faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin. By exalting the spirit of the law, rather than blind obedience, and detailed attention to the letter of the law believers have fellowship with GOD through faith that conveys the righteousness of the law, and establishes the same condition as would absolute and perfect obedience to the law.
(3.) The teachings on divine grace encouraged believers of the early church to declare that “all things are lawful” with the admonition that “all things are not expedient.” Jewish laws intended to cleanse, sanctify, and separate the covenant people from all uncleanness operated as a barrier to the spread of the Gospel. Maintaining such laws defining Jewish culture as the rituals of circumcision were held to be acceptable and reasonable. However, such laws also were to be understood as not directly relevant to the new dispensation.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. For example, (4.) By extension of the saving truth that GOD is establishing hope, life and recovery from sin through the device of mankind upon the earth, all government leaders, those having legitimate authority (e.g., caretakers, parents, spouses), and the civil law are to be obeyed, remembered in prayer, and properly respected. The correct responses to oppression, persecution and tyranny therefore may include cooperation, martyrdom, submission, and suffering.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Judging others to find a “true Christian” is the topic, today. Also, there is more on not feeling loved by GOD. The “Yahoo! Answers Top Contributor” using ID “Forrest Toney” (Level 7 with 26,620 points, a member since February 12, 2011) posted the following:
Is it likely I can find a true Christian who is obeying all of Jesus’ sayings?
Additional Details
MKE-MKE ……… I STILL LOVE YOU , ANYWAY . I GUESS I GOT YOUR GOAT . WHY CONSIDER YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN IF YOU DO NOT THINK YOU HAVE TO OBEY ALL OF HIS SAYINGS /
THE BATTLE AXE: Feeling Loved By GOD? (06/16/2013)—Believers often fail at first to see the love of GOD that must appear in themselves through gradual change that is growth and transformation. Like their own chin, their nose, or the back of their head, divine favor and love can be with a believer at all times, however is intended to be visible to others, partially viewed or unseen by themselves, glimpsed infrequently, or seen only as a mirror image and reflection. The love of GOD is made visible through ministry and unselfish acts to serve and uplift others. Believers therefore proceed on the basis of divine utterance and their own content of sacred substance such as faith, longsuffering, the promises of GOD, proclamation, prophecy, righteousness and wisdom. Believers are to increasingly recognize spirit matter interwoven with the routine things of their experience, instead of seeking unusual displays of supreme authority such as exorcism, healing, marvels, miracles, raising the dead, signs, storms, upheavals, and wonders. See 2nd Corinthians 5: 6-8, Mark 10: 35-45 and Hebrews 6: 10, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. (1st Corinthians 4: 1-5, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: About Preaching the Gospel (04/18/2013); When Does Gossip Become Sin? (01/08/2013); Understanding Hell (01/09/2013); Why Is GOD Blamed? (08/23/2012); Fire Baptism (08/24/2012); Jesus Our “Advocate” (08/16/2012); Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012)
Forrest, many make the mistake of seeking to assess and evaluate divine presence within created beings and living creatures by using reasoning and standards that only apply to carnal, material and social realities. Here are some points for understanding important to avoiding spiritual confusion and unbelief:
(1) Accurate and thorough examination of mankind requires a divine judge who has served as a righteous king, a holy priest, and a suffering savior. Judgment to determine spiritual righteousness must be balanced, detailed, formal, impartial, and methodical, yet must embrace compassion, empathy, love and respect.
(2) In divine judgment, attitude, behavior and conduct are “surface” effects that may indicate unseen spirit content, and sacred substance. However, the same effects also may appear through the flesh (appetite such as hunger, thirst, and sexual cravings; sense such as hearing, seeing, tasting, touching; and operations of mind such as desire, fantasy, imagination, recall).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3) Ones own human standard and process to apply the things from GOD that would identify a “true Christian” may be flawed, and may lack the necessary fineness to capture subtlety (barely visible differences) between and among operations of the Holy Spirit within believers. Members of the body of Christ are to be complementary, diverse, interdependent, and perform at multiple levels of commitment, faith, gifts, knowledge, maturity, skill, and perfection.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
The process of divine
judgment is the topic, today; and there is more on the motive of destroying
Creation. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Olly” (Level 6 with 10,391
points, a member since February 23, 2008) posted the
following:
Why doesn't God judge people of their
good deeds rather than what they believe?
THE BATTLE AXE: An
Attack on Creation? (12/08/2012)—Annihilation, destruction and pollution are the
unforeseen and “unintended” consequences of ambition, covetousness and
inordinate desire. Were they successful, sin and uninformed efforts to reign
over the earth would result in the eradication of Creation. The schoolboys who
run from the “scene of the crime” unaware of the damage they may have done also
are unaware of the many opportunities to have helped out, to have shown
compassion and respect, and to have shared support in an emergency. To the
extent both angels and men are limited in holy knowledge, revelation and wisdom,
all must depend upon a higher power that may guard them against “good
intentions” that turn out badly. Believers in Jesus Christ trust that our being
and existence is truly the will of the Creator, and our Maker can be relied upon
for deliverance, recovery, restoration and salvation. The Scriptures provide
some evidence for the notion that, like a fish out of water, those beings that
have left heaven are not suited to rule upon the earth. Imbalance is introduced
that can only generate ruin for the entire universe. Those who expect to reign
over mankind without further instruction, permission, and support from GOD by
using such devices as bribery, deceit, destruction, fear, self-promotion and
wickedness are deluded.
THE GOLDEN ARROW:
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory
of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial
is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory
of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth
from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of
the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown
in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in
power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a
natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first
man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening
spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which
is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of
the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. (1st
Corinthians 15: 40-47, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The
“Lake of Mercy” (11/03/2012); Seeking and Being Sought (11/04/2012); After the
Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012); Sin Unknown?
(10/10/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Does
GOD Feel? (10/05/2012); Justice Comes by Love (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation
(10/02/2012); Blessings, Curses and Woes (01/03/2012)
The focus of divine judgment is not so
much upon human behavior and social conduct as upon the authenticity and
lawfulness of the image projected by created beings and living creatures that
should convey and put across the intent, person and purposes of Almighty GOD.
The living are provided with various sacred tools that permit believers to
cement right relationship with GOD. Included are charitable giving, confession,
fasting, forgiving, obeying divine law, prayer, study of the holy writings,
unselfish service, and worship.
Rightly understood, “belief” is hidden,
intellectual, internal, and passive. A more full and complete reality of truth
is made present when the dimensions (e.g., action, outreach, speech) that affirm
principle and make ideas visible also are in view.
Certainly, the assessment and weighing of ones
divine inner nature, of ones performance of sacred duties, and ones fulfillment
of spiritual purpose, requires an impartial, unbiased judge, and a righteous
judicial process that can respond to every level of awareness and spirit
content. The spirit substance that resides in divinity is the standard
applied. The living are all examined for such features as faith, holiness,
humility, longsuffering, love, peace, wisdom, and wrath against sin. As
elements of divine person, these substances are inseparable, and where one
appears, all should be present.
There is far more to be said, correctly
applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the many subtleties (i.e.,
barely detectable changes, shifts and differences) involved in divine judgment
requires a balanced, stable, yet empathetic judge that can take in the many
exaggerations of human appetite, feeling and mind without also becoming
overwhelmed. Jesus Christ has been prepared to serve as such a judge.) Even
so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your
faith.
THE BLACK
PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Whether or not one may
escape hell by reading the Bible is addressed today, along with more on the
scale of acceptance for the resurrection of Jesus. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer
using ID “Mystaku” (Level 4 with 3,733 points, a member since January 6, 2011)
posted the following:
Christians : Question on John 12:47-49
- Did I interpret it correctly?
So I had asked the question "Christians : If a
hindu reads the bible & chooses to remain a hindu & not accept christ
will he go to hell?"
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…
And one of the answers had the verse from John
12:47-49
47 “As for the person who hears my words but does
not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to
save it. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my
words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49 For I
did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to
say and how to say it.
So this means that anyone who has read the bible
but has chosen not to accept jesus/bible, he/she will be 'condemned till the
last day" aka eternal torture in hell?
If you believe that a good person will go to heaven
regardless of whether or not he/she has read the bible and/or follows/rejects
jesus, are you saying that this verse from John is wrong?
THE BATTLE AXE: Given
the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012)—The holy writings and the indwelling spirit
always agree; and by their combined testimony every believer experiences the
exact same awareness given to an eyewitness. (See Isaiah 43: 8-12 and 44:
6-9, KJV.) In modern society, many declare that spiritual truth must come by
personal understanding, and to that extent, belief is achieved in isolation, and
may not depend upon trusting others. Many events from sacred history are
recorded in the Bible that foretell and attest to the resurrection of Jesus.
From the death of Abel and birth of Seth, to the account of Jonah delivered from
the belly of a great fish, and to the raising of Lazarus, there are innumerable
sacred documents of “witness” to the resurrection of Jesus as Christ and
Messiah. However, the holy writings only permit shared focus and language to
make visible a witness that is itself divine person residing within a believer.
The conclusive proof and testimony a believer desires must come as spiritual
substance from GOD, and is more than merely a record of extraordinary behavior,
exchanges and social interactions. Believers, therefore, have been given
clarifications that include John 5: 36-37, John 7: 16-18, 1st John 2: 20-27
and 1st John 5: 1-13, King James Version.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For
the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which
are saved it is the power of God. (1st Corinthians 1: 18,
KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER:
Believing Everything? (11/23/2012); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Does
Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); Magick and Prayer (10/29/2012); Sin
Unknown? (10/10/2012); The Gender of Angels (10/09/2012); A Man in Heaven?
(09/23/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); Shaken Once More
(08/22/2012)
When a reader properly appreciates the
holy writings (i.e., places the correct value upon them), it becomes clear that
they are making more than a simple choice of pancakes for breakfast instead of
waffles, and they are not just getting a “golden ticket” to heaven. The carnal,
material and fleshy decisions are overshadowed by the weight of divine
imperatives, and eternal issues. To a beginner, the full spectrum of divine
person that finally is revealed cannot be recognized. More than this, beginners
may fail to grasp that they are entered into a continuous process of
transformation whereby GOD reconfigures their spirit makeup. The Gospel and
other teachings infused with the Holy Spirit are more than an evidence or
“foot-print” that records where the divine presence once existed. The
Scriptures are an immediate and present appearance of Divine Person using the
forms (i.e., body, incarnation) of utterance. Included are pledges, praises,
prayers, proclamations, promises, and prophecies.
Where one embraces the word from GOD as did
James, John and the Apostle Paul, “to believe” means more than simply “to hold
an idea” or “to support a peculiar statement.” Believing is an aspect of
realizing what you are, and how you exist. Thus, believing is not at the level
of an intellectual exercise, meditation and mental gymnastics. Also, ideas of
argument, debate and self-expression are inappropriate. Believing pertains to
faith, a divine substance that exists only within the fullness of spirit-person
that men now speak of as “GOD.” Faith is inseparable from such other sacred
content as glory, holiness, humility, joy, love, wisdom and wrath against sin.
(So to speak, you can’t find one without the other.)
There is far more to be said, correctly
applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, believers must “die to
sin,” be re-born, grow and mature before they completely leave behind the flawed
human idea of “good person” to direct their own choices and decisions after the
model of Jesus. Various operations of the Holy Spirit must occur within them
including illumination, insight, regeneration, and sanctification. Only ones
beginnings may be regarded as simple and childlike. For believers are dealing
with the grand issues of the universe: being, cause, consciousness, existence,
knowing, origins, and eternal sovereignty.) Even so, I trust this fragment will
be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
