(10/08/2018) Challenged To Explain Resurrection

Today, the reply is on explaining the details of divine resurrection from death. Salvation from GOD that acknowledges the demand for, yet, circumvents death among the living is accomplished through divine operations whereby there is a separation and rejoining of flesh and spirit. The course of eternal life now may be accounted as uninterrupted through the inclusion of a pause or rest (we say, sleep). A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum who uses the ID “mathdad” (Level 1 with 173 points, a member since May 24, 2012) posted the following:

Resurrection of the Dead?

Explain the resurrection. What happens in the grave? We are destroyed by worms. We turn to dust. Cremation destroys the body. No one has been resurrected after years of death. So, explain the resurrection, if you can. The Bible talks about two resurrections:

1. Resurrection of the saved

2. Resurrection of the lost

Tell me, how does dust become a brand new, resurrected body?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1^st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Fulfillment of Proclamation (06/01/2018); The Elimination of Death? (05/13/2018); Incurring “The Second Death” (04/02/2018); Yes, Jesus Did Die (04/01/2018); Christ Is The Firstborn (12/26/2017); Bereavement, Death and Suffering (11/10/2017); About Revelation not Punishment? (11/25/2016); Ghosts (09/02/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012)

“mathdad”, your question on resurrection of the human body as a process carried out and performed by GOD requires a detailed description for the out-workings of authority, sacred power, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will that appeared in the Creation, and will attend the Advent of Jesus Christ (we say, the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming). The operations of divinity among developing Christian believers include imparting spirit substance from the makeup of the Creator that enables existence and life as well as continuing communication, exchange, and interaction (we say, ongoing relationship). Inseparable spirit content from GOD is required when sharing sacred knowledge in place of finite secular knowledge. Included must be faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

While the process of divinity through Jesus Christ is one of disclosure and revelation, there remain many divine mysteries and secrets that never will be exposed to created beings and living creatures. Where answers may appear to be lacking information there often is no need because the process of sharing truth is by acceptance, affirmation, faith, and trust. The living are to apprehend divinity by existing and by living, rather than by death, dying, ignorance, or ungodliness. Becoming “born again” grants sinners a fresh endowment of Spirit from GOD that will serve as a seed for their growth as offspring of GOD who will eventually display commitment, discernment, fellowship, obedience to divine law, ministry, the fulfillment of promise and prophecy, reverence, unselfish service, and the endurance of hardship and suffering.

Consider again the following that uses language from the holy writings:

(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.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 12-23, 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. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

(3.) 1^st Corinthians 15: 35-44, KJV: 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 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. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Isaiah 55: 10-11, KJV: 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(12/14/2015) Our Beginnings Were Perfect?

Themes of corruption, perfection and purity are in view, today.   Readers are encouraged to reflect on the following from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, and my thoughts appearing below:  Titus 1:  15-16, NIV:  15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.  16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.  Also, 1st John 1:  5-9, NIV:  5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you:  God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  Romans 5:  13-15, NIV:  13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law.  14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.  15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “badwolf” (Level 1 with 13 points, a member since August 01, 2014) posted the following:


Why does god corrupt perfection of spirit by putting us in a human body..is he a sadist?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  “Yet you have not called on me, Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel.  You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings, nor honored me with your sacrifices.  I have not burdened you with grain offerings nor wearied you with demands for incense.  You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices.  But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses.  “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.  Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence.  Your first father sinned; those I sent to teach you rebelled against me.  So I disgraced the dignitaries of your temple; I consigned Jacob to destruction and Israel to scorn.  (Isaiah 43:  22-28, NIV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Choice of Knowledge? (10/28/2015); The Return to Dust? (06/14/2015); Relationship With Our Creator? (03/16/2015); Before the Fruit? (11/10/2012); Why "Mysterious" (11/11/2012); Why Clothing? (10/15/2010); Known by GOD? (10/16/2010)


“badwolf”, Christian believers do not hold any idea that divinity has corrupted Creation.  Adam lived to be nearly 1,000 years old, as did many other of the Patriarchs.  The earth was undefiled by epidemic disease, air and water pollution, and the problems from garbage, “fossil fuels,” and human waste.  The beginnings for mankind are understood as having been with a perfect Spirit, within a perfect body, within a perfect environment and sphere of life.  More than this, believers typically agree that it is equally absurd and unthinkable that the Creation of GOD would have no value to the Creator, and the Creator would have no value to his Creation.  GOD is aware of all our present flaws, imperfections, and shortcomings, yet, GOD is more concerned with saving our lives than destroying our lives.  Deity may only be known by judgment, rebirth, and revelation.  The choice to embrace secular rather than sacred knowledge resulted in the terrible loss of consecration, intimate relationship, divine respect, and essential trust.  Aspects of the endowment granted to mankind as human makeup were rendered incapable of fulfilling eternal purpose; and mankind would be continually challenged by the operations of sin that relate to chaos, confusion, and non-existence.  Consider again the following from the holy writings:


(1.)  Romans 8:  18-25, New International Version (NIV):  18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.  20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope  21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.  22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.  24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?  25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.


(2.)   Jeremiah 6:  14-16, NIV:  14 They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.  ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.  15 Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?  No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush.  So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,” says the Lord.  16 This is what the Lord says:  “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.  But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’


(3.)  Galatians 5:  16-18, NIV:  16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.  18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.


There are many other verses that should be carefully considered, correctly understood, and made a permanent aspect of ones spiritual fullness.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 5:  1-5, NIV:  1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.  5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC


Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®

 

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(07/27/2015) Sun Worship?

Today, Scripture points are shared specifically forbidding worship of the sun, moon, and planets.  Because they are also called the host of heaven, many confuse the astronomical bodies with the holy angels, who are also called “stars” and “the heavenly host.”  Those who properly understand and practice the sacred law, recognize that the same principles and rules that forbid exalting divinely created beings, living creatures, and physical objects appearing in the sky (including asteroids, cloud formations, comets, constellations, falling stars, galaxies, meteors, and nebulae) also extend to terrestrial and earthly bodies (including the errors of worshiping breast size, skin color (we say, lightness, pigment, race, tan), gender, genitals, or acts of fornication as with nymphomania, penis envy, sexual addiction, and worship of the lingam and yoni, the womb and phallus).  Believers in GOD are to avoid all disproportion, exaggeration and imbalance for things carnal, material, social and psychological that contend against conviction, faith, divine law, and Spirit.  All the covenant agreements and sacred law from divinity require devotion and worship be only to the true and living GOD.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (profile information not shared) posted the following:


If God created the Sun, why is sun worship wrong?

If God created the universe and all of the planets in it.. why is it wrong to worship the biggest planet that gives us light if we are aware that god made it..how is that wrong?

And what consitutes as worship?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down:  for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:  and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.  Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan:  for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.  (Matthew 4:  1-11, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Meaning not the Object (05/26/2015); Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); Divine Law Speaks of Spirit? (07/30/2014); The Meaning of Worship? (07/09/2014); To Serve GOD Acceptably (07/10/2014); Worship Him? (02/12/2014); What is Worship? (10/18/2010); No Free Will (10/19/2010)


“Anonymous”, some of the most serious admonitions and warnings from the holy writings pertain to the wrath of GOD against giving glory to idols that is properly due to Deity, and  worship promoting false gods.  Here are a few of the answers shared among those taking responsibility as Christian believers, who acknowledge GOD by obedience to the spirit of his word, and rely upon sacred responses published from GOD as aspects of full divine revelation:

(1.)  Exodus 20:  2-4, King James Version (KJV):  2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.  4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

(2.)  Deuteronomy 4:  15-19, KJV:  15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:  16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,  17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,  18 The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:  19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

(3.)  Deuteronomy 17:  2-5, KJV:  2 If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,  3 And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;  4 And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:  5 Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

(4.)  Ezekiel 8:  15-17, KJV:  15 Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these.  16 And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD’s house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.  17 Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger:  and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.

(5.)  Jeremiah 8:  1-3, KJV:  1 At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:  2 And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped:  they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.  3 And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts.

(6.)  Job 31:  24-28, KJV:  24 If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;  25 If I rejoice because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;  26 If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;  27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:  28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge:  for I should have denied the God that is above.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  Romans 1:  20-25, KJV:  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(06/14/2015) The Return to Dust?

Today, Scriptures are shared to clarify mankind’s return to eternal life.  Created beings and living creatures now become consumed through the life process called “dying”.  The function and purpose of death are not to condemn, hurt, punish, and reject the living so much as to reveal the aspects of divinity that are being shared with the living.  Death (we say, the completion of ones mortality) occurs as a set of continuing events shown to be concluded and finished by the total shut down of all organs and tissues of the body as well the cessation of all emotional/mental functions (e.g., anger, desire, fear, thought, recall, self-will).  Blood that transports air along with the substance of life will no longer circulate throughout the parts of the body.  The mechanical and plain, repeating physical process displayed as dying is not to become the primary focus.  Rather, awareness is to center upon the active presence and operations of spirit substance from the makeup of Deity.  The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Defender of Truth” (Level 6 with 15, 721 points, a member since February 25, 2013) posted the following:


The Creator used “dust from the ground” when he formed the first man (Ge 2:7; 1Co 15:47, 48), right?

and when Adam was sentenced for disobeying God’s law, Jehovah decreed: “To dust you will return.” (Ge 3:19)

How will we return? Can you please give scriptures? Thank you!


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  (2nd Corinthians 4:  5-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); A Sleep and a Second Death (09/16/2014); Sin Causes Death? (02/04/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)


“Defender of Truth”, a material body formed and shaped by divinity became a living soul when life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word) was joined to eternal purpose and consecrated will.  Here are a few points Christian believers are to share with the Good News that Christ is risen:

(1.)  1st Corinthians 15:  3-8, King James Version (KJV):  3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:  5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:  6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.  7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.  8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

(2.)  Ecclesiastes 12:  7, KJV:  12 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was:  and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

(3.)  Acts 2:  29-32, KJV:  29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.  30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;  31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.  32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 4:  16-18, KJV:  16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

(5.)  1st Corinthians 15:  34-36, KJV:  34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God:  I speak this to your shame.  35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?  36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

(6.)  1st Corinthians 15:  41-44, KJV:  41 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.  42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:  43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory:  it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:  44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (7.)  1st Corinthians 15:  47-50, KJV:  47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.  48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy:  and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.  49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.  50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/23/2014) Resurrection from the Dead?

Assumptions about GOD, resurrection, and sin are in view, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “g” (Level 1 with 17 points, a member since March 08, 2014) posted the following:


Resurrection of dead? 

do you think there will be a future resurrection of the dead and in what form when someone dies the body dies the brain dies what is left do we really have a spirit i have read in bible we come back in flesh and bone but how this seems impossible


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  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.  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  (1st Corinthians 15:  12-22, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); What Salvation Is (01/25/2014); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013); Thanking and Blaming GOD (12/25/2013); Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013)


“g”, consider the following:  Christian beliefs on resurrection should be prayerfully studied from the Bible.  The teachings are simple, yet, they are profound (we say, deep, far reaching in their application and effect).  Many hidden assumptions (unstated ideas we agree upon as we start a discussion, that often go unnoticed, and that we do not question or demand evidence for) must come into view that a person makes about GOD; and one must be alert to the many subtle shifts in meaning (we say, barely visible differences) among ideas that seem to make the same points, yet, are completely different in their substance and impact (e.g., re-animation, regeneration, and reincarnation).

GOD is a nonmaterial spirit who has put forth all created beings and living creatures, diverse forms and objects as well as the conditions and frameworks for their interaction within various spheres of existence.  GOD is not made up of particles as are clouds, fog, mist, smoke, steam and vapor.  The “content” or substance of GOD are the inseparable aspects of divinity such as faith, holiness, life, person, presence, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

We use language that says mankind is “made in the image” of GOD to acknowledge the similarities that exist because all humans contain some measure of divine matter.  GOD is eternal, immortal, immutable, and unchanging (i.e., can not be influenced, manipulated, or operated upon as an object).  Mankind is mortal, and experiences life with a continuous focus upon mechanical operations of the physical body as cycles, patterns, phases and stages.

In various ways, GOD has expressed an intent that mankind should permanently exist as a companion to divinity.  Therefore, mankind is now in a continual process of assessment, cleansing, preparation (we say, judgment, salvation, sanctification), and permanent change.  Mankind is to become immortal and incorruptible.  Life is GOD’s intent, and death is GOD’s tool.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, by appearing incarnate (in flesh) as Jesus Christ, GOD has demonstrated and “explained” that flesh and Spirit must cooperate for humanity to be totally separated from sin.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of GOD, and of all Creation that responds to GOD in obedience.  Nothing is impossible for GOD; yet, the elimination of sin is a profound challenge.  Sin is no thing created by GOD; contains no life or spirit matter; yet, has direction, effect, and presence.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures despite their emotions, intellect, logic, and science.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of divinity that resides in you.


For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  (Ephesians 2:  8-9, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/10/2014) Immutable GODhead

The effects upon the GODhead for the death of Jesus at the cross are considered, today.  Also, there is more on our bodies that will be taken into heaven.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Ksh” (Level 5 with 7,888 points, a member since February 25, 2012) posted the following:


What happened to trinity when jesus died for 3 days..?


THE BATTLE AXE:  A Perfected Body (03/09/2014)—The body given believers in their resurrection must become as the physical body of Jesus that now is able to exist within all the spheres of divine presence (we say, both heaven and earth).  The perfected body must endure over an indefinite period that can not be comprehended using our present frameworks of time and space.  The transformation of mankind that occurred through the receipt of carnal knowledge will be surpassed by the transformation that comes through the imparting of divine substance in the same way the baptism of Jesus was surpassed by the transfiguration.  Believers will continue to maintain and observe perpetually various memorials and ordinances of acknowledgment and worship to GOD.  Access to, and fellowship with GOD will yet be encouraged and enriched through the mediation of Jesus; however, no longer will there be the formal services that pertain to a temple or place of sanctuary.  The eternal things for reverence are to be such essentials as blessing, glory, wisdom, honor, thanksgiving, power, and might.  See Genesis 3:  22, Psalms 16:  11, Matthew 17:  1-3, Hebrews 10:  14-25, 1st John 2:  16-17, Revelation 7:  11-12 and Revelation 22:  5, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:  As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.  I have glorified thee on the earth:  I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.  And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.  I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world:  thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.  Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.  For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.  I pray for them:  I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.  And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.  (John 17:  1-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD is Jesus? (01/13/2014); GOD is Showing You (01/14/2014); Poem for Amiri Baraka (01/15/2014); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); (The Ascension of Christ? (12/19/2012); GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)


“Ksh”, here are a few points of Christian belief to consider that may help you avoid error and spiritual confusion:

(1.)  The resurrection to glory that the Father provided for Jesus was granted before the foundation of the earth, and occurred as a predetermined and necessary sacred event.  Both incarnation (birth through flesh), and the completion of mortality (death upon the cross) had place within the full GODhead as a conditional solution, possibility, fixed principals, and eternal purpose.

(2.)  The GODhead was not annulled, cancelled, destroyed, or dissolved.  Many subtle (we say, barely visible, hidden) divine operations were occurring unseen to created beings and living creatures.  Acknowledgements, interaction among the divine persons, and the distinct functions of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were being carried out, all at the same time.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example (3.)  Upon the cross, Jesus became the embodiment of all human sin, and was abominable, detestable, and repulsive.  The divine task of reconciliation that was initiated in the Garden of Eden came into its most complete and full expression.  The heart of GOD is said to have been broken; and judgment to reveal the righteousness of GOD was to go forth.  (Like the betrayal and violation of trust between a father and his son who has hosted a kegger without permission.)  Mercy only appears as an aspect of judgment, and should not be confused with compassion (an aspect of love).  Rather than bereavement and mourning, focus of the GODhead continued as triumph and victory over death and sin.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.  (Jeremiah 13:  16, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/09/2014) A Perfected Body

Judgment, resurrection and our physical bodies are the focus, today.  Also, there is more on redemption and life as a living sacrifice.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Alfredo” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since March 8, 2014) posted the following:


Will we have a different body when we go to heaven?


THE BATTLE AXE:  To Live As a Sacrifice (03/08/2014)—(5.)  Vessels of The Gospel.  Salvation as a process of GOD is one wherein lives are permanently altered and made to be new through baptism (death and rebirth having divine DNA, so to speak).  Once born again, a believer must learn, grow, and mature again to acquire sacred knowledge.  Study of the holy writings will further convey and deposit divine matter within their awareness.  By regular practice of various sacraments and the peculiar skills for ministry believers become fully capable as spokespersons (we say, prophets) and stewards in service to GOD.  As those yet in flesh, believers continue to meet the same life challenges as all others upon the earth; however, now they do so with the added resources of divine substance that are aspects from the makeup of GOD.  The blood of Christ is the holy offering that satisfies all the high demands of divine law that pertain to atonement and redemption.  Believers become the blood and body of Christ, and continue his life and ministry upon the earth.  Commitment, communion, ones life as continuous discovery through meekness and obedience, and uninterrupted response to the revelation of GOD are offered as total submission, and the highest holy gift from mankind to express the gratitude, praise, respect, and trust of all Creation.  See Psalms 37:  3-5, Psalms 50:  4-6, 2nd Corinthians 4:  1-18, Galatians 2:  20, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:  And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.  And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.  (Acts 24:  14-16, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014); For They Shall Be Ashes (02/11/2014); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); Unprofitable Servants? (01/19/2014); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Opportunity to Repent (11/02/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Does GOD Feel? (10/05/2012)


“Alfredo”, here are a few points to consider that may reinforce your understanding of Christian belief:

(1.)  The Bible teaches there will be two sacred events that are called resurrection.  The first resurrection will occur at the Advent (some say, Second Coming, others say, the Rapture) when Jesus comes to take all believers from the earth.  Consecrated and sanctified, Jesus will not set foot upon the earth, then, for he would become defiled.  Those believers who are dead at that time will be restored to the same body they left, and will be caught up to meet the Savior in the air along with those believers alive in that day.

(2.)  All resurrection pertains to divine judgment.  Created beings and living creatures are made alive to appear in the presence of GOD.  Divine judgment is further set apart (we say, sanctified) as complete, final, impartial, righteous, permanent, and thorough.  The first resurrection involves all believers; while the second resurrection is strictly for the wicked (also called, the unjust, the unrighteous, unbelievers).  In both events, those whose bodies were bombed, burned or otherwise destroyed will be restored to their bodies through operations of the same Holy Spirit that appeared during Creation and the establishment of our universe.  While they may have died in great anguish or pain, they will be made free to appear in tribunal, and to answer the charges against them.  They will have no accuser except the record of their deeds recorded in the Lamb’s book of life.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example (3.)  The transformation begun during their lives or in their baptism will be completed in all who will be joined to Jesus in eternal life as they are being lifted up through the air, toward the Lord.  Their physical bodies will be endowed with various aspects of perfection.  Included are beauty, health, glory, immortality, and incorruptibility.  As vessels of divinity, believers will receive fresh endowments of sacred content from the makeup of GOD.  Included are faith, holiness, joy, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.  He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,  but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  (2nd Timothy 1:  8-10, New International Version, NIV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/11/2014) For They Shall Be Ashes

Today, I continue focus on the second resurrection, and what happens to the bodies used by those raised for judgment (below).  I present only a BATTLE AXE, followed by a GOLDEN ARROW.


THE BATTLE AXE:  Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014)—(5.)  Despite that they have also been forgiven, the unjust and the wicked will not meet the Lord in the air.  Such will be given bodies that are mortal, temporary shells.  The bodies of those raised in the second resurrection will not be transformed, and perfected to abide and serve in the divine presence (we say, heaven).   Many will contain divine substance, however, it will be contaminated, defiled, impure and unclean. The spirits of the wicked will be rejoined to the same bodies they occupied in life upon the earth.  Although they may have died in agony, with disease, or great pain, they will be provided sufficient health and alertness to participate in their own judgment.  Judgment of the wicked will go forward in the sight of men, holy angels, and sentient beings throughout the universe, who have been prepared to serve as witnesses of GOD.  Atheists, blasphemers, the unrepentant, those whose names do not appear in the Book of Life, and those who did not receive the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD will not be accused or attacked by any in heaven.  Satan already will have been cast into the Lake of Fire.  It is in this sense, judgment gives the unjust an opportunity for inclusion among those to have eternal life, for they are to be judged, make answer, and enter their appeals challenged only by their own deeds recorded in the Book of Life.  Those raised, that are found altered by the operations of sin—such that they are permanently defiled, unclean and unfit for association with those containing divine substance—will lose all their remaining cohesion, integrity, and wholeness within the Lake of Fire.  The unrighteous and unsanctified do not continue to exist forever in a condition of unending punishment.  They immediately lose all self-will, and unique person.  Scripture uses the plain language of pain and torment to provide strong cautions.  In addition to revealing GOD by righteousness, a major purpose in final judgment is the termination of all material and other life forms that would possibly respond to sin.   Saying this another way:  Sin does not exist as an object that of itself may be eliminated; yet, sin may be totally purged by removing all that might respond to sin.  (See Isaiah 43:  9-13, John 5:  24-29, Acts 24:  14-16 and Revelation 20:  10-15, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble:  and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.  But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.  And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.  (Malachi 4:  1-3, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/10/2014) Destroying the Resurrected Body?

Holy substance, the second death, and destruction of bodies restored to life following their judgment are topics, today.  Also, there is more on holy matrimony.  The “Yahoo! Answers” member using the ID “witness of jesus” (Level 7 with 131,523 points, a member since March 02, 2007) posted the following:


On talking about the 2nd death, is the lake of fire the means to destroy the resurrected body?

my readings of the 2nd death has always taught me that its the destruction of the wicked and the sons of perdition, even their resurrected body. so am i wrong...

does not God have the power to destroy both body and spirit?
even the resurrected body?


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Male, the Female, and GOD (02/09/2014)—The concept that all marriage is arranged by GOD (we say, made in heaven) has been condemned as contrary to “free will.”  No one would have any choice as to who would be their marriage partner; they would be locked in relationships and have no freedom to divorce.  As with most of the self-centered and underdeveloped spiritual ideas we hold as youth, “free will” is foolishness (we have no free will to dive into a swimming pool or walk in the rain without becoming wet).  All created beings and living creatures are finite, and exist within boundaries and conditions of limit established by divinity.  The operation of GOD that “arranges” marriage has to do with responding to those who singly seek union with GOD by adoption of the Holy Spirit, and later declare mutual affection with another who shares their purpose to fulfill a sacred role as an offspring of GOD.  Thus, holy matrimony centers upon specific sacred goals, lawful procedures, divine objectives, and prophetic visions, where many other relationships focus upon emotional dependency, fantasies of love, finances, political advancement, pride and reputation, or sexual passion.  As a social artifact, all marriages are not the same.  Many are built up and structured with the intent to stand only a short while; and all marriages should not continue.  Without daily amplifying and expanding their enduring substance from divinity (such as faith, holiness, love, longsuffering, wisdom and wrath against sin) many marriages will be dissolved, while those that never had a chance at their beginning will finally conclude in divorce.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?  Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:  And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:  But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.  All flesh is not the same flesh:  but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.  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.  (1st Corinthians 15:  35-44, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013); Commandments in the Light of Christ? (10/12/2013); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013); Can GOD Die? (05/14/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Eat His Body, Drink His Blood (03/21/2013); Foolish For Not Believing? (03/22/2013); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)


“ witness of jesus”, here are a few points that should also be in the arsenal of Christian believers as they continue to oppose condemnation and sin by the help of the Holy Spirit:

(1.)  The revelation from Jesus Christ that GOD gave to him, and that was delivered to John to be shared with his servants includes the report that there are living souls beneath the altar that cry out to GOD (see Revelation 6:  8-10, KJV).  The altar (a holy table for contact between heaven and earth) appears as a container or vessel for souls in place of the mortal form.  The material forms generated by GOD for mankind are generally spoken of as flesh.  From Genesis we know that, infused with breath from GOD (we also say, life essence, the spark of life, and spirit) what is only material form becomes a living soul (see Genesis 2:  7, KJV).

(2.)  Christ will come to harvest the earth of those who are the children of GOD through the multiple ministries of atonement, covenant, redemption, salvation, and sanctification.  The quick and the dead (the deceased from Adam to that day, and the living believers) will be lifted up to meet him in the air.  (Consecrated and Holy, Christ will not set foot upon the earth defiled and polluted by blood.)  Transformation that is ongoing and has already begun for many as eternal life, is to be completed at his appearing (some say, Advent).  All those who will be embraced will be fully altered while being moved from the earth to the place of gathering—visible and in sight of those who remain standing upon the earth.  The resurrected body the righteous receive will be permanently immortal, incorruptible, and sinless (see 1st Corinthians 15:  49-54 and 1st Thessalonians 4:  13-18, KJV).

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (3.) many raise questions about how Christ may appear or assemble the righteous from all around the globe, and be seen North, South, East and West, simultaneously.  The answer to that is simply, nothing is impossible to GOD; and this revealing of divinity is to be acknowledged and realized by the entire universe.  Also, (4.) many are prayerfully continuing to consider that the lake of fire does not destroy holy substance.  As with the ancient offerings and sacrifices, holy fire separates gratitude, praise, repentance, and other sacred substance from pride, sin and other rubbish.  This said, either no created being or living creature is cast into the fire still possessing divine content; or the process releases and restores all divinity to the GODhead.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  (1st Peter 5:  8-9, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/13/2013) Must We Really Die?

Whether or not death is inevitable and unavoidable is the topic, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Stephen” (Level 1 with 132 points, a member since April 20, 2013) posted the following:


Do we really have to die?

Do you ever think about death? Do you ever fear falling asleep that you won’t wake up? Why? Why do we go about worrying about our short 80-some years of life? Why if we were only meant for some 80 years would we think of living forever? Why is there so much to do but so little time? Why is eternity on our hearts? Could it be that there is something else beyond death? If so how do we know how we can get eternal life? Why is our conscience always telling us right from wrong? How does it know? How does it know lying, stealing, torture of others, unequal rights, hitting people,etc. Is wrong? Could it possibly be getting it’s info from somewhere like a Devine being? I know I disobeyed this law embeded inside of me so eternal life probobly isn’t an option. Who will save me? What Devine being can save me from not making it into eternal life? Was there already one that came? Tell me!


THE GOLDEN ARROW: All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 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. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (1st Corinthians 15: 39-49, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present? (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013)


Yes, Stephen, in the same way we have to get wet when splashed by water. Here are some points you might find helpful that agree with Christian belief, and are in line with doctrines and teachings contained within the Bible:

(1.) Mortality as a material and physical condition in the natural world for the continued being of humankind is completed and finished only through the second death (called, being cast into the lake of fire), translation (called walking with GOD, and being lifted up) or transformation described as change that takes place during the divine harvesting of the earth (called the putting on of immortality and incorruption).

(2.) The fact of death does not have to be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming. Christians trust that they are receiving divine comfort, edification (i.e., being built up, strengthened) as well as preparation by and for bereavement through the death of their loved ones now along with multiple sacred promises and proclamations (we say prophecy) that reveal divine intent.

(3.) The possibility of eternal life is established as an aspect of divine revelation whereby GOD makes divinity known, visible, and understandable to created beings and living creatures. Existence within the universe of GOD is shown to embrace more than simply life and death. (Many things exist that do not have life.) Many dimensions of being must come into view including capacity for affiliation, consciousness, duration, and purpose.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Restoration of life to those once dead occurs as revival (raising the dead, reanimation) and resurrection. The holy writings describe resurrection as a device to further establish the righteousness of divine judgment. See again 1st Corinthians 15: 50-57 and 1st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC