(11/27/2019) A Death Penalty Necessary?

Today, reply is on mankind’s need for fixed carnal, material, social, and spiritual boundaries set by divinity that include government, law, judgment, and death. Many forward-looking statements have been provided from divinity to guide and instruct the living that are in the form of verbal utterances and not legislation. Included are cautions, covenants, proclamations, prohibitions, prophecies, promises, sacred law, and testimony. It is written: Galatians 5: 19-23, KJV: 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shown) posted the following:

Christian Question?

Why are some Christians against the death penalty when the Bible seems to spell it very clear in terms of society?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: I said in my haste, All men are liars. What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (Psalms 116: 9-15, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Eternal Judgment With Mercy (11/19/2019); The Perfection Of Divinity (09/17/2019); The Penalty of Death? (04/26/2019); Sacred Judges and Laws? (01/23/2017); The Death Penalty? (10/08/2015); The Death Penalty for Sins? (11/30/2014); A Dispensation To Benefit (12/01/2014)

“Anonymous”, many do not understand (and properly respect) the guidance that comes to Christian believers regarding the divine use of death that expresses wrath against sin. In the holy writings, death first appears as a tool used by divine fullness (we say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) during Creation. The male who was formed using substance from the earth also received life essence (breath; spirit; word) imparted from the makeup of GOD. The new relationship of Creator and the created required that mankind have ability to communicate; have coherence, completeness and self-will (willpower); have a consciousness of divinity that would be ongoing and uninterrupted; and that man would resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and nature of GOD to all other beings in existence. The creation of a female, who would be formed using blood and bone taken from the male, required that he “sleep” (i.e., endure death) throughout the necessary operations of GOD.

Death as mortality and separation from the living was introduced as a sanction within the law(s) provided for government of heaven and earth, and were presented to Adam (the divine name for the first pair) in the form of admonition and warning, rather than ordinances and statutes. The authority and power over the universe (we say, dominion; ownership; rule) exercised by GOD, who is immortal, invisible and incorruptible, are to be perpetual and unchanging. The sanctions were forward-looking statements to describe consequences for acknowledgment or transgression of agreements, commandments, covenants, rules, and standards that express divine expectation, prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Consequences and results proclaimed through the statement of law therefore include examination of the living for their content of substance imparted from divinity; the loss of dominion by mankind; the loss of fellowship with divinity; the loss of sacred attributes by mankind; and the second death.

Sin has not been created or put forth by divinity; sin opposes the continued existence of divine order and sacred law, the Lawgiver, and the platforms of creation; and sin has no divine content or sacred substance. Even so, sin may dominate awareness and self-will within the living. Sin promotes nonexistence and return to the conditions of chaos, confusion, and streams of substance lacking direction (we say, preexistence) that were in place before GOD imposed divine order. Where the living become corrupted by the operations of sin, no longer respond to divine will, and can not be recovered through fresh endowments of inseparable spirit content from the makeup of GOD, they display iniquity (are incorrigible), and they must be eliminated permanently from the divine presence. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Hezekiah Walker:

(1.) Genesis 9: 5-7, King James Version (KJV): 5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. 7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

(2.) Deuteronomy 21: 18-21, KJV: 18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: 19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

(3.) Genesis 18: 20-28, KJV: 20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. 22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. 23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. 27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD, which am but dust and ashes: 28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

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

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMcJL_UDAvw.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 9:55 PM, November 26, 2019 @ https://biblepic.com/53/28810.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/16/2019) A Wall To Sanctify?

THE GOLDEN GATE OF JERUSALEM (see reference cited below)

Today, reply is on the morality of America using barriers and walls at its Southern border to discourage immigration and to keep out criminals, refugees, the poor, and the homeless. In the light of devastating hurricane and wildfire events around the country, that the Chief Executive Officer for the United States of America would institute a policy of shutting down the government to ensure border security and control immigration has more the appearance of criminal fraud, incompetence, and the violation of trust more than the appearance of sound management. All are being reminded that, in the modern world, there are those who believe government is to control its elected officers, legislators, and the electorate by using every available tool that may manipulate their emotional, material, mental, and spiritual person. Included are propaganda and devices that impose brutality, conflict, cruelty, disappointments, fear, indebtedness, violence, and problems that have no clear solutions. Christians are warned not to indulge judging others and pronouncing damnation, consequently, many Christians feel that all conflict, division, fighting, and quarrels are a bad thing, and should be avoided or concluded as quickly as possible. Even so, mankind also must acknowledge accountability for their own attitudes, behavior and conduct while they live, and for the conditions in the earth as their sphere of life. For Christian believers, questions of moral content for events, operations, and human process should be answered applying discernment of the character, makeup, and spiritual substance that is displayed from the divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Believers are to receive and pass on inseparable aspects of life essence from divinity that include faith, farsightedness, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. There are multiple unmet needs and a broad range of motives among those seeking shelter within the Nation; and just as it may not be assumed that every denial of requests by those from other cultures and peoples are expressions of bias, ethnic arrogance, discrimination, hate, prejudice, racism or stubbornness, neither should it be assumed that there is unlawful damnation, wrongful judgment, a hardness of heart, and indifference toward the humanity of others. A writer in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality Internet public forum who uses the ID “Christian sinner” (Level 7 with 217,275 points, a member since November 28, 2006) posted the following:

There are walls around Jerusalem, there are walls around the Jewish temples and the Christian churches. Are they immoral?

Update: A wall, in my view, is an immorality. It’s the least effective way to protect the border and the most costly. I can’t think of any reason why anyone would think it’s a good idea — unless this has something to do with something else,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said shortly before the government shutdown.

https://thehill.com/opinion/immigration/...

THE GOLDEN ARROW: I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand. Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. (Zechariah 2: 1-5, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: On Diversity and Equality (05/22/2018); Bible Borders and Walls (08/29/2017); Righteousness Exalts A Nation (07/04/2017); Installing The New President (01/20/2017); Can Christians Be Racists? (07/25/2016); Cultural, Political, Spiritual Growth? (07/10/2016); Religion And Moral Progress? (10/23/2015); Because We Are Certain (12/30/2014)

“Christian sinner”, politics have a process and structure different than that for communities of faith, corporations, or government agencies, and therefore may be seen as an overlay, and even, a parasite that seeks to maintain its own life by controlling the distribution of resources belonging to a lawful sovereign body (we say, nation; state). While there has been talk of crisis and emergencies emerging from border security issues, the sacrifice of American government workers we are now witnessing is not in compliance with constitutional principles, standard operations, existing programs, or the projections that now serve as the blueprint and “vision” for the Nation’s future.

Many developing Christian believers look to the holy writings for commentary and guidance regarding a wall to separate America from her neighbor, because it strikes them that it opposes the will of GOD to use devices that divide and separate kindreds, tongues, peoples, and nations, at a time when his eternal purpose revealed through Jesus Christ is to transform mankind to exist as immortal, incorruptible companions of divinity. The living are to be restored through repentance and rebirth, joined together through workings of imparted, indwelling spirit, and unselfishly serve as vessels of sacred spirit substance who are offspring of GOD and a new creation.

From ancient times, landmarks, natural features (e.g., forests, lakes, rivers), walls, and other structures were used as barriers against enemy invasions, and boundaries to specify the property and territory within their dominion and jurisdiction. An example of this is seen with the city of Jericho. For Jerusalem and the regions within Canaan that were visited by Abraham, the Friend of GOD, covenant promises, divinely provided law, inheritance, priestly relationship, prophecy, and a lifestyle that included worship of a living GOD who continued among them (within the Tabernacle/the Temple), divinity would be as a wall of fire by day and a pillar of cloud by night sanctifying (we say, setting apart) the tribes of Jacob as a “peculiar people” for service to divine fullness, and to be those who would occupy the land. Similarly, the followers of Jesus as High Priest and Messiah are to be recognizable through their lifestyle and day to day routines that include discovery, gradual growth, praise, prayer, renewing ones mind, rest, unselfish service, and worship. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ephesians 1: 9-14, King James Version (KJV): 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

2. Ephesians 4: 4-7, KJV: 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

3. Ephesians 4: 11-16, KJV: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

“Jerusalem's Golden Gate” downloaded January 15, 2019, 12:23 PM @ https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=A5FD794C387DEA2B35391A44ADC297C470B7CAA1&thid=OIP.F-PvzyZIiSIKeQ9v0j22WwHaFj&mediaurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbleon1.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fjerusalem-eastern-wall_dsc00053lmauldin.jpg&exph=768&expw=1024&q=the+wall+of+jerusalem&selectedindex=100&ajaxhist=0&vt=0&eim=1,2,6

(08/29/2017) Bible Borders and Walls

Today, reply is shared on the use of border walls in the Scriptures.  The acknowledgment of fixed boundaries and the identification of locations on the earth as specially blessed of GOD are in keeping with the principles and demands for divine order.  For many centuries, those who were the keepers of divine mystery in the earth wandered as nomads.  While they left behind no permanent housing they often left a “footprint” of sacred altars and life-saving wells of water.  Multiple structures were already in place for those who entered the Promised Land with Joshua.  Perhaps the most important function of walls for Israel was that they served as landmarks, and made visible their inheritance as a people chosen of GOD.  In addition to being used as barriers to control the movement and traffic of foreigners and strangers, walls were defensive weapons used against siege warfare, and an enhancement to beautify cities and provide the appearance of strength and prosperity.  The description of the New Jerusalem that appears in Scripture as the Bride of Christ and the Holy City provides details of its twelve foundations, its single wall, and its twelve gates.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “LovelyGiraffe” (Level 7 with 36,599 points, a member since April 24, 2008) posted the following:


Biblically Speaking, does God ordain Border Walls ?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.  And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,  Having the glory of God:  and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;  And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:  On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.  And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.  And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth:  and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.  (Revelation 21:  9-16, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Faithless Israel, Unfaithful Judah? (08/18/2017); The Earth Made New (11/13/2013); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); The Root of Jesse (01/03/2013); Newness of Spirit? (01/04/2013)


“LovelyGiraffe”, the borders, countries, and land promised to Abraham that would become the inheritance of those in covenant with Moses are described in the Book of Joshua, chapters 13-20.  The holy writings describe many massive building projects that include the Tower of Babel, the monuments of Egypt, the ark of Noah, and the Temple at Jerusalem.  Speaking to the building of border walls in particular, consider the following points that use the language of the Bible:

(1.)  2nd Chronicles 14:  2-8, King James Version (KJV):  2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:  3 For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:  4 And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.  5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images:  and the kingdom was quiet before him.  6 And he built fenced cities in Judah:  for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.  7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.  8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand:  all these were mighty men of valour.

(2.)  Nehemiah 1:  1-4, KJV:  1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,  2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.  3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach:  the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.  4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

(3.)  Nehemiah 4:  16-18, KJV:  16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.  17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.  18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Proverbs 25:  28, KJV:  28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(12/30/2014) Because We Are Certain

Resurrection, revelation, and the process of divinity are topics, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Grin” (Level 7 with 34,277 points, a member since January 25, 2007) posted the following:


If you think there is a God?

Why doesn't he resurrect the dead Or bring everyone up to heaven? are you ready for it to happen?
I've been hearing this story my entire life and it has been told for thousands of years.
Why doesn't it just happen?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:  yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew:  for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:  for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  (1st Corinthians 2:  5-14, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Knowing the Spirit is Inside? (10/07/2014); About Deluding Yourself? (09/22/2014); Delusions and Revelation (09/23/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); A Sleep and a Second Death (09/16/2014)


“Grin”, for most Christian believers the only acceptable answers we may share are part of a larger system of beliefs and practices, and may not be reduced to a simple reply that would satisfy unbelievers.  Even so, here are a few points you may find useful as you continue to ask and receive answers from the people who seek to serve divinity:

(1.)  Just as within a human family there must be boundaries, discipline, distance, limitations, and rules to protect the several interests of each member as they exchange, interact, agree and disagree, there must be definitions, explanations and specific process to focus and order relationship with GOD who is Spirit, and who has appeared among mankind in flesh as Jesus Christ.

(2.)  Death, rebirth, and resurrection are divine tools along with such gifts from GOD as sacred knowledge, law, wisdom, and holy writings.  Thereby, the primary eternal purposes of Deity come into view that center upon eternal life.

(3.)  The operations of sin upon awareness and self-will within mankind are a barrier to communion, interaction, and unity between the Creator and the created.  Conjecture, philosophy, and speculation are removed within the followers of Jesus through the operations of divine substance such as faith, holiness, joy, righteousness and truth received through baptism.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  With GOD, things do not “just happen,” given a primary purpose also is that divinity be correctly known and responded to by all created beings and living creatures.  This is called “revelation”.  In the same way a newborn probably does not have a full understanding of his own conception and birth, yet, it is their own experience, and they go on to live, believers do not come to know all things, yet, are given many important and necessary things that prepare them for further revelation through Jesus Christ, even his second coming.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC