(09/30/2015) Martyrdom and Tribulation?

Scripture points on the danger in confessing Jesus Christ during the end times are considered, today.  What we call persecution, suffering and tribulation are more correctly understood as the continuing condition that describes life for all followers of Jesus Christ.  In the same way, conditions pre-exist before the birth of every child that appear as the fixed framework, limit and mold for their development and growth, the sacred process that believers must complete for eternal life includes what we call the “trial by fire” in the end times.  The judgment of GOD that focuses upon good works accomplished during a person’s lifetime occurs after the second death that destroys the wicked, and is only for those who have been made immortal and incorruptible at the Second Coming of Jesus to harvest the earth.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (the usual profile information not shared) posted the following:


Christians: if you get killed for confessing Jesus will you go to heaven?

Like if an antichrist decides to imprison and kill Christians,will the dead Christian automatically go to heaven just for dying for Jesus


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For other foundation can no man lay than that that is laid, which is in Christ Jesus.  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  Every man’s work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every an man’s work of what sort it is.  If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:  but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.  (1st Corinthians 3:  11-15, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  That GOD Is Faithful? (08/31/2015); The Endtime and Fear? (01/14/2015); Denying Oneself (05/17/2014); From Such Turn Away (05/18/2014); To Live As a Sacrifice (03/08/2014); A Perfected Body (03/09/2014); Death Has Been Transformed (05/09/2013); Loving the Enemy? (05/10/2013); (Struggling? (05/11/2013); (Through Much Tribulation (05/12/2013)


“Anonymous”, completing our mortality, enduring suffering or surviving tribulation are not enough to establish the necessary relationship to divinity that will continue as eternal life.  The believer must become reborn having the Spirit of Christ, and become perfected (we also say, made ripe for harvest at the coming of the Lord) through operations of the Holy Spirit.  Thus, salvation for mankind comes only by the operations of GOD through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (we say, by grace, through faith).  A believer’s obedience to divine law, prayer life, sacred knowledge from study of the Bible, spiritual observances, sacred practices, and charitable works have value as expressions that crystallize and make visible to others the new life a believer has begun through divine rebirth, and sanctification that may take all the remaining years of their life upon the earth.  The work to endure performed by those in the flock of the Lord entails accomplishing commitment, dutifulness, faithfulness, hearing his voice, loyal love, and steadfastness.  Here are a few points to consider from the holy writings:

(1.)  John 17:  19-23, King James Version (KJV):  19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

(2.)  Matthew 24:  11-14, KJV:  11 And many false prophets shall arise and deceive many.  12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.  14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

(3.)  Mark 13:  9-13, KJV:  9 But take heed to yourselves:  for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten:  and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.  10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.  11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought before hand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate:  but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye:  for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.  12  Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.  13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake:  but he that shall endure, the same shall be saved.

(4.)  Matthew 5:  10-12, KJV:  10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for their’s is the kingdom of heaven.  11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  12 Rejoice and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Revelation 14:  12-16, KJV:  12 Here is the patience of the saints:  here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.  13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:  Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.  14 And I looked and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.  15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap:  for the time of  is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.  16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/03/2013) The Root of Jesse

     The prophecy of Messiah as both offspring and Lord above David is topic, today, along with more on the common danger that is sin.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using “Messiah” as his ID (Level 6 with 15,332 points, a member since November 30, 2010) posted the following:

How can the Lord speak to David, the root (descendant) of Jesse, and later be David's descendant?

Jesus asked the same question as recorded by Matthew:

22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, [The son] of David.
22:43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
22:44 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
22:45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? "

Messiah's prophecy, quoted from Isaiah 11:10 written 700 years before Paul writes in Romans 15:12 "And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root [ofspring] of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust."

THE BATTLE AXE:  The Common Danger (01/02/2013)—While events, their connections and consequences may be easily known and documented, the spiritual content and nature of occurrences are essentially hidden and invisible to all created beings and living creatures.  Through deposits of divinity imparted from GOD as the indwelling Spirit (called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy), the living acquire discernment that allows correct recognition of spiritual substance within oneself and others as well as ability to accurately perceive the divine value of various goals, intent, motives and purposes.  Although we may speak of sin and wickedness as “common danger,” those reborn in Christ are encouraged to “be careful for nothing” (i.e., do not be anxious; do not worry), yet to continue in prayer and supplication.  The total eradication of sin comes by what GOD will do in authority and majesty over the universe.  The simple efforts of the created are accepted as acknowledgment, confession of need, and petition for deliverance that locate believers within the divine order as those being in harmony with the preordained, and continuing acts of Almighty GOD.  This is a single truth that none may gainsay, in heaven or earth, and that goes forth to all, to both believers and unbelievers, mockers and steadfast saints.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, saying,  Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;  Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.  As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured:  so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.   (Jeremiah 33:  19-22, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Son of Man (11/28/2012); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Why Jesus Prayed (08/19/2012); On The Messiah (02/19/2012); The First Jews (02/20/2012); A Fig Tree Cursed? (10/02/2010)

     Taking your question to be “what should we take this to mean”, rather than “how can GOD be able to proclaim or speak…?”, for a mature Christian understanding, the divine operations of prophecy and Incarnation must both come into view.

     David appears as a “type” and a figure representing peculiar themes that appear throughout the holy writings.  More than simply a warrior-king, David is anointed as judge, priest, and prophet.  He provides the psalms and hymns that are the liturgy for worship in the Tabernacle (later the Temple) as well as the administrative structure and schedules (called “courses”) for rotations of service by the priests.

     The promise from GOD that David’s house would be established is a promise of unending dynasty only through the eternal sovereignty whereby Almighty GOD continues as King over Israel.  Solomon was taken to be the fulfillment of GOD’s commitment, however no eternal kingdom or permanent rule emerged; and the Unified Kingdom ended with David’s grandson, Rehoboam (see 2 Samuel 7:  8-16, Daniel 2:  44, 1st Kings 3:  6, Matthew 25:  34, John 18:  36, KJV).  Until his assumption of carnal being and flesh, and appearing among mankind as Jesus Christ (called “Incarnation”), Almighty GOD was known as person and spirit, without form that can be discerned or recognized except through the objects put forth as Creation, by prophecy, and through revelation.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the birth of Jesus as heir to David is required for resolution of promise and prophecy.  More than this, all demands of the law addressing inheritance also must be met.  It is indisputably a work that may only be accomplished by One in supremacy that Messiah is at once heir to Adam, Abraham, Jacob, David, all Israel, and Almighty GOD.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/02/2013) The Common Danger

      Sin as a threat against all existence is topic, today, along with more on divine judgment and justice. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Arabian” (Level 2 with 310 points, a member since December 28, 2012) posted the following:



Christians, what are we being saved from exactly?



THE BATTLE AXE: Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013)—The revelation of GOD to mankind through the holy writings do permit men to accept the necessary harshness of divine law. Severity and swiftness of destruction do not contradict the love, mercy and righteousness of GOD (see Deuteronomy 29: 29, KJV). Wickedness and sin are not features of divine being, and are not to be understood as spirit matter. The need for death as a penalty for sin derives from the truth that human ignorance, persistence, self-will, and various subtle (i.e., barely detectible and hidden) aspects of character, psyche, and spiritual makeup cannot be immediately changed, or altered over time by appeals to emotion, knowledge, logic and reason. Those “dead in spirit” (i.e., lacking divinity; having no endowment of the imparted, indwelling Spirit from the person of GOD) are unreachable and un-teachable as created beings. Death of the flesh that occurs as the completion of mortality is temporary; and despite the death of sinners their wickedness and sin does not terminate, because various consequences, and effects continue to emerge and materialize for an indefinite period. Wickedness and sin cannot be eternally confined, are progressive, replicate, and are self-regenerating (i.e., restarts; rekindles without outside assistance). Through sin, created beings and living creatures gradually lose the divine content that provides their existence as angels or men. Apart from death, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification of the living, there is no divine provision that makes Creation permanent, and that allows eternal life. The absolute and complete removal of what remains from once godly beings can finally be eliminated only after divine judgment, and through purification by immersion in the lake of fire (called the second death).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (1st John 5: 20, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Purchased With Blood? (12/29/2012); The Law Not Flawed (12/30/2012); An Attack on Creation? (12/08/2012); The Focus of Judgment (12/09/2012); More Than Salvation (11/27/2012); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012)



      Divine operations of redemption and salvation are called forth in connection with Creation, because the objects put forth from divine awareness and mind are limited as to their content of divine substance, and therefore may not endure. This is particularly so for created beings and living creatures such as angels, animals, insects, men, and the sacred beasts of heaven. Extending incorruptibility and immortality to the living, and making their existence eternal, requires many major events involving the substance of GOD, who is spirit. Included are Advent, Incarnation, birth, epiphany, death, rebirth, repentance, passion, judgment, sanctification, and the second death.

      The continuing existence of sacred person and sanctified being are opposed by sin; however, sin has no power to alter, damage or injure divine person. Almighty GOD is not threatened by sin; yet, sin may dominate the self-will of created beings and living creatures. The action of sin diminishes what we would call “will power,” and blocks human awareness of divine law, sacred purpose, and holy presence. Sin is not created by GOD, has no spirit content; and is no carnal, material, or physical thing that can be immediately known, resisted, and eliminated by angels and mankind. Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, the endowment of divine substance that establishes one in the image of GOD, may be increased or restored. Included here are faith, hope, humility, joy, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, ignorance and lack of awareness are like blindness. One may accomplish many great things despite a lack of vision: The blind also may enjoy important professional careers, marry, raise children, and be honored as major celebrities. Yet, look at all they miss. Once separated from sin, and joined to GOD whose will cannot be ruled of sin, the full measure of human potential includes a capacity to know and be known of GOD; to manifest the divine nature; and to accomplish the beauty and power of ones own divine vision.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC