(03/01/2017) Faith Just an Excuse?

 Today, formal and informal use of the word “faith” as well as mature Christian belief are considered.  The definition and meaning of “faith” for those who are born again emerges from divine existence as immortal, the operations and active presence of divinity on the earth, and the ongoing fulfillment of sacred proclamations, promises, prophecies, and revealed eternal purposes.  Salvation is a work by  divinity that uses the operations of faith that has been bestowed and provided because of grace, divine love, and sovereign prerogative.  At first, a sinner apprehends salvation as a condition through deposits of Spirit from GOD that are only an earnest or installment of what is to be their full divine endowment.  Thus, salvation may appear to be incomplete, lacking full authority, and partial.  In the Advent (some say, Rapture, the harvest, the resurrection, the Second Coming) salvation will be confirmed as complete, eternal, and as having been in full operation.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers (India)” using the ID “?” (Level 2 with 605 points, a member since May 13, 2016) posted the following:

Faith is just an exuse to do bad things; True or False?

For example, I heard some Christians say "It's perfectly reasonable for God to allow the stabbing of innocent babies with swords because they get to go to heaven when they die." I even had read it in a Study Bible.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;  And having an high priest over the house of God;  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:  and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  (Hebrews 10:  19-27, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sharing The Correct Message (01/30/2017); Salvation By Faith Alone? (01/19/2017); Are All Religions Acceptable? (01/11/2017); How To Get Faith? (10/10/2016); Simple and Mature Faith (09/05/2016); Christ Coming Soon? (10/16/2015); The Soon Return of Jesus? (01/05/2015)

“?”, do not be deceived, faith is not bestowed by GOD as a tool for excusing error, escaping divine judgment, self-justification, or self-promotion.  Nowadays, the word “faith” often is used to describe various formal and informal systems of belief intended to explain such features of life experience as causes, judgments of right and wrong, origins, purposes, and suffering.  For many mature Christian believers “faith” is one of various spirit substances within the full makeup of GOD, and, therefore, is inseparable from holiness, hope, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  With this in view, it should make sense that Christian faith pertains to everlasting existence and eternal life more than to condemnation of GOD by created beings and living creatures, their outrage against the condition of existing as finite and dependent upon frameworks of time and space as well as to human resentment for the short duration and severity of life challenges.  Divine faith is active as the origin and source for a full range of inward, sacred life experiences that include conviction, desire, emotion, expectation, forbearance, forgiveness, rebirth, and sanctification.  Rather than a focus upon error and sin, faith centers on the possibilities for blessing and the quality of life granted to sinners when they become part of the “new creation” by GOD through Jesus Christ.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Galatians 2:  20, King James Version (KJV):  20 I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

(2.)  Hebrews 11:  1-3, KJV:  1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.  3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

(3.)  1st Peter 1:  3-9, KJV:  3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  1st Thessalonians 5:  7-10, KJV:  7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/07/2016) The Cross was Premature?

Eternal purpose, benefits from sacred processes, revelation, and the cross are topics, today.  All that has occurred up to this time has been a preamble to eternity.  Along with love among ourselves as his disciples, vigilance and watchfulness have been commanded.  That the Son of GOD would become incarnate and die upon the earth was agreed upon before the Creation.  Therefore, Jesus dying upon the cross was not a spontaneous episode, or an occasion developed on the basis of human affairs, current events, global politics, crises, and natural disasters.  While Jesus prayed his death would be delayed, and called to the Father at Gethsemane before his arrest and trial, Jesus accepted that his condition in flesh did not allow him to fully apprehend and grasp the many unseen elements and features of the Father’s will.  Even before his example of how we are to face death that he displayed in the presence of his mother, Jesus demonstrated the faithfulness, submission, and trust we all are to show as children of the Highest.  Readers are encouraged to consider how this is stated using the following Scriptures and in the presentation below:

2nd Peter 3:  3-6, King James Version (KJV):  3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.  5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

2nd Peter 3:  9-13, KJV:  9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Ezekiel 12:  27-28, KJV:  27 Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.  28 Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

Habakkuk 2:  3, KJV:  3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:  though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Hebrews 10:  36-38, KJV:  36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.  38 Now the just shall live by faith:  but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bluebootz” (Level 6 with 11,225 points, a member since June 29, 2012) posted the following:

 

Did Jesus leave the earth stage knowing that a return of the Christ would have greater benefit in another time line?

What I mean is....did he see that his work or ministry was becoming too much of a challenge for the mindset of that time and place?
Did he notice that his message would have a greater impact or be heard more completely in a different time and place with a more enlightened audience?

So he left, with a promise to return.?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore be ye also ready:  for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.  Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;  The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,  And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites:  there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  (Matthew 24:  44-51, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Heirs of The Cross? (04/01/2016); Revelation and The Cross (03/27/2016); The Cross and Eternity (03/21/2016); Atonement and The Cross? (02/29/2016); The Cross Must Occur? (02/23/2016); An Eternal Plan and Process (07/05/2015); Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014)

 

“Bluebootz”, for mature Christian believers Jesus Christ dying upon the cross was a “prophetic demonstration” carefully prepared and carried out to fulfill sacred proclamations in place from the time of Adam and Eve as well as to provide a new testament in his blood that would accurately represent and exceed all previous covenants between the Creator and those created.  Many streams of truth and eternal purpose came together at the cross, and are described throughout the Scriptures in terms of multiple sacred events, and divine operations.  Included are anointing, atonement, deliverance, Incarnation, judgment, justification, priesthood, reconciliation, resurrection, sacrifice, sanctification, and rest.

The cross was not an “on the fly” adjustment, or “last ditch effort” to correct a divine plan that was not “going well.”  Nor were the things that appeared “premature” or subject to “bad timing.”  GOD is a spirit who has put forth all that exists, the finite created beings and living creatures, their tools of awareness and self-will, and their spheres of life.  To be knowable and known by the living, divinity is being revealed and presented in the holy writings through thousands of events within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  The Bible, therefore, provides a divine point of view.  The architecture of the cross has been woven into the fabric of the universe, and displays the same regularity and divine order established by Deity as the cosmos.

The operations of sin oppose the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and all that is maintained through sacred law.  Sin has not been created by GOD, is no material or physical thing, is no living, thinking creature, and in no way imparts, reproduces, or supports life essence (we say, breath, spirit, word).  Sin may be a residue of chaos and formlessness that preceded the beginning of Creation.  Because sin has direction, effect, and “presence”, sin may be managed, however, sin can not be destroyed, eliminated and erased as an ordinary, common object.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living. 

The blood from the cross pertains to the continuing work of Jesus Christ as High Priest within the Temple of heaven.  We speak of Christ as the Lamb of GOD whose blood is acceptable to alter the records of life that must be used in all  judgment.  Presently, the judgment of believers is ongoing, and the followers of the Lord are being made ripe to be removed from the earth as his harvest at the Advent (some say, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  In addition to cleansing the Sanctuary from the sins confessed and examined at the Mercy Seat, there are other important aspects of eternal life that are being carried forward under the authority of Christ, who is Son of GOD.  The building of the Holy City (New Jerusalem) is to be completed; allotment of homes and duty assignments for the saved are to be prepared; tribunals are to be carried out in judgment of the wicked; and the second death must be concluded.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  Trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.   I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(02/17/2016) Belief In Another World?

Today, discussion centers upon believing GOD is spirit, the place of GOD, and the existence of heaven with other spheres for life containing divinity.  Belief in a “spirit world” is part of what sets Christianity apart as a system that describes reality.  Where it is true that the conditions, makeup, and processes for created beings and living creatures are very different than that for Deity—and may be discovered only through such sacred operations as baptism (death of ones inborn spirit, rebirth from divine DNA, so to speak), forgiveness, Incarnation, judgment, prophecy, and sanctification—a broad set of possibilities and truths presently unknown to mankind also continues to exist.  On the basis of multiple human reports describing encounters, events, and experiences that are agreed to have displayed spirit content and value, many are confident that other areas beside the surface of the earth, and its underground and water systems, actually are available to mankind for life experience.  For Christian believers, it is not “far-fetched” or impossible that the Creator and Maker of earth also has appeared to mankind using finite carnal, material, and social tools.  Included are birth, covenant, death, diversity, inheritance, law, promise, nations, prophets, resurrection, and spokespersons.  Consider the following Scriptures, and the presentation below:

1st John 4:  12-14, King James Version (KJV):  12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.  13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.  14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

1st John 4:  15-17, KJV:  15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:  because as he is, so are we in this world.

1st John 3:  23-24, KJV:  23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “dancer” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since December 25, 2012) posted the following:


Why some people think that there is another world ?religious people?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  (Ephesians 2:  13-22, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Scale of Salvation? (12/13/2015); Sun Worship? (07/27/2015); To Express the Fullness of GOD? (07/09/2015); Relationship With Our Creator? (03/16/2015); A Creator No Longer Needed? (02/19/2015); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013)


“dancer”, Christian doctrine and teaching do not directly promote the idea of life on Mars and other planets, multiple worlds, co-existing streams of time, reincarnation, or parallel universes that may be experienced by humans.  Many imagine, speculate, and pursue creative thinking about other forms of life, what their environment might be, and what could occur through our exchanges and interactions (e.g., Predators, Star Wars, Terminators, Transformers).  Others, think of the Grave (hell) and the “place of torment” as separate worlds, where people are cursing GOD, fighting among themselves, living in pain, or even longing to be alive again.  In general, their ideas are taken from ordinary carnal, material, and social experiences.

For Christians, the holy writings describe the origin for the earth, mankind, and the diverse living things (animals, bacteria, birds, insects, etc.) in a way that resonates with human experience, and is consistent with the workings of finite tools for development and discovery such as intellect, logic, philosophy, and science.  Followers of Jesus Christ all acquire sacred knowledge that provides information and insight regarding divinity, the Creator and Maker of the earth, and all that men may know to exist.  We accept that GOD is a spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, word), and the things regarding GOD may only be known using operations and processes provided from GOD.

Christians trust that the Bible can be accepted as a record of divine operations upon the earth over the course of thousands of years, through thousands of events, in the lives of thousands of people.  Detailed study has been made of its formal agreements, counsels, covenants, and standards.  Those who refuse to read the Bible, and are ignorant of what is supplied there, also lack their own knowledge of the Gospel, and continue to be vulnerable to the errors of others along with disbelief, the power of fantasy, foolishness, occultism, and superstition. 

Divinity must be spoken of with an awareness that is organized to respond to spirit substance.  The place of Deity (we say, heaven) is not a separate world having no connection to human reality so much as a different aspect, and dimension within a single universe that also contains mankind.  Believers sometimes speak of divisions, dominions, kingdoms, principalities, or realms to describe differences among operations of authority, commitment, and spirit content as well as how divine power appears, is revealed, and is made visible.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, given the exalted holiness and purity ascribed to GOD, the place of divine presence is correctly conceived as “perfect”.  In the language of the Bible: 

Psalms 46:  4-5  King James Version (KJV):  4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.  5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:  God shall help her, and that right early. 

Isaiah 57:  15, KJV:  15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 

Isaiah 66:  1-2, KJV:  1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool:  where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?  2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD:  but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. 

1st Peter 2:  5, KJV:  5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:  2-4, KJV:  2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:  for the former things are passed away.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/30/2013) Afraid of Eternal Life?

Reply is made to a writer who expresses fear that eternal life will be static, lacking change and having no excitement.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Alice” (Level 1 with 155 points, a member since September 15, 2012) posted the following:


Am I the only Christian who is afraid of eternal life?


Hi everyone:)
I am a born again Christian and strive to spread the word of God with others so that they too can feel the happiness that I feel. I know I am saved and I love my savior Jesus Christ more than anything. I am proud to call myself a child of God and a Christian. But...I'm terrified of eternal life? Just the thought of living forever and forever and forever scares me. Maybe eternity will only seem like a day, I don't know! I can't wait to meet my Heavenly Father in Heaven, but, please tell me I'm not a bad Christian for being scared. I really hope I am not the only one.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron:  I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.  Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.  The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee:  but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.  Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself:  for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.  Thy people also shall be all righteous:  they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.  A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation:  I the LORD will hasten it in his time.  (Isaiah 60:  17-22, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013); Commandments in the Light of Christ? (10/12/2013); Can One Escape? (09/18/2013); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); When Does Judgment Begin? (06/27/2013); The Fear of GOD (10/30/2012); Saved in Childbearing? (10/31/2012); Love in Christ? (10/23/2012); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012); Does Believing Make It Happen? (09/18/2012)


Alice, here are a few points about fear and about life that may be shared among Christian believers:

(1.)  Fears that arise by focusing on the bad things that are possible and that may occur without warning are always overcome by (a) acknowledging the certain truth that divine promises will be fulfilled, (b) that divine intent and sacred purpose is to bestow good upon created beings and living creatures, and (c )that our “happiness” no longer depends only upon what we do for ourselves as if GOD has no care for us, and will not answer all our need.

(2.)  The human idea of what “life” is must be replaced by divine concepts of being, existence, and interrelationship.  As believers in Jesus Christ, we are born again from divine DNA, so to speak.  We are now in a godly process of growth wherein we gradually acquire a permanent awareness of spirit being and sacred substance in the place of things that are carnal, material, and secular.

(3.)  The special blessing of GOD through Jesus Christ is not simply longevity.  The purpose of eternal life is eternal relationship, and unlimited interaction with he who is sovereign above all that is in the universe.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Once judgment of the wicked is completed, mortality will be ended.  All mankind will be made immortal and incorruptible.  Alienation, decay, enmity, hostility, loneliness, and all forms of violence will be banished.  There can be no boredom, pain without healing, unwanted isolation, or lack of understanding to make believers feel that they are prisoners, victims, or unwelcome guests.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Even so, be it unto you according to your faith.  The time of our Savior’s coming is nearer than before.  Grow in grace rejoicing!


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/11/2013) Embodied Afterlife?

Resurrection of the body, and life following judgment are in view, today, along with more on mankind as gods and being made in the image of the Creator.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Edward Plunge” (Level 1 with 84 points, a member since July 5, 2011) posted the following originally asked on “Yahoo Answers United Kingdom”:


How to make sense of the Christian believe in an embodied afterlife?
 
Christians, as I understand it, believe that (some) humans gain eternal life with a new, "glorified" body. I find this very hard to imagine. If we will have bodies then it means we will do things in this afterlife. If we will have legs then we'll walk places, climb mountains, swim in lakes, etc. If we have mouths then we'll converse, eat, etc. We'll never die too, I presume; in which case what will happen to us if we fall off one of said mountains? Will we not break our (glorified) bones and suffer?
And this state of affairs will last for all of the rest of eternity. Can any Christian clarify this idea for me, make it more imaginable? The idea of my life now extended for all of eternity does not, on the face of it, sound very attractive. And I have a perfectly fine life, but surely, after a while, life just becomes a bore and death is a welcome release? Even if we are healthy all our lives. It makes far more sense to me to believe in some sort of unembodied, spiritual afterlife, it's the embodied aspect of the Christian vision that troubles me.


THE BATTLE AXE:  The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013)—Except as he appears using the incarnate person of Jesus Christ, GOD, who is pure divine spirit, does not bear the likeness (the Scriptures say, similitude) of any material thing that exists.  This includes angels, animals, clouds, fog, mankind, mist, sacred beasts, smoke and steam.  All sentient beings know the presence of GOD through divine operations and sacred events in the same way humans know the presence of the wind by recognizing its effects (e.g., a puff of air against our face, branches of a tree stirred by an unseen force, clouds moving as though pushed, the lifting of a kite).  No celestial appearance of GOD and divine Spirit ever has been revealed or shown to created beings and living creatures through direct sense experiences of hearing, seeing, tasting, touching, etc.  The living may apprehend, contain as vessels, and display the divine nature.  GOD and divine presence are emanated to be received as affirmations and awareness using divine substance such as faith, holiness, joy, love, sacred law, and truth.  Lacking discernment (ability to recognize spirit content; skill at using spiritual things to recognize other spiritual things), many confuse divine spirit with elements generated by the flesh such as dreams, fantasy, fear, imagination, animal instinct, and intuition.  Godliness (we say, godlikeness) must be experienced as pure being, and understood through the process of ones active spirit content.  (See Deuteronomy 4:  5-13, Romans 1:  16-23, 1st John 4:  7-15 and 3rd John 1:  11, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.  Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?  But our God is in the heavens:  he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.  Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.  They have mouths, but they speak not:  eyes have they, but they see not:  They have ears, but they hear not:  noses have they, but they smell not:  They have hands, but they handle not:  feet have they, but they walk not:  neither speak they through their throat.  They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.  O Israel, trust thou in the LORD:  he is their help and their shield.  O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD:  he is their help and their shield.  Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD:  he is their help and their shield.  The LORD hath been mindful of us:  he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.  He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.  The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.  Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.  The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s:  but the earth hath he given to the children of men.  The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.  But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.  Praise the LORD.  (Psalms 115:  1-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Return in Glory? (07/04/2013); Desire for Love? (07/05/2013); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); An Earth to Fix A Heaven? (05/18/2013); What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); Mob Rule and Violence (09/27/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012)


Edward, to make sense of Christian belief, become a Christian!  Foremost among the many keys to understanding the revealed things of GOD for Christian believers is that a person puts aside usual frameworks of carnal being that dominate awareness.  Included are ones appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual craving), sense (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), operations of mind (e.g., desires, emotions, memories, self-interest) as well as the frameworks of time and space.  We say, believers must be born again from divine DNA, so to speak.  They then must endure the “growing pains” and meet the challenges of new life in Christ.  One must realize their potential to acquire the divine nature and internalize as their own divine processes and sacred purposes in place of the finite human nature.  This is done through exchange and fellowship with other believers, giving, prayer, study of the holy writings, unselfish service, and worship.

GOD is a spirit who exists as pure divinity, and is immortal.  What we might call the content of GOD is such inseparable, invisible substance as faith, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Believers receive divine content from the very person of GOD that prepares them to be perfected and  transformed at the coming of Christ.  As you know, there is a vast array of created beings and living creatures that we understand are mortal (e.g., animals, insects, plants); and there are otherwise invisible and unseen lives that continue within the spheres of sacred presence (we say, heaven).  Included there are angels, blessed elders and sacred beasts who nonetheless are not incorruptible (sin was first revealed among the angels before being spread to the earth), are not mortal, yet are not immortal.

There is much for us to learn from Scripture and the imparted, indwelling Spirit of Truth available through the ministry of Jesus Christ.  (For example, the place for mankind’s eternal existence will be the earth made new.  The tree of life will continue before GOD as a device to provide healing (should there be any broken arm).  We are to learn to delight in GOD, now, so that then a very different endless pleasure may be ours.  Despite the destruction and removal of all sinners, judgment and wrath against sin will continue as aspects of divine person.  In place of lust and passion, believers receive boldness, creativity, industry and zeal.  There is never a dull moment in Christ.)  I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.  Jesus is coming.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(01/06/2013) The Place for Eternal Life?

      The earth made new as the place for eternal life is considered along with more on reading the Old and New testaments. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “BRANDON S” (Level 3 with 1,363 points, a member since December 15, 2007) posted the following:



We hear of Heaven as being the place for eternal life, so?

what does it mean in Psalms 37:11 "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:22 "For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off." and Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." When is this inheritance of earth going to happen? And if the meek are inheriting the earth, who is going to heaven? Is Heaven going to be on earth in a restored Garden of Eden?



THE BATTLE AXE: Two Different Testaments? (01/05/2013)—Rightly understood, the Bible presents a single covenant proclaiming two testaments from GOD. The first and second pledge for a “promised land” were as testament to establish geopolitical nations that would be in intimate relationship with GOD through divine law and promise. The testament established through the blood of Jesus Christ is to set up an eternal, spiritual kingdom in the earth made visible now as the church (see Jeremiah 3: 14-16 and Ephesians 2: 1-22, King James Version).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21: 1-4, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Meek Will Inherit (10/16/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Aliens? (09/24/2012); A New Earth (02/14/2012); Issues of Judgment (02/15/2012); Binder 18: Eternal Life (10/15/2011); Having Life? (03/13/2011); End of Strife (03/14/2011); Prophecy Fails? (03/15/2011); Meek Abram (10/17/2010)



      The Scriptures indicate that the place for mankind throughout eternity is the earth, not heaven (Isaiah 45: 18, KJV). Mankind has polluted the earth, and the earth must be purged and made new for a people that will be immortal and incorruptible (see Isaiah 24: 1-6, 65: 17-25, and 66: 22-23, KJV.   Also, consider again Proverbs 10: 30 and 2nd Peter 3: 7-14, KJV).

      That the dwelling place of GOD, and the Temple of High worship will not exist in the earth is a “great surprise” written in the Scriptures as prophecy. The New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ, the City of GOD, will have no Temple (Revelation 21: 22-23, KJV), and neither the moon or sun will give light, there. When Jesus comes to receive the harvest of believers from the earth defiled by sin, he will not touch the ground. Believers are caught up to meet him in the air, and will ever be with Christ, first in heaven, then upon the earth made new (1st Thessalonians 4: 16-18, KJV). This is called “the first resurrection.”

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, “meek” means responsive to the Holy Spirit, and teachable by GOD. Those who will live in the new earth must first be prepared. Their preparation will include participation, service in, and witness of the judgment for those taken from the earth in the second resurrection.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC