(04/15/2016) A Guarantee of Judgment?

Today, points are shared on the certainty final judgment will occur, divine revelation, and the cross.  Throughout the holy writings, judgment is symbolized using fire and burning.  Impartiality, mercy, and righteousness were proclaimed upon the cross; however, final judgment and burning will still appear, for many despise mercy; and the proper response to the cross is not to be inaction, iniquity, and refusal to change.  That the Son of GOD was not exempt from scourging, suffering, and death upon the cross are further indications that all living absolutely must pass through divine judgment.  The ministry of Christ to those in the earth has not been intended to cancel, circumvent, delay, or eliminate final judgment.  Bestowing forgiveness and mercy in judgment have been justified, not a wholesale granting of acquittal.  Jesus is serving in ongoing sacred tasks as King, High Priest, and Judge.  The gospel and sacred operations the Savior provides have been for atonement, propitiation, reconciliation, and rebirth that allow Creation to go through judgment having a new standing as blessed (we say, granted divine gifts), embraced, and forgiven.  Consider again how this is stated using language from the Bible, and see the presentation below:

Hebrews 4:  14-16, King James Version (KJV):  14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 7:  24-26, KJV:  24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Galatians 4:  4-7, KJV:  4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Hebrews 5:  8-10, KJV:  8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 12:  4-8, KJV:  4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Joseph” (Level 2 with 368 points, a member since January 25, 2016) posted the following:

 

Will Judgment Day really happen?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,  And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:  (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:  And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.  See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:  Whose voice then shook the earth:  but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.  And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:  For our God is a consuming fire.  (Hebrews 12:  18-29, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sign of Divine Love? (04/14/2016); Priesthood and The Cross (03/20/2016); Atonement and The Cross?  (02/29/2016); Jesus Under Judgment? (12/16/2015); We Are Still Sinning? (11/30/2013); Like a Thief? (12/01/2013); Only While We Live? (12/02/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013)

 

“Joseph”, that divinity would appear in flesh as Jesus of Nazareth, come under divine judgment while upon the earth, and die upon a cross is taken by most mature Christian believers to be a further revelation of GOD the Father as a “god of judgment” (i.e., a deity who examines and assigns value to every created being, living creature, and object he has put forth to have existence).   When GOD appeared to Moses through the “burning bush,” displayed his glory, and proclaimed his sovereignty as Lord over Judgment, it was to prepare and strengthen a single chosen agent.  When GOD appeared upon the cross in the person of Jesus, it was to prepare and reinforce all who would be covered against divine wrath as followers of the Son of GOD.  Multiple layers of sacred operation are in place that pertain to judgment.  Included are atonement, confession, correction, damnation, death, forgiveness, punishment, rebirth, repentance, salvation and sanctification.  While compassion relates to divine love, mercy is obtained only during judgment, and grace pertains to all divine prerogative and eternal purpose.  While some seek to accuse, contend against, defy and oppose GOD, the Father is exalted, and does not come under any righteous judgment.  This is made clear to believers by teachings that come from the Scriptures such as the following:

(1.)  Exodus 34:  5-8, King James Version (KJV):  5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.  8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

(2.)  Romans 6:  3-6, KJV:  3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

(3.)  Acts 17:  30-31, KJV:  30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(4.)  1st Corinthians 15:  21-26, KJV:  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.  24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Hebrews 9:  24-28, KJV:  24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:  25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;  26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:  but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX 
Washington, DC

(10/21/2015) The Process of Forgiveness?

The meaning of “forgiveness” as a sacred process in the life of Christian believers is the focus, today.  The effect of forgiveness is like that of a guarantee or pledge; thus, the nature of forgiveness is promissory.  Forgiveness expresses a commitment to continue in relationship, to endure all the difficulties that attend the process of crucial and gradual change, and to employ censure and criticism only for building and restoration.  Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below:  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, King James Version (KJV):  2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.  3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us unto glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:   that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  Also, Colossians 3:  12-15, KJV:  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Pheby” (Level 6 with 22,621 points, a member since July 10, 2012) posted the following:


What is the point of the process of forgiveness instead just simply forget it and move on?

Does not it save time and effort as well as avoiding embarrassment? Is not it much efficient and logical?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.  There was a certain creditor which had two debtors:  the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?  Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.  And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  Thou gavest me no kiss:  but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.  My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much:  but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.  And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?  And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.  (Luke 7:  40-50, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  To Err is Human? (07/24/2015); Death, Forgiveness, Sin and Spirit? (05/28/2015);  The Power of Forgiveness? (10/01/2014); No Divine Protection? (10/02/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15/2014); Cleansing the Temple, and the Body (03/16/2014)


“Pheby”, among Christian believers forgiveness operates as an aspect of divine incarnation (GOD appearing within flesh and blood) and revelation as well as a sacred mechanism in judgment, reconciliation, and the transformation of mankind to live with divinity as an eternal companion.  So to speak, divine forgiveness is intended to produce acknowledgment, reverence, and right worship.  Because GOD is a spirit, a place where divinity also may abide and be regularly found includes the awareness and self-will of created beings and living creatures.  The aspects of living relationship (e.g.,  compassion, confession, gratitude, humility, respect, sacrifice, unselfishness) are expressions of eternal purpose and divine will that make the active presence of divinity known and visible as closure, expectation (we say, hope), miracles (we say, sacred events), opportunity, possibility, praise, prayer, promise, prophecy, resolution, and trust.  Consider, again, a few points from the holy writings:

(1.)  Psalms 130:  3-7, King James Version (KJV):  3 If thou LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O LORD, who shall stand?  4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.  5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.  6 My soul waiteth for the LORD more than they that watch for the morning:  I say, more than they that watch for the morning.  7 Let Israel hope in the LORD:  for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

(2.)  Mark 11:  24-26, KJV:  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  25 And when ye stand praying, if ye have ought against any:  that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

(3.)  Luke 17:  3-4, KJV:  3 Take heed to yourselves:  If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.  4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Ephesians 4: 29-32, KJV:  29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of you mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it many minister grace unto the hearers.  30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/23/2014) The Bible is Unchanging?

The Scriptures and the unchanging process of GOD are topics, today.  Also, there is more on Christian belief having a guarantee of heaven for Jews.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “riley” (Level 1 with 189 points, a member since March 19, 2014) posted the following:


Do Christians really believe the bible hasn't been changed? 

There are 25,000 different versions of the bible world wide, none that agree with each other. There are 212 in English alone. But Christians say the bible has never been changed. Sigh. Another reason Christianity is false.


THE BATTLE AXE:  A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014)—(4.)  In the same way there are many, today, who say they are “non-practicing Catholics” (i.e., nominal believers; Catholics in name only), there have always been those who are “cultural Jews,” “non-religious Jews,” and “secular Jews” who deny being in covenant with GOD, and insist there is no divine inheritance.  Such believers despise the grace of GOD, and so cancel all possibility that they too may receive communion, divine gifts, and the experience of fellowship in heaven.  Mankind first identified promises from GOD while listening as the Creator rebuked the serpent in the Garden of Eden.  Divine intent and purpose were revealed that further established destiny and prophecy for those upon the earth.  For both Christians and Jews, the word of GOD is absolutely true, and unchanging.  Yet, what they embrace as guarantees for heaven are not totally dependent upon the process of GOD, because spirit and flesh must be in agreement and congruence.   Consider again 1st Samuel 2:  30, Psalms 34:  17-19, Psalms 51:  6-17, Isaiah 45:  16-18, Isaiah 57:  12-21, John 6:  51-66, Romans 2:  28-29, Romans 10:  1-4, 2nd Timothy 3:  1-5 and Hebrews 10:  16-29, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  (Matthew 22:  29, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Immutable GODhead (03/10/2014); The Right Place to Get Knowledge (02/17/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); Snake Handling? (02/19/2014); Why Bother to Read? (10/31/2013); GOD Speaking Through Songs? (11/01/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Pornography from the Bible? (11/26/2012)


“Riley”, I am sure an expert on the Bible like yourself will agree that those who want to denounce Christianity as false usually have not considered the following points:

(1.)  An unchanging process of GOD that was used to establish Creation is continued and repeated in other divine operations such as covenant, judgment, revelation, salvation, and sanctification.  Existence is established for created beings and living creatures through divine acts and sacred events that would remain otherwise unknown except through further provisions by divinity.

(2.)  No one lacking faith (even yourself) will ever comprehend how the Bible exists as a divine tool that conveys and imparts the same spirit matter that continues to be in Jesus Christ.  Believers make the connect because they receive various inseparable aspects of divinity (where one appears, all appear).  Included are discernment, faith, focus, holiness, forgiveness, longsuffering, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  For those so anointed and endowed, the holy writings are intimate and organic (we say, privileged and alive); and are not merely a mess of paper pages. 

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  GOD is an eternal and unchanging spirit who has put forth created beings and living creatures along with the aspects of their continuity, their reproduction, their sphere of existence, and the mechanisms for their termination.  Unlike the angels, who are neither mortal nor immortal, mankind is designed to acquire knowledge of truth through experiences of change and diversity (we say, spiritual growth).  Of course, multiple customs, languages, and traditions surround the Bible; and mature Christian believers ignore all that.  Salvation comes only by the Spirit of Truth that must be discovered within ones own core.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (Ephesians 6:  10-12, KJV)



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/22/2014) A Guarantee of Heaven?

Whether covenant people have been guaranteed a place in heaven is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on judgment, punishment and divine retribution.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Ksh” (Level 5 with 7,777 points, a member since February 25, 2012) posted the following:


Are Jews guaranteed Heaven according to Christianity..?

you know, gods chosen people ans all..


THE  BATTLE AXE:  Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014)—Further goals of judgment are purification and reconciliation.  However, retribution and retaliation are often the aim when delivering punishment (we say, “an eye for and eye,” and “payback”).  Inflicting harm upon others as judgment is addressed within the Bible through the laws provided to establish and maintain order among those who left Egypt along with Moses.  Also, the principle of blessing and cursing introduced at that time continues to be an important aspect of divine operations among mankind.  Divine blessing and cursing are “on condition,” and what a person finally receives will be in accordance with their own actions, attitudes, choices and decisions.  Neither death nor punishment can finish, or satisfy all the demands for full justice.  Therefore, throughout the Scriptures both death and punishment appear repeatedly in order to indicate that there will be eternal judgment.  Sacred events that may appear to be punishment for sins may be, instead, admonition and warning, divine proclamation, fulfillment of promise or prophecy, operations that pertain to repentance as well as the mechanical outworking of processes within the flesh (e.g., circulation, hearing, fornication, respiration, seeing, thought), for material matter (aging, contraction, expansion, rot), and for aspects of the natural world (e.g., erosion, gravity, ice, fire, moonlight, rain, sunlight, wind, water).  See Deuteronomy 30:  15-20, Exodus 21:  22-25, Job 19:  29, Proverbs 13:  21-22, Matthew 23:  13-39 and 1st Corinthians 2:  12-14, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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?  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.  He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.  I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear:  but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.  Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified:  but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.  (Isaiah 66:  1-5, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); The Earth Made New (11/13/2013); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); The Place of GOD? (06/01/2013); Putting GOD First? (06/02/2013); The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013); Why Jesus Must Be A Jew (03/18/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); The Need to Purify Heaven (01/17/2013); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013)


“Ksh”, many of those who continue to receive blessings from GOD, because they also continue to bless Israel, would be likely to agree with you where your belief and practice acknowledges the following points:

(1.)  Fulfillment for the desire to see heaven among those who continue in covenant with GOD along with the expectations (we say, hope) and possibilities of GOD for created beings and living creatures all may be described as (a) certain, (b) conditional, (c) in an active and unfinished divine process, and (d) organic, for they are established through life and eternal divine utterance (such as commandment, proclamation, promise, and prophecy).

(2.)  All who journeyed from Egypt displayed some desire and determination to reach the Promised Land.  However, only two from the armies of Israel (that numbered more than ½ million) actually did possess their allotted portion (Caleb and Joshua).  Even Moses was excluded to demonstrate certain features and principles of a continuous covenant relationship.  Foremost among them, believers must operate directed by the spirit matter deposited within them from divinity, rather than rely upon their inborn human nature.  Included are such inseparable aspects from the makeup of GOD as faith, forbearance, humility, longsuffering, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  To be “chosen” is to serve as an instrument in a divine priesthood that makes visible various sacred processes.  So to speak, the chosen must demonstrate and display deliverance, forgiveness, repentance, salvation, and triumph over sin as well as captivity, condemnation, defiance, and disfavor—we say, the “good, the bad, and the ugly.”  Thus, entirely upon the basis of what they understand as having come forth from GOD, Jews and those serving through the ministry of Jesus Christ welcome an inheritance that includes the experience of “going to heaven” by living upon the earth in agreement with eternal purposes such as atonement, creation, death, rebirth, revelation, judgment, and sanctification.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.  For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:  7-8, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC