(09/07/2018) Doctrine, Dropsy, and Sin

A Donkey In a Ditch photo shared by Lutheran Church of the Resurrection

Today, reply is on a healing by Jesus Christ; what makes divine law lawful; the revelation of divinity to mankind; and the permanent changes being made by GOD as rebirth within the consciousness and self-will of those living on the earth.  Many have insisted that the highest need of mankind is for the law of GOD to exist in the earth, for the living are approved through their obedience to law, and more than any other institution or person, the law embodies and makes present divine authority, justice and wisdom.  Rightly understood, however, the operation and process of divine law appear through displaying sacred spirit such as faith, humility and self-abasement, rather than personal achievement, ambition and self-promotion.  Many rely on their own self-discipline and willpower to impress and influence Deity, however, only those who trust and obey truly are lifted up and restored to GOD.  A fighter using the ID “Christian sinner” (Level 7 with 211,509 points, a member since November 28, 2006) posted the following in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality forum:

What was the point to Luke 14:1-6?

Luke 14

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2 There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. 3 Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” 4 But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way.

5 Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child[a] or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” 6 And they had nothing to say.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15: 7-14, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Sabbath Now and Then? (08/15/2018); Deposits of Sacred Substance (06/27/2018); Christ Rejected By Pharisees? (06/17/2018); Sabbath Acknowledges Divine Personhood (05/14/2018); We Establish Covenant Relationship (05/01/2018); The Law and The Prophets (03/07/2018); Sacred Law and Practice (02/12/2018)

“Christian sinner”, just as merely discovering a minor contradiction or technicality in sacred law is not enough to overthrow the dominion of divinity, merely obeying divine law is not enough to justify or redeem a sinner.  Here are some points we often fail to consider:

As Jesus began his ministry on the earth, the Savior was challenged and tested by Satan in the Wilderness, in the Synagogue, and even in the home of prominent community figures.  Numbered by some as his 3rd miracle, Jesus healed a man having dropsy--the doctrines of the Pharisees who insisted on the “law and the prophets” without the Spirit of Prophecy (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth).  Dropsy is a disease that appears through swelling of body parts, and is caused by toxins that may result in death.  Dropsy is a literary/narrative type representing sin and doctrine that is vain (i.e., lacking spirit substance from the makeup of GOD).  Thus, dropsy is like leaven (we say, yeast) that causes dough for bread to become puffed up.  A man is not to be commended for merely conforming to and following the law of GOD; such conduct is carnal, mechanical, and after the flesh, rather than an expression of ones divine content, and a genuine display of GOD's apprehension of mankind and all Creation.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Luke 17:  7-10, King James Version (KJV):  7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?  8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?  9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.  10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.

2.  Romans 3:  19-26, KJV:  19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law:  that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before GOD.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:  for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:  23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  24 Being justified freely by his grace through redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  25 Whom God hat set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:  that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

3.  Galatians 2:  16-21, KJV:  16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law:  for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.  18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.  19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.  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.  21 I do not frustrate the grace of God:  for if righteousness come by the law, the Christ is dead in vain.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.) Roman 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

(03/20/2015) Gall Refused on the Cross?

Today, some points are shared on the choice by Jesus to reject a pain-killer (we say, drug) while suffering upon the cross.  Believers will understand how this is another example of the temptation of Christ by Satan.  In refusing the gall mixed with wine that was offered to him, the Lord was also refusing defilement through appetite that would make his blood unfit and unclean for sacrifice and atonement.  The gall of Rome compared to the leaven of the Pharisees, and represented both lust and worldliness.  Christ was to be made the figure of all sin by a surrender to the Father, not by self-promotion and operations of his own will.  Thus, believers are made to be the same righteousness of GOD that appeared within Jesus, not by their own will, by their surrender to Christ.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Nigel” (Level 1 with 200 points, a member since May 10, 2012) posted the following thrust:


Christians- when Christ was on the cross, why did he refuse the drink the romans offered him (I think it was called gall)?

Was it not enough that he was dying already? Why would he refuse something that would diminish his suffering just a little? Could he of been trying to be macho in front of an audience? What does his refusal say about the Christian God?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  (2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); Resurrection Sunday (04/19/2014); Jesus Scourged (04/05/2014); Brothers, Not Equals (04/06/2014); Everything a Lie? (10/05/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); Henceforth, Of This Fruit (11/21/2012); Unexceptional Beginnings (11/22/2012)


“Nigel”, here are a few points that are now being shared among Christian believers as we are approaching the remembrance of Resurrection Sunday:

(1.)   “Gall” is thought to have been a poisonous herbal substance from the poppy plant; and has also been described as hemlock, myrrh, and opium.

(2.)  Death was first introduced to mankind in Adam as sleep, at the removing of his rib to fashion the female.  Adam endured no agony by her separation, and rejoiced when she was presented as “bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh.”  It was necessary that Jesus endure the full agony of death on behalf of all mankind to seal and secure the possibilities for rebirth, repentance, resurrection, and sanctification.

(3.)  Correctly understood as a sacred operation, death breaks communion and exchange between Deity (i.e., the dead praise not GOD) and the material beings and living creatures put forth from divinity.  Death and the completion of mortality are more than the mechanical process visible to us determined by characteristics of the flesh such as aging, decay, and growth.  In physical death, all awareness is removed along with the essential gift of self-will.

There is far more to be plainly said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  When a person dies they can no longer commit (we say, is released from) sin.   However, challenges, consequences, and obstacles from their living actions and attitudes may continue indefinitely.  The death of Jesus upon the cross did not end sin.  Yet, multiple mechanisms were put into place for divine atonement that releases men from sin and death, including forgiveness, rebirth, and endowing sinners who come to Christ with fresh sacred content (we say, the imparted Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith and meekness (i.e., willingness to be taught through the Holy Spirit).

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/02/2014) Lawful Revenge?

Justice through law is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on all believers being chosen to serve as prophets.  A “Yahoo! Answers India” writer using the ID “Gody” (Level 1 with 183 points, a member since 25 September 2013) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United States:


Revenge: Vengeance has been rapid since Cain killed Abel: Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.?

Will God fogegive all those that have done it?


THE BATTLE AXE:  Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2013)—(4.)  Because all Christian believers are endowed with special knowledge of divine operations, sacred promises, and eternal purposes there is also a great risk of conflict, disagreement, pride and spiritual confusion within a congregation of believers (some say, the leaven of the Pharisees).  False prophets, heretics and liars may present themselves; however, they are easily detected as showing a different nature and having goals and objectives that do not edify, or nourish the full body.  In addition, then, to balance, humility, longsuffering, patience, and stability, believers acquire a love for decorum and order as well as discernment, flexibility, self-discipline, and restraint.  Specific commandments are recorded to ensure that sacred practice may continue as fragrant and fruitful.  For those in the church, today, proper application, comprehension and skill employing sacred gifts must be developed through gradual and repeated operations of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, none should immediately assume that their gifts are mature and perfected, or account themselves “holier” than others.  To contain a gift only indicates that one is fit to be used by GOD, not that they independently possess authority, power and sovereign majesty.  (See Luke 12:  1-3, James 1:  16-18, 1st Corinthians 12:  27-29, 1st Corinthians 14:  29-33 and 37-40, 1st Timothy 3:  14-16 and 1st John 4:  5-7, KJV.)


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.  Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:  But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.  (Ecclesiastes 8:  11-13, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)


“Gody”, many Christian believers now hold a peculiar idea of what is meant by “revenge” and “vengeance”.  Here are a few points that might help make it clearer for your readers:

(1.)  Carried out through the mechanism of the law, revenge and vengeance are called “justice”.  The many sacred provisions for godly justice include warning and admonition; atonement; correction and demonstration (i.e., instruction as to what one should do to avoid repeating errors they have already committed); death; forbearance; forgiveness; judgment (we say, truth-finding); healing; mercy; penance; perdition; punishment; and rebirth in baptism.

(2.)  Divine judgment is best understood as a further aspect of revelation, and the various sacred operations used to make the action and presence of divinity known to created beings and living creatures.  As such, judgment is always, only a blessing, for judgment resolves all conflicts, settles every dispute, and restores peace through law.  Even more than Creation or Salvation, judgment provides the clearest view of divine righteousness, and dispels spiritual confusion.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and understood as true spirit content from GOD.  (For example, (3.)  Peace is never the outcome of war; peace only comes by genuine judgment.  Just as war cannot destroy all life; imbalance, imperfection, injustice, and sin are not sufficient to destroy divine existence.  These elements clearly generate arbitrary and undirected change of divine order (we say, disaster, evil, upheaval).  Because many think to establish justice as a personal expression apart from law, these same elements support presumption (taking authority to oneself without permission), rebellion, and violence.  Elimination of sin cannot be accomplished relying only upon finite intellect, logic, reason, and science among mortal men, nor among angels—those neither mortal nor immortal.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Grow in grace.


GOD has said:  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  (2nd Chronicles 7:  14, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC