(09/15/2020) As Your Father Forgave

A depiction of the Prodigal son acknowledging the forgiveness of his father.

Today, reply is on forgiveness that demonstrates sovereign authority, grace, power, and restraint. As with judgment, redemption and salvation, forgiveness pertains more to revealing that divinity is justified, rather than mankind. Because forgiveness is a divine act and process to convey love, sinners do not have to beg for forgiveness so much as they are to acknowledge a sacred gift shared because of divine righteousness and unselfishness. Even so, it is correct to perform importuning and to repeat petitions and requests during private prayer that center on forgiveness and the mercy that may be shown to those found guilty in judgment. It is written: Matthew 12: 30-32, King James Version (KJV): 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. The fighter who uses the ID “watchmaybewatch” (Level 1 with 55 points) in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion & Spirituality posted the following:

Christians, when God says forgive as your Father forgave you, doesn't that mean to forgive only if that person asks you for forgiveness?

I have recently gone back to church, but there has much hurt from Christian "friends" in the past. Some do not feel like they did wrong, but they did. I am being told I HAVE to forgive them no matter what. What is your take on this? (Non-believers, do not respond. I already know your answer)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. (Psalms 51: 1-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); The Justification Of Divinity (04/06/2020); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019); Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); How Are We Justified? (03/05/2018); Called, Justified, and Glorified? (01/08/2017); Justified Through Christ? (08/26/2015)

“watchmaybewatch”, mature Christian believers may think and speak of forgiveness as a freely-given gift from GOD provided to express divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Divinity does not practice forgiveness as a result of tribunals for judgment, as an outcome of affection, emotion and feelings, or to carry out punishments, rewards, and sanctions provided within the sacred law. Forgiveness appears as the manifesting of consecrated grace, and is another inseparable aspect of the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Thus, forgiveness pertains to the makeup of GOD along with such elements as balance, commitment, faith, forbearance, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Forgiveness is not “all we need” to be free of sin and to know the fullness of salvation. The believer also must engage atonement, confession, repentance, and sanctification. Gifts from the Holy Spirit are provided to further permit forgiveness to establish the Christian believer as one who shares with divinity through the resurrection life of Jesus Christ, and who is to exist as the new creation of GOD. Christians are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character, likeness, and presence of Jesus Christ on the earth. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and Rescue, a selection from the music ministry of Acappella:

(1.) Isaiah 55: 6-8, King James Version (KJV): 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

(2.) Romans 15: 1-5, KJV: 1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

(3.) Colossians 3: 12-14, 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPSt7tynaBk.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:33, PM September 14, 2020 @ https://prayersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Father-I-have-sinned-against-Heaven-and-against-You-Luke-15-18.png

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/23/2016) The Work of Forgiving

The practice of forgiveness among believers and clergy within the body of Christ are the topic, today.  Sinners must be assisted in connecting to Jesus Christ so they may obtain the forgiveness granted by the Father through the Son.  As agents, priests, kings, and spokespersons for the kingdom of GOD upon the earth, believers all are to comfort and encourage sinners and their fellow believers by making visible the operations of divine forgiveness that those who transgress the law may receive from GOD.  Thus, their forgiving others is neither an act of self-promotion, nor an act to be seen as presumption, rebellion, and usurpation.  Forgiving those who murder does not make murder less repugnant to the law; even so, the law as a sacred instrument to give life is acknowledged, confirmed, and made complete.  In addition to the authority, ownership and sovereign will of Deity, godly forbearance, lovingkindness, longsuffering, mercy, and reconciliation appear.  Similarly, to commit or submit to abortion is no less an offense against sacred law; and by forgiveness divinity is to become increasingly approachable, and divine grace is to become more visible.  A fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “David” (June 25, 2016) posted the following:


Why did Pope extend to priests, the power to forgive abortions?  Does that mean abortion is a less serious sin now?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:   That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  (Romans 8:  1-4, King James Version, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Practice of Forgiveness (07/03/2016); Sacred Operations To Give Life? (06/29/2016); Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016); To Forgive is Divine? (04/06/2016); Babies Given A Second Life? (01/25/2015); About “The Just” (10/29/2014);  Antidotes to the Poisons (10/30/2014)


“David”, for mature Christian believers forgiveness appears as a work of faith that removes various obstacles to spiritual growth and renewal that include fear of abandonment, fear of condemnation, fear of repeated failure, and the fear that divine love will be withdrawn and withheld.  The spiritual work of forgiving sin is immutable and unchanging, for it proceeds from eternal purposes and timeless operations to actualize and fulfill the unalterable will of GOD.  Forgiveness has not been abolished or reduced by the growth in understanding and broadening of practice now being expressed among Catholic believers.  The ministry Jesus Christ began upon the earth centered on revealing divinity through atonement, forgiveness, prophecy, reconciliation, and salvation.  The church he created then to prepare those in covenant to receive him as the promised Messiah now continues and makes visible his active presence as Risen Lord, High Priest, and soon-coming Lord of Glory.  Consider again how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Luke 17:  3-6, King James Version (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.  5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.  6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

(2.)  Hebrews 2:  14-18, KJV:  14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;  15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.  17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.  18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

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

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 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.  20 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.  21 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.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/05/2014) Jesus Scourged

The humiliation (some say, the Passion) of Jesus before his crucifixion, Pontius Pilate, and the crown of thorns are in view, today.  Also, there is more on GOD everywhere.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Steven” (Level 1 with 65 points, a member since October 20, 2010) posted the following:


Why was Jesus scourged before crucifixion? 

Was it roman tradition to torture people before executing them or did they do it specifically because he was Jesus. Also was the crown of thorns also a roman tradition for some kind of wreath crown.


THE BATTLE AXE:  GOD Everywhere? (04/04/2014)—(6.)  Our human dependence upon the frameworks of time and space require peculiar structures to organize the data within our consciousness, and to apply the elements of our shared experience as communication.  Included are congruence, continuum, dimension (e.g., breadth, depth, height, length, weight), distance, inclination, juxtaposition, location, measure, orientation, polarity, and quantity.  Even our simple expressions that place heaven above, and earth below, are elements within a comprehensive system intended for management of material and physical substance.  Awareness of spirit matter and life essence are only generated by divinity.  The finite human mind does not naturally project and maintain an idea of mankind’s existing without boundaries and limitations that are generated and imposed by ones context (we say, ones environment, or sphere of existence), by introspection (i.e., examination of ones own feelings and thoughts), as well as by contact and interaction with objects having various characteristics, or with other life forms and sentient beings (we say, collective, communal, and social exchange).  A clear understanding of eternal duration, divine purpose, and sacred (yet, nonmaterial) substance is required to correctly and fully grasp the things of GOD that are now being revealed to us through the ministry of Jesus as our Redeemer and Risen Lord.  Mankind was created to be a “life companion” with GOD.  To undo the damage that has been caused through sin—and to make possible for mankind the millennial reign within heaven as an extended appearance or visitation with Christ Incarnate—the children of Adam must be transformed to continue as immortal, incorruptible, perfected, and sanctified.  Consider then:  1st Corinthians 15:  52-54, Romans 2:  3-13, 1st Timothy 6:  12-16, 2nd Timothy 1:  7-10, 1st John 4:  1-19 and Revelation 20:  1-10, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.  And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,  And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.  Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!  When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him:  for I find no fault in him.  The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.  When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;  And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.  Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above:  therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.  And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him:  but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend:  whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.  When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.  And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour:  and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!  But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.  Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.  And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:  Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.  And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.  (John 19:  1-19, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Judges Who Condemned Jesus? (01/17/2014); About the Second Coming? (01/18/2014); GOD Angry With Us? (12/08/2013); So We Could Have Life? (12/09/2013); The Firstborn, Higher than Kings? (12/18/2012); The Ascension of Christ? (12/19/2012); How Was GOD Known Before Jesus? (10/06/2012); Jesus, King of Earth? (10/07/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012); What Is Reality (a.k.a. Truth)? (09/29/2012); Divine Self-Sacrifice? (09/30/2012)


“Steven”, here are some points I may share from my studies of the holy writings, and my faith as a Christian believer:

(1.)  The authority of the Roman empire was represented by Pontius Pilate; and Rome ruled the then-known-world.  Those nations not directly under Rome were still required to accept Roman conventions and customs for their prosperity, trade, and survival.  Herod was king at the discretion of Rome to further appease and quiet the region.  However, the true power was invested in Pilate.

(2.)  As governor, and the highest ranking authority of the province, the decisions for capital punishment (the death sentence) could only be made with Pilate’s approval.

(3.)  To Pilate, the charges made by the Sanhedrin on behalf of the Jewish people appeared based on arbitrary and arguable religious beliefs.  More than this, he could see there was bias, lack of material evidence, and malice.  The charges (blasphemy, insurrection, and treason) were, at best, political and unfounded, while at their worst, sparked by envy and murderous.

(4.)  When Pilate could not use the mechanism of annual pardon during a feast event for the release of Jesus, he tried to satisfy the ugly crowds and their leaders by having Jesus mocked and whipped.  He believed a harsh punishment, humiliation, and stern warnings would be enough to discourage any more public appearances for Jesus.  He turned Jesus over to his personal guard, men who were all veteran soldiers that had jeopardized their lives for him, and were all highly favored and trusted.

(5.)  The “bully boys” went to work mocking Jesus for the claim of kingship.  Where a crown of green laurel leaves would be bestowed to a champion in victory, or a conqueror in their triumph at Rome following a parade of heroic display and pomp, Jesus was to be crowned with a wreath of dead thorns.  Like the gambling for his robe, their physical abuse of Jesus was spontaneous, unrestrained, and (from the view of the Guard) no less than they would be given by Pilate.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Pilate was given no formal, reliable and written reports of the ministry Jesus had established over the course of 3½ years.  For many of the Jewish authorities, ignorance, lack of knowledge, and lack of direct experience (we say, eyewitness) suppressed their correctly describing the systematic doctrines and teachings of Jesus along with skepticism and unbelief that further blocked their acknowledgment of the healings, exorcisms, and miracles.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.


For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.   (Hebrews 12:  3-4, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC