(10/11/2020) Why Are Sinners "saved?"

 A depiction of a seraph from the vision granted to the Prophet Ezekiel.

Today, reply is on divine salvation to preserve sacred content within the living, and the idea that men are granted wings and become angels when they die. Properly understood, sinners are not “saved”, rather the divine substance that remains within them is to be saved. The present process of GOD for mankind upon the earth provides forbearance, grace, reconciliation, and renewal through Jesus Christ. Among Christians the continuous worship of angels as equals or substitutes for Jesus is accounted as little different from the keeping of idolatry, the practice of occultism, or plain superstition. Divinity is the origin and source of all that has existence or life; and despite the transgression of sacred law committed by the first pair (Adam), mankind continues as an authentic expression of divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Sinners are to practice repentance, and mercy is bestowed on those found guilty in judgment in keeping with their identity as the offspring and vessels on the earth that embody divine substance, yet, that require cleansing, death, the Incarnation of divinity as Jesus Christ, and the gifts of resurrection life. Continuing with counsels intended for the people of GOD through Jesus Christ, it is written: 2^nd Corinthians 5: 14-20, King James Version (KJV): 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 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. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “N Harmonia” (Level 2 with 870 points) posted the following:

So why should you sinners be saved? You wouldn't be free without wings?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work. I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? (Ecclesiastes 3: 15-21, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Death Normal For GOD? (10/05/2020); GOD Can Forgive Us (09/13/2020); Always Connected By Spirit (08/30/2020); Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace (07/20/2020); Forgiveness A Sacred Practice (05/28/2020); Demonstrating Dependence on GOD (04/20/2020); The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020)

“N Harmonia”, among mature Christian believers salvation for sinners who acknowledge GOD through repentance appears as an immutable and unchanging aspect of the makeup, process, and eternal purposes displayed by divine fullness (i.e., divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Judgment is the assignment of value, and the examination of created beings and living creatures for their content of spirit-matter imparted from GOD as life essence (we say, breath; spirit; utterance; word), or as a fresh endowment of the divine nature made possible by Jesus Christ. The image of GOD is to appear within mankind and be a stamp upon all Creation. Multiple divine operations are carried out to acknowledge, preserve, recover, and restore the sacred content provided to Adam in the Creation. Included are balance, commitment, faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. While on the earth, the followers of Jesus are to exist as the new creation, and are to resemble, reflect, and reveal the character and likeness of Jesus. Just as dogs do not become cats or goats become horses, where men complete their mortality (die), they are not made by GOD to become angels or any other living creature. Rather, those chosen through judgment will become perfected as humans who are immortal companions to GOD. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Acapeldrige, High Above the Seraphim:

(1.) Ezekiel 1: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. 2 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity, 3 The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him. 4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. 5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. 6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. 7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. 8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. 9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

(2.) Colossians 2: 6-12, KJV: 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

(3.) Colossians 2: 18-19, KJV: 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVaX3wwUyE.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 11:10 AM, October 11, 2020 @ https://i.pinimg.com/originals/df/72/6b/df726b0ee2507a22f7644a26ce80fde3.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Angels, Christian Beliefs, Creation, Death, Ezekiel, Incarnation, Judgment, Salvation, The Flesh, The Godhead, existence, integrity, mortality, provisions, repentance, seraphim, self-will, sinners, transformation, wings

(10/05/2020) Death Normal For GOD?

 A depiction of the crucifixion by Salvador Dali

Today, reply is on the integrity of divine fullness being in a continuing relationship with created beings and living creatures on the earth along with whether it is “normal” to believe that GOD may die. The death of Jesus Christ on behalf of all divinity was a sacred event that must exist as a one-time act of GOD never to be repeated; and that must be apprehended and received through faith. Among developing and mature Christians, to manifest grace is “normal” for divinity. Because GOD is understood as the origin and source for all material things that exist including the full universe it is in line with human intellect, logic, and carnal reason to assume that divinity is all-powerful, immortal, and invincible. It remains a result from the operations of sin and of the flesh that divine process and sacred substance are required whereby mankind receives the appearance of GOD on the earth (we say, Incarnation) using authentic human form and life process (e.g., birth, aging, maturation, death). It is written: 1^st John 4: 7-11, King James Version (KJV): 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “kei” (Level 1 with 43 points) posted the following:

Christians believe that Jesus died. As a God, is it normal. ?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. (Galatians 2: 20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Matter Of Self-will? (10/04/2020); Incarnation, Death and Resurrection (05/11/2020); The Resurrection Of Christ (04/16/2020); Grace Abounds Much More (04/02/2020); Born Mortal or Immortal? (03/11/2020); Entered Into Divine Glory (09/03/2019); That Not Of Yourselves (08/13/2019)

“kei”, among Christian believers divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) are active and present within the existence and life of all living creatures and created beings. Divinity resides within a special sphere of life (we say a celestial, sanctified, and set-apart realm; heaven), yet, communicates, has exchange, and interacts with those who are alive on the earth. There is a divine connection between GOD and the living. Mankind has received life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) from the makeup and substance of GOD that includes inseparable aspects of the divine nature such as balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Even so, the Creation has come under the influence of divine sanctions (i.e., statements within the law of GOD that require consequences both for obedience and for transgression that is understood as sin). The first pair (Adam) became subject to death as a result of transgression, and could only be preserved by operations of divinity that include an extensive array of sacred provisions. Included are atonement, forbearance, forgiveness, inheritance, mercy granted to those found guilty in judgment, justification, rebirth, redemption, restoration, resurrection for the dead, salvation, sanctification, the completing of mortality, the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross, and the second death. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Romans 6: 3-14, King James Version (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. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

(2.) John 3: 16-21, KJV: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

(3.) Romans 14: 7-9, KJV: 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

(4.) Hebrews 10: 12-21, KJV: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge1axMPsN-g.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/25/2018) Given Us From Heaven?

Today, reply is on the origin of divine grace, rebirth and salvation as sacred gifts that become available from GOD through the ministry of Jesus Christ. The fighter in the public forum at “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Christian sinner” (Level 7 with 212,433 points, a member since November 28, 2006) posted the following:

What did John the Baptist mean when he said this? Did John mean e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g? How do you see it?

John 3

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven."

Update: If John was right and he meant everything is received from heaven, then are atheists not given something very important? Like an ability to trust in Christ? Are the atheists who never trust in Christ incapable of trusting Christ because God didn't give them the ability?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4: 11-12, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: John Anointed To Prophesy (05/21/2018); The Origin And Source (04/26/2018); The Lamb of GOD (08/19/2015); Jesus Given A Divine Ministry? (08/18/2015); He Must Increase? (04/01/2015); The Baptist and The Tishbite? (02/18/2015); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)

“Christian sinner”, be encouraged. Although John the Baptist served in priesthood at the Temple in Jerusalem, under the influence of the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) that he received before his birth, John established a ministry preaching repentance, performing baptism, and proclaiming the kingdom of GOD would soon appear. The many sacred gifts granted to mankind from the divine fullness (we say, the GODhead) allow those living on the earth to be in a lawful, ongoing, personal relationship with divinity. Included are atonement for sin; covenant law; grace; divine inheritance; joining to the oneness without sameness that is shared among the divine fullness (we say, the Godhead); and the privilege of serving as anointed kings, ministers, and prophets on the earth. These, and many other blessings are possible only through actual operations of the active presence we know and speak of as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Developing Christian believers are to acknowledge that the makeup and operation of human consciousness and self-will were imparted to mankind from Creation as life essence (we say, breath; spirit; the word of GOD). Because the operations of sin dominated human awareness and willpower within Adam (the male and female), the living now must receive a fresh endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD (we say, A sinner must be “born again” having the Spirit imparted from GOD, and grow up again (i.e., mature) while living on the earth. By being filled as vessels of divinity, sinners are transformed, and through discovery, gradual growth, learning and service they acquire the “ability” to receive, recognize, retain, and become fruitful using the things from GOD to address his eternal purposes.

Through Jesus Christ, sinners who repent, and contain his personhood and Spirit exist as the new creation, the sons and daughters of GOD, and joint-heirs with Christ. While men on the earth may share with one another the benefits of divine ministry from Jesus as the Risen Lord and High Priest of heaven, none may bestow the divine gifts of glory, holiness, honor, purity, redemption, salvation, and eternal life as though these are the products of human imagination, intellect, and self-will. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) John 3: 25-30, King James Version (KJV): 25 Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

(2.) Deuteronomy 13: 1-11, KJV: 1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. 6 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; 7 Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; 8 Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: 9 But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. 10 And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 11 And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.

(3.) John 1: 11-17, KJV: 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Hebrews 5: 1-10, KJV: 1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 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.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/26/2016) The Cross Reaches Back

Today, points are shared on the provisions for divine judgment, redemption, and salvation before GOD appeared in flesh as Jesus Christ.  In the same way godly law existed before appearing as the covenant of Moses, divinity has appeared Incarnate through the living before Jesus Christ, and was manifest through hierarchy, judgment, law and divine order with diverse expressions of ownership, righteousness, sovereignty, sacred will, and inexhaustible virtue.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “razzledazzleem” (Level 1 showing no points, a member since December 14, 2006) posted the following:

 

In the old testament, how does God decide who gets into heaven and who goes to hell?

Does it have anything to do with obeying things like the ten commandments or the noahide laws?

People didn't have Jesus yet so how could a person have gotten saved back then?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:   But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:  whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.  For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;  And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;  And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;  And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:  (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:  But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.  (2nd Peter 2:  1-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Revelation and The Cross (03/27/2016); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); All Have Sinned? (07/29/2015); A Creator No Longer Needed? (02/19/2015); Salvation Before Christ? (06/24/2014); All Sins Are Equal? (06/25/2014);  Son of Adam and of GOD? (06/16/2014); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014)

 

“razzledazzleem”, just as the cross has reached forward to us, it has reached back to Adam; and the “plan of salvation has unfolded showing many different phases and stages.  During Old Testament times “people had Jesus” as an inheritance from the first pair, the Patriarchs, and their own parents the same way we do, today, as an expectation, a promise, and a platform for continuing respect and trust in GOD.  Mature Christian believers acknowledge, before the Creation that centers around mankind was put into place, Jesus Christ was eternally present within the fullness of divine person (we say, the GODhead).  In the beginning, the Lord did not exist having human form and measurable dimension; however, he did exist.  The distinction of Christ as the “Son of GOD,” co-existing with the Father and the Holy Spirit, is a simple, yet, profound device for revealing otherwise unseen aspects of divinity (i.e., making Deity knowable, known, and accessible through personal relationship).  While alive, all created beings and living creatures have deposits of life essence (we say, breath, spirit content, word) from the makeup of GOD.  The living may communicate, have contact, exchange, and interact with divinity through divine utterance that includes commandment, counsel, dreams, sacred law, praise, proclamations, promises, prophecy, and visions.  What we generally call “divine order” and Incarnation are the appearances of GOD who is immortal, immutable, and incorruptible.  Divine order embodies and expresses awareness, character, identity, operations, and substance that are eternal.  Thus, when GOD provided the Ten Commandments to Israel, they were entered into covenant relationship with a “god of Judgment,” who has always assigned value, and determined duration for his own handiwork.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  John 1:  1-5, King James Version (KJV):  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

(2.)  Colossians 1:  16-20, KJV:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

(3.)  Ephesians 1:  3-7, KJV:  3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:  5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,  6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.  7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Acts 13:  38-39, KJV:  38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:  39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/25/2016) Confession and The Cross

Points are shared, today, on the believer’s accountability and complicity for the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross as sacrifice and substitute for sinners.  More than confession that centers in admission of guilt and wrongdoing must appear for those seeking divine salvation.  Also, those exalting Christ as Savior continue to be threatened with bodily harm, excommunication, homelessness, persecution, poverty, and violence.  There can be no release or separation from the condemnation earned through sin while staying focused upon ones old life of disobedience and willfulness.  Confession that is acknowledgement of need must appear that expresses humility, respect, and reverence as well as the bold public proclamation of ones acceptance of Jesus Christ as the divine Lamb provided from the Father for remission of sin.  Therefore, for the disciples and followers of Jesus, confession is the first step in gaining access to atonement, rebirth, repentance, and sanctification.  Such features as the doctrine, forgiveness, miracles and parables of the Lord were incomplete, and lacked full power to save without the revelation that would come by his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.  Sin is not alive, and does not display carnal form as do the living; yet, sin has direction, effect, and “presence”.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and divine order throughout the universe.  Because sin operates within created beings and living creatures through their awareness and self-will, sin can not be recognized as destructive, foreign, and contrary to existence without such sacred provisions as covenant, inheritance, praise, prayer, promise, and prophecy.  Readers are encouraged to reflect on the following from the Bible, and the presentation below:

Psalms 32:  4-6, King James Version (KJV):  4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me:  my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.  5 I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.  6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found:  surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Matthew 10:  32-33, KJV:  32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.  33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

John 12:  42-43, KJV:  42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:  43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Romans 10:  8-11, KJV:  8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart:  that is, the word of faith, which we preach;  9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 14:  11, KJV:  11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

A writer at “Yahoo! Answers“ using the ID “Charlily” (Level 2 with 909 points, a member since February 11, 2016) posted the following:

 

Help! I killed Jesus in my dream??

Okay so last night I stayed up really late reading my Bible. When I got to sleep, I had a dream where I was one of the Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus!! And I even nailed him to the cross!! I'm really scared now, I've been praying all day for forgiveness but I'm still afraid that I'm going to hell... what do I do? Help!

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.  (1st John 1:  5-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  When GOD Never Forgives? (12/28/2015); Ongoing and Unfinished? (11/22/2015); Penance? (10/09/2015); To Err is Human? (07/24/2015); Saved by a Prayer? (10/31/2014); Is Prayer an Act of Faith? (11/01/2014); Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013)

 

“Charlily”, by dying upon the cross as our substitute, Jesus has made possible new meaning and value for our confessions of belief in his divine ministry as well as our confessions of error and sin.  The attitudes, behavior, and spirit displayed by our “old man” is not approved or justified.  Even so, the Savior’s blood now endorses our new commitment, projects a more correct and detailed confession, and declares we are righteous because we acknowledge the Father through the Son.  Every believer who comes to GOD through Jesus Christ must pass through multiple layers of gradual change and growth.  The imparted Spirit we speak of as “divine seed” will remain as a permanent aspect of our new character and nature.  Yet, born again, we must “grow up” and mature as persons having spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  Disciples and followers of Jesus are to experience the Savior dying upon the cross within their own awareness and indwelling spirit.  Each believer will be moved to acknowledge accountability for their own disobedience and opposition to divine law, should affirm their own need for new life from GOD, should repent and sorrow for sin as well as rejoice in the finished work of the cross.  That you report having turned to GOD in prayer says, you trusted you could be heard, and even could be answered.  Go further:  Trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Begin to confess having the specific expectations (we say, hopes) commanded for us by Christ.  Hear how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Psalms 36:  6-8, King James Version (KJV):  6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep:  O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.  7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.  8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

(2.)  Isaiah 12:  1-3, KJV:  1 And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee:  though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.  2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.  3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

(3.)  Romans 5:  7-10, KJV:  7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die:  yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.) 1st John 2:  1-5, KJV:  1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  2 And he is the propitiation for our sins:  and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.  3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:  hereby know we that we are in him.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC