(03/12/2017) The Bible on "Soulmates"?

Today, language regarding romantic love, life companionship, and spiritual maturity are topics.  Unity through Jesus Christ is that of one faith, one Lord, One baptism, one GOD and Father of all.  Even so, many desire and feel a consuming need for life companionship and abiding love.  Relationships as “soulmates” are believed one of the highest and purest forms of love because they are not subject to the laws of time and space, and are thought to maintain their strength despite emotional, physical and temporal hardships or separation.  As with marriage, a connection and bond as soulmates is not intended by GOD to disrupt or replace the permanence of family, yet, often is felt to be stronger and more fulfilling than that between parents and their child, or among birth brothers and sisters.  Some confuse the idea of “soul” with those of “character”,  “determination or inner might,” “personality”, “self-will” and “will power.”  The expression “soulmates” is used repeatedly to describe intimate relationships of mutual acceptance, approval, full commitment, respect, and trust that are intended to continue indefinitely (i.e., for ever; without break-up or interruption; without end).  Often the idea of being soulmates is linked with concerns about attraction, “chemistry”, “love at first sight,” and “magnetism” at the start of relationships; fate; inescapable events; divine predestination; suspension of ones own accountability for occurrences and their consequences as well as yielding to a mystifying attraction.  Yet, it is only by the active presence and workings of divinity that the living achieve or experience lasting and stable relationships, or even what may be a one-time sacred event (we also say, miracle), revealing oneness without sameness.  The holy writings describe how “living souls” have been created and placed upon the earth to exist and experience operations of divine transformation (e.g., growth, rebirth, judgment, perfection, revelation) to serve as “soul mates” and life companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “?” (Level 1 with 2 points, a member since February 21, 2017) posted the following:

What does the bible say about soulmates?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.  The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son:  the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him:  in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?  But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned:  in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.  (Ezekiel 18:  19-24, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Complete Divine Revelation? (03/10/2017); Thoughts on Sexual Relationships (03/07/2017); The Relationships With GOD? (11/30/2016); Diversity and Prophetic Gifts (11/22/2016); Family Likeness and Traits? (11/08/2016); The Cross Condemns Fornication (05/20/2016); What To Say To A Friend? (03/29/2015)

“?”, correctly understood, “soulmates” are thought to be more than mere partners who share casual sex and a “one night affair.”  Fascinated and stirred by language in the Bible, creative and imaginative musicians, and other artists often have developed and shared very memorable non-biblical and secular presentations that carry great weight within modern culture.  Many understand the “soul” as the inner material of humanity that makes us who and what we truly are in relationships with others.  The idea of “soul” found in the Book of Genesis, describes “Adam” as a living entity produced by the union of a divinely fashioned form and breath (we also say, life essence; spirit; the spark of life; word) from GOD.  Unlike David, who was “knit” to the son of King Saul in a spirit-bond of friendship (we also say charity, love), the male Adam received the female as an aspect of his own flesh and person.  For mature Christian believers who are grounded in sacred knowledge recorded as Scripture, it is the image of GOD that makes us who and what we are in relationships.  Only GOD is eternal (not the angels); and there is no immortal soul or soul that exists without the active presence of divine Spirit.  The state of the dead as described in the Bible does not include having intellect, mind, or spirit; and the dead “praise not God.”  Poets have long used the idea of “soul” to describe enduring, seemingly timeless, and unforgettable episodes in human experience that include intense emotional, psychological, and social experiences.  Examples include sexual initiation, “puppy love,” courtship, marriage, the birth of ones first child, the death of ones own parents, the lingering of sorrow and “the blues.”  The Bible provides simple, yet profound, instruction on marriage and sexual joining without using the specific language of “souls” being permanently bound together that may only be released and separated through divinity.  Even so, serious warnings appear against “fornication” (i.e., defilement, domination, or weakening of ones inborn spirit, and coming under the control of absent, unseen spirits through sexual joining with a partner who is physically present).  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Genesis 2:  7-8, King James Version (KJV):  7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.  8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

(2.)  1st Samuel 18:  1-3, KJV:  1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.  2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.  3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

(3.)  Luke 10:  25-28, KJV:  25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?  27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.  28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right:  this do, and thou shalt live.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Malachi 2:  13-15, KJV:  13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.  14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously:  yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.  15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/24/2016) Word, Son, and Christ?

Today, the preexistence of Jesus Christ within the Godhead, and his work as the Creator and Maker of mankind are in view.  When referring to the living Word and Holy Spirit, it is correct to say, they are one GOD, not gods.  While within the exalted fullness and summation of all divine spirit containing character, consciousness, duration, imperative, nature, presence, purpose, utterance, and will, Jesus had person and “place” as living Word.  The Word—also called the Son of GOD—prepared the form that allows mankind to serve as an host to divine life essence (i.e., breath, spirit) introduced to a material form and resulting in a living soul.  The participation in Creation by Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and GOD the Father came before the beginning of life within man and woman as well as before many other important features of heaven and earth.  Adam and Eve came from Creation by GOD, and all mankind that have come from the first pair as their offspring have done so by reproduction and sexual joining.  Jesus Christ did not come by reproduction and sexual joining.  As the Son of Man, Jesus was born after being “conceived” through operations of the Holy Spirit within a virgin, who had been specially prepared and consecrated for that divine purpose.  When Christ completed mortality upon the cross, was buried, resurrected and returned to heaven, he continued use of the image and similitude of man, however, divine aspects of his earlier form and process have been fully restored and resumed.  Included are duties as chief architect of the New Jerusalem, High Priest, Judge, King, and Lord of the Sabbath.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (required profile information not shared) posted the following:

Who came first, Jesus Christ or Adam and Eve?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:  and these three are one.  (1st John 5:  5-7, King James Version,  KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Servant and More (08/17/2016); In Relationship With Divinity? (08/16/2016); Can GOD Give Life? (08/14/2016); Jesus Known As Word (01/17/2016); A GOD Without Form? (12/27/2015); Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013); Alpha and Omega (12/29/2013); Fear & GOD? (12/30/2013)

“Anonymous”, for mature Christian believers, a divine “person” who existed within the fullness of divinity that we call “The Godhead” has been the Creator and Maker of the heaven and earth as spheres of life, and the origin for all created beings and living creatures.  The name usually given to distinguish and set apart this Deity from the other living aspects that display holiness, eternal purpose, and sovereign power is “the Word.”  Spoken of using the concepts of order described by family relationships, the Word appears as the Son of GOD, where GOD, who is entirely spirit in character, nature, and substance, is Father.  While spirit in form, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are inseparable, existing as a single living entity.  This is depicted in the way the “fingers” and the “hand” are the same, yet, are totally different and must work together as one unit.  Because the Son must appear as divinity using the form and processes of mankind (e.g., birth, aging, death, obedience, mortality, sanctification, worship), many reserve the name “Jesus Christ” for the Son as he appeared upon the earth in the flesh as the child of a virgin mother, and thereby an offspring and output of Adam and Eve.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from 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:  12-19, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  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;

(3.)  Galatians 4:  3-7, KJV:  3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:  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.

(4.)  Acts 17:  29, KJV:  29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (5.)  Romans 1:  18-22, KJV:  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/01/2013) A Family Affair?

      The divine meaning and use of family is the topic, today, along with more on resurrection of the body. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “A British Atheist” (Level 5 with 7,479 points, a member since April 26, 2012) posted the following:


Christians, why are you not protecting these family values?

We hear of so many Christians claiming “Marriage is a god given union for man and woman”. Yet for some reason you seem to miss out a few other family values that God has given.

Let’s take a look at them:

Deu 21:10-13 States men are allowed to take beautiful women from war and marry them.

Deu:15-17 Describes how to handle more than one wife in a marriage.

Deu 25: States a wife must marry her husband’s brother in law if her husband dies.

Now so many of you are going to claim that these are the rules of the old testament. However Jesus clearly states they still apply in Mathew 5:17

So Christians, why do you continue to cherry pick your family values? Also, why are you not defending these family values?

Additional Details

@mopar Mike: I am not condoning anything. I just do not know why Christians are not defending these God given values?


THE BATTLE AXE: Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present (03/31/2013)—(7.) The form for mankind that we call “the body” may exist apart from the divinely given spirit (e.g., at funerals). In the same way, the divinely given spirit may exist apart from the body, and at the completion of mortality, the spirit returns to GOD who gave it (Ecclesiastes 8: 8, 9: 5-6, and 12: 7, KJV). (8.) Conjunction of body and spirit results in the living soul (Genesis 2: 7, KVJ). Each living soul displays unique patterns of consciousness, emotion, and thought that establish its being as person. Person does not exist apart from the living soul. The spirit of the wicked may return to GOD at their death, however, their person does not exist again until resurrection of the wicked for judgment (Proverbs 18: 5, Matthew 13: 47-50 and Revelation 20: 11-15, KJV). (9. ) Thus, for the righteous, resurrection of the body pertains to eternal life, for a perfected spirit must reside within a perfected body. Through the perfected spirit, the perfected person of the righteous also will contain the fullness of divine law. It is in this sense that resurrected believers and those written in the Lamb’s book of life will replace the Temple in the heavens. (See 1st Corinthians 6: 19 and 15: 51-55; also Revelation 21: 1-27, KJV.) (10.) For mankind, the resurrection of the body pertains to the inclusion of glory in the makeup of human person. This is demonstrated by both the resurrection and the Second Coming of Jesus displaying the fullness of all divine glory (Matthew 25: 31, Luke 9: 25-27, 2nd Thessalonians 2: 13-14 and 2nd Timothy 2: 10-13, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6: 6-10, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Saved in Childbearing? (10/31/2012); After the Rapture? (11/01/2012); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); Why Courage? (10/14/2012); Parental Duty? (10/08/2012); The Gender of Angels? (10/09/2012); Grandchildren? (03/23/2011); A To Do List (03/24/2011); For The Young (01/24/2011); Responsibility? (01/25/2011); Teen Believers? (10/07/2010)


      The answers from an American who is a mature Christian believer, will probably be totally foreign to you, for they come out of faith and extensive spiritual experience in what you might call “the real world.” Without help from Christ, you won’t understand a word. Even so, please consider the following points:

(1.) The institution known among modern men as “family” is not the creation of GOD, and has been developed as an aspect of the World system. Unlike divine creations such as the earth and humanity, The World is the creation of mankind, and is a set of interconnected devices and meanings to exchange resources, and ensure survival.

(2.) The World supplies definitions and values to preserve human life. Included are such labels as beautiful/ugly, fair/unfair, false/true, good/bad, hip/square, holy/unholy, intelligent/stupid, right/wrong, righteous/unrighteous, real/unreal and scientific/unscientific.

(3.) The Flesh (i.e., appetite such as hunger, thirst, sexual cravings; sense such as hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting; and mental functions such as desire, fantasy, imagination, recall) also supplies labels and values as does the Devil (i.e., created beings and living creatures that oppose the sovereignty of GOD), and as does GOD.

(4.) The Gospel of Jesus Christ centers in the transformation of mankind through such divine process as birth, death, judgment, re-birth, repentance, revelation, resurrection and sanctification. Born again through divine DNA, so to speak, believers are “new creatures” (called “the children of God,” “saints” or “sons and daughters of GOD”). Born-again, these must mature again, endure “growing pains,” and continue in a process being perfected through the spirit of GOD.

(5.) Relationships (including covenants and priesthood) and law among mankind are shown to develop, and progress in the Old Testament by displaying thousands of lives over thousands of years. Adam and Eve were a single person before GOD, and were used as an instrument to people the earth. Reproduction among their offspring was not incest or in violation of divine law.

(6.) For mature Christian believers, both marriage and divorce are emblems (badges, representations) of divine authority (What GOD has joined together, let no man put asunder.). The contract for marriage is in force until mortality is completed; thus, death appears as a divine instrument applied for dissolving the divine spiritual union.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (7.) spiritual affiliation and relationships for the people of GOD in Christ are by the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD, called the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth. Often, ones carnal, material and social family, friends, spouses, etc. have no part in their new life from GOD. See Luke 14: 25-27, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/20/2012) The Spirit is Willing

      Vigilance against sin is the topic, today, along with more on why there was warfare against Canaan. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Jamaica” (Level 1 with 28 points, a member since September 25, 2012) posted the following:


What do they mean when they say 'the soul is willing but the flesh is weak'?

The Bible often uses a figure of speech to describe the outcome of things and certain events that went on in the past and are going on right now. So what does it mean when they say your 'soul is willing but' your 'flesh is weak'? Please answer me that.


THE BATTLE AXE: Why Did the Judges Fight? (10/19/2012)—Many of those who left Egypt with Moses were proud, selfish and unspiritual. To them, the conflict to gain the promised land was purely a human struggle for property and wealth that depended solely upon desire, desperation and fear. Telling their story is not the purpose of Scripture. Rightly understood, the holy writings focus entirely upon the workings of Almighty GOD upon the earth, through mankind. During the 40 years that GOD lead the covenant people through undeveloped areas and uninhabited wasteland, GOD destroyed every man who had left Egypt, pledged themselves in covenant, and then disobeyed and rebelled. Only Joshua and Caleb, two who were sent to explore the land as spies, and the offspring of those who left Egypt actually set foot in, and established their own homes within the promised land. Even Moses was denied. Later, many of the tribes made treaties and agreed to receive tribute from the enemies of GOD. They did not completely expel those who had broken covenant from the land as they had been commanded. As a result GOD allowed his enemies to continue as the enemies of Israel both surrounding and within the borders of their homeland (see, for example, Joshua 15: 63, Joshua 17: 12-13, Joshua 22: 13 and Judges 1: 21-33, KJV).


THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matthew 26: 40-42, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012); Binder 15: Even From Everlasting (10/12/2011); Will in Heaven? (03/03/2011); Jephthah’s Oath? (03/04/2011)


      Here are some ideas Christ has been willing to share among his followers:

      During the night before Jesus was arrested and crucified, he cautioned the apostles to be prayerful and vigilant at all times. They were to stay alert, and recognize when they were being lead into peculiar situations that would challenge, and test the depth of their commitment and understanding. Until the falling of the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD, the primary tool given to mankind to make sin known and visible had been various forms of divine law. Law was “given a human face” through mechanisms that included the priesthood by heads of families (Patriarchs such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac), the covenant of Moses, the system of judges (captains over 10’s, 20’s, 50’s, 100’s, 1000’s), and a line of kings. Jesus Christ provided in the flesh a perfect and complete presentation of the righteousness and sacred spirit that are conveyed to mankind through the divine law.

      Sin was first discovered among the holy angels. However, sin is not a spirit-being, is not spirit matter, and does not operate upon living spirit. Sin is not a carnal, material, or physical thing; and sin has no dimension (e.g., height, length, shape, size, weight) or substance (e.g., matter, particles, stuff, etc.). Nevertheless sin has direction, effect, and presence. We could say, “sin is nothing”; yet, contrary to intelligence, logic, and reason, sin may dominate the will of created beings and living creatures. Sin is not created by GOD, or by the living. Sin does not obey divine will; neither is the will of GOD subject to sin. Sin opposes the existence of GOD, of divine Creation, of divine law, of eternal life, and of all that is. Apart from awareness generated from GOD, created beings and living creatures cannot detect sin as foreign and separate from ones own being; and repeatedly obedience to sin is embraced as natural and normal.

      In their creation, the holy angels were supplied with the total measure of authority, knowledge and spirit that they could receive throughout their continuance. (The angels are neither mortal nor immortal, and complete their existence only by immersion in holy fire.) In the creation of humans, divine spirit was imparted as a “breath of life.” While the holy angels do not acquire knowledge by experience as humans (i.e., learn and grow), they can be influenced by one another, and by mankind. Through Jesus Christ, provision has been made that mankind may receive additional deposits of Spirit that enable discernment of, and resistance to sin.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the flesh dominates human awareness as appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, craving for sex), sensation (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching) and mind (e.g., desire, fantasy, imagination). As events that operate in time, the elements of flesh “come and go.” Thus, the weakness of the flesh includes exhaustion, immaturity, instability, malnutrition, and mortality.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC