(10/13/2020) The Foreskin And Circumcision?

A depiction of the parents of Jesus affirming his inheritance and offering their child to GOD through circumcision.

Today, the reply addresses the meaning and value of the foreskin and circumcision to thoughtful Christian believers. Through the household of Abraham, circumcision was a token of accord, covenant, and loyalty; even so, through the household of Jacob, circumcision became a token of condemnation, injustice, lawlessness, and wrath. As an aspect of the perpetual covenant shared by divinity with the Jews, circumcision continues to be acknowledged by many as a sign of divine commitments and promises to mankind, rather than a device for flawed judgment that expresses bias, partiality and prejudice, that accuses and condemns ones enemies, or that will reveal who is righteous before GOD and who is not. Through the life, death, and resurrection ministry of Jesus Christ, the meaning and value of circumcision has been transformed and made new. Consider again the following Scriptures that use language from the Bible and a selection from the music ministry of Wintley Phipps that appears below. It is written: Colossians 3: 9-14, King James Version (KJV): 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 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. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

Why was god bothered with foreskins in the old testament?

If he hates foreskins so much, why did he create it?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6: 14-16, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Abraham In Divine Judgment (03/10/2019); Abraham Demonstrates Spiritual Growth (05/30/2018); The First “Chosen” People (05/03/2018); A Circumcision of Hearts (01/22/2018); Circumcision of Infant Boys (12/11/2017); Ye Are Abraham’s Seed (07/10/2015)

“Anonymous”, the covenant of circumcision began with the household of Abraham further signaled the divine transformation wherein mankind is to exist as the new creation. Many thoughtful Christian believers understand that removing the foreskin of the male penis is a representation of divinity refusing to depend on mechanical process among the living or that divinity must rely on natural law. Circumcision affirms the inheritance from divinity to mankind, and that man is to exist having continuous communication and interaction with the divine fullness. To that end, humanity is to receive fresh deposits and endowments of life essence (breath; spirit; word) and divine law imparted from the makeup of GOD. Circumcision serves as an assurance and sign that GOD is committed to those who bear this or other marks of his authority and image, and that divinity will fulfill all divine promise and prophecy. Created beings and living creatures are to exist as life companions to divinity, sacred offspring, and living vessels who contain divine substance. Removing the foreskin to identify those in covenant relationship with divinity makes visible their embodiment of spirit substance, and involves a mutual sharing of otherwise hidden revelation. Properly understood, circumcision foreshadows and is a step to the Incarnation where divinity appears on the earth using human form and life-process as Jesus Christ.

(1.) Genesis 18: 17-19, King James Version (KJV): 17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

(2.) Genesis 34: 24-30, KJV: 24 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. 25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. 26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went out. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister. 28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field, 29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house. 30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

(3.) 1^st Samuel 18: 25-29, KJV: 25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son in law: and the days were not expired. 27 Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king’s son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. 28 And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him. 29 And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually.

(4.) Colossians 2: 8-12, KJV: 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO2Jj2Bff_4.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 1:22 PM, October 13, 2020 @ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DWHbKcmMYbE/hqdefault.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

Abraham, Christian Beliefs, Circumcision, Covenants, Incarnation, Inheritance, Revelation, Signs, The Flesh, benefits, blood, embodiment, foreskin, injustice, offerings, new creation, presence, testimony

(10/01/2020) Do We Follow Paul?

 A depiction of Christ appearing to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus

Today, the blog reply not shared in the Yahoo forum is that the Apostle Paul is not the primary source of doctrine among Christian believers; the essential teachings of Christianity are contained in the four Gospels and the single, authoritative revelation of Jesus Christ appearing throughout the Bible (i.e., Genesis through Revelation). Jesus insisted on the integrity of the Law and the Prophets, for the earlier holy writings provided the necessary guidance and instruction for mankind to apprehend the depth and fullness of divinity appearing on the earth using human form and life process (we say, the Incarnation). The gifts and operations by the Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) that were promised to mankind would appear as a fresh endowment of the same life essence (i.e., breath; spirit; utterance; word) that resided within Jesus. Sacred substance is imparted from the inseparable makeup of divine fullness (divinity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). Included are balance, commitment, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Therefore properly understood, those living on the earth are being transformed and joined to GOD through their own content of spirit substance from GOD. It is written: 2^nd Peter 1: 16-21, King James Version (KJV): 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who used the ID “Anonymous” (no profile was shared) posted the following:

@Christians Is this true? You are Paul's followers?

Because Christians (Paul's followers), were mostly Greeks who would not submit to absurd Jewish dietary regulations.

Jesus's followers (Followers of the Way -see Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) were and remained Jews, like Jesus, who evidently observed kashrut ("Kosher" dietary laws).

But Paul was trying to convert Greeks and Romans to his new religion.

So Paul had to find a way to make his religion more "palatable" to his target audience.

Hey presto - - suddenly Paul gets a vision from Jesus saying exactly what Paul needed to get more bums on pews. More followers, more money and more power.

The church leadership realized that in order to grow they needed to make converts from non-Jews. However, requiring a change in diet and a circumcision was a barrier to making those converts, so they decided to drop the requirements that non-Jewish converts to Christianity follow the Old Testament laws. Eventually, there were more non-Jewish converts than Jewish and so the OT laws were dropped entirely. (Anyone who claims there is a Biblical justification is ignorant of the history of their own church... Jesus explicitly says, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets." Matthew 5:17)

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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: (Romans 1: 20, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Meat That Perishes (01/13/2020); Proof of The Resurrection (12/01/2019); The Testimony From GOD (10/22/2019); Following The Apostle Paul (09/24/2019); Prophets After Jesus Christ? (06/04/2019); A Single Sacred Revelation (01/09/2019); The Two-edged Sword (01/09/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016)

“Anonymous”, developing and mature Christian believers are not to confuse the testimony of Paul’s conversion with the revelation of Jesus Christ as divinity Incarnate (using the flesh and life process of a man on the earth). The things proclaimed by the apostle are in the nature of corroboration and light that clarify practices and teachings from Jesus that are spirit rather than law in their character, makeup, process, and substance. Necessarily, many points to manifest things invisible are conveyed using things carnal, social, and traditional as the stepping-stones and baby-steps on a path of permanent change and eternal transformation. Thus it is written:

(1.) Matthew 22: 29,King James Version (KJV): 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

(2.) 1^st Peter 2: 1-3, KJV: 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

(3.) Revelation 1: 1-3, KJV: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

(4.) Acts 20: 32, KJV: 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, We Have Seen God's Glory from the music ministry of Steve Green (7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvP19V3FmiU.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 10:45 PM, September 30, 2020 @ https://alfredntiamoah.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/500-paul-damascusroad22881.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/22/2019) The Testimony From GOD

The image depicts the Spirit of Prophecy using Moses and Elijah with Jesus at the transfiguration of Christ

Today, reply is on converting others, prophecy, the duty of believers, and the testimony serving as witness from divinity to mankind. The disciples of Jesus are commanded and ordained to proclaim the gospel from GOD to others on the earth. However, rather than a process of verbal exchanges among men, humans lecturing one another, or the divine voice being heard from mountains and from the sky, on earth, the testimony of GOD is shared as an embodiment of spirit content from divinity whereby the living are made Christ-like. Because words whisper and actions shout, believers are to display through their lifestyles and daily routines the spirit substance they contain, and do not serve only by sacred practice (e.g., fasting, praise, prayer, prophecy, suffering). It is written: 1^st Corinthians 12: 3, King James Version (KJV): 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shared) posted the following:

Do Christians have a duty to attempt to persuade non-believers to convert to Christianity?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13: 11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Presence of GOD (04/02/2019); Bible Language About Spirit? (06/13/2018); Possibilities Through “Active Presence” (04/30/2018); Divine Holiness and Sanctity (12/25/2017); An Incarnation of Divinity? (10/12/2017); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); Not Told in Advance? (10/11/2014)

“Anonymous”, Christian beliefs are not shared as a matter of influencing others, manipulation, and persuasion. Christian believers all are to acknowledge that they have been called and recruited to minister sacred knowledge, spirit gifts, and divine substance on the earth. The finite human tools for such academic and secular focus as argument, debate, carnal reason, and critical thinking may not be relied on for growth and nourishment of ones life essence (breath, spirit, word imparted from the makeup of divinity). Emotions, intellect, and logic are not enough to transform consciousness and self-will (willpower) within the living. Inseparable aspects of divine fullness must be received as fresh deposits and endowments from GOD. Included are faith, forbearance, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The testimony from GOD who remains unseen is not merely an authoritative eyewitness account, proclamation, or statement of plain truth; the testimony is an active presence, and we say, an abiding, indwelling Spirit (the Comforter; the Holy Ghost; the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of Prophecy; the Spirit of Truth). With this in view, the birth, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus testify that the operations, purpose, and substance of divinity must be known through spirit existing within ones own character and nature. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) 1^st Corinthians 2: 1-5, King James Version (KJV): 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

(2.) Romans 8: 15-17, KJV: 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

(3.) 1^st John 5: 9-13, KJV: 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the testimony of mankind can be “the Lord is my shepherd”, because the testimony of GOD has been, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”, (4.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28s0_pAnRY&list=PLN-HWgUQXbLMTSzGiuTABz_u7Lqbc7AF8&index=6&t=0s.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:50 PM, October 22, 2019 @ https://aleteiaen.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/web-saint-aug-06-transfiguration-public-domain.jpg?quality=100&strip=all&crop=0px%2C38px%2C760px%2C374px&resize=620%2C310

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/06/2019) To Fulfill All Righteousness

Today, reply is on baptism as a divine witness displaying the character and makeup of divinity, resurrection, eternal life, and righteousness, rather than ceremonies, exercising authority over others, obedience, and the letter of the law. The forms of baptism depict a range of sacred operations that include absolution, atonement, judgment, refreshing, remission for sin, and restoration. Baptism does not complete the full transformation and perfecting of mankind to exist as immortal and incorruptible. Even so, the importance and sacred value of baptism is on record as inarguable. It is written: 1^st John 5: 9-12, King James Version (KJV): 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Norine” (Level 1 with 11 points, a member since October 01, 2019) posted the following:

Why when knowing only the baptism of John when there is a more perfect way of God do you continue in water baptism (Acts 18:25-26)?

Update: JOHN SAID IN JOHN 1:33

"...HE SENT ***ME*** TO BAPTIZE WITH WITH WATER...[BUT] THE SAME IS ((( HE ))) WHICH ((( BAPTIZETH ))) WITH THE HOLY GHOST."

ACTS 19:4 SAYS "JOHN BAPTIZED WITH WATER WITH A BAPTISM OF ((( REPENTANCE ))) >>>BELIEVING THAT JESUS IS COMING"<<<

IS THAT WHERE TODAY'S "CHRISTIANS" ARE; >>>"BELIEVING THAT JESUS IS COMING"<<< CONTINUING IN A BELIEF OF A WATER BAPTISM THAT WAS DONE ((( UNDER THE LAW )))???

THE GOLDEN ARROW: If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5: 31-39, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Through Faith And Patience (10/02/2019); Following The Apostle Paul (09/24/2019); Now Are Ye Light (09/18/2019); Focus On Things Revealed (09/12/2019); Life Because of Righteousness (08/29/2019); Our Displays of Divinity (06/19/2019); Baptism Is Not DIY (05/28/2019); The Testimony From Jesus (08/05/2016)

Norine”, trusting that yours is a case of “gradual growth,” not one of “ever learning and never coming into the knowledge of the truth,” the continuation of water baptism among mature Christian believers is established by “the testimony of Jesus.” All who tarried in the Upper Room, and received the gifts of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, first received water baptism, just as Jesus himself. Baptism that appears by the operations and visitation of the Holy Spirit is distinct from that carried out and performed as a ceremony and ritual manifesting the faith of men. The two are not interchangeable, nor does one cancel the other. In the same way multiple gifts of the Spirit are bestowed by divinity within the church that do not annul or eliminate divine law, adoption of the Spirit and other sacred operations complement one another, and are to edify the church. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.) Matthew 3: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

(2.) 2^nd Corinthians 5: 20-21, KJV: 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.

(3.) Romans 10: 2-4, KJV: 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 19: 9-11, KJV: 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 2:46 AM, October 06, 2019 @ https://www.pccmonroe.org/from-death-unto-life.html

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/06/2019) Jesus Had GOD's Approval

Today, reply is on the sacred knowledge and process among Christian believers whereby Jesus Christ is accepted as having been approved of GOD. Believers in Jesus as their Redeemer and Savior choose to exist as life companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity. Thus, it is written: 1^st John 5: 1-10, King James Version (KJV): 1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 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. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Brother Virgil” (Level 1 with 129 points, a member since May 26, 2019) posted the following:

How do we know that Jesus had God’s approval?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen. (Luke 9: 28-36, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Nothing Impossible For GOD? (04/07/2019); One Died For All (04/05/2019); How GOD Speaks Today (12/10/2018); Sinners Must Become Convicted (11/27/2018); The Meaning of “Faith” (03/28/2018); Knowing the Invisible GOD (09/17/2017); How To Know GOD? (12/12/2016); The Transfiguration of Christ (11/14/2016)

“Brother Virgil”, because Christians are to “know” by faith, by works, and by the seals divinity places upon them, here are some points on divine fullness (i.e., Deity; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) from the Bible along with some of the ideas I would pass on to my own sons and heirs:

1. Acts 2: 22-24, King James Version (KJV): 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

2. The appearance of divinity on the earth as Jesus Christ using flesh and the form of mankind (we say, the Incarnation) requires (1) humanity that is authentic through birth, aging, suffering, death, resurrection, and final judgment; (2) a display of personhood that is genuine through patterns of appetite, awareness, emotion, independence, mind, sensation, and finite self-will (willpower); (3) a recognizable endowment of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word) imparted to mankind from the substance of the Creator as well as (4) a continuous presentation of the inseparable meanings, standards, and values that project a visible image of GOD who is immortal, incorruptible, and invisible.

3. Isaiah 55: 10-12, KJV: 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

4. Accord among the Godhead acknowledges multiple streams of sacred substance that express divine prerogative, eternal purpose, truth, and sovereign will. Included are faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

5. Deuteronomy 18: 21-22, KJV: 21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

6. Romans 14: 17-19, KJV: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

7. Assurances, discernment of divine presence, and “knowing” (i.e., being certain; being convicted; being sure) emerge by the continuity, confluence, exchange, and interaction of diverse elements describing godly consciousness. Included are doctrine, sacred events (we say, miracles), sacred law, sacred practices (we say, sacraments), praise, prayer, promises, prophecy, oral traditions, spiritual songs, and holy writings.

8. John 14: 10-12, KJV: 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

9. All who are turned to divinity for sacred knowledge in place of finite human information and secular knowledge are in a process with GOD to receive conclusive declaration following ongoing service. Believers are to watch, wait, witness, and work as divinity provides expressions of consecration (we say, grace, faith, patience, revelation).

10. Ezekiel 12: 22-27, KJV: 22 Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? 23 Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. 24 For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. 25 For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD. 26 Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying. 27 Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off. 28 Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

11. Things known by faith are to become affirmed on the basis of their completion; their fulfillment; the appearance of peace as the resolution of conflict and the settlement of disputes through the application of sacred law; the disclosure of immutable conditions and unchanging operations that will remain unseen, yet, have existed before the foundation of heaven and earth; and the things proclaimed and possible with GOD being made actual before the living.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 12. Correctly understood, the device of father/son relationship is used to establish a consciousness of divine process that is to be fruitful among created beings and living creatures. There are no issues of conflicting authorities, persons within the Godhead opposing one another, or multiple deities requiring each other’s actions and approval to manifest their own personhood. Also, 13. John 10: 17-18, KJV: 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:09 PM, June 05, 2019 @ https://fewox.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/son-of-god.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/19/2019) Judas Chosen By Jesus

A contemporary depiction of Jesus identified in the darkness of night to be arrested by the kiss of Judas (image reference below).

Today, reply is on the choosing of Judas as an apostle of Jesus in spite of the Savior’s awareness that Judas was likely to betray him. Judas represented Israel defiled through captivity and exile, that nevertheless was in perpetual covenant with divinity. It is written: 2^nd Kings 17: 14-15, King James Version (KJV): 14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God. 15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. Jesus did not covet a large donation from the Temple at Jerusalem, as did Judas. Thus, the character of divinity revealed through the ministry of Jesus Christ includes faithfulness (fidelity), forbearance, forgiveness, grace, longsuffering, and wisdom. Jesus behaved with a conviction that the doctrine and tools provided by the Father and the Spirit would allow every man missing opportunities for repentance, and a portion as the new creation. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “David” (Level 7 with 173,130 points, a member since September 05, 2009) posted the following:

Why Did Jesus Choose Judas Iscariot as One of the Twelve While Knowing in Advance Judas Would be the Betrayer?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. (Psalms 65: 4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); Accounts To Reveal Divinity (04/28/2019); The Use of Money? (01/07/2019); The Discernment of Godliness (07/13/2018); Judas Kept The Bag (03/22/2018); Someone Who Is Kidding? (03/24/2017); A “Successor” To Jesus? (02/22/2018); Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014)

“David”, Jesus’ choice of Judas must be seen in the light that all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD. Developing Christians are to understand that, because Adam and Eve transgressed the divine law, mankind is to exist displaying a condition of mortality, and now experiences life under a continuing sentence of condemnation and death. Even so, ongoing operations, relationships, and the official tribunals of judgment allow mankind to communicate, exchange and interact with divinity without bias, prejudice, and prejudgment. Sinners are granted opportunities to display their own integrity of being, their own content of divine substance, and their willingness to be returned to GOD through operations of the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

The assessment and weighing of human attitudes, behavior, and conduct are more to identify and reveal the character and nature of sin than to attach a list of offenses to someone’s name (reputation). Many are blind to the “exceeding sinfulness of sin,” and fail to realize that sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the entire Creation. Sin is contrary to both divine and human nature; yet, sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. Through judgment, the harshness of divine condemnation appears balanced against sacred completeness, discernment, impartiality, lovingkindness, mercy, restraint, and righteousness.

Jesus knew “what was in mankind” (i.e., understood the possibility for a man to express either an animal, human, or divine nature—or even a nature that is a confusion of the three). He understood that those to whom he was sent were capable of hatred, murder, and violence against himself. Even so, he trusted that the outcome of operations by GOD through Incarnation would provide redemption, renewal, and salvation for both heaven and earth. A new creation and the fulfillment of eternal purpose would be accomplished by imparting fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD; immutable assurances, covenant, and testimony as well as forgiveness, clear expectations (hope), rebirth, sacred knowledge, and greater strength to endure suffering.

The ministry of Jesus was to provide grace to mankind. Jesus did not choose Judas desiring that Judas be a betrayer; and the Lord acknowledged Judas (and all the others) were capable of treachery. Jesus admonished and warned the twelve; however, he made no angry declaration of punishment against Judas or any one of the others. Jesus remained steadfast, and did not despair or quit his efforts to guide and prepare the full twelve. At the time they were introduced, Jesus recognized the pattern presented by Judas (ABCDEFG...XYZ is coming); and understood Judas would most likely be the one to betray the Christ. Even so, Judas was given opportunities to discover, to fellowship, to learn, repent, and be made new. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ezekiel 18: 19-24, King James Version (KJV): 19 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. 20 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. 21 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. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 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? 24 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.

2. Matthew 26: 20-25, KJV: 20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. 21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Romans 6: 15-23, KJV: 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:36 PM, May 19, 2019 @ https://bibleartists.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/6a-the-kiss-of-judas-jesus-mafa.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(05/14/2019) Authentic Experiences From GOD

Today, reply is on authenticity for experiences of divine visitation. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile is shown) posted the following:

What would you say if I told you that Jesus is sitting right here next to me?

I would guess that even Christians would call me a troll and a liar, to which I say-

Wait a minute- I thought you said that Jesus was coming back! How do you know He wouldn't pick a random person to help Him get started? There's a lot of logistics to consider here-

such as easing into it via radio, tv and/or social media announcements, avoiding mass panic, coordinating traffic, etc.

So, what do you say now?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. (Luke 17: 20-24, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Prophecy Over Personal Testimony? (06/29/2017); Proof That GOD Exists? (10/16/2016); On Really Seeing Angels (10/09/2016); The Testimony From Jesus (08/05/2016); Knowing GOD For Yourself (07/13/2016); Seeing Jesus While Alive? (02/05/2016); What To Say To A Friend? (03/29/2015); A Visit from an Angel? (10/20/2013); The Head Not The Tail? (12/21/2013)

“Anonymous”, “child, please!” Nothing is impossible with GOD, however, claiming experiences of encounters with divinity is no laughing matter. Sacred knowledge rather than secular knowledge is always a gift that should be received with joy, yet, with gravity, meekness, respect and sobriety. Within the church established by Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, occurrences and reports of encounters with divinity must be respected as intended to edify and build spirit value. Every member is to receive inseparable spirit matter from the makeup of GOD that includes faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Until shown to lack authenticity, a report is to be accounted as testimony within the process of ongoing divine judgment (i.e., a statement under oath bearing penalties for perjury, and therefore, “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”). For sinners who become “born again,” the sacred process is one of multiple changes, discovery, gradual growth, learning, and study. Ones integrity and justification as a believer comes by being anchored in the testimony of Jesus, the Spirit of prophecy.

Many within the body argue that no one is to see the resurrected Jesus in a one-on-one experience of prayer, or of private revelation (as did the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus). Paul wrote: (1^st Corinthians 15: 3-8, King James Version (KJV): 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. Also, the promises recorded as the revelation given to Jesus to share with his church state that “every eye will see him” at his appearing (we also say, Advent; the harvest; the Rapture; the Second Coming).

Developing and mature Christian believers are encouraged to “try the spirits” (i.e., examine the character, makeup, origin, divine process, sacred purpose, and divine substance) within events, oneself, other persons, prophecy, holy writings, etc. Believers are to focus on the claims and reports that come from divinity, avoiding material that displays only self-promotion, sensationalism, and vainglory. There should be accord and agreement with the things already proclaimed, promised, and recorded for the body of Christ as well as those things that are in their ongoing fulfillment. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. 2^nd Peter 1: 2-4, King James Version (KJV): 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2. 1^st Corinthians 12: 3-13, KJV: 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

3. 1^st John 4: 1-3, KJV: 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 4. Revelation 19: 9-10, KJV: 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 3:11 PM, May 13, 2019 @ https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cw80EIZXgAAHr2p.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(01/14/2018) Flesh As Divine Vessels?

A depiction of the church as the body of Christ

Today, focus is on the human body as a dwelling place for the fullness of divinity appearing as spirit substance.  In the same way Adam (both the male and female) became a living soul by spirit content from the makeup of GOD being imparted to indwell the pair, the “new creation” through Jesus Christ is by the imparting of divine spirit.  A temple is a place consecrated and set apart where divinity may continually abide as active presence, and complete necessary sacred practices (sacraments) and divine works.  Similarly, the Church exists as a “material” and “social” body of Christ on the earth whose “limbs” and members are from diverse cultures, origins, and nations.  Communication, exchange, and interaction among the members of the body are to be continuous, fluid, and organic.  The early church existed in an “atmosphere” of mixed beliefs that included errors in doctrine, idolatry, operations of sin, relying on carnal reason and secular knowledge, witchcraft, and false worship.  One of the major, wide-spread, and recurring issues that caused division was the sharing of food and meals that were portions from offerings to idols.  Many thought that the purity and sanctification of the church was defiled and profaned through those members and their families who were not alert to the hidden possibility for transgression of divine law.  This resulted in gatherings of the apostles and evangelists of the faith as well as  instructions and messages of testimony to the churches circulated by epistles.  A writer from the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Citadel” (Level 2 with 276 points, a member since June 02, 2013) posted the following:

When Paul describes us as a temple (2 Cor 6:16, 1 cor 3:16 etc) what is he talking about?

Is he saying that the church as a whole is the temple or that we individually are?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body:  so also is Christ.  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  For the body is not one member, but many.  If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.  And if they were all one member, where were the body?  But now are they many members, yet but one body.  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee:  nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.  (1st Corinthians 12:  12-21, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In Order To Understand (12/01/2017); Restoring the Divine Presence? (03/09/2017); GOD’s Peculiar People (12/11/2016); An Habitation of GOD (07/24/2016); Death, Forgiveness, Sin and Spirit? (05/28/2015); What Is Life? (02/06/2015); The Bread of GOD (03/01/2014); Belief, Faith, and Proof (03/02/2014)

“Citadel”, where believers acknowledge that the character, makeup, and substance of GOD is spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, Word) the enormous divine accomplishment of putting forth all created beings and living creatures along with their spheres for life and everything within them immediately can be recognized and understood as expressing more than human authority, consciousness, knowledge, power, vision, sovereign will, and wisdom.  The operations of invisible, unseen divinity are to be known and “seen” (we say, revealed) as complete, comprehensive, detailed, and on a scale that embraces all.  Given what appears as obvious and “self-evident” regarding the possibilities and actualities of GOD, the living must undergo permanent change of their consciousness, substance, and self-will to truly exist having duration as full companions to immortal, incorruptible Deity.  Sinners are to be “born again” and become filled through fresh deposits and endowments of inseparable divine spirit content that includes faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, oneness without sameness, personhood, and wrath against sin.

That “the flesh” is a collection of patterns and regularities governed by what we call “mechanical” and “natural” law (e.g., appetite, circulation, elimination, respiration, sensation, emotions/mental functions) requires the transformation that has been prophetically demonstrated by the Incarnation.  The flesh does not consistently display and obey the things of divine law.  The operations of sin can appear through attitudes, behavior, desire, and self-expression (e.g., ones body language, speech, thought); yet, sin does not control where there is genuine expression and acknowledged presence of the divine will.  Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Law Giver, and the divine order that nourishes and supports the platforms of Creation.  Sin is indiscriminate, and has no consciousness or ability to assign value.  Sin promotes annihilation (i.e., sudden and total destruction of all that exists), the chaos and flux that were in place before the founding of earth and heaven, and the operation of GOD spoken of as the second death. 

Every sinner must be “born again” to become a living vessel of divine substance (we say, an offspring, son or daughter  of GOD, joint-heir with Jesus Christ).  Each one is to participate in the eternal purposes of divine fullness (we say, the GODhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).  As those having integrity of being and accountable for the fruit from the plantings of self-will, repenting sinners become developing Christian believers, and are to mature on the earth until the return of Christ (we say, Advent, the harvest, the Rapture, the Second Coming).  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 6:  3-6, 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.

(2.)  Ephesians 2:  8-10, KJV:  8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.  10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(3.)  Ephesians 2:  18-22, KJV:  18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  1st John 4:  10-19, KJV:  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.  12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.  13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.  14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.  15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:  because as he is, so are we in this world.  18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:  because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  19 We love him, because he first loved us.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC