(01/14/2019) The Virginity of Mary

A depiction of Mary

Today, the reply is on the holiness and virginity of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Ordinarily, a woman loses her virginity, and sheds her blood of innocence during her first sexual intercourse when her hymen (i.e., a small piece of flesh within her vagina that serves as a seal upon her womb) is broken by the penetration of a male penis. The hymen of the mother of Jesus Christ was broken at his birth, and his coming was by water and the blood. The importance of Mary is not due to her own merit, divine nature, and sacred accomplishments, rather, it is because she has been an instrument for fulfillment of sacred prophecy, divine promises, eternal purpose, and the revelation of Jesus Christ. As we ourselves also are to be, Mary appears as a vessel to contain spirit substance imparted from the makeup of GOD, and to whom sin is no longer imputed. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Nathan H” (Level 3 with 1,856 points, a member since April 17, 2008) posted the following:

Why does the people of the Catholics beleivesing that Mary was always virginized, when Mattnew says Joseph had sex with her?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1: 18-25, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divinity Embodied In Flesh (12/30/2018); Mysteries Of The Kingdom? (09/28/2018); Benefits of the Rosary (02/14/2017); About Praying to Mary (08/21/2015); Sodom and Gomorrah Again? (05/30/2016); It Is Our Wisdom To Ask (05/18/2015); The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014)

“Nathan H”, many mature Christians acknowledge that, in the same way Mary, who gave birth to their Savior Jesus Christ, experienced having gender as a human female, she also experienced human sexuality as a female with the birth of her other children. Even so, these same believers understand that her virginity was, and continues to be, a spiritual condition established through operations of the same Holy Spirit that performed to create heaven and earth. Inseparable aspects from the makeup of divinity appear that include faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, meekness, purity, and simplicty.

Mary is important to Christian belief as an instrument of GOD for the full revelation of divinity. The birth of Jesus was not through human reproduction and sexuality: Jesus was made to be and exist within Mary by operations of the Holy Spirit. Believers are to see the workings of divine authority, love, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. The embodiment (we say, Incarnation) of divinity appearing as Jesus Christ, and using the human forms of flesh and mind, required both the birth and death of Jesus to establish his humanity as authentic. Similarly, the humanity of Mary is shown to be genuine, and displays the full range of human challenges, needs, and possibilities that include humility and covenant relationship with GOD.

There is no report in the holy writings, that Mary was baptized as Jesus was by John the Baptist. Even so, after fasting and prayer in the Upper Room, Mary received the gifts of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost along with the apostles of Jesus. She served as one of the witnesses to his crucifixion, and to his resurrection. To those of the early church, Mary was an evidence of things unseen, and a “foretaste” of things to come.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, because the character, makeup and substance of GOD are the actual focus, many Christians are comfortable with the Scriptures and teachings concerning Mary that can only be embraced correctly through operations of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Included are the ascension of Mary, the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven, the acknowledgment of sacred mysteries from the lives of Jesus and Mary using the Rosary prayers, and the sanctification of Mary as a perpetual virgin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(11/04/2016) Works of the Spirit?

Today, acquiring sacred knowledge, Incarnation (i.e., the conception of Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit are topics.  For things residing within the heart and mind (we say, consciousness) of GOD the Father to have discrete or separate existence as created beings, living creatures, physical objects, and temporal process they must be given dimension, form and presence through the Son who is Word as well as duration, permanence, spirit substance (we say, breath, life) and visibility through the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was the agent of Creation who acted to fulfill the shared eternal purposes that put forth the heaven, the earth, and the material universe.  His ability to manifest divinity is unlimited, yet, his agenda and objectives always appear as from the Father, the Son, or the two in accord.  The many important sacred events and works by the Holy Spirit include establishing the firmament with multiple spheres for life, the birth of Jesus Christ, that Christ should embody sin in the flesh and die upon the cross, the Savior’s resurrection, the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost, rebirth and repentance by sinners, and the ongoing provision of spiritual gifts as a primary witness to the ministry of Christ.  The problem for mankind with exploring the unknown, and seeking sacred knowledge beyond what GOD already has revealed, is that human research and studies almost always also entail concentrating upon assumptions that are in error, embracing and endorsing the forbidden, exaggerating pride, and practicing presumption (attempting to exercise godly authority without divine license and permission).  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Breakthrough” (Level 6 with 14,987 points, a member since June 29, 2013) posted the following:

If God can impregnate a virgin does this mean that the Holy Spirit can do absolutely anything?

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  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.  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:  and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  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.  And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood:  and these three agree in one.  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.  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.  (1st John 5:  1-10, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Need for Incarnation? (09/29/2016); 3 Persons, 3 Minds? (02/03/2016); Spirit, Spirit Beings, Spirit Persons? (10/13/2015); About Praying to Mary (08/21/2015); The Three Wise Men? (08/05/2015); Divinity Has Person? (05/19/2015);  Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013)

“Breakthrough”, the clearest, most useful information available to mankind regarding the Holy Spirit has been collected and preserved over the course of thousands of years, and is now available as the Bible.  The holy writings do not encourage asking questions about GOD, preexistence, and the many events before the creation of mankind, because they foster emotions and thinking that are disconnected, are inconsistent with revelation, and that promote spiritual confusion.  Even so, some things do appear from GOD that are intended as necessary sacred knowledge.  Mature Christian believers trust that the Holy Spirit exists within the oneness without sameness that is full divinity (we say, the GODhead).  The Holy Spirit (also called the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) shares the same character, nature, makeup, and eternal purpose that is emanated from the Father and manifest as the Son.  Included are inseparable aspects of Deity such as authority, existence, holiness, life, personness, power, presence, and sovereign will.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 29:  29, King James Version (KJV):  29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(2.)  Genesis 1:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  3 And God said, Let there be light:  and there was light.

(3.)  Romans 1:  16-22, KJV:  16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  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,

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended, here.  For example, (4.)  Colossians 2:  6-10, 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:)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(08/05/2015) The Three Wise Men?

How human curiosity, divine intent, and godly wisdom may come together are themes, today.  Asked why the three wise men (some prefer, astrologers or astronomers) investigated the star that appeared over Bethlehem, many would want to say the three did so only because they were driven by a hunger for secular knowledge.  Similarly, we could ask the question, Who sent Moses to view the burning bush?  The case of Moses, allows us to see more quickly, the process was more that the Prophet was drawn, not that he was sent.  Moses was on his way home after a days work, and did not turn aside with the intention of acknowledging GOD, offering devotions, or making some prayer.  Yet, a sacred event of revelation became actual through the agreement of operations from both divine will and flesh.  The birth of Jesus as an heir to the throne of David was more than a routine, natural occurrence.  It was also a celestial, cosmic, political, prophetic, and sacred event (we say, miracle).  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Silas” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since August 04, 2015) posted the following:


Who sends the three wise men to birth place of Jesus?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.  (James 3:  13-18, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  It Is Our Wisdom To Ask (05/18/2015); The Christmas Spirit? (12/23/2014); Peace The Gift of Christmas? (12/24/2014); Science and the Laws of Nature?  (03/23/2013); How To Love GOD? (03/24/2013); About the Star? (12/24/2012); Without The Noise of Battle (12/25/2012)


“Silas”, most mature Christian believers agree that all the different events announcing and proclaiming the virgin birth of Jesus Christ were orchestrated by the Spirit of GOD (also called, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth) as the fulfillment of covenant, divine promise, prophecy, and a continuing revelation of divinity.  For many among us, discovery, inquiry and investigation are naturally occurring aspects of life experience.  Therefore, methods and materials have been developed over time that permit us to speak with great confidence as historians, men of wisdom, thinkers, and scientists.  It remains, however, that only the things from GOD permit the most correct sacred knowledge and insight regarding the things from Deity such as Atonement, Eternal Life,  Incarnation, Redemption, Salvation and Sanctification. Here are some points from the Bible that speak to finite mankind’s search for transcendent wisdom:

(1.)  Matthew 2:  2-3, King James Version (KJV):  2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,  2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.  3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

(2.)  Jeremiah 33:  2-3, KJV:  2 Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; 3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

(3.)  Psalms 119:  98-101, KJV:  98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies:  for they are ever with me.  99 I have more understanding than all my teachers:  for thy testimonies are my meditation.  100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.  101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

(4.)  James 1:  5-8, KJV:  5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

(5.)  1st Corinthians 3:  18-20, KJV:  18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.  19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.  20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

(6.)  Proverbs 9:  10, KJV:  10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:  and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account.  (For example (7.)  1st Corinthians 1:  18-21, KJV:  18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC