(06/27/2013) When Does Judgment Begin?

Aspects of divine judgment are our topic, today, along with more on being lost without GOD.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “ubhannahh” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since April 11, 2007) posted the following:

Does god judge us while on earth right before we die?

The sinners

THE BATTLE AXE:  Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013)—All men feel some degree of separation from GOD.  The Almighty must exercise authority and impartiality, yet, maintain exalted sovereignty, holiness, and sanctification.  There must be order, process, sequence and structure that, taken all together, appear as separation.  By contrast, the separation that results from defiance, disobedience, distrust, fear, guilt, shame, or willful persistence in sin is not permanent, and may be removed through divine operations that include forgiveness, rebirth, and repentance.  In this sense, GOD manages fellowship and intimacy for believers the same way a mother or father seeks to be their child’s confidant without losing their own proper place as an adult, their changing place as the child’s caretaker, protector and teacher, or their permanent place as parent.  See Isaiah 59:  1-21, John 17:  14-26 and Hebrews 12:  1-11, King James Version.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:  on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.  (1st Peter 4:  12-19, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  To Find A True Christian? (06/17/2013); Unseen Sin? (06/18/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); Scriptures and Sayings (06/09/2013); Must We Really Die? (05/13/2013)

“ubhannahh”, here are some points describing divine judgment that are widely shared among Christian believers:

(1)  The sacred operation of judgment is eternal, and appears as an aspect of divine being, and sacred person.  GOD is a spirit who reveals divinity by imparting spirit matter to created beings and living creatures.  The “acts” and spirit substance of GOD establish awareness of divine power, possibility, and presence that includes creation, forgiveness, judgment and salvation. 

(2)  Judgment of those upon the earth (animals, mankind, spirit beings) has already begun, and is a continuing sacred process that is now focused upon “the household of GOD” meaning, those in covenant, those in adoption and rebirth through the imparted indwelling Spirit, and those entrusted who serve through the ministry of Jesus as Risen Lord.  Those who, in the end, are accounted as redeemed and saved, first, have also been regarded as sinners along with those who are wicked.  Instead of behavior and conduct, that frequently shifts and changes, the make-up and spirit content of all living persons will be examined.

(3)  In order to list the peculiar sequence of events that pertain to judgment believers include:  (a.) the law proclaimed (with its benefits, punishments and sanctions), (b.) the accomplishments of death (e.g., redemption, release from sin, and transfer of inheritance through the law), (c.) the completion of documents that serve as life-records with the conclusion of inquiry, investigation and truth-finding, (d.) rebirth and resurrection, (e.) the sanctification and perfection of those embracing salvation, (f.) examinations from the book of life, (g.) the destruction of the wicked, and (h.) a distribution of divine rewards.

There is no simple explanation, or abbreviated way to clarify the many profound truths of judgment.  There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example,  (4)  there are three events we think of as “final judgment.”  The first is when Christ returns to harvest the earth and receive all those who acknowledge him as Savior.  However, their judgment already will have been completed.  The “white throne” judgment, sees the wicked appear before Christ.  This occurs after Satan is cast into the lake of fire.  Because the process of divine judgment may only involve the living; the dead must be revived, and do not answer any angel, devil or human accuser.  They must acknowledge the record of their own deeds.  Finally, following the second death whereby all the wicked are destroyed, there will be a judgment for appointment of divine duties and privilege within the eternal kingdom.)   Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/20/2013) What’s The Way Out?

      Blasphemy, oblivion, perdition and salvation are topics, today. Also, there is more on when Jesus comes back. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “ê Orion ê Starchild” (Level 2 with 256 points, a member since June 1, 2009) posted the following:

What if you believe in J.Christ but don’t want an eternal life? What’s the way out?

THE BATTLE AXE: When Jesus Comes Back? (04/19/2013)—(6.) As spoken of in the holy writings, the “day of the Lord” comes as destruction from the Almighty, however, not upon those who are obedient and in submission to GOD. Called “dooms day,” “judgment day,” “day of vengeance” and “the Rapture,” the day of the Lord pertains to the righteousness of GOD made visible both as restoration of his covenant peoples, and execution of wrath against sin in holy judgment. See Isaiah 2: 12, Isaiah 13: 6, Isaiah 13: 9, Isaiah 34: 8, Ezekiel 30: 3 and Joel 2: 23-32, KJV. (7.) The day of the Lord is a prophetic event that signals the completion of various divine operations and sacred purposes. Believers receive the day of the Lord as a major occurrence within the full agenda for eternity, a centerpiece of the divine time tables and scheduling of sacred events for salvation, and a final assurance that Christ will have union with his Bride, the New Jerusalem. See Malachi 4: 4-6, Acts 2: 17-21, 1st Thessalonians 5: 1-3, 2nd Peter 3: 5-14, Revelation 3: 11-13 and Revelation 21: 1-3, King James Version.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1st John 5: 10-12, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Separated and Sealed? (03/29/2013); Acknowledging Divinity? (03/30/2013); The Place for Eternal Life? (01/06/2013); Therefore There Was Trust (01/07/2013); Returning To GOD (02/23/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Sin Against The Spirit (01/26/2012); Blasphemy? (03/06/2011); In The Rain? (03/07/2011)

      Dear Starchild, here are some points to consider that many mature Christian believers would endorse:

(1.) The “way out” of eternal life is called judgment, damnation, perdition and the second death. There are many who mistakenly think that their choices are oblivion, or perdition. Oblivion is preferred as a quiet end to everything without further pain, punishment and torment. One loses all consciousness, and all things cease to exist, including GOD. For this reason, its opposition to the continuing action and presence of Divine Person, the desire for oblivion is recognized as emerging from sin, the immaterial influence upon self-will in created beings and living creatures that opposes divine law, the existence of divinity, and the continuance of all that is the Creation.

(2.) Perdition is what follows as the natural and unavoidable consequence of opposing the divine will, and repeatedly raising ones self-will above that of the Creator. Requiring divine materials and sacred processes, perdition is the absolute elimination of all created beings and living creatures opposing the divine will, exalting self-will, or lacking imparted substance from the Divine Person. Included are such sacred content as faith, forbearance, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, wisdom and wrath against sin.

(3.) The existence, purpose and substance of created beings and living creatures appear as the discretion, imperatives, and prerogatives of the Almighty. It is a matter of choice and “free will” for the living only in the sense they may acknowledge and conform to frameworks and limitations established from GOD.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Many seek to blaspheme and rebel against GOD believing they will face no consequence, or painful outcomes. Like those who mock the church, and antagonize believers seeking to corrupt the faith and obedience of others, blasphemers usually insist there is neither eternal life nor perdition. “By default” as those who seal themselves in a spirit of unbelief (i.e., irrevocably shut out the spirit from GOD), blasphemers choose damnation, and refuse the third alternative—the choice of salvation through the ministry of Jesus Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(04/12/2013) GOD Knows Tomorrow?

      Focus, today, is upon divine foreknowledge, omniscience, and predetermination for events in the lives of created beings and living creatures. Also, there is more on faith, language, and “mystery.” A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Isis” (Level 1 with 37 points, a member since August 3, 2011) posted the following:

Does god know what will happen tomorrow?

THE BATTLE AXE: Faith, Language, and “Mystery”? (04/11/2013)—The understanding of “mystery” as special knowledge appears frequently within the holy writings. Even so, the meaning of “mystery” is fluid, and changes as we broaden or narrow focus. For example, consider again 1st Corinthians 4: 1, 1st Corinthians 13: 1-3, Ephesians 3: 2-12 and Ephesians 5: 31-32, KJV. Mystery is an aspect of spiritual relationship, a working of divine power, the dispensation of grace, eternal purpose, prophecy, the duties and works of priesthood, and a specific truth addressing divine acts to simultaneously separate and join (woman/man and Christ/the church). Here are some other awkward, yet repeatedly useful ideas and ways of regarding the “mysteries” of GOD. (1.) When reciting the prayers of the Rosary, a believer is to contemplate selected events from the life of Jesus and his mother Mary, that are spoken of as “mysteries.” (2.) The mystery of the kingdom of GOD is a shared reality and truth that unfolds within ones awareness through their continued being and existence. The kingdom is not a place in time or space, nor is the kingdom “all in ones mind.” Participation in the mysteries of the kingdom may be instructed and taught using parables, because as open-ended object lessons, parables grant believers latitude to assign meaning based on their own divine content of faith and hope. See Matthew 13: 10-12 and Luke 8: 9-11, King James Version.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1: 3-12, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); Did Jesus Know? (12/22/2012); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); Blessings, Curses and Woes (10/03/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Why Is GOD Blamed? (08/23/2012); Fire Baptism (08/24/2012); GOD Does Exist (03/20/2012); On Being Careful (02/13/2012); A New Earth (02/14/2012); The Afterlife? (12/30/2010); Diet and Food? (12/31/2010)

    
     Isis, here are a few points I may share as a mature Christian believer that speak to GOD “knowing” the future. They will probably make most sense to you after you again show respect to GOD in prayer:

(1.) It is most correct to say that GOD is omniscient when speaking of divine purpose, sacred process, and the fulfillment of prophecy. The idea that GOD is aware of and recalls every detail for every event from the life of every created being or living creature is less correct. GOD is a spirit, and we must worship him (i.e., acknowledge him and know him) in spirit and in truth (John 4: 24, KJV). There are statements found in Scripture suggesting the breadth and depth of divine commitment to Creation as well the connection of many hidden truths for valuing human life. However, in no way should believers understand that GOD goes about filled with a “superfluity of naughtiness” and trivia. See Matthew 10: 29-31 and Luke 12: 6-7, KJV.

(2.) The foreknowledge of GOD seems to be made up of, and determined by the fixed decisions and set goals for Creation. In the same way a Washington Nationals fan may decide his son will be a baseball player (not a Capitol’s hockey star, or Wizard’s basketball great) long before the child is born or takes his first steps, may rush about buying bats, cleats, and gloves, and must then carefully maneuver his child to the sport as his own career goal; GOD has predetermined life, and eternal life for mankind. Believers are being moved through various preset sacraments, sacred experiences, and spiritual works to establish them in relationship with GOD and with one another. See Ephesians 2: 4-10 and 1st Peter 1: 13-21, KJV.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) GOD knows that self-will in created beings and living creatures may be dominated by sin. The full nature of humanity is expressed through both animal and divine aspects. (There must be an outworking of divine truth, a blossoming of holy seed, so to speak.) GOD has no final knowledge of ones deeds until after they have been manifest; and (so to speak) GOD does not go about with a catalog of errors and sins on his mind. Thus, the device of the books of life further come into view as vital for judgment and reward of mankind. See 1st Corinthians 3: 8-15 and Revelation 20: 11-13, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of faith you now contain.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/22/2012) Did Jesus Know?

      Whether Jesus had foreknowledge of his resurrection before it occurred is a topic, today, along with more on Naaman the Leper. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “fixer29” (Level 4 with 2,680 points, November 16, 2010) posted the following:

Did Jesus know He was going to be resurrected before He was crucified?

Or did it come as a huge surprise when He woke up in a cave three days later?

THE BATTLE AXE: Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012)—Just as the miraculous healing of Naaman followed his obedience, only after obedience do believers receive authority, gratitude, joy, trust, understanding, and the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD (we say, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy). All believers begin without full knowledge of the Gospel, and the things given from GOD. There must be inquiry, study, decision, death and resurrection (through baptism), confirmations of faith, and continuous change by spiritual growth. Once healed of otherwise incurable disease (leprosy is sin), Naaman becomes a figure of the divinely reborn who minister to mankind by sharing the Gospel of Christ. The prophet refuses the offer of payment and earthly rewards; however, his servant, Gehazi, pursues Naaman, and seeks reward through deception and lying. As a result, the servant receives the curse of Naaman’s leprosy upon himself, and upon his own future generations. As a minister to the prophet in the way Joshua attended Moses, Gehazi was one who stands in witness to the operation and presence of GOD, and one who has received such divine gifts as covenant, deliverance, law, and priesthood. Gehazi’s covetousness, presumption, and violation of trust is like that of one who hears the Gospel message, and despises the promises and spiritual gifts preferring outward appearance (e.g., changes of raiment), influence, wealth and worldly power.

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (John 11: 21-27, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); What He Died For (09/14/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); Begotten not Made (09/08/2012); About False Witness (09/09/2012); Why Jesus Prayed (08/19/2012); How Life Exists (08/20/2012); Girdle 50: Unquenchable Life (01/06/2012)

      In addition to a record of the doctrines and teachings from GOD the Father that Jesus proclaimed by his ministry as an orthodox rabbi, the Scriptures identify many of the prophesies he carried out and performed as well as the declarations of his personal conviction and faith. Even knowledge for some of the most “private” prayers of Jesus have been provided to believers through the Holy Spirit (see Luke 11: 1-4 and John 17, King James Version). Jesus was familiar with the events and portents surrounding his birth; and, being human, he endured a continual struggle to acquire a mature comprehension, and complete acceptance of sacred truth (see Matthew 25: 20-46 and Mark 14: 13-42, KJV).

      Jesus lived in a society that had many divisions, errors, and faith eroding secular influences. Even among the elders and leaders of the Temple community (often called “the Jews” in Scripture), there were disbelievers and factions driven by human error, politics, and pride. Being anchored in faith, humility, obedience and prayer, Jesus acknowledged and demonstrated to all the proper duty for a son of GOD (see Luke 4: 16-21 and Matthew 11: 1-6, KJV). The holy writings were the most widely available and shared presentation of doctrine, and provided all the necessary elements for the common acceptance of salvation through Christ. Thus, Jesus and his followers preached and proclaimed the truths of his birth, death, burial and resurrection as fulfillment of prophecy, and things of the holy record, rather than the accomplishment of private goals and purposes (see Luke 24: 1-31, KJV).

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, how we experience events in our divine spirit, or in our human imagination and thoughts are at a very different level than events in our flesh and material reality. The events of the Lord’s Passion included many unexpected details, jolts and unanticipated traumas. For example, his expectation (i.e., hope) probably did not include seeing his mother stand before him at the foot of the cross.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIXWashington, DC

(11/02/2012) Opportunity to Repent

     Today’s presentation, a BATTLE AXE and GOLDEN ARROW only, completes a discussion of whether those not taken up in the Rapture will have opportunity to repent, and to be saved. Also, in obedience, there is this:

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1st Thessalonians 4: 13-18, KJV)



THE BATTLE AXE: After the Rapture? (11/01/2012)—Events that lead up to the Rapture include the documentation of works in what is called “The Lamb’s book of life”, and an ongoing divine examination of all created beings and living creatures who participate in any of the many covenants with GOD. The focus of final judgment goes far beyond ones repentance, and will also scrutinize actions to bestow forgiveness, initiative, obedience, prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, and exhortation), sharing the “good news,” and the believer’s full sacred content (such aspects of divine nature as faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, love, righteousness, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin). Even though they will have seen Christ in full glory, those left behind will deny, dismiss, “explain away,” and cling to “scientific explanations” that serve as their comfort zone. Thus, events that follow the Rapture will include those who account themselves rulers over the earth exacting payment, tribute and worship from all living. Conditions will be very like those described in Scripture (for example, Nehemiah 9). The rulers will have power over their bodies and their property, and the servitude of mankind will continue as a condition of great distress. Usury and exaction of debt will be widespread. There will be buying and selling on the Sabbath; and no time of godly refreshing and rest will be observed. Bitterness, despair, lust and madness will spread; and the gathering of armies to go up against GOD will begin.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20: 6-12, KJV)



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/26/2012) Life and Death

     Natural and spiritual death are topics today along with eternal life, resurrection, prosperity and destruction of fools. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “interesting” (Level 1 with 25 points, a member since September 23, 2012) posted the following:

If Jesus died so other people can live, isn’t being ressurected a deal-breaker?

THE BATTLE AXE: Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012)—As surely as the use of money is commonplace in our culture, complaining about bills, debts and money is so widespread that financial stability and contentment are often incorrectly thought to come only by operation of the Spirit of GOD in the life of believers. Many Christians now endorse the idea that prosperity is a condition of overall health for a person’s finances, mental state, physical body, social relationships and spiritual wellbeing. Believers regularly petition GOD in their prayers for increased prosperity as a legitimate entitlement in concurrence with their inheritance as children of GOD. Abundance and plenty routinely trigger feelings of safety, satisfaction, and strength. However, prosperity is said to be “ruin” where spiritual complacency and indifference appear, and where there is a false sense of security, overconfidence, or breakdowns in sacred discipline and vigilance. Because ostentation, showing-off, flamboyance, and making display of appetite, money and property (called “conspicuous consumption”) are downplayed as harmless competition or acceptable fun, rather than sin, those having great wealth often foster and are plagued by envy, covetousness, and thievery. Envy (a quiet, emotional form of violence) is malice directed against others to deny them pleasure in, or ownership of some object. Covetousness is exaggerated desire for objects others are seen with, ones own belongings, or the belongings and property of others. Thievery is stealing, and taking authority over the belongings of others without their approval, knowledge and permission. The poor are able to “live as kings,” because prosperity does not initiate, generate, and increase sin. Rightly understood, prosperity turns men to GOD and to one another in gratitude, humility and joy. One does not prosper on the basis of how much they have, by having more, or by having better. One prospers by enjoying what they have, however little it may be; and the key to their enjoyment is that, they continue in their integrity, and they unselfishly share with others (see Proverbs 22: 1 and Proverbs 19: 22, King James Version).

THE GOLDEN ARROW: For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (2nd Corinthians 4: 5-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Chances for Change (09/15/2012); What He Died For (09/14/2012); The Old Testament and Parables (08/12/2012); The Divine Tool of Death (08/11/2012); Binder 21: Dead Indeed Unto Sin (10/18/2011); Work in Heaven? (11/22/2010); For Our Sins? (11/21/2010)

      Your question pertains to some of the most important and least publicly talked about truth from Christian belief. Be encouraged as you consider the following:

      Thinking and speaking of life and death as events within the natural world are very different from the understanding given Christian believers, who learn to see life and death as aspects of spiritual processes. Created beings and living creatures “die” as they complete, finish and fulfill mortality—a condition of existence and qualification for carrying out specific divine purposes. In addition to death, mortality is also completed through translation wherein one is caught up to GOD. The death of Jesus was not intended to continue the course of natural life and death for mankind that had been in place for thousands of years. By his death Jesus completes, prepares, and reveals various sacred processes including Creation, forgiveness, rebirth, repentance, salvation, sanctification, and judgment.

      Resurrection from the state of death is provided to establish the righteousness of judgment. In order that all may appear alive before the divine judge to hear and “answer” any charges, their mortality is restored. The first resurrection restores only the followers of Jesus at the time of his coming (called Advent, and Rapture). The second resurrection restores the wicked, and occurs after the destruction of Satan in the lake of fire. The wicked therefore appear in judgment with only the record of their own deeds as the “accuser.”

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, being cast into the lake of fire is the second death, and is reserved for unholy angels, unclean spirits and wicked men. Conclusion of the Great White Throne judgment will also be the finish of all mortality. Incorruptibility and immortality will be bestowed upon mankind, and those saved from the earth will continue their eternal life begun before their death. The holy angels and other living creatures of heaven will not be altered.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/19/2012) Fasting "After the Spirit"

     Fasting “after the flesh” and “after the spirit” are considered today, along with more on whether believing brings about reincarnation and resurrection. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “mopar Mike” (Level 6 with 18,975 points, a member since December 23, 2008) posted the following:


Christians: Whats been your experience with fasting ? Has it significantly enhanced your Christian walk?

I’ve heard other Christian say it’s very effective in breaking strongholds.
Also. I realize fasting is not to pry God’s hand open in giving you what you want. I’m just curious as to your experience.
Thanks in advance for your answers.


THE BATTLE AXE: Does Believing Make It Happen? (09/18/2012)—For many reincarnation is an event in nature like reproduction, childbirth, toothache, and “growing up.” As a fixed and set condition of existence, reincarnation requires no explanation or justification: It just is. However, given such ideas as karma, and possibilities for movement through higher and lower levels of being (including divinity), reincarnation also speaks to “judgment”, and the valuing of life accomplishments. Given the absence of a divine person who presides over reincarnation, benefits, compensation, penalties and rewards are held to be distributed on a basis that is balanced, neutral, and “fair”. For Christians, power derives from being in correct relationship with Almighty GOD, and is more a product from acting according to belief than from simply believing. Without proper action, believing is fruitless, has no substance, and is no more than day-dreaming, fantasy and wishing. As a reality of judgment, all must face both the actual outcomes and consequences of their own deeds as well as appear in the full presence of the Holy One and Judge, who himself is the eternal standard for all substance, person and life. While as humans all our relationships entail change, conflict, instability, stress, and surprise, the contribution of relationships to life experience far exceeds the beauty, potential, power and richness of any life event, or mechanical process of nature and time.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, (Matthew 4: 3-5)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why We Do…and Don’t (01/18/2012); All Righteousness (01/11/2012); Binder 24: If Ye Continue (10/21/2011); Lent (03/10/2011); Getting Ready? (11/05/2010); Bible Boring? (09/29/2010)


Be encouraged as you consider the following:

      Where fasting is “after the flesh” its focus is upon abstinence from eating and drinking. One is made more introspective and self-aware, both through signals from their body, and from their mind as they break the usual rhythm of their day. Their consciousness is repeatedly directed to their own physical wellbeing as well as to the comfort and mechanics of their own organs. A person may miss meals, or endure hunger and thirst for many reasons (e.g., competition, health regimens, illness, lack of appetite, no food in their home, poverty, self-discipline, sleep, study, weight loss, work), thus, the practice of simply skipping meals is not regarded as automatically having spiritual benefit.
 
      Where one fasts “after the spirit,” the time ordinarily used in preparing and taking meals is spent instead “consuming” the word of GOD. The focus of fasting is then upon humbling oneself to GOD, and confirms the divine truth that the spirit in man also must be nourished: man lives not by bread only, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (see Deuteronomy 8: 2-3, King James Version). The holy writings are correctly understood as containing and supplying spiritual, rather than carnal, material and social substance.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, in the same way Christian believers are circumcised in the body and person of Jesus Christ, believers have already fasted 40 days and nights as did Moses. It is not necessary that we repeat all the sufferings that Christ has accomplished for us, beyond what will open our understanding, and establish us with him in his finished work.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC