(08/20/2019) Paying For Our Sins?

The image depicts the transformation whereby Christ became sin for us while on the cross.

 

Today, reply is on why mankind may not make atonement, endure divine punishment, or pay for their own sins. Through Jesus Christ, men living on the earth are to become recognizable as an aspect of divine fullness, even, the righteousness of GOD. Because sin is the transgression of divine law, sin pertains to the expressed will of divinity, and is more than a discrete human event that emerges from self-will. The accomplishment of salvation for mankind requires more than the gifts and tools possessed by those on the earth. The finite devices of intellect, logic, philosophy, carnal reason, and science can not eliminate sin that is completely and correctly identified only when using divine law, and through ongoing sacred relationships. It is written: 1^st Peter 2: 21-25, King James Version (KJV): 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shown) posted the following:

 

Just one more question: how come we can’t pay for our own sins? If we deserve punishment, shouldn’t we be able to pay for our sins?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: 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. (2^nd Corinthians 5: 21, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Spirit Using Human Form (08/16/2019); Baptism Is Not DIY (05/28/2019); Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); How Sinners Become Perfect (11/26/2018); Why Punishment After Death? (11/23/2018); Rebirth, Growth and Transformation (09/29/2017); Transformation Not Obedience Alone (07/02/2017)

 

“Anonymous”, babes and sinners who are just beginning to seek release from sin by turning to Jesus Christ are encouraged using devices that are familiar, plain, and simple. Forbearance and forgiveness are shown by divinity on the basis that their character and nature emanates love. However, receiving the permanent changes within ones spirit makeup, becoming mature in sacred knowledge, and being able to consistently respond to divine process is challenging. Developing believers must receive fresh endowments of the same life essence (breath; spirit; word) that was imparted to Adam from the makeup of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

Apart from divinity appearing in the earth and ministering from heaven as Jesus Christ, mankind can not fully understand, resist, destroy, or eliminate sin. We say, sin is an enigma (a puzzle having no solution); for sin is no material, physical, or spirit object that has not been put forth by the Creator. Even so, sin has direction, effect, and presence; and sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (we say, willpower) within created beings and living creatures. Sin opposes the continued existence of all sacred law, the Lawgiver, and divine order throughout the universe. Sin promotes non-existence and a return to the conditions in place before the founding of heaven and earth (we say, preexistence). Because the living unknowingly acknowledge sin as a natural, normal aspect of full person, many fail to recognize that sin is contrary to both divine and human existence.

Christian belief declares that only through direct acts of GOD using the form of mankind (i.e., flesh and blood), and continuous sacred operations of divinity can the damage from sin be reconfigured and halted. Men do not have sufficient spiritual strength and willpower; therefore, divinity appears demonstrating authentic humanity, and then displays the destruction of sin while on the cross. Christ would manifest the fullness of sin in place of his own divine mind, sacred heart, eternal purposes, and exalted love. Jesus actually would become the ungodly element that has to be totally destroyed and separated from life.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, in all these things there is the putting aside of time and space. The cleansing required by sin on the earth also must occur within the celestial temple and Sanctuary of heaven. While the death of a sinner terminates their ability to sin, the consequences and influence of their sin continue for as much as four generations (160 years). Believers who enter into the death of Jesus Christ become his new creation, and are made alive in continuing relationship with divinity through the resurrection of Jesus, not by their own resurrection that is for the purpose of their appearing in judgment.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 1:11 PM, August 19, 2019 @ https://ssnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/kacas0803.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/15/2018) Rendering Our Reasonable Service

Coming to Christ as a Living Sacrifice

 

Today, reply is to the idea that created beings and living creatures must respond to life challenges, disappointments, frustration, and suffering without always being given payment or rewards from GOD.   Regular practice of giving, offering, and sacrifice (i.e., enduring cost, discomfort, and loss to acknowledge divinity; giving up something valued) further establishes the bond and permanent relationship with a sovereign GOD who has practiced Incarnation, sacrifice, and resurrection for the recovery of Creation from sin.  While eternal life and salvation cannot be gained, paid for, or won on the basis of human effort, obedience to sacred law, will power in the created and their finite works, the living do receive place as companions to immortal, incorruptible divinity through divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ men may be commended for balance, commitment, faithfulness, perseverance, sobriety, and stability.  Ownership of the earth, every other sphere of life, and all the fullness of the known universe belong to GOD.  The living are to display the inseparable aspects of spirit content from the makeup of GOD.  In accord with the Creator, it is our acknowledgment, and presentation of active presence and divine substance that determines our benefits, duration, existence, outcomes of judgment, privilege, quality, and value to GOD.  Accountability and duty make it that our lives often center more on demands and things that must be done (like it, don’t like it), rather than works within our comfort zone, our personal preferences, and our favorite things.  Divinity is no less faithful, holy, righteous, and true.  A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Road Trip” (Level 3 with 1,156 points, a member since May 12, 2006) posted the following in the Religion and Spirituality forum:

If few people get into heaven, then why should anyone try? Especially if it is so difficult.?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  (Luke 12:  32, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Self-will And Christian Integrity (06/11/2018); Blessed In Our Deeds (05/29/2018); What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); The Nature of Death (04/25/2017); The Need for Incarnation? (09/29/2016); The Cross a Human Sacrifice? (04/18/2016); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013)
 

“Road Trip”, even though we must face challenges, obstacles, and reversals, mankind is not to despair.  To ensure that this Creation has every possibility of continuing as immortal and incorruptible, eternal divinity has even appeared on the earth using the form of flesh and blood (we say, Incarnation).  While it is true that the Creator is also a God of judgment whose inseparable spirit substance and makeup includes wrath against sin, with him there is also forbearance, forgiveness, longsufferering, lovingkindness, mercy, personhood, restraint, righteousness, and wisdom.

The transgression (violation) of divine law committed by the first pair resulted in mortality (dying and death) becoming a permanent condition for mankind on the earth.  Even so, annihilation and the second death (utter destruction) is held back through the multiple divine operations that provide adoption as the sons and daughters of GOD, discovery, gradual growth, inheritance, obedience, “oneness without sameness,” rebirth, repentance, sacrifice, sanctification, and unselfish service.  Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Romans 12:  1-3, King James Version (KJV):  1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

(2.)  Micah 6:  7-9, KJV:  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  9 The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name:  hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

(3.) Ezekiel 18:  4, KJV:  4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine:  the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

(4.)  Ezekiel 18:  20-23, KJV:  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?

(5.)  2nd Peter 1:  2-4, 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.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Romans 15:  4, KJV:  4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(02/23/2017) Working to Pay GOD?

 

Today, reply is made to a question on repentance and what sinners may do to pay for their sins.  Deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ is not about “owing”, “paying”, and “punishment”; it is about sinners being loved, divinely provided for, and joyfully receiving such gifts from GOD as atonement, forgiveness, rebirth, and sanctification.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

 

What else can people do but just work to pay for their “sins”?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.  And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;  (2nd Peter 3:  8-15, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Blame, Sin and Salvation? (02/13/2017); No Repentance Without Rebirth? (12/14/2016); The Work of Forgiving (11/23/2016); Why Are Works Required? (07/18/2016); Conversion is by GOD? (08/23/2016); Sin Must Be Personal (04/29/2016); A Dry Thirsty Land (05/01/2016); Sin Turned To Goals (05/02/2016); They Shall Not Be Mentioned (05/03/2016)

 

“Anonymous”, part of what is meant by “repentance” and  “salvation” among mature Christian believers is the “living out” of a new commitment, exclusive devotion, and an eternal, ongoing relationship with divinity as well as their fulfilling heartfelt promises to GOD.  As “born again” believers, Christians learn to utter and use new meanings for old language, so to speak.  What once was understood as personal achievement, accomplishments, and the outcome of ones own efforts and striving must be understood in terms of divine gifts, grace, sacrifice from GOD, and endowments of spirit content from the makeup of the Creator.  Included are inseparable aspects of Deity such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Therefore, repentance and sorrow for sin come into view as permanent changes that are completed in a sinner by the active presence of the Holy Spirit (we also say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Spirit of Truth).  The sacred practices (e.g., baptism, confession, marriage, Sabbath-keeping, study of the holy writings), praise, prayer, and unselfish service performed by a believer are not so much “buying ones way into heaven,” or “payback” and payment of debt and penalties from sin as they are the god-given methods to build up a new relationship with the Creator, to display a believer’s growth, improvement and learning, to make visible the multiple operations of GOD through the life of created beings and living creatures, and to express gratitude, respect and reverence (like saying “thank you” with actions and not merely words).  Even with repentance there also must be atonement, judgment, mercy and resurrection from death.  Consider again the following:

(1.)  1st Peter 1:  3-9, King James Version (KJV):  3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

(2.)  Matthew 3:  8-12, KJV:  8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father:  for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.  10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees:  therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance:  but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:  he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:  12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

(3.)  Acts 5:  29-32, KJV:  29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.  30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.  31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

(4.)  2nd Corinthians 7:  9-11, KJV:  9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:  for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (5.)  Hebrews 6:  4-6, KJV:  4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

(10/23/2013) Sacrificial Relationships?

Today, response is made to the notion that offerings and tithes are made in payment for salvation.  Also, there is more on tests for those who are strong.  The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “IFollowEvidence&Facts” (Level 2 with 502 points, a member since October 26, 2012) posted the following originally asked on Yahoo Answers United Kingdom:

 

If salvation is free what is the point of giving tithes and offering?

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  Stronger Tests for the Strong? (10/22/2013)—Born again, the believer must “grow up” again by meeting challenges that often seem like tests or GOD “picking on” you, however are only normal aspects of ones new life.  Included are becoming free of false assumptions, fantasies, and vain hopes generated by the flesh and the world; disappointment when prayer seems to go unanswered; jumping to the conclusion that family, Satan, and various unbelievers are attacking, opposing and persecuting when they are not; and failing to realize ones own accountability for painful circumstances and problems (see Proverbs 24:  16 and Psalms 34:  18-19, KJV).  Even as Christians, many of us do not take constructive action, change and grow until challenged and pressured by crisis, imbalance, and severe need.  The principles for everyday Christian growth and witness insist that all will be held accountable for their own peculiar actions and responses to the various situations that will arise; there is to be shared responsibility for spiritual duties; those having are to share with those who need; and the strong are to serve the weak (see Romans 14:  10, 2nd Corinthians 5:  10, Acts 20:  35 and Romans 15:  1, KJV).  Many receive these and similar truths as tests, trials or even suffering imposed upon themselves, rather than necessary labor that supplies opportunities to give in service that will please and glorify GOD.  It is the human predicament that many unpleasant and unwanted events are shared conditions and life experiences that touch us all, however, not in the same way, or with the same power.  In addition to bereavement, disease, gay and lesbian sexuality, natural disasters, problems with money, and violence, the many elements of sin and spiritual confusion overtake most of us at some time during the course of our growth.  It remains that a single standard for salvation exists for all; yet, those who are strongest in love, are usually those strongest in faith, industry, longsuffering, patience, unselfishness, and zeal.  (See Luke 7:  36-50, 1st Corinthians 10:  13 and Luke 12:  43-48, KJV.)

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation:  and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.  Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:  for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.  Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.  Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.  But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.  For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers:  our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.  O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.  I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness.  As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things:  and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.  O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:  (1st Chronicles 29:  10-18, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Lid on Love? (09/27/2013); Dying in Terror and Joy (09/28/2013); Salted With Fire? (09/24/2013); A Halo Upon Jesus? (09/25/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); Lost Without GOD? (06/26/2013); Quoting Scripture to GOD? (04/24/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); Unless You Repent (03/05/2013)

 

“IFollowEvidence&Facts”, here are a few more points to consider that are important for full understanding among many who hold with GOD through Jesus Christ:

(1.)  Sacrificial blood (we may say, life essence, or spirit) is necessary for atonement and sanctification that fit believers for intimate relationship as the children of GOD.  Blood is not life, however, blood conveys what we call “the breath of life” containing the very substance of GOD that supplies awareness, existence, person, and self-will to created beings and living creatures.  At Creation, inseparable aspects of divine make-up were imparted that include faith, forgiveness, gratitude, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, truthfulness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Through the operations of sin, the original endowment has been altered and diminished.  Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, believers are “born again” as though having divine DNA:  They all receive a fresh deposit of divine content.

(2.)  Sin opposes the continued existence of divinity, of divine law, and of hallowed person.  Sin is not a spirit, is not created by GOD, and is no material or physical thing having dimension.  Sin cannot influence the will of GOD; yet, sin may dominate awareness and self-will in created beings and living creatures.   Holy convocation for acknowledgment (we may say, worship) of GOD is broken off, defiled, profaned, and made unclean through sin.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice (Psalms 50:  5, KJV).  Offerings and sacrifices to GOD laid upon a holy table (we say, altar, cross) replicate aspects of the creation of Adam, and bring together flesh and spirit allowing the removal of all imperfection by the application of holy fire.  Atonement is thus the furtherance of Creation as well as the continuation of ongoing judgment.  The fulfillment of “formative judgment” (we say, reviewing your work as you go along) must go before “harvesting the earth” and final judgment.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Grow in grace

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC