(04/09/2020) Angels Appearing As Men

An image depicting a cherub

 

Today, reply is on the divine use of angels who also appear to mankind displaying human form and process. The holy writings document angelic visitations as one of the many divine operations used to clarify both the sanctions of sacred law that oppose transgression, and the sacred provisions for the correction and recovery of mankind from sin. Included are death, deliverance, mortality, rebirth, and the second death. Divinity now requires there be more than a spirit form for things from GOD appearing in the earth; there must be recognizable spirit content, process, and substance. It is written: 1^st Corinthians 13: 1-3, King James Version (KJV): 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. A fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Leila” (Level 6 with 19,240 points) posted the following:

 

Jehovah’s witlesses, if God is not a man, then how did He appear alongside two other men, and meet with Abraham ?

Genesis 18 1-8

Abe even got Sarah to get some fine meal, knead it and make cakes for the Lord and his companions.

Should’ve made pie, but never mind.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. (Colossians 2: 18-19, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Born Mortal or Immortal? (03/11/2020); Godliness Characterizes Authentic Humanity (02/06/2020); Divine Dominion Over Nature (02/04/2019); Opposing The Divine Will (03/30/2018); Lower Than The Angels? (09/12/2017); Miracles Are Not Everlasting (07/18/2017); Names of the Adversary? (03/19/2017)

 

“Leila”, the process of Christian belief is one of gradually coming to correctly know and understand the operations and substance of divine spirit. Things that are too high for mankind because they communicate awe, mystery, and wonder have been focused and softened to be suitable for human experience; thus, the core of our sacred knowledge consists primarily of human eyewitness reports and testimonies. GOD is a spirit (we say, breath; active presence; divine fullness; word from an anointed language and celestial vocabulary) who appears and is manifest to mankind even without using material form, measurable dimensions, familiar similitude, or any fixed visual configuration. Divinity can be known to the living because spirit may exist and occupy the consciousness and self-will of created beings and living creatures. GOD has used various settings and devices that provide men on the earth with material experiences of immortal, invisible divinity that are graphic and memorable. Included are the ram caught in the thicket that appeared to Abraham, the burning bush that was displayed to Moses, the glory of GOD that was proclaimed and shown while Moses was in a cleft of the rocks, and divinity using human flesh and life process to appear on the earth as Jesus Christ (we say, the Incarnation).

The divine use of angels as companions, messengers, sentinels, or spokespersons from GOD to mankind may be found within the holy writings in accounts that go back as far as Eden. Descriptions and depictions of angels as celestial beings, as those appointed by GOD to exercise dominion over the natural world, and as those who may continually appear in the presence of GOD often include their adornment having multiple faces, lights, wheels, and wings. Thus, the prophets describe cherubim and seraphs as “other worldly”. No angels were reported to have appeared to Noah; and their appearance having the form of ordinary men occurs with Abraham, with Daniel, with Lot and his family delivered at Sodom, with Mary at the tomb of Jesus, and with the apostles assembled at the ascension of Jesus.

The revelation of death as finite, and life to mankind as an eternal purpose unfold over the course of thousand of years and includes the use of sleep to protect Adam during the creation of the female; the removal of Enoch from the earth through translation; the prophet Elijah taken up by whirlwind and a chariot of fire; and Lazarus called forth from the tomb. The angel who appeared to Joshua as Captain of the Host is regarded as an early appearance of Jesus Christ prior to his Incarnation. As with the use of miracles, the use of angelic visitations did not always result in men having greater faith; their responses included confusion, defiance, fear, skepticism, superstition, and uncertainty. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and a selection from the music ministry of John Michael Talbot:

(1.) Isaiah 55: 6-11, King James Version (KJV): 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 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.

(2.) Psalms 34: 6-8, KJV: 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

(3.) 2^nd Kings 6: 15-17, KJV: 15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

(4.) Revelation 22: 8-11, KJV: 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hYRA2PYkos.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 2:10 PM, April 09, 2020 @ https://polination.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/cherub.png

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/01/2019) The Father Is Greater

 

Today, reply is on the humility shown by Jesus Christ throughout his appearing on the earth as Son of Man and Son of GOD. Properly understood, the character and nature of divinity is spirit, is not fragmented, and exists as continuous and fluid. While required to maintain the practices and traditions for the covenant of Moses, Jesus also had to remain within the roles of intercessor, lamb of sacrifice, mediator, and divine spokesperson. Christ behaved with balance, forgiveness, restraint, and zeal as the marks and signs of his divine origin. It is written: Isaiah 53: 4-12, King James Version (KJV): 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appeared) posted the following:

 

What did Jesus mean when he said that the Father is greater than Him?

I believe Jesus is God as a Christian but why does Jesus say that?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4: 4-7, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Understanding Oneness Without Sameness (08/27/2019); Spirit Using Human Form (08/16/2019); Satisfying Creation and Law (01/22/2019); Now Are Ye Light (09/18/2019); Changed And Made Christ-like? (06/19/2018); What Divine Salvation Requires (05/15/2018); Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018)

 

“Anonymous”, the relationship of fathers to sons are to exist as aspects of divine order and lawful structure that suppress inordinate affection, exaggerated pride, irreverence, and overstated self-promotion. Even where we speak of GOD in heaven and the offspring of GOD on the earth, imperatives of accountability, inheritance, and divine law are to be acknowledged. Mature Christian believers agree that the full process of GOD to establish the Creation has included divinity appearing in human flesh as Jesus Christ. The use of Incarnation to embody the righteousness of GOD has permitted both the manifestation of divine power and the demonstration of authentic humanity. Jesus did not appear as a “similitude” (i.e., a graven image; an idol; a man-made figure believed to contain a god). Rather, he appeared on the earth as a son of man and a son of GOD having an inheritance from Adam of life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word), and having been formed within his mother by divine fullness in accord. Jesus is to be understood as displaying and reflecting the image of GOD who, without carnal form, remains invisible, incorruptible spirit. Christ aging, developing, and growing to adulthood were acts of a natural man under the authority of GOD, within the framework of covenant and divine law, yet, with the continuing influence and operations of the Holy Spirit. Believers should not be confused that the focus, message, and method of Christ does change over the course of his brief ministry on the earth. Jesus taught multitudes as an evangelist and prophet in the wilderness; as a rabbi in the synagogues; and as a miracle worker and sacred judge in the Temple at Jerusalem. At every level, and in every situation, Jesus displayed an endowment of immutable, inseparable, unchanging substance from divinity. Included were balance, continuity, faith, hope, humility, lovingkindness, meekness, oneness without sameness, personhood, eternal purpose, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Consider the following that uses language from the Bible, and a presentation from the music ministry of Steve Amerson:

(1.) Luke 2: 41-52, King James Version (KJV): 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

(2.) Colossians 1: 12-20, KJV: 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

(3.) 1^st Corinthians 8: 5-6, KJV: 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. For example, 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMPENVk1AG4&list=FLD-fEmPQDdXFIv9qj8rBJVA&index=8&t=0s). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

Image downloaded 1:18 PM, September 30, 2019 @ https://i.pinimg.com/736x/0d/ba/30/0dba308a9283a2a881b7ae0488d4365a.jpg

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/18/2017) The Device of Incarnation

 

Today, reply is on divinity’s use of flesh and human form to appear on the earth.  GOD has used multiple embodiments, sacred events (we say, miracles), and figures on the earth to display the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead).  Included have been the abundance and plenty of harvests; altars and wells of water established by nomadic tribes; the fall of manna from heaven for 40 years; fire from heaven to receive offerings and sacrifices; the burning bush that appeared to Moses; various kingdoms and nations in covenant with the Creator; the flood of Noah’s day; the punishing plagues leveled against Pharaoh; and the Passover that preserved the Hebrews while destroying Egypt’s firstborn.  Through Jesus Christ, divinity now is providing communion, continuing relationship, and a complete revelation of the GODhead that avoids much of the human error, fear, and spiritual confusion that accompanied the earlier extreme episodes, one-time events, and supernatural occurrences.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” with the user ID “1282838”  (Level 1 with 5 points, a member since October 10, 2017) posted the following:

 

Why can’t God the Father come down to the Earth in human form, so people can worship Him? ???

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:  (Colossians 1:  9-22, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Becoming Joined To GOD (10/13/2017); An Incarnation of Divinity? (10/12/2017); In Spirit and Truth? (10/02/2017); The Makeup of GOD (09/25/2017); Divinity Appears Using Form (07/26/2017); GOD Indwells Divine Law (07/14/2017); Who Will See GOD? (10/04/2016); A GOD Without Form? (12/27/2015)

 

“1282838”, here are some points to consider that may help build up your understanding of Christian beliefs regarding the Incarnation of GOD in Jesus Christ:

The device of Incarnation is used by divinity (1) to make the active presence who is GOD knowable, known, accessible, and approachable among created beings and living creatures such as angels and men (we say, is used for revelation); (2) to focus and provide sacred substance within the finite consciousness of the living through the use of intellect, mind and sensation (we say, divinity appears, becomes manifest); (3) to promote communication, exchange and interaction with the Creator through continuous personal and stable relationships that display accountability, affection, praise, prayer, respect, and reverence (e.g., covenant, marriage, service as apostles, priests and prophets); and (4) to complete sacred operations that must actualize divine possibilities and eternal purposes such as Creation, judgment, prophecy, reconciliation, and salvation.

The intent of Incarnation is not so much making GOD visible, or showing what GOD “looks like.”  GOD is a spirit who is to be acknowledged (we say, worshiped) in spirit and in truth.  Divine spirit exists as diffuse, unlimited, and without having a discrete shape or measurable form.  The living are to connect and respond to divinity using their own divine content imparted as their inborn life essence (we also say, breath, spirit, word), or as a fresh endowment from the makeup of GOD through water baptism (we say, rebirth, becoming born again).  Inseparable aspects from the makeup of Deity can be imparted to the living such as faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.

The holy writings make GOD “visible” by presenting thousands of events, within thousands of lives, over the course of thousands of years.  While it often seems to humans like us that GOD can do whatever he pleases, to maintain divine order throughout a universe that includes things seen and unseen, divinity will only operate to carry out, complete, express, and fulfill the acts of grace, forbearance, forgiveness, and divine prerogative that appear through covenant agreements, governance and divine law, sacred proclamations, promises, prophecy, revelation, and imperatives of sovereign will.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 4:  11-19, King James Version (KJV):  11 And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.  12 And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire:  ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.  13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.  14 And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.  15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:  16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,  17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,  18 The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:  19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

(2.)  Acts 17:  24-31, KJV:  24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;  25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;  26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;  27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:  28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.  29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.  30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(3.)  John 1:  11-14, KJV:  11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  2-4, KJV:  2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/13/2016) The Cross and Mankind

The expressions of being that appear through Jesus Christ and mankind are the focus, today.  Correctly understood, mankind is only a single appearance, or one discernable and visible form among the many created beings and living creatures in Creation.  Included are angels, animals, fish, insects, sacred beasts, and “unclean spirits” (we say, demons and devils).  More than this, mankind displays mortality and other unique aspects of living process (e.g., aging, attitudes, commitment, conscience, dominion (i.e., authority, ownership, rank), integrity, learning, recall, self-will, spiritual confusion).  Salvation for mankind would require that flesh and Spirit be reconciled using Incarnation, and that sin be embodied and destroyed.  However, the reconciliation of divinity to mankind is not merely resolving the conflict introduced by the operations of sin.  The separation of human awareness and self-will from that of the GODhead as well as the multiple differences that continue between finite and infinite duration are addressed using death, rebirth, and resurrection.  Additionally, the oneness of prophecy and truth are confirmed.  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information provided) posted the following:

 

Why do Christians say Jesus the Christ is both God and man? How is that possible?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:  (Colossians 1:  12-22, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  In The Image of Man (05/04/2016); Sign of Divine Love? (04/14/2016); To Express the Fullness of GOD? (07/09/2015); Human Life to Manifest Divine Life? (05/14/2015); GOD Known By Action Not Form? (03/18/2015); Made in the Image of GOD? (10/09/2014); All Who Read Convert? (10/10/2014); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013)

 

“Anonymous”, the answer given to his church from the cross by Jesus Christ to rebuke presumption and sin among created beings and living creatures does not promote acknowledging a “human nature” separate from the spirit (we say, breath, life essence, word) provided by the Creator.  Man was made in the “image” of GOD that is not a “similitude” or visible form.  Awareness and self-will, that may be dominated by sin, often give the illusion that the spirit substance within man is somehow different in makeup and quality from that breathed into mankind by the Maker.  Mature Christian believers focus upon imparted sacred substance, and the peculiar operations of divine spirit (e.g., Incarnation, perfection, rebirth, repentance, sanctification), therefore, three expressions of being come into view—animal, human and divine.  It is the divine nature that may be defiled, and become profaned.  What we see in one another today, then, are confusions of expression in attitude, authority, behavior, godliness, gratitude, eternal purpose, reverence, etc.  The “human nature” some describe would have had to be eternal, preexisting within the GODhead before the creation of mankind.  Christ now appears within the Eternal One continuing to display human form.  Even so, the earth was the creation of GOD, while “the world” is the creation of mankind.  The appearance of what many call “humankind” is more correctly understood as divine will, existence and life (not the same) made visible through form and unfolding process.  Consider how this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Genesis 1:  26-28, King James Version (KJV);  26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:  and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

(2.)  Psalms 115:  15-17, KJV:  15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.  16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s:  but the earth hath he given to the children of men.  17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

(3.)  John 1:  1-3, KJV:  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

There is far more to be said, understood, and spiritually taken in.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

 

(12/27/2015) A GOD Without Form?

Today, Scripture points are shared on the appearance of divinity through form.  Many Christian believers agree that form is not necessary for divine existence, yet, is needed for interaction with the living, and for revelation.  All the operations of spirit are apprehended through faith, and divine actions that only a “god” could perform.  Thus, fellowship with Deity may be maintained through contemplation, praise, and prayer, and does not require the continuous, visible appearance of GOD.  Consider again the following verses from the Bible, and the presentation below:  John 4:  23-24, King James Version (KJV):  23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:  for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  Also, John 3:  5-7, KJV:  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  2nd Corinthians 4:  7, KJV:  7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  Romans 8:  5-9, KJV:  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Fire Racket” (Level 2 with 962 points, a member since November 14, 2015) posted the following:

 

What is the meanings of formless and omnipresent God? Is such type of God useless?

Can a formless God help or guide us?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:   Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;  Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.  He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.  The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.  He will not always chide:  neither will he keep his anger for ever.  He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  (Psalms 103:  1-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Holy Spirit and Unity? (08/13/2015); The Glory of GOD? (06/23/2015); The Only Physical Being in Heaven? (06/17/2015); GOD Known By Action Not Form? (03/18/2015); Let Us Make Mankind? (06/10/2014); GOD and Adultery? (06/11/2014); Blasphemy Against the GODhead (05/06/2014); Offenses to GODhead (05/07/2014); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013);  Thanking and Blaming GOD (12/25/2013)

 

“Fire Racket” not all Christian believers accept or are able to understand the truth that the GOD Jesus Christ served as Father is a spirit.  The character, makeup and nature of Deity is completely different from that for beings who are finite,  carnal, material, and social.  Nonetheless, to communicate with created beings and living creatures as being both divine and sovereign, divinity must appear (we also say, display; manifest) having authority, awareness, immortality, personness, power, presence, and will.  The revelation of GOD (i.e., the sacred knowledge imparted to make divinity known) uses divine order, and employs things within the life experience of finite creatures that include natural law, sacred events (we say, miracles), spheres of life (e.g., deserts, jungles, the ocean), and the frameworks of time and space.  In baptism (death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth having spirit content from the makeup of GOD), Christian believers become part of a “new creation.”  They are endowed with inseparable aspects of the divine makeup such as awe (called, fear of the Lord), faith, holiness, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Even so, those “born again” must gradually “grow again” and become ripe (mature) to be harvested from the earth at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  Proclaiming all the possibility and potency of GOD requires that believers also grasp atonement, forgiveness, judgment and mercy, Incarnation, omniscience, preeminence, resurrection, righteousness, sanctification, and the second death.  Consider the following verses from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 4:  15-20, King James Version (KJV):  15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:  16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,  17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,  18 The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:  19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.  20 But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.

(2.)  Acts 17:  24-31, KJV:  24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;  25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;  26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;  27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:  28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.  29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.  30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(3.)  Romans 1:  18-23, KJV:  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

There are many other ideas that should be carefully considered, correctly comprehended, and made a part of ones full spiritual understanding.  (For example, (4.)  Colossians 2:  8-10, 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:)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(06/17/2015) The Only Physical Being in Heaven?

Today, Scripture points are shared on the Incarnation, the Savior’s ascension from the earth, and his bodily form in heaven.  The writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “chris” (Level 1 with 0 (zero) points reported, a member since December 26, 2014) posted the following:

 

Bible: Is Jesus currently the only physical being in heaven, or do you think he has returned to heaven in spirit form as before being born?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:  and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.  Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.  (Acts 1:  6-12, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  It Is Our Wisdom To Ask (05/18/2015); The GOD Part of Jesus? (05/06/2015); Can Man Kill GOD? (12/14/2014); An Eternal and Permanent Solution? (12/15/2014); Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); The Ascension of Christ? (12/19/2012); GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012)

 

“chris”, Christian believers are to rely upon the holy writings that are a collection of answers from GOD as the primary source for responses to a question like yours, because sacred history, prophecy and revelation all must be shared.  Please consider the following:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 4:  15-20, King James Version (KJV):  15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:  16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,  17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,  18 The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:  19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.  20 But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.

(2.)  Hebrews 1:  1-8, KJV:  1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:  4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?  6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.  7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.  8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:  a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

(3.)  Matthew 17:  1-9, KJV:  1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,  2 And was transfigured before them:  and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.  3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.  4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here:  if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.  5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them:  and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.  6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.  7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.  8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.  9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

(4.)  John 20:  15-18, KJV:  15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.  16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.  17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father:  but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.  18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

(5.)  Romans 8:  22-24, KJV:  22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.  23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.  24 For we are saved by hope:  but hope that is seen is not hope:  for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

(6.)  Revelation 4:  1-5, KJV:  4 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven:  and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.  2 And immediately I was in the spirit:  and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.  3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:  and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.  4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats:  and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.  5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices:  and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

(7.)  Revelation 6:  9-11, KJV:  9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:  10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?  11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account.  (For example, (8.)  Colossians 1:  12-22, KJV:  12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  18 And he is the head of the body, the church:  who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;  20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(10/09/2014) Made in the Image of GOD?

Points are shared on language in the Scriptures that describe the active presence of deity through spiritual and visual events, figures, or persons.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers UK & Ireland” using the ID “Trying Good” (Level 2 with 218 points, a member since February 21, 2006) posted the following:

 

We are created from GOD’s image? GOD who’s unseen what would be that image?

There are many allegorical meanings in Bible perhaps… e.g. we are created from GOD’s image? GOD who’s unseen what would be that image? And if we are image of GOD all should look alike? Do we? ADVAITA: In here in east clearly we all know from Upanishads GOD thyself split to form us?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:  Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,  The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,  The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:  And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.  (Deuteronomy 4:  15-19, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus in GODhead (04/01/2014); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Candles of GOD? (12/26/2012); Hellfire and Brimstone Preaching? (12/27/2012)

 

“Trying Good”, here are a few points to consider that have been constructive among those in covenant with GOD as Christian believers:

(1.)  While the holy writings make use of the specific word “image” in certain verses and passages, its correct application and meaning requires discernment (i.e., the ability to use ones own spirit content from the makeup of divinity—some say, the breath of life, the Holy Spirit—to recognize and respond to spirit matter in such life experience as events, other persons, prophecy, purpose, and holy writ). 

(2.)  Clarification for divine intent when the word “image” is used has been provided within the Scriptures through related terms  (e.g., idols, likeness, manifestation, similitude).  

(3.)  While Jesus Christ is described as a physical appearing of deity having a bodily form (we say, in flesh, an incarnation), his human features were nondescript and ordinary, such that he would not stand out, or be recognized and responded to except on the basis of his words and deeds.  Because of this, someone close to him among his disciples had to be recruited to betray him, and this was done by Judas with a kiss.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The spirit likeness of GOD also may be recognized in men, women and children, today, on the basis of their words and deeds.  Through the operations of sin, others may be seen continuing to condemn Christ—as deceivers, false witnesses, liars, and those who spread confusion—with a kiss.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC