(10/01/2017) The Vengeance of GOD?

 

 

Today, reply is on the righteousness of GOD in the administration of vengeance (justice).  Correctly understood, the vengeance of GOD is the fulfillment of all promise and prophecy that follow the completion of final judgment.  One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:

 

Someone in another question mentioned the vengeance of God. I’m agnostic, but I ask Christians, is God’s vengeance “righteous”?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:  for the former things are passed away.  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write:  for these words are true and faithful.  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.  (Revelation 21:  3-8, King James Version, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Balance, Forgiveness and Justice (08/08/2017); Christian Beliefs About Sin (07/20/2017); GOD Indwells Divine Law (07/14/2017); Making and Keeping Justice? (05/25/2017); On Accepting Divine Judgment (02/26/2017); The Respect of Persons? (10/14/2016); Law, Vengeance, and Punishment? (09/30/2016)

 

“Anonymous”, the administration of comprehensive justice is a sacred operation.  Mature Christian believers understand “divine vengeance” to mean lawful judgment by GOD that is balanced, impartial, and thorough, for included within the responses of Deity are compassion, empathy, forbearance, forgiveness, mercy, and love.  Vengeance is not the outcome or result of being made angry, insulted, or divinity “losing self-control.”  Vengeance is an aspect of eternal purpose and sacred revelation whereby divinity is made fully knowable and known to created beings and living creatures.  Through vengeance the righteousness of divinity appears that would otherwise remain invisible and unseen.

Understanding divine judgment is difficult for those who have not received the endowment of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD that is imparted to those who are born again.  They fail to discern that, along with authority and power, there also are commitment, longsuffering (the ability to endure), and patience are aspects of the divine glory; and the GOD who appeared to Moses is a GOD of judgment.  Relying on consumerism, materialism, carnal reason and secular knowledge (e.g., finance, history, politics, science), human ideas of justice center on equality, fairness, indebtedness, and parity.  In the purview of GOD, justice must extend to maintain all existence, not merely to settle conflicts and resolve disputes among the living over property.  The vengeance of GOD must accomplish the elimination of all sin as well as make an irrefutable display of divine perfection. 

Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the divine Law Giver, and all divine order throughout Creation.  Sin promotes non-existence, and a return to the conditions that were in place before the establishment of heaven and earth (we say, anarchy, chaos, confusion).  While sin has no existence as spirit substance (e.g., authority, glory, majesty), sin may dominate awareness and self-will in the living.  Sinners must receive inseparable aspects of the same consciousness and sovereign will that were displayed in Jesus Christ as the Son of Adam and the Son of GOD.  Consider the following that uses language from the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 32:  34-36, King James Version (KJV):  34 Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?  35 To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time:  for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.  36 For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

(2.)  Ephesians 4:  25-27, KJV:  5 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:  for we are members one of another.  26 Be ye angry, and sin not:  let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  27 Neither give place to the devil.

(3.)  James 1:  19-21, KJV:  19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

There is far more that should be considered and properly understood.  (For example, (4.)  Romans 3:  3-6, KJV:  3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?  4 God forbid:  yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.  5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)  6 God forbid:  for then how shall God judge the world?)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

 

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(09/30/2016) Law, Vengeance, and Punishment?

Today, a reply is shared on the importance of law, judgment, and justice among Christian beliefs.  While atonement, redemption and salvation have overcoming and resisting sin as a major focus, the revelation of GOD through Jesus Christ centers more upon mankind becoming a new creation through the Savior’s blood.  Many now are in an ongoing process of permanent change that will be completed at the Advent (we say, the Rapture, the Second Coming) of Jesus.  Mortality is to no longer exist, and the committed believers will live as immortal, incorruptible companions of divinity.  On the one hand, every aspect of ministry and service to GOD must be understood as being in accordance with divine law.  Included are accountability within congregations, discipline within families, healing, inheritance, miracles, fulfillment of divine promises and prophecy as well as praise, proclamation of the Gospel, and preaching.  On the other hand, instead of being a formal codex or system of questionable demands, law is to be understood as “the force of truth” and the imperative that emerges by operations of the divine Spirit.  Thus, law is to be acknowledged as content from the character, makeup and substance of divinity.  Included are faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  In no way does grace, mercy, and divine prerogative corrupt or oppose the delivery of divine justice.  A writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia) using the ID “John” (Level 1 with 1 point, a member since January 08, 2015 ) posted the following:

 

Is vengeance and punishment an important part of christianity?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.   For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  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:  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  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.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  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.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  (Romans 8:  1-10, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Presumption Is Never Helping (05/23/2016); Justice Not Revenge? (01/15/2015); A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014); Beyond Punishment (03/21/2014); A Guarantee of Heaven? (03/22/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); As GOD Loves Us? (01/03/2014)

 

“John”, throughout the holy writings, the word “vengeance” is used to speak of “justice”.  Mature Christian believers all acknowledge the sovereign authority of GOD—who is the Creator and owner of all that exists—to include administering judgment (we say, assigning value, determining quality, relegating purpose, and maintaining the extent of duration for the living as brief, finite, or eternal).  While divine law conveys the wrath of GOD against sin, it does so in agreement with divine love, promise, righteousness, truth, and wisdom.  Correction (i.e., demonstrations, encouragement, and added instruction to change attitudes,  behavior, and knowledge) and punishment (i.e., penalties and reprimand that may include physical beatings and death) come into view where judgment is also (1) the resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes by applying divine law; (2) enforcement of the sanctions in the law (i.e., allowances, boundaries, limits, methods, and restrictions established); and (3) the continuance or restoration of balance, fairness, impartiality, and stability (that may include appeals and further adjudication).  The fullness of law to maintain and provide justice includes admonitions, cautions, and warnings; applying outcomes (e.g., process, sentences, verdicts) from earlier tribunals; commandments; confiscation; licensing; monetary assessments, fines and liens; ordinances and statutes; precepts and principles; registration of boundaries and property lines; removal and separation of violators from the community/prey/victims (e.g., banishment, death, exile, incarceration); as well as returning stolen goods and property.  Such elements as ceremonies, rituals, and traditions that seem to be arbitrary and pertain more to chance often are condemned as irrelevant and nonessential.  However, the character, nature, and substance of the law always is to be received as exalted, for sacred law is also the expressed will of GOD, and is to be a pure revelation of divinity.  Consider how some of this is stated using language from the Bible:

(1.)  Isaiah 5:  20-25, King James Version (KJV):  20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:  23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!  24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust:  because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.  25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them:  and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

(2.)  Romans 7:  12-15, KJV:  12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.  13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.  14 For we know that the law is spiritual:  but I am carnal, sold under sin.  15 For that which I do I allow not:  for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

(3.)  Romans 7:  21-25, KJV:  21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

(4.)  Luke 9:  51-56, KJV:  51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,  52 And sent messengers before his face:  and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.  53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.  54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?  55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.  56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

(5.)  John 3:  16-21, KJV:  16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:  but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

There is far more to be said, carefully examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (6.)  Romans 12:  18-20, KJV:  18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.  19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath:  for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink:  for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(05/23/2016) Presumption Is Never Helping

Distinctions among meddling, obedience, presumption, and pride are in view, today.  Ignorance of divine law is not a justification for wrongdoing.  “Good intentions” do not erase disregard for blessing from GOD that can include inheritance, law, prosperity, a role in service, and privilege to worship.  The death upon the cross and living ministry of Jesus Christ was no more a condemnation and denial of governing law, than the reign of David from the tribe of Judah as King and Prophet to Israel.  In addition to becoming an example of those who forget GOD, deny the sanctions in place against sin through divine law, and show no heartfelt respect to Deity, the death of Uzzah, who reached out to steady the Ark of Covenant when he thought it would fall from a cart, prefigures the death of Jesus upon the cross, the second death through final judgment against the wicked, and the full range of consequences for failure to trust GOD to maintain the things that manifest divinity including his law, the express will of GOD.  A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Henry” (Level 1 with 161 points, a member since May 13, 2016) posted the following:

 

If God killed someone for trying to help, does that mean we are supposed to kill missionaires?

(2 Samuel 6:6-7) And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

All this guy wanted to do was help The Lord, and God ended his life. Does that mean the next time a Christian knocks on my door trying to “Help The Lord” that I get to end their life. Isn’t Christianity great?

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:  And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:  And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them:  wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?  And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:  And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him:  even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.  This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;  And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow:  and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy:  ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.  And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:  Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?  And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee:  and seek ye the priesthood also?  For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?  (Numbers 16:  1-11, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  The Cross and Mankind (05/13/2016); More On Divine Justification (02/08/2016); Presumption, Pride and Sin? (11/24/2015); All Sin Is Willful? (10/20/2015); Correct in Only Your Mind? (05/04/2015); Resurrection from the Dead? (04/23/2014); Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014)

 

“Henry”, the GOD we serve is a Deity who practices vengeance (we say, judgment, justice).  That divinity would have to appear in human form (we say, Incarnation) to embody sin, and be destroyed upon the cross is taken to be a stern warning by many Christian believers to approach the things of GOD with balance, caution, and sobriety.  While many followers of Christ trust that, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood, correction, and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now, they also seek to be careful not to rely upon secular assumptions about divine teachings, or “jump to conclusions” that are not anchored in sacred knowledge and practice (we say, sacraments).

In the same way the expulsion of Adam (the pair) from Eden and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ both must be acknowledged as demonstrations of divine wrath against sin, the “breach” upon Uzzah is to be understood as a revelation of the character, nature and substance of Deity expressed as law, covenant relationship, trust, and divine love.  In his anointing by the prophet Samuel, David appropriated to himself more than simply authorization to serve as king over Israel.  David, who calls GOD “father” in the holy writings, also understood his appointment to include that of Judge, High Priest, and Prophet who had authority to command the Levitical priests, schedule their service, and establish liturgy for the tabernacle and temple that would follow.

The Ark of the Covenant was not to be touched by human hands.  A death penalty was in place from the time of the wandering of Israel in the wilderness.  The Ark was to be lifted and carried only by using poles.  When the sons of the High Priest Eli came under the curse of GOD, as did King Saul, the Ark was captured by the Philistines.  When David saw an opportunity to bring the counsel of GOD to himself at Zion as represented through the Ark and the regalia of the High Priest (the ephod, Urim and Thummim), the Ark was placed upon a new cart pulled by oxen that had never been yoked. 

Believers often commit the sins of presumption and pride that may appear as “harmless”, “innocent”, and their way of being themselves.  It is partly for this reason that divine forgiveness, mercy in judgment, and the ministry of reconciliation are provided to mankind through the cross.  Consider how some of this appears stated in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Deuteronomy 17:  11-13, King James Version (KJV):  11 According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do:  thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.  12 And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.  13 And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

(2.)  Psalms 19:  12-14, KJV:  12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me:  then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

(3.)  2nd Corinthians 5:  17-21, KJV:  17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

There is far more that could be said, must be carefully examined, and spiritually understood.  (For example, (4.)  Hebrews 10:  28-30, KJV:  28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

 

(03/21/2014) Beyond Punishment

Divine punishment, justice, betrayal and retribution are in view, today.  Also, there is more on Christianity as a culture of judgment.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Andrew”  (Level 1 with 12 points, a member since January 26, 2014) posted the following:

 

Does God punish people? 

Let’s say a man makes fun of a blind man. Would God make the man who made fun of him blind as a punishment.

 

THE BATTLE AXE:  A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014)—Christianity may be spoken of as a culture of judgment, yet, it is not a culture of condemnation.  For Christian believers, peace is to be an inner condition of ones being wherein all the changes and interactions of their divine substance are in agreement, in balance, are complete, and occur smoothly.  Believers are “recruited” (we say, called) to serve as “priests and kings.”  It is the peculiar duty of a king to serve as one of the highest authorities in judgment; just as it is a peculiar duty of a priest to make offerings that secure atonement, propitiation for sin, and divine favor.  Created beings and living creatures endure by divine prerogative (we say, grace), and none may justify themselves on the basis of their deeds, their intentions, or their service.  It is their salvation that they may willingly submit to the Son of the Highest, who is justified by participation in GODhead.  Applying their own measures of faith and divine spirit, believers are established as justified in judgment by the Savior’s faithfulness, gratitude, humility, love, obedience, righteousness, and unselfish sacrifice—not their own.  There are now those in existence (we say, sinners, unbelievers) who oppose divine law, judgment, and the continuing sovereignty of GOD.  Where these can not be altered and saved, demands for universal peace and divine perfection require they absolutely must be destroyed.  See Genesis 6:  3, Isaiah 30:  8-15, Jeremiah 29:  19, Galatians 5:  15-26 and Romans 14:  16-18, KJV.

 

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord.  And again, The Lord shall judge his people.  (Hebrews 10:  28-30, KJV)

 

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD Enjoys Judgment? (12/19/2013); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)

 

“Andrew”, the best answers for speaking about how GOD operates among mankind all go beyond the simple idea of punishment and reward.  Many times we mislabel what we see from GOD.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Vengeance (we say, justice) is only one goal of divine judgment.  Other objectives include balance, permanent change (we say, correction), perfection, purity, revelation (making the righteousness of GOD known), salvation, and sanctification (cleansing, healing, and setting one apart for divine service).

(2.)  The Bible does report instances where GOD removed affliction from one person, and leveled that same hardship upon another.  When Naaman, a Syrian general, was cured of leprosy, the disease was laid upon Ghazi and all his descendants.  Not only did the much trusted servant of Elisha covet the Syrian’s goods, Gehazi demanded payment for healing and rebirth from GOD, hid the merchandise he had been given, and then lied to the prophet about where he had been, and what he had done (see 2nd Kings 5:  1-27, KJV).

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Divine order for the earth is not separated from divine order for heaven.  Therefore, unopposed, the violations of divine law committed among created beings and living creatures have power at a cosmic level to damage unseen features of the universe.  The operations of GOD are not to express human anger, emotion, and indignation so much as to affirm divinity that is made of spirit substance.  Included are such eternal, inseparable, and unchanging aspects of GOD as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

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?  And he answered, Fear not:  for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.  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.  (2nd Kings 6:  15-17, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(01/02/2014) Lawful Revenge?

Justice through law is the topic, today.  Also, there is more on all believers being chosen to serve as prophets.  A “Yahoo! Answers India” writer using the ID “Gody” (Level 1 with 183 points, a member since 25 September 2013) posted the following first asked at Yahoo Answers United States:

Revenge: Vengeance has been rapid since Cain killed Abel: Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.?

Will God fogegive all those that have done it?

THE BATTLE AXE:  Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2013)—(4.)  Because all Christian believers are endowed with special knowledge of divine operations, sacred promises, and eternal purposes there is also a great risk of conflict, disagreement, pride and spiritual confusion within a congregation of believers (some say, the leaven of the Pharisees).  False prophets, heretics and liars may present themselves; however, they are easily detected as showing a different nature and having goals and objectives that do not edify, or nourish the full body.  In addition, then, to balance, humility, longsuffering, patience, and stability, believers acquire a love for decorum and order as well as discernment, flexibility, self-discipline, and restraint.  Specific commandments are recorded to ensure that sacred practice may continue as fragrant and fruitful.  For those in the church, today, proper application, comprehension and skill employing sacred gifts must be developed through gradual and repeated operations of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, none should immediately assume that their gifts are mature and perfected, or account themselves “holier” than others.  To contain a gift only indicates that one is fit to be used by GOD, not that they independently possess authority, power and sovereign majesty.  (See Luke 12:  1-3, James 1:  16-18, 1st Corinthians 12:  27-29, 1st Corinthians 14:  29-33 and 37-40, 1st Timothy 3:  14-16 and 1st John 4:  5-7, KJV.)

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.  Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:  But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.  (Ecclesiastes 8:  11-13, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  What’s The Way Out? (04/20/2013); A Kindness to Mary? (04/21/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013); The Common Danger (01/02/2013); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)

“Gody”, many Christian believers now hold a peculiar idea of what is meant by “revenge” and “vengeance”.  Here are a few points that might help make it clearer for your readers:

(1.)  Carried out through the mechanism of the law, revenge and vengeance are called “justice”.  The many sacred provisions for godly justice include warning and admonition; atonement; correction and demonstration (i.e., instruction as to what one should do to avoid repeating errors they have already committed); death; forbearance; forgiveness; judgment (we say, truth-finding); healing; mercy; penance; perdition; punishment; and rebirth in baptism.

(2.)  Divine judgment is best understood as a further aspect of revelation, and the various sacred operations used to make the action and presence of divinity known to created beings and living creatures.  As such, judgment is always, only a blessing, for judgment resolves all conflicts, settles every dispute, and restores peace through law.  Even more than Creation or Salvation, judgment provides the clearest view of divine righteousness, and dispels spiritual confusion.

There is far more to be said, properly shared, and understood as true spirit content from GOD.  (For example, (3.)  Peace is never the outcome of war; peace only comes by genuine judgment.  Just as war cannot destroy all life; imbalance, imperfection, injustice, and sin are not sufficient to destroy divine existence.  These elements clearly generate arbitrary and undirected change of divine order (we say, disaster, evil, upheaval).  Because many think to establish justice as a personal expression apart from law, these same elements support presumption (taking authority to oneself without permission), rebellion, and violence.  Elimination of sin cannot be accomplished relying only upon finite intellect, logic, reason, and science among mortal men, nor among angels—those neither mortal nor immortal.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Grow in grace.

GOD has said:  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  (2nd Chronicles 7:  14, KJV)

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC