About all that stuff I wrote regarding salvation, (and all that is still waiting to be blogged regarding the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our commitment to Him in faith).
Apparently all it takes to get into heaven is a card issued by Robert Schuller from the Crystal Cathedral.
Simply sign this card and get in free!
I only wonder about all the people:
That do not know the name of Jesus.
That don't know about the card.
Are not able to read.
Are not able to write and thus sign their name (maybe an X will do, assuming they can obtain a writing tool)
Those who do not have a wallet or even pocket to keep it in.
That have such poor self-esteem they feel they don't deserve such an offer, not knowing about the "Be-Happy Attitudes."
But mostly I wonder about what God Himself said regarding the matter.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Romans 5:1,2
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Faith in JESUS CHRIST or faith in a card?
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Ludicrous Diversion
A documentary focussing on the 7/7 bombings in London and the British Big Brother state.
youTube video
The commenters over at Hot Air
don't like this film, assigning a plausible agenda to its creators.
However, this is what struck me:
"We are constantly told that the terrorists, especially the CIA created Islamic group alQuaida, are attacking our way of life and our freedom.
But these transparently absurd claims are made only by our government, never by the terrorists themselves who consistently cite very different and very specific grievances.
And ironically it is not the terrorists attacking our way of life, but our own government. Through the expansion of police powers and stringent anti-terrorist measures being imposed upon Britain they are using our fear for our safety to restrict our liberty. And they are using their false promises of security to erode our privacy..."
"The terrorists cannot take away our freedom or change our way of life, only our elected leaders can do that.
And they are."
[emphasis added] (from end of part 1, beginning of part 2)
Somehow nursing mothers, blue haired grannies, Congressional Medal of Honor winners and Ann Coulter are a threat to our National Security requiring further investigation, but young Moslem males cannot be questioned.
...and don't get me started on the "war on drugs"
youTube video
The commenters over at Hot Air
don't like this film, assigning a plausible agenda to its creators.
However, this is what struck me:
"We are constantly told that the terrorists, especially the CIA created Islamic group alQuaida, are attacking our way of life and our freedom.
But these transparently absurd claims are made only by our government, never by the terrorists themselves who consistently cite very different and very specific grievances.
And ironically it is not the terrorists attacking our way of life, but our own government. Through the expansion of police powers and stringent anti-terrorist measures being imposed upon Britain they are using our fear for our safety to restrict our liberty. And they are using their false promises of security to erode our privacy..."
"The terrorists cannot take away our freedom or change our way of life, only our elected leaders can do that.
And they are."
[emphasis added] (from end of part 1, beginning of part 2)
Somehow nursing mothers, blue haired grannies, Congressional Medal of Honor winners and Ann Coulter are a threat to our National Security requiring further investigation, but young Moslem males cannot be questioned.
...and don't get me started on the "war on drugs"
Sunday, November 26, 2006
ASPECTS of SALVATION
SPIRIT
Regeneration is the process spoken of in the previous post on Salvation: Being Born Again. At the moment of rebirth the Holy Spirit enters into the spirit of man and gives him eternal life, reversing the curse of death inherited from Adam. At that moment it is full and complete, there is nothing lacking for a person to be saved. The person born again is a new creation, now one with Christ in complete union for all eternity.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
SOUL
Sanctification is the ongoing process of following the Holy Spirit's leading and applying the truths of God's word to one's inner and outer life and becoming more and more like Christ in heart, mind, attitudes and actions. This process takes place throughout life to greater or lesser degrees and is never wholly completed in this lifetime.
Romans 12:1,2 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. 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.
2 Tim 3:16,17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
BODY
Glorification occurs when Christ returns and the dead in Christ are raised and those of us that remain are caught up in the air with Him and are there transformed into His likeness, a glorified spiritual body.
1Thess 4 :13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Cor 15:42-58 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Flatheads Forever
Took the granddaughter to a local car show today.
Got to teach her some of the important facts of life...
How to identify a flathead.
Nice 24 bolt!
In a sweet 50 Ford.
Of course she liked the one next to it with the Edelbrock heads better. *Shiny!!*
Got to teach her some of the important facts of life...
How to identify a flathead.
Nice 24 bolt!
In a sweet 50 Ford.
Of course she liked the one next to it with the Edelbrock heads better. *Shiny!!*
Monday, November 06, 2006
Corrected Diagram
While working on the diagram of the Aspects of Salvation I wrestled with the placement of JUSTIFICATION.
The standard on the Salvation process(es) is stated-
"Justification, Sanctification, Glorification."
While this is true, almost from the beginning of creating the diagram I realized that Justification was not an internal event. I eventually overcame my attachment to the phraseology that had become ingrained and moved to the rational application of the components.
Justification is indeed the crux of Salvation.
It will be addressed in the following posts.
The standard on the Salvation process(es) is stated-
"Justification, Sanctification, Glorification."
While this is true, almost from the beginning of creating the diagram I realized that Justification was not an internal event. I eventually overcame my attachment to the phraseology that had become ingrained and moved to the rational application of the components.
Justification is indeed the crux of Salvation.
It will be addressed in the following posts.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Backup You Clown
Note to self-
When you think you might oughta back up several hundred files representing a couple years work you really should go ahead and do it.
And while you are at it make sure you have all the restore and recovery points set up for that nasty, rotten program you sold your soul to 15 years ago.
That way when W____ XP crashes and burns like you have always known that it will you don't spend a week hoping for any crumb you might dig out; and everyone telling you they do NOT have a clue.
But, happy day! we managed to rescue ourselves!!!
Now to go fix the previous post and continue on in the TECHNICAL EXPLANATION of SALVATION.
When you think you might oughta back up several hundred files representing a couple years work you really should go ahead and do it.
And while you are at it make sure you have all the restore and recovery points set up for that nasty, rotten program you sold your soul to 15 years ago.
That way when W____ XP crashes and burns like you have always known that it will you don't spend a week hoping for any crumb you might dig out; and everyone telling you they do NOT have a clue.
But, happy day! we managed to rescue ourselves!!!
Now to go fix the previous post and continue on in the TECHNICAL EXPLANATION of SALVATION.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Aspects of Salvation
SALVATION OF THE WHOLE PERSON
Being born again the spirit of man is regenerated and made one with the Holy Spirit. This is the seat of salvation, but it is not all of salvation. Salvation is for the whole man, not merely the spirit. The Soul and the Body are indeed part of salvation.
Each of the three components of man has a distinct experience of the salvation process. The three individually differ as to timing, duration, means and result. These differences are expressions of the individual character of the spirit, soul and body, not differences in degrees or type of salvation itself.
To be continued. . .
Being born again the spirit of man is regenerated and made one with the Holy Spirit. This is the seat of salvation, but it is not all of salvation. Salvation is for the whole man, not merely the spirit. The Soul and the Body are indeed part of salvation.
Each of the three components of man has a distinct experience of the salvation process. The three individually differ as to timing, duration, means and result. These differences are expressions of the individual character of the spirit, soul and body, not differences in degrees or type of salvation itself.
To be continued. . .
Thursday, September 21, 2006
SALVATION
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:3-7
The means of salvation is by being "born again." This is known as regeneration. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.
The process of regeneration, or "new birth," causes the spirit of man and the Spirit of God to be joined together. Because this is God the Holy Spirit Himself, this resulting ONE nature is everlasting. The spirit of man and the Spirit of God are forever "one spirit."
S/spirit
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17
Here lies the very heart of salvation.
From the time the Holy Spirit enters and regenerates a person forward they become ONE Spirit. The Bible no longer distinguishes between the sprit of man and the Holy Spirit within him. That is not to say that man is in any way God, or that the Holy Spirit is in any way contained within man's body.
Once joined, there is never again the possibility that the person may be separated from God.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39
It is through this oneness with God that the life in Christ is experienced. It is through this oneness that the Christian obtains the absolute assurance of his salvation and eternal destiny.
No rules of "religion" will ever be able to cut off man's spirit from God. No sins committed by the Christian in his body or mind can cause a split in the one spirit now at the root of his new nature.
Monday, September 18, 2006
MAN
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: Genesis 1:26
After all the rest of creation was completed God turned to a final special work. The entire universe and every kind of created being had been "made." They were spoken into existence. Man was unique. He was "formed" by God from the elements of the Earth.
Being formed in the image and likeness of God has multiple implications.
In some essential manner the human form is representative of God. The principle illustration of this is in Jesus Christ Himself. The eternal Son of God came to dwell among us in human form. More than that, the glorified body in which He now and forever reigns is human in form.
Secondly, after the manner of the Trinity, Man was created with a tri-partite nature.
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
This verse reveals the three components of the nature of man. From the earth itself came the BODY of man. Into that body God breathed His SPIRIT (this like no other living being of creation.) The spirit energizing the physical body created the living SOUL of man.
The BODY was made from the earth and functions to allow man to interact with the world surrounding him.
The SPIRIT which was breathed into him is the means by which man relates to God (Who is Spirit).
The SOUL of man is composed of the MIND, WILL and EMOTIONS. It is by the soul that man is conscious. By this consciousness he is aware of himself.
After all the rest of creation was completed God turned to a final special work. The entire universe and every kind of created being had been "made." They were spoken into existence. Man was unique. He was "formed" by God from the elements of the Earth.
Being formed in the image and likeness of God has multiple implications.
In some essential manner the human form is representative of God. The principle illustration of this is in Jesus Christ Himself. The eternal Son of God came to dwell among us in human form. More than that, the glorified body in which He now and forever reigns is human in form.
Secondly, after the manner of the Trinity, Man was created with a tri-partite nature.
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
This verse reveals the three components of the nature of man. From the earth itself came the BODY of man. Into that body God breathed His SPIRIT (this like no other living being of creation.) The spirit energizing the physical body created the living SOUL of man.
The BODY was made from the earth and functions to allow man to interact with the world surrounding him.
The SPIRIT which was breathed into him is the means by which man relates to God (Who is Spirit).
The SOUL of man is composed of the MIND, WILL and EMOTIONS. It is by the soul that man is conscious. By this consciousness he is aware of himself.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
GOD
The Bible begins as the universe began . . .
"In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth."
It begins in that manner for two reasons. First, the Creation is told by Moses as a corrective to all of the false alternative stories which had arisen in the intervening time. Secondly, to begin with God is to set the path for all succeeding knowledge. The person who does not acknowledge God need not pursue the matter any farther. For, the Bible tells us, "The fool has said in His heart, 'there is no God.'" (Psalms 14 & 53)
The TRINITY
God has revealed Himself to us through His word, and later through His Son, Jesus, and finally through His Spirit.
He has revealed Himself to be ONE God in THREE Persons.
It is impossible in human terms to fully understand how this can be. Yet it is so, and any who deny it at this point in time have to be considered outside the realm of Christian belief. With the centuries of debate and ponderings, the searching and weighing of the Scriptures, the result is the absolutely concrete truth of the Trinitarian nature of God.
Even though it is impossible to fully illustrate an infinite God in a two-dimensional diagram, one similar to the type shown here has been most helpful to people for centuries.
By following the Diagram one can quickly see that the ONE GOD is revealed in Three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each of these three IS God, while at the same time each IS NOT the other.
The Father is God, but He is NOT Jesus.
Jesus IS God, but He is NOT the Father. Yet at the same time Jesus is able to say, "I and the Father are one" without contradiction.
The Holy Spirit IS God, yet He is neither the Father nor the Son.
"In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth."
It begins in that manner for two reasons. First, the Creation is told by Moses as a corrective to all of the false alternative stories which had arisen in the intervening time. Secondly, to begin with God is to set the path for all succeeding knowledge. The person who does not acknowledge God need not pursue the matter any farther. For, the Bible tells us, "The fool has said in His heart, 'there is no God.'" (Psalms 14 & 53)
The TRINITY
God has revealed Himself to us through His word, and later through His Son, Jesus, and finally through His Spirit.
He has revealed Himself to be ONE God in THREE Persons.
It is impossible in human terms to fully understand how this can be. Yet it is so, and any who deny it at this point in time have to be considered outside the realm of Christian belief. With the centuries of debate and ponderings, the searching and weighing of the Scriptures, the result is the absolutely concrete truth of the Trinitarian nature of God.
Even though it is impossible to fully illustrate an infinite God in a two-dimensional diagram, one similar to the type shown here has been most helpful to people for centuries.
By following the Diagram one can quickly see that the ONE GOD is revealed in Three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each of these three IS God, while at the same time each IS NOT the other.
The Father is God, but He is NOT Jesus.
Jesus IS God, but He is NOT the Father. Yet at the same time Jesus is able to say, "I and the Father are one" without contradiction.
The Holy Spirit IS God, yet He is neither the Father nor the Son.
Friday, September 15, 2006
REVELATION
Third in the series SALVATION: A Technical Explanation
In light of the fact that God created man a rational being, it is logical that God would want mankind to have knowledge of Him. Of foremost concern in that knowledge would be what requirements God has for man.
It is fair to ask if God has any requirements at all. That is, whether He created the universe and man, and then simply let them loose to run throughout time on their own while He simply sat back and watched.
God has progressively revealed His plan for mankind.
He has shown in progressively clearer and ever more detailed ways who He is, and what it is that He desires. He has had people live out their lives as examples, each one showing a different aspect or fuller view of God's complete plan. He has provided an account of these things in the Bible.
In the Bible the lives of the people, and the acts and edicts of God, are recorded for all succeeding generations to see and gain understanding.
As previously covered in the discussion of religion, the central element in this revelation was the need for the sacrifice of a life to atone or "cover" for sin.
The Bible gives the following accounts:
Adam and Eve - After they had committed their sin, they covered themselves with leaves. God showed that more than a plant was needed to cover up their sin. God replaced the plant coverings with the skins of animals to give Adam and Eve a "cover" for their nakedness before Him. (Genesis 3)
Cain and Abel - Cain offered plants, Abel offered animals. God accepted Abel's sacrifice and rejected Cain's. (Genesis 4)
The Law and the Day of Atonement- On the set day each year, the high priest went into the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle and sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice upon the Mercy Seat. So each year the sacrifice was made to cleanse the people of their sins from the previous year. (Leviticus 16)
Jesus went to the cross, taking upon Himself the sins of mankind. (Ephesians 2) The book of Hebrews tells us after that He entered into the Heavenly Temple. As the perfect High Priest who Himself was without sin, He there poured His own blood upon the Mercy Seat. This sacrifice met the need to once and for all time cleanse those of us who believe in Him of all of our sins. (Hebrews 9)
The closing chapter on Revelation is The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John the Apostle. In this, the last book of the Bible is recorded the things which will come to bring about the completion of God's dealings with His creation and man.
In light of the fact that God created man a rational being, it is logical that God would want mankind to have knowledge of Him. Of foremost concern in that knowledge would be what requirements God has for man.
It is fair to ask if God has any requirements at all. That is, whether He created the universe and man, and then simply let them loose to run throughout time on their own while He simply sat back and watched.
God has progressively revealed His plan for mankind.
He has shown in progressively clearer and ever more detailed ways who He is, and what it is that He desires. He has had people live out their lives as examples, each one showing a different aspect or fuller view of God's complete plan. He has provided an account of these things in the Bible.
In the Bible the lives of the people, and the acts and edicts of God, are recorded for all succeeding generations to see and gain understanding.
As previously covered in the discussion of religion, the central element in this revelation was the need for the sacrifice of a life to atone or "cover" for sin.
The Bible gives the following accounts:
Adam and Eve - After they had committed their sin, they covered themselves with leaves. God showed that more than a plant was needed to cover up their sin. God replaced the plant coverings with the skins of animals to give Adam and Eve a "cover" for their nakedness before Him. (Genesis 3)
Cain and Abel - Cain offered plants, Abel offered animals. God accepted Abel's sacrifice and rejected Cain's. (Genesis 4)
The Law and the Day of Atonement- On the set day each year, the high priest went into the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle and sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice upon the Mercy Seat. So each year the sacrifice was made to cleanse the people of their sins from the previous year. (Leviticus 16)
Jesus went to the cross, taking upon Himself the sins of mankind. (Ephesians 2) The book of Hebrews tells us after that He entered into the Heavenly Temple. As the perfect High Priest who Himself was without sin, He there poured His own blood upon the Mercy Seat. This sacrifice met the need to once and for all time cleanse those of us who believe in Him of all of our sins. (Hebrews 9)
The closing chapter on Revelation is The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John the Apostle. In this, the last book of the Bible is recorded the things which will come to bring about the completion of God's dealings with His creation and man.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
RELIGION
Second in the series: SALVATION- A Technical Explanation
Throughout the history of humankind there has been an inbuilt desire to relate to God.
Cain and Abel, the first two people born, felt that desire and so initiated the first acts of "Religion." Religion is the attempt to approach God by performing some act. Cain and Abel made offerings. Many older religions revolved around various offerings or sacrifices to the many "gods." These offerings were made to appease the gods, to make them happy, to bribe them into helping the people, or to meet the gods' desires for "victims."
After God gave the Law to the Jews, religion became more and more the practice of keeping regulations of lifestyle. That is what the main thrust of religion remains to be today. People "do" things in order to approach God; to please God; to become "like" God; some even supposedly to "become God."
Those who believe in "the Judgment Day" do the things they think will weigh in their favor when God judges them, weighing the good and the bad to see whether they should go to heaven or hell.
It was through the Bible, and the Law given to the Jews that the true God explained the reason for sacrifice. That reason is Sin. Sin is the wrong that people do. The wrong which separates them from a pure and holy God. God provided a means for removing that sin. That means of removal was the sacrificial substitution of an innocent life for the life of the sinner.
Those who are raised in a "christian" cultural environment are indoctrinated into the concept of Judgment of all people by God when they die. Religion says that the decision made for either heaven or hell is based upon how well the person has managed to adhere to and accomplish the rules and regulations that have been laid down.
In that context the person brings up the claim,
" I'm basically a good person, and I try to keep the 10 commandments."
Any honest review of such a statement shows it to be an admission of ignorance. The person does not really have any idea what he should have done and is simply hoping for the best.
Through learning the true nature of salvation a person can move from this position of hopeful ignorance to one of solid knowledge. As a result he eventually understands that his claim quoted above is completely irrelevant in relating to the determination of his eternal condition.
Throughout the history of humankind there has been an inbuilt desire to relate to God.
Cain and Abel, the first two people born, felt that desire and so initiated the first acts of "Religion." Religion is the attempt to approach God by performing some act. Cain and Abel made offerings. Many older religions revolved around various offerings or sacrifices to the many "gods." These offerings were made to appease the gods, to make them happy, to bribe them into helping the people, or to meet the gods' desires for "victims."
After God gave the Law to the Jews, religion became more and more the practice of keeping regulations of lifestyle. That is what the main thrust of religion remains to be today. People "do" things in order to approach God; to please God; to become "like" God; some even supposedly to "become God."
Those who believe in "the Judgment Day" do the things they think will weigh in their favor when God judges them, weighing the good and the bad to see whether they should go to heaven or hell.
It was through the Bible, and the Law given to the Jews that the true God explained the reason for sacrifice. That reason is Sin. Sin is the wrong that people do. The wrong which separates them from a pure and holy God. God provided a means for removing that sin. That means of removal was the sacrificial substitution of an innocent life for the life of the sinner.
Those who are raised in a "christian" cultural environment are indoctrinated into the concept of Judgment of all people by God when they die. Religion says that the decision made for either heaven or hell is based upon how well the person has managed to adhere to and accomplish the rules and regulations that have been laid down.
In that context the person brings up the claim,
" I'm basically a good person, and I try to keep the 10 commandments."
Any honest review of such a statement shows it to be an admission of ignorance. The person does not really have any idea what he should have done and is simply hoping for the best.
Through learning the true nature of salvation a person can move from this position of hopeful ignorance to one of solid knowledge. As a result he eventually understands that his claim quoted above is completely irrelevant in relating to the determination of his eternal condition.
Friday, September 08, 2006
SALVATION: A Technical Explanation
This is the first in a series of posts on Salvation: A Technical Explanation
"I'm basically a good person and try to keep the 10 commandments"
The above quotation is widely the beginning and the end point of the general response to the subject of "salvation."
It also leads quickly and directly into the topic of "judgment."
While salvation is such a broad topic, judgment is virtually always the immediate topic raised. This may be expected, since it is judgment that one is "saved from."
Those who submit to this premise of judgment, and salvation as an outcome of it are victims of what Dr. Dwight Penecost calls:
" 'a mischievous habit' " that has led the Christian world to speak of the judgment as being one great event taking place at the end of the world, when all human beings, saints, sinners, Jews and Gentiles, the living and the dead, shall stand up before the great white throne and there be judged. Nothing can be more wide of the teaching of the Scriptures."
(quoted by C. I. Scofield in Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, The Five Judgments, chapter 5)
Counteracting this "mischievous habit" (actually a Great Lie) will be addressed in this series by the presentation of the truths of God pertaining to the facts and mechanics of the Salvation Process. It is for this reason that it is here referred to as a "Technical" explanation.
This by no means implies a "scientific" explanation, which is not rational. For example, one would not employ Chemistry to explain Music, the two are of different spheres and unrelated. Science is of the physical realm and can in no way explain the spiritual one. It is at the same time not principally what would be an academic "Theological" explanation of "Soteriology" (the study of Salvation in a fancy word).
An apt analogy may be that an engineer designs a car, a mechanic repairs it. The mechanic is a technician following a Technical Manual explaining the components involved and their functions. This manual does not go into the theory, the physics and electronics, but, rather, the parts and how they fit and work together to accomplish locomotion.
In coming installments the following topics will be addressed: Salvation, Judgment, The Trinity, Religion, The Revelation of God, The 3 Part Nature of Man, The Cross, Faith, Life after Salvation, Life after Death.
"I'm basically a good person and try to keep the 10 commandments"
The above quotation is widely the beginning and the end point of the general response to the subject of "salvation."
It also leads quickly and directly into the topic of "judgment."
While salvation is such a broad topic, judgment is virtually always the immediate topic raised. This may be expected, since it is judgment that one is "saved from."
Those who submit to this premise of judgment, and salvation as an outcome of it are victims of what Dr. Dwight Penecost calls:
" 'a mischievous habit' " that has led the Christian world to speak of the judgment as being one great event taking place at the end of the world, when all human beings, saints, sinners, Jews and Gentiles, the living and the dead, shall stand up before the great white throne and there be judged. Nothing can be more wide of the teaching of the Scriptures."
(quoted by C. I. Scofield in Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, The Five Judgments, chapter 5)
Counteracting this "mischievous habit" (actually a Great Lie) will be addressed in this series by the presentation of the truths of God pertaining to the facts and mechanics of the Salvation Process. It is for this reason that it is here referred to as a "Technical" explanation.
This by no means implies a "scientific" explanation, which is not rational. For example, one would not employ Chemistry to explain Music, the two are of different spheres and unrelated. Science is of the physical realm and can in no way explain the spiritual one. It is at the same time not principally what would be an academic "Theological" explanation of "Soteriology" (the study of Salvation in a fancy word).
An apt analogy may be that an engineer designs a car, a mechanic repairs it. The mechanic is a technician following a Technical Manual explaining the components involved and their functions. This manual does not go into the theory, the physics and electronics, but, rather, the parts and how they fit and work together to accomplish locomotion.
In coming installments the following topics will be addressed: Salvation, Judgment, The Trinity, Religion, The Revelation of God, The 3 Part Nature of Man, The Cross, Faith, Life after Salvation, Life after Death.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
The Exodus Decoded
I saw a History channel program on the Jews and their Exodus from Egypt.
I began watching with my usual trepidation. How many of these shows bring in the "theologians" that explain awayall that the Bible said?
But this show was GREAT! It repeated what we have seen over and over and over.
When truth seekers take the scriptural accounts and look for who and what they say, where they say and when, marvelous thing occur.
I cannot recommend this program highly enough!!!
From the History Channel:
The story of the Exodus invokes an epic tale--Pharaohs and Israelites, plagues and miracles, splitting of the sea and drowning of an army, and Moses. It's at the heart of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. After much research--working with archaeologists, Egyptologists, geologists, and theologians--filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici concluded that the Exodus took place hundreds of years earlier than thought. With a new timetable, Jacobovici reexamined artifacts and discovered that the traditional consensus on the date was reached without reference to Judaic texts that record the oral traditions. When Jacobovici consulted these texts, they revealed names of people and places unknown to researchers until recently when extensive excavations in the Nile Delta took place. Teaming up with special effects designers, he created a unique digital experience of the Exodus. Blending archaeological findings with eye-catching effects, Jacobovici creates a virtual museum to showcase his discoveries.
One can only imagine what all will come together when (if) the Egyptians allow full and open exploration of the archaeological sites. And even more when Jerusalem is treated with scientific respect. Although I wonder if that won't take place when the Lord returns and rules from there!
I began watching with my usual trepidation. How many of these shows bring in the "theologians" that explain awayall that the Bible said?
But this show was GREAT! It repeated what we have seen over and over and over.
When truth seekers take the scriptural accounts and look for who and what they say, where they say and when, marvelous thing occur.
I cannot recommend this program highly enough!!!
From the History Channel:
The story of the Exodus invokes an epic tale--Pharaohs and Israelites, plagues and miracles, splitting of the sea and drowning of an army, and Moses. It's at the heart of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. After much research--working with archaeologists, Egyptologists, geologists, and theologians--filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici concluded that the Exodus took place hundreds of years earlier than thought. With a new timetable, Jacobovici reexamined artifacts and discovered that the traditional consensus on the date was reached without reference to Judaic texts that record the oral traditions. When Jacobovici consulted these texts, they revealed names of people and places unknown to researchers until recently when extensive excavations in the Nile Delta took place. Teaming up with special effects designers, he created a unique digital experience of the Exodus. Blending archaeological findings with eye-catching effects, Jacobovici creates a virtual museum to showcase his discoveries.
One can only imagine what all will come together when (if) the Egyptians allow full and open exploration of the archaeological sites. And even more when Jerusalem is treated with scientific respect. Although I wonder if that won't take place when the Lord returns and rules from there!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
The Gnathograph
Is there anyone who could be led to believe that this device will help this person speak with grace, compassion, love or truth? Or not curse or lie?
Could such a tool help to follow the scripture,"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Eph. 4:29
James says, " For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. James 3:2,3
Yet there are those who would apply the epistle of James as this type of device with the goal of making Christians demonstrate their salvation through their works, that is, conforming to the commandments given by Christ.As this mechanical device is an external tool forcing compliance to a predetermined path, these people would apply the law to outward appearance of behavior.
We must distinguish the body (soma) from the flesh (sarx). It is not the body which causes us to sin.
All change must come from within. It is the Spirit, through the mind, controlling the body which brings about holy living.
h/t: Modern Mechanix
Friday, September 01, 2006
Carl Jung, darling of the "spiritually minded" psychologies wrote extensively on alchemy.
As noted in these two quotes from crystalinks.com-
"He conceived that the Christian religion was part of a historic process necessary for the development of consciousness, but he thought that the heretical movements, starting with Gnosticism and ending in alchemy, were manifestations of unconscious archetypal elements not adequately expressed in the varying forms of Christianity."
"For Jung, alchemy was not the search for the substance that would transform lead into gold, but the transformation of the soul on its path to perfection."
As all who forsake the Bible as the source for this transformation, Jung and his psychologically minded descendants turn to the doctrines of demons for guidance.
Rather than according to the true book of knowledge which tells us-
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: 2 Peter 1:3
they neglect the true way of transformation-
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.
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. Romans 12:1,2
Thursday, August 31, 2006
2 Kinds of Faith
The 2 Kinds of Faith
"Unanswered prayer stands between the individual and a faith life."
That is the opening sentence of a booklet by E.W. Kenyon titled The 2 Kinds of Faith.
I have spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on that supposition. How many, I wonder, are involved enough in their Christian walk to have this kind of thought rise to the surface of their consciousness? In our society today there is such an excess of plenty that one can obtain an acceptable level of living purely by osmosis. It is easy then to say, "Praise the Lord!" because it is obvious it came from Him and, after all, they DID pray for it.
At that point life splits, however. On the one hand there are those as above who get what they are satisfied with in a reasonable amount of time and simply go on living as always. These are the same people that populate the "Success" seminars and make all the positive thinking preachers (religious or secular) rich.
The other side of the split is those who do not obtain what they want or need. Of the many, many books on the subject of unanswered prayer the overwhelming majority present the solution as some form of sin correction.
This booklet provides one of those light bulb moments in understanding the workings of faith. In it is presented the contrast between "Mental Assent" and "Faith."
To give the most basic point of relevance on these two consider the Bible teaching about Jesus. How many people give "Mental Assent" to the truth regarding Jesus, yet never exercise "Faith" into Him for their personal salvation?
Thursday, August 24, 2006
ELEMENTARY THINGS ?
If we have put aside the elementary principles of the world-
See to it that no one take you captive
through philosophy and empty deception,
according to the tradition of men,
according to the elementary principles of the world,
rather than according to Christ.
Colossians 2:8
And if we are now pressing on from the elementary teaching about the Christ-
Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ,
let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of
repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
of instruction about washings and laying on of hands,
and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.
Hebrews 6:1,2
What are we to now teach?
If we have put aside the elementary principles of the world-
See to it that no one take you captive
through philosophy and empty deception,
according to the tradition of men,
according to the elementary principles of the world,
rather than according to Christ.
Colossians 2:8
And if we are now pressing on from the elementary teaching about the Christ-
Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ,
let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of
repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
of instruction about washings and laying on of hands,
and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.
Hebrews 6:1,2
What are we to now teach?
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Don't Kill Me, I'm Just the Messenger
Don't Kill Me, I'm Just the Messenger
The prophet Amos says:
Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Amos 3:6
I have always liked the rhythm of calamity in this phrase: Shall there be calamity in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
Whenever I have attempted to teach it though, calamity is what happens to me. It is difficult to face a group who refuse to admit that calamity, or evil could be the meaning of this verse.
Strong's definition is very clear on this point. So many of his definitions are a few words long, but here he expounds:
From H7489; bad or (as noun) evil (naturally or morally). This includes the second (feminine) form; as adjective or noun: - adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease (-ure), distress, evil ([-favouredness], man, thing), + exceedingly, X great, grief (-vous), harm, heavy, hurt (-ful), ill (favoured), + mark, mischief, (-vous), misery, naught (-ty), noisome, + not please, sad (-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked (-ly, -ness, one), worse (-st) wretchedness, wrong.
Pretty much covers the territory.
It is difficult for me to grasp the disconnect for people who can count off the traits of God: Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent; but refuse to move on to the knowledge regarding His control of all things.
The secular teaching that it was the "primitive belief" of peoples of the Old Testament that calamities were the judgment of God for their sin has become the bedrock for the mindset of even Christians in modern times.
Add the sappy New Age and New Thought appropriation of the phrase "God is love" and you have an emasculated and miniaturized God who only does "good" things, and those according to our definition, not His.
So I am frustrated. And I am forced to hear continually how "Satan has been attacking me lately" as the simple password for virtually any difficulty or temptation that has been taking place in their life. Satan is given a huge amount of time and credit in church meetings, all of it reflecting his power.
Well, I sure won't resolve that problem here.
But I will reiterate, Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
No.
The prophet Amos says:
Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Amos 3:6
I have always liked the rhythm of calamity in this phrase: Shall there be calamity in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
Whenever I have attempted to teach it though, calamity is what happens to me. It is difficult to face a group who refuse to admit that calamity, or evil could be the meaning of this verse.
Strong's definition is very clear on this point. So many of his definitions are a few words long, but here he expounds:
From H7489; bad or (as noun) evil (naturally or morally). This includes the second (feminine) form; as adjective or noun: - adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease (-ure), distress, evil ([-favouredness], man, thing), + exceedingly, X great, grief (-vous), harm, heavy, hurt (-ful), ill (favoured), + mark, mischief, (-vous), misery, naught (-ty), noisome, + not please, sad (-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked (-ly, -ness, one), worse (-st) wretchedness, wrong.
Pretty much covers the territory.
It is difficult for me to grasp the disconnect for people who can count off the traits of God: Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent; but refuse to move on to the knowledge regarding His control of all things.
The secular teaching that it was the "primitive belief" of peoples of the Old Testament that calamities were the judgment of God for their sin has become the bedrock for the mindset of even Christians in modern times.
Add the sappy New Age and New Thought appropriation of the phrase "God is love" and you have an emasculated and miniaturized God who only does "good" things, and those according to our definition, not His.
So I am frustrated. And I am forced to hear continually how "Satan has been attacking me lately" as the simple password for virtually any difficulty or temptation that has been taking place in their life. Satan is given a huge amount of time and credit in church meetings, all of it reflecting his power.
Well, I sure won't resolve that problem here.
But I will reiterate, Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
No.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Jacob's Ladder 21st century
Genesis 28:
10And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.
11And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
12And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
13And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
14And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
Every once in a while I creep myself out wondering about who(?) might be around and watching all of my actions.
Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they aren't watching me."
Monday, August 14, 2006
Music of the Spheres
Those from the tyme we sange hymns in churche may recall the old classic This Is My Father's World.
I love that song.
The first line and chorus are:
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
Not once. Never, has anyone either questioned nor explained the meaning of that phrase in my realm of knowledge/ experience.
I love the internet. I have done many searches and read much concerning these spheres and their music. Yes, most of it is garbage.
But now, lookahere.
The Shape of Song
Doesn't explain much, but it shows something. Something at the deep level. Something like the knowledge intuitively gained from looking into the stars at night.
And look at the obvious results of the mathematical applications to Bach and Beethoven.
I love that song.
The first line and chorus are:
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
Not once. Never, has anyone either questioned nor explained the meaning of that phrase in my realm of knowledge/ experience.
I love the internet. I have done many searches and read much concerning these spheres and their music. Yes, most of it is garbage.
But now, lookahere.
The Shape of Song
Doesn't explain much, but it shows something. Something at the deep level. Something like the knowledge intuitively gained from looking into the stars at night.
And look at the obvious results of the mathematical applications to Bach and Beethoven.
Re: Colorized pictures
Recently Phil Johnson has posted a colorized picture of C.H. Spurgeon at the Pyromaniacs site.
Inspired by this DRBrooker (http://drbrooker.net) has done his own of Horatius Bonar. (excellent job!)
Now to my real point.
While I have GREATLY appreciated the Phil Johnson History sites, I was sadly disappointed after marveling at the handiwork on the photo (I've done it, it's tough) to read the threatening copyright restrictions appended.
This may come from two sources.
1. My general "Antinomianism" (Unknown to me until reading the xxxxxxxxx Reform blogs)
2. My extended exposure to the "Copyleft" and Creative Commons movement. I had seen the internet as the ideal democratic equalizer. All people in all places having all access to all knowledge. I grew up anti-communist, in my adulthood I have embraced anti-fascism in every manner possible. Didn't anybody else read 1984 and Animal Farm?
Before this, going back to the 1980's I specifically marked my work as free use by any who may wish. I was under the conviction that nothing I created (especially "intellectual property") was truly my own. What God has given to me was for me to pass on, not to grasp or use as a tool for gain.
Since Mr. Johnson can freely distribute this photo for "personal use," it appears he obtained the photo as public domain. Now this copy moves it back into the copyright lockbox.
Oh, and good luck on getting the copy printed. The copyright frenzy has made it so most places won't print anything they think might possibly be "owned" by someone else. Try taking in some pictures you personally took working to make them professional.
Mal
Inspired by this DRBrooker (http://drbrooker.net) has done his own of Horatius Bonar. (excellent job!)
Now to my real point.
While I have GREATLY appreciated the Phil Johnson History sites, I was sadly disappointed after marveling at the handiwork on the photo (I've done it, it's tough) to read the threatening copyright restrictions appended.
This may come from two sources.
1. My general "Antinomianism" (Unknown to me until reading the xxxxxxxxx Reform blogs)
2. My extended exposure to the "Copyleft" and Creative Commons movement. I had seen the internet as the ideal democratic equalizer. All people in all places having all access to all knowledge. I grew up anti-communist, in my adulthood I have embraced anti-fascism in every manner possible. Didn't anybody else read 1984 and Animal Farm?
Before this, going back to the 1980's I specifically marked my work as free use by any who may wish. I was under the conviction that nothing I created (especially "intellectual property") was truly my own. What God has given to me was for me to pass on, not to grasp or use as a tool for gain.
Since Mr. Johnson can freely distribute this photo for "personal use," it appears he obtained the photo as public domain. Now this copy moves it back into the copyright lockbox.
Oh, and good luck on getting the copy printed. The copyright frenzy has made it so most places won't print anything they think might possibly be "owned" by someone else. Try taking in some pictures you personally took working to make them professional.
Mal
Opening shot
I have finally decided to create this blog solely (at present) to be able to comment on other blogs I read.
I previously had a free standing website which often served effectively as a blog. I didn't continue it or create a blog after realizing that I was not that interested in the work of writing every day- since in all reality NOBODY was reading it anyway!!!
Mal
I previously had a free standing website which often served effectively as a blog. I didn't continue it or create a blog after realizing that I was not that interested in the work of writing every day- since in all reality NOBODY was reading it anyway!!!
Mal
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