Word of God

Foretold Messiah 3 Bruised one to be taken into heaven as a servant and son of God

July 4, 2019July 4, 2020Marcus Ampe4 Comments

Already early in history of mankind we learn that there shall come one, coming from seed of a human being, who shall be bruised in the heel.

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.”
(Genesis 3:15 NHEBJE)

That woman God is referring to is a young Essene girl, who lived some two millennia ago. By her was found kindness but also favour by God. The Bible tells us also that this child was going to be called “the Son of the Most High”, though it was going to be born out of man and as such also be a “son of man“, him always going to be the “Son of God“.

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’ He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?” The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born will be called the Son of God.
(Luke 1:30-35 NHEBJE)

The Gospel dispensation opens with a dismissal of fear and a promise of salvation. For what shall come, we too, shall not have to fear. The girl is also told what should be the name of the child. The name was to be Jeshua, in full Jahushua or Jehoshua, often shortened to Joshua or Jeshua and signifying to have a role as saviour. As such we find an other Joshua in the Old Testament being the deliverer of Israel into the promised land. The original name of that Joshua was Hoshea, and Moses (doubtless by divine inspiration) changed the son of Nun his name to Joshua, in order to make it signify the salvation of God.

These are the names of the men who Moses sent to spy out the land. Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.
(Numbers 13:16 NHEBJE)

Thus the name was given to indicate the reality that Joshua should be God’s saviour of Israel from their enemies, and their establisher in Canaan. As antitype to this, the same name is given, by the same divine direction, to the Nazarene man who has become our Saviour, because he shall save his people from their sins. As Joshua is redeemer of Israel from their enemies, and their establisher in Canaan, so Jesus is the Redeemer of believers from their sins, and their establisher in the heavenly Canaan.

The other name proposed to her, it being a nickname, was Immanuel. or Emmanuel, signifying “God with us“, not because he truly would be God as so many think but because his being to be a blessing of the Most High and his name a recognisance of the grace of God giving such a person. As such all those being called Immanuel or Emmanuel running around on this world are not God or an incarnation of a god.

Those names where asked to be given to the child because the angel brought the message of his Master God that this child was going to save people. In later writings we shall come to see that it would be a liberation or salvation from their sins.

The Jews expected a political Messiah to save the nation from the Romans. The angel promised a Jeshua (Jesus), who should save his people from their sins. (Modern neologists, who maintain that Jesus started at first with the purpose of forming a temporal kingdom, are contradicted by the very earliest declarations in the Gospels to the contrary.)

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”
(Matthew 1:23 NHEBJE)

Jesus, being the promised one from the early days was to present his heavenly Father and as such brought God under the people, like the many prophets before him, presenting God’s Word.

It is from such a prophet that we do know that the promised one would come from a young girl or a virgin. He spoke in the times when Ahaz, king of Judah, was invaded by the combined hosts of the kings of Israel and of Syria. He was reduced to the last extremity. Jehovah then sent Isaiah the prophet to offer him a sign that God would bring deliverance. The object of the command was to bring Ahaz to repose his faith in Jehovah. But though the prophet offered him a sign either in heaven or in earth, yet the idolatrous king refused to accept any sign. Whereupon the prophet, rebuking the king for wearying God, declares that God will give a sign, whether the king ask it or not, and whether it should be to him a sign or not.
That sign is the standing sign for Israel for all ages, the future Messiah. As that Messiah should come, so Judah should be preserved until his coming. And when he should be born of the virgin, he should not grow to years of intelligence in a shorter time than would be required to sweep away those two invading kings from their power.

The prophet Isaiah speaks about a virgin who shall conceive and bear a son, and who shall be called Immanuel. We are also told that the child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, giving us an indication that this child when growing up would be able to withstand temptations and would be able to continuously do good, which we also call “not sinning”.

Therefore Jehovah himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat butter and honey when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good. For before the child knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two kings you abhor shall be forsaken.
(Isaiah 7:14-16 NHEBJE)

We shall see that several prophets tried to tell the people around them about signs God was going to give. Signs for when the saviour or messiah would come and signs for when the end-times would come. In their time as in our times there are lots of people who did not and do not want to see the signs, though it are the Signs from Jehovah the God above all gods.

In the previous article you could read how a woman (some call “Virgo Deipara”) is truly predicted in the first promise in Eden; and that the expectation was familiar to the ancient world. and we are told it would be some girl from the despised stem of Jesse. Miriam or Mary belonging to the Essenes being considered as part of a sect and as such not so much liked.

A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots will bear fruit.
(Isaiah 11:1 NHEBJE)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this; for after his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly. But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.” Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”
(Matthew 1:18-23 NHEBJE)

That Immanuel, the predicted seed of the woman, was not yet born in Isaiah ‘s time and it would take some more centuries before it would be there that promise of God coming into the flesh.

From the several books assembled in the bible we learn that there were many “man of God” or “men of God”, people who gave themselves for God. Several men were chosen by God to bring His Words to the people. They were necessary to reveal the Plan of God. All those stories were necessary to show how Jehovah God was wiling to be by those who were willing to be with Him. The Book of books shows also how people who were prepared to walk in accord with God, could be taken by God, them suddenly not being here on earth any more. In such happenings we can find also what happened to Jesus after his death and resurrection.

Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.
(Genesis 5:24 NHEBJE)

The one promised in Eden would also be a servant for the God of Shem or Shemi and would be son of God, taken into heaven by God, after he was bruised, impaled and cursed, like a murderer and thief, as a damnable.

He said, “Canaan is cursed. He will be servant of servants to his brothers.” He said, “Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant. May God enlarge Japheth. Let him dwell in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.”
(Genesis 9:25-27 NHEBJE)

Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Eli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Shimei, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, the son of John, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, the son of Jesus, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
(Luke 3:23-38 NHEBJE)

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,”
(Galatians 3:13 NHEBJE)

You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross {in the original text “piece of wood”}; having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
(Colossians 2:13-15 NHEBJE)

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, who did not sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.” Who, when he was cursed, did not curse back. When he suffered, did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to his righteousness; by stripes you were healed. For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
(1 Peter 2:21-25 NHEBJE)

In that son of man who is called the son of God, born in Bethlehem and brought up in Nazareth we find the servant of God who was been told about in the Garden of Eden, to be the one bruised.

But Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Many followed him; and he healed them all, and commanded them that they should not make him known: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him. And he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not strive, nor shout; neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He won’t break a bruised reed. And he won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory. And in his name, the nations will hope.”
(Matthew 12:15-21 NHEBJE)

Preceding

Foretold Messiah 1 First mentioning

Foretold Messiah 2 a Voice giving The Word to His servants

Messianic prophesies 2 Adversary – Root of the first prophecy

First mention of a solution against death 6 Authority given to the send one from God coming out of the woman

Additional reading

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Further related

Foretold Messiah 2 a Voice giving The Word to His servants

June 11, 2019Marcus Ampe13 Comments

In the previous chapter we have seen that already soon in history Jehovah God promised a solution against the curse of death.

Already in the first book of the Bible (third chapter) there is spoken of the “Seed of a woman” (virgin birth) what would become a reality many centuries later, God His saying or His Word becoming a reality, His Word becoming into the flesh, Jesus being that sent one from God, born in Bethlehem.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:1 NHEBJE)

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children.
(Galatians 4:4-5 NHEBJE)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this; for after his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 1:18 NHEBJE)

Satan or the adversary of God going to be bruised by the one who would be born to help and even save the seed of Abraham.

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.”
(Genesis 3:15 NHEBJE)

Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For, truly, he did not come to help the angels, but to help the seed of Abraham. Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
(Hebrews 2:14-18 NHEBJE)

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.
(1 John 3:8 NHEBJE)

Because of the many sins of all people it was necessary to reveal to the world who would be the one to follow and to have the relationship between God and man restored. Jehovah God declared Himself to be well-pleased with him.

A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.”
(Mark 1:11 NHEBJE)

Since the dove was a symbol of peace or freedom from judgment (Gen. 8:8-12) many people there around the river Jordan could see the Holy Spirit’s presence like a dove signifying that this man standing there (Jeshua or Jesus) would bring salvation to those who were willing to turn to him. The Voice of God authenticated Jesus by alluding to Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1.

I will tell of the decree. Jehovah said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.
(Psalms 2:7 NHEBJE)

“Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delights?I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout, nor raise his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street. He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice. He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he has set justice in the earth, and for his law the coastlands will hope.” Thus says God Jehovah, he who created the heavens and stretched them out, he who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, he who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it. “I, Jehovah, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations; to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison. “I am Jehovah. That is my name. I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to engraved images. Behold, the former things have happened, and I declare new things. I tell you about them before they come up.”
(Isaiah 42:1-9 NHEBJE)

Jehovah could have made an end to Adam and Eve there in the Garden of Eden and/or could have created straight ahead new people who would be willing to be faithful to Him. Straight there in the Garden Jehovah God could have made an end to those sinful people and could have made and end to the punishment He had given to the first man. God is not such an unrighteous non-loving god He would have had so many people suffering, to come to earth in a later stadium (as so many believe God would have come to earth in the form or guise of Jesus) to fake His temptation (because God cannot be tempted) and to fake His death (because God can not die, Him being an immortal Eternal Spirit) and after such a theatre act, leaving the people still suffering for many centuries (like we still have to suffer). No, God wanted people to see His creation and His works, letting the world see that His creatures also could be clean of heart and spirit and that a man could be faithful to the Will of God. The world had to come to see that Jesus is that person of flesh and blood who is able to do the Will of God, and to live accordance His Will and regulations.

The other servant of God, king David, is the predecessor of Jesus. Out of his seed Jesus would be born. When David made his songs for His Most Beloved Master Creator he seemed to intended to speak of his own case and experience but the Holy Spirit led him to use language, which in its full meaning can be applied to none but the servant Jesus himself.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you have prepared for me. You have not required burnt offering and sin offering. Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book on the scroll. I delight to do your will, my God. Yes, your Law is within my heart.” I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly. Behold, I will not seal my lips, Jehovah, you know. I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart. I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation. I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great assembly.
(Psalms 40:6-10 NHEBJE)

Jesus also did not pray to himself nor asked people to pray to him. Jesus taught people to pray to his heavenly Father, the Only One True God.

Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
(Matthew 6:10 NHEBJE)

He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
(Luke 22:41-42 NHEBJE)

Jesus was fully aware of his predestination and the task given to him by the Divine Creator. In the Old Writings, we shall see, the Most High gave His Word to mankind to come to see and hear His many servants, like Moses,Joshua, Samuel, Gad, Nathan, Jeremiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, David, Solomon, Isaiah Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Zechariah, Malachi who would prepare the world for the one to come and to tell the people what they had to do to live according to the Will of God. They all prepared the way for the prophet who would further explain the Will of God and who would live according to that Will. Jesus was going to make all those previous teachings clearer to understand, for those who by that time still did not see what God wanted from them.

Heavens declare God, but not many people come to see it. The ancient prophets therefore told about the one servant who would be sent by God to declare the Good News.

But Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Many followed him; and he healed them all, and commanded them that they should not make him known: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him. And he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not strive, nor shout; neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He won’t break a bruised reed. And he won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory. And in his name, the nations will hope.”
(Matthew 12:15-21 NHEBJE)

He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the scroll, and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
(Luke 4:16-19 NHEBJE)

God is an immortal Singular Spirit Being, to Whom no man can do something, but Jesus being a mortal being is that one spoken about whose heel would be bruised with nails on the wooden stake. The world had to come to see that there was that man of flesh and blood, like all of us frail, apparently destructible or possible to be put to death, now becoming both a lamp and a reed, humble, but not to be broken, and the “light of the world“.

Being killed, God was going to take him out of the dead, so that the world would have a proof that man can step out of death. In case God would have come to the world and would have faked His death and having come out of the dead, we naturally would still have no proof at all that man can resurrect. Now with the resurrection of Jesus we should have no doubts at all. What God did with him He is willing to do with us also. That is one of His promises.

For those who would have doubts, Jesus after his resurrection showed himself, proving it was him, who is of flesh and blood and not a spirit like his heavenly Father is a Spirit.

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
(John 4:24 NHEBJE)

As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.” But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.”
(Luke 24:36-39 NHEBJE)

They not only could see Jesus, they also could touch him and feel the wounds he had endured. In his resurrection we should have the hope for our resurrection and should have faith that Jesus is that sent one from God, who is the Way to God and for the whole world the light.

When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be to you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
(John 20:19-21 NHEBJE)

Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12 NHEBJE)

We all should come to believe in him who is that sent one from God and the Messiah, the giver of life.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, God’s Son, he who comes into the world.”
(John 11:25-27 NHEBJE)

Preceding

A solution for a damaged relationship 3 Insight and prophesies given

Foretold Messiah 1 First mentioning

Out of the seed of Eve

First mention of a solution against death 4 A seed for mankind

First mention of a solution against death 5 Evil its law of death

First mention of a solution against death 6 Authority given to the send one from God coming out of the woman

First mention of a solution against death 7 Human sacrifice

Messianic prophesies 1 Adversary – Root of the first prophecy

Messianic prophesies 2 Adversary – Root of the first prophecy

Additional reading

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A solution for a damaged relationship 3 Insight and prophesies given

February 18, 2017February 14, 2017Relating to God11 Comments

Those people coming from the first man and woman in a certain way got infected by the wrong choice these people made.

See No Evil (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

God gave a free will to the human beings He created. He did not want them to go wrong or to have it bad, but because they objected to His ruling or His position, He gave them the right to take care of the world themselves how they wanted to do it themselves. He had given them the free will and now they were totally responsible for all the choices they were going to make themselves.

God Himself does not causes bad things to happen to His people but He allows the things to evolve like man lets it evolve and as such allows also to happen things which are not so pleasant for man but are consequences of their acts, they had chosen themselves to do. God allowing such things, good and bad, to happen to man sometimes is to remind man of his position and to let them feel that sin has a price.

You should look at the Creator as a Father who does like any parent, wanting to have the best for his kids, also giving them instructions not to be mean, but to help them on their way of growing up. The omniscient God can see what the ravages of man’s sin looks like, and He desires to spare them for such bad things. For that reason He also gave His Word so that man could learn from it, could see how other people in the past lived their way in this world of good and evil.

God knew very well why it would not be good for man to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It was not because He didn’t want them to taste something good or wanted to hold something good back from them. God was well aware of the destruction and devastation knowledge of good and evil could cause to man.

As children of those who chose the other way than God had prepared for man we still have to reap the effects of that choice today. Man should come to recognise that all he has to to endure in life is not placed on them by the Divine Creator God, nor by an extraterrestrial devilish being called Satan, but by our own choices and unwillingness to submit to God His direction for our life.

God does not hate man nor does He hate the world, but He would like it that man comes to love Him and comes to recognise Who He is and what He has done for mankind. Throughout history God always has been around and was always ready to be there for those who wanted Him to have Him nearby and helping them.

God has been very patient with man, but He also wanted to limit the time man would be going on his own stupidity. Therefore he offered mankind His Plan with the promise of a saviour, who would shown man Who God is and how to come closer to God. To give mankind a second chance, God provided what is called a second Adam. Again God provided a ‘new’ fresh ‘man‘ of flesh, blood and bones, who could proof that man was able to put his own man’s will aside to come to do the Will of God. Jesus is that promised one who managed to do that. He is the only begotten beloved son of God who is given to us to show us the Way to God and who made things told in the ancient times clear, giving insight to those who did not see yet.

In the next series we shall look how God kept His first promise made in the Garden of Eden, to bring forth a person who was to bring an end to the sting of death. We shall look how God repeated several times His promise of a solution against the curse of death and how He provided signs to which we could get to know when it was the moment that promise became a reality, so that nobody should doubt that the promise made in the garden had become into the flesh. (John 1:1)

In the next postings we shall show you how in the ancient times God prepared the way for that light for mankind to come and how hope could grow to come closer to the times of the coming Kingdom of God when the best theocratic system would be there to have this world organised in the best way, bringing peace to all people.

Preceding articles

A solution for a damaged relationship 1 All vegetation for food except one fruit

A solution for a damaged relationship 2 Sinful nature

Additional reading

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First mention of a solution against death 4 A seed for mankind

May 23, 2016June 17, 2016Marcus Ampe29 Comments

Vanity and the hope to be as God, knowing everything and being able to do everything, man made the wrong choice, going in against the Will of God, disobeying His mitzvot not to touch or eat of the tree of knowledge of good and bad.

The Divine Creator is a God of order, clarity, Who does not tell lies (= always telling the truth) and does not create chaos or confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33) Man should have known that God always told the truth. But by letting his thoughts wander about, he was caught by his own bad thoughts that God would keep something hidden from him or did not want to give him what he also should own.

As He had promised they would get to know life and death, He cursed them to the hard labour which they previously never had to do. And having made out of dust, God told them they would return to it, becoming dust again, meaning to die and then to decay. (Genesis 3:19)

(Genesis 3:19 ASV): “in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

In the previous chapters we discussed that what happened to Adam and Eve still happens to us every day. Temptation today still follows the same pattern with us as it did with Eve in the Garden of Eden. Always there is first the arousing of desire; then the mind, seizing upon that desire, rationalizes it to make it seem reasonable, proper, and profitable. Then the will acts — and often immediately confusion, guilt, blame, and a sense of limitation follows without fail. The process is absolutely relentless.

Adam and Eve thought, like we often do, that we can hide ourselves. We may think that we have hidden things we did from the eyes of man, and oftentimes many of us are deluded into thinking that because no human being knows about our guilt, nothing has happened.

Yet within us, whenever we yield to evil, a darkness falls and death tightens its grip upon our throat. {Ray C. Stedman}

When addressing the evil God shows His understanding and shows His willingness to provide help in their hopeless situation. It is not that man shall be able to escape for what they have done. No, there is the curse for the woman and for the man. and to the evil or the adversary of Him, Jehovah says

Genesis 3:15 NHEBJE I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.”

The evil or satan shall become subject of a war to the “death”. The thoughts Eve had, would now also come to her children, dwelling in them they shall be troubled by desires, vanity, and other bad things, bringing them into captivity to the law of sin which is in their members

Romans 7:18-23 NHEBJE For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but to do that which is good is not. (19) For the good which I desire, I do not do; but the evil which I do not desire, that I practice. (20) But if what I do not desire, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me. (21) I find then the law, that, to me, while I desire to do good, evil is present. (22) For I delight in God’s law after the inward man, (23) but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.

For those who have that incapacity to be fully correct or without fault, God did not want that they would not have to face total destruction. Speaking out His judgement over Adam and Eve the Divine Creator spoke about a future saviour. Some one who would be able to break the curse of death. Between the bad thoughts and the way of righteousness shall be a battle. Those who would like to follow their own self-love and what made Eve from this world shall find tribulation and lots of problems in this world, not strong enough to fight them. Though others who not want to be of that world shall be able to be stronger and find their way out, though the world may hate them.

John 15:19 NHEBJE If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 16:33 NHEBJE I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

Yes, there will be one coming, by the promise of the Most High, who can call himself the only begotten son of God. Though the mind of the flesh may be hostile to God (Romans 8:6-7) this provider foreseen by God in the Garden of Eden, after the fall of man, long before Abraham, is the one we all have to look for and have to find. In him we shall have to put our faith to come away under the curse of death. He is the only man who succeeded to be without fault. He always managed to do God His Will. Though he was tempted many times (in the desert, in the square of the village and in the town, in the temple, in the garden of Gethsemane) he never gave in to the temptation, always wanting to do God His will instead of his own will.

Luke 22:41-42 NHEBJE He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, (42) saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

The writer of Bereshith notates God’s declaration that there shall be a separating of the serpent (the evil, the temptation) from the woman, and tells about the provision of a solution, which we shall hear about in later books as well. In the third chapter of Genesis we find the basis for the first promise of redemption which must be interpreted allegorically. In that light, the serpent stood for what it proclaimed:

“Ye shall not surely die” (v. 4).

This error was an emanation of the thinking of the flesh called “the carnal mind” by the apostle Paul, which, he declared

“is enmity against God” (Romans 8:7).

Moses lets us understand that there in the Garden of Eden was the base of our problems. There the first man and woman doubting God and His honesty, they becoming adversaries or enemies of God. Eve her thoughts are represented as the creeping animal, a serpent which became “the father of lies“, and all who endorse or proclaim error are considered as its seed, or children.

John 8:44 NHEBJE You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and its father.

Accordingly, in the allegorical signification of this statement, the serpent represents the spirit of error and deceit as it emanates from the carnal mind. It is frequently used for those who oppose the Truth (Psalms 58:4; 140:3; Matthew 23:33; Revelation 12:9), manifesting themselves as adversaries of the righteous. Its error stemmed from its presumption in reasoning upon Divine law from the standpoint of the flesh. This philosophy caused Eve to view the forbidden tree anew, and its attractive appearance aroused in her the latent propensities of the flesh which then became active and demanding.

“The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”

which John teaches is

“not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16)

were inflamed, and became “the word of the serpent” made flesh in her.

Adam and Eve wanted so much to have that knowledge of good and evil. Their aspiration to own that knowledge was fed by their lust for more. Paul calls such ‘wants’ “lusts” and gives them the title of sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3), or “sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:20).

Romans 8:3 NHEBJE For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh;

The sending of that son is God’s solution for mankind. Though evil shall do everything to try to destroy him, it shall not succeed.

Michelangelo Bounarotti - The Fall and Expulsi... — Michelangelo Bounarotti – The Fall and Expulsion of Adam and Eve – detail (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By the offspring of the woman the world shall come to see a Virgin Birth where “It” (AV), a singular seed, shall “bruise” (AV), or “Shuwph” = to crush (Job 9:17). This enmity which had come into existence, between man and God, is seeking the destruction of the higher interests of man. While it will inflict injury, this enmity is subject to the ultimate conquest of man.

The sorrow of woman consequent upon the Fall brings God now having a woman bringing life to a man, but this time not without pain. Also the seed God provides shall bring lots of pain to his mother and generations shall look up at that miserable pain this son of hers had to endure.

Preceding articles

Creation of the earth and man #22 Man in the image and likeness of the Elohim #6 Spirits, spiritual bodies and illusory perception

Necessity of a revelation of creation 1 Works of God and works of man

Necessity of a revelation of creation 4 Getting understanding by Word of God 2

Genesis – Story of creation 6 Genesis 3:13-24 Enmity and curse

Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 1

Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 2

Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 3

What others think about the tree of knowledge of good and evil

A multifold of elements in creation and a bad choice made

Not trying to make the heathen live like Jews #1

Not trying to make the heathen live like Jews #2

First mention of a solution against death 1 To divine, serpent, opposition, satan and adversary

First mention of a solution against death 2 Harm or no harm and naked truth

First mention of a solution against death 3 Tempter Satan and man’s problems

Necessary to be known all over the earth

Next: First mention of a solution against death 5 Evil its law of death

Additional reading

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First mention of a solution against death 3 Tempter Satan and man’s problems

May 21, 2016February 27, 2018Marcus Ampe28 Comments

In the previous postings we have seen that the “serpent” is no ordinary “beast of the field.” Later portions of the Bible seem to imply that its subtle words were supplied by what man came ‘to believe’ or ‘see‘. Their action or attitude against God made them an adversary or satan.

The “quickness of perception” made their “voice of flesh” trouble their mind and made them to become an adversary of God instead of them becoming like God, though they still want to be the same as God and even today many want to play for god. This is what brings the world in a lot of problems.

The tempter for many became a ‘person’ or active figure called “Satan” or the devil. This Satan or adversary is the power of evil, the rebel against God. Hence the serpent has usually been treated by artists symbolically; Raphael pictures it as partly human, possessed of a woman’s head, a woman’s brain without her nobler soul. Certainly the serpent’s cunning words suggest human nature arguing with itself; the baser, beastly parts stirring the mind to ambition and rage and fear.

‎In the garden of Eden, the two mysterious trees, one of life and death, the other of “the knowledge of good and evil” were not for man. Their idea of being “as gods” was very temptive and when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and had taken of the fruit thereof and had also given it to her husband, they effectively came to know “good” and “evil“.

They found that knowledge, even at its best, is but a poor substitute for innocent purity. Most startling of the grim facts made clear to them, was that they had disobeyed their Divine Maker and thus lost their sense of joy and security with Him. They could imagine He would not be pleased with their act and therefore hid ashamed for Him. Going against the Will of God they had taken into their hearts selfishness and suspicion and fear. Darkened of mind and sin-stained of body, they were no longer willing to be fully seen, to gaze and be gazed upon. They grew secretive, furtive. They began to clothe their naked bodies with leaves, and they crouched among the trees to hide from God.

‎Before their act of insubmission they were never afraid of each other, of animals or of God. But now, after they failed to comply to God’s Will, they clearly knew they had done something wrong and even felt not sure any more about themselves. Never before had they avoided their Creator who was there Father. But now when He came to them in the garden “in the cool of the day” and when He spoke to them sadly of their fall, Adam answered trembling from his hiding place, and showed how contemptible indeed that fall had been. His personal resources had failed him. Perhaps he did not come to see that if anything is withheld from us, we may be sure that it is not absolutely for our good. He came to understand that his heart and soul (his flesh, heart and spirit or thinking) had failed. His downfall brought with it that he sought excuses. He did not want to to take the lowest place. He sought with crafty, coward words to shift his blame upon the woman, and even upon God, which shows how a state of sin can affect us.

Genesis 3:12 NHEBJE The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”

Putting the blame on his wife, to consider her responsible for his misdeed, is something which those who do wrong still try to do today. From that first sin those two first people their offspring got ‘bad examples’ and got the genes of troubled minds. Though

“Genetic predisposition made me do it”

is no excuse and is doing the same as Adam did. Eve also quickly learned from Adam trying to use an excuse to plead her innocence and freedom. The term “deceived” seems to mean “cause to forget”. It may be an onomatopoeia to the serpent’s hissing (i.e. hissi’ani). The New Testament mentions Eve’s actions in 2 Corinthians 11:3 and 1 Timothy 2:14.

2 Corinthians 11:3 NHEBJE (3) But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

1 Timothy 2:14 NHEBJE Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience;

But than we got to hear of some solutions.

1 Timothy 2:15 NHEBJE but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.

Once again we hear about certain conditions or some commandments of God, namely to continue in faith and love or charity (o. agape) and holiness with sobriety or modesty or with self-control.

Because the 1st Adam had hearkened unto the voice of his wife, not only listening to her and not pointing to her what she was thinking was wrong, but following her, he also was at fault and should have to bear the consequences like any person who does something wrong has to bear the consequences.

Man was taken out of the earth, from dust. Because both had not listened to God they had to see it was serious what God had said about life and death. Now they were going to feel what it meant knowing life and death. Knowing good and bad things of life and losing life.

Genesis 3:17-22 NHEBJE To Adam he said, “Because you have listened to your wife’s voice, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground for your sake. In toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. (18) Thorns also and thistles will it bring forth to you; and you will eat the herb of the field. (19) By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (20) The man called his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living. (21) Jehovah God made coats of skins for Adam and for his wife, and clothed them. (22) Jehovah God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, lest he put forth his hand, and also take of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever…”

Biblia Pauperum illustration of Eve and the Se... — Biblia Pauperum illustration of Eve and the Serpent (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Adam should have been following God’s word, but he followed his wife’s word and broke God’s specific command or mitzvoth. Each created being has received like Adam and Eve a free choice either to follow God His Words or to deny them and to go astray from God. Adam and Eve had heard what could happen (cf. Genesis 2:15-17). Now it was too late to turn back.

The whole creation now had to bear the consequences of the fall of mankind and nature.

Romans 8:18-23 NHEBJE For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. (19) For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. (20) For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope (21) that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. (23) Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body.

Nature became involved because man now being on his own trying to look for his daily edible food started also hunting the animals, which had to become fearing man and going into their defence. As such animals and plants also became a victim of the fall of man. But God is a God of love and He does not like it when His creatures do have to suffer. God is on the side of His creatures. Therefore He provide a solution for them, but it had to come form man itself. Like the first man or Adam had to make the right choice the new or second Adam, the man for the new beginning had to make the right choice too.

Preceding articles

The very very beginning 2 The Word and words

A multifold of elements in creation and a bad choice made

Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 1

Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 2

Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 3

What others think about the tree of knowledge of good and evil

First mention of a solution against death 1 To divine, serpent, opposition, satan and adversary

First mention of a solution against death 2 Harm or no harm and naked truth

Next: First mention of a solution against death 4 A seed for mankind

Additional reading

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First mention of a solution against death 2 Harm or no harm and naked truth

May 20, 2016Marcus Ampe28 Comments

When Adam and Eve ignored God’s request not to eat from the Tree of knowledge of good and evil, and ate the fruit, their eyes were opened and they came, like God had spoken about the knowledge of good and evil, to see what was good and what was bad or evil.

We have no idea how long Adam and Eve had lived in unison with their Creator. But we are told that they themselves choose to go against God’s Will. It was their own choice to close their ears for God’s commandment not to eat from that tree. It was by their own choice of will that they made an irreversible act and created a different history for themself and, in fact, for all mankind.

Normally it was foreseen that they could live for ever in a paradise, but know, as God had warned them they had to face death. Now their days of life became numbered.

They had thought that in the day they were eating thereof, then their eyes would be opened and then they could be as wise and knowledgable as God. Having the same knowledge as God attracted them. They also wanted to have the same power as Him.

The metaphorical use of elements, like animals speaking, is often used in the Bible Books. Concerning Balaam the apostle Peter endorsed the account

2 Peter 2:16 NHEBJE but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with a man’s voice and stopped the madness of the prophet.

opening his ears, where previously his eyes were opened involving an occurrence with an angel.(Numbers 22:31) In later books of the Holy Scriptures references are made to the many lies which continue to live in this world. The lies Eve and Adam heard are like we may hear the lies of the false teachers (Genesis 3:4 vs 2 Corinthians 11:13) and want to follow them. The world may spread subtile or beguiling beliefs. (Genesis 3:1 vs 2 Corinthians 11:3,13) and get people seduced bringing them in danger of loosing their life (2 Corinthians 11:3).

After their own choice doing that act, Eve’s fall was disastrous.

1 Timothy 2:14 NHEBJE Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience;

2 Corinthians 11:3 NHEBJE (3) But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Today in Christendom we still can see how people let their ears be tangled by human teachings, instead of listening to the Biblical truth, and accepting God’s Words for what they are and say. In the same way as the serpent beguiled Eve by its craftiness, so are many minds corrupted from the simplicity which belongs to Christ, the sent one from God. Lots of so called Christians keep to the false idea that Jesus has to be God because they do not want to believe that Jesus is the sent one from God, who as a man of flesh and blood managed to do what the 1st Adam and the 1st woman did not succeed, namely to put his own will aside and only doing the Will of god, his heavenly Father, the Only One true God of gods.

The selfish thoughts of Eve, represented by the serpent, led Eve away from the Elohim יהוה YHWH Jehovah God, in small steps leading to self-assertive independence. Today also there are the personal wishes to be in control of everything and there are still other people who desire to draw people away from God. The serpent, by its poison and its loathly form, is the natural symbol of such an enemy of man, the adversary of god or a satan. The insinuating slyness of the suggestions of evil is like the sinuous gliding of the snake, and truly represents the process by which temptation found its way into the hearts of the first pair, and of all their descendants. For it begins with casting a doubt on the reality of the prohibition.

‘Has God said?’

is the first parallel opened by the besieger.

Often we also hear others say

“What does it matter” or “There is no harm in it”

this is even more dangerous than by Eve, who was warned that there was something bad to happen. But now that message of the badness that can happen to us is also blurred by what happened in the garden of Eden.

The woman could have been protected from her serious fall if she had referred the matter to her husband, who had been given the place of headship. Because she ignored this she was deceived into deliberate disobedience to God. She saw the tree was good for food: it appealed to her taste. It was pleasant to the eyes: it appealed to her sight. It was desirable to make one wise: it appealed to her pride (See 1Jonn 2:16). she therefore trusted her own inclinations and ignored the word of God (v.6). Before consulting her husband she ate the fruit of the tree. {L.M.Grant}

Like doubt may have been filtered into the ear of Eve today we also see the reality of moral distinctions, the essential wrongness of the sin, being obscured by a mist of sophistication. Where often scholars say to the people they can not understand it because God is too complicated. But God is a God of order and a God of love, Who wants clarity and righteousness. He would not withhold something for certain people because they had no opportunity to study or to learn certain things.

Mankind came to see, like they were warned. There was the temptation. They could have chosen to let it pass, like later on Jesus did several times. Going against the Wish of God is called sinning. The promise of knowing good and evil was indeed kept, because God always keeps His promises. Though their minds were hoping for things which were not for them. Instead of their eating of the fruit making the sinners ‘like gods,’ it showed them that they were like beasts, and brought the first sense of shame.

Perhaps they now got more knowledge, but this knowing of good and evil was not such a blessing as they hoped for. Their ignorant innocence was changed into bitter knowledge, and conscience awoke to rebuke them. The first thing that their opened eyes saw was themselves, and the immediate result of the sight was the first blush of shame. Before, they had walked in innocent unconsciousness, like angels or infants; now they had knowledge of good and evil, because their sin had made evil a part of themselves, and the knowledge was bitter.

Before their act God had left them to do the things in the easy way, but now with the relation disturbed, them having questioning the power of God and His right to govern the world, got the admission to take care of themselves and the world themselves.
Before their sinful act they had not to fear God but now sin had broken familiar communion with God and turned Him into a ‘fear and a dread’. Hearing His Voice (asking them in what condition they were) but not answering or showing themselves, they brought up an excuse that they were afraid because they were naked, so they hid themselves.

Genesis 3:9-12 NHEBJE Jehovah God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” (10) The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (11) God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” (12) The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”

After eating of the fruit the man and mannin found they were no longer fit for God’s eye, and that made them hide from Him, forgetting that God always sees us and knows our thoughts and feeling of our heart. From all this, as shown in the previous part, it is thus the work of conscience which is to expose us to ourselves, like it did to Eve. Shame had come over man and it will not go away until God gives us the tools to take that shame away. If man’s shame was to be effectually removed, God must do it.

Adam and Eve tried to submerge such feelings of guilt by sewing fig leaves together to make aprons for themselves. Since that time people have resorted to every kind of artifice to cover up the guilt of their sins, perhaps these may be professed “good works” or religious ceremonies or observances, but all are ineffective. The fig leaves were so unsatisfactory to Adam and Eve themselves that when they heard the voice of the Lord God in the garden they hid themselves. So today our own consciences tell us that our efforts to cover our sins fail so badly that we are afraid to face God. But fig leaves and trees are only part of God’s creation: they can give neither protection from sin nor a hiding place from God. {L.M. Grant}

Preceding posts:

The very very beginning 2 The Word and words

A multifold of elements in creation and a bad choice made

Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 1

Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 2

Forbidden Fruit in the Midst of the Garden 3

What others think about the tree of knowledge of good and evil

First mention of a solution against death 1 To divine, serpent, opposition, satan and adversary

Next: First mention of a solution against death 3 Tempter Satan and man’s problems

Additional reading

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Messiah for all 2015 in review

January 14, 2016January 14, 2016Marcus Ampe8 Comments

Welcome

Dear reader,

Thank you very much for visiting this young site.

After a turbulent year in which the Belgian Christadelphians had to undergo several tests I decided to react to those Christians who called me dirty names and send me horrible things, accusing me of defiling Jesus name or God’s name.

It is a well-known fact that in Christendom and Christianity there are many denominations which do not like the sight of others. Many denominations are convinced they are the only ones who carry the truth and shall have their followers ‘going into heaven‘. In Christendom we also do find several fundamental Christians who threaten others with hell, a place of eternal damnation (according to them) where those who will not convert to their faith will be forever tortured by hell-fire. Because of so many accusations concerning our believe in and our relationship with Christ Jesus thrown at our face, we wanted to make it more clear what we think about the Nazarene rabbi Jeshua, who is today better known as Jesus Christ. At the sites where nasty things were written about me, my believes, my faith and the Christadelphians, I mostly was silenced and could not defend myself nor the Christadelphians, nor all the Christians who, like me do not believe in a Holy Trinity.

Reasons to start this blog

For that reason, wanting to bring a clear picture of the Biblical character Jesus, at the beginning of 2015 I started looking for a new platform to present texts which could justify our way of thinking and could open the eyes of others, offering them also the material from the Bible, the infallible Word of God, itself. In our eyes the Bible is the best tool to bring guidance and insight. After we shall have introduced general introductory texts, about the Word of God, presented in the Book of books, the Bible, and about the Creator and creation in general, we shall present more Biblical fragments by our explanations and when we shall come to the period of the New Covenant and New Testament we shall go step by step through the Messianic Writings (or Kethubim Bet or Kethuvim Bet), using the words of those Godly writings to show who Jesus is, what he has done and what he is still going to do, plus what he means for us, for mankind and for the whole creation.

More than once we have been and still are accused of being haters of God and being haters of Jesus, which made it so important to proof to you and the world that we carry our heart on the right place and do love Christ with all our heart, really appreciating what he did and acknowledging his position as sent one from God, who liberated the world from the curse of death. with this website we want to show you and those who come along that we are a loving group of worshippers of God who live peacefully as united people under Christ, being part of his body and not belonging to this world but to the world of Christ and the world of God, the Divine Creator.

Getting away from the starting bloc

Having tried out several starting blocs we are now on our way with WordPress. – Pressure-sensitive starting blocks at the start line of the 100 metres at the 2007 Pan American Games in João Havelange Olympic Stadium.

After looking at and trying out several systems of blogging I came to chose the trusted WordPress system and published my first article on February 10, 2015 looking back at several try outs, with the title “A beginning with many false starts”.

Many Christians do believe that Jesus created the earth and several of them also are convinced that this creation process exactly took six 24 hours periods, whilst many atheists are convinced everything started from something (or nothing: Something from nothing) with a big bang. To get to know more about the creation and What or Who is behind it we started looking at the world from its conception. To uncover all the creation myths we started from the Book Genesis (Genesis Among the Creation Myths) and continue from there onwards. the whole proces also brings us to look at gods or a god and The God of gods (The very very beginning 1 Creating Gods)

Some may say

“The Eternal Laws of Creation are exact to the minutest detail because they are the expressions of the perfect Will of the Almighty! Where uncertainties and imperfections are found they only arise from man’s limited understanding and application!” {Eternal Laws of Creation #8…..likes repel, opposites attract!}

This uncertainty often frightens man. The not knowing for sure brings up many questions, doubts and lots of insecurities. We are very limited in our thinking and handling. But we should trust more in the given Word to humanity. With this blog we want others also to see how we as human beings fit in the whole universe and in the Plan of God. We want to show how Christ is The Way to God and the Way to life and how we do have to become in Christ to become a whole person and not a split one in this world full of controversy.

By the Will of God

There exist the the popular belief that creation and everything in it (its fullness thereof) exist through the Will of a Creator (variously known as Supreme Intelligence, the Light-Cause, the Almighty, God, etc.) and supervised by the Laws of the Creator! {Eternal Laws of Creation #2…….Omniscience and eternal laws!}

Usually, Light messengers, prophets, masters, etc. mediate or, hand down rules and observances to guide their followers in living aright! Without doubt, these rules have beneficial spiritual relevance especially if they are received from Luminous Heights like the Biblical Ten Commandments! They are infallible guidelines for the human spirit living on earth and in the immediate beyond but, not meant for the literal, one sided interpretations many believers give to them! {Eternal Laws of Creation #2…….Omniscience and eternal laws!}

Man has taken himself many leaders, guides and people who presented lots of dogma‘s they were willing to accept as part of their belief, because they think we otherwise would not comprehend God. Many Christians do thrive on dogmatic teachings. We may have many scholars and theologians in this world but may not forget the promised Spirit to enlighten us.

Man can not do anything without god letting it happen. this is also for the work we try to do to get the work of God be known at more places on the earth. the first ten months of the existence of this blog we could find readers in 66 countries. Most visitors came from The United States (1048). United Kingdom (111) & Australia (88) came before Belgium (62) and the Netherlands (16) which became behind Canada (64), India (35) and the Philippines (27).

With His Will God spans everything, maintains everything, and furthers everything from out of the Living Law which brings to each individual that which he deserves, i.e., that which he wove for himself! {Eternal Laws of Creation #2…….Omniscience and eternal laws!} And we want to knit some good duvet to keep us warm in cold Winters (figuratively speaking). In the times coming we do know we are going to enter a hard time, coming closer to the end times.

Writings and Readings

In the ten months this blog existed in 2015, there were 76 new posts, not bad for the first year!

Coming nearer to the end the messages we want to send in the air are necessary. Jesus asked his followers to go out into the world to preach the Good News of the coming Kingdom of God. Bringing that Gospel of the Kingdom of God we, with several writings, want to bring your thoughts to the teaching of Jesus, remembering the days that our father Abraham rejoiced that he would see Jeshua’s day. (John 8:56). Throughout the years we do hope to present our writings in such a way that you and others might come to “see” the coming day.

Remembering what Paul told the Corinthians

“we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

we dare to ask our readers to look beyond our writings. We want to challenge you and our other readers to go looking in your own or their Bible and to compare what is said in that book and what you believe at the present or believed in the past.

We sincerely hope throughout the years we shall be able to build up some followers and find more people coming to the Biblical Truth. As such we also do hope that in our readings (followed by meditation) of God’s Word, we shall be able to be “clothed with gladness” – a gladness that flows out from the relationship we have developed with our Lord.

Invitation

Therefore we do invite you to looking with us at the Source of joy. Our most commented on post in 2015 was The very very beginning 2 The Word and words. In it we looked at the Bereshith, the book of the Beginnings or Genesis where is not said “gods” created, but is spoken of a Singular Person Who speaks and Makes or brings into being. He is the Supreme Being of beings. The One Whose Words we want to resound all over the world, not just in those few countries we are reaching at the moment.

We commit our selves and want others also to commit themselves to the trustworthy Creator, coming to see man’s plans prevailed by God’s purpose.
As many forgot how Christ should be our anchor and our focus let us going over the texts presented here and looking at the Bible passages mentioned see the bigger picture.

As our world falls apart – more and more – we are going to need to sense the importance of becoming active partakers of the Body of Christ. As we are trying to do our best in the name of Jesus we want you to work with us to “work together with him” (2 Corinthians 6:1), that the Most High Lord His Guiding Hand is there and our

“times are in His hand”.

Looking towards 2016 and beyond

We hope to find you back here more than once and hope you too may have your heart in the right place and have like us a brightly burning faith.

In the Bible we have the assurance that we may have good hope and that God preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Let us therefore be strong, and let our and your heart take courage, all you who wait for Jeshua, the Kristos or Christ to return!

In the meantime have a look at our statistics for 2015, the first ten months we presented this blog and offered our readers 76 posts.

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The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,700 times in 2015. If it were a cable car, it would take about 28 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Please do find additional reading:

Also of interest

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Further related articles

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Muslim God, Christian God (theamericanconservative.com)
12-18-2015 Jesus, More Than Meet The Eye (fellowshiproom.org)
John 13 & The Distinguishing Mark of a Christian (2cherish2commend.com)
How the world looked when Jesus was born, according to Roman geographers… (atlasobscura.com)
Will the USA Be the Arena of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? (spiritualmagazine.co.uk)
The Messiah in the Manger (hillsbiblechurch.org)
Scientists Use New Technology To Reveal What Jesus Really Would Have Looked Like. See The Photo… (americanoverlook.com)

Creation of the earth and man #12 Formation of man #4 Constitution of man

September 28, 2015Christadelphians9 Comments

John Locke, a leading philosopher of British empiricism, the theory that states that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience.

How important, then, it is that we should have a scriptural understanding of the constitution of man. If it should appear by an exposition of the truth, that there is no such kind of soul in the universe as that conceited by the pagan Greeks and Romans, and gentilized into the doctrine of the apostles by contemporary perverters* of the gospel, the faith and hope of which it hath ulcerously consumed — and handed down to us by “orthodox divines” — and fondled in these times as an essential ingredient of a true faith: — what becomes of the “cure of souls” by the dogmatical specifics of the day? They are resolved into theological empiricism, which is destined to recede like darkness before the orient brightness of the rising truth.

Let us then endeavour to understand ourselves as God has revealed our nature in His word. On the sixth day, the Elohim gave the word, saying,

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness”.

In this word was life, spirit, or energy.

“It was God. All things were made by it, and without it was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:1–5)**

Hence, says Elihu,

“the Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life”; (Job 33:4) ***

or, as Moses testifies,

“the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of lives; and man became a Living Soul”. (Genesis 2:7)****

Artist's concept of a protoplanetary disk — Artist’s concept of a protoplanetary disk (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Notes

Galatians 1:7–9 (ESV): ⁷not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. ⁸But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. ⁹As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

John 1:1–5 (ESV): The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was in the beginning with God. ³All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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Job 33:4 (ESV): ⁴ The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

****

Genesis 2:7 (ESV): ⁷then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

– Thomas, D. J. Elpis Israel: an exposition of the Kingdom of God (electronic ed., p. 31). Birmingham, UK: The Christadelphian.

Preceding articles:

Creation of the earth and man #9 Formation of man #1 Cure of souls

Creation of the earth and man #10 Formation of man #2 Mortal bodies and Tartarian habitation

Creation of the earth and man #11 Formation of man #3 Infant salvation and non-elect infant damnation

Additional reading:

+++

Empiricism and neuroscience – an alternative view (nosignofit.wordpress.com)
User:Cosmic Ordering Secrets Review (appropedia.org)
Research sheds light on end of Snowball Earth period (spacedaily.com)
Into My Bookshelf: God is Not a Christian (charlotteblackwood.com)
Sacred Moments (blueskiesandlollipops.wordpress.com)
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (1956msbess.wordpress.com)

No other god besides Jehovah who gives all explanation

July 15, 2015Marcus Ampe39 Comments

Lots of people do think they are not able to understand God’s Word without the explanations of theologians. They are mistaken and have a wrong idea about the Divine Creator Who is a God of order and clarity.

From the beginning of creation the Maker of everything let His Voice resound in the universe. He wanted everything to hear His Voice. He also came to make human beings in His image and wanted that they knew Him and listened to His Voice, His commandments, His statutes and would follow His Wishes.

Being created in the image of God each human being has certain elements or qualities of God in him or her. Every created human being has something in him or her which has the quality or feeling of the Divine Maker. As such every human should be able to feel that there is a Divine Creator. He is the Father of universe Who let His Voice hear and let His products of His Hands show the wonders and glory of His Majesty.

Wherever people dwell they can look around them and see the wonders of nature. Nature can speak for itself. In the magnificent glory of the universe every human being should be able to recognise the Hand of God.

Those who are willing to seek the Lord God shall be able to find Him whenever they shall seek Him with all their heart, and with all their soul in their affliction.

Deu 4:29 NHEBJE But from there you shall seek Jehovah your God, and you shall find him, when you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deu 30:1-3 NHEBJE It shall happen, when all these things have come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations, where Jehovah your God has driven you, (2) and shall return to Jehovah your God, and shall obey his voice according to all that I command you this day, you and your children, with all your heart, and with all your soul; (3) that then Jehovah your God will turn your captivity, and have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples, where Jehovah your God has scattered you.

2Ch 31:21 NHEBJE In every work that he began in the service of God’s house, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Psa 119:2 NHEBJE Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart.

Jer 29:13 NHEBJE You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.

In the beginning of times nor in the old times there where people who called themselves theologians or had the idea that they alone could truly understand the Words of God and give people insight. Those who claim to be the only ones who can fully understand the Bible and give the only right explanation are passing God’s Words and forgetting that it is God Himself Who calls and gives insight.

To come to know God we can look around us and see what nature has to offer us. We should open our eyes and see the micro-cosmos with its many wonders. Becoming aware of the nissim or miracles in nature we shall be able to recognise the invisible Hand of God.

Jehovah also has raised up for us prophets, men of God, His servants who wrote down God’s Words and tried to help people find the Most High Lord of the universe. Jehovah of Hosts, the Elohim of Israel, wants us to find Him and has taken care that His words were correctly written down and delivered from one generation unto the next.

The Elohim has gone forth to take to Himself a nation from the midst of a nation, by trials, by signs, and by wonders, and by battle, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that He, the Most High of all beings, shall be known as the One Who Is The Being Itself, the I Am Who Is’ or “I am that which I am” [ayah ashar ayah. This is not His Name, but it is an explanation that leads up to the revelation of His Name in v. 15, namely: יהוה {Jehovah}] Who did so many things for those who lived on the earth, so that they could come to see Who is behind it all.

Elohim His a strong hand and outstretched arm we should allow to come over us. We should allow it that by great fearsome deeds, according to all that יהוה {Jehovah} our Elohim has done in the past we shall get to know Him better by having our eyes and ears open for Him more than for human words and tricks. When opening ourselves for Him He shall let Him be known and shall recall to our heart that יהוה {Jehovah} Himself is Elohim in the heavens above and on the earth beneath; there is none else beside Him.

God has at all times given His Words and has provided means so that people could find Him and could come close to Him. The only thing what He requires is that people listen to Him and guard His laws and His commands which He has given to man and which are recorded in the Book of books.

Deu 4:34-40 NHEBJE Or has God tried to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by an outstretched arm, and by great terrors, according to all that Jehovah your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? (35) It was shown to you so that you might know that Jehovah is God. There is no one else besides him. (36) Out of heaven he made you to hear his voice, that he might instruct you: and on earth he made you to see his great fire; and you heard his words out of the midst of the fire. (37) Because he loved your fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought you out with his presence, with his great power, out of Egypt; (38) to drive out nations from before you greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as at this day. (39) Know therefore this day, and lay it to your heart, that Jehovah he is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is none else. (40) You shall keep his statutes, and his commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Jehovah your God gives you, forever.

Exo 3:14 NHEBJE God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM,” and he said, “You shall tell the children of Israel this: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”

Jehovah gave His remembrance to all generations and His Word’s notated in the Holy Scriptures should be sufficient for us to come to knowledge. when we are willing to hear God speaking to us in His infallible Word, the Bible, we should not worry about learned scholars, theologians or not being sufficient educated to find and understand God. God does not hold back necessary information for any body. He wants to give everybody, learned or not educated the chance to find Him and to worship Him.

God stretches out His Hand and, like all that Jehovah our God did for His people in Egypt before the eyes of the world, He is still present to bring trials and signs and wonders and even war, with an outstretched arm and with great and awesome deeds. Many may find it strange God allows fighting and wars going on, but may not forget that man himself wanted to be master of the world and arrange everything themselves. It is up to man to take care of their own life and their own environment, though those who want God near them, God shall not leave them abandoned but shall come to their guidance and help.

With the Holy Scriptures we have been given a very handy tool and a manual for life. We all are shown the wonders of God in order for us to acknowledge that Jehovah is the God; there is no other God besides him.

Exo 15:11 NHEBJE Who is like you, Jehovah, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

We should trust God and follow His words. No other man or god besides Jehovah shall be able to give all explanation and would be mightier or better than the Word of God itself.

It is by reading the many books of those prophets that we can come to know God, His Works and His son, who also used those books to explain what he came to do and to show who the Messiah was.

Luk 24:26-27 NHEBJE Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” (27) Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luk 24:31-32 NHEBJE Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. (32) They said one to another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?”

Luk 24:44-45 NHEBJE He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.” (45) Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.

Like in the old times many persons their eyes may still be closed. Many people their minds are also still closed. Our minds may like the apostles their mind still being covered with the same veil as they read the books of the old covenant. We should know that it are not the theologians who are going to remove that veil because it is removed only when a person is joined to Christ. Even today, whenever they read the Law of Moses, the veil still covers many so called ‘Christians‘ their minds. But it can be removed, as the Scripture talks about Moses his veil being removed when he turned to the Lord Most High. Also at the time that Christ Jesus was afraid for what was going to come he wondered why God had abandoned him and cried unto God. We too like Christ can call unto his heavenly Father and in the same way as Christ found guidance from God in the Holy Scriptures, we too can find guidance in it. God’s Spirit accompanied Christ Jesus who was keeping to the Word of his heavenly Father, the Only One God. Like him we, when letting the Spirit come into our heart can find liberation of human doctrines and find freedom.

Those who call themselves followers of Christ Jesus should listen to his words and to the words of the heavenly Father Who sent Jesus to this world. Those willing to become a Christian should get to know the Holy Scriptures like Jesus knew the Scriptures very well. With uncovered faces, not afraid to take the words of the Bible like they are written down, we should reflect the glory of God יהוה the Spirit, and where the Spirit of יהוה {Jehovah} is, there is freedom, finding transformation into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.

2Co 3:14-18 NHEBJE But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away. (15) But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. (16) But whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (17) Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Isa 29:18-19 NHEBJE In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of obscurity and out of darkness. (19) The humble also will increase their joy in Jehovah, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Preceding:

Gone astray, away from God

Necessity of a revelation of creation 11 Believing and obeying the gospel of the Kingdom of God

Necessity of a revelation of creation 12 Words assembled for wisdom and instruction

Necessity of a revelation of creation 13 Getting wisdom

Necessity of a revelation of creation 14 Searching the scriptures

Theologians and a promised Spirit to enlighten us

Additional reading:

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Theologians and a promised Spirit to enlighten us

July 14, 2015Guestspeaker14 Comments

Some two thousand years ago there was a man called Jeshua, today better known as Jesus, who claimed to be the sent one from God and to be bringing God’s Word. He used many old writings in his sermons which were considered writings from the ‘men of God‘ and part of the Holy Scriptures. Though several theologians consider those Holy Scriptures as the (absolute) Truth in every part and whole, because they are breathed out by God Himself. (John 17:17; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:21) often they bring teaching contradicting what is said in those holy books.

Robert Kilwardby (c. 1215 – 11 September 1279) first member of a mendicant order to attain a high ecclesisatical office in the English Church [1352 fresco by Tommaso da Modena (1326–1379)- church of San Nicolò, Treviso] — Robert Kilwardby (c. 1215 – 11 September 1279) first member of a mendicant order to attain a high ecclesisatical office in the English Church [1352
fresco by Tommaso da Modena (1326–1379)- church of San Nicolò, Treviso]

Those theologians want us to believe they are the only ones who can understand the Scriptures because they have learned to do that. They also want us to believe that we should listen to their words otherwise we shall not be able to find God. Giving us that impression they forget that Jesus claims to be the one who shows clearly Who his Father, the Only One True God is and shows us the Only Way, Truth and Life by which one can come to be reconciled to God the Father, and that, the invitation to be reconciled comes from the Holy Spirit and not by human beings their ideas. (John 6:44, 14:6)

Joh 6:44-51 NHEBJE No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day. (45) It is written in the Prophets, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who hears from the Father, and has learned, comes to me. (46) Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God. He has seen the Father. (47) Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life. (48) I am the bread of life. (49) Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. (50) This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die. (51) I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Joh 14:6 NHEBJE Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

It is by Christ Jesus that God is revealed to us when God is willing to let His Power come over us and guide us. though we may live in a world where it looks like God is absent, He is not . Throughout the ages Jehovah, the Only One True God has always being very involved.

Humankind should know that it is part of god’s attributes to Be, carrying the essence “I AM” in Him. Having Him always everywhere as an eternal Spirit, who cannot be seen by man or thy would die, God keeps revealing Himself constantly to mankind. Mankind has a hard time hearing, though. Even precious men of God sometimes lost track. Also for them at certain moments contact seemed to be broken.
Man should know that it is not always his ways which come true. Not always does God reveal Himself when and how we want. It might be annoying for us He does not follow always our timing, but God has His own timing for everything. We are just one tiny element in His creation. When we do not see, hear or do not feel any contact with Him it does not mean that God is absent and silent. It might mean that you’re missing his communication to you.

According to biblical and historical accounts, God has revealed Himself in the past by many means (including physically and bodily). Though often man does not hear the Voice of God or does not see His guidance.

Job 33:13-14 NHEBJE Why do you strive against him, because he doesn’t give account of any of his matters? (14) For God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention.

We do not need the theologians to get to know God and to see what He has done. Jesus asks us to believe simply because of the things he has done and promises the Spirit. Like it was the Comforter of Holy Spirit Who came to teach the apostles everything, and reminded them of everything Jeshua had said to them, the Power of God shall also come unto us if we are willing to open our mind.

Joh 14:12-17 NHEBJE Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. (13) Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (14) If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it. (15) If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (16) I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever, (17) the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive; for it does not see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you.

Illustration of each of the 28 articles of the Augsburg Confession by Wenceslas Hollar.

Denominations, clergy, & seminaries are using systems of thought that drive their ideals. The many churches you can find in this world often put their aims and goals in the front-line and do place the words of Scripture in the way it suits them. Many may want you to believe those theological theories and many philosophies (even ones that attempt to be biblically based) must be very important and may not be put aside because they drive everything that anyone ever does, writes, thinks or says. But in Christianity you should be driven by the teachings of Jesus Christ and not by human traditions nor by teachings of clergy, which most often or dogmatic teachings from their own denomination. They, who have taken time enough to study religions and to study the Word of God may guide you and help you to find ways to interpret the Bible, but the best guide is the Bible itself, and that you never should forget.

If the Scriptures themselves are unchanging, then why is it that different teachers seem to fall into different “camps” of interpretation?

you may ask.

Dr. Tony Garland writes:

There are numerous factors which contribute to these differences of opinion about what the Scriptures teach on secondary issues, but perhaps the largest influence has to do with how one reads the Scriptures. In particular, are the passages taken plainly at face value like normative communication? Or is some other interpretive lens imposed upon the text. Also: are distinctions which are found within the text accounted for or are they glossed over or worse, “spiritualized” in an attempt to find a deeper meaning or application which differs from that which the original author intended. Another influential factor concerns predispositions and biases which interpreters bring to the text. These predispositions and biases work to prevent the interpreter from accepting the plain meaning of the text – especially where it may differ from already-held ideas or beliefs.

The combination of these factors helps explain why the different theological systems came to be. Moreover, once certain aspects of one’s interpretive view have been established, other aspects of Scriptural teaching tend to follow. Thus, although there are many variations in theological positions, most tend to fall into one of several major categories such as Covenant, Reformed, or Dispensational. {Covenant, Reformed, and Dispensational Theology – What Do They Mean?}

What we can see is that several people had difficulties with previous teachings or interpretations of the Bible. Often they were confronted with powerful institutions against they wanted to react.

About the Reformed teachings it is said that they wanted to emphasize more strongly the belief that all Christian teaching and practice must find its origin directly in the Scriptures and should not be based upon tradition, though soon their teachings also embroidered on their own teachings and traditions.

Another aspect of Reformed Theology is a strong emphasis on what it sees as a cultural mandate for Christians to live actively in society and work for the transformation of the world and its cultures. Although sound in concept (believers are to be salt and light and oppose and expose works of darkness – Pr. 28:4; Mat. 5:13-16; Eph. 5:11), where this cultural mandate is taken to an extreme it can lead to an over-emphasis on social work and even the denial of Scriptural truth concerning the predicted apostasy of this age and the reality of the coming tribulation (Mat. 24:10-12; 2Th. 2:3; 1Ti. 4:1-3; 2Ti. 3:1) – in effect concluding that Christianity will reform the world rather than the Scriptural truth that the world will ultimately reject Christ ushering in a time of fearful judgment (Isa. 13:12; Jer. 30:7; Dan. 12:1; Mat. 24:21; Mark 13:19; Rev. 6; 7:14; 9:15; etc.). Influenced by this cultural mandate, the outlook of Reformed Theology is generally amillennial (there is no literal 1,000 year kingdom of Christ on earth: Rev. 20:4-7) or postmillennial (Christ returns after an indeterminate golden age where society yields to the reforming influence of Christianity). {Covenant, Reformed, and Dispensational Theology – What Do They Mean?}

By time also different theologies came into existence:

Generally speaking, one can divide theological reference tools into three broad categories.

Systematic Theologies – Seek to present theological material systematically according to specific categories that frame the discussion, e.g., the nature of God, the work of the Spirit, the essence of sin, etc.

Biblical Theologies – Seek to present theological material according to categories more directly related to those of the Biblical authors, books, and corpuses; seek to give special attention to the progressive unfolding of this theological material across Biblical history and the Biblical canon.

Historical Theologies – Seek to present developmnent of Christian theology throughout church history and spanning various theological traditions. Some are organized according to historical period while others are organized topically. {Key Bible and Theological Reference Tools: Theologies}

Understanding the Biblical use of the different terms was the debate point and the continued starting point of thinking by the Trinitarian Constantine doctrine which prevented a clear view and understanding for many clergy and theologians and their followers.

When people come to know Christendom better they over time shall become aware of differing interpretations, sometimes get to know these differing views their names (e.g., Covenant Theology, Reformed Theology, Preterism) and shall come to decide which opinion they would like to follow. Most important for their and your decision is to come to a choice about how to read and understand the Scriptures without doing violence to all that they teach.

Making a choice you also should consider if you want to be a disciple of Christ or a disciple of one or other theologian.

When you come to understand that humankind originally fitted within the universe as a divine agency, initially being designed by the Divine Creator to be a regent race on earth, but having drifted away from the Sovereign Maker, you have to wonder which way you want to go. With the knowledge that mankind’s current nature and ways are not now as the Creator originally intended we do have to take on our own responsibility and have to find out for ourselves what God’s intentions were and are and how we want to fit in in that Plan of God.

The church community which considers itself the only one true church, the Roman Catholic Church, certainly would not re-look her Nicean Creeds, nor would it by her call by Pope Francis I to get more unity in Christendom ever consider some or more of her teachings to being false teachings.

The Roman Catholic Church works diligently to acquire all sects, including Evangelicals, in the name of unity. Perhaps that comes as no surprise to those who are aware of 1994’s Evangelicals and Catholics Together. Yet, the more recent agenda of the Vatican comes as a result of Benedict’s declaration in 2010 that it is “time to revive the ecumenical spirit.” That statement was made on the 100th anniversary of the 1910 World Missionary Conference, which marked the beginnings of the modern ecumenical movement. More precisely, Benedict’s allusion finds its source in Vatican II, 1964 when Catholics began praying for “the soul of the ecumenical movement” (Christian Today). Thus, Pope Francis continues the rallying cry of unity; and, because of ECT, those who ascribe to the National Council of Churches and World Council of Churches lend their aid.

What you will NOT notice in this ecumenical “revival” movement is repentance from false teachings common to the Catholic Church and liberal Christian theology. {Time to Revive… The Ecumenical Spirit}

It is up to each individual to make the right choice, either to follow human beings who say of themselves they have the exquisite ‘knowledge of the theos’ because they have followed a university course in theology, or to follow the man who was sent by God and showed mankind the way to God, Jesus Christ.

The God of order and clarity let His son speak and do wonders in His name, so that we could see the works of God and could come to know God and could come at peace with Him. By keen powers of self-observation, we can tell if we are letting the flesh win or the Spirit win and can come to see if we are preferring to follow human tradition or are willing to give ourselves to the Words of the Bible, letting them to come unto us giving us biblical insight instead of human doctrines.

How far does one want to go about that ‘unity’ or an ecumenical church? What would be such ‘universal Church’ and how much would be allowed in the differences of believes? Would those people grouping together consider the different smaller groups still like sects?

At first the Vatican did not give formal recognition to the existence of the ecumenical movement, which began with the Edinburgh Missionary Conference of 1910, and led to the foundation of the World Council of Churches in 1948. In 1960 the Roman Catholic Church established the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity and tried to jump on the boat, though it took until 1995 when Pope John Paul II in his encyclical Ut Unum Sint reaffirmed the Roman Catholic commitment to Christian ecumenism. Protestant and Orthodox Eastern observers were invited to the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), and the Decree on Ecumenism (1964) promulgated by that council encouraged new dialogues with Protestant and Orthodox churches. In 1999 Pope John Paul II also visited Orthodox nations and signed a joint declaration with the Lutherans on the doctrine of justification that resolved some of the issues that led to the Reformation in 1517. We have seen already several mergers between individual churches and can see that such churches in several instances also put aside some of their original teachings or rules. Though we also have seen that some proposed mergers, like the one between the English Methodists and the Church of England, were rejected by their church-members. On the other hand we can find groups which under the terms of the full communion, can hold joint worship services, exchange clergy members, and collaborate on social service projects.

What is preferred, a unity with man, unity with Christ, unity with God or does one really want to come to a unity of faith?

Preceding articles:

Gone astray, away from God

Necessity of a revelation of creation 11 Believing and obeying the gospel of the Kingdom of God

Necessity of a revelation of creation 12 Words assembled for wisdom and instruction

Necessity of a revelation of creation 13 Getting wisdom

Necessity of a revelation of creation 14 Searching the scriptures

Additional reading:

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Messiah For All

Presenting Jesus Christ our Saviour

Foretold Messiah 3 Bruised one to be taken into heaven as a servant and son of God

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Foretold Messiah 2 a Voice giving The Word to His servants

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A solution for a damaged relationship 3 Insight and prophesies given

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First mention of a solution against death 4 A seed for mankind

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First mention of a solution against death 3 Tempter Satan and man’s problems

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First mention of a solution against death 2 Harm or no harm and naked truth

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Messiah for all 2015 in review

Welcome

Reasons to start this blog

Getting away from the starting bloc

By the Will of God

Writings and Readings

Invitation

Looking towards 2016 and beyond

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Creation of the earth and man #12 Formation of man #4 Constitution of man

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No other god besides Jehovah who gives all explanation

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Theologians and a promised Spirit to enlighten us

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Welcome

Reasons to start this blog

Getting away from the starting bloc

By the Will of God

Writings and Readings

Invitation

Looking towards 2016 and beyond

Please do find additional reading:

Also of interest

Further related articles

Related articles

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Like this:

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Further reading about theologians:

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