Compare Scripture with Scripture. False doctrines, like false witnesses, agree not among themselves.
- William Gurnall, Puritan
What an awesome privilege to have the Bible to study. Consider the teaming throngs who've lived and died never having the Scriptures to read. How lost we'd be without God's word to light our way. How dreadful to stand before God and Christ in the judgment, forced to admit in front of billions of saints and holy angels we let the Book of Books gather dust on the shelf. Or failed to discern the true Jesus while misinterpreting the genuine gospel.
Who would do such an unthinkable thing? Why neglect such an unspeakable gift? Simple. It's too much trouble. With over 30,000 verses containing over 750,000 words the Bible's no easy read. Quantum Christianity us designed as a topical commentary to offer assistance to the honest and diligent student of Scripture. Reviewing the Bible's Top 10 Concepts is a great place to start.
Top 10 Biblical Concepts
Concept 1: God
The first few verses of the Psalm 19 make a persuasive argument for the glory of the Creator of the cosmos:
- "God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening. Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere." Psalm 19:1-4 MSG
God, the One and Only. Omnity. In fact Tri-Omnity! Eternally Self Existent and Immutable, Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent. The great I Am, The glorious and divine Present Tense Participle.
Such unfathomable attributes! How can mere words do God justice? Externally Self Existent: the first cause Himself causeless. Without beginning or end. Immutable: Immortal and constant. Unchanging in essence and character. Omnipresent: fully inhabiting the temporal and eternal, dwelling within and outside of time. Wholly and holy transcendent and immanent God fills all in all. Omniscient: Transrational and all knowing, the repository and dispenser of all that is and will be known. Intelligent Designer and fine tuner of the multiverse. Omnipotent: Perfect in power and authority. Almighty and infinite. Intrinsically capable, "nothing is impossible with God."
Impressive, to be sure. Particularly when combined with Christ's costly atonement and Scripture's offer of Divine salvation! Yet there's a flip side. God's not just Awesome, He's Awe-full. A terror to approach. As both Jesus and His apostles taught, our fear of God should defy description. Quantumly, while Scripture declares God's love, mercy and faithfulness, it also teaches "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Creation reflects it and Scripture agrees:
- "Your wickedness will bring its own punishment. Your turning from me will shame you. You will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to abandon the Lord your God and not to fear him. I, the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!" Jeremiah 2:19
- A son honors his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, that despise my name." Malachi 1:6
- Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear." Luke 12:4-5
- Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13
- "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." Galatians 6:718 AMP
- "See to it that you do not refuse [to listen to] Him who is speaking [to you now]. For if those [sons of Israel] did not escape when they refused [to listen to] him who warned them on earth [revealing God’s will], how much less will we escape if we turn our backs on Him who warns from heaven? His voice shook the earth [at Mount Sinai] then, but now He has given a promise, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the [starry] heaven.” Now this [expression], “Yet once more,” indicates the removal and final transformation of all those things which can be shaken—that is, of that which has been created—so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for our God is [indeed] a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:25-29 AMP
- "On the whole, I do not find Christians, outside of the catacombs, sufficiently sensible of conditions. Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT to kill a Sunday morning. It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping god may wake someday and take offense, or the waking god may draw us out to where we can never return."
For a plethora of reasons, displacement of the virtue of fear was simultaneous with the 1960's Sexual Revolution, which wash over the First World like a tsunami of sin that never receded. The release of such flood waters, combined with an ever increasing sixty year rain of temptation, has turned every aspect of modern life into a "Water World" of immorality and worse.
Nevertheless God, and His directives, remain resolute. For example, the word “fear” appears 457 times in Bible including being used 104 times in the New Testament. Fear of God, far from being the anathema reported today, is more often than not commanded of the faithful as a vital component of living faith.
The New Testament authors agreed with the Old Testament prophets that the fear of the awesome and awful God is again, not only the "beginning of wisdom," but the mortar that holds the bricks of faith in place. A vital aspect of the Kingdom of God Jesus continually reinforced, particularly in Christ's harsher commands.
Concept 2: Conflict Theology
Misinterpreting, or even missing the context of Scripture altogether, accounts for a myriad of unnecessary confusion and misunderstanding. Thankfully, studious and honest layman level Bible Study reveals conflict theology as the codex and cypher best unlocking Scripture's rich content.
Accurately assessing the contextual content of Scripture generates two fundamental tenants. Both as crucial as they are commonly ignored. The first: Creation is at war. The second: Life is a test.
1. Creation Is At War: Careful Scriptural archeology and Biblical forensics reveals much. By stitching scores of passages together, a theological theme emerges revealing Who created the multiverse and why. The truth about Lucifer's Rebellion and how it effects Heaven and Earth. How the trial in Eternity's Supreme Court overflows into the affairs of men.
It can’t be overstated that according to the context of Scripture, spiritual conflict is not a mythical analogy, but rather eternity’s reality. In fact, in a variety of ways, a myriad of Biblical passages attest to the unpleasant fact that all creation is at war with (alongside or against) God. There is no neutral territory.
The Bible's full of passages detailing the havoc caused by the great and fallen Archangel once called Lucifer or in Hebrew הילל בן־שׁחר Helel Ben-Shachar. Like the gravitational force of dark matter and energy, the effects of his ancient angelic rebellion and current campaign of temptation and terror, encompass the entire Earth.
There are hundreds of Bible verses directly and indirectly referencing Satan's significance. Specific passages in the New King James Version include the usage of the name Lucifer (1), Satan (54), Devil (34), Dragon (13) and Evil One (5). Additionally, Scripture's use of words such as temptation (13), deception (6), pain (43), death (428), evil (491) and sin (1153) can be indirectly attributed to the architect of disobedience.
2. Life Is A Test: For some, the ancient adage, "Life's a test" is more obvious than for others. Nevertheless, this universal truth is Scriptural in nature. Even for those fortunate enough to live in the modern world, were life’s battlefield may seem far removed. With technological advances all but conquering basic challenges, we savor the ease of victory. We not only enjoy, but daily take for granted, an incredible array of blessings.
On the flip side, Jesus warned, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." An even more crucial concern with spiritual conflict at an all time high. Subtle as it is certain, challenges to Christianity abound. While woefully one-sided, the Church is at war. From ubiquitous levels of demonic temptation and deception, to devilish apathy, and inverted morality. Both inside and outside the camp. An ever increasing number of serious threats are creating a culture of billions of spiritual refugees. With far more on the way.
The New Testament succinctly warns we will each give account of all we've done or failed to do, every idle word and perhaps our every thought. Such exacting standards, with no less than Heaven and Hell at stake, provide compelling evidence of an examination with everlasting consequence.
Conflict theology is a primary explanation for God's gracious compassion in emphasizing loving our neighbor, particularly the deprived, above all else. More than any, Omnity is aware Earth's not only a spiritually cosmic war zone, but an occupied planet with most of its citizenry held captive by the god of this age to do his will.
This does not bold well for a world of have and have not's. Against which coming judgment hardly needs to be Divine. Global specters of violence and war, abuse and slavery, immorality and abortion, poverty and economic inequality, climate change and nuclear holocaust present current and future global threats. As do viral pandemic and artificial intelligence, cyber tech and bioterrorism issues. Many reseting the 2020 Doomsday Clock of Atomic Scientists to 100 seconds to midnight. Closer than ever before.
Concept 3: Salvation
Of all the words in all the languages of our fallen world perhaps none is more necessary and wonderful than that of "Salvation." Given the ultimate questions of life and death, clearly we need the aid and redemption of our Creator and Savior.
Thankfully, Scripture assures, "As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked..." and that God is "not willing that any should perish" but that all should come to the knowledge of truth, repentance and salvation. Yet not only are billions in peril of perishing, but sadly we seem to be drifting farther from the Bible’s clear teachings on the all important subject of Salvation.
"Salvation is by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone" honors the unfathomable and unique work of Christ's incredible atonement yet ironically may not do justice to Jesus' own teaching on this most important topic.It's an interesting quantum irony that even among Biblical scholars and teachers, there's can be hesitancy and/or refusal to let the Scriptures speak for themselves. Consider the core issue of salvation. Disagreement for centuries, if not millennia, has questioned the place faith and/or works holds in the event and/or process of Christian salvation.
The Bible teaches both (which many refuse to admit) yet actually in the converse order routinely taught. "Salvation is by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone" honors the unfathomable and unique work of Christ's incredible atonement yet ironically may not do justice to Jesus' own teaching on this most important topic.
When answering the questions of questions, “what must I do to be saved?” in the Good Samaritan, the Rich Young Ruler as well as teaching on the topic the Rich Man and Lazarus, and the Sheep and the Goats (His four major treatments on the subject) Christ continually emphasizes personal salvation is received by serving and saving those in need. To the exclusion of any and all doctrinal considerations.
Christ and His apostles wisely noted that living faith's acknowledgement of Jesus as the only Lord and Savior is best revealed by following Scripture’s command to love and serve others. The Old and New Testaments together teach that God so identifies with the needy that to love them or fail to do so, is to love or fail to love, Him. What is not widely acknowledged is the interesting emphasis the Gospels and Epistles give. When weighing the mind, heart and will's contribution to salvation, Scripture clearly teaches it's our deeds the seem to tip the scale. As Jesus repeatedly and clearly pointed out in the above mentioned passages and elsewhere:
- "Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.'" Matthew 7:21-23 MSG
Many maintain that by definition, all gifts are conditional. Frequently quoting Christ's assurance that God sends his sunlight on the just and the unjust:
- "But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much." Matthew 5:44-46 Living Bible
Or what of the air we breath? Is this not a gift of a loving Intelligent Designer without condition?
The above examples, while free and vital gifts all too often under appreciated, are clearly conditional. Our Universe, Galaxy, Solar System and planet abound with fine tuned conditions important us all. Obviously we did nothing to create or merit these circumstances. Yet many conditions exist if we are to avail ourselves of even such universal gifts as sunlight and oxygen. These include:
- Not starring into the sun.
- Not living where sunlight is absent.
- Opening one's eyes.
- Not being immersed in water.
- Not committing suicide.
- Wisely limiting dangerous activities that might cause death. War, gang violence, criminal activities, extreme sports etc... can cause comas and advance medical situations and/or death limiting/and or ending usage.
- Protecting one's health from unnecessary harm. Example: smoking often causes emphysema requiring continual oxygen supplement.
- Spiritual development. Without which these "gifts" will have produced more harm than good (an eternity in flaming hellish conditions). This warning was the original intent of Jesus' statement in the passage just referenced.
Concept 4: Faith
As with all topics of importance, the difference between living and dead faith is well documented in Scripture. Today, for modern Christianity within the First World, the definitions have become blurred, maligned and nearly lost.
Fortunately recovering the meaning of genuine saving faith is a relatively simple and straight forward process given the preponderance of comments made on the subject by nearly every Biblical author. From a plethora of scriptural passages, not to mention the examples of Christ's every word and deed, defining living faith becomes easy.
During the church's first council the Book of Acts records the Lord's brother James, head of the church of Jerusalem, as rendering the final and decisive decision regarding church doctrine. It would seem the apostles, including Peter and Paul acknowledged James' lifelong insights into the message and character of Christ. Like Jesus, James and his brother Jude clearly delineates between living and dead faith. For example:
- "Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?" James 2:14-17 MSG
- "So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2: 17-20, 26
- "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 MSG
- "Here's how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep his commandments. If someone claims, "I know him well!" but doesn't keep his commandments, he's obviously a liar. His life doesn't match his words. 1 John 2:2-4 MSG
- "But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment..." 1 John 2:5-8
- "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God." 1 John 3:16-19
- "Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. The law code—don't sleep with another person's spouse, don't take someone's life, don't take what isn't yours, don't always be wanting what you don't have, and any other "don't" you can think of—finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love." Romans 13:8-10 MSG
- "Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived." Galatians 6:2-3 MSG
Concept 5: Thankfulness
Scripture reveals that entitlement, arising from unthankfulness, is the original sin. Much like in the Garden of Eden, temptation is the weapon of choice. Just as Eve found the forbidden fruit "beautiful and its fruit delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her" so too our generation has been seduced by the same trinity of lust:
- "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17
Given blessings unprecedented in human history, taking God for granted, if not denying Omnity completely, has become the order of the day. Even a shortlist of the blessings modern life affords makes it clear we’ve inherited the answers to the prayers of all past generations. Including such mundane things as electricity and indoor plumbing. Refrigerators and freezers, stoves and ovens microwaves and dishwashers, washers and dryers. Heaters and coolers, windows and carpets, pots and knives, metal and plastics. Cars and planes, computers and smart phones, TV and music, the internet and art. Education and health care, community and social services, modern employment and retirement, police and the justice system…just to name a few.
A study by Christian Smith a sociologist of religion and culture, is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame reveals the newest spin on Meism. Smith, who's research focuses primarily on religion in modernity, adolescents and emerging adults, sociological theory, American evangelicalism, and culture has coined the term "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism" to describe the latest trend of combining dashes of agnosticism and even Christianity with heaping helpings of and worldliness and self centeredness.
Smith and his colleagues recognize that the deity behind Moralistic Therapeutic Deism is very much like the deistic God of the 18th-century philosophers. This is not the God who thunders from the mountain, nor a God who will serve as judge. This undemanding deity is more interested in solving our problems and in making people happy.
- "In short, God is something like a combination Divine Butler and Cosmic Therapist: he is always on call, takes care of any problems that arise, professionally helps his people to feel better about themselves, and does not become too personally involved in the process."
Obviously, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism is not an organized faith. This belief system has no denominational headquarters and no mailing address. Nevertheless, it has millions and millions of devotees across the United States and other advanced cultures, where subtle cultural shifts have produced a context in which belief in such an undemanding deity makes sense.
Furthermore, this deity does not challenge the most basic self-centered assumptions of our postmodern age. Particularly when it comes to so-called "lifestyle" issues, this God is exceedingly tolerant and this religion is radically undemanding.
As sociologists, Smith and his team suggest that this Moralistic Therapeutic Deism may now constitute something like a dominant civil religion that constitutes the belief system for the culture at large. Thus, this basic conception may be analogous to what other researchers have identified as "lived religion" as experienced by the mainstream culture.
Moving to even deeper issues, these researches claim that Moralistic Therapeutic Deism is "colonizing" Christianity itself, as this new civil religion seduces converts who never have to leave their congregations and Christian identification as they embrace this new faith and all of its undemanding dimensions.
Concept 6: Wisdom From Above
To fully explain the rationale behind mankind's obvious dualism, and self destructive tendencies, the Bible reveals our attitudes and actions arise from competing sources. Scripture identifies the wisdom from above as "pure, peaceful and gentle" while the wisdom from below is "earthly, sensual and demonic."
The Book of James reveals what's really motivating all of us, whether we know it or not. Such diametrically opposing wisdoms explains why a world view that seems perfectly sane and rational to Christians seems crazy and outlandish to the world and vice versa. With worldly wisdom being "earthly, sensual and demonic" it's clear to see why society's in the painful and deadly mess it's in.
And the amazing part is it's actually a kind of wisdom to those enslaved by it. It makes sense to the addict to use and the thief to steal. It's normal for the fornicator to lust and rapist to rape. It's completely understandable to leave billions impoverished and let millions die in squaller while spending a trillion dollars a year on drugs and alcohol. It's merely business as usual to have aborted a billion babies in a single generation and have killed nearly as many through violence and war. After all, if this is all there is, if there’s no resurrection from the dead, no no Heaven or Hell then even Scripture suggest we “eat and drink for tomorrow we die."
Psychologists, and philosophers, cosmologists and even theoretical physicists have posited we are all part of and/or telling ourselves a story. With thousands of thoughts to sort through daily, this is hardly surprising. We need a way of organizing and dealing with our perceptions and emotions, attitudes and actions. As well as those of others. We also need to make sense of the precarious and fleeting nature of our mortal existence. Billions seek solace in religion. The wisest of these turn to the God of the Bible, thus raising two important questions:
1. With so many competing narratives vying for our attention, is there evidence the Bible’s authoritative?
2. How similar is our story to that of Scripture?
While the Bible is by far the all time best seller, an ever growing segment of the population has lost interest. Even among the rank and file of modern Christianity, a shrinking percentage can recall, much less accurately interpret, large portions of Scripture. Such Biblical illiteracy, combined with a plague of prayerlessness, creates a vacuum both being filled and enlarged with the concerns and diversions, temptations and deceptions of modern Life.
Scripture assures there are two major competing narratives. God’s glory consists of truth, goodness and beauty. So too, Satan has long offered mankind a trinity of his own:
- "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Genesis 3:1-7 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s
- "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s
The following graphic makes clear the basis for why these two narratives are diametrically opposed. Engrossed in the hustle and bustle of modern life, the differences range from obvious to subtle. Scripture reveals that making discernment further complicated is the fact that each “trinity” comes with its own brand of wisdom.
The attractive yet false hope offered by the trinity of sin has proved devastating to humanity. Within modern Christianity, its worldly wisdom is responsible for the delayed growth and mutation of countless perspectives and relationships. Truly a thorn in the flesh for all, up to and including those who truly desire to follow Christ, but find their efforts stymied by various forms of spiritual impasse.
Concept 7: Grace
The Bible, particularly the New Testament, is largely based on two words beautifully expressing the majestic and glorious Person and purpose of Jesus Christ. These are grace and truth. Twin concepts launched and lauded by the beloved Gospel of John:
- "In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]." John 1:1-5 AMP
- For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. For the Law was given through Moses, but grace [the unearned, undeserved favor of God] and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God [His essence, His divine nature] at any time; the [One and] only begotten God [that is, the unique Son] who is in the intimate presence of the Father, He has explained Him [and interpreted and revealed the awesome wonder of the Father]." John 1:16-18 AMP
Such a permissive working definition is nowhere to be found in Scripture. Divine forgiveness and mercy might seem to come, but even these free and priceless gifts of God only remain accessible to those dedicated to the process of sanctification. As the Apostle Paul explains:
- "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you." Titus 2:11-15 NIV
- "Try your best to live in peace with everyone. Try hard to be holy. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. Be sure that no one misses out on God’s grace. See to it that a bitter plant doesn’t grow up. If it does, it will cause trouble. And it will make many people impure. See to it that no one commits sexual sins. See to it that no one is godless like Esau. He sold the rights to what he would receive as the oldest son. He sold them for a single meal. As you know, after that he wanted to receive his father’s blessing. But he was turned away. With tears he tried to get the blessing. But he couldn’t change what he had done." Hebrews 12:14-17 NIRV
The above passages, and a myriad like them, stress that need to “diligently seek” God, growing in discernment and spiritual maturity founded on wise and insightful Bible study. Employing such discipline reveals that grace, far from a license to sin with immunity, is just the apposite. Examining this passage from Hebrews yields the following points:
1. Missed grace: In this example from Esau’s life, it was missing out on God’s grace to underestimate the blessing(s) he was entitled to as the eldest son (though as a twin only by a few moments).
2. Birthright: Many today presume on an often imaginary and/or inflated relationship with God. In Esau’s case, he was actually entitled to his father Isaac’s greatest blessing perhaps even including becoming a patriarch in the lineage of the Messiah. If “missed grace” was not esteeming such free/conditional gifts of God, “grace” would have been to have done so thereby avoiding this great sin.
3. Tears: Here, as elsewhere, we are warned that our actions (commissions) and inactions (omissions) have ramifications. At times, as in this case, they can be final and without remedy. Again this strongly argues against the modern concept that grace is the ability to sin and get away with it.
In the critically important passage from Hebrews 6 the author draws from the Old Testament, bringing forward a cautionary tale. Why? Clearly the birth line of Christ was long since established. The questions the beg asking is to whom, and of what, is the Holy Spirit warning?
Both real and supposed Christian leaders are under the greatest scrutiny. So this and all warnings are clearly directed to them. And of what are they warned? That there are lines of sexual immorality and/or godlessness (worldliness) that once crossed cannot be uncrossed. This is not necessarily to say that the vast majority of sins cannot be forgiven, but rather that once committed, any place of leadership within the Kingdom is forever forfeit.
One important example is sexual sin among leadership. The entire tenor of Scripture, including Hebrews is anathema to profaning or treating the holy as common. Certainly this includes the Holy Spirit’s calling of and to the ministry. Yet thousands if not millions of leaders and teachers, guilty of committed fornication, have done just that. Then, making matters worse, rather than recognizing the seriousness of their sins(s) against the Kingdom, with or without counseling and repentance, they continue in leadership. Yet this New Testament passage in Hebrews is chosen and crafted to make the very point that, “Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.”
The Kingdom principal is obvious. Much like the law enforcement slogan “use a gun and your done” so too all Christian teachers engaging in this kind of behavior should immediately and forever renounce their commissions and never again hold or aspire to leadership positions. While they may well be forgiven and restored to the body of Christ, where they may and in fact must serve, they may never again lead.
Grace, like spiritual truth, comes in various forms. Fortunately God enjoys variety and builds with and upon it. For example Scripture explains there are differing gifts and parts of the body of Christ.
Rather than one size fits all, our response to both the gifts and grace of the Spirit comes in various levels of recognition and commitment. To the degree believers are honest and diligent we can reasonably hope to comprehend and apprehend, or more accurately appreciate and be apprehended by, the fuller revelation and efficacy of the grace of God. Here is where the rubber meets the road. For reasons of Omnity’s choosing an overriding principal of reciprocity is at work. One noted by the famous quote often attributed to St. Augustine “Without God man can not. Without man God will not.” By logical extension, one could say “To the degree man is willing God can.” Jesus and His apostles note this difficulty in a myriad of passages including “Many are called but few are chosen.” Why? Because few choose to answer His call. Human nature and demonic resistance as they are, those who do answer His call only do so insomuch as we fully and continually yield to the Holy Spirit. Partial and/or dualistic responses, while largely a fact of life, offer partial blessings and create challenges.
Concept 8: New Creation
The above concepts, and others like them, highlight both Scripture’s true challenge and potential:
1. One must be willing to not only diligently study the Bible (hard enough given the daily distractions and temptations of modern life) but then in turn be studied by it. This includes embarking on a never ending pilgrimage of brokenness and repentance in regards to worldliness and sin, sanctification and living faith.
2. Those wishing to progress (have 5-10-20… years of experience rather than a year or two of experience 5-10-20 times) must wrestle with the reality that many of the requirements of radical discipleship run contrary to “natural, nonspiritual” wisdom. Another uphill battle made all the more difficult by the easy believism and cheep grace universally offered by Modern Christianity.
3. The final leg of the journey deals with developing increasing sensitivity to and expertise in walking in the Holy Spirit. Continual attention must be paid to increasing both the quality and quantity of verifiable Divine fruit and gifts of the Spirit.
Truth be told, all the above is just preparation for a metamorphoses from “mere men” into a “new creation.” Just as a caterpillar must enter a chrysalis and emerge a butterfly, so too Biblical Christianity requires a rebirth allowing for the emergence of Divine spiritual physics previously impossible:
- "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?" 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 NIV
- "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26 NIV
- "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation." Galatians 6:14-15 NIV
- "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NIV
Concept 9: Great Tribulation
There are sixty events recorded in Book of Revelation, the majority unlike anything mankind has every experienced. Most dismiss its unbelievable words and warnings as metaphor or myth. Yet it is telling we're the first generation ever capable of fulfilling many of it's previously unimaginable predictions at the very moment the stage is being set for a literal fulfillment of the Revelation's world shattering prophecies!
Ironically, the only book of the Bible to open and close with such a promise of blessing to its readers and warning to those who would add or detract from it remains the least read book in the Bible. Adding to the mystery is the fact that while it's two thousand year old predictions are now beginning to take shape it still gets little serious attention from the average Christian.
This may largely be do to the troubling message it contains. In truth, John's description of the greatest time of tribulation the Earth will ever see is unbelievably daunting. Yet as many, including Christ, have pointed out to be forewarned is to be forearmed:
- "I've told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he's doing God a favor. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. I've told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you'll be well-warned and ready for them." John 16:1-4 MSG
- "But be on your guard. Don't let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it's going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don't go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that's coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36 MSG
Unprecedented Global and U.S. events in 2020 seem to not only match, but escalate the timeline of Biblical prophecy. In regards to COVID-19, the modern world has never yet seen its equal. Not since the 1918 Spanish Flu has a pathogen killed so many. Never have billions been forced into extended lockdown. Never has the global economy been in such disarray. Never have non essential businesses, including religious institutions, been ordered to close their doors. Never have Christian churches around the world been shuttered on Easter Sunday. Never has such a universal crises been so clearly defined. Nor the unique spiritual opportunity such suffering affords, so greatly ignored.
All this as the specters of apocalyptic events appear looming on the horizon. Some, like Matt Walsh, a cultural and political commentator, pinpoint glaring lapses in judgment and common sense. Others forward more nefarious social and spiritual scenarios. Regarding a COVID-19 vaccine, there are a great many reasons for caution, up to and including genuine concerns in regards to efficacy and safety, not to mention medical professionals questioning plans to roll out genetic manipulation and even nano technology. GB highly recommends watching Dr. Carrie Madej video, Human 2.0" A Wake -up Call To The World. If video link fails to play click here to download an important 20 min video).
Dr. Carrie Madej's short video introduces some troubling aspects of Transhumanism, particular in the areas of RNA augmentation and internalizing nanotechnology. Many purposed COVID-19 vaccines, as in the case of Pfizer's reported 90% effective version, are completely different types of vaccine. Dr. Madej warns, they contain new technologies "that can change the way we live, who we are and what we are. Very quickly." And possibly irrevocably. She, and many others, maintain that while the Human 2.0 agenda is to offer amazing upgrades to the human condition, it comes with dangerous and serious strings attached. Fastracting genetically modified RNA presents a series of problems. Circumventing the 5-6 year span of traditional phase 1-3 trials reducing the time frame to months is unprecedented. Without clinical data, the potential for systemic long term side effects in humans is unknown. Dr. Madej explains that similar technology used in animals has produced "increased cancer rates, increased mutant genes (mutagenesis), and also increased auto immune reaction." In the later case, the opposite of the desired outcome.
Another concern is the proposed use of Hydrogel introducing a Luciferase enzyme along with the vaccine. Modified DNA or RNA would use synthetic manipulation to code for the virus which would be transcribed by cellular nuclei. Our bodies would then create antibodies and improved T-cell response. This process, known as transfection, is widely used in genetically modifying food products. Often resulting in less healthy varieties.
Vaccine manufacturers maintain RNA modification will not alter the human genome. This seems unlikely since transfection can be permanent, as in the case of many GMO's. If synthetic DNA or/or RNA is assimilated into human genomes, it may then be legally patented, which could imply ownership.
Luciferase has bioluminescence properties allowing scanning to reveal a digital code or pattern, providing a vaccination record and identification (number, barcode, branding).
Dr. Madej explains Hydrogel is considered an invention of DARPA. One application is the continual and real time monitoring of body functions. Possibly through nanotechnology. Such constant observation would immediate impact issues of privacy and freedom. Medical and otherwise. This kind of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence is a two way street, allowing for not only transmission but reception. Information could be downloaded into us. With without consent. Might such engineering "effect our mood and behavior, how we think or our memories?"
Rushing genetic modification into production is problematic on many fronts. Including legal mandates like (PREPA) providing "vaccine manufactures with zero liability for any harm done to any human." Some maintain treatment can be forced under certain conditions. Yet, "They cannot force a vaccine if there is a viable treatment for COVID-19. Doctors around the world are being censored about treatment options or prevention. Because if there's a true treatment or prevention they can't force this treatment on us."
Many speculate such rapid and radical changes are structured to promote sociopolitical control. Escalations designed to forward the infiltration of global society, leading to the introduction of a New World Order. Possibly even the ushering in of the long foretold Antichrist, as well as the Mark of the Beast. The appearance of both, as Scripture plainly warns, predating Christ's prophesied Rapture of the Church. It's not hard to imagine a scenario where the primary, secondary and tertiary effects of global catastrophes such as COVID-19 play a significant role in the beginning of sorrows warned of in the gospels, epistles and Book of Revelation.
Accompanying the devastating fallout of unprecedented global and national impacts of COVID-19 has been the most obvious and successful campaign of disinformation supporting. Often in support of BLM anarchy. Domestic terrorism on a national scale sponsored by powerful liberals within government, media and business. Power brokers aiming the gun and pulling the trigger on American society during a flawlessly manufactured low point. Reinforced by vast supply lines of support and genuflection by main line media, major corporations and political organizations.
Even a majority of Republicans have done little to nothing to end such obvious evil. Up to and including President Trumps refusal to date to enact the Insurrection Act to put down domestic terrorism across America.
Never before has the spiritual and societal battle line been drawn so clearly. Even the genocide of abortion is largely unseen. More a religious and moral issue than continual in your face BLM rioting and looting, violence and murder. A campaign of terror supplemented with the tearing down of monuments, while bestowing martyrdom and sainthood on felons. Again, with the approval of a majority of the most powerful individuals, corporations and organizations in the U.S. if not world.
In a variety of ways, our generation has been given unprecedented and tremendous gifts and would do well to remember Christ's warning, "to whom much is given much is required." Besides reaping the answers to the prayers of all generations we also have 2,000 fulfilled Bible prophecies and the pages of the Scriptures's final Book of Revelation coming alive as a prophetic witness of Biblical authenticity.
The Apostle John, perhaps well educated in the knowledge of his time, still knew far less about the world than today's average elementary school student. Even so, he was able to look ahead into the future and describe in detail what were then unimaginable events. Two thousand years later the honest reader of his words can see the stage being set for the last chapter of human history as many of of his prophecies begin to unfold!
For example, the nation of Israel is a key player in Revelation's drama, yet in the Apostle John's day Israel was being ground under the boot of Rome, a global power showing no signs of weakening. For John to suggest Israel would become the center of world wide attention was ludicrous. All the more so after 70 A.D. when the Romans literally wiped it off the map. Yet in 1947 A.D. Israel reappeared in the same location. Never before or since has a nation having vanished for two centuries, much less two millennia, suddenly reemerged so. Israel's resurrection as a nation, not to mention its global status, is unprecedented in human history. Adding to Israel's miraculous modern history is the unbridled hostility of billions of Muslims, hundreds of millions of which all but surround the small plot of land Israel resides on. About the size of San Bernardino County in the Los Angles basin, Israel's population has been as little as 3 million. The Muslim nations nearby occupy as much territory as the United States, with over 300 million and yet in every war and conflict Israel has not only survived but conquered its attackers. The odds of Israels reappearance, growth and national prominence are astronomical. Additionally, there are a host of other previously impossible predictions all testifying to the validity of John's awesome and awe-full prophecy. These include the potential of a nuclear holocaust and fallout, as well as the technology necessary for the Mark of the Beasts, both for the first time in human history at the stage of development necessary for the kind of implementation Scripture warned of two millennia ago.
The Alive After The Fall video is a short but well produced overview of last day prophecies in light of recent events. It also offers a reasonable though fearful handling of America's currently apparent place in Biblical prophecy, along with resources to help equip individuals and families to survive what may well be coming. GB highly recommends watching the video, but if necessary you can click here to view the transcript.
Concept 10: Eternity
We know God exists and that evidence abounds for Biblical authenticity. We know we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We also know that given the challenges before us, particularly in regards to life after death, we need a faithful Creator and Savior.
Scriptures provide a wealth of information concerning all aspects of life, including amazing insights into Eternity and it's inconceivable baring on humanity. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer believe in the Bible enough to honestly study more than a few passages they enjoy. Even most Christians have a hard time quoting ten, or even five Scriptures in a row. Yet a thorough examination of the entire context and content of Scripture not only reveals amazing insights into human existence, but the very past, present and future of eternity itself!
Humanity's eternal destiny is a major theme of the New Testament. Scripture promises that those who faithfully follow the Holy Spirit's instructions will overcome sin's temptations and deceptions. Combining Scriptures on the subject paint a glorious picture of an eternity of ecstasy awaiting the faithful.
In one parable, after having been Crowned King, Christ returns to dispense governorships of cities to His faithful servants. Given the present size of the cosmos, with two hundred to five hundred billion galaxies, each with as many suns, it seems the "cities" in this parable might be rather glorious!
Throughout the pages of scripture God offers unspeakable eternal rewards far exceeding all the momentary treasures of Earth combined! Everything from Himself, to inheriting all of His creation. Below are just a few Scriptures that begin painting a picture of the riches of His glory He's waiting to reveal:
- "So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering." Romans 8:15-17
- "This is what the scriptures mean when they say: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
- "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
- "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." 1 Corinthians 4:4-5
Individually and collectively, Scripture warns we shall all stand before God. Believers and unbelievers alike will give a full account. Appearing before the Great White Throne and Judgment Seat of Christ, all we've done and failed to do will be revealed. Every idle word and deed, thought and desire will be exposed. Particularly in regards to what degree we've embraced living faith's mandate to spend ourselves on behalf of those in the greatest need. For example, in a world having aborted over two billion babies, ten times the entire global population in Christ's day, the Bible declares we are "storing up wrath against the day of wrath."
As Scripture warns, in eternity, Christians and non Christians alike will give a complete accounting of our lives. With eternal consequences. We are warned that hundreds of millions, if not billions, having mistaken presumption for faith and assumed salvation, will forever regret the mistake:
- "Don’t you know that those doing such things have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who live immoral lives, who are idol worshipers, adulterers or homosexuals—will have no share in his Kingdom. Neither will thieves or greedy people, drunkards, slanderers, or robbers." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 TLB
- "But when you follow your own wrong inclinations, your lives will produce these evil results: impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, spiritism (that is, encouraging the activity of demons), hatred and fighting, jealousy and anger, constant effort to get the best for yourself, complaints and criticisms, the feeling that everyone else is wrong except those in your own little group—and there will be wrong doctrine, envy, murder, drunkenness, wild parties, and all that sort of thing. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21 TLB
- "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:11-15 NASB
While the creature comforts of modern life may seen to suggest otherwise, it’s undeniable that from birth to death we are surrounded by the glories and terrors of creation. Even so, it remains socially fashionable to ignore the fact each of us is on a collision course with eternity. With literally forever at stake, is the ostrich defense of hiding our heads in the sand, or even shaking our metaphorical fist at God, really our best options?
Discovering all we can about eternity, while there may be time to influence our place in it, is the wisest investment mortals can make. Some claim such efforts are less than useless. Nobody knows, so why sweat it? Yet, if the Bible's accurate, including its descriptions of Heaven and Hell, countless billions, including ourselves and those we know and love, may be sweating it forever.
Wisdom dictates we face the realities of time and eternity and get to work. The first task is to honestly evaluate the Bible's reliability. That having been established to a probable scientific certainty, the next step is to find and assemble the clues scattered throughout Scripture. Doing so, a picture begins to develop that far exceeds human imagination. The greatest drama and glorious love story, the most horrifying thriller and fantastic adventure that has or ever could be, is playing out around us. With few any the wiser!
Eternity...The Wager uses Biblical faction to synchronize what we know, general revelation, with Scripture, special revelation. Thus enabling reasonable and important assumptions. Close examination of society, through the lease of Scripture, reveals historically dark spiritual foes at work on and through mankind. From immorality and social injustice, to poverty and war, the gravitational yield of evil seems far greater than might otherwise be attributed to humanity alone. Just as visible matter is acted on by dark matter and dark energy, so mankind would appear to be influenced by invisible forces.
Eternity...The Wager offers a dramatic Biblically based explanation for much happening around, to and through us. From the role of social trends and political policies, to economic upheaval and genocide, mankind's pursuits are revealed to be manipulated by ancient and malevolent spiritual enemies. Enemies the Bible assures are both real and unimaginably powerful. As a precursor to Omnity’s final judgment against Lucifer’s angelic rebellion, Scripture gives an account of a Heavenly Supreme Court case with humanity standing trial. God the Father appears as Heaven's One and Only Chief Justice, God the Son as Defense Attorney and Satan as Prosecutor.
Eternity...The Wager and Series is the backstory of the fantastic intersection where humanity meets eternity. As such it may well be worthy of the title, “The Greatest Story Never Told.”
Other Bible's Top 10
- Top 10 Crucial Scriptures
- Top 10 Doctrinal Errors
- Top 10 Lifestyle Challenges
- 10 Signs of a Biblical Church
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