The Kingdom of God Proper

The Kingdom of God, as described in Jesus' teachings across the Gospels, consistently emphasizes spiritual transformation, repentance, righteousness, humility, faith, and eternal values under God's sovereign rule. It is portrayed as something to be sought above all else, entered through childlike trust, and characterized by peace, joy, and justice in the Holy Spirit—often in direct contrast to worldly pursuits like wealth accumulation or material success.

When looking at a comprehensive lists of Jesus' statements on the Kingdom of God (drawn from canonical Gospel references in sources like Bible compilations and verse collections), none of the approximately 70-80 relevant verses (depending on how one counts unique statements vs. occurrences) align the Kingdom with a profit motive or investing in "Babylon" (symbolizing worldly, materialistic systems). 

Explicit Warnings

In fact, several explicitly critique or subordinate earthly wealth and ambition:

Statements often warn against the dangers of riches obstructing entry into the Kingdom 

20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
” (Matthew 19:20–26, NKJV)

The Parables essentially illustrate the Kingdom’s incomparable value, requiring total surrender rather than financial gain (e.g., Matthew 13:44-46: selling everything to acquire a hidden treasure or pearl, not for resale or profit but for possession).

Parable of the Hidden Treasure

44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

” (Matthew 13:44–46, NKJV)

Priorities are spiritual over material (e.g., Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you").

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
” (Matthew 6:31–34, NKJV)

The Kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36), distancing it from earthly economies or investments.

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
” (John 18:36, NKJV)

While fruits of the Spirit (like love, joy, peace, patience) or gifts (like wisdom, administration) can incidentally benefit a business—fostering ethical practices, strong teams, or innovation—this does not transform a profit-driven enterprise into a "Kingdom business." Jesus' teachings frame the Kingdom as counter-cultural to Babylon's systems, focused on eternal impact rather than temporal wealth. 

Christians can dedicate their work to God through integrity and service, but equating business success with Kingdom advancement risks conflating divine purposes with human motives.

Soteriology is the branch of theology that studies the doctrine of salvation—how a person is saved from sin and reconciled to God. Christian traditions interpret this doctrine differently, often shaped by their views on grace, faith, works, sacraments, and the human condition. 

Below, the key elements for each specified tradition based on historical and theological sources.

Early Church Soteriology (Patristic Era, approx. 100–500 AD)

The Early Church Fathers (e.g., Irenaeus, Athanasius, Augustine) viewed salvation as a holistic process of deliverance from sin, death, and corruption through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection. Their soteriology blended therapeutic (healing) and juridical (forgiveness) models, emphasizing transformation and union with God. Below is a concise overview of their beliefs and practices, based on historical and theological sources, excluding Reformed perspectives as requested.

Core Beliefs

1. Theosis/Deification: Salvation is participation in God’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), restoring the divine image marred by sin. Athanasius famously stated, “God became man so that man might become God,” highlighting an ontological transformation through Christ’s incarnation and resurrection. Irenaeus’ concept of recapitulation framed Christ as the new Adam, undoing the fall.
2. Sin as Disease and Rebellion: Sin was seen as a corruption of human nature (a sickness) and a willful turning from God, requiring both healing and forgiveness (Psalm 103:3, Isaiah 53:5).
3. Grace and Synergy: Salvation is initiated by God’s grace, but humans cooperate through free will (synergism). Fathers like Clement of Alexandria emphasized human responsibility, rejecting determinism. Augustine’s later predestination views were not universal.
4. Faith and Works: Faith in Christ was essential, but salvation involved ongoing repentance, righteousness, and good works as evidence of living faith (James 2:17). There was no “faith alone” doctrine in the modern sense.

Key Practices

1. Baptism: Considered the entry point to salvation, washing away sin and uniting believers with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4). It was both regenerative and covenantal.
2. The Bread and Wine: The Lord’s Supper nourished spiritual life, fostering communion with Christ and the Church. It was seen as a means of grace, strengthening believers for theosis.
3. Repentance and Asceticism: Regular confession, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving were vital for ongoing sanctification, helping believers resist sin and grow in holiness.
4. Moral Transformation: Living a virtuous life, modeled on Christ’s teachings, was inseparable from salvation. Good works (e.g., charity, justice) demonstrated faith’s authenticity (Matthew 25:31–46).

Summary

The Early Church saw salvation as a transformative journey toward union with God, initiated by grace and sustained through faith, sacraments, and moral living. Sin was both a legal debt and a spiritual illness, addressed by Christ’s redemptive work and human cooperation. This holistic view, balancing forgiveness and healing, influenced later Eastern Orthodox and Catholic soteriologies.

Roman Catholic

Catholic soteriology views salvation as a lifelong process initiated by God's grace, involving faith, sacraments, and works of love. It is synergistic: God provides grace, but humans must cooperate. Rooted in Scripture and Tradition, it emphasizes Jesus' atoning work but rejects "faith alone" without charity.

• Justification: Initial justification occurs through baptism (removing original sin), infusing grace that makes one righteous. It is not merely declared but transformative, increased through sacraments (e.g., Eucharist, penance) and meritorious works enabled by grace.
• Faith and Works: Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8–9), but faith must be "working through love" (Gal. 5:6). Works contribute to final salvation, not as earning it, but as fruit of grace.
• Grace: Free gift from God; predestination involves foreknowledge, not double predestination. Purgatory refines the saved from venial sins post-death.
• Sacraments: Essential channels of grace; salvation is ecclesial, tied to the Church.

This contrasts with Protestant views by integrating justification and sanctification.

Orthodox (Eastern Orthodox)

Orthodox soteriology focuses on theosis—union with God and participation in His divine energies—rather than legal satisfaction. Salvation is dynamic, a healing process from sin's corruption, not a one-time event. It is ontological (changing our being) and emphasizes mystery over systematics.

• Theosis: Salvation means acquiring godly characteristics, immortality, and communion with God through Christ's incarnation (defeating death). No separation between justification and sanctification; both are part of deification.
• Faith and Works: Faith initiates, but salvation involves ascetic practices, prayer, and sacraments (e.g., Eucharist as "medicine of immortality"). Works are cooperative responses to grace.
• Grace: God's uncreated energies transform us; synergistic, with free will. No penal substitution emphasis; atonement is participatory and cosmic.
• Holy Spirit: Central in theosis, through baptism and chrismation (anointing).

Orthodox view differs from Western traditions by rejecting forensic justification, seeing sin as illness rather than guilt alone.

Reformed

Reformed soteriology, associated with John Calvin and the Protestant Reformation, is monergistic: God sovereignly saves without human merit. It follows the "Five Points" (TULIP) and emphasizes God's glory.

• TULIP: 5 Point Calvinism
• Faith and Works: Justification by faith alone (sola fide), a gift from God. Works evidence salvation but do not contribute to it.
• Grace: Sovereign and efficacious; double predestination (some to salvation, others to damnation).
• Covenant Theology: Salvation unfolds through covenants, with baptism as a sign.

This stresses divine sovereignty over human free will, differing from Arminian views.

Pentecostal

Pentecostal soteriology aligns with evangelical Protestantism but emphasizes the Holy Spirit's experiential role. Salvation is through Christ's atonement, but full Christian life includes Spirit baptism.

• Conversion and Spirit Baptism: Salvation by faith in Jesus (born again), often followed by a distinct baptism in the Holy Spirit with evidence like tongues.
• Faith and Works: Faith alone for initial salvation (Arminian influence: free will), but holiness and ongoing sanctification are key. Some groups (e.g., Oneness Pentecostals) require water baptism in Jesus' name and Spirit infilling for salvation.
• Grace: God's initiative, but resistible; emphasis on healing and deliverance as part of salvation.
• Altar-Centered: Salvation as praxis, involving altar calls and pneumatic experiences.

It integrates soteriology with pneumatology (doctrine of the Spirit).

Evangelical

Evangelical soteriology is broad but centers on personal faith in Christ's atoning death for forgiveness of sins. It emphasizes a "born-again" experience and is often Arminian or mildly Calvinist.

• Justification: By grace through faith alone; forensic (declared righteous).
• Faith and Works: Faith saves; works follow as evidence. No sacraments required for salvation.
• Grace: God's free gift; personal relationship with Jesus is key.
• Variations: Some stress decisionism (altar calls), others election.

It prioritizes evangelism and individual conversion.

Charismatic

Charismatic soteriology is not a distinct tradition but a movement across denominations (e.g., Catholic, Protestant), emphasizing the Holy Spirit's ongoing work. It builds on host traditions' views but adds experiential elements like gifts of the Spirit.

• Salvation Experience: Similar to evangelical/Pentecostal: faith in Christ, but with emphasis on Spirit empowerment for healing, prophecy, and deliverance as part of salvation's fullness.
• Faith and Works: Follows the underlying tradition (e.g., Reformed Charismatics hold TULIP but practice gifts).
• Grace and Spirit: Grace manifests through charismatic gifts; salvation includes liberation from demonic influences.
• Mystical Focus: Union with Christ via Spirit experiences, beyond intellectual assent.

It overlaps heavily with Pentecostal but is more inclusive.

Comparative Table

These views reflect historical developments and debates, such as the Reformation's split over faith vs. works. For deeper study, consult primary sources like Church Fathers' writings or confessional documents.

The holiness of God, when viewed through the lens of God as the Creator, Master Engineer, and Chief Architect, reflects His perfect design and purpose for all creation. Using the New King James Version (NKJV), God’s holiness is His flawless, intentional blueprint—His original design—executed with divine precision and perfection. Sin, in this framework, is a deviation from this perfect design, a corruption of the Master Engineer’s intent. Holiness, conversely, is adherence to His original, unblemished plan. Below is a re-explained exploration of God’s holiness with this perspective.

1. God’s Holiness as the Perfect Design of the Master Engineer

• God, as the Creator and Chief Architect, designed all things with intentionality and perfection. His holiness is the essence of His flawless blueprint, reflecting His transcendence and purity in every detail of creation (Isaiah 6:3, NKJV: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”). The repetition of “holy” underscores the perfection of His design, unmarred by error.
• As the Master Engineer, God’s holiness embodies His precise, purposeful order. Everything He created—from the cosmos to humanity—was crafted according to His perfect plan (Psalm 33:9, NKJV: “For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast”). His holiness ensures that His design is inherently good and without flaw (Genesis 1:31, NKJV: “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good”).
• His holy nature as the Chief Architect means His design is not only functional but also glorious, reflecting His majestic intent (Exodus 15:11, NKJV: “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”).

2. Holiness as Adherence to the Original Design

• To be holy is to align with the Master Engineer’s original blueprint. God’s holiness is the standard of perfection for His creation, particularly humanity, whom He designed in His image (Genesis 1:27, NKJV: “So God created man in His own image”). Living in holiness means functioning as intended, reflecting the Creator’s perfect design (Leviticus 19:2, NKJV: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy”).
• God’s call to holiness is a directive to conform to His original engineering, maintaining the integrity of His design (1 Peter 1:15-16, NKJV: “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’”). This involves living in harmony with His purposeful structure for life.

3. Sin as Departure from the Perfect Design

• Sin is a deviation from the Master Engineer’s blueprint, a malfunction in the created order. It represents a departure from God’s perfect design, introducing flaws into what was “very good” (Romans 3:23, NKJV: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”). Sin disrupts the harmony and functionality of the Chief Architect’s creation.
• As the Master Engineer, God’s holiness cannot tolerate deviations that corrupt His design (Habakkuk 1:13, NKJV: “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness”). Sin, as a rejection of His engineering, separates humanity from the Creator’s intent (Isaiah 59:2, NKJV: “Your iniquities have separated you from your God”).
• The consequences of sin are evident in the brokenness of creation, a stark contrast to the original perfection (Romans 8:22, NKJV: “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now”).

4. Biblical Examples of God’s Holiness as Perfect Design (NKJV)

• Creation’s Order: The creation account showcases God’s engineering precision (Psalm 19:1, NKJV: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork”). His holiness is reflected in the intricate, purposeful design of the universe.
• The Tabernacle: God’s detailed instructions for the tabernacle (Exodus 25-27) reveal His role as Chief Architect, with every element reflecting His holy, intentional design. The Holy of Holies housed His presence, symbolizing the sanctity of His blueprint (Exodus 26:33-34, NKJV).
• Isaiah’s Vision: In Isaiah 6:1-5, the seraphim proclaim God’s holiness, and Isaiah recognizes his own deviation from the divine design: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5, NKJV). This underscores the gap between human sinfulness and God’s perfect engineering.
• Christ’s Life: Jesus, as God incarnate, perfectly embodied the original design for humanity, living without deviation from the Creator’s plan (Hebrews 4:15, NKJV: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin”). He is the model of adherence to the Master Engineer’s blueprint.

5. Restoration to the Original Design

• God’s holiness demands restoration of His perfect design. Through Christ’s sacrifice, the Chief Architect provides a way to correct the deviations caused by sin (Hebrews 10:10, NKJV: “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all”). Christ’s atonement realigns humanity with God’s original blueprint.
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live according to the Creator’s design, transforming them to reflect His holiness (2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV: “We all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord”).
• Ultimately, God’s plan as Master Engineer is to restore creation to its holy, original state (Revelation 21:5, NKJV: “Behold, I make all things new”).

6. Key Scriptures on Holiness as Perfect Design

• Isaiah 57:15: “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit.’” God’s holy design includes fellowship with those aligned with His purpose.
• 1 Samuel 2:2: “No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.” His unique holiness reflects His unmatched engineering.
• Revelation 15:4: “Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy.” God’s holiness as the sole perfect Architect demands worship.

Conclusion

In the NKJV, God’s holiness as the Master Engineer and Chief Architect is His perfect, purposeful design for creation, executed with divine precision. Sin is a departure from this flawless blueprint, introducing corruption and dysfunction. Holiness, therefore, is living in alignment with the Creator’s original intent, made possible through Christ’s redemptive work and the Spirit’s transformative power. Believers are called to reflect the Master Engineer’s design by adhering to His holy plan.

1+1=2 as Parable

This framework beautifully aligns faith, sin, conviction, confession, repentance, atonement, salvation, and glory with the concept of God as the Master Engineer and Chief Architect, whose holiness is reflected in His perfect, original design. 

Using the analogy of “1 + 1 is 2” as a parable, the immutable truth of God’s design, I’ll reframe these theological concepts to emphasize adherence to or deviation from the Creator’s perfect blueprint.

1. Faith: Understanding and Embracing the Original Design

• Faith is trusting and loving the truth of God’s perfect engineering, knowing that His design (“1 + 1 = 2”) is flawless and eternal. It’s a confident belief in the Master Engineer’s plan as revealed in His creation and Word (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”).
• Faith means understanding and aligning with God’s original design for humanity and creation, embracing His holy blueprint (Romans 10:17, NKJV: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”). It’s loving the certainty that God’s truth (e.g., “1 + 1 = 2”) is absolute, as seen in His perfect creation (Psalm 19:1, NKJV: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork”).

2. Sin: Deviation from the Perfect Design

• Sin is a rejection of the Master Engineer’s blueprint, a confusion or rebellion that assumes “1 + 1 = 3 or 4” instead of 2. It’s relativism—departing from God’s absolute, holy standard (Romans 3:23, NKJV: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”). Sin distorts the perfect design, introducing chaos into God’s orderly creation.
• This deviation corrupts the intended function of humanity and creation (Isaiah 59:2, NKJV: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God”). By rejecting God’s perfect law (e.g., “1 + 1 = 2”), sin disrupts the harmony of the Chief Architect’s plan (James 2:10, NKJV: “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all”).

3. Conviction of Sin: Recognizing the True Design

• Conviction is the Holy Spirit’s work to reveal that “1 + 1 is not 3, but 2 and only 2.” It’s the moment of clarity when one sees the error of deviating from God’s perfect standard (John 16:8, NKJV: “And when He [the Holy Spirit] has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment”).
• This realization highlights the gap between human brokenness and the Master Engineer’s holy design, prompting humility and sorrow for straying (Psalm 51:4, NKJV: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight”).

4. Confession: Acknowledging the Deviation

• Confession is admitting to God, “I have sinned by believing 1 + 1 is 3, and this is wrong.” It’s owning the departure from the Chief Architect’s design and seeking realignment with His truth (1 John 1:9, NKJV: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”).
• Confession restores honesty before the Master Engineer, acknowledging that His design (“1 + 1 = 2”) is the only true standard (Psalm 32:5, NKJV: “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin”).

5. Repentance: Returning to the Original Design

• Repentance is reworking one’s life to align with God’s eternal truth that “1 + 1 = 2.” It’s a deliberate turn from false designs (e.g., “1 + 1 = 3”) back to the Master Engineer’s blueprint (Acts 3:19, NKJV: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out”).
• It involves transforming one’s mind and actions to reflect God’s holy design (Romans 12:2, NKJV: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”). Repentance is living in accordance with the Creator’s perfect engineering.

6. Atonement: Provision for Past Deviations

• Atonement is God’s gracious provision, through Christ’s sacrifice, to correct the damage caused by believing “1 + 1 = 3” and producing flawed designs. Jesus, the perfect embodiment of God’s design, restores humanity to the original blueprint (Hebrews 10:10, NKJV: “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all”).
• The Master Engineer’s justice requires for deviations, and Christ’s death satisfies this, reconciling us to God’s holy plan (Romans 5:11, NKJV: “We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation”).

7. Salvation: A Future in the Perfect Design

• Salvation is the assurance of a “bright and glorious future” in God’s Kingdom, secured by faith in the truth that “1 + 1 = 2.” It’s the restoration to the Chief Architect’s original purpose, granting eternal life (John 3:16, NKJV: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”).
• Through salvation, believers are realigned with God’s holy design, destined to live in His perfect Kingdom (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”).

8. Glory and Glorification: Thriving in the Eternal Design

• Glory is the weight and magnificence of living fully in God’s perfect design, reflecting His holiness and success as the Master Engineer’s creation. Glorification is the process of becoming “massively successful” in God’s Kingdom, walking in faith, hope, and love that “1 + 1 = 2” (Romans 8:30, NKJV: “Whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified”).
• Believers grow in glory by adhering to God’s blueprint, transformed to reflect His image (2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV: “We all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord”). Ultimately, glorification is the full realization of the Creator’s design in eternity (Revelation 21:4-5, NKJV: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes… Behold, I make all things new”).

Conclusion

In the NKJV, God’s holiness as the Master Engineer and Chief Architect is His perfect, unchanging design (“1 + 1 = 2”). Faith is embracing this truth, while sin is deviating from it. Conviction reveals the error, confession admits it, repentance returns to the design, atonement corrects past mistakes, salvation secures a future in God’s Kingdom, and glorification is thriving eternally in His perfect plan. This framework highlights the beauty of aligning with the Creator’s flawless blueprint through Christ and the Spirit.

What is the Bible and How Does it Relate to the Word of God?

The Certainty of God’s Witness

6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

” (1 John 5:6–8, NKJV)

In the Beginning was the Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. ” (John 1:1–18, NKJV)

The Word of God

11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

” (Revelation 19:11–16, NKJV)

The Law and the Prophets

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

” (Matthew 5:17–20, NKJV)

The Holy Scriptures

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
” (2 Timothy 3:14–17, NKJV)

20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
” (2 Peter 1:20–21, NKJV)

The Bible & The Holy Scriptures

The Bible does not talk about the Bible. There is a concept in scripture called The Holy Scriptures and this is referred to more that 700 times.

What is the Bible? The Bible is a collection of religious texts sacred to Christians, consisting of the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament. It includes various genres—history, poetry, prophecy, law, letters, and apocalyptic literature—written by multiple authors over centuries. For Christians, it is typically divided into:

• Old Testament: 39 books (in Protestant canons; Catholic and Orthodox include additional texts like the Apocrypha), covering creation, the history of Israel, laws, prophecies, and wisdom literature.
• New Testament: 27 books, including the Gospels (accounts of Jesus’ life), Acts (early church history), epistles (letters from apostles like Paul), and Revelation (apocalyptic prophecy). The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, with translations like the King James Version or NIV widely used today. It’s considered a foundational text for Christian theology, ethics, and worship.

Relation to the Word of God In Christian theology, the phrase "Word of God" has multiple meanings, and the Bible’s relationship to it depends on context and interpretation:

1. The Bible as the Word of God: 
2. Jesus as the Word of God: 
3. Broader Meanings: 

Key Connections:

• Revelation: The Bible is seen as God’s written revelation, guiding believers to know Him, His laws, and His redemptive plan through Jesus.
• Authority: For most Christians, the Bible is the primary source for understanding God’s will, though its authority varies by denomination (e.g., sola scriptura in Protestantism vs. Scripture plus tradition in Catholicism).
• Interpretation Challenges: The Bible’s status as the Word of God raises questions about interpretation (e.g., literal vs. allegorical readings), which can lead to eisegesis or proof-texting (as discussed previously) if not approached carefully.

Example: A Christian might read Psalm 119:105 (“Your word is a lamp to my feet”) as referring to the Bible’s guidance in life, but also recognize Jesus as the ultimate "light of the world" (John 8:12), seeing the written Word as pointing to the living Word.

If you want a deeper dive into specific passages, a denominational perspective, or how these concepts are discussed on platforms like X, let me know!

The Sufficiency of Scripture

The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture, asserts that the Bible, as God’s inspired Word, is complete and sufficient for all matters of salvation, faith, and Christian living. Outlined here is the concept with key passages that adress its theological implications.

Definition: 

The sufficiency of Scripture means the Bible contains all necessary divine revelation for knowing God, understanding His will, and living a godly life, without requiring additional sources like human traditions or extra-biblical revelations.

Biblical Basis: 

Implications: 

Historical Context: 

Practical Application: 

Challenges: 

Nuances: 

Summary:

The sufficiency of Scripture,  teaches that the Bible is complete, authoritative, and clear enough to guide believers in salvation and godly living. Passages like 2 Timothy 3:16–17 and Psalm 19:7–9 affirm that Scripture fully equips Christians, making additional revelations or traditions unnecessary for core matters of faith. This doctrine encourages reliance on the Bible while allowing biblical principles to inform areas not explicitly addressed.

Canonicity for the Christian Bible

Canonicity, in the context of the modern Christian Bible, refers to the process and criteria by which certain books were recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative, forming the official canon of Scripture accepted by Christian communities. The canon is the collection of texts considered normative for faith and practice. Below, I’ll explain the concept, its historical development, criteria for inclusion, and its significance for the modern Christian Bible, keeping it concise and clear.

Definition of Canonicity

Canonicity describes the quality of a text being acknowledged as part of the sacred, authoritative Scriptures. The term derives from the Greek kanon ("rule" or "standard"). For Christians, the canon is a closed collection of books believed to be inspired by God, serving as the foundation for doctrine, worship, and ethics.

The Modern Christian Bible Canon

The modern Christian Bible typically consists of:

• Old Testament (OT): 39 books (Protestant) or 46 books (Catholic, including Deuterocanonical books/Apocrypha). These align with the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) for Protestants, with Catholics including additional texts from the Septuagint.
• New Testament (NT): 27 books, universally accepted across major Christian traditions (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox).

Historical Development

Old Testament Canon: 

New Testament Canon: 

Criteria for Canonicity

Books were included in the canon based on several criteria, though these were applied organically rather than as a strict checklist:

Apostolic Origin: 

• NT books were tied to apostles or their close associates (e.g., Mark linked to Peter, Luke to Paul).

Orthodoxy: 

• Texts had to align with core Christian beliefs, as judged by the “rule of faith” (early creeds or teachings).

Widespread Use: 

• Books consistently used in worship and teaching across churches (e.g., the four Gospels over other gospels like Thomas).

Inspiration: 

• Perceived divine inspiration, often confirmed by the text’s spiritual impact and consistency with other Scriptures.

Antiquity: 

• For the OT, books predating or aligning with Jewish tradition; for the NT, proximity to the apostolic era.

Differences Across Traditions

• Protestant Canon: 66 books (39 OT, 27 NT). Excludes Deuterocanonical books, following the Hebrew Bible and Reformation emphasis on texts with clear Jewish canonicity.
• Catholic Canon: 73 books (46 OT, 27 NT). Includes Deuterocanonical books (e.g., Maccabees, Sirach), based on the Septuagint and early church tradition.
• Orthodox Canon: Similar to Catholic but may include additional texts (e.g., 3 Maccabees, Psalm 151) depending on the tradition (Greek, Russian, etc.).
• Other Traditions: Some groups (e.g., Ethiopian Orthodox) have broader canons, including books like Enoch.

Significance for Modern Christians

• Authority: The canon is the primary source for doctrine, ethics, and spiritual guidance, viewed as God’s Word.
• Unity and Diversity: Despite minor differences (e.g., Protestant vs. Catholic OT), the shared NT and most OT books unify Christian belief.
• Application: Canonicity assures believers that the Bible is reliable for teaching and practice, distinguishing it from non-canonical texts (e.g., Gospel of Judas).
• Challenges: Modern debates include questions about the Apocrypha’s status or the discovery of non-canonical texts (e.g., Nag Hammadi). Most Christians maintain the closed canon, viewing such texts as historical but not authoritative.

Why the Canon is Closed

The canon is considered closed because:

• No new texts meet the historical criteria (e.g., apostolic origin).
• The early church’s consensus, guided by tradition and (for many) the Holy Spirit, established the canon.
• Modern discoveries (e.g., Gnostic gospels) are typically later, non-orthodox, or lack widespread acceptance.

Example: Canon Debate

The Book of Revelation faced debate due to its apocalyptic style and questions about authorship. Its eventual inclusion rested on its apostolic link (John), widespread use, and theological consistency with Christ’s victory.

Resources

• Books: The Canon of Scripture by F.F. Bruce; The Biblical Canon by Lee Martin McDonald.
• Web: BibleGateway or scholarly articles on JSTOR for canon history.
• Tools: Study Bibles (e.g., ESV Study Bible) often include canon formation overviews.

Hermeneutics

Christian hermeneutics is the study and practice of interpreting the Bible to understand its meaning and apply it to faith and life. It involves principles and methods to ensure accurate understanding of biblical texts, considering their historical, cultural, and literary contexts. Below, I’ll outline the key aspects, approaches, and principles of Christian hermeneutics, aiming for clarity and depth while keeping it concise.

Key Principles of Christian Hermeneutics

Context is King: 

• Texts must be interpreted in their immediate (surrounding verses), broader (book or Testament), and historical-cultural contexts. For example, understanding the audience of Paul’s letters (e.g., Jewish or Gentile Christians) shapes interpretation.

Genre Awareness: 

• The Bible contains various genres—narrative, poetry, prophecy, epistles, apocalyptic literature, etc. Each requires specific interpretive rules. For instance, Psalms’ poetic imagery (e.g., “God is my rock”) is metaphorical, not literal.

Authorial Intent: 

• Aim to discern what the original author meant to convey to the original audience. This respects the text’s historical setting over modern assumptions.

Scripture Interprets Scripture: 

• Clear passages help interpret ambiguous ones. The Bible’s unity is assumed, so cross-referencing themes or doctrines clarifies meaning.

Christ-Centered Interpretation: 

• Christian traditions, especially in evangelical and orthodox circles, emphasize seeing Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of Scripture (e.g., Luke 24:27). Old Testament prophecies and types are often read as pointing to Jesus.

Role of the Holy Spirit: 

• Christians often believe the Holy Spirit guides interpretation, illuminating the text for believers. This complements, not replaces, rigorous study.

Major Approaches

1. Historical-Grammatical Method: Focuses on the text’s original language, grammar, and historical context. Used widely in evangelical scholarship to ground interpretation in objective analysis.
2. Allegorical Method: Seeks deeper, symbolic meanings beyond the literal text. Common in early church fathers (e.g., Origen) and still used cautiously in some traditions to find spiritual truths.
3. Typological Approach: Views Old Testament events, people, or institutions (e.g., the Passover lamb) as prefiguring Christ or New Testament realities. This is distinct from allegory, as it’s rooted in historical patterns.
4. Redemptive-Historical Approach: Emphasizes the Bible as a single story of God’s redemptive plan, culminating in Christ. Popular in Reformed theology, it connects all texts to this overarching narrative.
5. Literary Criticism: Analyzes the Bible’s literary structure, themes, and rhetoric (e.g., chiasms in Hebrew poetry). This complements other methods by highlighting narrative artistry.

Practical Steps for Interpretation

1. Observation: Read the text carefully, noting key words, structure, and context. Who wrote it? To whom? Why?
2. Interpretation: Analyze meaning using tools like lexicons, commentaries, or historical sources. Consider grammar, cultural background, and cross-references.
3. Application: Apply the text’s timeless principles to modern life, avoiding anachronistic readings. For example, Leviticus’ dietary laws may not bind Christians today (Acts 10), but the principle of holiness remains relevant.
4. Use Reliable Tools: Study Bibles, concordances, and scholarly commentaries (e.g., NICNT, NICOT series) help clarify complex passages. For example, understanding Greek terms like agape (love) in 1 Corinthians 13 enriches interpretation.

Challenges and Considerations

• Cultural Distance: Modern readers are far removed from ancient Near Eastern or Greco-Roman contexts, requiring study of customs, idioms, and history.
• Translation Issues: Different Bible translations (e.g., ESV, NIV, KJV) reflect interpretive choices. Comparing them or consulting original Hebrew/Greek texts helps.
• Bias and Presuppositions: Readers’ theological or cultural lenses (e.g., denominational beliefs) can skew interpretation. Awareness and humility are crucial.
• Disputed Passages: Texts like Revelation or Genesis 1 spark debate (e.g., literal vs. symbolic readings). Hermeneutics seeks to balance respect for the text with scholarly rigor.

Theological Perspectives

• Catholic Hermeneutics: Emphasizes Scripture alongside church tradition and magisterial teaching. The Catechism guides interpretation.
• Protestant Hermeneutics: Prioritizes sola scriptura (Scripture alone as authority), with less emphasis on tradition.
• Orthodox Hermeneutics: Integrates Scripture with liturgy and patristic writings, seeing the Bible as part of the church’s living tradition.

Example Application

Take John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…”

• Context: Part of Jesus’ dialogue with Nicodemus, emphasizing salvation through faith.
• Genre: Narrative with theological discourse.
• Historical-Cultural: “World” (kosmos) reflects a Jewish audience grappling with God’s universal love, beyond Israel.
• Application: God’s love is universal; believers are called to share this message.

Resources for Further Study

• Books: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Fee and Stuart; Biblical Hermeneutics by Gerhard Maier.
• Tools: Blue Letter Bible (online), Logos Bible Software, or commentaries like the Expositor’s Bible Commentary.
• Web: Sites like BibleGateway or scholarly articles on JSTOR for historical context.

Exegesis Kevin Connor

METHODS OF INTERPRETATION by Kevin J Connor

The Allegorical Method

• Origin: The union of Greek philosophy and religion.
• Definition: The method presumes that beneath the plain and obvious sense of Scripture lays its true meaning.

The Mystical Method

• Origin: It is closely associated with the allegorical method, and is by some viewed as synonymous. But it can be traced to Palestinian Jews in the inter-testamental period.
• Definition: This method presumes that, hidden beneath the surface of the words and their plain sense, there lies a multiplicity of meanings, opening the door to a wide variety of interpretations, all of which are “hyper-spiritual”.

The Devotional Method

• Origin: Like the mystical method, it originated with the Hagadic Jews of the inter-testamental period. In church history this method had its greatest emphasis among the Pietists of the post-reformation period.
• Definition: It postulates that the Bible was written for personal edification of every believer. That which is most important is not what God said to others, but what He is saying to the interpreter -searching beyond the plain and obvious meaning for spiritual meaning applicable to the believer’s life.

The Rationalistic Method

• Origin: In ancient history, but blossomed during the post-reformation period until today. In recent centuries, the seat of this method is Germany, where the schools of higher criticism have attempted to undermine the authority of Scripture.
• Definition: This method presumes that the Bible is not the authoritative, inspired Word of God. It interprets Scripture as a human document in the light of human reason, where “Nature is the standard, and reason is the guide”. If Scripture can be made to harmonise with the knowledge of the interpreter, then it is to be understood as meaning what it says; but if not, it is to be regarded as mythical, or used by way of accommodation. References to the supernatural are explained as either fanciful exaggerations or contrived myths.

The Literal Method

• Origin: In relation to Scripture, this method is the oldest in existence. It is said to have originated with Ezra, the father of hermeneutics. Its progress through history can be traced from the Palestinian Jews, Christ and the Apostles, the School of Antioch, the Reformers, to the fundamentalist conservatives of the present day.
• Definition: To interpret “literally” means to explain the original sense of the speaker or writer according to the normal, customary and proper usages of words and language. This method is also called the grammatico-historical method, and further expands into four areas:

The Literal Method Includes

• The literal sense does not exclude the figurative sense.
• The literal method does not exclude the spiritual meaning.
• The literal interpretation does not exclude application.
• The literal method does not exclude depth of meaning.

Evaluation: In conclusion, this method stands out as the only sound, safe and sensible approach to the interpretation of Scripture. Each of the other methods has been proven inadequate in that they lack God-given and well-defined boundaries.

Conclusion

Many say that the facts speak for themselves, but that is not true. All facts must be interpreted. Likewise, the truths in Scripture also need to be interpreted, and wrong interpretation leads to false doctrine and deception (Matthew 22:23-33).

Anyone can interpret Scripture – you don’t need a degree in theology and you don’t have to be an ordained minister.

It is important, though, to be an effective interpreter and develop the desired skills and characteristics (2 Timothy 2:15).

Some of the Jews in Thessalonica refused to receive the Word of God and persecuted Paul and his companions (Acts 17:1-8), but the Bereans “were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” They took responsibility for correctly interpreting the Scriptures to see whether the things Paul had preached about Christ were so. It is our responsibility to “eat the meat and spit out the bones.” The result of them diligently searching the Scriptures is that “many of them believed” (Acts

17:12). We must not only discern the doctrine, but also the spirit in which it is ministered. The principles of hermeneutics will be discussed in more detail in other places The most important principle of all, which is sometimes called the first principle of hermeneutics, is the context principle.

Words have meaning within context, so Scripture must not be interpreted out of context.

The first and most important context is Scripture itself, in other words, “Scripture interprets Scripture.” That is why it is so important to know the Scriptures (Matthew 22:29).

Exegesis General

Christian exegesis is the critical explanation or interpretation of biblical texts, aiming to uncover their meaning in context and apply them accurately. It’s closely tied to hermeneutics (the broader theory of interpretation) but focuses more on the practical, detailed analysis of specific passages. Below, I’ll explain the core aspects of Christian exegesis, its methods, and how it’s applied, keeping it concise yet comprehensive.

What is Christian Exegesis?

Exegesis (from Greek, “to lead out”) involves drawing out the meaning of a biblical text based on its original context, language, and intent, rather than imposing external ideas. It seeks to answer: What did the text mean to its original audience, and how does it apply today? Christian exegesis assumes the Bible is divinely inspired but requires careful study to understand its human and historical dimensions.

Key Components of Exegesis

Textual Criticism: 

Establishes the most accurate text by comparing ancient manuscripts (e.g., Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls). For example, resolving minor variations in John 1:18 (“only Son” vs. “only God” in some Greek manuscripts).

Historical-Cultural Context: 

Examines the social, political, and cultural setting. For instance, understanding Roman occupation in Jesus’ time clarifies parables like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Literary Context: 

Analyzes the passage’s role within its book, genre, and the Bible’s broader narrative. For example, Romans 8:28 must be read in light of Paul’s argument about suffering and salvation in Romans.

Grammatical and Lexical Analysis: 

Studies original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) to unpack word meanings and syntax. For example, the Greek word logos in John 1:1 carries philosophical and theological weight.

Theological Synthesis: 

Connects the passage to broader biblical themes, often with a Christ-centered focus (e.g., seeing Isaiah 53 as a messianic prophecy).

Steps in Exegesis

1. Select the Passage: Choose a manageable unit (e.g., a pericope like Matthew 5:3-12, the Beatitudes).
2. Establish the Text: Check for textual variants using tools like Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament.
3. Analyze Context: Study the historical (e.g., Second Temple Judaism for Matthew) and literary context (e.g., Sermon on the Mount’s structure).
4. Break Down the Text: Examine grammar, key words, and structure. For example, in Matthew 5:3, “blessed” (makarioi) implies divine favor, not just happiness.
5. Consult Secondary Sources: Use commentaries (e.g., ICC, Word Biblical Commentary) or lexicons (e.g., BDAG for Greek) for scholarly insights.
6. Synthesize Meaning: Determine the passage’s theological point and original intent.
7. Apply: Identify timeless principles for today, avoiding misapplication. For example, the Beatitudes call for humility and mercy, relevant across cultures.

Example: Exegesis of Philippians 2:5-11

• Text: A Christological hymn, likely pre-Pauline, used in a letter to encourage humility.
• Context: Written by Paul from prison to the Philippian church, addressing unity (Phil. 2:1-4).
• Historical-Cultural: Greco-Roman culture valued honor; Paul subverts this by praising Christ’s self-emptying (kenosis).
• Grammar/Lexicon: The Greek harpagmos (v. 6, “something to be grasped”) suggests Christ didn’t cling to divine status. The hymn’s structure contrasts his humiliation and exaltation.
• Theology: Christ’s humility is the model for believers; his exaltation affirms his deity.
• Application: Christians should prioritize humility and service, trusting God for vindication.

Challenges

• Language Barriers: Most readers lack Hebrew/Greek skills, relying on translations (e.g., NIV, ESV), which may obscure nuances.
• Cultural Gap: Ancient customs (e.g., foot-washing in John 13) require historical study to grasp.
• Theological Bias: Denominational lenses (e.g., Calvinist vs. Arminian) can skew readings. Exegetes aim for objectivity but must acknowledge presuppositions.
• Complex Texts: Apocalyptic passages (e.g., Daniel, Revelation) blend literal and symbolic elements, demanding careful analysis.

Denominational Nuances

• Catholic: Exegesis incorporates church tradition and magisterial teaching (e.g., Vatican II’s Dei Verbum).
• Protestant: Emphasizes Scripture’s self-sufficiency (sola scriptura), with less reliance on tradition.
• Orthodox: Integrates exegesis with liturgy and patristic interpretations, emphasizing the church’s role.

Tools and Resources

• Primary Texts: Hebrew Bible (BHS), Greek New Testament (NA28), Septuagint.
• Software: Logos, Accordance, or Blue Letter Bible for word studies and manuscript comparison.
• Commentaries: Scholarly series like Pillar New Testament Commentary or Hermeneia.
• Lexicons/Dictionaries: BDAG (Greek), HALOT (Hebrew), or Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.

Eisegesis and Proof-Texting

Eisegesis 

Eisegesis refers to the practice of reading one's own ideas, biases, or preconceived notions into a biblical text, rather than drawing meaning from the text itself (which is known as exegesis). In Christian contexts, eisegesis often involves interpreting Scripture to fit a personal or theological agenda, ignoring the original context, intent, or historical background of the passage. For example, someone might take a verse like Jeremiah 29:11 ("For I know the plans I have for you...") and apply it directly to their personal life, disregarding its original context of God’s promise to the Israelites in exile.

Proof-texting 

Proof-texting is a related practice where specific Bible verses are selectively cited to support a particular doctrine, argument, or belief, often without considering the broader context of the passage. It’s a form of cherry-picking that can distort the original meaning. For instance, using Matthew 7:1 ("Judge not, lest ye be judged") to argue against any form of moral discernment ignores the surrounding verses, which clarify that Jesus is addressing hypocritical judgment, not all judgment.

Key Characteristics and Issues:

Eisegesis: 

Proof-Texting: 

Critiques and Dangers:

• Both practices can lead to distorted theology or misapplication of Scripture, potentially causing division or harm within Christian communities.
• They risk prioritizing personal or cultural preferences over the intended message of the text.
• Critics argue these methods undermine the authority of Scripture by treating it as a tool for validation rather than a source of divine revelation.

Corrective Approaches:

• Exegesis: Emphasize historical-grammatical methods, considering the author’s intent, audience, and cultural context.
• Holistic Reading: Interpret individual verses in light of the broader narrative of Scripture.
• Humility: Acknowledge personal biases and seek input from diverse theological perspectives or scholarly resources.

Example from Practice: A preacher might proof-text John 10:10 ("I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly") to promote a prosperity gospel, implying material wealth. An exegetical approach would note that “abundant life” in context refers to spiritual fulfillment through Christ, not necessarily financial gain.

If you’d like, I can analyze specific examples of eisegesis or proof-texting from texts, sermons, or posts on X, or dive deeper into a particular passage to illustrate these concepts. Let me know!

Submit to God

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

” (James 4:7–10, NKJV)

Fifth Trumpet: The Locusts from the Bottomless Pit

9 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.

7 The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. 8 They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. 9 And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. 10 They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months. 11 And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.

12 One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.

” (Revelation 9:1–12, NKJV)

6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ” (2 Timothy 1:6–7, NKJV)

Bind the Strongman

15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”

16 Others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven. 17 But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. 18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 

21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22 But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. 23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

24 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

” (Luke 11:15–28, NKJV)

Thrones and Dominions

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

” (Colossians 1:9–18, NKJV)

19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

” (Ephesians 1:19–23, NKJV)

Deceiving Spirits & Doctrines of Demons

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 
” (1 Timothy 4:1–5, NKJV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

” (1 John 4:1–6, NKJV)

Yoke of Bondage

Christian Liberty

5 Stand  fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Love Fulfills the Law

7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.

11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. 12 I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!

13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Walking in the Spirit

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

” (Galatians 5:1–26, NKJV)

Knowing the True—Rejecting the False

18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps  himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

” (1 John 5:18–21, NKJV)

The phrases "the day of the Lord" and "in that day" are significant in the Bible, and they often carry prophetic, eschatological, or judgmental connotations. Below, a detailed analysis of these phrases. 

1. "The Day of the Lord" in the NKJV

The phrase "the day of the Lord" refers to a time of divine intervention, judgment, or fulfillment of God’s purposes, often associated with both destruction for the wicked and deliverance for the righteous. It appears primarily in the prophetic books but also in the New Testament. Below are the key references, grouped by context and theme:

Old Testament References

• Isaiah 2:12
  “For the day of the Lord of hosts Shall come upon everything proud and lofty, Upon everything lifted up—And it shall be brought low.”
  Context: This passage describes a future day of judgment where God humbles the proud and exalted, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation.
• Isaiah 13:6, 9
  “Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty.” (v. 6)
  “Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it.” (v. 9)
  Context: These verses refer to God’s judgment against Babylon, portraying the day of the Lord as a time of destruction and divine wrath against sin.
• Jeremiah 46:10
  “For this is the day of the Lord God of hosts, A day of vengeance, That He may avenge Himself on His adversaries.”
  Context: This describes God’s judgment against Egypt, highlighting the day as a time of divine retribution.
• Ezekiel 13:5
  “You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord.”
  Context: Spoken against false prophets, this verse implies a day of divine judgment where Israel’s defenses fail due to unfaithfulness.
• Ezekiel 30:3
  “For the day is near, Even the day of the Lord is near; It will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles.”
  Context: This refers to judgment on Egypt and surrounding nations, with the day of the Lord as a time of reckoning for the Gentiles.
• Joel 1:15
  “Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty.”
  Context: Joel describes a locust plague as a precursor to the day of the Lord, a time of judgment and devastation.
• Joel 2:1, 11, 31
  “Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the Lord is coming, For it is at hand.” (v. 1)
  “The Lord gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; Who can endure it?” (v. 11)
  “The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.” (v. 31)
  Context: Joel connects the day of the Lord to both judgment and the promise of restoration, with cosmic signs signaling its arrival.
• Amos 5:18, 20
  “Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! For what good is the day of the Lord to you? It will be darkness, and not light.” (v. 18)
  “Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light? Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it?” (v. 20)
  Context: Amos warns Israel that the day of the Lord will not be a time of triumph for them but of judgment due to their sin.
• Obadiah 1:15
  “For the day of the Lord upon all the nations is near; As you have done, it shall be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.”
  Context: Directed at Edom, this verse emphasizes universal judgment on the nations, with retribution matching their deeds.
• Zephaniah 1:7, 14
  “Be silent in the presence of the Lord God; For the day of the Lord is at hand, For the Lord has prepared a sacrifice; He has invited His guests.” (v. 7)
  “The great day of the Lord is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the Lord is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out.” (v. 14)
  Context: Zephaniah portrays the day as imminent, a time of judgment against Judah and the nations, with vivid imagery of distress.
• Zechariah 14:1
  “Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst.”
  Context: This describes a future day when God intervenes in Jerusalem’s conflicts, leading to both judgment and ultimate victory.
• Malachi 4:5
  “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”
  Context: The final Old Testament reference links the day of the Lord to the coming of a prophetic figure (Elijah) before God’s judgment and restoration.

New Testament References

• Acts 2:20
  “The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.”
  Context: Quoting Joel 2:31, Peter applies this to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, suggesting the day of the Lord includes the inauguration of the Messianic age.
• 1 Corinthians 5:5
  “Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
  Context: Paul refers to a future day of judgment or salvation associated with Christ’s return, emphasizing church discipline.
• 2 Corinthians 1:14
  “As also you have understood us in part, that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
  Context: Paul speaks of mutual encouragement between him and the Corinthians at Christ’s return, a positive aspect of the day.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:2
  “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”
  Context: Paul describes the sudden, unexpected nature of Christ’s return, urging readiness.
• 2 Peter 3:10
  “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”
  Context: Peter emphasizes the cataclysmic, transformative nature of the day, tied to Christ’s return and the renewal of creation.

Summary of "The Day of the Lord"

The phrase "the day of the Lord" in the NKJV consistently refers to a divine intervention, often involving:

• Judgment: Punishment for sin, whether against Israel, Judah, or the nations (e.g., Isaiah 13:9, Amos 5:18).
• Cosmic Signs: Darkness, blood moons, and other phenomena (e.g., Joel 2:31, Acts 2:20).
• Restoration: For the faithful, it includes salvation or deliverance (e.g., Joel 2:32, 2 Corinthians 1:14).
• Eschatological Fulfillment: In the New Testament, it’s tied to Christ’s return (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10).

2. "In That Day" 

The phrase "in that day" is more frequent and broader, often referring to a specific time of God’s action, whether judgment, restoration, or Messianic fulfillment. It appears extensively in the prophetic books, particularly Isaiah and Zechariah. Below are key examples, organized by theme:

Judgment Contexts

• Isaiah 3:18
  “In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents.”
  Context: God judges the pride and materialism of Judah’s women, stripping away their adornments.
• Isaiah 4:2
  “In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing For those of Israel who have escaped.”
  Context: After judgment, this points to a Messianic restoration for the remnant.
• Isaiah 5:30
  “In that day they will roar against them Like the roaring of the sea. And if one looks to the land, Behold, darkness and sorrow; And the light is darkened by the clouds.”
  Context: Describes judgment on Judah, with imagery of distress and darkness.
• Isaiah 10:20
  “And it shall come to pass in that day That the remnant of Israel, And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, Will never again depend on him who defeated them, But will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.”
  Context: A promise of restoration for the remnant, turning from reliance on foreign powers to God.
• Amos 9:11
  “In that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old.”
  Context: A promise of restoration for Israel, often interpreted as Messianic.

Messianic and Restoration Contexts

• Isaiah 11:10-11
  “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.” (v. 10)
  “It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left.” (v. 11)
  Context: Refers to the Messianic age, where the Messiah (Root of Jesse) gathers both Jews and Gentiles.
• Isaiah 12:1, 4
  “And in that day you will say: ‘O Lord, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.’” (v. 1)
  “And in that day you will say: ‘Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.’” (v. 4)
  Context: A time of worship and thanksgiving after God’s anger is turned away, likely post-exilic or Messianic.
• Zechariah 12:3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11
  “And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” (v. 3)
  Context: Describes a future day when God defends Jerusalem against attacking nations, with multiple references to “in that day” emphasizing divine protection and victory.
• Zechariah 13:1-2
  “In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.” (v. 1)
  Context: A time of spiritual cleansing and purification, often seen as Messianic.

New Testament Usage

• Matthew 7:22
  “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’”
  Context: Jesus refers to the day of judgment, where false disciples are exposed despite their claims.
• 2 Timothy 1:12, 18
  “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.” (v. 12)
  “The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.” (v. 18)
  Context: Paul refers to the day of Christ’s return or judgment, a time of reward or mercy for the faithful.

Summary of "In That Day"

The phrase "in that day" is more flexible than "the day of the Lord" and can refer to:

• Immediate Judgments: Specific historical events, like judgments on Judah or other nations (e.g., Isaiah 3:18).
• Restoration: Times of renewal or return from exile (e.g., Isaiah 10:20, Amos 9:11).
• Messianic Age: A future time of salvation, often linked to the Messiah (e.g., Isaiah 11:10, Zechariah 13:1).
• Eschatological Judgment: The final day of reckoning (e.g., Matthew 7:22).

Key Observations

• Overlap: Both phrases often point to divine intervention, but "the day of the Lord" is more specific to a climactic event of judgment or salvation, while "in that day" can refer to various moments of God’s action.
• Prophetic Context: The Old Testament uses these phrases heavily in prophetic literature, pointing to both near-term (e.g., Babylonian captivity) and far-term (Messianic/eschatological) events.
• New Testament Shift: In the New Testament, "the day of the Lord" is tied to Christ’s return (e.g., 2 Peter 3:10), while "in that day" often refers to the final judgment or reward (e.g., Matthew 7:22).

Notes

• The above references are not exhaustive for "in that day," as it appears frequently (over 100 times in the NKJV, especially in Isaiah and Zechariah). I’ve highlighted key examples to show the range of meanings.
• If you’d like a deeper dive into specific passages, a focus on a particular book, or a comprehensive list of all "in that day" references, please let me know!
• I avoided speculative interpretations and stuck to the text’s context in the NKJV, as requested.

Powers and Principalities are Stewards of culture

They rule and have authority over the Kingdoms of this world.

Christ will subjugate all Kingdoms.

Seventh Trumpet: The Kingdoms of this World have Become the Kingdoms of our God and of His Christ

15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
“We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
18        The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come,
And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,
And those who fear Your name, small and great,
And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”
19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.
” (Revelation 11:15–19, NKJV)

Currently they have been delivered to Satan

5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” ” (Luke 4:5–7, NKJV)

In the Spirit Victory is Complete

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones (thrones) or dominions (areas of dominion) or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

” (Colossians 1:15–18, NKJV)

Do Not Neglect Salvation

2 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

The Son Made Lower Than Angels

5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. 6 But one testified in a certain place, saying:

“What is man that You are mindful of him,

Or the son of man that You take care of him?

7         You have made him a little lower than the angels;

You have crowned him with glory and honor,

And set him over the works of Your hands.

8         You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

Bringing Many Sons to Glory

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying:

“I will declare Your name to My brethren;

In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”

13 And again:

“I will put My trust in Him.”

And again:

“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

” (Hebrews 2:1–18, NKJV)

The Manifestation of the Victory is not yet perfected

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

” (1 Corinthians 15:20–28, NKJV)

Thrones and Dominions

A Throne is a Chair, and a Dominion is an area of control (domain).

Thrones and Dominions are not personal demonic figures but are structures of creation that create, establish and maintain command and control, order, authority, symmetry, systemization and method to the world. 

Examples of Thrones and Dominions would be the state, the family, the clan and tribe, and the nation. 

Modern Examples of Thrones

In the modern world, examples of Thrones and Dominions can be seen everywhere. Men create these Thrones & Dominions and usually come under the influence of demons, mostly without knowing that, and cease to be subordinate to God as the creator. There is then inevitably the tendency to establish their own hegemony and absoluteness. The tower of Babel is a prime example.

Each of these structures in a fallen creation, are then invisibly occupied by the demonic Powers and Principalities along with human Kings, Lords, pastors and popes. They claim to be the legitimate representatives of God, the “Vicar of Christ” as it were.

A few examples:

• The Modern Secular State 
• Roman Catholic Church
• Each Christian Denomination
• KFC 
• The UN
• Political Unions in General
• Nation States
• Armies
• The IMF
• Mammon 
• The Banks
• Big Pharma
• Possibly also Business Cartels
• Facebook
• Tick Tock
• X
• Local Church
• If it’s a pyramid controlled by clergy then absolutely
• If it’s a village Ruled by Elders then Hallelujah

Thrones and Dominions were Originally Tutors

Paul makes clear that in the ancient world, the Thrones and Dominions occupied by Principalities and Powers were tutors and keepers of the world and functioned often in a relatively benign way. With the coming of Christ, and with His death and resurrection, the Principalities and Powers are “disarmed and…triumphed over” and again are called to take their rightful ruling place under the power of the now triumphant King.  

Elements/Basic Principles

Stoichea: Elemental Spiritsστοιχεῖον (elementum), 

1. plur. the heavenly bodies, 2 Pet. 3:10, 12; 

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements (stoichea) will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements (stoichea) will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. ” (2 Peter 3:10–13, NKJV)

(b) a rudiment, an element, a rudimentary principle, an elementary rule; but in Gal. 4:3 there is much to be said for taking the word in the sense of spirit, demon (possibly also in (a)).[1]

Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements(stoichea) of the world. ” (Galatians 4:1–3, NKJV)

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world (stoichea), and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. ” (Colossians 2:8–10, NKJV)

20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world (stoichea), why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations ” (Colossians 2:20, NKJV)

8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements (stoichea), to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain. ” (Galatians 4:8–11, NKJV)

Idols

εἴδωλον (simulacrum), an image of a god.[2]

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. ” (1 Corinthians 12:1–2, NKJV)

The course of this world, the prince of the power of the air

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. ” (Ephesians 2:1–3, NKJV)

Lists of Requirements, Food, Drink, Festivals

14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. ” (Colossians 2:14–17, NKJV)

Baptism Breaks Authorities and Powers Hold

21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. ” (1 Peter 3:21–22, NKJV)

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ” (Ephesians 6:10–13, NKJV)

Christ as Head of the Church has Pre-eminence

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. ” (Colossians 1:15–18, NKJV)

Ecclesiology and Thrones

Christ has overcome the Powers, the Principalities, and thus emptied the Thrones and the Dominions of their demonic host, the demons that sat on them.  This left the Thrones and the Dominions bound and powerless and easy to break down and reduce to rubble, just like King Josiah did in 2 Kings 22. 

What Now?

Now where does this leave the church? What does this mean for our Ecclesiology and how does the Church flow in this dynamic of Thrones and Dominions?

It's very easy to see how the Roman Catholic Church was the resurgent Roman Empire endeavoring to restructure it itself according to essentially Pagan lines with the Christian veneer over it?

We thank God for Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the Reformation. They endeavored to correct many of the power abuses and of the secular political structures of the Roman Catholic Church, but sadly, both Calvin and Luther are part of what we call the magisterial reformers, and they never managed to separate the Church from political secular structures.

It took the Anabaptists and the Radical Reformers to take one step further in separating church and state, separating spiritual power and authority and the headship of Christ and the throne of Christ from that of the magistrate, from that of the politics, from that of the king. And from that of Mammon.

Commercial Church and its Throne

I was recently involved in a leadership crisis with a commercial church. The pastor had developed a habit of moral failure and the International Apostolic oversight team was displeased with this when it came to their attention and they moved against him. The pastor himself refused to admit guilt. The weak yes-men elders that he had appointed around him to protect him also refused to address the situation. These weak elders in fact failed to investigate the situation and made no contact with any of the victims of the atrocities during the so-called investigation.

The International Apostolic team came to speak to them and to minister to them with the authority that was vested in the international Apostolic team through the constitution of this specific commercial church. Although the pastor and the elders disagreed with the accusation and refused action, the power vested by this commercial church’s constitution made it possible for the international Apostolic team to remove the pastor. 

This created a leadership void and one of the young men who had been substitute pastor stood up and said that he would be the leader. The puppet elders agreed with this, seeing as not one of them had any strong biblical and spiritual authority. The International Apostolic Team moved against this and pulled out the constitution again and said the constitution proves that the International Apostolic Team has the authority to appoint the pastor. Although the leaders were as sweet and gentle and patient and kind as they could have been, the net effect is still that the power vested in the international Apostolic team overrode the power of the pastor and the power of the elders. 

I'm not debating the morality of this individual situation, but I'm listing this as an example of the fact that this is a throne, and seated on the throne is the International Apostolic Team. Whether this throne is good or bad, we can debate for a long time, but what we cannot debate is that this throne is not the Bible, does not align with the Bible in any significant way, and it is an alternative source of authority and power for this local commercial church other than the Bible. 

No, human action, sadly, is ever devoid of either the work of the Holy Spirit or demonic working, whether it be petty local demons or the powers and the principalities who are seated on the Thrones and have authority over the dominions below them. So that leads us to the conclusion that the throne and the dominion is either that of the Holy Spirit or it is demonic. For a baby Christians and pastortutes this is a shocking, scary thought. But for any vaguely intelligent Bible believing Christian, this is crystal clear.

The commercial churches are not structured according to the biblical pattern, and they are not spiritual. Neither can they be. They are commercial and their product is the gospel. They have CEO, CFO, COO, board, a product and customers.

Is it really possible that you are comfortable to sit in such a commercial arrangement that is dumbed down for mass production and honestly think that you're going to have a biblical Holy Spirit revival? Or even salvation?

Victory is an act of War and Critical

The Light of Christ’s Gospel

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

” (2 Corinthians 4:1–6, NKJV)

Doctrines of Demons

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. ” (1 Timothy 4:1–5, NKJV)

7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. ” (Matthew 10:7–8, NKJV)

[1] Alexander Souter, A Pocket Lexicon to the Greek New Testament (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1917), 242.

[2] Alexander Souter, A Pocket Lexicon to the Greek New Testament (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1917), 72.

“Christianity today is man-centered, not God-centered. God is made to wait patiently, even respectfully, on the whims of men. The image of God currently popular is that of a distracted Father, struggling in heartbroken desperation to get people to accept a Saviour of whom they feel no need and in whom they have very little interest. To persuade these self-sufficient souls to respond to His generous offers God will do almost anything, even using salesmanship methods and talking down to them in the chummiest way imaginable. This view of things is, of course, a kind of religious romanticism which, while it often uses flattering and sometimes embarassing terms in praise of God, manages nevertheless to make man the star of the show.”

~ A.W. Tozer, Man, The Dwelling Place of God

3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”

” (Genesis 22:3–5, NKJV)

The New Testament contains few explicit examples of worship songs or choirs singing worship, as it focuses more on teachings, narratives, and letters than on detailed liturgical practices. However, there are instances of hymns, poetic passages, and references to singing that scholars believe reflect early Christian worship. Below is a concise list of worship songs or choral-like expressions of worship in the New Testament, with brief explanations.

Worship Songs or Hymnic Passages in the New Testament

The Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55): 

44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47       And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48       For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49       For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
50       And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
51       He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52       He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
53       He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
54       He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55       As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.
” (Luke 1:44–56, NKJV)

 

The Benedictus (Luke 1:68–79): 

Zacharias Prophesies of John’s Ministry

67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
68       “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
69       And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David,
70       As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began,
71       That we should be saved from our enemies
And from the hand of all who hate us,
72       To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
And to remember His holy covenant,
73       The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
74       To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
75       In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
76       “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77       To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
78       Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
79       To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
” (Luke 1:67–80, NKJV)

 

The Gloria in Excelsis (Luke 2:14): 

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14       “Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
” (Luke 2:13–14, NKJV)

The Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29–32): 

27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29       “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30       For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31       Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32       A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
” (Luke 2:27–35, NKJV)

 

Christological Hymns in the Epistles: 

The Humbled and Exalted Christ

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

” (Philippians 2:5–11, NKJV)

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

” (Colossians 1:15–20, NKJV)

The Great Mystery

14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
” (1 Timothy 3:14–16, NKJV)

Revelation Hymns (Revelation 4–5, 7, 11, 15): 

References to Singing in Worship

1. Ephesians 5:19: 
2. Colossians 3:16: 
3. Acts 16:25: 
4. 1 Corinthians 14:26: 

Notes

• No Choirs Explicitly Mentioned on Earth: While Revelation describes heavenly choirs (e.g., angels, elders, multitudes), the New Testament does not explicitly mention earthly choirs in church worship. Singing was likely corporate or led by individuals, with “choir-like” worship implied in communal settings (e.g., Ephesians 5:19).
• Nature of Songs: Many New Testament hymns are Christ-centered, focusing on Jesus’ incarnation, death, resurrection, and lordship, unlike some modern worship songs that emphasize personal experience. They blend praise, theology, and proclamation.
• Cultural Context: Early Christian worship drew from Jewish synagogue practices (e.g., singing Psalms) and adapted them to include Christological themes. The exact melodies or performance styles are unknown, as the New Testament focuses on content over form.

Conclusion

The New Testament includes several worship songs or hymnic passages, such as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), Benedictus (Luke 1:68–79), Gloria (Luke 2:14), Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29–32), and Christological hymns (e.g., Philippians 2:6–11, Colossians 1:15–20). Revelation’s heavenly hymns (e.g., Revelation 4:8, 5:9–10) model choral worship, though earthly choirs are not explicitly described. References to singing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16) confirm that early Christians engaged in communal worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, primarily focused on God and Christ’s redemptive work. 

These examples highlight a theocentric and Christocentric worship tradition, distinct from some modern trends.

Hebrew Outline of Psalm 119

Psalm 119 is organized into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza contains 8 verses, and every verse in a given stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter. This acrostic structure reflects both a mnemonic device and a poetic way to express completeness, as the entire alphabet is used to praise God’s Word.

1. Aleph (א) (verses 1–8): Begins with the letter Aleph. Themes of blessedness for those who follow God’s law.
2. Beth (ב) (verses 9–16): Begins with Beth. Focuses on purity and devotion to God’s Word.
3. Gimel (ג) (verses 17–24): Begins with Gimel. Plea for God’s favor and guidance through His commandments.
4. Daleth (ד) (verses 25–32): Begins with Daleth. Expresses clinging to God’s Word in affliction.
5. He (ה) (verses 33–40): Begins with He. Prayer for understanding and obedience to God’s statutes.
6. Waw (ו) (verses 41–48): Begins with Waw. Emphasizes God’s steadfast love and the freedom of following His law.
7. Zayin (ז) (verses 49–56): Begins with Zayin. Remembrance of God’s promises in times of distress.
8. Heth (ח) (verses 57–64): Begins with Heth. Commitment to God’s Word as a source of life.
9. Teth (ט) (verses 65–72): Begins with Teth. Acknowledges God’s goodness and discipline through His law.
10. Yodh (י) (verses 73–80): Begins with Yodh. Prayer for God’s compassion and guidance.
11. Kaph (כ) (verses 81–88): Begins with Kaph. Longing for God’s salvation amidst persecution.
12. Lamedh (ל) (verses 89–96): Begins with Lamedh. God’s eternal Word as a foundation.
13. Mem (מ) (verses 97–104): Begins with Mem. Love for God’s law and its wisdom.
14. Nun (נ) (verses 105–112): Begins with Nun. God’s Word as a light and guide.
15. Samekh (ס) (verses 113–120): Begins with Samekh. Rejection of evildoers and trust in God’s law.
16. Ayin (ע) (verses 121–128): Begins with Ayin. Plea for justice and love for God’s commands.
17. Pe (פ) (verses 129–136): Begins with Pe. Wonder at God’s statutes and sorrow for disobedience.
18. Tsadhe (צ) (verses 137–144): Begins with Tsadhe. Righteousness of God’s Word.
19. Qoph (ק) (verses 145–152): Begins with Qoph. Cry for help and trust in God’s nearness.
20. Resh (ר) (verses 153–160): Begins with Resh. Plea for deliverance based on God’s Word.
21. Shin (ש) (verses 161–168): Begins with Shin. Joy in God’s law despite persecution.
22. Taw (ת) (verses 169–176): Begins with Taw. Final plea for salvation and praise for God’s Word.

Each stanza typically revolves around a theme related to the value, authority, or application of God’s Word, often expressed through synonyms like law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, judgments, and word.

Poetic Structure

Psalm 119 is a highly structured and intricate example of Hebrew poetry, with several key poetic features:

1. Acrostic Form: 
2. Parallelism:  
3. Repetition of Key Terms: 
4. Thematic Unity: 
5. Numerical Symbolism: 
6. Rhetorical Devices: 
7. Emotional Range: 

Additional Notes

• Hebrew Language Features: In the original Hebrew, the acrostic is more apparent, as each verse begins with the same consonant, creating a visual and auditory pattern. English translations often lose this effect but may note the Hebrew letter at the start of each stanza.
• Cultural Context: The psalm reflects a post-exilic Jewish emphasis on the Torah as the foundation of covenant life, likely written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th–5th century BCE).
• Liturgical Use: The psalm’s structure suggests it may have been used for memorization, meditation, or communal recitation, with its repetitive focus on God’s Word fostering devotion.

Jesus Christ & the Pattern of Christian Manhood

by Leon J. Podles

Jesus Christ is the Son of God incarnate. He is the Logos, the Word of God made flesh, having taken upon himself a complete human nature. He is fully and completely human. There is nothing lacking in him that makes up a full human being. He has a body, a mind, a soul, a will. He is God’s complete utterance. The Father has nothing more to say than what he has said in his Word.  

These dogmas were hammered out in the debates of the first centuries of the Church, and express in words the limits within which Christians can think about Christ. They cannot believe there was a time when he was not, as the Arians claimed, or that he had no human will, as the Monothelites claimed.

But these philosophical formulations, while necessary to safeguard the faith of the Church, do not express all the aspects of Christ that can capture and transform the imagination. We do not live by syllogisms, however much truth they express, but by vivid icons and apprehensions. Jesus in Scripture is the Suffering Servant, the Lamb of God, the Faithful and True, the Son of Man. These images stir the mind and heart, and assist in the conversion of the whole man, who is not simply intellect. An image that sums up and expresses what Jesus is in the world is Jesus as Hero.

The Hero

We speak loosely of any courageous person as a hero. Courage is essential to heroism, but it does not make the hero. A hero involves a story, a mythos, a plot. But because myth has a misleading overtone of untruth, I will speak instead of the story or the narrative of the hero.

A hero leaves the everyday world, faces challenges, sufferings, and even death, is transformed through them, and then returns to the ordinary world, usually as a king. The pattern is simple, and can be found in the epic of Gilgamesh and in Walt Disney’s cartoon Hercules and in thousands of stories in between.

The story of the hero has been explored by folklorists, literary scholars, and Jungian analysts. However, the clue to the presence of the story of the hero in almost all cultures lies not in folkloric borrowings or “solar myths” or Jungian archetypes, but in human nature, specifically in the nature of the human male, and in the story of the life of every male who sets out to become a man.

The hero is universal because he represents what every man should be. His experiences are those that a boy goes through in the process of becoming a man. Jung postulated a collective unconscious, but that is an unnecessary postulate. Stories of heroes are found throughout the world simply because boys become men throughout the world.

The Facts of Life for Men

The story of the hero is almost universal because it is in essence the story of males trying to be masculine. What is masculinity? It is generally connected with assertiveness or aggression, and those are certainly elements. Aristotle described the male as active, the female as passive.

But I think that masculinity cannot be understood as a state; it is a trajectory or a story. It is a story that is not arbitrary. Masculinity and femininity are not, as is frequently claimed, purely social constructs. They are based in the inescapable process of human reproduction, understood not as the two sexes needed for a brief sexual act but for the whole process of begetting a child and raising a child to maturity.

The first fact of human nature on which masculinity is based is that the boy is born of a woman. At first, all infants have an oceanic consciousness. In other words, the infant cannot distinguish between himself and his mother. But gradually the infant begins to realize his mother is another person and not simply an appendage of the self. Both boys and girls come to this realization, but the boy comes to realize that the person in the world to whom he is closest, whom he loves more than anything, is something he cannot and should not become: a woman and a mother. This begins the uniquely male process of separation by which the boy is transformed into a man.

Male Disposability

The second fact of human nature on which masculinity is based is that the male is more disposable than the female in the process of reproduction. A man can beget a child and die shortly after.3 Societies make use of this comparative disposability of the male by assigning to males the more dangerous tasks in society. A man must always be ready to give up his life: “The accepting of this very expendability . . . often constitutes the measure of manhood, a circumstance that may help explain the constant emphasis on risk-taking as evidence of manliness.” 

Women have the danger of childbirth, a danger that has lessened but not disappeared. Men do not have to face such dangers, but bear other dangers. It may be diving for pearls in the South Pacific; it may be fighting lions in Africa; it may be working as a garbage man or lumberjack or utility lineman, or soldiering —hazardous occupations, and almost entirely male. It may even be working 80 hours a week as an executive in Silicon Valley, a pace of life that leads males to die several years younger than females. Nor is this exploitation of the male disappearing. 

The gap between the life expectancies of men and women in America is larger now than it was at the beginning of the twentieth century. Modern life has been hard on men.

Male Aggression & Assertiveness 

The third fact of human nature that relates to masculinity is that males are more aggressive than females. The degree of aggression varies, but it is obvious to anyone who has observed animals or boys going through puberty that testosterone feeds aggression. “Roid rage” is recognized among athletes who take steroids to build up muscle, and testosterone is an anabolic steroid.

These three observations make the male both dispensable and assertive. Assertiveness can be used for purely selfish reasons and self-preservation, but it can also be put to the service of society by leading men to take on the dangerous jobs that every society has. The danger may come from “enemies” such as weather, animals, other human beings, or economic forces. Societies must train their males to be both assertive and self-sacrificing, a difficult combination.

But if masculinity often leads to early death, how can males be convinced that they should become masculine and therefore become truly men? The avoidance of pain and seeking of self-preservation are universal to all creatures, even irrational creatures. Almost all societies, as Yale anthropologist David Gilmore shows in Manhood in the Making, have developed an ideology of masculinity, a pattern of self-sacrificial behavior. But how do societies persuade males to buy into this ideology? How are males convinced that they should act against the instinct of self-preservation and sacrifice themselves for the good of their societies?

Ritual & Story

The ideology of masculinity is inculcated in boys through ritual and story. Some anthropologists suspect that stories of the hero had their origin in rituals, but it’s more likely that both stories and rituals have a common origin in the ideology of masculinity that boys must accept and live up to in order to become men.

Initiation rites or rites of passage, which usually occur at puberty, are found throughout the world. The boy is taken from his mother and the world of women and subjected to trials. In primitive societies that have a simple challenge, this trial is often encapsulated in a puberty ritual. Other trials may include ritual scarification, or circumcision, or scourging. In some tribes boys may die during these ceremonies.

Facing Danger without Flinching

Boys have to learn to face danger and death without flinching. There is often some sort of ritual death. Having been reborn as a man, the boy can now face the dangers that threaten his community. Eventually he can reconnect to the world of women by marrying and fathering children, but now as a protector and provider, no longer as one protected and provided for.

More complex societies do not have single rituals because the challenges they face are multiform. Boys and men go through a variety of trials and may never be totally assured they are men. Ancient German and Greek societies do not seem to have had true puberty rituals; rather, they had experiences—athletic contests, battles, travels—that had to be lived through repeatedly to prove one was a man.

Thus, masculinity is a pattern of initial union, then separation, and finally reunion, while the feminine, by contrast, is a maintenance of or striving for unity, an important characteristic, as we shall see in my consideration of the feminine in the Church.

Heroism Fulfilled In Christ

All stories are completed and perfected in the story that is revealed to us in Scripture. So the meaning of heroism is also revealed. Like all created realities in the world, it has a double meaning. 

Jesus Christ fulfills, corrects, and transcends human heroism.

Jesus fulfills the role of hero: He has a mysterious birth; he leaves the safe world of the feminine at age 12, when he tells his mother that he must be about his Father’s business; and at the beginning of his public ministry, he leaves her and the world of everyday life behind.

Rejected by his own people, Jesus tastes the ultimate suffering of crucifixion, of death, of abandonment by his own Father. He descends into hell, into the utter darkness of rejection by God. He became sin. He confronted the primeval and devouring monster that lurks in the darkness outside, the monster that haunts the stories and nightmares of man, whether he is called Coyote or Behemoth. 

That monster is death. 

Jesus, like the heroes of myth, confronts death and enters death and triumphs over death. But what the heroes do only in fiction, Jesus does in reality. By his death he conquers death, and returns to the Father, bearing all creation, which he has rescued from death, with him.

Icons of Resurrection 

It is this dazzling monument that is the center of all history and depicted in the great icon of the Anastasis—the Resurrection. In the best icons of the Resurrection, Jesus with one hand pulls Adam out of the grave and with the other hand Eve. His divine power and strength flow through the crucified and glorious hands that now give life to the universe.

Heroes are praised because they rescue, for awhile, their people from danger and death. 

But Jesus has rescued the universe. 

He has been utterly transformed by his encounter with death, and through him that transformation flows into all creation. He is the God-Hero. Like conquering emperors, he marches in triumph, but in his train are the angelic powers that he has taken captive (Eph. 4:8). In the Apocalypse, the deepest meaning of the cosmic struggle is shown, the battle between the dragon and the Rider on the white horse, the Word of God (Rev. 19:19–20).

The Dark Side

But human heroism has its dark side, and this is why masculinity and heroism have been rejected by some Christians as essentially un-Christian. The figure of the hero is closely allied to that of the warrior, and both have the dangerous element that is implicit in masculinity.

The furor heroicus transforms a man into something non-human. In the Iliad, Achilles is scarcely human in battle. Images of fire surround him, because in the heat of battle he becomes a primordial force, divine, destroying. The Irish hero Cu Chullain becomes, “horrible, many-shaped and unrecognizable.” Like Grendel, Beowulf is gebolgen, swollen larger than life, and aglaeca, monstrous. These are not just literary devices. The transformations of man in war are known in every culture. In New Guinea, Gilbert Lewis was told of “men who went into a trance” in war; they were “dangerous, unreliable, deaf to calls or appeals.” Vikings knew it as going beserk.

The ordinary man, even outside of battle, is often dangerous to his society, because the forces set loose by the ideology of masculinity may destroy the society. Aggression may rage unchecked, and may provoke attack from foreign powers too strong to resist, or provoke internal wars that destroy the commonwealth. David Gilmore is too sanguine in his description of the ideology of masculinity in Manhood in the Making: The chroniclers of civil wars, ranging from those that destroyed the Roman Republic to those that brought down the Icelandic Commonwealth in the thirteenth century (not to mention more recent horrors), have testified to the destructiveness of aggression, even when it exists within the “normal” range that is deliberately cultivated in a society.

Facing Death without Resurrection 

The danger of heroism and of masculinity is that the man who faces death may stare too long into the abyss and fall in love with death. He may destroy the society he is supposed to protect. Violence committed by young men has filled history with endless horrors. One reason the world was so sparsely populated for millennia was that men kept killing each other and the women and children of opposing groups. Indeed, at the very root of human history is a murder, when brother killed brother. States have tried to channel and control male aggressiveness so that it at least might not destroy the community it was designed to protect.

Like all human realities, therefore, masculinity and heroism must be crucified before they can be reborn. An attempt to import heroism into Christianity without transformation leads directly to the doubtful figure of the Christian warrior, the Crusader. (I am not a pacifist; a Christian may have to fight, but violence and slaughter are not Christian.) The Crusades poisoned the relationship between the Eastern and Western Churches, and further embittered the relationship of Christianity and Islam.

The war a Christian man is called to is spiritual and his own flesh the greatest and primary enemy. That does not however make us money chasing conflict avoidant weaklings, as is currently the norm.

Jesus as Obedient Hero

Jesus fulfills the pattern of the hero in an unexpected manner. He did not lead the Jews in successful war against the Romans to reestablish the kingdom of his father David. Instead, the war he leads is against the real forces of evil that are hidden behind the façades of history. The real enemy of God is not the emperor, but the spirit who is prince of this world, the spirit who in the beginning disobeyed God.

Jesus conquered this spirit of rebellion by his own obedience. 

In his human will he did something he could not do as God: He obeyed. 

As un-incarnate Son, he had the same will as the Father, so it is impossible to speak of his obedience, of the submission of his will to his Father’s. But incarnate, he had a will that was not the same as his Father’s and that therefore had to be submitted to the hard realities of suffering and death, from which his human nature recoiled.

By this obedience, Christ rendered the many righteous. He revealed true heroism, the conquest of one’s own nature, and its submission to death to save his brethren. All heroes sought to save others by entering and challenging death. But only one truly did it, entering death, not from bravado or self-affirmation, but from obedience.

Such obedience differentiates the heroism of Jesus from that of other heroes. They sought to affirm the self by not flinching in the face of death, and thereby establish their names forever, lest they be lost in oblivion. Jesus also did this, but his self-abandonment was even greater; he submitted everything to the will of his Father, who raised him from the dead.

The Name above All Names

Jesus did not seek glory from men, as all other heroes did, but from his Father alone. Jesus is completely and totally the Divine Son; there is nothing in him that he does not receive from the Father. Jesus’ obedience gives him the Name that is above all other names. The names of heroes—Gilgamesh, Hector, Achilles, Odysseus, Beowulf, Siegfried—fade into the mists of legend, but the name of Jesus grows louder through the millennia.

The heroism of the Christian is therefore both like and unlike that of the merely human hero; the masculinity of the Christian is therefore both like and unlike the masculinity that all men are called to. It is real masculinity, and it is real heroism, and the early Church clearly understood this. In the story of St. Perpetua, she was condemned to die by the wild beasts; she was anointed by an angel and mystically transformed into a man before her martyrdom. The Church understood that martyrdom was a masculine vocation, like that of the soldier or the athlete.

Monks and Ascetics

When the persecutions ended after Constantine, the Monk became the true soldier and athlete, the true hero of the new people of God. The battles of the Monk against the spiritual enemy established him as the new hero and soldier. 

The masculinity of the desert fathers is overwhelming; they went into dangerous places and camped out for decades. Asceticism sometimes became an “extreme sport,” as exemplified by Monks living on the tops of columns or praying while submerged to the neck in the northern seas. It is even sometimes amusing. In a display of male competitiveness, ascetics sometimes tried to outdo each other in rigor and were gently rebuked by their spiritual fathers.

Germanic Evangelisation was Masculine

When Christianity was first preached to the Germanic tribes, Christ was preached as the true hero. The Saxon Heliand depicts Christ as a hero and his disciples as his thanes. Beowulf was written down in a monastic environment, and it may be that the three battles of Beowulf, against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon, paralleled the three renunciations of the monk: self-will, kin, and wealth.

The best expression of this view of Jesus is in the Anglo-Saxon “Dream of the Rood,” in which the Rood, or Cross, speaks. It tells how it saw Christ the young Hero stripped for battle, mounting the Cross to face the enemy.

The Brotherly Bond forged in Battle

The stories of heroes are also the stories of great friendships. The love that men of war bear for each other has a special mark. 

Men cannot unite in sexual union. 

Their legitimate union, spiritual and physical, has a character marked by suffering and death. Achilles and Patroclus, Jonathan and David, Gilgamesh and Enkidu—all the loves of heroes are marked by death. Only in death can men achieve the closeness of union that a man and woman can achieve in a fruitful sexual union. In the mingling of blood, men become brothers.

This type of love is found in the love of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus loves his disciples, and therefore dies for them. He gives them a memorial of himself in the Eucharist, established the night before he suffered. He achieved the closest union by uniting his disciples with his sacrifice.

Men Unite in Death

After his resurrection, this connection continues. He asks Peter three times if Peter loves him, and the change in the word for love in the three questions and Peter’s three replies may indicate the special quality of brotherly friendship that Jesus seeks. The love of Jesus leads to a union with him in death, as he tells Peter.

He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me

This shadow of death is forgotten in most of Christian preaching. The seriousness of following Jesus is forgotten. We can be united with him only by dying and rising with him. That death may well involve martyrdom, even or especially today—more Christians have been martyred in the twentieth century than in all other centuries combined.

Even when the Church lives in peace, this union with Jesus in death is still inescapable. The early ascetics fled into the desert after the end of the persecution because they feared that Christians were forgetting the spiritual warfare in which they were to be involved. A Church that is heroic will have its martyrs in times of persecution and its ascetics and monastics in times of peace. 

Asceticism and monasticism are forms of martyrdom. Asceticism originally meant athletic training. The seriousness and importance of the Christian life is established by the sacrifices that are made to live it. 

The Christian consecrated unto death is therefore at the heart of the Church, and without his presence the Church falls into worldliness. This is true for women too.

Cost of Discipleship

Matt. 16:24–27; Luke 9:22–26

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

” (Mark 8:34–38, NKJV)

Those of us who are not missionaries in war zones, who are married and are living in the world, must not forget that we live in a Church of heroes. Others have given up so much; the small and large sacrifices of everyday life are somewhat easier to bear when we remember what others have gone through. Our attachment to the faith is strengthened when we remember what price has been paid to bring it to us. The courage we need to live and proclaim the faith in a society that does not understand us and is suspicious of us can grow when we contemplate the heroes of the faith.

Godly Christian Heroism is lacking

But courage, heroism, and manliness are not words that are immediately associated with Christianity or even Christ. The image of Christ and of the Christian is one of weakness and effeminacy. A recent survey in England showed that the image of the Church of England most people have is of a middle-class men who like to wear dresses.

Indeed, why is the image of Christ that of a weakling, and why are men alienated from the Church? That men should turn from the Church because it is too difficult and challenging is not a danger, but that they should turn from it because they regard it as a refuge for weaklings is catastrophic.

The Church Impotent

I examined in my book The Church Impotent the possible roots of men’s fear that Christianity will emasculate them. I will briefly summarize the arguments that I make in my book.

The lack of men in church life in the West is documented by statistics and anecdotes that go back centuries, perhaps to the High Middle Ages. I need not belabour this point; I think it is evident. The only surprise I had in my research was discovering how far back this lack of men goes and how widespread it was and is. The causes seem to lie in a change in popular piety and theology, specifically in philosophical anthropology. The change in popular piety was the rise of bridal mysticism; the change in philosophy was the acceptance of Aristotle’s characterization of the masculine and feminine.

Bridal Mysticism 

First, I will consider bridal mysticism. Israel and the Church are seen in scripture as the Bride of the Lord in Scripture. Origen, perhaps influenced by the sacred marriages of the mystery religions, applied this image to the Christian soul, claiming that it, too, was the bride of God. Various Fathers took up this suggestion, but it did not enter into popular consciousness until Bernard of Clairvaux preached his sermons on the Song of Songs, which was the most commented upon book of the Bible in the Middle Ages. For Bernard, the patristic image took on new erotic intensity, and for women mystics, influenced by the cult of Minne and courtly love, Jesus became the handsomest and most desirable of spouses.

Scripture teaches that the church corporate is the bride of Christ not the individual, male or female. Many girls envisage themselves as Jesus bride, in her personal capacity and that is heresy.

Erotic Baroque Art

Baroque art continued the characterization of charity as eros. Baroque churches are filled with statues of cherubs darting arrows at the hearts of the congregation. Bernini’s St. Teresa in Ecstasy shows Teresa in an erotic rapture, and a young smiling angel thrusting an arrow into her heart. St. John of the Cross wrote magnificent poems in which he used the image of the soul as a bride. Popular Roman Catholic devotions for centuries were full of quasi-erotic language. Even today, bridal spirituality, often under the cloak of Marian spirituality, is widespread among Catholics.

Protestantism inherited this spirituality from Catholicism. I have been told by Protestants that when people hear the phrase “personal relationship with Jesus,” they interpret personal as romantic, if not erotic. 

Men do not like to have romantic or erotic relationships with other men, even if that man is Jesus. Such notions are also heresy, and even more so. Also it is extremely damaging the spiritual growth of young men.

Receptive Men?

Back to the history. Secondly, there was a change in philosophy when scholastic theologians reinforced this bridal distortion in Christian spirituality. Aristotle had taught that the masculine was active and therefore superior, the feminine passive/receptive and therefore inferior.

Christian Aristotelians pointed out that in Christianity it was better to be passive and receptive than active, because Christians had to receive the imprint of Christ by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, women, relatively lacking in aggression and power, were better raw material for the Spirit than men were. 

Women were therefore better Christians, and Mary was the supreme model of Christians, as she was perfectly receptive. This explanation has continued to be the received model for understanding masculinity and femininity among Christians, including even C. S. Lewis and Pope John Paul II.

Both bridal mysticism and the scholastic definitions of masculinity and femininity create problems for the image of Christ. In bridal mysticism, Christ is seen as a Bridegroom. In the biblical use of this image, bridegroom implies the authority of Christ over the Church, an authority based on his masculine sacrifice of himself for the Church.

Jesus as Boyfriend

In bridal mysticism, Jesus also must be seen as erotically desirable. When men say: I’m in love with Jesus, my neck hair stands up. There is no such phrase in scripture. Christ does relate like that to the Father either! Certainly not. Raed John 10:17 for one.

Effeminate Men

I have difficulty understanding this, but I have noticed that many women seem to prefer the adolescent male type who is still a bit feminine, the ephebe of Greek art, the Leonardo de Caprio. Full masculinity—muscles and beard and sweat—seems to be, for many women, less desirable than a softer masculinity. The image of the erotic Christ, the holy-card Christ, was a softened and feminized Jesus. (Most recently, Sister Wendy chose a painting derived from the face of a black woman as the Christ of the new millennium.)

Women do not need men to survive anymore as it was in previous eras, and so a boyfriend as a type of love-kitten has become popular.

The philosophical characterization of the feminine as receptive seems to explain the role of Mary in Catholic spirituality, but it creates major problems for the image of Christ. 

What of Christ’s masculinity? 

Shouldn’t he have been feminine? He often is shown as such in popular Western art, and his masculine characteristics are anathema to certain liberals.

Even David Schindler, editor of the orthodox Catholic periodical Communio, claims that the unincarnate Son is feminine because he receives his divinity from the Father, and that the Spirit is feminine, and that even the Father is feminine because he receives his fatherhood from having a son. Identifying receptivity and femininity leads to such conundrums. It is also serves as an easy excuse for the lack of men in the Church.

Byzantine Art is Better

Byzantine art has presented a far more accurate and masculine figure of Christ, for instance, the famous Christ of Mt. Sinai, who has the face of a prize-fighter, with beaten and bruised face. 

My wife, an art historian, believes it was based on the Shroud of Turin, the “image not made with human hands.” Later iconographers realized that the face on the Shroud had been beaten, and corrected their portrayal, but ever Christ is shown as a strong man.

Christus Pontecrator

In the Pantocrator icon, Christ dominates the church, and in the Paleologan miniatures, the Christ of Palm Sunday has a young, strong face, and a lock of hair in front that cannot be combed back. Perhaps the best icon of Christ is the Anastasis in Constantinople. In it Jesus is shown in contrapasso, with his body twisted. 

In Western art, this is often merely decorative and mannered. Here, however, he is pulling Adam from the grave with one hand and Eve from the grave with his other hand. The divine strength in his arms can raise the dead.

The Damage is not only in Art but also Behaviour 

The visual image is not the only aspect of Christ that has been distorted. If they were honest, many modern Christians would say that Jesus was not behaving in a very “Christian way” when he excoriated the Pharisees or threw the moneychangers out of the temple. Even the answer Jesus gives in Luke 13 and certainly the curse of Matthew 23.

The strength of God, the judgment of God, the mysteries of friendship and brotherhood achieved only through a mingling of blood in death are not in the minds of ordinary Western Christians even when they read the Gospels.

Effeminate Western Liturgy

The Western Liturgy has also been heavily feminized. Even before the liturgical disasters that followed the Second Vatican Council, the Mass was not ordinarily experienced as a dreadful and awe-inspiring mystery, although there was more of that before the council than there is now. 

The devotions that were then popular in the Roman Catholic Church were aimed mostly at women, and the more recent reform of the Western Liturgy has turned it into a ceremony in which the “community worships itself”.

Forgotten are the divine and life-giving mysteries, the true initiation into the mysteries of life and death that all human beings, and men especially, yearn for. The fear of God at the smoking Mountain.

Even the language of the Liturgy in the West has been toned down. Most distinctly masculine references have been sought out and removed whenever possible. Even more subtly, spiritual warfare and the contrast of heaven and hell are toned down in modern translations, so that Christians seek not a confrontation, but a rapprochement with the world.

The Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, whether they use the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom or the Mass of St. Gregory, at least have the advantage of a Liturgy that is still a celebration of the Mysteries, not a communal get-together.

Eastern Spirituality escaped Bridal Mysticism

Eastern spirituality seems to be free of bridal mysticism and its attendant eroticism, which so repels normal men. 

I would caution Orthodox Christians in the West to be very discerning in their reception of customs and spirituality that developed in the West after 1054. This is true even of the great spiritual classics. The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola are a revival of ancient patristic and monastic spirituality, in a form that is perhaps more accessible to the Western mind. But the bridal mysticism of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, though undoubtedly expressing their experience of divine union, uses language and images that are not helpful and fruitful in the current situation of the Church.

The image of Christ that we should cultivate is simply that of the Scriptures—the human history of Jesus in the Gospels and the unveiling of his cosmic role in the Epistles and in the Apocalypse. 

Initiation into Mysteries of Life and Death

Men yearn for initiation into the mysteries of life and death. Some seek it in Freemasonry, in nazism, in drugs, in extreme sports, but these are false paths.

There is only one Way, and it is the fault of the Western Church that this way has been obscured in the minds of men by a distorted image of Jesus. Men yearn for friendship, and the West offers them a romantic relationship with a half-feminized Jesus, instead of the Savior and Pantocrator, the Lord of Lords.

Christ’s Masculinity is Mission Critical for all Men 

Boys and young men must be shown that being Christian is essential to becoming masculine, to becoming fully a man. Fathers should lead family prayers and Bible readings. It is extremely important that a boy see a man whom he respects praying and taking Christianity seriously.

Boys will nearly kill themselves in sports; they should be introduced to Christian asceticism, prayer, fasting, and other disciplines of the Church. Prayer is not simply words. One prays with the body, by bowing, by kneeling, by prostrating, by walking. Pilgrimages are a form of prayer. The Boy Scouts, for which I am an assistant scoutmaster in my parish, provide an excellent framework for integrating clearly masculine activities with religious instruction.

These small steps are important. The unfruitful traditions that obscure and distort the masculinity of Jesus and of the Christian are deeply entrenched in the West. Feminists now control many of the churches and are making a bad situation even worse.

But in our gardens, each plot of land that Providence has allotted to us during our time on this earth, we can make small improvements and plant the seeds that may one day bear unexpected spiritual fruit. Our obedience is the best instrument that God has to carry on the work of Christ in the world today. Like good soldiers, we ask only that our sacrifices hasten the day of final victory, a victory that Jesus our hero has already won.

The Greek Worldview has a very wrong notion of work.

Martin Luther caused the Protestant Capitalist North European Work Ethic aka the PCNWE and this hugely influenced the West.

There is a difference between a Job and Work, however. The one is a struggle for survival the other a divine vocation.

What often plays a role in this discussion is the notion of full-time ministry.

God’s Work

Does God work? What Work does He do? Does He prefer leisure?

Obviously, the creator is immensely creative and productive.

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
” (Genesis 2:1–3, NKJV)

 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:

“So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ”
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

” (Hebrews 4:1–3, NKJV)

What is the work of God?

28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
” (John 6:28–29, NKJV)

The Father is working and the Son

17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” ” (John 5:17, NKJV)

God’s Work in Creation

The History of Creation

In the beginning God created (bara) the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
” (Genesis 1:1–2, NKJV)

26 Then God said, “Let Us make (na-ase) man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
” (Genesis 1:26, NKJV)

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work (mlaka) which He had done (asah – manufacture), and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.
” (Genesis 2:1–3, NKJV)

Entomoloy

Bara

בָּרָא vb. shape, create — Qal shape, fashion, create, always of divine activity, with acc. rei.

1. heaven and earth; mankind; the host of heaven; heavens; ends of the earth; north and south; wind.
2. the individual man; the smith and the waster; Israel as a nation; the seed of Israel.
3. new conditions and circumstances: righteousness and salvation; darkess and evil; fruit of the lips; a new thing הֲדָשָׁה (a woman encompassing a man); cloud and flame over Zion.
4. of tranformations: a clean heart; new heaven and earth (in place of old); transformation of nature; with double acc. בורא ירושׁלם

Mlaka

ְלָאכָה   n.f. occupation, work (for ˓מַלְאָכָה)

1. occupation, business, מַה מְּלַאכְתְּךָ;
   1. business of a steward;
   2. diligent in business;
   3. slack in business.
2. property in which one is occupied, רעהו ˊמ his neighbour’s property; possessions of herds and flocks (cf. מִקְנֶה); רבה ˊמ great property.
3. work as something done or made:
   1. of God in creation, in judgment, in general.
   2. of men, עור ˊמ leather- work, השׂדה ˊמ work in the field; in building, the walls of Jerusalem, making the tabernacle and its furniture, the temple; work of the potter, of the seaman, of the Levites, of priests in the sacrifices; cf. the phrase ˊעֹשֵׂה המ workmen; ˊכל מ any work forbidden on the Sabbath; on holy convocations.
4. service, use.
5. public business:
   1. political.
6.              religious, putting away foreign wives.

New Testament Examples

Old Creation Groaning

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
” (Romans 8:18–30, NKJV)

The New Creation

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
” (2 Corinthians 5:16–19, NKJV)

His Workmanship

7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
” (Ephesians 2:7–10, NKJV)

Miracles as Works

3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” ”
(John 9:3–5, NKJV)

Finishing the Work

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. 
” (John 17:1–5, NKJV)

Laboring

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” 
” (John 4:34–38, NKJV)

Witness of the Works of Christ

36 But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 
” (John 5:36, NKJV)

Christian Works

Scripture Equips The Man of God for good works

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,15. and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,17. that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:14-17

that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;11. strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;
Colossians 1:10-11

Greater Works

19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.
” (John 5:19–21, NKJV)

What are Greater Works

19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.
22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
” (John 5:19–30, NKJV)

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.
By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.
I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.
Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.
I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,
That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries.
“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old.
I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.
Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth;
While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world.
When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,
When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep,
When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth,
Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him,
Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.
“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways.
Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it.
Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord;
But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.” ”
” (Proverbs 8:12–36, NKJV)

” (1 Corinthians 14:1–5, NKJV)

9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

” (Revelation 19:9–10, NKJV)

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Redemption in Christ

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

” (Ephesians 1:1–14, NKJV)

The Light of Christ’s Gospel

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Cast Down But Unconquered

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.

13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Seeing the Invisible

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Assurance of the Resurrection

5 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

The Judgment Seat of Christ

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

Be Reconciled to God

12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

” (2 Corinthians 4:1–5:21, NKJV)

5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

” (1 John 1:1–10, NKJV)

I am the Vine my Father is the Vinedresser

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

The Relationship of Believers to Each Other

12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

The Relationship of Believers to the World

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

16 “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. 4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.

“And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

” (John 15:1–16:15, NKJV)

A quick non comprehensive list:

1. The Cross
2. Believers Judging Ourselves
3. Christian Judging One Another Matt7
4. The Judgement Seat of Christ Bema
5. The Judgement Gathered Nations
6. The Judgement Israel
7. The Judgement Angels
8. The Judgement of the Dead – the Great White Throne

For Judgement I have come

39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” 
” (John 9:39, NKJV)

My Words Judge You

47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” 
” (John 12:47–50, NKJV)

The Bema

The first future judgment derives its name from two passages where the term “Judgment Seat of Christ” appears:

7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written:
“As I live, says the Lord,
Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God.”
” (Romans 14:7–11, NKJV)

The Judgment Seat of Christ

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
” (2 Corinthians 5:9–11, NKJV)

The Word Bema

The word used is bema. It appears in classical Greek to identify the judge’s seat in the arena of the Olympic games. The bema was the seat whereon the judge sat, not to punish contestants, but to present awards to the victors. When Christians stand before the bema of Christ, it will be for the express purpose of being rewarded according to their works.

All Judgement has Been Committed to the Son

22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
” (John 5:22–23, NKJV)

30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
” (Acts 17:30–31, NKJV)

In this sense every judgment throne can be considered as the judgment seat of Christ, however, there is only one Bema, a throne erected for Christ for the purpose of awarding the prizes or crowns to the victorious saints.

The Judged

Only believers will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. In both verses where this judgment is mentioned (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10), the words are addressed to Christians only.

The Great White Throne Judgment

This is for the unbelievers and is unto condemnation

11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

” (Revelation 20:11–15, NKJV)

When and Where is the Bema?

The Bible is no clear on details as to the exact location of the place of the Bema. Whether in Heaven or in the air we cannot tell. However, one thing is certain “A divine judgment need not take long.”

Since God dwells above the Space Time Continuum it is possible that this judgment of the saints will be instantaneous, and that each Christian will rise into the air to enter at once into his proper place and appointed rewarding.

The Last Trumpet is the most likely Time

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep,  lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, NKJV)

At the Last Trumpet we will be Changed

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

” (1 Corinthians 15:50–58, NKJV)

If there are problems regarding the exact location and the manner of this judgment, there are none regarding its certainty, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”

Rewards for Building on Christ

9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 
” (1 Corinthians 3:9–15, NKJV)

Christ Gives the Parable of the Ten Minas

11 Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’

15 “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ 19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’

20 “Then another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. 21 For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’

24 “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.’ 25 (But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’) 26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ”

” (Luke 19:11–27, NKJV)

The Botched One Talent Person is Burned

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

” (Matthew 25:14–30, NKJV)

The Millennium

This is the Judgment Seat of Christ, and it probably determines our position and service in the Millennial Kingdom.

Other parables of our Lord which should be studied in connection with Christian service are the Unprofitable Servant

Saints Will Differ in Heaven

35 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” 36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.

39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.

40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

Our Final Victory

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55  “O  Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

” (1 Corinthians 15:35–58, NKJV)

The Crowns or Rewards

11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

” (Revelation 3:11–13, NKJV)

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

” (Revelation 22:12–13, NKJV)

Crown Of Rejoicing

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

” (1 Thessalonians 2:19–20, NKJV)

The Incorruptible Crown

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27, NKJV)

The Crown of Rejoicing

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

” (1 Thessalonians 2:19–20, NKJV)

The Crown of Righteousness

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

” (2 Timothy 4:6–8, NKJV)

The Crown of Life

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

” (James 1:12, NKJV)

10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

” (Revelation 2:10, NKJV)

The Crown of Glory

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

” (1 Peter 5:1–4, NKJV)

12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

” (Luke 14:12–14, NKJV)

Enter into the Joy

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

” (Matthew 25:20–23, NKJV)

The Manner of the Love the Father Bestowed on us

3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. ” (1 John 3:1–3, NKJV)

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But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. ” (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV)

Typical Biblical Response to God appearing in Reality

36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
” (Luke 24:36–39, NKJV)

21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”) ” (Hebrews 12:21, NKJV)

The Brain and Trauma

Existential problem. The worst trauma known to man is for flesh to meet SPIRIT. Encountering God in a real sense causes major malfunction.

The human brain was designed to contain severe trauma, by switching off. We typically encounter “Blue Screen of Death” when we encounter God in any first-hand way. The brain fails, the body fails and sheer and utter terror then causes us to forget what happened.

That He is Not

The terror of the Lord is so severe that the Brain fails and denies His Existence. We are now free to tithe, sing songs that we call worship, and attend the local church. After thirty years we will gladly see nothing has changed.  After seventy years you will be back facing that God that the pastortute is trying to protect you from.

That He is a Rewarder of those that diligently seek Him

We can now also spend endless hours preaching, teaching, arguing, guessing, and speculating about the nature of God. This is only possible because we have safely concluded that HE IS NOT. Having saved ourselves from a living and real God we can now continue to dismantle WHO HE IS into ever-increasing humanistic sentimentality.

There is a better Way

Hold Fast Your Confession

19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Just Live by Faith

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

37 “For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
” (Hebrews 10:19–39, NKJV)

Fellowship with Him and One Another

5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

” (1 John 1:5–10, NKJV)

The Test of Knowing Him

3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

” (1 John 2:3–6, NKJV)

Do Not Love the World

15 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. 16 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. 17 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, NKJV)

Deceptions of the Last Hour

18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

” (1 John 2:18–23, NKJV)

3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Sin and the Child of God

4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

” (1 John 3:1–9, NKJV)

3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Sin and the Child of God

4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

The Imperative of Love

10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

The Outworking of Love

16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error

24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Knowing God Through Love

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Seeing God Through Love

12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

The Consummation of Love

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Obedience by Faith

20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

” (1 John 3:1–4:21, NKJV)

Introduction and Benediction

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Greeting the Seven Churches

4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Vision of the Son of Man

9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

” (Revelation 1:1–20, NKJV)

Sin is a malfunction of original design, a malfunction of personality

1+1=2

2     “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

1. 3     “You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. 4     “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
3. 7     “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
4. 8     “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
5. 12   “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
6. 13   “You shall not murder.
7. 14   “You shall not commit adultery.
8. 15   “You shall not steal.
9. 16   “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. 17   “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

” (Exodus 20:2–17, NKJV)

Why will God not overlook sin?

As Master Architect and Engineer God will not overlook sin. Sin is deviation from the perfect original design and this malfunction leads to failure and disaster. Christ died so that we can be set free from sin and thus join God in His perfection. There is time and grace (power) for us to grow but the goal is crystal clear throughout the New Testament. Pastors and mothers find it near impossible to accept this but scripture is clear. 

4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

” (1 John 3:4–9, NKJV)

As a quick aside, if this verse shocks and horrifies you must seriously consider that are deceived and in a false theology.

God as Chief Designer planned and brought forth the creation in great complexity, glory and beauty to work beautifully. This is clear in genesis and also portions like Proverbs 8. 

Failure to pursue holiness and righteousness and the Love of God on His terms will lead to destruction as we see in Hell and also many precursors thought the Old and New Testament God’s.

The Love of God has always led to Holiness

5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

” (Exodus 20:5–6, NKJV)

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

” (John 14:23–24, NKJV)

The good news is that God will not expect obedience from love if it were impossible.

How does God save us from sin?

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

” (Romans 6:5–11, NKJV)

Salvation by Grace sets us free from SIN

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

” (Romans 6:14, NKJV)

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

” (Romans 6:20–23, NKJV)

If you continue in SIN there is no offering

Entomology of SIN HAT-TA

SINחַטָּאת

n.f. sin, sin-offering — 

1. sin: 
2. against man. Elsewhere 
3. against God; c. בְּon the ground of sin; for sin; with or by sin; ˊהלךבחwalk in sin; ˊדבקבחcleave unto sin; c. עַל, on account of sin; for sin; ˊיסףעלחadd unto sin; c. בְּaccording to sin; c. לְto or for sin; c. מִןbecause of sin; from sin; ˊמפניbecause of sin; ˊבגללחbecause of sin; הלך ˊאחרחwalk after sin. 
4. men should return from sinשׁוּבמִן; depart from itסוּרמֵעַל; סוּרמן; be concerned aboutדאגמן; confess ˊהִתְוַדָּהח. 
5. God deals with sin: 
6. (1) he visits punishment upon it (על) פקד; inquires after itדרשׁל; watches over itשׁמרעל; hoards it up; 
7. (2) by forgiveness: ˊנשׂאח; ˊנשׂאעוןח; ˊנשׂאלח; pardon ˊסלחלח; removalהסר; העביר; casting into the depths of the sea; 
8. (3) by covering over, making atonement for; ˊלְהָתֵםח (Qr) make an end of sins; 
9. (4) by blotting out ˊמחהח; cleanse from sin ˊטַהֲרֵנִימח; ˊמקוֹרלחa fountain for sin; 
10. (5) by not remembering it ˊלאזכרח; אַל־תֵּפֶןאֶל־חַטָּאתוֹlook not unto his sin. 
11. atonement may be secured for (Moses, by his intercession). 
12. the priest is to make atonement for a person (כפּרעל) by sin-offering or trespass-offering, ˊמחbecause of sin, so that the man is clean from sin ˊטהרמח. 
13. condition of sin, guilt of sin.
14. punishment for sin. 
15. sin-offering: one of the kinds of offering; first in the history (reign of Jehoash), where חטּאת of money given to priests. 
16. purification from sins of ceremonial uncleanness: water; ashes.

Wonderful 

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father

John 14 12

19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

” (John 5:19–30, NKJV)

Christ Answers Philip

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Christ Answers Judas

22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

” (John 14:8–31, NKJV)

Greek Worldview has very wrong notion of work

Martin Luther caused PCNWE Protestant Capitalist North European Work Ethic  

There is a difference between a Job and Work. The one is a struggle for survival the other a divine vocation.

God’s Work

Does God work? What Work does He do? Does He prefer leisure?

Obviously the creator is immense creative and productive 

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

” (Genesis 2:1–3, NKJV)

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:

“So I swore in My wrath,

‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ”

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

” (Hebrews 4:1–3, NKJV)

What is the work of God?

28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

” (John 6:28–29, NKJV)

The Father is working and the Son

17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”

” (John 5:17, NKJV)

God’s Work in Creation

The History of Creation

In the beginning God created (bara) the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

” (Genesis 1:1–2, NKJV)

26 Then God said, “Let Us make (na-ase) man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

” (Genesis 1:26, NKJV)

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work (mlaka) which He had done (asah – manufacture), and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

” (Genesis 2:1–3, NKJV)

Entomoloy

Bara

בָּרָאvb. shape, create — Qal shape, fashion, create, always of divine activity, with acc. rei. 

1. obj. heaven and earth; mankind; the host of heaven; heavens; ends of the earth; north and south; wind. 
2. the individual man; the smith and the waster; Israel as a nation; the seed of Israel. 
3. new conditions and circumstances: righteousness and salvation; darkess and evil; fruit of the lips; a new thing הֲדָשָׁה (a woman encompassing a man); cloud and flame over Zion. 
4. of tranformations: a clean heart; new heaven and earth (in place of old); transformation of nature; with double acc. בוראירושׁלם

Mlaka

ְלָאכָה  n.f. occupation, work (for ˓מַלְאָכָה)

1. occupation, business, מַהמְּלַאכְתְּךָ; 
2. business of a steward; 
3. diligent in business;
4. slack in business. 
5. property in which one is occupied, רעהו ˊמhis neighbour’s property; possessions of herds and flocks (cf. מִקְנֶה); רבה ˊמgreat property. 
6. work as something done or made: 
7. of God in creation, in judgment, in general. 
8. of men, עור ˊמleather- work, השׂדה ˊמwork in the field; in building, the walls of Jerusalem, making the tabernacle and its furniture, the temple; work of the potter, of the seaman, of the Levites, of priests in the sacrifices; cf. the phrase ˊעֹשֵׂההמworkmen; ˊכלמany work forbidden on the Sabbath; on holy convocations. 
9. workmanship. 
10. service, use. 
11. public business: 
12. a. political.
13.            b. religious, putting away foreign wives.

New Testament Examples

Old Creation Groaning

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

” (Romans 8:18–30, NKJV)

The New Creation

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

” (2 Corinthians 5:16–19, NKJV)

His Workmanship

7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

” (Ephesians 2:7–10, NKJV)

Miracles as Works

3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

” (John 9:3–5, NKJV)

Finishing the Work

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

” (John 17:1–5, NKJV)

Laboring

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

” (John 4:34–38, NKJV)

Witness of the Works of Christ

36 But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

” (John 5:36, NKJV)

Christian Works

Scripture Equips The Man of God for good works

14. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,15. and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,17. that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:14-17

10. that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;11. strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 
Colossians 1:10-11

Greater Works

19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

” (John 5:19–21, NKJV)

What are Greater Works

19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

” (John 5:19–30, NKJV)

12   “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,

And find out knowledge and discretion.

13   The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;

Pride and arrogance and the evil way

And the perverse mouth I hate.

14   Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom;

I am understanding, I have strength.

15   By me kings reign,

And rulers decree justice.

16   By me princes rule, and nobles,

All the judges of the earth.

17   I love those who love me,

And those who seek me diligently will find me.

18   Riches and honor are with me,

Enduring riches and righteousness.

19   My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold,

And my revenue than choice silver.

20   I traverse the way of righteousness,

In the midst of the paths of justice,

21   That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth,

That I may fill their treasuries.

22   “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way,

Before His works of old.

23   I have been established from everlasting,

From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.

24   When there were no depths I was brought forth,

When there were no fountains abounding with water.

25   Before the mountains were settled,

Before the hills, I was brought forth;

26   While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields,

Or the primal dust of the world.

27   When He prepared the heavens, I was there,

When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,

28   When He established the clouds above,

When He strengthened the fountains of the deep,

29   When He assigned to the sea its limit,

So that the waters would not transgress His command,

When He marked out the foundations of the earth,

30   Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman;

And I was daily His delight,

Rejoicing always before Him,

31   Rejoicing in His inhabited world,

And my delight was with the sons of men.

32   “Now therefore, listen to me, my children,

For blessed are those who keep my ways.

33   Hear instruction and be wise,

And do not disdain it.

34   Blessed is the man who listens to me,

Watching daily at my gates,

Waiting at the posts of my doors.

35   For whoever finds me finds life,

And obtains favor from the Lord;

36   But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul;

All those who hate me love death.”

” (Proverbs 8:12–36, NKJV)

Why Study the Blessing and the Curse?

We all need to and want to be blessed. Blessed means the life success and love of God is prospering over us.

To be blessed also indicates the pleasure and satisfaction and support of God. Being cursed the anthesis.

God blesses and God curses. It’s His way, it’s part of His technology.  It is how His LAW and STATUTES and PRECEPTS and COMMANDS and JUDGMENTS and WAYS function.See PS 119.

The Blessing is God’s Life and Intention and Power to prosper.

What is a Blessing and What a Curse?

• Blessing means supernatural push from God up BIG VECTOR UP
• Curse means supernatural push from God down BIG VECTOR DOWN

The Curse is God’s sanction on sin to discourage and eradicate it. The Lord wants to remove sin from yourself. If that fails, the Lord will remove sin with yourself.

It’s like a vector. It’s an act of discipline and not a total rejection on day one. Off course if you continue in sin over time it will escalate and become life threatening but initially it is a warning and an act of discipline.

Distinguish Between:

• Curse
• Hate
• Kill
• Reject
• Discipline
• Sacrifice 
• Punish
• Destroy
• Judge

I can kill a chicken to eat it without hating it, judging it, disciplining. It is however a sacrifice. Eskimos have 5 words for white and only word for red, orange and yellow. Christians need to develop their understanding of the blessing and the Curse in covenant context.

Often Christians mistakenly think only about the curse for not tithing, which ironically is not part of our covenant, and then maybe the curse of the law but after that it all gets weird and superstitious for the charismatics and blackout for the reformed guys.

Purpose of Podcast

The New Covenant has terms and conditions and the blessing, and the curse of the Covenant need to be understood and obeyed just like each of the previous covenants. 5 of the 6 main covenants in the Bible are still in force for Christians and one is annulled, although that one, the Mosaic covenant was given with the express purpose of highlighting to Israel and by extension mankind’s failure under the Adamic covenant.Romans 7 then explains that the Mosaic Covenant aka the Law, also acts as a death sentence to Adam. This death sense is carried out on the Cross for all who have been baptised into Christ. The rest will be executed in Gehenna. 

Those who have been baptised into Jesus death are now walking free from sin in resurrection life aka ZOE.

Those who are not baptised into Christ death continue in sin until they die physically, after which they are resurrected judged and thrown into the second death.

We need to understand God’s Blessing and Cursing in order to:

• Make sense of our lives, families, businesses and ministries and the world.
• Understand what Christians and churches are doing right and wrong.
• Change our ways (repent) in order to comply with God’s Terms and Conditions for especially the New Covenant.
• Understand how the other 6 covenants impact on our lives and the world around us.

Six Covenants 

There are six major covenants in the Bible that impact on the life of a Christian.

1. Adamic
2. Noahic
3. Abrahamic
4. Mosaic - aka The Law
5. Davidic
6. Jesus – aka the New Covenant

Each Covenant has Blessings and Curses and they are Covenant Specific. There are terms and conditions, and they are contained in the Blessings and Curses of that specific covenant.

Note both the blessing and the curse is Covenant Specific and God gives both in creative and artistic detail.

HAVOC Theology

The Curse and the Blessing apply only to the parties of that specific covenant. You cannot yank Mal 3:10 and or 2 Chron 7:14 out of covenant context and try and apply it to the church.

14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV)

Charismatics often have a deeper affection of the mosaic Covenant than the New Covenant and actually want to live in the Mosaic with simply a super blessing of happiness now and some vague undefined notion of heaven later.

The main tern of the New Covenant is taken up your cross by faith and dying with Jesus. Sadly this is not popular with Christians.

More on this later.

Covenant Aspects:

• The Parties
• The Terms
• The Blessing
• The Curse
• The Sign
• The Duration

5 of these covenants are still in force today because of their duration. Moses has been fulfilled and annulled according to Hebrews 7:18.

God is Judge Jury and Executioner in all Six Covenants. Don’t worry about demons, free masons or witch doctors as much as you worry about God.

Witch doctors and stuff can hurt unbelievers but are very easy to deal with once the Cross is invoked.

The Adamic Covenant

The Blessing

27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.

” (Genesis 1:27–29, NKJV)

The Curse

8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”

10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”

13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this,

You are cursed more than all cattle,

And more than every beast of the field;

On your belly you shall go,

And you shall eat dust

All the days of your life.

15  And I will put enmity

Between you and the woman,

And between your seed and her Seed;

He shall bruise your head,

And you shall bruise His heel.”

16 To the woman He said:

“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception;

In pain you shall bring forth children;

Your desire shall be for your husband,

And he shall rule over you.”