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The prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation explain a lot about the Bible. Both of these books, which are 'encoded' in prophetic metaphor that means the same almost no matter what language the Bible is translated into, reveal the true nature of the Bible itself. Daniel and Revelation portray God as we men have portrayed Him both in and out of the Bible: As an abominable Beast who approves of killing and covetousness, and works in support of secular or religious governments created and operated by men. But God, unlike us, does not use evil to subdue evil. Jesus' Life attests to that fact. God gave these visions of indescribable Beasts to both Daniel (the book of Daniel in the Old Testament) and John (the book of Revelation in the New Testament), then left it up to us to figure out why He did so. He knew the time would come when we would corner ourselves with our vain beliefs. He wanted us to know this: The Bible is God's witness - not God's testimony. As God's witness, the Bible is truly inerrant. The Bible has been written by men and women who did their best to share the Character of the God that they perceived during their lifetimes, inspired by His Spirit. However, all of us are sinners, and none of us is perfect, including the Biblical writers. Some of these men and women characterized God to us as responsible for all manner of death and destruction. They accused Him of being the instigator of many cruel and harsh punishments, punishments not to be judged and meted out by God - but rather by other men. Jesus came to us in order to witness the true Character of God to us through His own Life. He is the Way to Knowledge of God, the Truth about God, and the Life Witness we have of God and His treatment of man. If we use Jesus' Character to analyze what we read in the Bible, we can find God's Character as well. Consider the following: "When men strive together one with another, and the wife of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets: Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her." (Deu 25:11-12 KJVA) Would Jesus have given this commandment? No. This commandment set forth a brutal punishment devised by men who wished to protect their private parts! God has taken responsibility for these punishments that men devised in the Old Testament, and because He loved these men and they did their best, He will not disparage them. We know this because Jesus did not disparage them. God Himself takes responsibility for all that we do, because He created us. He does not call the Children of Israel warmongers in the Bible - instead He says that He did what they did, and He allows us to do the same thing: Blame Him for evil things that happen. Here's a good example: King Saul was wounded in battle and didn't want to be killed by the enemy: "Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it." (1 Chronicles 10:4 KJV) Then, further down the chapter, what does the writer say? "So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse." (1 Chronicles 10:13-14 KJV) The writer says God killed Saul. In the same way we say "It was God's will" when something bad happens, thus laying the blame on God - even if someone was murdered by a maniac. How about the prophecy foretelling 9/11 in Ezekiel? God takes responsibility in a warning to us: "Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD. Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers. I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter." (Ezekiel 21:13-15 KJV) Did God wield the sword of 9/11? No, it was men who killed on that day. Through the prophets God always takes responsibility by saying He will do things, though in reality if it is an evil thing it is man that is going to do it. Is the way that some writers have portrayed God completely their fault?
Not really,
because they were just like us, and we are only too happy to go
along. Most of us believe in God the same way they did - as a God
that will break His own law. Why is God described as He is? God's Word is in the Bible, but the Bible is not entirely God's Word. We cannot see God. As sinners, communication between God and man has been limited and difficult, taking place mainly through His Spirit within us. The metaphorical descriptions of God spoken by Himself in the books of the prophets, and the God witnessed to us by Jesus are descriptions of God as we should worship Him, whereas the God described elsewhere who meets out punishment and violence, etc... is the description of God taking responsibility, allowing men to give Him credit as they felt they should do, for all things that the men who worshipped Him actually did. After all, God created man, and therefore is responsible for the evil we do. Think about it... Why were the prophets hated, persecuted, and killed? Why didn't God protect them and wipe out their persecutors? Why was a temple built for God when God says through the prophets He doesn't live in temples? Why were sacrifices for the atonement for sin initiated, when God says He never wanted sacrifice and deplores it? Why does God allow men to write untruths about Him if He's such a ferocious and punishing God? Aren't we, as His children really the ferocious and punishing part of Him? Yet the God in these violent stories is the same God, He's just viewed from different eyes than in the prophets and New Testament. Realy, if the Children of Israel succeeded in battle, how could they give themselves credit when they believed God was a punisher deliverer of death? They gave God credit for all that they did, as many people still give God credit for all that we do. Throughout the Bible many of the writers in their earnest, inspired, though imperfect fashion, have portrayed a God of Heaven that breaks His own commandments and Laws in order to punish the same mankind for whom He, as our God, has professed only Love - mankind for whom Jesus died rather than defend Himself from. God says He created us for His pleasure. He created us to be happy. Why would He make our lives violent and miserable?
It is 'scientifically' impossible for God to do evil. Saying that 'God kills' is like calling cold water hot. It is just not true. Jesus Christ witnessed God's Character to us. Jesus said plainly that: "If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." (John 14:7 KJV) "There is none good but one, that is, God." (Matthew 19:17 KJV) "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24 KJV) The Apostle John wrote: "He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." (3 John 1:11 KJV) Also: "...We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16 KJV) Did Jesus kill? Did He ever break God's commandment, "Thou shalt not kill"? Did Jesus ever teach people so, or did He ever give people excuses to kill? We should listen to men only as they reflect the character of Jesus as we know it. When even inspired men with good intentions teach us, if they veer from God's character as expressed by Jesus, we need to ignore that part of what men say. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, everyone else is 'an hireling': "The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." (John 10:13-14) "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
Jesus told us that the Bible is a transcript of history. The Bible is not God's Word from God's mouth: Man wrote the Bible. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. The scriptures testify of Jesus. Who testifies? Witnesses testify. If the Bible is written by witnesses, those witnesses were men. The Bible is not God's record of Himself, rather it is the record of various men - from various backgrounds with various influences - and various motives. "I receive not honour from men." (John 5:39-41 KJV) Inspired men - not perfect men. Here is an interesting description of our situation with God since history began: "God is an all-powerful Spirit capable only of good. But He is stuck with a planet of beings whom He created with free will. These beings constantly seek His help in order to get rich when they are poor, but they ignore Him when they get rich." Try to think for a moment about the Holy Bible as the transcript of a long, complicated murder trial that takes place over several thousand years: Isn't it amazing that the Suspect still trusts mankind to eventually sit a jury that will find Him innocent. That's us today. Isn't it time for us break the yoke that is responsible for the verdict of guilty we pass when we consider that God is capable of the evil that only we commit? Isn't it time for us to break that yoke that requires us to 'worship the doctrines of men' by believing any man to be divine, as God alone is divine? Let us become an impartial jury for our Living God by using the divine Love that God Himself has placed in our own hearts. The logic of His Great Ten Commandment Law: "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jeremiah 31:33-34) "The least of them unto the greatest of them"... That includes you and me. Since the time of the New Testament, where Jesus witnesses Him to us, God has entrusted each of us to know Him for ourselves. It is our responsibility to discern what is, and what is not, of God, no matter who else tells us that he speaks for God.
The writers of the Bible were inspired men and women, but where they perfect? A good example of a man who did his best for Jesus and spreading His Gospel, yet ended up trying to be a shepherd to us instead of relying on Jesus to shepherd us, is the Apostle Simon Peter. Peter loved Jesus very much, and was inspired to write about how we should believe in Jesus, even how we should act if we believed in Jesus. But did Peter really know how Jesus thinks we should act? Read John Chapter 21, verses 15 through 22: "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." (John 21:15-22 KJV) In this last chapter of John, Jesus gives Peter three opportunities to repent and ask forgiveness for the three times that Peter denied his relationship with Jesus the day of Jesus' crucifixion. Peter fails to understand even after the third time. Then Peter's pride causes him to ask what will happen to John when Jesus tells him that he, too, will be crucified for his faith. Jesus rebukes Peter for his unwarranted concern for John's fate, and says to him "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" (John 21:22 KJV) Peter was still a proud and vain man (as nearly all of us are, including myself), though he loved Jesus very much. Jesus was aware of Peter's pride: "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." (Luke 22:31-32 KJV) After Peter had denied Jesus three times the night of Jesus' arrest, the cock crowed as Jesus had predicted. Luke reports that "...Peter went out, and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:62 KJV) Peter wept, but did he finally truly convert, being born again in the Spirit of Jesus? Consider the following events in the book of Acts: |
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When Ananias and Sapphira sold their land, they attempted to keep some of the purchase price back for themselves. When confronted by Peter, Ananias fell dead, according to Peter because the Holy Spirit caused his death. Next, Sapphira came to Peter several hours later. Instead of telling her what happened to her husband and admonishing her, Peter sets a trap for her: "And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much." (Acts 5:8 KJV) Again, according to Acts, Peter basically dooms Sapphira for conspiring with her husband to hold back some of their own money. He didn't ask if she approved - wives are supposed to obey their husbands! "Then Peter said unto [Sapphira], How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out." (Acts 5:9 KJV) This action reflects Jesus' teachings? Not in the least. Even for those who crucified Him, Jesus prayed for forgiveness. Whatever spirit Peter was implying killed these two people, it was not a spirit led by God, the Father whom Jesus' witnessed to us: "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15 KJV) Why is the story of Ananias and Sapphira without light? Because the entire reason for selling possessions and pooling the money made, was to implement Jesus' teaching of the brotherhood of the Kingdom of Heaven among the apostles and their new followers. To do that while allowing killing, by God or anyone else, could not happen. It is simply not possible for God, or humans, to kill under God's government of brotherhood. As actually happened, sadly, Christians would once again end up acting out of fear and terror rather than the Love of God and Jesus Christ. These are just a few examples showing that the men who wrote the Bible, though very inspired indeed, were still fallible. The advice they wrote is also fallible. "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:7 KJV) When reading the Bible, listen to the Good Shepherd before accepting a 'truth' as the Truth. Why do I seem to pick on Peter? Because I'm a lot like Peter in pride and vanity, and I also am urgently dedicated to telling people about Jesus... I tend to preach. Note that even in order to use Peter as an example, I myself must judge him. I am a sinner too, but I think Peter would understand why the mistakes of the Apostles urgently need to be pointed out today.
The Men Who Teach Jesus' Sheep To Judge One Another:
And Jesus said: "Judge not, that ye be not judged". That verse alone should tell us that only God knows enough about any individual to pass judgment on that individual - regardless of any outside appearances we may use to justify our judgments. Jesus taught us that we should love both types of people - ALL types of people, and leave judgment to God alone because He alone knows the secrets of men. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV) Some of the writers of the non-Gospel books of the New Testament were extremely judgmental at times, even encouraging others to make life-changing judgments concerning people who are Jesus' sheep. Keep in mind also that the writers of the epistles were writing to specific people and/or churches, and did not intend their epistles to be treated as Christian doctrine! There actions are understandable: They did this in order to prevent "their" churches from being corrupted from outside influences, and to keep still other new believers from being discouraged. But it was not their place to establish flocks of their own. However, would not we have written the same? They had taught people the Gospel, people who then looked to them for guidance rather than to Jesus. But instead of pointing these people back to Jesus, these writers became shepherds themselves, a circumstance that has repeated itself down through history, to the point where now we have over 33,000 forms of Christianity. It was inevitable... men sin, women sin, whether they be former disciples of Jesus, or famous evangelists, or church founders today. None has reached perfection except Jesus. Still, None is to blame because He has 'paid the price' for everyone, convincing us of God's Mercy. Accusations and hatred against other denominations or religions get us nowhere.
Another Mystery Of The Bible: Why was Jesus crucified? "And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." (John 11:49-50 KJV) Jesus was teaching the government of brotherhood under God. People were listening to Him. They were following Him. They wanted to make Him their King. If that had happened, the Romans would have seen it as a rebellion, and would have crushed it immediately. Perhaps destroying Jerusalem as they did in 70 AD. After Jesus was crucified, the Apostles continued His teachings. "These that have turned the world upside down... and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus." (Acts 17:6-7 KJV) At the beginning the apostles taught and healed as Jesus taught and healed. They were hunted and persecuted for the unrest they were fomenting. They disobeyed authority, broke out of jails, made narrow escapes, and generally tried to follow Jesus' teachings and spread His Gospel. In the end, many feel that all but John were also executed for their disobedience to rulers and principalities. The Apostle Paul wrote: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39 KJV) So how did a completely contrary "commandment" from Paul appear in Romans? "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing." (Romans 13:1-6 KJV) These verses from Romans are the direct opposite of Jesus Christ's teachings, who taught all to take up their cross, and follow His example. Knowing the rest of Paul's writings, do you think these verses were interpreted or translated correctly? Follow your Shepherd to know the truth.
All of the books of the New Testament contain a wealth of knowledge of God, and Light from Jesus. This Knowledge comes from the best and most dedicated Christians in history. Yet when we read their words, we must keep in mind that they were men, influenced by their circumstances and individual character traits just like we are. Their words have been exposed to hundreds of human scribes, translators, and editors before they have reached us. If what appears in the Bible is meaningful to us, our Good Shepherd will shine light on the words for us in our hearts. But if what it say goes against what He said, read on until you hear His Voice again. Men delight in coming up with complex ways to make sense out of obvious contradictions. In this way they know you must go to them in order to get an explanation. That's partly why we have over 33,000 forms of Christianity today. Studying the Bible using Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life Witness of God will give a clear picture of how Satan truly works, and also prove that Satan's story and his character are plainly described in the Bible after all. The Bible is God's witness of man's iniquity, and our inability to govern ourselves. Please read the four Gospels afresh, renew your relationship with Jesus and His teachings. You can then use the Light Of The World to distinguish between "truth" and Truth in the Bible - yourself. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)
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id
you ever wonder why the character of Satan is not fully amplified in
the Bible? Why there is no description of how he accomplishes his
evil workings, but only comments about them after the fact?
Hints? And a lot of warnings to beware of Satan next time?