THE PROBLEM WITH CHERRY PICKENS BIBLE VERSES Can God’s Revelation Be “Cherry-Picked” ?
Sunday morning, 9:11 a.m. April 2nd, 2023 41º now, 52º later, Rain, later today, snow tomorrow.
Good Morning Dear One,
I’m good at cherry picking. I’ve done it for years and years.
I came into the faith with a bunch of cherry pickers.
I think the whole christian religion is built on cherry-picked verses. As a former “christian” I can tell you, we cherry picked verses about hell, and sin, and torment, and law, and blah, blah, blah.
As I came out of the christian thing, I found other verses… the “NON-APPROVED” kind… and at first I struggled with these non-approved verses. They didn’t fit. I had my mindset, and they didn’t fit the mindset I was given and trained in.
So I studied the “non-approved” verses of the Bible, and tried to share them with my fellow “christians”. It didn’t go so well. I got shown the door and told not to come back.
Here lately, I have been reading not just one verse… but reading the ENTIRE BOOK OR LETTER found in the Bible, at one sitting. Like reading all of Romans at one sitting. Or, last night, I read all of I Timothy and 2 Timothy and Titus… at one sitting. — THE WHOLE LETTER. There’s something healing about reading the whole letter or whole book found within the Bible. I picked up this habit years ago by reading the book of Revelation at one sitting… it takes about 2 1/2 hours to read it, out loud, at one sitting. And when you do that, it protects you from “cherry-picking” disasters. You see, if you cherry pick, you tend to spend an inordinate amount of time, just focusing on one dang topic, or one big fat idea, and you’ll tend to exaggerate the importance of that idea or topic.
Let me give you some examples of “cherry picking” that creates problems or rabbit trials or “endless questionings” (as Paul says)…. The “lake of fire” is found in only four verses of the Bible. — And yet, you’d think for all the thousands of sermons by christian preachers, that it would be found in half the Bible or something. Four verses ??? That’s like a rounding error in accounting. And wouldn’t you know it… to make the LAKE OF FIRE look more legit… christians pull in all these inferences and conjectures from other passages — THAT ARE NOT THAT CLEAR AT ALL — to suggest that this “lake of fire” mention is worth all the effort. They INFER that the Rich Man and Lazarus story is all about the “lake of fire”. They INFER that the Sheep and Goats is all about the “lake of fire”. They INFER that Judas is sitting in the “lake of fire” just because of that verse that says “it would be better if he had not been born”. — PURE INFERENCE. So… in my journey of faith… when I exited mainstream christianity I was still “cherry-picking” bible verses. — But now I was cherry picking all the good news verses… you know, like “God is the savior of all” and “Christ died for all” and “all will be reconcile”… etc. But — it’s still cherry picking. I’m thinking we’d all do better in our journey of faith to read the whole dang letter… or the whole book of the Bible at one sitting. Like reading the book of Acts, at one sitting. You know, when you are sitting there watching a movie and someone walks in, in the middle of the movie, and asks “WHAT’S GOING ON?, WHY IS HE DOING THAT?, WHY IS SHE RUNNING DOWN THE STAIRS?” Etc… it’s annoying, right? ROMANS 11: 8 even as it is written, God gives them a spirit of stupor, eyes not to be observing, and ears not to be hearing, till this very day.
NOTE: Steve Quayle has built an entire industry on six verses from Genesis — those six verses on “GIANTS” — cherry picking? Yep. 9: NOTE FOR JAMIE: I COR 7: 18 Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not be de-circumcised. Is anyone called in uncircumcision? Let him not circumcise. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the precepts of God. 20 Each one in the calling in which he was called, in this let him be remaining.
Perhaps the biggest reason to “not” cherry pick bible verses… is that we are on a JOURNEY OF FAITH…. So, we’re not at the same place as time goes by… and reading any book of the Bible at one sitting… will help you grasp the thing as a UNIT of thought…. A more complex complete orchestration… a more beautiful musical score… and more complete story… the story of God and His Christ.
I COR 1: 27 but the stupidity of the world God chooses, that He may be disgracing the wise, and the weakness of the world God chooses, that He may be disgracing the strong,
Monday morning, April 3rd, 2023 7:01 a.m. Woke up to 3 inches of snow this morning. 32º now, 39º later, snow all day…. Till at least 1 a.m.
When I was a kid, back in the 1960’s, on the farm, we were “poor” but I didn’t know we were “poor”. I was having a blast on the farm with my brothers and sister and family and friends…
Yes, suffering is a thing. But it’s not a big thing. It’s always temporary. God bookends suffering with nothing on one end and nothing on the other end. The Bible reveals that DEATH IS A RETURN. Throughout the entire Bible, the one word most associated with the word DEATH is the word RETURN. Death is a return. Thus, our “sufferings” are bookended with nothing on one end and nothing on the other end. And then the resurrection unto life. Amen. Can you “suffer” without knowing you’re suffering? Oh sure you can. Most “suffering” is of the mind, really. Mental suffering — all because most of the time you are telling yourself some wild-ass story about how awful your situation is… and “will it ever end???????????” “What are you telling yourself that’s got you upset?” The idea that we can and do suffer, without knowing we’re suffering is a cool concept, when you think about it. If I’m right about this notion, we won’t know we were suffering (mostly) until long after suffering has been outlawed and nullify by Christ’s accomplishments in the cross and at the conclusion of God’s eonian purpose. (EPH 3:11, I COR 15:20-28) One of the things that makes suffering seem small is the “expectation” you have while enduring suffering. Christ is our expectation. See Colossians 1:27 …to whom God wills to make known what are the glorious riches of this secret among the nations, which is: Christ among you, the expectation of glory — You’ve noticed, I’m sure, when you have the “expectation” of something great, like arriving at the ice-cream store, even a ride in a hot car, with a broken A/C unit, is not much of a chore. The expectation compared to the suffering is the thing. And most folks in this life, don’t have the “expectation of Christ” — therefore they complain a lot. Boy won’t they be surprised when they finally discover, at the consummation, that Christ was their expectation all along. If you want to do a study in this topic (suffering) please note: suffering and expectation go hand in hand. One compliments the other. (The KJV says “hope” but hope is so 1611 — “expectation” is the hot, new word.)
Romans 8:20 For to vanity was the creation subjected, not voluntarily, but because of Him Who subjects it, in expectation21 that the creation itself, also, shall be freed from the slavery of corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 5:1 Being, then, justified by faith, we may be having peace toward God, through our Lord, Jesus Christ,2 through Whom we have the access also, by faith, into this grace in which we stand, and we may be glorying in expectation of the glory of God.3 Yet not only so, but we may be glorying also in afflictions, having perceived that affliction is producing endurance,4 yet endurance testedness, yet testedness expectation.5 Now expectation is not mortifying, seeing that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the holy spirit which is being given to us.6 For Christ, while we are still infirm, still in accord with the era, for the sake of the irreverent, died. Romans 8: 24 For to expectation were we saved. Now expectation, being observed, is not expectation, for what anyone is observing, why is he expecting it also?25 Now, if we are expecting what we are not observing, we are awaiting it with endurance.26 Now, similarly, the spirit also is aiding our infirmity, for what we should be praying for, to accord with what must be, we are not aware, but the spirit itself is pleading for us with inarticulate groanings.
Ephesians 1:12 that we should be for the laud of His glory, who are pre-expectant in the Christ. Romans 12:12 rejoicing in expectation, enduring affliction, persevering in prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality. 14 Bless those who are persecuting you: bless, and do not curse, 15 so as to be rejoicing with those rejoicing, lamenting with those lamenting. 16 being mutually disposed to one another, not being disposed to that which is high, but being led away to the humble. Do not come to pass for prudent with yourselves. 17 To no one render evil for evil, making ideal provision in the sight of all men, 18 if possible that which comes out from yourselves. Being at peace with all mankind,
I COR 15… What is the purpose of God ??? 20 (Yet now Christ has been roused from among the dead, the Firstfruit of those who are reposing. 21 For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead. 22 For even as in Adam all are dying thus also in Christ shall -ALL- be vivified. 23 Yet each in his own class: the [1st] Firstfruit, Christ; thereupon [2nd] those who are Christ’s in His presence; 24 thereafter [3rd] the consummation(:), whenever He may be giving up the kingdom to His God and Father, whenever He should be nullifying all sovereignty and all authority and power. 25 For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy is being abolished: death. 27 For He subjects all under His feet. Now whenever He may be saying that all is subject, it is evident that it is outside of Him Who subjects all to Him. 28 Now, whenever all may be subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also shall be subjected to Him Who subjects all to Him, that God may be All in all.)
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 King James Version 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
COLOSSIANS 1:20 and through Him to reconcile (THE) all (GK: TA-PANTA) to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on the earth or those in the heavens. Colossians 1:20-22 King James Version (KJV) COLOSSIANS 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. PHIL 2:9 Wherefore, also, God highly exalts Him, and graces Him with the name that is above every name,10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should be bowing, celestial (NOT THE “MAY” OR “SHOULD” OF DOUBT, BUT THE SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD — A DEPENDENT CLAUSE — ALL THE CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT) and terrestrial and subterranean,11 and every tongue should be acclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of God, the Father.
HEB 1:2 in the last of these days speaks to us in a Son, Whom He appoints enjoyer of the allotment of all, through Whom He also makes the eons;
Christians are as solipsistic as the rest of us.
Good morning dear one, 1:49 a.m. Thursday, July 28th, 2022 67º
I’ve been influenced by Philippians 2:5-11. And in light of that passage I’m thinking… That “christians” don’t get it. Can’t we say that Jesus bridged the gap? Didn’t Jesus say, in essence, “Take Me.” The “wages” of sin is death, right? And Jesus said “Take Me.” Which would mean, “Put their sins and their punishment on me.” Right? Therefore, Jesus “offered” Himself to God, right? Nothing was “offered” to man. No, the “offer” was to God — “Take Me”. And Philippians 2:5-11, says “Let this disposition be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” Now, regarding “hell”… I don’t hear that disposition in “christians”. They almost cackle with glee at the thought that “YOU ARE GOING TO HELL, BUT NOT ME.” In fact, I’ve heard some of them say, “I hate to tell you this, but you’re going to hell.” And then laugh. But note: “hell” is not the wages of sin… instead, “death is the wages of sin”. And death is the opposite of life. Death is not conscious anything. It is just the opposite of life. It is not conscious punishment, and it is not endless conscious punishment. But my point is this: Christians don’t have a “take me” attitude. Paul did. In Romans, chapter 10, or is it 11… Paul says “take me” — in essence. He says “I’d rather be anathema from Christ for the sake of my brethern, Israel.” That’s kind of a “take me” attitude. But you don’t hear so-called “christians” who would stand in the gap… and say to God, “Take me”. Which leads me to this point: When Jesus was saying to God, “Take Me”… He was offering Himself TO GOD… and nothing was “offered” to man. This is a vital thing to grasp. Because in the “christian” world… Jesus is “offered” to man, and you “MUST” accept Jesus’ offer, or you’re screwed. They’ve got the plot line all twisted up. The plot is that this is a story between God and Christ. Mankind is almost incidental. Jesus says “Take Me”. And He’s not saying it to man… He’s saying it TO GOD. The question is — did God accept Jesus’ “offer”… or, did God accept Jesus as the “offering” ?? Was Jesus the “approach present” as revealed in Ephesians? (Side note: As I recall, the “approach present” in Ephesians might be us — the ones for whom Christ died… He died that He might award us — to God… and He delivers US to God as that “approach present” — Not sure… it’s been a while since I looked at that passage.) But for sure… When Jesus said “Take Me”… God honored His offering of Himself. And the story is not that anything is “offered” to us… instead… God is operating in grace, and not merely “offering” grace. The story before us, is a story of God’s work in Christ’s cross. And it is complete. And God accepted Christ’s offering. And thus, according to Philippians 2:5-11… the bottom line result of this “take me” exchange between God and His Son, is that every knee will bow, and every heart will melt. ———
5 For let this disposition be in you, which is in Christ Jesus also,6 Who, being inherently in the form of God, deems it not pillaging to be equal with God,7 nevertheless empties Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming to be in the likeness of humanity,8 and, being found in fashion as a human, He humbles Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9 Wherefore, also, God highly exalts Him, and graces Him with the name that is above every name,10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should be bowing, celestial (NOT THE “MAY” OR “SHOULD” OF DOUBT, BUT THE SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD — A DEPENDENT CLAUSE — ALL THE CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT) and terrestrial and subterranean,11 and every tongue should be acclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of God, the Father.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, even as through one man sin entered into the world, and through sin death (ENTERED INTO THE WORLD), and thus death passed through into all mankind, on (THE BASIS OF) which all sinned —
10 Questions Your Pastor Hopes You Never Ask:
Does the Bible teach that there is only ONE GOD, who is the source of all things? Or two gods? Constantly battling, one good and the other evil, with the evil god winning the biggest number in the end?
If a soul is lost, who is the real loser, the soul or its maker?
Why are we taught to forgive our enemies if God is going to torment his enemies forever? Are we suppose to be better than God?
If evangelism is important to God, why did he confuse the languages at the tower of Babel, make cross-cultural witnessing efforts so difficult?
Is faith the result of salvation or the cause of salvation? (Salvation comes first, then faith. We could ask- Is salvation God’s work or God’s “offer”? If it is God’s offer then salvation is by our works. If it is God’s work, then Salvation is by GRACE.)
When did God create “hell,” before the entrance of sin or afterwards? (If before, why would He call creatures into life for such a possible doom?) (If afterwards, why is Satan allowed to deceive the race?)
If children go to heaven when they die, but “responsible” adults must “accept Jesus” before being allowed into heaven’s gates… then wouldn’t it be better to kill all infants before they face such an evil as “eternal hell?”
If one can only blame himself for going to “hell,” does one only praise himself for going to heaven?
Is hell the product of God’s love? (God is love, I John 4:8, Love is not angered, I Cor.13:5.)
Why didn’t God provide miracles for the ancient cities of Tyre and Sidon? (Jesus said if they had seen miracles they would have repented. Did God not want them to repent?) (Matt. 11:21)
Does God operate in DOUBLE JEOPARDY? IF JESUS paid for our sins on the cross, do we pay for our sins in hell endlessly?
Could Adam, in the garden, have done other than what he did?
Thursday, April 6th, 2023 8:52 a.m. Sweet… 29º now… 46º later… there is a God after all.
Dear One in Christ, Yesterday we went through the torturous process of listening to me chatting with Eric and his sidekick, Yahu. I was trying to get them to the point of admitting that God is God. I know they don’t believe that. Instead they exult in man’s “free” will. I asked them, point blank: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GOD?
And the answer was not forthcoming. The obfuscation rolled in like a high-tide. You see, one who exults in human “free” will, cannot acknowledge that God has a purpose. Admitting that God is God and God’s purpose stands would expose the ruse of human “free” will. If human “free” will is true… then, God is at the mercy of the human. If human “free” will is true… then, God is at the mercy of the sinner. If human “free” will is true… then, God is at the mercy of His creation. Yeppers… God would like to save the sinner, but the sinner has the power over his own destiny, don’t cha see. God has the “power” to save the sinner, if only the sinner would cooperate. Otherwise, God’s hands are tied. In my conversation with Eric and his sidekick, I asked “WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GOD?” And what I got was a long, protracted, side-track discussion, asking me “Well, before I answer your question Ace, let me ask you, what do you mean by ‘GOD’”? (Words to that effect.) How appropriate. For, the very notion of human “free” will destroys any faith we might have in “God” as God. Is God, God? I say “yes.” And we are not God. Human “free” will does not determine its own destiny. God determines the destiny of all. For, He is the creator of all. All them thar “christians” who believe in “free” will”… sure seem to love and honor the atheists… they are always having debates and pow-wows together. And the funny thing is, they are both cut from the same cloth. Atheists believe in human “free” will. And so do “christians”. I’m thinking there’s not a dime’s worth of difference between the two. The doctrine of human “free” will is nothing but hot air. Its ultimate prize is arrogance and pride. If you save yourself by your “free” will decision, why of course you have a lot to be proud about. But if you’re saved entirely by the work of God — oh my… that’s humbling. The salvation of God is something. God saves us from sin, condemnation and death. Human “free” will cannot save a man from sin, condemnation and death. Eric wanted to know… “Who is God?” or “What is God?” or “What is God’s personality like?” (Words to that effect) and then proceeded down the path of defending and endorsing and exalting “FREE” WILL…. with every breath. Before you know it, Eric and I were at it concerning Pharaoh and his heart. Eric was suggesting that God was at the mercy of Pharaoh because Pharaoh had a “free” will and God had to see what Pharaoh was going to do before God could respond. So, Pharaoh hardened his own heart, and now God could move… God hardened the heart that Pharaoh had already hardened… God is so dependent on man’s initiative, don’t cha see. Eric believes in man’s “free” will. Bill believes in man’s “free” will. Praise, I Am, believes in man’s “free” will. Bob, Ben (KJV 1611?), Nancy, Stacy, Nisha, Joel, John MacArther (?), VEKL, JIL, they all believe in man’s determinate free and unconstrained will. The whole “christian” megalith is built on the mythology of man’s freewill. VEKL and JIL and MacArther pretend to be “calvinists”… but when push comes to shove, even they blame the sinner for his own plight of eternity in hell. But count me out. I’m not a “christian”. I don’t “believe” in human “free” will. I do however believe God. God, our Savior (I Timothy 1:1). God, our Redeemer. (I Timothy 2:14) God, the Creator of all. (I Corinthians 8:6) God, the Father of all. (Ephesians 4:6)
QUESTION: Is God at the mercy of the sinners’ “free” will, in order to save the sinner? QUESTION: Does human “free” will have a decent track-record through out human history? QUESTION: If humans have a “free” will, why are they so predictable? QUESTION: At what age does the human acquire this “free” will” ??? At birth? At age 12? At age 21? QUESTION: At the edge of the lake of fire, does he lose his “free” will?
In my chat with Eric and his side-kick, I knew by his avoidance of the question (What is the purpose of God?) that he wanted to get back to freewill as soon as possible. The very word PURPOSE destroys the notion that man determines anything… much less his own destiny. “God’s purpose” should be on our lips continually. But no… it’s all “free” will all the time.
“freewill” “freewill” “free” will “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” “freewill” and so forth and so on. If God indeed does have a “purpose”… who, pray tell, can thwart God’s intention and God’s purpose? God is God.
P.S. If “free” will is so vital to the “christian” doctrine, why is the word “freewill” so scarce in the New Testament. It shows up in the New Testament ZERO TIMES… count ‘em… ZERO TIMES.
Throughout the WHOLE BIBLE… 800,000 words… there’s only one place to find the word… some casual mention of a “freewill” offering, in the O.T. … BUT there is NO teaching… no clear teaching of man’s freewill and its role in man’s determinate destiny. SIDE NOTE: A “freewill” offering was not mandatory like other “offerings” in the Jewish religion. There is nothing in a “freewill” offering, to suggest that our human will is “free” of influence, causality, or compulsion, constraint, bondage, or other causal factors. The purpose of God is a thrilling thing to see, believe and rejoice in.
P.P.S. God is operating all things after the counsel of His own will — Ephesians 1:11. P.P.P.S. “It is not of him that willeth…” — Romans 9:16.
Grace to you.
P.P.P.P.S. Romans 8:26 Now, similarly, the spirit also is aiding our infirmity, for what we should be praying for, to accord with what must be, Romans 9:17 17 For the scripture is saying to Pharaoh that “For this selfsame thing I rouse you up, so that I should be displaying in you My power, and so that My name should be published in the entire earth.”
Friday, April 7th, 2023 CD Time: 10:15 a.m. OH MY, 43º at the moment. So nice. 57º on the way, according to KSL. Some of my squash has sprouted up. Rejoice.
Dear Darling Saints,
Thousands of sermons… all on the mistake that Adam made. Such a premise is very, very, very, “man-centered”. Did Adam make a mistake? Such a question is based in the notion that man has a “free” will. And if you’re like me, you’ve noticed that the freewillers love to use the words “I”, “me” and “Mine”. Adam is the creation of God. God has a purpose. Adam was purposed in God. Seems to me, the question “WAS ADAM A MISTAKE?” would never dawn upon the minds of the soulish saints. But, as God brings us along in this journey of faith, we discover that ALL IS OF GOD… (II COR 5:18, Acts 17:25, Romans 11:36). Thus, we can say that ADAM WAS OF GOD (in every sense of the word). Adam’s “mistake” is mere window dressing in the story of God and His Christ. The real story of Adam is the story of God. Thus we get to our beloved question from Romans 5… HOW IS ADAM A TYPE OF CHRIST? ROMANS 5:14-15(a) 14 nevertheless death reigns from Adam unto Moses, over those also who do not sin in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him Who is about to be. 15 But not as the offense, thus also the grace.
Adam is “a type of Him” — Adam is “a type of Him who is about to be” — Was Adam a mistake on God’s part? NO. Instead Adam was a type of Christ. But how can see this this? In what way was Adam a TYPE… of HIM… Who is… About to Be… ???? Let’s explore:
Adam had nothing to do with “the law”. Oh sure, God instructed him NOT to eat of that forbidden fruit. But that’s hardly “THE LAW” as we might refer to it today. Can we say Christ had nothing to do with the law? Check this out: Romans 3:21 Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest — Surely Romans 3:21 is a reference to Christ. He IS the righteousness of God apart from law. — Adam had nothing to do with “the law” and Christ had nothing to do with “the law”. Moses brought “the law”… and yet DEATH was king (it “reigns”) from Adam to Moses… during the time when there was no law. From Adam to Moses, there were tons of people who DID NOT SIN in the likeness of Adam… yet they too died. So, THE LAW, is not part of the picture here… when trying to understand how “Adam is a type of Him who is about to be.” It is impossible for Adam’s lineage to escape the very nature of “being in Adam”. Adam’s race is in Adam… A leopard cannot change his spots. You cannot crawl one inch outside your own skin. What happens to Adam, happens to his lineage. Adam is a type of Christ. And… Adam was “IN” Christ… just like we are “IN” Adam. The creation is not terribly separate from the Creator. Colossians 1:16-20 tells us that all (including Adam) are created IN, THROUGH, BY, AND FOR Christ. Adam is a type… in the lesson of INCLUSION. There are tons of “bible teachers” who have this doctrine called “the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross” — but I think that’s a false and misleading doctrine. I think we’d do better to teach THE INCLUSIONARY DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST AND HIS WORK ON THE CROSS. INCLUSION — Not substitution… There a big difference. Adam was a TYPE of Christ because we are all INCLUDED in Adam when Adam disobeyed. And we are all INCLUDED in Christ when He went to the cross (See Romans 6). And if Adam was “in” Christ… we too are “in” Christ whether we know it or not. Most folks don’t know, understand, or care that they are “in Adam’’… nor do they know, care or understand that they are “in Christ”. But, Colossians 1:16 says “All are created IN Him.” (Yes, KJV says created “by” him, but hell, the KJV people can’t be right all the time.) Note: The prepositional phrases in Colossians 1:16-20 are overwhelming… IN, BY, THROUGH, FOR, — no one escapes the purpose of God. Adam did not escape the purpose of God. Who are you? Was Adam a mistake? Ah hell no. Adam was just right. Everything in the garden went exactly as it was suppose to. Adam is a type of Him Who is about to be. No doubt about it. The fact that Adam was our first… and we are IN Adam…I think is the first and foremost way that he is a type. Below are some other ways Adam could be seen as a “type of Him Who is about to be” —
Adam is the “first man”… and Christ is “the second Man.” I Corinthians 15:47 The first man was out of the earth, soilish; the second Man is the Lord out of heaven. There is something strange and wonderful about the designs and purpose of God. It’s not like man would envision. We can see throughout many scriptures that God, often pulls THE OLE SWITCHEROO. — “THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST, AND THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST” — Jesus. Can we say that God mars creation through the first man, and God redeems creation through the second Man ???
Jeremiah — the vessel was “marred” in the hands of the potter. Jeremiah 18 King James Version 1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. The Re-make was more important than the make. The Re-make was the goal all along. Adam was a nice starting place. But Adam is a type of Him Who is about to be.
We can see this big idea in many places… for example: the story of Esau, the first born, determined by God to be the slave to the younger brother, Jacob. Before Esau and Jacob were born… before they had the chance to to anything good or bad… it was DETERMINED BY GOD… that this would be the outcome… the greater would slave for the inferior. Adam was a type of Him Who is about to be. Romans 9: 11 For, not as yet being born, nor putting into practice anything good or bad, that the PURPOSE OF GOD may be remaining as a choice [of God], not out of acts, but of Him Who is calling, 12 it was declared to her that “The greater shall be slaving for the inferior,”
Another way we can see that Adam is “a type of Him Who is about to be” is that Christ (as the Last Adam) completes that which was started in the garden. When studying the divine PURPOSE of God… we know from the very definition of the word PURPOSE that something begins, carries through, and is completed. A purpose that has no beginning and no end is not a “purpose”. God’s purpose in the garden… is…in Adam, to give us the Christ. The journey… the creative effort… the revelation is now complete… what began in Adam, is now complete in Christ. That’s why Paul can reveal that Christ is THE LAST ADAM AND THE VIVIFYING SPIRIT. Adam gave us all death… Christ gives us all life. I Corinthians 15:45… …Thus it is written also, The first man, Adam, “became a living soul:” the last Adam a vivifying Spirit. How is Adam a type of Christ? He completes what was started in Adam. Adam became a “living soul”… thus the common phrases “I”, “ME” and “MINE”… the Last Adam became a VIVIFYING SPIRIT.
NOTES
Adam a “prototype” ?
Star Trek: Data was the 2nd android, Lars was the first.
Adam had no earthly father, Christ had no earthly father,
We were in the loins of Adam, when he sinned… we were in Christ when he redeemed Adam’s race. The seed and the tree are in the seed.
In the letters of Peter, James and John, they NEVER mention Adam… they only go back as far as Abraham. Why? It has to do with the evangel of the circumcision VS the evangel of the uncircumcision. Our evangel (the evangel of the UN-circumcision) is broader and larger in scope than the evangel given to Peter, James and John.
“Seeing that out of Him and through Him and for Him is all: To Him be the glory for the eons! Amen!” Concordant Version of the New Testament
(ROMANS 11:36)
Vincent’s Word Studies: Alford styles this doxology “the sublimest apostrophe existing even in the pages of Inspiration itself.”
A.E. Knoch (Concordant Commentary on the New Testament): “This is the most comprehensive statement which can be uttered. God is the source of all, the channel of all, and the object of all. The universe sprang out of Him, it has its course in Him and He will be its ultimate. This settles all speculation as to the origin of all things. Creation is out of God, not out of nothing. This explains universal history. God is the One back of all the movements of mankind. This reveals the goal of all things. God is so guiding all His creatures that, eventually, He will become their All. To Him, indeed, be glory for the eons!”
אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה עֹשֶׂ֥ה כָל־אֵֽלֶּה׃ “I, YAHWEH, MAKE ALL THESE THINGS!” (ISAIAH 45:7b)
A non-exhaustive Collection of some Old Testament verses Pertaining to the (absolute) Sovereignty of GOD (first draft) Compiled by: Ben Abraham (pseudonym) – for the sake of: Ace Theo’s YouTube page Hebrew text: Westminster Leningrad Codex (WLC) English translation: Concordant Version of the Old Testament (CVOT) (August-September 2022, North America) Maranatha! GENESIS Genesis 1:1 (cf. John 1:1) “In the beginning, Elohim!”
בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית בָּרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ת הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ׃ In a beginning Elohim created The heavens and the earth.
Genesis 18:14 “Nothing is too difficult for Yahweh!”
הֲיִפָּלֵ֥א מֵיְהוָ֖ה דָּבָ֑ר לַמֹּועֵ֞ד אָשׁ֥וּב אֵלֶ֛יךָ כָּעֵ֥ת חַיָּ֖ה וּלְשָׂרָ֥ה בֵֽן׃ Is anything too difficult for Yahweh? At the appointed time I shall return to you, And according to the season of life, Sarah will have a son.
Genesis 28:15 “I will keep you in all the way you are going!”
וְהִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֜י עִמָּ֗ךְ וּשְׁמַרְתִּ֙יךָ֙ בְּכֹ֣ל אֲשֶׁר־תֵּלֵ֔ךְ וַהֲשִׁ֣בֹתִ֔יךָ אֶל־הָאֲדָמָ֖ה הַזֹּ֑את כִּ֚י לֹ֣א אֶֽעֱזָבְךָ֔ עַ֚ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִם־עָשִׂ֔יתִי אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי לָֽךְ׃ And behold, I am with you; I will keep you in all the way you are going, And I will bring you back to this ground, For I shall not forsake you Until I should have done all that I have spoken to you. Genesis 31:3-5 EXODUS Exodus 4:11 “Is it not I, Yahweh?”
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלָ֗יו מִ֣י שָׂ֣ם פֶּה֮ לָֽאָדָם֒ אֹ֚ו מִֽי־יָשׂ֣וּם אִלֵּ֔ם אֹ֣ו חֵרֵ֔שׁ אֹ֥ו פִקֵּ֖חַ אֹ֣ו עִוֵּ֑ר הֲלֹ֥א אָנֹכִ֖י יְהוָֽה׃ Yahweh said to him: Who made the mouth for a human Or Who is making one mute Or deaf Or having unclosed eyes Or blind? Is it not I, Yahweh?
Exodus 4:21 “I (Yahweh) shall harden the Pharaoh’s heart!” (See other similar passages.)
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֒ בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֙ לָשׁ֣וּב מִצְרַ֔יְמָה רְאֵ֗ה כָּל־הַמֹּֽפְתִים֙ אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי בְיָדֶ֔ךָ וַעֲשִׂיתָ֖ם לִפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וַאֲנִי֙ אֲחַזֵּ֣ק אֶת־לִבֹּ֔ו וְלֹ֥א יְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־הָעָֽם׃ And Yahweh said to Moses: When you go to return to Egypt, See to all the miracles Which I place in your hand, That you do them before Pharaoh. Yet I shall make his heart steadfast*, And he shall not dismiss the people. *King James (A.V.): but I will harden his heart.
Exodus 8:10 “There is no one like Yahweh our Elohim!”
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לְמָחָ֑ר וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ כִּדְבָ֣רְךָ֔ לְמַ֣עַן תֵּדַ֔ע כִּי־אֵ֖ין כַּיהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ So he said: Tomorrow. And he said: Be it according to your word, That you may know that there is no one like Yahweh our Elohim.
Exodus 9:14 “There is no one like Me in the entire earth!”
כִּ֣י ׀ בַּפַּ֣עַם הַזֹּ֗את אֲנִ֨י שֹׁלֵ֜חַ אֶת־כָּל־מַגֵּפֹתַי֙ אֶֽל־לִבְּךָ֔ וּבַעֲבָדֶ֖יךָ וּבְעַמֶּ֑ךָ בַּעֲב֣וּר תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֛י אֵ֥ין כָּמֹ֖נִי בְּכָל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ For at this time I am sending all My strokes onto your heart and your courtiers and your people In order that you shall know that there is no one like Me in the entire earth.
Exodus 15:2-3 “This is my El!” “Yahweh is His Name!”
עָזִּ֤י וְזִמְרָת֙ יָ֔הּ וַֽיְהִי־לִ֖י לִֽישׁוּעָ֑ה זֶ֤ה אֵלִי֙ וְאַנְוֵ֔הוּ אֱלֹהֵ֥י אָבִ֖י וַאֲרֹמְמֶֽנְהוּ׃ Yah is my Strength and my Melody, And He became mine for salvation. This is my El; I shall adorn Him, Elohim of my father, I shall exalt Him. יְהוָ֖ה אִ֣ישׁ מִלְחָמָ֑ה יְהוָ֖ה שְׁמֹֽו׃ Yahweh is a Man of war; Yahweh is His Name.
Exodus 15:11 “Who is like You, O Yahweh?”
מִֽי־כָמֹ֤כָה בָּֽאֵלִם֙ יְהוָ֔ה מִ֥י כָּמֹ֖כָה נֶאְדָּ֣ר בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ נֹורָ֥א תְהִלֹּ֖ת עֹ֥שֵׂה פֶֽלֶא׃ Who is like You among the elim, O Yahweh? Who is like You, ennobled in holiness, To be feared in praises, working marvels?
Exodus 20:3 “No other elohim for you!”
לֹֽ֣א יִהְיֶֽה־לְךָ֛֩ אֱלֹהִ֥֨ים אֲחֵרִ֖֜ים עַל־פָּנָֽ֗יַ ׃ There shall not come to be other elohim for you in preference to Me. NUMBERS Numbers 23:19 “Does He say it and then not do it?”
לֹ֣א אִ֥ישׁ אֵל֙ וִֽיכַזֵּ֔ב וּבֶן־אָדָ֖ם וְיִתְנֶחָ֑ם הַה֤וּא אָמַר֙ וְלֹ֣א יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְדִבֶּ֖ר וְלֹ֥א יְקִימֶֽנָּה׃ El is not a man that He should lie. Or a son of humanity that He should feel regret. Does He say it and then not do it Or speak and then not carry it out? Deuteronomy 2:24-33. DEUTERONOMY Deuteronomy 3:24 “Your greatness! Your steadfast hand! Your outstretched arm! Your deeds! Your mastery!”
אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֗ה אַתָּ֤ה הַֽחִלֹּ֙ותָ֙ לְהַרְאֹ֣ות אֶֽת־עַבְדְּךָ֔ אֶ֨ת־גָּדְלְךָ֔ וְאֶת־יָדְךָ֖ הַחֲזָקָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר מִי־אֵל֙ בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם וּבָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה כְמַעֲשֶׂ֖יךָ וְכִגְבוּרֹתֶֽךָ׃ My Lord Yahweh, You Yourself have started to show Your servant Your greatness and Your steadfast hand, and Your outstretched arm. For what el is in the heavens or on the earth who could do according to Your deeds and according to Your mastery?
Deuteronomy 4:35 “He is the only Elohim!” (Nothing else (is “absolute”) except His Solitude…)
אַתָּה֙ הָרְאֵ֣תָ לָדַ֔עַת כִּ֥י יְהוָ֖ה ה֣וּא הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ין עֹ֖וד מִלְבַדֹּֽו׃ You were shown this to know that Yahweh, He is the only Elohim. There is no one else aside from Him.
Deuteronomy 4:36 “From the midst of the fire!”
מִן־הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם הִשְׁמִֽיעֲךָ֥ אֶת־קֹלֹ֖ו לְיַסְּרֶ֑ךָּ וְעַל־הָאָ֗רֶץ הֶרְאֲךָ֙ אֶת־אִשֹּׁ֣ו הַגְּדֹולָ֔ה וּדְבָרָ֥יו שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ מִתֹּ֥וךְ הָאֵֽשׁ׃ From the heavens He let you hear His voice, To discipline you, And on the earth He showed you His great fire, And you heard His words From the midst of the fire.
Deuteronomy 4:39 “There is no one else!”
וְיָדַעְתָּ֣ הַיֹּ֗ום וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ֮ אֶל־לְבָבֶךָ֒ כִּ֤י יְהוָה֙ ה֣וּא הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם מִמַּ֔עַל וְעַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ מִתָּ֑חַת אֵ֖ין עֹֽוד׃ So you know today, And you recall it to your heart That Yahweh, He is the only Elohim In the heavens above And on the earth beneath; There is no one else.
Deuteronomy 5:7 “No (other) elohim in preference to Him!”
לֹ֣א יִהְיֶ֥ה־לְךָ֛֩ אֱלֹהִ֥֨ים אֲחֵרִ֖֜ים עַל־פָּנָֽ֗יַ׃ There shall not come to be other elohim for you in preference to Me.
Deuteronomy 6:4 “Yahweh (our Elohim!) the only One!”
שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהוָ֥ה ׀ אֶחָֽד ׃ Hear, Israel! Yahweh is our Elohim; Yahweh the only One. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (…). Deuteronomy 10:14 “It all belongs to Yahweh-Elohim!”
הֵ֚ן לַיהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וּשְׁמֵ֣י הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם הָאָ֖רֶץ וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר־בָּֽהּ׃ Behold, To Yahweh your Elohim Belong the heavens And the heavens of the heavens; The earth And all that is in it.
Deuteronomy 10:21 “He is your praise, and He is your Elohim!”
ה֥וּא תְהִלָּתְךָ֖ וְה֣וּא אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֣ה אִתְּךָ֗ אֶת־הַגְּדֹלֹ֤ת וְאֶת־הַנֹּֽורָאֹת֙ הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָא֖וּ עֵינֶֽיךָ׃ He is your praise, and He is your Elohim Who did for you These great and fear inspiring deeds That your eyes saw.
Deuteronomy 32:3 “Grant greatness!”
כִּ֛י שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה אֶקְרָ֑א הָב֥וּ גֹ֖דֶל לֵאלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ For the Name of Yahweh am I proclaiming: Grant greatness to our Elohim!
Deuteronomy 32:39 (“I, I am He!”) “I Myself put to death and keep alive!”
רְא֣וּ ׀ עַתָּ֗ה כִּ֣י אֲנִ֤י אֲנִי֙ ה֔וּא וְאֵ֥ין אֱלֹהִ֖ים עִמָּדִ֑י אֲנִ֧י אָמִ֣ית וַאֲחַיֶּ֗ה מָחַ֙צְתִּי וַאֲנִ֣י אֶרְפָּ֔א וְאֵ֥ין מִיָּדִ֖י מַצִּֽיל׃ See now that I, I am He, And there are no other elohim beside Me. I Myself put to death, and I keep alive; I have transfixed, and I Myself shall heal, And there is no one who could reclaim from My hand!
Deuteronomy 33:26 “In His augustness!”
אֵ֥ין כָּאֵ֖ל יְשֻׁר֑וּן רֹכֵ֤ב שָׁמַ֙יִם֙ בְעֶזְרֶ֔ךָ וּבְגַאֲוָתֹ֖ו שְׁחָקִֽים׃ There is none like the El of Yeshurun: Riding the heavens as your Helper And in His augustness, the skies. Joshua 11:19-20. 1 SAMUEL 1 Samuel 2:2 “No one! Yea, no one!”
אֵין־קָדֹ֥ושׁ כַּיהוָ֖ה כִּ֣י אֵ֣ין בִּלְתֶּ֑ךָ וְאֵ֥ין צ֖וּר כֵּאלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ No one is holy like Yahweh; Yea, no one is holy barring You, And no one is righteous like our Elohim.
1 Samuel 2:6-10 “Yahweh is putting to death and is keeping alive!” (“He shall exalt the horn of His anointed one!”)
יְהוָ֖ה מֵמִ֣ית וּמְחַיֶּ֑ה מֹורִ֥יד שְׁאֹ֖ול וַיָּֽעַל׃ Yahweh is putting to death and is keeping alive, He is bringing down to the unseen*, and He brings up. *Unseen: (Heb.) sheol. יְהוָ֖ה מֹורִ֣ישׁ וּמַעֲשִׁ֑יר מַשְׁפִּ֖יל אַף־מְרֹומֵֽם׃ Yahweh is making destitute and is enriching; He is laying low and is exalting too. מֵקִ֨ים מֵעָפָ֜ר דָּ֗ל מֵֽאַשְׁפֹּת֙ יָרִ֣ים אֶבְיֹ֔ון לְהֹושִׁיב֙ עִם־נְדִיבִ֔ים וְכִסֵּ֥א כָבֹ֖וד יַנְחִלֵ֑ם כִּ֤י לַֽיהוָה֙ מְצֻ֣קֵי אֶ֔רֶץ וַיָּ֥שֶׁת עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם תֵּבֵֽל׃ He is raising the poor from the dust And exalts the needy from the ash heap, Seating them with patrons of peoples, Allotting them a throne of glory. For Yahweh’s are the stanchions* of the earth; He has set the habitance upon them. *King James (A.V.): pillars. Young’s literal translation: fixtures. רַגְלֵ֤י [חֲסִידֹו כ] (חֲסִידָיו֙ ק) יִשְׁמֹ֔ר וּרְשָׁעִ֖ים בַּחֹ֣שֶׁךְ יִדָּ֑מּוּ כִּֽי־לֹ֥א בְכֹ֖חַ יִגְבַּר־אִֽישׁ׃ He is guarding the feet of His benign ones; Yet the wicked shall be stilled in darkness, For not by vigor has man mastery. יְהוָ֞ה יֵחַ֣תּוּ [מְרִיבֹו כ] (מְרִיבָ֗יו ק) [עָלֹו כ] (עָלָיו֙ ק) בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם יַרְעֵ֔ם יְהוָ֖ה יָדִ֣ין אַפְסֵי־אָ֑רֶץ וְיִתֶּן־עֹ֣ז לְמַלְכֹּ֔ו וְיָרֵ֖ם קֶ֥רֶן מְשִׁיחֹֽו׃ As for Yahweh, those contending with Him shall be undone; Against them shall He thunder in the heavens. Yahweh, He shall adjudicate the limits of the earth. He shall give strength to His king; He shall exalt the horn of His anointed one.
1 Samuel 3:18 “Yahweh may do what seems good in His eyes!”
וַיַּגֶּד־לֹ֤ו שְׁמוּאֵל֙ אֶת־כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים וְלֹ֥א כִחֵ֖ד מִמֶּ֑נּוּ וַיֹּאמַ֕ר יְהוָ֣ה ה֔וּא הַטֹּ֥וב בְּעֵינָ֖ו יַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ So Samuel told him all the words and suppressed nothing from him. Eli replied, He is Yahweh! He may do what seems good in His eyes. 2 SAMUEL 2 Samuel 7:22 “There is no one like You! and there is no Elohim except You!”
עַל־כֵּ֥ן גָּדַ֖לְתָּ אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֑ה כִּֽי־אֵ֣ין כָּמֹ֗וךָ וְאֵ֤ין אֱלֹהִים֙ זֽוּלָתֶ֔ךָ בְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ בְּאָזְנֵֽינוּ׃ Therefore You are great, my Lord Yahweh, For there is no one like You, And there is no Elohim except You Among all of whom we have heard with our ears.
2 Samuel 17:14 “In order that Yahweh might bring evil upon Absalom!”
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אַבְשָׁלֹום֙ וְכָל־אִ֣ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל טֹובָ֗ה עֲצַת֙ חוּשַׁ֣י הָאַרְכִּ֔י מֵעֲצַ֖ת אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל וַיהוָ֣ה צִוָּ֗ה לְהָפֵ֞ר אֶת־עֲצַ֤ת אֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙ הַטֹּובָ֔ה לְבַעֲב֗וּר הָבִ֧יא יְהוָ֛ה אֶל־אַבְשָׁלֹ֖ום אֶת־הָרָעָֽה׃ Absalom and all the men of Israel agreed that the counsel of Hushai the Archite was better than the counsel of Ahithophel, For Yahweh Himself had determined to annul Ahithophel’s good counsel in order that Yahweh might bring evil upon Absalom. 1 KINGS 1 Kings 8:27 “The heavens of the heavens themselves cannot contain You!”
כִּ֚י הַֽאֻמְנָ֔ם יֵשֵׁ֥ב אֱלֹהִ֖ים עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ הִ֠נֵּה הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם וּשְׁמֵ֤י הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙ לֹ֣א יְכַלְכְּל֔וּךָ אַ֕ף כִּֽי־הַבַּ֥יִת הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בָּנִֽיתִי׃ Will Elohim truly dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, the heavens and the heavens of the heavens themselves cannot contain You; How much less, indeed, this house that I have built! 2 KINGS 2 Kings 19:15 “The One Elohim over all the kingdoms of the earth!”
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֨ל חִזְקִיָּ֜הוּ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָה֮ וַיֹּאמַר֒ יְהוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ יֹשֵׁ֣ב הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים אַתָּה־ה֤וּא הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ לְבַדְּךָ֔ לְכֹ֖ל מַמְלְכֹ֣ות הָאָ֑רֶץ אַתָּ֣ה עָשִׂ֔יתָ אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֶת־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ And Hezekiah prayed before Yahweh and said: O Yahweh Elohim of Israel, dwelling over the cherubim, You by Yourself alone are He, Who is the One Elohim over all the kingdoms of the earth. You Yourself have made the heavens and the earth. 1 CHRONICLES 1 Chronicles 16:31 “Yahweh Himself reigns!”
יִשְׂמְח֤וּ הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙ וְתָגֵ֣ל הָאָ֔רֶץ וְיֹאמְר֥וּ בַגֹּויִ֖ם יְהוָ֥ה מָלָֽךְ׃ Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth exult; Let them say among the nations: Yahweh Himself reigns!
1 Chronicles 17:20 “There is no one like Yahweh-Elohim!”
יְהוָה֙ אֵ֣ין כָּמֹ֔וךָ וְאֵ֥ין אֱלֹהִ֖ים זוּלָתֶ֑ךָ בְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ בְּאָזְנֵֽינוּ׃ O Yahweh, there is no one like You, and there is no Elohim except You Among all of whom we have heard with our ears.
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 “Yours, O Yahweh, are greatness, mastery, beauty, permanence and splendor!” (“You are ruling over all!”)
וַיְבָ֤רֶךְ דָּוִיד֙ אֶת־יְהוָ֔ה לְעֵינֵ֖י כָּל־הַקָּהָ֑ל וַיֹּ֣אמֶר דָּוִ֗יד בָּר֨וּךְ אַתָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵי֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל אָבִ֔ינוּ מֵעֹולָ֖ם וְעַד־עֹולָֽם׃ Then David blessed Yahweh before the eyes of the entire assembly. David said: Blessed be You, O Yahweh, Elohim of our father Israel, from the eon and until the eon. לְךָ֣ יְ֠הוָה הַגְּדֻלָּ֨ה וְהַגְּבוּרָ֤ה וְהַתִּפְאֶ֙רֶת֙ וְהַנֵּ֣צַח וְהַהֹ֔וד כִּי־כֹ֖ל בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם וּבָאָ֑רֶץ לְךָ֤ יְהוָה֙ הַמַּמְלָכָ֔ה וְהַמִּתְנַשֵּׂ֖א לְכֹ֥ל ׀ לְרֹֽאשׁ׃ Yours, O Yahweh, are greatness, mastery, beauty, permanence and splendor, indeed, everything in the heavens and on the earth. Yours, O Yahweh, is the kingship, lifting Yourself up as Head over all. וְהָעֹ֤שֶׁר וְהַכָּבֹוד֙ מִלְּפָנֶ֔יךָ וְאַתָּה֙ מֹושֵׁ֣ל בַּכֹּ֔ל וּבְיָדְךָ֖ כֹּ֣חַ וּגְבוּרָ֑ה וּבְיָ֣דְךָ֔ לְגַדֵּ֥ל וּלְחַזֵּ֖ק לַכֹּֽל׃ Riches and glory come from before You, and You are ruling over all; in Your hand is vigor and mastery; And it is in Your hand to magnify and to fortify everyone. וְעַתָּ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ מֹודִ֥ים אֲנַ֖חְנוּ לָ֑ךְ וּֽמְהַֽלְלִ֖ים לְשֵׁ֥ם תִּפְאַרְתֶּֽךָ׃ And now, our Elohim, we are acclaiming You And are praising Your beauteous Name. NEHEMIAH Nehemiah 9:6 “You are He, Yahweh You alone!”
אַתָּה־ה֣וּא יְהוָה֮ לְבַדֶּךָ֒ [אַתְּ כ] (אַתָּ֣ה ק) עָשִׂ֡יתָ אֶֽת־הַשָּׁמַיִם֩ שְׁמֵ֨י הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם וְכָל־צְבָאָ֗ם הָאָ֜רֶץ וְכָל־אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָלֶ֙יהָ֙ הַיַּמִּים֙ וְכָל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר בָּהֶ֔ם וְאַתָּ֖ה מְחַיֶּ֣ה אֶת־כֻּלָּ֑ם וּצְבָ֥א הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם לְךָ֥ מִשְׁתַּחֲוִֽים׃ You are He, Yahweh You alone. You Yourself have made the heavens, The heavens of the heavens and all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them. You are keeping all of them alive, And the host of the heavens are prostrating themselves before You. Job 1:12-22. JOB Job 1:20-21 “Yahweh gives, and Yahweh takes away: Blessed be the Name of Yahweh!”
וַיָּ֤קָם אִיֹּוב֙ וַיִּקְרַ֣ע אֶת־מְעִלֹ֔ו וַיָּ֖גָז אֶת־רֹאשֹׁ֑ו וַיִּפֹּ֥ל אַ֖רְצָה וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃ Then Job arose, tore his robe and sheared his head. He fell to the earth and worshiped. וַיֹּאמֶר֩ עָרֹ֨ם [יָצָתִי כ] (יָצָ֜אתִי ק) מִבֶּ֣טֶן אִמִּ֗י וְעָרֹם֙ אָשׁ֣וּב שָׁ֔מָה יְהוָ֣ה נָתַ֔ן וַיהוָ֖ה לָקָ֑ח יְהִ֛י שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה מְבֹרָֽךְ׃ And he said, Naked I came forth from the belly of my mother, And naked I shall return there. Yahweh, He gives, and Yahweh, He takes away. Blessed be the Name of Yahweh.
Job 2:7-10 “Curse God, and die!” (“Should we receive good from the One, Elohim, and should we not (also) receive evil?”)
וַיֵּצֵא֙ הַשָּׂטָ֔ן מֵאֵ֖ת פְּנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיַּ֤ךְ אֶת־אִיֹּוב֙ בִּשְׁחִ֣ין רָ֔ע מִכַּ֥ף רַגְלֹ֖ו [עַד כ] (וְעַ֥ד ק) קָדְקֳדֹֽו׃ Then the Adversary went forth from Yahweh’s presence, And he smote Job with evil boils from the sole of his foot unto his scalp. וַיִּֽקַּֽח־לֹ֣ו חֶ֔רֶשׂ לְהִתְגָּרֵ֖ד בֹּ֑ו וְה֖וּא יֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּתֹוךְ־הָאֵֽפֶר׃ So he took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with it As he was sitting in the midst of ashes. וַתֹּ֤אמֶר לֹו֙ אִשְׁתֹּ֔ו עֹדְךָ֖ מַחֲזִ֣יק בְּתֻמָּתֶ֑ךָ בָּרֵ֥ךְ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וָמֻֽת׃ Then his wife said to him, Are you still holding fast to your integrity? Scorn Elohim and die*. *King James (A.V.): curse God, and die. וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלֶ֗יהָ כְּדַבֵּ֞ר אַחַ֤ת הַנְּבָלֹות֙ תְּדַבֵּ֔רִי גַּ֣ם אֶת־הַטֹּ֗וב נְקַבֵּל֙ מֵאֵ֣ת הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים וְאֶת־הָרָ֖ע לֹ֣א נְקַבֵּ֑ל בְּכָל־זֹ֛את לֹא־חָטָ֥א אִיֹּ֖וב בִּשְׂפָתָֽיו׃ Yet he said to her, As some decadent woman speaks are you speaking. Indeed should we receive good from the One, Elohim, And should we not receive evil? In all this, Job did not sin with his lips.
Job 4:17 (Eliphaz): “Can a mortal be righteous before Eloah?”
הַֽ֭אֱנֹושׁ מֵאֱלֹ֣והַ יִצְדָּ֑ק אִ֥ם מֵ֝עֹשֵׂ֗הוּ יִטְהַר־גָּֽבֶר׃ Can a mortal be righteous before Eloah? Or a master be pure before his Maker?
Job 5:8-9 (Eliphaz?): “Doer of great deeds, of which there is no fathoming!”
אוּלָ֗ם אֲ֭נִי אֶדְרֹ֣שׁ אֶל־אֵ֑ל וְאֶל־אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים אָשִׂ֥ים דִּבְרָתִֽי׃ Nevertheless, as for me, I inquire of El, And before Elohim do I place my cause, עֹשֶׂ֣ה גְ֭דֹלֹות וְאֵ֣ין חֵ֑קֶר נִ֝פְלָאֹ֗ות עַד־אֵ֥ין מִסְפָּֽר׃ Doer of great deeds, of which there is no fathoming, Marvelous works of which there is no enumeration. (Etcetera.)
Job 5:17-18 (Eliphaz?): “For Eloah Himself causes pain!”
הִנֵּ֤ה אַשְׁרֵ֣י אֱ֭נֹושׁ יֹוכִחֶ֣נּֽוּ אֱלֹ֑והַּ וּמוּסַ֥ר דַּ֗י אַל־תִּמְאָֽס׃ Behold, happy is the mortal whom Eloah corrects; Thus you must not reject the admonition of Him Who-Suffices. כִּ֤י ה֣וּא יַכְאִ֣יב וְיֶחְבָּ֑שׁ יִ֝מְחַ֗ץ [וְיָדֹו כ] (וְיָדָ֥יו ק) תִּרְפֶּֽינָה׃ For He Himself causes pain, and He shall bind up; He transfixes, and His hands, they shall heal.
Job 9:1-4 “A mortal could not answer Him (El, God) one time out of a thousand!”
וַיַּ֥עַן אִיֹּ֗וב וַיֹּאמַֽר׃ So Job answered, saying: אָ֭מְנָם יָדַ֣עְתִּי כִי־כֵ֑ן וּמַה־יִּצְדַּ֖ק אֱנֹ֣ושׁ עִם־אֵֽל׃ Truly I know that this is so, Yet how can a mortal be righteous before El? אִם־יַ֭חְפֹּץ לָרִ֣יב עִמֹּ֑ו לֹֽא־יַ֝עֲנֶ֗נּוּ אַחַ֥ת מִנִּי־אָֽלֶף׃ If he desires to contend with Him, He could not answer Him one time out of a thousand. חֲכַ֣ם לֵ֭בָב וְאַמִּ֣יץ כֹּ֑חַ מִֽי־הִקְשָׁ֥ה אֵ֝לָ֗יו וַיִּשְׁלָֽם׃ He is wise in heart and resolute in vigor; Who has stiffened himself against Him and fared well?
Job 10:8-11 “You molded me like clay and You shall turn me back to soil!”
יָדֶ֣יךָ עִ֭צְּבוּנִי וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֑וּנִי יַ֥חַד סָ֝בִ֗יב וַֽתְּבַלְּעֵֽנִי׃ Your hands shaped me and made me; Yet afterward You swallow me up round about. זְכָר־נָ֭א כִּי־כַחֹ֣מֶר עֲשִׂיתָ֑נִי וְֽאֶל־עָפָ֥ר תְּשִׁיבֵֽנִי׃ Remember, I pray, that You molded me like clay, And You shall turn me back to soil. הֲלֹ֣א כֶ֭חָלָב תַּתִּיכֵ֑נִי וְ֝כַגְּבִנָּ֗ה תַּקְפִּיאֵֽנִי׃ Did You not pour me forth like milk And curdle me like cheese? עֹ֣ור וּ֭בָשָׂר תַּלְבִּישֵׁ֑נִי וּֽבַעֲצָמֹ֥ות וְ֝גִידִ֗ים תְּסֹכְכֵֽנִי׃ You clothed me with skin and flesh, And hedged me together with bones and sinews. Job 10:13. Job 11:7-10 (Zophar): “Can you find out the fathoming of Eloah?”
הַחֵ֣קֶר אֱלֹ֣והַ תִּמְצָ֑א אִ֤ם עַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית שַׁדַּ֣י תִּמְצָֽא׃ Can you find out the fathoming of Eloah? Could you find out the perfection of Him Who-Suffices? גָּבְהֵ֣י שָׁ֭מַיִם מַה־תִּפְעָ֑ל עֲמֻקָּ֥ה מִ֝שְּׁאֹ֗ול מַה־תֵּדָֽע׃ These are loftier than the heavens; what can you contrive? Deeper than the unseen; what can you know? אֲרֻכָּ֣ה מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִדָּ֑הּ וּ֝רְחָבָ֗ה מִנִּי־יָֽם׃ Its measure is longer than the earth And wider than the sea. אִם־יַחֲלֹ֥ף וְיַסְגִּ֑יר וְ֝יַקְהִ֗יל וּמִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶֽנּוּ׃ If He should pass by or lock up Or call an assembly, who could turn Him back?
Job 14:5 “Since his days are decided!”
אִ֥ם חֲרוּצִ֨ים ׀ יָמָ֗יו מִֽסְפַּר־חֳדָשָׁ֥יו אִתָּ֑ךְ [חֻקֹּו כ] (חֻקָּ֥יו ק) עָ֝שִׂ֗יתָ וְלֹ֣א יַעֲבֹֽור׃ Since his days are decided, The number of his months are set by You, And You have made his statutory time, Which he cannot surpass.
Job 21:22 “El (God) is unteachable!”
הַלְאֵ֥ל יְלַמֶּד־דָּ֑עַת וְ֝ה֗וּא רָמִ֥ים יִשְׁפֹּֽוט׃ Who shall teach knowledge to El, Since He Himself shall judge the exalted ones?
Job 23:13-14 “He (God) shall do what His soul has yearned for!”
וְה֣וּא בְ֭אֶחָד וּמִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ וְנַפְשֹׁ֖ו אִוְּתָ֣ה וַיָּֽעַשׂ׃ Yet He is One, and who can turn Him back? What His soul has yearned for He shall do. כִּ֭י יַשְׁלִ֣ים חֻקִּ֑י וְכָהֵ֖נָּה רַבֹּ֣ות עִמֹּֽו׃ For He shall accomplish what is marked out for me, And many other plans are with Him like these.
Job 25:2 (Bildad): “Awesome might!”
הַמְשֵׁ֣ל וָפַ֣חַד עִמֹּ֑ו עֹשֶׂ֥ה לֹ֗ום בִּמְרֹומָֽיו׃ Rule and awesome might are with Him, Who is establishing peace in His heights.
Job 26:12-14 “Who shall understand the thunder of His masterful deeds?”
בְּ֭כֹחֹו רָגַ֣ע הַיָּ֑ם [וּבִתוּבְנָתֹו כ] (וּ֝בִתְבוּנָתֹ֗ו ק) מָ֣חַץ רָֽהַב׃ By His vigor He lulled the sea, And by His understanding He transfixed Rahab*. *Rahab: storm, sea monster (NAS). בְּ֭רוּחֹו שָׁמַ֣יִם שִׁפְרָ֑ה חֹֽלֲלָ֥ה יָ֝דֹ֗ו נָחָ֥שׁ בָּרִֽיחַ׃ By His spirit the heavens were made seemly; His hand travailed with the fugitive serpent. הֶן־אֵ֤לֶּה ׀ קְצֹ֬ות [דַּרְכֹּו כ] (דְּרָכָ֗יו ק) וּמַה־שֵּׁ֣מֶץ דָּ֭בָר נִשְׁמַע־בֹּ֑ו וְרַ֥עַם [גְּבוּרָתֹו כ] (גְּ֝בוּרֹותָ֗יו ק) מִ֣י יִתְבֹּונָֽן׃ Behold, these are but the fringes of His ways, And what a little buzz of a word is heard of Him! Yet the thunder of His masterful deeds, Who shall understand it?
Job 31:15 “He Who made me in the belly!”
הֲֽ֝לֹא־בַ֭בֶּטֶן עֹשֵׂ֣נִי עָשָׂ֑הוּ וַ֝יְכֻנֶ֗נּוּ בָּרֶ֥חֶם אֶחָֽד׃ Did not He Who made me in the belly make him also, So that the same One prepared us both in the womb?
Job 34:13 (Elihu): “God has supervision over the earth!”
מִֽי־פָקַ֣ד עָלָ֣יו אָ֑רְצָה וּמִ֥י שָׂ֝֗ם תֵּבֵ֥ל כֻּלָּֽהּ׃ Who gave supervision onto Him over the earth, And who placed Him over the habitance, all of it?
Job 34:29 (Elihu): “He is over a nation and over humanity alike!”
וְה֤וּא יַשְׁקִ֨ט ׀ וּמִ֥י יַרְשִׁ֗עַ וְיַסְתֵּ֣ר פָּ֭נִים וּמִ֣י יְשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ וְעַל־גֹּ֖וי וְעַל־אָדָ֣ם יָֽחַד׃ When He is quiet, who can condemn? When He conceals His face, who can regard Him? Yet He is over a nation and over humanity alike. Job 36:3. Job 36:22 (Elihu): “Who is a Director like Him?”
הֶן־אֵ֭ל יַשְׂגִּ֣יב בְּכֹחֹ֑ו מִ֖י כָמֹ֣הוּ מֹורֶֽה׃ Behold, El is impregnable in His vigor; Who is a Director like Him?
Job 37:5 (Elihu?): “El (God) is doing great things that we cannot know!”
יַרְעֵ֤ם אֵ֣ל בְּ֭קֹולֹו נִפְלָאֹ֑ות עֹשֶׂ֥ה גְ֝דֹלֹ֗ות וְלֹ֣א נֵדָֽע׃ El thunders marvelously with His voice, Doing great things that we cannot know.
Job 37:12 (Elihu?): “According to His strategies!”
וְה֤וּא מְסִבֹּ֨ות ׀ מִתְהַפֵּ֣ךְ [בְּתַחְבּוּלָתֹו כ] (בְּתַחְבּוּלֹתָ֣יו ק) לְפָעֳלָ֑ם כֹּ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְצַוֵּ֓ם ׀ עַל־פְּנֵ֖י תֵבֵ֣ל אָֽרְצָה׃ And He directs them round about, Turning according to His strategies, That their deeds be all that He instructs them On the face of the earth’s habitation.
Job 42:2-3 “No plan of Yours can be thwarted!”
כִּי־כֹ֣ל תּוּכָ֑ל (יָ֭דַעְתִּי ק) [יָדַעְתָּ כ] וְלֹא־יִבָּצֵ֖ר מִמְּךָ֣ מְזִמָּֽה׃ I know that You are able in all things, And no plan of Yours can be thwarted. מִ֤י זֶ֨ה ׀ מַעְלִ֥ים עֵצָ֗ה בְּֽלִ֫י דָ֥עַת לָכֵ֣ן הִ֭גַּדְתִּי וְלֹ֣א אָבִ֑ין נִפְלָאֹ֥ות מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי וְלֹ֣א אֵדָֽע׃ “Who is this who obscures counsel Without knowledge?” Wherefore I have professed ideas When I was not understanding, Marvelous thoughts from me, That I did not know.
Job 42:11 “(Job’s comfort (or, consolation)) over all the evil that Yahweh had brought upon him!”
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ אֵ֠לָיו כָּל־אֶחָ֨יו וְכָל־ [אַחְיֹתָיו כ] (אַחְיֹותָ֜יו ק) וְכָל־יֹדְעָ֣יו לְפָנִ֗ים וַיֹּאכְל֨וּ עִמֹּ֣ו לֶחֶם֮ בְּבֵיתֹו֒ וַיָּנֻ֤דוּ לֹו֙ וַיְנַחֲמ֣וּ אֹתֹ֔ו עַ֚ל כָּל־הָ֣רָעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־הֵבִ֥יא יְהוָ֖ה עָלָ֑יו וַיִּתְּנוּ־לֹ֗ו אִ֚ישׁ קְשִׂיטָ֣ה אֶחָ֔ת וְאִ֕ישׁ נֶ֥זֶם זָהָ֖ב אֶחָֽד׃ All his brothers and all his sisters came to him and all his acquaintances from before, And they ate bread with him in his house. Then they sympathized with him And comforted him over all the evil That Yahweh had brought upon him. Each of them gave to him one kesitah*, And each, one pendant of gold. *Kesitah: a piece of silver. PSALMS Psalm 31:15 “In Your hand are my seasons!”
בְּיָדְךָ֥ עִתֹּתָ֑י הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤נִי מִיַּד־אֹ֝ויְבַ֗י וּמֵרֹדְפָֽי׃ In Your hand are my seasons; Rescue me from the hand of my enemies And from those pursuing me.
Psalm 33:9 “He spoke, and it came to be!”
כִּ֤י ה֣וּא אָמַ֣ר וַיֶּ֑הִי הֽוּא־צִ֝וָּ֗ה וַֽיַּעֲמֹֽד׃ For He spoke, and it came to be; He enjoined, and it stood firm.
Psalm 33:10 “Yahweh annuls the counsel of the nations!”
יְֽהוָ֗ה הֵפִ֥יר עֲצַת־גֹּויִ֑ם הֵ֝נִ֗יא מַחְשְׁבֹ֥ות עַמִּֽים׃ Yahweh, He annuls the counsel of the nations; He repudiates the devices of the peoples.
Psalm 33:11 “The designs (the computers!) of Yahweh’s heart!”
עֲצַ֣ת יְ֭הוָה לְעֹולָ֣ם תַּעֲמֹ֑ד מַחְשְׁבֹ֥ות לִ֝בֹּ֗ו לְדֹ֣ר וָדֹֽר׃ The counsel of Yahweh shall stand for the eon, The designs of His heart for generation after generation. Psalm 33:15. Psalm 37:23 “The master’s steps are prepared by Yahweh!”
מֵ֭יְהוָה מִֽצְעֲדֵי־גֶ֥בֶר כֹּונָ֗נוּ וְדַרְכֹּ֥ו יֶחְפָּֽץ׃ By Yahweh are the steps of a master prepared, And in His way shall he delight.
Psalm 40:5 “…even Your designs for us!”
רַבֹּ֤ות עָשִׂ֨יתָ ׀ אַתָּ֤ה ׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהַי֮ נִֽפְלְאֹתֶ֥יךָ וּמַחְשְׁבֹתֶ֗יךָ אֵ֫לֵ֥ינוּ אֵ֤ין ׀ עֲרֹ֬ךְ אֵלֶ֗יךָ אַגִּ֥ידָה וַאֲדַבֵּ֑רָה עָ֝צְמ֗וּ מִסַּפֵּֽר׃ Many are Your marvelous works which You have done, O Yahweh my Elohim, even Your designs for us. There is no one arranging them for You! Should I tell and should I speak of them, they are more plentiful than could be numbered.
Psalm 50:10-12 “For the habitance is God’s, and its fullness!”
כִּי־לִ֥י כָל־חַיְתֹו־יָ֑עַר בְּ֝הֵמֹ֗ות בְּהַרְרֵי־אָֽלֶף׃ For Mine is every animal of the wildwood, And domestic beasts by the thousands on My mountains. יָ֭דַעְתִּי כָּל־עֹ֣וף הָרִ֑ים וְזִ֥יז שָׂ֝דַ֗י עִמָּדִֽי׃ I know every flyer of the heavens, And the mammal of the field is before Me. אִם־אֶ֭רְעַב לֹא־אֹ֣מַר לָ֑ךְ כִּי־לִ֥י תֵ֝בֵ֗ל וּמְלֹאָֽהּ׃ If I were famishing, I would not speak to you, For the habitance is Mine, and its fullness.
Psalm 60:3 “Drinking the wine of astonishment!”
הִרְאִ֣יתָה עַמְּךָ֣ קָשָׁ֑ה הִ֝שְׁקִיתָ֗נוּ יַ֣יִן תַּרְעֵלָֽה׃ You have shown Your people hardship; You have made us drink wine of tremoring*. *King James (A.V.): the wine of astonishment.
Psalm 75:6-7 “Elohim abases and Elohim exalts!”
כִּ֤י לֹ֣א מִ֭מֹּוצָא וּמִֽמַּעֲרָ֑ב וְ֝לֹ֗א מִמִּדְבַּ֥ר הָרִֽים׃ For not one from the sun’s coming forth or from the west, And not one from the wilderness can exalt a man; כִּֽי־אֱלֹהִ֥ים שֹׁפֵ֑ט זֶ֥ה יַ֝שְׁפִּ֗יל וְזֶ֣ה יָרִֽים׃ For it is Elohim Who is judging; This one He is abasing, and this one He is exalting.
Psalm 80:3-7 “Light up Your face so that we may be saved!”
אֱלֹהִ֥ים הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נוּ וְהָאֵ֥ר פָּ֝נֶ֗יךָ וְנִוָּשֵֽׁעָה׃ O Elohim, restore us, And light up Your face so that we may indeed be saved. יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֣ים צְבָאֹ֑ות עַד־מָתַ֥י עָ֝שַׁ֗נְתָּ בִּתְפִלַּ֥ת עַמֶּֽךָ׃ O Yahweh Elohim of hosts, How long will You smolder Against the prayer of Your people? הֶ֭אֱכַלְתָּם לֶ֣חֶם דִּמְעָ֑ה וַ֝תַּשְׁקֵ֗מֹו בִּדְמָעֹ֥ות שָׁלִֽישׁ׃ You have fed them the bread of tears; You have even made them drink tears by the bowlful. תְּשִׂימֵ֣נוּ מָ֭דֹון לִשְׁכֵנֵ֑ינוּ וְ֝אֹיְבֵ֗ינוּ יִלְעֲגוּ־לָֽמֹו׃ You make us a quarrel to our neighbors, And our enemies, they deride us. אֱלֹהִ֣ים צְבָאֹ֣ות הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נוּ וְהָאֵ֥ר פָּ֝נֶ֗יךָ וְנִוָּשֵֽׁעָה׃ O Elohim of hosts, restore us, And light up Your face so that we may indeed be saved.
Psalm 82:1 “Among the elohim, (the One) Elohim is judging!”
מִזְמֹ֗ור לְאָ֫סָ֥ף אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים נִצָּ֥ב בַּעֲדַת־אֵ֑ל בְּקֶ֖רֶב אֱלֹהִ֣ים יִשְׁפֹּֽט׃ (An Asaphic Psalm) Elohim is stationed in the congregation of El; Among the elohim is He judging.
Psalm 90:1-4 “You Yourself have become our Habitation!”
תְּפִלָּה֮ לְמֹשֶׁ֪ה אִֽישׁ־הָאֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים אֲֽדֹנָ֗י מָעֹ֣ון אַ֭תָּה הָיִ֥יתָ לָּ֗נוּ בְּדֹ֣ר וָדֹֽר׃ (A Prayer, for Moses, the Man of the One, Elohim) O Yahweh, You Yourself have become our Habitation In generation after generation; בְּטֶ֤רֶם ׀ הָ֘רִ֤ים יֻלָּ֗דוּ וַתְּחֹ֣ולֵֽל אֶ֣רֶץ וְתֵבֵ֑ל וּֽמֵעֹולָ֥ם עַד־עֹ֝ולָ֗ם אַתָּ֥ה אֵֽל׃ Ere [before] the mountains were born, And You travailed with the earth and the habitance, From eon unto eon You are El. תָּשֵׁ֣ב אֱ֭נֹושׁ עַד־דַּכָּ֑א וַ֝תֹּ֗אמֶר שׁ֣וּבוּ בְנֵי־אָדָֽם׃ You turn a mortal back to crushed dust And say, Return, sons of humanity. כִּ֤י אֶ֪לֶף שָׁנִ֡ים בְּֽעֵינֶ֗יךָ כְּיֹ֣ום אֶ֭תְמֹול כִּ֣י יַעֲבֹ֑ר וְאַשְׁמוּרָ֥ה בַלָּֽיְלָה׃ For a thousand years are in Your eyes Like yesterday’s day when it has passed, Or like a vigil in the night.
Psalm 93:1-5 “Yahweh reigns!”
יְהוָ֣ה מָלָךְ֮ גֵּא֪וּת לָ֫בֵ֥שׁ לָבֵ֣שׁ יְ֭הוָה עֹ֣ז הִתְאַזָּ֑ר אַף־תִּכֹּ֥ון תֵּ֝בֵ֗ל בַּל־תִּמֹּֽוט׃ Yahweh, He reigns! With augustness is He clothed; Yahweh is clothed with strength; Thus has He belted Himself. Indeed, the habitance is established; It is immovable. נָכֹ֣ון כִּסְאֲךָ֣ מֵאָ֑ז מֵֽעֹולָ֣ם אָֽתָּה׃ Your throne has been established from long ago; You are from the eon. נָשְׂא֤וּ נְהָרֹ֨ות ׀ יְֽהוָ֗ה נָשְׂא֣וּ נְהָרֹ֣ות קֹולָ֑ם יִשְׂא֖וּ נְהָרֹ֣ות דָּכְיָֽם׃ The streams lift up, O Yahweh, The streams lift up their voice; The streams shall lift up their crushing waves. מִקֹּלֹ֨ות ׀ מַ֤יִם רַבִּ֗ים אַדִּירִ֣ים מִשְׁבְּרֵי־יָ֑ם אַדִּ֖יר בַּמָּרֹ֣ום יְהוָֽה׃ Greater than the sounds of mighty waters, Nobler than the breakers of the sea, Is Yahweh noble in the height. עֵֽדֹתֶ֨יךָ ׀ נֶאֶמְנ֬וּ מְאֹ֗ד לְבֵיתְךָ֥ נַאֲוָה־קֹ֑דֶשׁ יְ֝הוָ֗ה לְאֹ֣רֶךְ יָמִֽים׃ Your testimonies, they are very faithful; Holiness befits Your house For length of days, O Yahweh.
Psalm 103:19 “Yahweh’s kingdom rules among all!”
יְֽהוָ֗ה בַּ֭שָּׁמַיִם הֵכִ֣ין כִּסְאֹ֑ו וּ֝מַלְכוּתֹ֗ו בַּכֹּ֥ל מָשָֽׁלָה׃ Yahweh, He has established His throne in the heavens, And His kingdom rules among all.
Psalm 105:28 “God sends darkness!”
שָׁ֣לַֽח חֹ֭שֶׁךְ וַיַּחְשִׁ֑ךְ וְלֹֽא־מָ֝ר֗וּ אֶת־ [דְּבָרָוו כ] (דְּבָרֹֽו׃ ק) He sent darkness, and it became very dark, And they could not defy His words.
Psalm 107:23-28 “The deeds of Yahweh and His marvelous works!”
יֹורְדֵ֣י הַ֭יָּם בָּאֳנִיֹּ֑ות עֹשֵׂ֥י מְ֝לָאכָ֗ה בְּמַ֣יִם רַבִּֽים׃ Those going down to the sea in ships, Who do their work on vast waters, הֵ֣מָּה רָ֭אוּ מַעֲשֵׂ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְ֝נִפְלְאֹותָ֗יו בִּמְצוּלָֽה׃ They have seen the deeds of Yahweh, And His marvelous works in the shadowy deep. וַיֹּ֗אמֶר וַֽ֭יַּעֲמֵד ר֣וּחַ סְעָרָ֑ה וַתְּרֹומֵ֥ם גַּלָּֽיו׃ He spoke and recruited a tempestuous wind, And it raised its billows high. יַעֲל֣וּ מַיִם יֵרְד֣וּ תְהֹומֹ֑ות נַ֝פְשָׁ֗ם בְּרָעָ֥ה תִתְמֹוגָֽג׃ They ascended to the heavens; they descended to the abyss; Their soul dissolved because of the evil. יָחֹ֣וגּוּ וְ֭יָנוּעוּ כַּשִּׁכֹּ֑ור וְכָל־חָ֝כְמָתָ֗ם תִּתְבַּלָּֽע׃ They circled and staggered like a drunkard, And all their wisdom, it was swallowed up. וַיִּצְעֲק֣וּ אֶל־יְ֭הוָה בַּצַּ֣ר לָהֶ֑ם וּֽ֝מִמְּצֽוּקֹתֵיהֶ֗ם יֹוצִיאֵֽם׃ Then they cried out to Yahweh in their distress, And He brought them forth from their constraints.
Psalm 115:3 “All that Elohim desires, Elohim does!”
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֥ינוּ בַשָּׁמָ֑יִם כֹּ֭ל אֲשֶׁר־חָפֵ֣ץ עָשָֽׂה׃ Indeed our Elohim is in the heavens; All that He desires, He does.
Psalm 135:5-6 “All that Yahweh delights He does!”
כִּ֤י אֲנִ֣י יָ֭דַעְתִּי כִּי־גָדֹ֣ול יְהוָ֑ה וַ֝אֲדֹנֵ֗ינוּ מִכָּל־אֱלֹהִֽים׃ For I myself know that Yahweh is great, And our Lord is greater than all elohim. כֹּ֤ל אֲשֶׁר־חָפֵ֥ץ יְהוָ֗ה עָ֫שָׂ֥ה בַּשָּׁמַ֥יִם וּבָאָ֑רֶץ בַּ֝יַּמִּ֗ים וְכָל־תְּהֹומֹֽות׃ All that Yahweh delights He does, In the heavens and on earth, In the seas and every abyss.
Psalm 139:6 “I cannot reach to it!”
פִּלְאִיָּה כ] (פְּלִ֣יאָֽה ק) דַ֣עַת מִמֶּ֑נִּי] נִ֝שְׂגְּבָ֗ה לֹא־א֥וּכַֽל לָֽהּ׃ Marvelous is such knowledge beyond me; It is impregnable; I cannot reach to it.
Psalm 139:13 “The making of my innermost being!”
כִּֽי־אַ֭תָּה קָנִ֣יתָ כִלְיֹתָ֑י תְּ֝סֻכֵּ֗נִי בְּבֶ֣טֶן אִמִּֽי׃ For You Yourself achieved the making of my innermost being; You overshadowed me in my mother’s belly.
Psalm 139:15 “As in the nether parts of the earth!”
לֹא־נִכְחַ֥ד עָצְמִ֗י מִ֫מֶּ֥ךָּ אֲשֶׁר־עֻשֵּׂ֥יתִי בַסֵּ֑תֶר רֻ֝קַּ֗מְתִּי בְּֽתַחְתִּיֹּ֥ות אָֽרֶץ׃ My skeleton was not suppressed from You, When I was made in concealment; I was woven together as in the nether parts of the earth.
Psalm 139:16 “All of my days were written upon Your scroll!”
גָּלְמִ֤י ׀ רָ֘א֤וּ עֵינֶ֗יךָ וְעַֽל־סִפְרְךָ֮ כֻּלָּ֪ם יִכָּ֫תֵ֥בוּ יָמִ֥ים יֻצָּ֑רוּ [וְלֹא כ] (וְלֹ֖ו ק) אֶחָ֣ד בָּהֶֽם׃ Your eyes saw my embryo*, And my days, all of them were written upon Your scroll; The days, they were formed When there was not one of them. *Hebrew: גֹּלֶם (golem)! (Hapax.) Psalm 139:17. Psalm 145:1-3 “I shall exalt You, my Elohim the King!”
תְּהִלָּ֗ה לְדָ֫וִ֥ד אֲרֹומִמְךָ֣ אֱלֹוהַ֣י הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ וַאֲבָרֲכָ֥ה מְךָ֗ לְעֹולָ֥ם וָעֶֽד׃ (A Davidic Praise) I shall exalt You, my Elohim the King; Let me bless Your Name for the eon and further. בְּכָל־יֹ֥ום אֲבָרֲכֶ֑ךָּ וַאֲהַלְלָ֥ה מְךָ֗ לְעֹולָ֥ם וָעֶֽד׃ In every day I shall bless You; Let me praise Your Name for the eon and further. גָּ֘דֹ֤ול יְהוָ֣ה וּמְהֻלָּ֣ל מְאֹ֑ד וְ֝לִגְדֻלָּתֹ֗ו אֵ֣ין חֵֽקֶר׃ Great is Yahweh, and praised exceedingly, And as to His greatness there is no fathoming.
Psalm 145:6 “Let me relate Your great achievements!”
וֶעֱז֣וּז נֹורְאֹתֶ֣יךָ יֹאמֵ֑רוּ [וּגְדוּלֹּתֶיךָ כ] (וּגְדוּלָּתְךָ֥ ק) אֲסַפְּרֶֽנָּה׃ The strength of Your fear inspiring deeds may they affirm, And Your great achievements let me relate.
Psalm 147:5 “There is no enumeration of His understanding!”
גָּדֹ֣ול אֲדֹונֵ֣ינוּ וְרַב־כֹּ֑חַ לִ֝תְבוּנָתֹ֗ו אֵ֣ין מִסְפָּֽר׃ Great is our Lord and vast in vigor; As to His understanding, there is no enumeration of it.
Psalm 147:15 “The One sending His saying to the earth!”
הַשֹּׁלֵ֣חַ אִמְרָתֹ֣ו אָ֑רֶץ עַד־מְ֝הֵרָ֗ה יָר֥וּץ דְּבָרֹֽו׃ The One sending His saying to the earth, His word is running quickly.
Psalm 147:18 “He is sending His word!”
יִשְׁלַ֣ח דְּבָרֹ֣ו וְיַמְסֵ֑ם יַשֵּׁ֥ב ר֝וּחֹ֗ו יִזְּלוּ־מָֽיִם׃ He is sending His word and melts them; He is reversing His wind, and the waters flow.
Psalm 148:4-8 “He Himself determined!” (The entire Creation performs Yahweh’s Word…)
הַֽ֭לְלוּהוּ שְׁמֵ֣י הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם וְ֝הַמַּ֗יִם אֲשֶׁ֤ר ׀ מֵעַ֬ל הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ Praise Him, heavens of the heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens. יְֽ֭הַֽלְלוּ אֶת־שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֑ה כִּ֤י ה֭וּא צִוָּ֣ה וְנִבְרָֽאוּ׃ May they praise the Name of Yahweh, For He Himself determined, and they were created. וַיַּעֲמִידֵ֣ם לָעַ֣ד לְעֹולָ֑ם חָק־נָ֝תַ֗ן וְלֹ֣א יַעֲבֹֽור׃ He makes them stand for the future, for the eon; He has set down a statute, and it shall not pass away. הַֽלְל֣וּ אֶת־יְ֭הוָה מִן־הָאָ֑רֶץ תַּ֝נִּינִ֗ים וְכָל־תְּהֹמֹֽות׃ Praise Yahweh from the earth, Sea monsters and every abyss, אֵ֣שׁ וּ֭בָרָד שֶׁ֣לֶג וְקִיטֹ֑ור ר֥וּחַ סְ֝עָרָ֗ה עֹשָׂ֥ה דְבָרֹֽו׃ Fire and hail, snow and fume, Tempestuous wind, performing His word. PROVERBS Proverbs 16:1 “The human arrangements and… the divine response!”
לְאָדָ֥ם מַֽעַרְכֵי־לֵ֑ב וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה מַעֲנֵ֥ה לָשֹֽׁון׃ To humanity belong the arrangements of the heart, Yet from Yahweh comes the response of the tongue.
Proverbs 16:4 “Everything (has been made) for its own outcome!”
כֹּ֤ל פָּעַ֣ל יְ֭הוָה לַֽמַּעֲנֵ֑הוּ וְגַם־רָ֝שָׁ֗ע לְיֹ֣ום רָעָֽה׃ Yahweh has made everything for its own outcome, Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
לֵ֣ב אָ֭דָם יְחַשֵּׁ֣ב דַּרְכֹּ֑ו וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה יָכִ֥ין צַעֲדֹֽו׃ A man’s heart, it devises his way, Yet Yahweh, He establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:33 “The outcome is from the Lord!”
בַּ֭חֵיק יוּטַ֣ל אֶת־הַגֹּורָ֑ל וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה כָּל־מִשְׁפָּטֹֽו׃ It is the lot* that is cast forth in the bosom; Yet from Yahweh is its every judgment. *ISV: the dice is cast (+ the outcome is from the Lord).
Proverbs 19:21 “The counsel of Yahweh shall stand firm!”
רַבֹּ֣ות מַחֲשָׁבֹ֣ות בְּלֶב־אִ֑ישׁ וַעֲצַ֥ת יְ֝הוָ֗ה הִ֣יא תָקֽוּם׃ Many are the designs in a man’s heart, Yet the counsel of Yahweh, it shall stand firm.
Proverbs 20:24 “How can a man understand his (own) way?”
מֵיְהוָ֥ה מִצְעֲדֵי־גָ֑בֶר וְ֝אָדָ֗ם מַה־יָּבִ֥ין דַּרְכֹּֽו׃ A master’s steps are directed by Yahweh; How then can a man understand his way?
Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of Yahweh!”
פַּלְגֵי־מַ֣יִם לֶב־מֶ֭לֶךְ בְּיַד־יְהוָ֑ה עַֽל־כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֖ר יַחְפֹּ֣ץ יַטֶּֽנּוּ׃ Like rillets* of water is the king’s heart in the hand of Yahweh; Wherever He desires, He redirects it. *Rillet: a little rill; streamlet (Collins Dictionary).
Proverbs 21:30-31 “The victory belongs to Yahweh!”
אֵ֣ין חָ֭כְמָה וְאֵ֣ין תְּבוּנָ֑ה וְאֵ֥ין עֵ֝צָ֗ה לְנֶ֣גֶד יְהוָֽה׃ There is no wisdom, there is no comprehension, And there is no counsel in confronting Yahweh. ס֗וּס מ֭וּכָן לְיֹ֣ום מִלְחָמָ֑ה וְ֝לַֽיהוָ֗ה הַתְּשׁוּעָֽה׃ A horse is prepared for the day of battle, Yet the victory belongs to Yahweh. ECCLESIASTES Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He (the One, Elohim) has made everything fitting in its season!”
אֶת־הַכֹּ֥ל עָשָׂ֖ה יָפֶ֣ה בְעִתֹּ֑ו גַּ֤ם אֶת־הָעֹלָם֙ נָתַ֣ן בְּלִבָּ֔ם מִבְּלִ֞י אֲשֶׁ֧ר לֹא־יִמְצָ֣א הָאָדָ֗ם אֶת־הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֥ה הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים מֵרֹ֥אשׁ וְעַד־סֹֽוף׃ He has made everything fitting in its season; However, He has put obscurity in their heart So that the man may not find out His work, That which the One, Elohim, does From the beginning to the terminus.
Ecclesiastes 7:13 “Who can set in order that which the One, Elohim, has overturned?”
רְאֵ֖ה אֶת־מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים כִּ֣י מִ֤י יוּכַל֙ לְתַקֵּ֔ן אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עִוְּתֹֽו׃ See the work of the One, Elohim; For who can set in order that which He has overturned? בְּיֹ֤ום טֹובָה֙ הֱיֵ֣ה בְטֹ֔וב וּבְיֹ֥ום רָעָ֖ה רְאֵ֑ה גַּ֣ם אֶת־זֶ֤ה לְעֻמַּת־זֶה֙ עָשָׂ֣ה הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים עַל־דִּבְרַ֗ת שֶׁלֹּ֨א יִמְצָ֧א הָֽאָדָ֛ם אַחֲרָ֖יו מְאֽוּמָה׃ In a day of good be resting in the good, And in a day of evil, be vigilant; Indeed the One, Elohim, has made this one along with that one For this reason, that a man cannot find out anything about his hereafter.
Ecclesiastes 8:17 “And even if a wise man says he knows!”
וְרָאִיתִי֮ אֶת־כָּל־מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה הָאֱלֹהִים֒ כִּי֩ לֹ֨א יוּכַ֜ל הָאָדָ֗ם לִמְצֹוא֙ אֶת־הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נַעֲשָׂ֣ה תַֽחַת־הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ בְּ֠שֶׁל אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַעֲמֹ֧ל הָאָדָ֛ם לְבַקֵּ֖שׁ וְלֹ֣א יִמְצָ֑א וְגַ֨ם אִם־יֹאמַ֤ר הֶֽחָכָם֙ לָדַ֔עַת לֹ֥א יוּכַ֖ל לִמְצֹֽא׃ Then I saw in all the work of the One, Elohim, That a man is not able to find out The work that is done under the sun, Forasmuch was a man may toil in seeking it out But shall not find it; And even if a wise man says he knows, He is not able to find it out.
Ecclesiastes 11:5 “The work of the One, Elohim, Who does the whole!”
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר אֵֽינְךָ֤ יֹודֵ֙עַ֙ מַה־דֶּ֣רֶךְ הָר֔וּחַ כַּעֲצָמִ֖ים בְּבֶ֣טֶן הַמְּלֵאָ֑ה כָּ֗כָה לֹ֤א תֵדַע֙ אֶת־מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה אֶת־הַכֹּֽל׃ Just as you do not know what the way of the wind may be, Or how bones are formed in the full womb, Thus you cannot know the work of the One, Elohim, Who does the whole. Isaiah 10:5. ISAIAH Isaiah 14:24-27 “Just as I (Yahweh) have meant, so will it come to be!”
נִשְׁבַּ֛ע יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֹ֖ות לֵאמֹ֑ר אִם־לֹ֞א כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר דִּמִּ֙יתִי֙ כֵּ֣ן הָיָ֔תָה וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥ר יָעַ֖צְתִּי הִ֥יא תָקֽוּם׃ Yahweh of hosts has sworn, saying: Assuredly, just as I have meant, so will it come to be, And just as I have counseled, that shall be confirmed: לִשְׁבֹּ֤ר אַשּׁוּר֙ בְּאַרְצִ֔י וְעַל־הָרַ֖י אֲבוּסֶ֑נּוּ וְסָ֤ר מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶם֙ עֻלֹּ֔ו וְסֻ֨בֳּלֹ֔ו מֵעַ֥ל שִׁכְמֹ֖ו יָסֽוּר׃ To break Assyria in My land, And on My mountains I shall trample him; His yoke will withdraw from on them, And his burden, it shall withdraw from on their back. זֹ֛את הָעֵצָ֥ה הַיְּעוּצָ֖ה עַל־כָּל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וְזֹ֛את הַיָּ֥ד הַנְּטוּיָ֖ה עַל־כָּל־הַגֹּויִֽם׃ This is the counsel that is counseled over the entire earth, And this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. כִּֽי־יְהוָ֧ה צְבָאֹ֛ות יָעָ֖ץ וּמִ֣י יָפֵ֑ר וְיָדֹ֥ו הַנְּטוּיָ֖ה וּמִ֥י יְשִׁיבֶֽנָּה׃ For Yahweh of hosts, He has counseled, And who shall annul it? And it is His hand that is stretched out, And who shall reverse it?
Isaiah 29:16 cf. Romans 9:19-20 (+ Jeremiah 18:1-6) “The (divine) Potter and the (human) clay!”
הַ֨פְכְּכֶ֔ם אִם־כְּחֹ֥מֶר הַיֹּצֵ֖ר יֵֽחָשֵׁ֑ב כִּֽי־יֹאמַ֨ר מַעֲשֶׂ֤ה לְעֹשֵׂ֙הוּ֙ לֹ֣א עָשָׂ֔נִי וְיֵ֛צֶר אָמַ֥ר לְיֹוצְרֹ֖ו לֹ֥א הֵבִֽין׃ O your waywardness! As the clay should the Potter be accounted? Indeed shall what is made say of its Maker, He did not make me? Or does what is formed say of its Former, He does not understand?
Isaiah 30:20-21 “This is the way; walk in it!”
וְנָתַ֨ן לָכֶ֧ם אֲדֹנָ֛י לֶ֥חֶם צָ֖ר וּמַ֣יִם לָ֑חַץ וְלֹֽא־יִכָּנֵ֥ף עֹוד֙ מֹורֶ֔יךָ וְהָי֥וּ עֵינֶ֖יךָ רֹאֹ֥ות אֶת־מֹורֶֽיךָ׃ Though Yahweh will give you the bread of distress And the water of oppression, Yet your Director no longer shall hem Himself in, And your eyes will come to see your Director, וְאָזְנֶ֙יךָ֙ תִּשְׁמַ֣עְנָה דָבָ֔ר מֵֽאַחֲרֶ֖יךָ לֵאמֹ֑ר זֶ֤ה הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ לְכ֣וּ בֹ֔ו כִּ֥י תַאֲמִ֖ינוּ וְכִ֥י תַשְׂמְאִֽילוּ׃ And your ears, they shall hear a word behind you, saying: This is the way; walk in it, In case you turn right or in case you turn left. Isaiah 37:21-29. Isaiah 37:26 “I (God) purposed it from of old!”
הֲלֹֽוא־שָׁמַ֤עְתָּ לְמֵֽרָחֹוק֙ אֹותָ֣הּ עָשִׂ֔יתִי מִ֥ימֵי קֶ֖דֶם וִיצַרְתִּ֑יהָ עַתָּ֣ה הֲבֵאתִ֔יהָ וּתְהִ֗י לְהַשְׁאֹ֛ות גַּלִּ֥ים נִצִּ֖ים עָרִ֥ים בְּצֻרֹֽות׃ Have you not heard? From of old I purposed it; From days aforetime also I formed it. Now I have brought it to pass that you have come into being To decimate fortressed cities into crumbled mounds.
Isaiah 40:28 “There is no fathoming of His understanding!”
הֲלֹ֨וא יָדַ֜עְתָּ אִם־לֹ֣א שָׁמַ֗עְתָּ אֱלֹהֵ֨י עֹולָ֤ם ׀ יְהוָה֙ בֹּורֵא֙ קְצֹ֣ות הָאָ֔רֶץ לֹ֥א יִיעַ֖ף וְלֹ֣א יִיגָ֑ע אֵ֥ין חֵ֖קֶר לִתְבוּנָתֹֽו׃ Do you not know? Or do you not hear? The Elohim eonian is Yahweh, Creator of the ends of the earth; He does not faint nor is He wearied; There is no fathoming of His understanding.
Isaiah 42:16 “These are the things that I (God) do!”
וְהֹולַכְתִּ֣י עִוְרִ֗ים בְּדֶ֙רֶךְ֙ לֹ֣א יָדָ֔עוּ בִּנְתִיבֹ֥ות לֹֽא־יָדְע֖וּ אַדְרִיכֵ֑ם אָשִׂים֩ מַחְשָׁ֨ךְ לִפְנֵיהֶ֜ם לָאֹ֗ור וּמַֽעֲקַשִּׁים֙ לְמִישֹׁ֔ור אֵ֚לֶּה הַדְּבָרִ֔ים עֲשִׂיתִ֖ם וְלֹ֥א עֲזַבְתִּֽים׃ I will conduct the blind in a way they do not know, And in tracks they do not know I shall cause them to tread; I shall convert darkness before them to light, And rough places to level ground; These are the things that I do, And I do not forsake them.
Isaiah 45:5-9 “I, Yahweh, make all these things!”
(Hence the title of the present Collection.)
אֲנִ֤י יְהוָה֙ וְאֵ֣ין עֹ֔וד זוּלָתִ֖י אֵ֣ין אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֲאַזֶּרְךָ֖ וְלֹ֥א יְדַעְתָּֽנִי׃ I am Yahweh, and there is no other; Except for Me, there is no Elohim; I am forearming you, yet you do not know Me, לְמַ֣עַן יֵדְע֗וּ מִמִּזְרַח־שֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙ וּמִמַּ֣עֲרָבָ֔ה כִּי־אֶ֖פֶס בִּלְעָדָ֑י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה וְאֵ֥ין עֹֽוד׃ That they may know, From the rising of the sun and from the west, That there is no one apart from Me; I am Yahweh, and there is no other. יֹוצֵ֥ר אֹור֙ וּבֹורֵ֣א חֹ֔שֶׁךְ עֹשֶׂ֥ה שָׁלֹ֖ום וּבֹ֣ורֵא רָ֑ע אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה עֹשֶׂ֥ה כָל־אֵֽלֶּה׃ Former of light and Creator of darkness, Maker of good and Creator of evil, I, Yahweh, make all these things. הַרְעִ֤יפוּ שָׁמַ֙יִם֙ מִמַּ֔עַל וּשְׁחָקִ֖ים יִזְּלוּ־צֶ֑דֶק תִּפְתַּח־אֶ֣רֶץ וְיִפְרוּ־יֶ֗שַׁע וּצְדָקָ֤ה תַצְמִ֙יחַ֙ יַ֔חַד אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בְּרָאתִֽיו׃ Drip down from above, heavens, And let the skies distil righteousness; Let the earth open up, Let salvation bud, And let righteousness sprout together with it; I, Yahweh, I create it. הֹ֗וי רָ֚ב אֶת־יֹ֣צְרֹ֔ו חֶ֖רֶשׂ אֶת־חַרְשֵׂ֣י אֲדָמָ֑ה הֲיֹאמַ֙ר חֹ֤מֶר לְיֹֽצְרֹו֙ מַֽה־תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה וּפָעָלְךָ֖ אֵין־יָדַ֥יִם לֹֽו׃ Would anyone contend with his Former? Earthenware of the ground with its artificer? Shall the clay say to its Potter, What are you making? Or your contrivance say, It has no hands? Isaiah 45:8. Isaiah 45:9 “Shall the clay say to its potter: What are you making?”
הֹ֗וי רָ֚ב אֶת־יֹ֣צְרֹ֔ו חֶ֖רֶשׂ אֶת־חַרְשֵׂ֣י אֲדָמָ֑ה הֲיֹאמַ֙ר חֹ֤מֶר לְיֹֽצְרֹו֙ מַֽה־תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה וּפָעָלְךָ֖ אֵין־יָדַ֥יִם לֹֽו׃ Would anyone contend with his Former? Earthenware of the ground with its artificer? Shall the clay say to its potter, What are you making? Or your contrivance say, It has no hands?
Isaiah 46:9-11 “I (El, Elohim) have formed the plan; indeed I shall do it!”
זִכְר֥וּ רִאשֹׁנֹ֖ות מֵעֹולָ֑ם כִּ֣י אָנֹכִ֥י אֵל֙ וְאֵ֣ין עֹ֔וד אֱלֹהִ֖ים וְאֶ֥פֶס כָּמֹֽונִי׃ Remember the former things from the eon, For I am El, and there is no other! Elohim! and no other like Me! מַגִּ֤יד מֵֽרֵאשִׁית֙ אַחֲרִ֔ית וּמִקֶּ֖דֶם אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא־נַעֲשׂ֑וּ אֹמֵר֙ עֲצָתִ֣י תָק֔וּם וְכָל־חֶפְצִ֖י אֶעֱשֶֽׂה׃ Telling from the beginning, the hereafter, And from aforetime what has not yet been done, Saying: all My counsel, it shall be confirmed, And all My desire shall I do; קֹרֵ֤א מִמִּזְרָח֙ עַ֔יִט מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מֶרְחָ֖ק אִ֣ישׁ [עֲצָתֹו כ] (עֲצָתִ֑י ק) אַף־דִּבַּ֙רְתִּי֙ אַף־אֲבִיאֶ֔נָּה יָצַ֖רְתִּי אַף־אֶעֱשֶֽׂנָּה׃ Calling from the sunrise, a bird of prey, From a land afar, a man of My counsel, Indeed I have spoken; indeed I shall bring it to pass! I have formed the plan; indeed I shall do it!
Isaiah 47:11 “Yet evil will come on you!”
וּבָ֧א עָלַ֣יִךְ רָעָ֗ה לֹ֤א תֵדְעִי֙ שַׁחְרָ֔הּ וְתִפֹּ֤ל עָלַ֙יִךְ֙ הֹוָ֔ה לֹ֥א תוּכְלִ֖י כַּפְּרָ֑הּ וְתָבֹ֨א עָלַ֧יִךְ פִּתְאֹ֛ם שֹׁואָ֖ה לֹ֥א תֵדָֽעִי׃ Yet evil will come on you, And you shall not know its dawn; And woe shall fall on you; You shall not be able to find shelter from it; Ruination shall come on you suddenly, And you shall not foreknow it.
Isaiah 54:16 “And I have created the waster to destroy!”
(הִנֵּ֤ה ק) [הֵן כ] אָֽנֹכִי֙ בָּרָ֣אתִי חָרָ֔שׁ נֹפֵ֙חַ֙ בְּאֵ֣שׁ פֶּחָ֔ם וּמֹוצִ֥יא כְלִ֖י לְמַעֲשֵׂ֑הוּ וְאָנֹכִ֛י בָּרָ֥אתִי מַשְׁחִ֖ית לְחַבֵּֽל׃ Behold, I Myself created the craftsman, Who blows into the fire of coals And brings forth an implement for his work; And I Myself created the ruiner to harm*. *King James (A.V.): and I have created the waster to destroy.
Isaiah 55:8-11 “Yahweh’s designs are not our designs!” (GOD’S COMPUTER)
כִּ֣י לֹ֤א מַחְשְׁבֹותַי֙ מַחְשְׁבֹ֣ותֵיכֶ֔ם וְלֹ֥א דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם דְּרָכָ֑י נְאֻ֖ם יְהוָֽה׃ For My designs are not your designs, And your ways are not My ways, Averring is Yahweh. כִּֽי־גָבְה֥וּ שָׁמַ֖יִם מֵאָ֑רֶץ כֵּ֣ן גָּבְה֤וּ דְרָכַי֙ מִדַּרְכֵיכֶ֔ם וּמַחְשְׁבֹתַ֖י מִמַּחְשְׁבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃ For as the heavens are loftier than the earth, So are My ways loftier than your ways, And My designs than your designs. כִּ֡י כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵרֵד֩ הַגֶּ֨שֶׁם וְהַשֶּׁ֜לֶג מִן־הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם וְשָׁ֙מָּה֙ לֹ֣א יָשׁ֔וּב כִּ֚י אִם־הִרְוָ֣ה אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ וְהֹולִידָ֖הּ וְהִצְמִיחָ֑הּ וְנָ֤תַן זֶ֙רַע֙ לַזֹּרֵ֔עַ וְלֶ֖חֶם לָאֹכֵֽל׃ For just as the downpour descends And the snow from the heavens, Yet it does not return there, But rather it soaks the earth And causes it to bear and sprout, And it gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater, כֵּ֣ן יִֽהְיֶ֤ה דְבָרִי֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵצֵ֣א מִפִּ֔י לֹֽא־יָשׁ֥וּב אֵלַ֖י רֵיקָ֑ם כִּ֤י אִם־עָשָׂה֙ אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָפַ֔צְתִּי וְהִצְלִ֖יחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר שְׁלַחְתִּֽיו׃ So shall My word be that shall go forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, But rather it does what I desire And prospers in that for which I sent it.
Isaiah 64:8 “The work of Your hand are we all!” (Cf. His achievement are we: Ephesians 2:10)
וְעַתָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אָבִ֣ינוּ אָ֑תָּה אֲנַ֤חְנוּ הַחֹ֙מֶר֙ וְאַתָּ֣ה יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ וּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה יָדְךָ֖ כֻּלָּֽנוּ׃ Yet now, O Yahweh, You are our Father; We are the clay, And You are our Former, And the work of Your hand are we all. JEREMIAH Jeremiah 1:5 “I formed you in the belly, I knew you!”
בְּטֶ֨רֶם [אֶצֹּורְךָ כ] (אֶצָּרְךָ֤ ק) בַבֶּ֙טֶן֙ יְדַעְתִּ֔יךָ וּבְטֶ֛רֶם תֵּצֵ֥א מֵרֶ֖חֶם הִקְדַּשְׁתִּ֑יךָ נָבִ֥יא לַגֹּויִ֖ם נְתַתִּֽיךָ׃ Ere [before] I formed you in the belly, I knew you, And ere [and before] you came forth from the womb, I hallowed you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
Jeremiah 5:22 “The eonian statutes of Yahweh!”
הַאֹותִ֨י לֹא־תִירָ֜אוּ נְאֻם־יְהֹוָ֗ה אִ֤ם מִפָּנַי֙ לֹ֣א תָחִ֔ילוּ אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֤מְתִּי חֹול֙ גְּב֣וּל לַיָּ֔ם חָק־עֹולָ֖ם וְלֹ֣א יַעַבְרֶ֑נְהוּ וַיִּֽתְגָּעֲשׁוּ֙ וְלֹ֣א יוּכָ֔לוּ וְהָמ֥וּ גַלָּ֖יו וְלֹ֥א יַעַבְרֻֽנְהוּ׃ Are you not fearing Me? averring is Yahweh; Should you not travail in My presence, I, Who placed the sand as the boundary for the sea, An eonian statute, and it shall not pass beyond it? Though its waters reel, yet they shall not prevail, And its billows clamor, yet they shall not pass over it.
Jeremiah 10:23 (freewill alert) “It is not for a human to choose his way!”
יָדַ֣עְתִּי יְהוָ֔ה כִּ֛י לֹ֥א לָאָדָ֖ם דַּרְכֹּ֑ו לֹֽא־לְאִ֣ישׁ הֹלֵ֔ךְ וְהָכִ֖ין אֶֽת־צַעֲדֹֽו׃ I know, O Yahweh, that it is not for a human to choose his way; It is not for a man to walk and to establish his step.
Jeremiah 13:23 “Can the Ethiopian transform his skin?”
הֲיַהֲפֹ֤ךְ כּוּשִׁי֙ עֹורֹ֔ו וְנָמֵ֖ר חֲבַרְבֻּרֹתָ֑יו גַּם־אַתֶּם֙ תּוּכְל֣וּ לְהֵיטִ֔יב לִמֻּדֵ֖י הָרֵֽעַ׃ Shall a Cushite [a.v.: can the Ethiopian] transform his skin, or a leopard its spots? Then you yourselves also shall be able to do good, who are taught to do evil.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 cf. Romans 9:19-20 (+ Isaiah 29:16) “Like clay in the hand of the potter!” (THE POTTER’S HOUSE)
הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֣ה אֶֽל־יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ מֵאֵ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר׃ The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying: ק֥וּם וְיָרַדְתָּ֖ בֵּ֣ית הַיֹּוצֵ֑ר וְשָׁ֖מָּה אַשְׁמִֽיעֲךָ֥ אֶת־דְּבָרָֽי׃ Rise and go down to the house of the potter, And there I shall announce to you My words. וָאֵרֵ֖ד בֵּ֣ית הַיֹּוצֵ֑ר [וְהִנֵּהוּ כ] (וְהִנֵּה ־ה֛וּא ק) עֹשֶׂ֥ה מְלָאכָ֖ה עַל־הָאָבְנָֽיִם׃ So I went down to the house of the potter, And behold, he was making a work on the wheel stones. וְנִשְׁחַ֣ת הַכְּלִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר ה֥וּא עֹשֶׂ֛ה בַּחֹ֖מֶר בְּיַ֣ד הַיֹּוצֵ֑ר וְשָׁ֗ב וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֙הוּ֙ כְּלִ֣י אַחֵ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר יָשַׁ֛ר בְּעֵינֵ֥י הַיֹּוצֵ֖ר לַעֲשֹֽׂות׃ Yet the vessel which he was making with clay was ruined in the hand of the potter, And he turned back and made it into another vessel, just as it seemed upright in the eyes of the potter to make. וַיְהִ֥י דְבַר־יְהוָ֖ה אֵלַ֥י לֵאמֹֽור׃ Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying: הֲכַיֹּוצֵ֨ר הַזֶּ֜ה לֹא־אוּכַ֨ל לַעֲשֹׂ֥ות לָכֶ֛ם בֵּ֥ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל נְאֻם־יְהוָ֑ה הִנֵּ֤ה כַחֹ֙מֶר֙ בְּיַ֣ד הַיֹּוצֵ֔ר כֵּן־אַתֶּ֥ם בְּיָדִ֖י בֵּ֥ית יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter? averring is Yahweh; Behold, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand, house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:11 (framing evil). LAMENTATIONS Lamentations 3:37 “Yahweh has to determine it!”
מִ֣י זֶ֤ה אָמַר֙ וַתֶּ֔הִי אֲדֹנָ֖י לֹ֥א צִוָּֽה׃ Who is this who speaks and it comes about If Yahweh does not determine it?
Lamentations 3:38 “It is all from the mouth of the Supreme!”
מִפִּ֤י עֶלְיֹון֙ לֹ֣א תֵצֵ֔א הָרָעֹ֖ות וְהַטֹּֽוב׃ Do not both the evil and the good come forth from the mouth of the Supreme? DANIEL Daniel 2:20-21 “God (Eloah) causes kings to rise and causes kings to pass away!”
עָנֵ֤ה דָֽנִיֵּאל֙ וְאָמַ֔ר לֶהֱוֵ֨א שְׁמֵ֤הּ דִּֽי־אֱלָהָא֙ מְבָרַ֔ךְ מִן־עָלְמָ֖א וְעַ֣ד־עָלְמָ֑א דִּ֧י חָכְמְתָ֛א וּגְבוּרְתָ֖א דִּ֥י לֵֽהּ־הִֽיא׃ Daniel was responding and saying: Blessed be the Name of Him Who is the Eloah, From the eon and unto the eon, For the wisdom and the mastery that are His. וְ֠הוּא מְהַשְׁנֵ֤א עִדָּנַיָּא֙ וְזִמְנַיָּ֔א מְהַעְדֵּ֥ה מַלְכִ֖ין וּמְהָקֵ֣ים מַלְכִ֑ין יָהֵ֤ב חָכְמְתָא֙ לְחַכִּימִ֔ין וּמַנְדְּעָ֖א לְיָדְעֵ֥י בִינָֽה׃ He is altering the eras and the stated times, Causing kings to pass away and causing kings to rise, Granting wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those knowing understanding. Daniel 3:14-19 / Daniel 4:17 / Daniel 4:24-37. Daniel 4:35. HOSEA Hosea 6:1 “Yahweh our Elohim smote, and He shall bind us up!”
לְכוּ֙ וְנָשׁ֣וּבָה אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה כִּ֛י ה֥וּא טָרָ֖ף וְיִרְפָּאֵ֑נוּ יַ֖ךְ וְיַחְבְּשֵֽׁנוּ׃ Come, let us return to Yahweh our Elohim, For He tore to pieces, and He shall heal us; He smote, and He shall bind us up. AMOS Amos 3:6 “Yahweh is a troublemaker, an evildoer!”
אִם־יִתָּקַ֤ע שֹׁופָר֙ בְּעִ֔יר וְעָ֖ם לֹ֣א יֶחֱרָ֑דוּ אִם־תִּהְיֶ֤ה רָעָה֙ בְּעִ֔יר וַיהוָ֖ה לֹ֥א עָשָֽׂה׃ Would a trumpet be blown in a city And the people not tremble? Would there come to be evil in a city And Yahweh not have done it?
Amos 8:11-12 “They shall go to and fro to seek the word of Yahweh!” (Cf. famine for God’s words)
הִנֵּ֣ה ׀ יָמִ֣ים בָּאִ֗ים נְאֻם֙ אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֔ה וְהִשְׁלַחְתִּ֥י רָעָ֖ב בָּאָ֑רֶץ לֹֽא־רָעָ֤ב לַלֶּ֙חֶם֙ וְלֹֽא־צָמָ֣א לַמַּ֔יִם כִּ֣י אִם־לִשְׁמֹ֔עַ אֵ֖ת דִּבְרֵ֥י יְהוָֽה׃ Behold, the days are coming, averring is my Lord Yahweh, That I will send a famine into the land, Not a famine for bread, nor a thirsting for water, But rather for hearing the words of Yahweh. וְנָעוּ֙ מִיָּ֣ם עַד־יָ֔ם וּמִצָּפֹ֖ון וְעַד־מִזְרָ֑ח יְשֹֽׁוטְט֛וּ לְבַקֵּ֥שׁ אֶת־דְּבַר־יְהוָ֖ה וְלֹ֥א יִמְצָֽאוּ׃ They will rove from sea unto sea And from the north unto the sunrise; They shall go to and fro to seek the word of Yahweh And shall not find it. Habakkuk 1:5-6 + 12. ZEPHANIAH Zephaniah 1:12 “Yahweh does good, and Yahweh does evil…”
וְהָיָה֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔יא אֲחַפֵּ֥שׂ אֶת־יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם בַּנֵּרֹ֑ות וּפָקַדְתִּ֣י עַל־הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַקֹּֽפְאִים֙ עַל־שִׁמְרֵיהֶ֔ם הָאֹֽמְרִים֙ בִּלְבָבָ֔ם לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְלֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ׃ It will be at that season I shall search Jerusalem with lamps, And I will visit evil on the men Who are curdled on their lees, Those saying in their heart, Yahweh shall not do good, Nor shall He do evil. (ROMANS) “Seeing that out of Him and through Him and for Him is all: To Him be the glory for the eons! Amen!” Concordant Version of the New Testament
Thursday, 6:27 a.m. March 17th, can you believe it? 2022 From the Salt Lake Valley.
Greetings in the spirit of Grace. And we can’t leave out peace, dear friend,
So, I hung out on Bruce’s channel last night. He calls his channel BLESSED BIBLE FIGHT CLUB. Cute name. We were suppose to discuss the trinity of God. But if you listen… to the discussion, you’ll see that it’s hard to unpack the “trinity” without the whole structure of churchianity falling apart. And thus we talked a lot about God, the savior of all, and God’s use of the word AION in the scriptures. So, I think I figured out Bruce’s thinking… follow me here:
Bruce insisted that I say “Jesus is God”.
I insisted that Bruce acknowledge (sp?) that Jesus DIED for our sins and was really DEAD when He DIED. Bruce struggled with the idea that “God can and did die”. But I didn’t have much problem saying that “Jesus is God”. I tried to share with Bruce that there are plenty of things in the Bible that are ABSOLUTELY true and plenty of things that are RELATIVELY true. And the word “GOD” is thrown around in the Bible in that kind of way. Sometimes the word “GOD” is used of God the creator of all things, sometimes it’s used of “the God of this world” (satan), on occasion humans are called “Gods” — so says Jesus. So if God is a word used of Jesus, I have no problem with that. But in trying to discover the nature of “God”… and the nature of “Jesus”… why not actually embrace phrases from the Bible, like that phrase that Jesus is “the beginning of the creation of God”. (Rev 3:14). What an interesting snippet of God’s word? If Jesus is the first thing to come out of God, well, hells bells, let’s take a peek and see what we can see. Why, that would explain a lot of things, don’t cha see. The Jehovah or YHWY (Yahweh) which we see in the Old Testament, that forth fella in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, … that must have been Jesus, BEFORE He showed up in Bethlehem, Son of Mary. So we may suggest that the God of the Old Testament was Jesus before He was born to Mary and got the name “Jesus” which we call Him nowadays. Now the question is: Is it a problem to believe He is both the “beginning of the creation of God” and God ??? No harder than believing all that three-in-one material. What ever comes out of God is God. Especially the very first thing that comes out of God. That would be God too. There’s no way for God to communicate with us dumb ones on Earth… without a whole lot of “slow talking” … So God treats us all as if we’re 5 years old… with lots of figurative language… very, very, colorful language. And some of us get it. So, Bruce struggles with the idea that “God died”… but doesn’t it make sense that the “beginning of the creation of God” should have the experience of DEATH… after all, putting His Son on the cross was an act of love, mercy, power, truth, evil, grace, completion, — so much — Just to bring us back ??? I mean that’s INSIGHT. The Son of God died a horrible death, for us. The Son of God was entombed for our sakes. The Son of God was roused from among the dead, and God, the Father was pleased. And Glorified. Keep in mind, we’re just kids here… 12-years old… trying to understand the revelation of God… And fighting over a kid’s understanding of things… well… it’s laughable… and ultimately forgettable in God’s timing… God “eonian purpose”. I think sometime in the future, we’ll have to explore the phrase GOD IS ONE… as it’s found many times in the Bible. It’s not a casual, throw-away, line… The Jews use that phrase… Paul uses that phrase… but by and large, we of the “evangelical” mindset… DON’T USE THAT PHRASE… but why? GOD IS ONE… it’s used some 16 times… by my counting. It must be an important idea in God’s mind if He stuck it in the Bible so many times… and … It must be an important phrase if the fancy-schmacy, self-righteous, James Gangers and Traditional Christians are so HOT and HEAVY about God being THREE-IN-ONE. How about if we go this far for the moment… God is One… is an understandable concept, even if we’ve never taken a moment to try to understand it. However… God is Three-In-One is an UN-understandable concept even if we ponder it for 55 years like I have. (I got my start in the faith in 1967 and it’s now 2022, using that ole 5-grade arithmetic, I get 55 years.) Now as to Jesus’ rank and status and nature and character… you know… all the stuff we know about Him… doesn’t He give glory and honor to the Father? Why would those trinitarians be so mad at us for suggesting the Son of God is a “chip off the old block”… if you meet one you’ve met the other… He is “the beginning of the creation of God”. (Rev 3:14) I tell you… when you see God and His Son in this way, can you feel the pain God must have felt when Christ went to the cross? Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani, indeed. (“My God, My God, Why Hasth Thou Forsaken Me.) That phrase right there, should give us pause regarding using trinitarian’s arguments. Jesus was not “God” in every sense of the word if He shouted out Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani. He was praying TO God. He was hurting. It was the end. It was a sacrifice. It was serious. That fella who was in the oven with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo, was now on the cross. The flames couldn’t kill Him, but He laid down His life… there… in a Roman pole… for our sin. And the Father raised Him 3 days later. Keep in mind that figurative language is both wonderful and sometimes confusing. Bruce admitted that Jesus’ (as God) death did not fit well into his understanding of things… “How can God die?” was what I remember him saying. So, when Jesus says “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”, Jesus is clearly using some types of figures of speech as He calls His body the “temple” of God… get it? A figure of speech? And don’t forget, we, the believers are also called the temple of God”… in Paul’s writings… again it’s wonderful, figurative language. There is a sense in which Christ was the “temple” of God. And there is a sense in which we are the “temple” of God. But God dwells throughout the heavens, who can actually build a “temple” big enough, grand enough to hold Him ??? Is Jesus God? Is Jesus the Son of God? The dwelling place of God? “Ye are Gods” ??? The “God of this world” ?? “All out of Him” (Rom 11:36), — compared to — “the beginning of the creation of God” (Rev 3:14) ??? The Son of God on the cross ??? May God give us the grace to believe Him. And grant us a spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the realization of Him. (Eph 1:16) — I think that’s all we really want. Ok, gotta scoot… Thanks for spending some time reading these notes. 7:42 a.m. Grace to you. Ace.
Wednesday, March 16th, 2022. 5:06 a.m. Holy smoke, it’s 41º out side… With a high of 51º expected.
Ok, I think I got the spacing right. That white line was bugging me.
Good morning Dear One, You are in Him.
You might call today a “big day” for me. I got myself roped into a debate… ole Bruce of the “Blessed Bible Fight Club” wants me to show up on his channel to argue “trinity” stuff. I know I’m not going to “win the debate” because I don’t care about “trinity” stuff one way or the other. Bruce is on about “the deity of Christ”… ain’t that sweet? Onward:
Note to Tony in Australia… Tony, We haven’t spoken on a personal level for a while. I trust all is well with you. Years ago, I used to be a news junkie. But for the past …oh… four years, I’ve ignored all the yak yak, we call “news” — as best as I could. Even 2 years ago when covid was hot stuff… I ignored it all as best as I could and just went on with my daily business. Never even wore a mask when I went shopping. Now keep in mind I only go out “shopping” once a month or so…(hardware store, maybe a mexican food joint) but still… I didn’t wear a mask, and was only busted by an employee one time… we exchanged words but I kept on “shopping”. Anyway… these days, I think ignoring the news is fun. The broadcasters (whether its prime propaganda or so-called “alternative”) all traffic in urgency and panic. It took me many years of following all that crap to realize the urgency and panic never happens like they say… and they never apologize for getting it wrong. When Reagan was elected (or selected?) as president, I was a young liberal. I was panicked beyond belief. I just “knew” this old Republican fart was going to lead us into world war 3… But the world kept moseying along… at a slow grind. The worst I can remember happening during the Reagan years is Nancy was on about “just say NO to drugs” — and someone drove a “truck bomb” into a marine barracks in Lebanon and some 200 marines were killed. Oh, yeah… I remember now… vaguely… Reagan wanted to do something the might be good for humanity but not good for the dark overlords of the universe, so his CIA Vice President had him shot. And then Reagan started behaving himself to avoid any other errant flying objects. My point is the “news” and the reporting of it all is jammed packed with urgency that usually turns to a slow burn, if anything. “If it bleeds, it leads” is a favorite quote among broadcasters. I know I’ve got a point here… but damned if I know what it is… maybe it’s that… All this “Ukraine” news is the same ole thing… a slow burn, dressed up as urgency and panic. I think my last real drink at the fountain of urgency and panic… was when Bill Clinton got his BJ from Monica. I didn’t care much about that, but I thought for sure all the heightened attention on him would lead to uncovering all his other shenanigans — you know like dead lawyers found in the park and dead congressmen found in airplanes. But no… life goes on with a slow grind, a slow burn. On Christmas Day, some years ago, (2004?) there was a tsunami that killed something like 100,000 people in an hour or so… and I was all over that “news”… I had a girl friend at the time who was so flighty, and clueless… that she knew nothing about that “news”… for what… weeks? And when she heard that 100,000 folks perished on Christmas Day, she could have cared less. She flittered about her business. Well… these days, I’m seeing the value in her attitude a bit more. Covid? What’s that? Ukraine? What’s that? Panic and urgency? What’s that? Dare we say the panic and urgency is a pack of lies? But how can we say it without participating in the lies as well. HELP… URGENT… THEY ARE LYING TO YOU… YOU MUST DO SOMETHING… TO STOP THE LIES… HELP….. How do you get to the place where you hear the manipulation and the lies and smile… and relax and breath… and know that “all is out of Him, through Him and for Him.” (Romans 11:36) Now that I think about it… I think the James Gang and the puritans out of New England, traffic in panic and urgency. I think it’s a thing with them. There must be a brain chemical released in the panic and urgency news cycle. It’s a good thing God is taking His sweet time to make sure everything is right. God’s eonian purpose (EPH 3:11) has two more eons in which to play out. They are “good” eons, compared to what we’ve been use to so far. They are called “the eons of the eons” when mentioned together. The very last one is called “the eon of the eons”. And since eon is the longest time period mentioned in the Bible… I suspect we can settle down and see that God is no hurry and no panic. I think we can say that the cross of Christ…gives even God peace. God knows the matter has been settled. Christ’s work on the cross brings us all to the Father. And God is in no hurry. Slow and steady. Two more eons to go. And then… at the “consummations of the eons” (I COR 10:11) all bets are off. Everything changes. God becomes All, in all. Breathtaking. So, dear Tony, I can’t help it… it’s where I am at the moment… I, selfishly, recommend for you to ignore the panic and urgency, presented by the “news”… and see, understand, realize, some things other than panic and urgency… wow… Silly me… I have this compost pile… and I find it fascinating… to watch it, grow, heat up, decompose, turn into food and a home for microbes and earth worms. And turn into sweet smelling soil. There’s nothing “urgent” in that. That stuff is going to decompose with or without much help from you. That is the way of God and nature. But nothing goes to waste. There is a tribe of Indians in my area called the “Utes”… thus the name “Utah”. A few years ago, I was hiking out in the Unita Mountains… and got real deep into the woods… real deep… and the thought came to me that, some 400 years ago, there might have been a Ute Indian standing right there, and it never came into his mind that “I need to make the world a better place”… which was a popular sloganeering thing back then. It might still be, but I don’t get out much. But that Indian, never once thought that thought. We are all a product of our times. There are so many influences that push us to do this or that… and my god, when you see it for lies, and shall we say “trust God”… you feel like you can rest. So much that we think we know… we don’t know at all. What about this for a thought: “Timeless” things VS “urgency” and “panic” ??? How fun to discover the verb tense in the Greek of the New Testament… the aorist tense… it’s not past, not present, not future… no, it’s a TIMELESS verb tense. Like from John 3:16… “For thus God loves the world, so that He gives His only begotten Son, that whosoever is believing on Him shall not be perishing, but may be having life eonian.” Not past tense “loved”…. No, it’s timeless “loves”. etc. Keep your friends close — by not giving them too much shit… those who complain and try to correct everyone else, kind of chase family and friends away. Not good. Grace to you. Yours, Ace, P.S. My compost pile is almost ready. I’ve been using parts of it to plant tobaccos seeds, walnut seeds, apricot seeds, and some vegetable that I forgot to label, so I don’t know what it is, yet, I’ll have to wait till it gets more mature. Grace.
6:22 a.m. coffee refill time. Hang on. 6:32 a.m. Onward:
Now, I’m suppose to have a “debate” or some type of chat with Bruce about trinity stuff tonight. The topic of “trinity” has a long history. It’s mildly interesting. It’s mostly an un-understandable thing… and even it’s proponents don’t get, but won’t admit they don’t get it. It’s like a blizzard of words to explain something that was originally a word salad. Is that a mixed metaphor or what? With all them “words” surely you can find God in there somewhere. Right? Hang on… I did a search for “How many bible verses say that ‘God is one’… Here is my first result, let’s see if it pastes in ok:
Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!
Mark 12:29 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord;
Job 23:13 “But He is unique and who can turn Him? And what His soul desires, that He does.
Mark 12:32 The scribe said to Him, “Right, Teacher; You have truly stated that He is One, and there is no one else besides Him;
Romans 3:30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.
Galatians 3:20 Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is one.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Zechariah 14:9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.
1 Corinthians 8:4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one.
James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
Ephesians 4:6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Well sir, I don’t know why those guys can’t settle down. Remember the first Spiderman movie with Toby Maguire? Well, Spiderman saves the city and Mary Jane from all hell breaking lose, he’s got Mary Jane in one arm and slinging around the town using the other arm, and she’s screaming and screaming… and Spiderman says “Mary Jane, settle down.” With that many verses from the Bible saying “God is one”… why are these guys screaming about God is three-in-one? Maybe we’ll find out tonight when Bruce and I have a chat. The sun is suppose to be up in 41 minutes. Exciting.
Wow… how many times does the Bible say “God is one”??? And how many times does the Bible say that “God is three-in-one”??? Gosh, I feel silly bothering with this topic… OK… let’s move on….
HEY UNIVERSE… PLEASE NOTE:
“God was in Christ”… so says II COR 5:18-21. That means you’re in trouble. God was in Christ… so you have no excuse. God was in Christ… so you’ll have to come home now. God was in Christ… so dinner is ready. God was in Christ… so you can stop showing off, ok? God was in Christ… He’s not taking “no” for an answer. God was in Christ… The kind of trouble you’re in includes killing the grain-feed calf… and throwing a HUGE party… you’ll see. God was in Christ… changing the rules of the game. God was in Christ… you can’t fool Him any longer. God was in Christ… saving your butt once and for all. God was in Christ … making sure you’re safe. (SIDE NOTE: are the words “save” and “safe” related? One would think so… so can we change the christian lingo to be you are safe in Christ… rather than you are saved in Christ? Slight difference…but more homey. More intimate. Safe in Christ is a place… a place to be… protected… sheltered…. I think it might work better as the word “safe” is kind of active, in my mind, whereas the word “saved” seems to be used as a one-time event… like a bargaining chip. But even the word SAVED in the Bible could mean a number of things, as you go along… you can be “saved” in the past, you can be “saved” from falling in a ditch, you can be “saved” in your understanding and “saved” from confusion, etc. And the ultimate “salvation” is revealed in I COR 15:26… when God, in Christ, abolishes death-mortality altogether at the consummation of the eons…. And God becomes all in all… THAT is the ultimate “save” or “salvation”…. Israel’s salvation is different than the salvation of the ecclesia, which is His body. POINT: The word “saved” or “salvation” is a common noun, and you trinitarian/freewillers should be more specific about which salvation you’re referring to… so get this… God was in Christ… saving the world… so says II COR 5:18-20. II Cor 5: 18 Yet all is of God, Who conciliates us to Himself through Christ, and is giving us the dispensation of the conciliation, 19 how that God was in Christ, (1) conciliating the world to Himself, (2) not reckoning their offenses to them, (3) and placing in us the word of the conciliation. 20 For Christ, then, are (4)…we ambassadors, as of God entreating through us. We are beseeching for Christ’s sake, “Be conciliated to God!” 21 (5) …For the One not knowing sin, He makes to be a sin for our sakes (6) that we may be becoming God’s righteousness in Him.
I count six things God was doing “in Christ”… 7:21 a.m… a moment filled with grace.
So God was in Christ, conciliating the whole dang world to Himself. And while He was there, He made it so that He’s not holding anyone’s offensive behavior against them…. wow…. And then He gives us the word about this matter… so we can hop around and tell everyone we know… “Hey, ya know, God’s not mad at you anymore, so you can forgive Him, if you’ve got a minute.” Anyway… It’s such good news. And it’s a timeless thing. Since God was in Christ… the matter is settled, and God is sitting at the supper table, with an eye on each of us… He knows we can’t resist for long. It’s the kind of love that goes beyond mere “I love you” words… You see, God was in Christ… conciliating the world to Himself. It’s more than a “big concept”… The word “world” in this case is “cosmos” I bet. And if that is the case, it just might mean that God is at peace with even HOW the world is going, as the word cosmos includes the “world system” ie ruling affairs, and all that stuff. Imagine that…. God doing something in Christ so great that He’s not even mad at the Rothchilds… wow. Crime families of the world unite… God is inviting you to dinner. Now you have to admit, the metaphor or notion of crime families being invited to the dinner table of God… it would have to change those of the crime family (that includes you Bucky, none are righteous, get it?) — They would be “changed” by the mere presence of The Father of all, don’t cha see. I’ve heard a lot of musicians say that they play better when they are playing with better musicians… weird, huh? And I’ve noticed in my own life, when you’re in the presence of greatness, you change your behavior as well. So just imagine all the crime families of the world being invited to the supper table of God… and sitting down… OMG, when you’re in the presence of greatness you can’t but help become a better you. When I was a kid, oh, say 13, 14, years old… my Grandfather was like the patriarch of the extended family. He was a “christian”, godly man. He lived about 100 miles away… and when he would come for a weekend visit, I noticed that my stepdad and all my uncles would hide the beer and the cigarettes. “Who is this man?” I thought to myself, that he could, without a word, make my stepdad and uncles behave themselves when he was around. ??? I’m telling you being in the presence of greatness inspires greatness. When Paul — oops, Saul, — met the risen Christ on the highway to Damascus, the words that fell out of his mouth were in essence, “oh shit”. When you in the presence of greatness you tend to rise … rise to the occasion. If you’re in a den of thieves, you’ll act like one of them… I’m excited to see the crime families of the world sit down at the supper table of God… oh my, I can imagine the dinner conversation… you have to know, every heart will melt. Every head will mildly shake. Every one will toast to our Lord and Savior. AND GET THIS… Let’s say those crime families have a bit of blood on their hands… and let’s say they killed a lot of people… now imagine this… they are seated at the supper table of God, and in walks all the people they killed and they all sit down right across from the crime family on the other side of the table… won’t that spark an interesting dinner conversation??? God was in Christ… accomplishing so much… and there is so much to play out… and Christ died for crime families, one and all.
I’m so excited. BTW, pray that tonight, when I sit down with Bruce, that God give us both a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the realization of Him. Grace to you. Exit: stage right. Ace. 7:57 a.m.
Tue, March 15, planting time. 2022. 5:20 a.m. Grace to you this morning. When I think about it, I suspect this trinity thing is part of the spiritual warfare we’re engaged in. Let me explain.
My morning prayer is for a spirit of wisdom and understanding, in the realization of God.
Now, regarding the trinity, my “main” scripture will be what John the baptists once said… “BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD”. — That works for me. I want to see God. I want to see His Son. I want to “behold” this one who “takes away the sin of the world” I got into it last night with a freewiller/trinity guy. Those two always seem to go together for some reason. He was insistent that Jesus is “God” in every way, and every sense imaginable. So, like a fool, I thought he wanted to discuss some, perhaps, big ideas… but NO… he wanted to straighten my butt out regarding this pet doctrine of his. In one sense, I don’t thing it’s a big thing to believe or not believe in the “trinity”… But here’s where I think it’s important… I COR 15: 1-4… We believe Christ died and rose the third day for the forgiveness of sins. Believe it or not, THIS is a trinity verse. Or rather, an “anti-trinity” verse. You see, those trinity guys actually believe that Christ did not die when He died. They insist that since Christ is some mystical 2nd person of some mystical “trinity”… and is every bit as much “God” as “God is… then, the “2nd person of the trinity” cannot die… so, they say “His body died, but He did not die”… and thus they muddy the waters when it comes to fully appreciating the fact that Christ did not deem it pillaging to be equal with the Father but left His estate and humbled Himself and became a man, and was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore… check it out… wherefore, God HIGHLY EXALTED Him. And gave Him a name above all names… so that… at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow. And guess what… every tongue will acclaim: Jesus is Lord. What a mouthful… but it doesn’t stop… all this happens to the “Glory of God the Father.” It all kinda starts with this idea that Christ DIED for us. And if you’re not clear that the dead are dead, you kind of don’t see what we’re seeing. This is a matter of faith. Christ died for our sins. Died. Dead. Kaput. Out of here. No more. This is serious. We’re not kidding around. Even the 11 apostles and the women were in no mood to for some screw ball coming along and saying “He is risen”… this is serious. Stop it. Can’t you see that we’re grieving here?????? So, I think, in a practical way, that the place to start in understanding trinity VS non-trinity… is in understanding DEATH… And Christ died for our sins. So, in looking into the Bible’s teaching on “death” we have to factor in the ole favorite of man-made religion: the belief in the “immortal soul”. So, I’m thinking you can’t look at the “trinity” without also looking at the nature of death and the teaching of the immortal soul. I.E. Christ died for our sins. Now I admit that for many years of my epic journey into this faith… I kind of bought into the trinity stuff. I never did understand it, but I had no arguments with it. And I definitely bought into the “immortal soul” stuff. And because of this, I secretly wondered “What’s the big deal about the resurrection?” You see, if Jesus had an “immortal soul”… He wasn’t really dead, when He was dead… And this resurrection thing was just a show, an act, not something we should take seriously. And guess what… most churches DON’T TAKE THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION SERIOUSLY. They hardly mention the cross in their sermons. Oh yeah, they’re kind of forced to talk about it on Easter… but “Let’s get this over with” is their attitude. Take a peek… Paul was different, he was all about the cross. He wouldn’t shut up about it. It was like his opening thought, his closing thought, and everything in the middle he was relating to God’s work in Christ’s cross. So much so that he bragged: I HAVE DETERMINED TO KNOW NOTHING AMONG YOU SAVE CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED. When Paul was out yakking with the Greek Stoic Philosophers in Athens… He couldn’t leave it alone. He was all about “God gives life and breath and all to all, and by the way, God raised His boy from the dead.” (Acts 17) — And they be like “Get this nut job out of here.” So, if you can get in your mind that Christ DIED and was really dead… before God raised Him from the dead, then you get a better idea of the plan and purpose of God altogether. Those trinity guys, sure do hate it when you say “Christ died…” I’m thinking here… Can we go down this road… that if Christ didn’t really die, then He didn’t really die for our sins, as well, right? Oh my God, my brain is hurting… hang on… maybe a refill on my coffee will help: 6:00 a.m. (and it’s still dark out.) 6:04 a.m. Sure those trinity guys have plenty of verses to back up there claim that there is this thing called a “trinity” — but somehow they jump to a wild ass conclusion that if you don’t agree with them in this trinity thing, you’re going to hell. My oh my. And when you look at their supporting verses for the trinity… they’re mostly inconclusive. Vague. Inference. And at best, figurative language. Nothing that you’d want to send someone to hell over, (seems to me.) Keep in mind, Christ died for our sins and was raised the third day… and that is the topic and real discussion here. Don’t be sidetracked into useless rabbit holes. Christ died for our sins, and it means something. He was raised the third day and it means something. In fact, it means everything. It changes everything. When we’re chatting about whether or not we should use trinity language… OK… I can agree with Christ’s “pre-existence”. And I can look at all those verses they bring up which seem to back up their trinity notion. But we talking the DEATH and RESURRECTION of Christ, here. And if you are confused by the vagarity of the lingo used… so am I… Is there a difference between God and His Son? Well, yeahhhhhh. Did God create His Son? Wow, is that too much to ask? How about: When did God create His Son? REV 3:14 seems to say “at the beginning”. The same with COL 1:16. KJV: REV 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; So, who is this Jesus? Well, He’s the “AMEN”… What, pray tell, does that mean? I confess, I’ve no idea. But He’s the Amen. So, let’s go with it. Up next it says He is the “FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS”… again, what’s that all about? I can understand Him being a faithful and true witness a bit more than Him being “the Amen”… these things are big, boys and girls. Bigger than my Kentucky fried brain. Then… He says He’s “THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD.”…. Holy smoke, I think we got a big one on the line… what is this? Dare we say that Jesus Christ is the “beginning of the creation of God”? No. No, say it isn’t so… those trinitarians will kick you out of fellowship “if you say that one more time… I mean it…” So we say, “Please pass the potatoes and gravy.” instead. Now, when we are looking at scriptures, it helps to keep in mind that there are plenty of figures of speech all over the word of God. There is one figure of speech in which you say THIS IS THAT. (I forgot what this figure is called but it has a name.) For example “This cup is my blood” (THIS IS THAT)… “This bread is my body” (THIS IS THAT) … Etc. Brother Bullinger has a lovely book on Figures of speech. And keep in mind that often, we run into problems in our understanding when we don’t see the RELATIVE vs the ABSOLUTE. You see, some things are RELATIVELY true… and some things are ABSOLUTELY true. The “relative” might be true as to feeling. But not as to fact. Paul says “None are righteous, no not one”. (3 negatives in one sentence… wow.) But John the baptist’s parents were “righteous” says the scripture. Which is true? Both, but in a different sense. John’s parents were “righteous” relative to everyone else in their life… at the time of John’s birth. But Paul was right in the ABSOLUTE sense, in God’s eyes, NONE ARE RIGHTEOUS, NO NOT ONE. So, don’t be afraid to cast your eyes on a passage of scripture and consider that it might be figurative language. So is Christ literally “the beginning of creation” or was something created before Christ? And REV 3:14 is not the only place where we find strange and wonderful language. Check out COL 1:16… Christ is the “Firstborn of creation”. — wow… but again… don’t say that…just say “Pass the potatoes please.” Again, we don’t want to stray too far down rabbit holes, let’s keep in mind CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS, WAS ENTOMBED AND WAS RAISE FROM THE DEAD ON THE THIRD DAY. And this means something. It changes everything. If Christ was “the Firstborn of creation” and “The Beginning of creation” — it might be easier to see His role as our elder brother, with responsibilities toward the family as the “Firstborn”… right? Being “Firstborn” means among other things, that you are OBLIGATED to redeem kin who get into trouble, right? The kinsman redeemer plays a big part in our understanding of who Christ is and God’s purpose of the eons. So the firstborn is obligated to redeem family if family gets into debt or prison. See the story of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth’s proper “kinsman” redeemer passed on his obligation and his name is blocked out of the story. It’s the way of things. If the proper kin does not redeem, his name is mud. But if the proper kinsman does what’s right (redeem) his name is exalted. As with Boaz. And Christ, as our kinsman redeemer (Firstborn of creation) comes along and “humbles himself and becomes obedient unto death… wherefore… God gives him a name… and wow… Christ died FOR our sins… it’s part of the KINSMAN REDEEMER story. And if Christ did not die (as our trinitarian friends suggest) then, neither are we redeemed. What puzzles me the most, is why are these guys so insistent that we toe-the-line, regarding trinity language? It’s to the point where I have been told I’m not saved unless I use trinity lingo. Didn’t Paul say to Timothy… “Have a pattern of sound words”… and elsewhere… “Do not go beyond what is written” ??? So, if I don’t want to use clever trinity lingo like “God the Son” or “triune” … or all the other mystical, but non-scriptural phrases… why am I booted out of fellowship? Is Jesus God? Sure. Is the term “God” used in a relative sense sometimes? Sure. Is it used in an absolute sense sometimes? Sure. Did Jesus “have” a God? I think He says “My God” in His prayers from time to time. Paul, in Ephesians even prays to “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”. — So why do they insists that we get the trinity lingo right? I run back to the cross. What was accomplished there? Was death really death? Is the resurrection from the dead a really big deal? Did Christ die for our sins? Are the notions of the “immortal soul” tied in with the cleverness of the “trinity” ???? They seem to be. There is a wonderful essay over on Concordant.org called “WHAT IS DEATH?” It’s right on the front page of their site. And this is why we’re here chatting about the “trinity”… we want to see what was accomplished on the cross of Christ. Did Christ “pre-exist” before He showed up in Bethlehem? Sure. Is He “eternal” like His Father? — Oh bother… that word “eternal” sure gets around a lot. It’s an English word ya know. There is no word like it, in the entire book of God. The word AION is sometimes translated “eternal”… but quite often it’s IMPOSSIBLE to translate it “eternal”… as the sentence might say “the end of the (AION)”… so it would look silly to slip in “eternal” on such a sentence. Therefore I bugs me when we ascribe a rather new English word (“eternal” was invented by John Wyclife about 600 years ago) to God and/or His Son. How about we ask if God is eonian? Hmmm… Yes, Romans 16:26 says as much. What about if we ask if Jesus is eonian? Oh, my, let me think for a moment. Well, Hebrews 1:2 says the eons were made in the Son of God, so, I’d say YES Jesus is eonian. Will I go to hell for believing Jesus is the “beginning of creation” (Rev 3:14) and for believing the “eternals” (GK aions) were made in Him? So many questions, please, pass the potatoes and gravy. Grace to you. 7:21 a.m. 37º out there, with a high of 60º expected. I better scoot. Ace.
Monday, Morning, 7:22 a.m. That time change thing screws with us a lot, huh? It’s like taking a gallon of water from one end of the swimming pool and URGENTLY pouring it into the other end.
March 14th, 2022
We have ever reason to trust God, dear Friend,
When we survey the scope of God’s creation, and glance upon the centerpiece of it all, — the cross — we gasp.
To dare suggest that the cross is God’s perfect showpiece of creation, is unreasonable. Human reason would see the cross as a destructive thing, not a creative thing. Ahhhhhh… but the cross is both, and perfectly. In the cross we see life and death meeting. In the cross we see God’s judgment on any “flaws” in this creation. In the cross we see God’s corrective action to make “flaws” lovely and beautiful. In the cross we see the end of sin. In the cross we see God smiling on the future. On the cross we meet the Last Adam. As a result of the cross we are introduce to the Second Man. All evil was there, at the cross. All good was there as well. The cross, to us, is God’s perfect timepiece. It’s is “the clock of God”. God measures time by the cross of Christ. For in Him all is created. Says Colossians 1:16. The insides of a watch are a perfect metaphor for us. Intricate. Delicate. Many moving parts. All for a purpose. One part of the watch moves another part. The owner hardly thinks about all the moving parts on his wrist. But daily appreciates the knowledge he gets from glancing at his timepiece. Humanity meets God in Christ’s cross. And guess what… all creation has an appointment with Christ’s cross… For the cross accomplishes so very much. We hardly know all that it achieved but we’re starting to get a peep. Check this out: That passage that reveals that one day, every knee will bow… and every tongue will acclaim… that passage is all about the cross. (Phil 2:5-11) I feel embarrassed that I have used that passage so many times in my battles with the freewill gentlemen… to show the final outcome of God’s infinite, overwhelming, grace… And of course, they insist that the bowing and “confessing” at that time… don’t do a damn bit of good… for “it’s toooooo late”… they say. I feel embarrassed because I’m using that passage as a TIMEPEICE to show the final achievements of the cross… but I wish I knew how to bring those freewillers to that passage and say, “HEY BOYS, CHECK THIS OUT, THIS IS ABOUT THE CROSS AND IT’S ACHIEVEMENTS.” But, they think God’s “timepiece” (the cross) has failed to do it’s job. They think God’s calendar precludes the redemption of the very ones for whom He died. The cross is our argument. The cross is our hope. The cross is our glory. It’s crazy. It’s all the opposite of what human thinking is all about. The humans brag in their Towers of Babel. We (believers) brag in the greatest destruction the world has seen (or accomplished). They destroyed the Giver of Life. (On the cross). But it was God’s perfect plan all along. Three days later… the rules were changed. All of them. Three days later, our wounded hearts were comforted. Three days later, the Giver of Life was alive once again. But different. Vastly different. Unable to die again. And our hearts are terribly consoled. “Now we know Him after the flesh no longer.” says Paul. “Touch me, see that I am ‘flesh and bone’” says the risen Christ. (Not ‘flesh and blood’, — ‘flesh and bone’ — for He shed His blood on the cross.) Peter and the eleven, thought, “Perhaps His resurrection means the kingdom will be restored to Israel.” But no. It was so much more. The accomplishments of the cross — turns out — was more than Peter knew. More than anyone knew. Paul reveals to us the most about what the cross accomplishes. But even Paul said “I cannot say.” (See his chat about going to the “third heaven”.) Seems good to me to say that the cross is God’s timepiece. All time is measured by elements of change. And at the cross everything changed. Death’s death began there. Grace was revealed there. Love was revealed there. Truth was revealed there. When He died, we all died. When He rose… dare I say it??? We all rose in Him. Human destiny is entirely dependent on the efficacy of God’s work in Christ’s cross. Human destiny is entirely dependent on the purpose of God. The cross reveals the purpose of God. If you spend a bit of time in Ephesians, 1, 2, and 3… you can see the language of God, to reveal that even the ecclesia, which is His body, was born in the cross of Christ. Got to go… 8:06 a.m. Grace to you. Ace.
(Twelve Tricky Things – is an alliteration — all the “T”s rhyme. Not sure we have 12 things to say, but let’s try.) Friday, March 11th… 4:35 a.m. Can you believe we’re up at this hour?
Good morning chosen one, (Ya know, we’re all chosen for one reason or another… some as vessels of honor, some as vessels of something less than honor…. You know, like toilet bowls, we don’t want to talk about them but they are important after all.)
Good morning, chosen one, chosen to think aloud with me about some little things of God that may be a big deal… or not… no big deal.
Ok, it’s 19º out there. Later, it will get to a high of 38º.
Dear One … you are in Him, whether you know it or not.
ONE: You see, All are created “IN” Christ. (Col 1:16-20)
And, “IN” God, we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:25-28) And ALL is out of Him, through Him and for Him. (Romans 11:36. The prepositions — “IN” – “OF” – “THROUGH” – “FOR” – “BY” – “BEFORE” Colossians 1:16-20 — Look at all these prepositions here: in YELLOW. 16 for in Him is all created, that in the heavens and that on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones, or lordships, or sovereignties, or authorities, all is created through Him and for Him,17 and He is before all, and all has its cohesion in Him.18 And He is the Head of the body, the ecclesia, Who is Sovereign, Firstborn from among the dead, that in all He may be becoming first,19 for in Him the entire complement delights to dwell,20 and through Him to reconcile all to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on the earth or those in the heavens. TWO: I’m trying to think of “twelve” things about God being all in all… because that’s what the subject line says… so far… I’ve only got two things in my mind… but let’s see if we can knock this thing out of the park. So… item “ONE” was just cheating, kind of… there’s nothing weird or “tricky” about all being of God. So, let’s get to the tricky things… It’s tricky that we have this innate idea that the universe is all about us. “I, I, I,” — “me, me, me,” And we’re so sure everything is all about us, and then we come along and discover that the Bible says ALL IS OF GOD… oh my. How do we stuff that into our brains. All? Even evil? What the hell, dude? It’s hard to take our eyes off ourselves, even for a moment. But if we can get out of that solipsistic mindset and come to agree with Paul… then… behold… our forehead crinkles a bit. So, all is of God, huh? So, it’s not all about me, huh? It takes a while to process that. But it is “of God” to bring us along to shed the scales off our eyes to see that “all is of God.” And once we see that it’s not all about US, the neurons in our brains have to rewire itself… and we – hopefully – will become more “slow to speak”… and “slow to anger” and more gracious and kind to others… as the world and it’s meaning starts to take shape. All is of God, indeed. THREE: And magically, once our take our eyes off our own navel, and the lint stuck therein, maybe we can look at the pages of history and see a different thing going on. If we start at the “beginning”… at Adam… we see that “all is of God”… God created Adam — “of God” God spoke to Adam — “of God” God says “see that tree” — “of God” God says “to die shall you be dying” — “of God” Adam ate — “of God” The shit show begins — “of God” —— let’s keep going: The flood — “of God” Babel — “of God” Abraham — is surely “of God” Moses — “of God”. Pharaoh — the dude is “of God”. The prophets, totally “of God”. The fulfillment of the prophecy: Christ — “of God” The godawful Cross — totally “of God”. The resurrection — “of God” Your doubt: — “of God” baby. Your faith: — “of God” Your expectation — “of God” Christ’s redemption of the whole world — “of God” Liars, deceivers, false teachers — yep, “of God” Every knee bowing — totally “of God” The abolition of sin and death — why of course, “of God”
FOUR: Now, I suppose we might find it “tricky” (once we come to see and understand that all is of God) to share this big idea with those around us… can they hear it? Should they hear it?
5:22 a.m. Coffee refill time. Hang on. 5:29 a.m. back at it….
So, should we tell everyone we know that “all is of God”… To me, the urgency we felt when we were “hell-fire” believers melts away… now that we see a bigger picture. It might be helpful to share with someone that all is of God… but it might not. SIDE NOTE: Remember the old days when we thought “miracles” were “of God”… and we didn’t know that everything is kind of a “miracle” … ??? Remember when we thought “Christmas” was special ??? I’m telling ya… we can open our eyes now and see that “every day is Christmas” now… every day is special… every day is of God. Years ago, when I was hanging out with the Pentacostals… we saw the Pentecostal “gifts” (like speaking in tongues, divine healing, etc.) as “of God”… But how much better to see that ALL IS OF GOD… Every day and every thing is a gift, kind of. Even “evil” is of God…. See Isaiah 45:7. Every “evil” results in some “good” given enough time to let the effects and results sink in somewhere. Joseph’s brothers were evil bastards. No doubt. They were jealous, petty, vindictive, lying, murderers. 11 brothers… Count them. And yet… with Joseph, we add them up to get… wait for it… THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL The 12 tribes… and 11 of them were scoundrels ??? And don’t let Joseph off the hook. “All have sinned” remember.. 12 scum buckets… we call “the twelve tribes of Israel”… and yet, “all is of God” They sold Joseph into slavery… told their father he died… and never said a word of truth about the matter… until they were all hungry from the famine… bastards. Liars. Murderers. Petty. Vindictive. Role models for society? LOL. All is of God. He’s got bigger vision than we do. Apparently God loves lying, assholes, who are vindictive, murderous, petty and extremely selfish. What’s up with that? “Christ died for all”??? What was God thinking? Christ died FOR our sins ??? Is that “wisdom” on God’s part, or plain ole foolishness???? With my mind, I don’t understand God’s wisdom. But these are matters of faith… and God gives me the faith to believe these matters… My mind and my faith are not friends in this arena. They are opposed to each other. All is of God… does not fit in with my human logic. I can understand why some oppose our message. Hell, I opposed this message for many years of my journey. So, “all is of God” is the ultimate consideration of considerations. The Arminians don’t get it. The Calvinists don’t get it. The civilians don’t get it. And I say, we barely get it. God grant us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the realization of you. (Eph 1:16) So, we wake up in the morning and realize all is of God. We lay down at night and realize all is of God. And when we rest in the sleep of death, we too can realize that all is of God. And note: Death, the last enemy, is being abolished. (I COR 15:26) “IS BEING” is a really cool verb structure, copied in the CLNT. It shows the process has begun (In Christ’s own resurrection) but has not been completed yet. All is of God. God has given us so much. Tasty food and rotten maggots. Thrilling things and offensive things. How lovely to get to the place to where you see that all is of God. You’re not so quick to judge and condemn, then. You’re willing to hold your breath and say “Let’s see where this goes.” When you hit a bump in the road you no long shout: “IT’S THE WRONG ROAD”…. You realize it’s just a bump. Thanks for looking over my shoulder… I’ll try to do a live show in about 2 hours. Grace to you. 6:03 a.m. Friday, march 11th, Bye for now. Ace.
The Ace Theological Company 