Free Will Vs Destiny:
The Story of Pharaoh
Many believe they are in control of their destiny and the choices they make are purely the result of free will and a conscious decision. While others believe ALL things that happen are not only pre-destined but the actual will of God, also known as fatalism. In my opinion both of these perspectives lack the complexities that are apparent with God. One major story in the bible that lends to the idea of fatalism is the story of Pharaoh and Moses. In the Book of Exodus we find that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh in order that his glory may be shown. (See Exodus 7:3,13, 9:12, 10:1, 20,27, 11:10, 14:4,8) This implies that God can and will overrides certain peoples free will, so the actions of those who’s hearts are hardened will allow God to demonstrate his power. One portion of this way of thinking appears to be flawed for this reason; It implies that God requires certain actions of Man to take place before he can perform other actions. Lets get one thing straight first, God does not need anything. If you look at the real beginning of the story God being outside time can determine the Pharaoh’s heart before it was hardened. Exodus 3:19-20 “19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go.”
In the next chapter the LORD said to Moses, “…"When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go” After this, several other verses state the same thing, that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Have you ever been confronted by someone who makes your blood boil? Could you say that there words or even just there presence hardened your heart? As an “idiom” you could say, “That person Hardened my heart” I believe every reference to the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is an active idiom. (An idiom is an expression, that is a term or phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definitions and the arrangement of its parts, but refers instead to a figurative meaning that is known only through common use. Supposedly, in linguistics, idioms are widely assumed to be figures of speech that contradict the principle of compositionality;) “the biblical languages had idioms, colloquialisms, Semitisms, and word usages peculiar to them, which those familiar with the language would understand.” A clear example of this type of usage is found in 1 John 1:10, which states, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him (God) a liar.” No one can make God a liar, but the attempt to deny sin is the equivalent of attempting to make God a liar, which is rendered with an active verb as if it actually happened. Verbs, therefore, can have idiomatic usages that may convey something other than a strict, literal meaning.
The Following is a writing by Kyle Butt, M.A and Dave Miller, ph.D...
With that in mind, Bullinger’s fourth list of idiomatic verbs deals with active verbs that “were used by the Hebrews to express, not the doing of the thing, but the permission of the thing which the agent is said to do” (p. 823, emp. in orig.). To illustrate, in commenting on Exodus 4:21, Bullinger stated: “ ‘I will harden his heart (i.e., I will permit or suffer his heart to be hardened), that he shall not let the people go.’ So in all the passages which speak of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. As is clear from the common use of the same Idiom in the following passages” (1968, p. 823). He then listed Jeremiah 4:10, “ ‘Lord God, surely thou hast greatly deceived this people’: i.e., thou hast suffered this People to be greatly deceived, by the false prophets….’ ” Ezekiel 14:9 is also given as an example of this type of usage: “ ‘If the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the Lord have deceived that prophet’: i.e., I have permitted him to deceive himself.” James MacKnight, in a lengthy section on biblical idioms, agrees with Bullinger’s assessment that in Hebrew active verbs can express permission and not direct action. This explanation unquestionably clarifies the question of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. When the text says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, it means that God would permit or allow Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened.
A second equally legitimate explanation for the Exodus text is that the allusions to God hardening Pharaoh’s heart are a form of figurative speech, very closely associated with metaphor, known as “metonymy,” where one name or word is employed for another. For example, when we speak of “reading Shakespeare,” we mean that we read his writings or plays. God hardening Pharaoh’s heart would be “metonymy of the subject,” that is, the subject is announced, while some property or circumstance belonging to it is meant. Specifically, under this form of the figure, “[a]n action is sometimes said to have been accomplished, when all that is meant by it is that an occasion was given” (Dungan, 1888, p. 287; cf. Bullinger, 1898, p. 570).
The Bible is replete with examples that illustrate this figure of speech. John reported that “Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John” (John 4:1). In reality, Jesus did not personally baptize anyone (John 4:2). But His teaching and influence caused it to be done. Jesus, the subject, is mentioned, but it is the circumstance of His influence that is intended. His teaching was responsible for people being baptized. Repeatedly in the book of 1 Kings, various kings of Israel are said to have “walked in the way of Jeroboam…who had made Israel sin” (e.g., 1 Kings 16:19,26; 22:52). But Jeroboam did not force either his contemporaries or his successors to sin. Rather, he set an example that they chose to follow. Judas was said to have purchased a field with the money he obtained by betraying Christ (Acts 1:18). But, in reality, he returned the money to the chief priests and then hung himself. The blood money was then used to purchase the field (Matthew 27:5-7). By metonymy of the subject, Judas was said to have done that which his action occasioned. Paul warned Roman Christians: “Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died” (Romans 14:15). What he meant was that they should not set an example that lures weaker brothers into doing what they consider to be wrong. Paul told Corinthian Christians that they were in a position to “save” their unbelieving spouses (1 Corinthians 7:16). He told Timothy that he was in a position to “save” those who listened to his teaching (1 Timothy 4:16). In both cases, Paul meant that proper teaching and a proper example could influence the recipients to obey God’s will for their lives.
Another instance of metonymy of the subject, closely aligned with the example of Pharaoh in Exodus, is the occasion of the conversion of Lydia, the businesswoman from Thyatira. The text states that the “Lord opened her heart” (Acts 16:14). However, the specific means by which God achieved this action was the preaching of Paul. God’s Word, spoken through Paul, created within her a receptive and responsive mind. In like fashion, Jesus is said to have preached to Gentiles as well as to the antediluvian population of Noah’s day (Ephesians 2:17; 1 Peter 3:19). Of course, Jesus did neither—directly. Rather, He operated through agents—through Paul in the first case and through Noah in the latter. Similarly, Nathan accused king David: “You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword” (2 Samuel 12:9). In reality, David sent a letter to his general ordering him to arrange battle positions where Uriah would be more vulnerable to enemy fire. On the basis of metonymy of the subject, David, the subject, is said to have done something that, in actuality, he simply arranged for others to do.
In the case of Pharaoh, “God hardened Pharaoh’s heart” in the sense that God provided the circumstances and the occasion for Pharaoh to be forced to make a decision. God sent Moses to place His demands before Pharaoh. Moses merely announced God’s instructions. God even accompanied His Word with miracles—to confirm the divine origin of the message (cf. Mark 16:20). Pharaoh made up his own mind to resist God’s demands. Of his own accord, he stubbornly refused to comply. Of course, God provided the occasion for Pharaoh to demonstrate his unyielding attitude. If God had not sent Moses, Pharaoh would not have been faced with the dilemma of whether to release the Israelites. So God was certainly the instigator and initiator. But He was not the author of Pharaoh’s defiance.
Notice that in a very real sense, all four of the following statements are true: (1) God hardened Pharaoh’s heart; (2) Moses hardened Pharaoh’s heart; (3) the words that Moses spoke hardened Pharaoh’s heart; (4) Pharaoh hardened his own heart. All four of these observations are accurate, depicting the same truth from different perspectives. In this sense, God is responsible for everything in the Universe, i.e., He has provided the occasion, the circumstances, and the environment in which all things (including people) operate. But He is not guilty of wrong in so doing. From a quick look at a simple Hebrew idiom, it is clear that God did not unjustly or directly harden Pharaoh’s heart. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), He does not act unjustly (Psalms 33:5), and He has always allowed humans to exercise their free moral agency (Deuteronomy 30:19). God, however, does use the wrong, stubborn decisions committed by rebellious sinners to further His causes (Isaiah 10:5-11). In the case of Pharaoh’s hardened heart, God can be charged with no injustice, and the Bible can be charged with no contradiction. Humans were created with free moral agency and are culpable for their own actions.
REFERENCES
Bullinger, E.W. (1898), Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1968 reprint).
Dungan, D.R. (1888), Hermeneutics (Delight, AR: Gospel Light).
Hobbs, Kendall (2003), “Why I Am No Longer a Christian: Ruminations on a Spiritual Journey out of and into the Material World,” [On-line], URL: http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/kendall_hobbs/no_longer.shtml.
MacKnight, James (1954 reprint), Apostolic Epistles (Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate).
Palmer, Edwin (1972), The Five Points of Calvinism (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Wells, Steve (2001), Skeptic’s Annotated Bible, [On-line], URL: http://www.Skepticsannotatedbible.com>.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
The Study of the “Law” & “Sin” Pt. 3
Romans 3
God's Faithfulness
1What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge."[a]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnote: (1-4) “Paul responds to the objection that his teaching on the sinfulness of all humanity detracts from the religious prerogatives of Israel. He stresses that Jews have remained the vehicle of God's revelation despite their sins, though this depends on the faithfulness of God.” http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/romans/romans3.htm
God trusted his word with Jews. It is special, but its not because they did good, but because God said he would and is faithful to fulfill EVERYTHING he says.
Term: Prerogative
An exclusive right or privilege held by a person or group, especially a hereditary or official right
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(This is the concept we were talking about last week: “If there was no evil, then there would not be good, cause there would be no opposite to compare to)
Footnote: (5-8) God is good because He has always been good and always will be good – regardless of us. Furthermore The Key to this statement is in Paul’s question: “Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?” What paul is saying is this; If Gods reputation of being Good was dependent on our actions and if when we sinned that improved God’s reputation, and by improving God’s reputation we were excluding our self from his judgment… Then NOBODY would be judged since all sin. “…If that were so, how could God judge the world?””
Questions:
-Would a Circle be a Circle if a Square didn’t exist? It may not be called a “Circle” But it sure would exist. Lets say it was the only shape we knew of, maybe we would call it “Shape”
-If you are in a room FULL of light and with, does the light exist? Of course it does there is just nothing that is preventing the light from filling the room.
If evil did not exist, maybe we would not have an actual word for ‘Good’, but that does not mean it would not be present. This concept is really based off of language, with the assumption that the terms and definitions that have be created by man actually determine an objects existence. But, I feel certain that there are things in the universe that have not be defined by man that still exist without out our terms our comparisons.
LETS DISCUSS!!! J
No One is Righteous
9What shall we conclude then? Are we any better[b]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
11there is no one who understands,
no one who seeks God.
12All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one."[c]
13"Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit."[d]
"The poison of vipers is on their lips."[e]
14"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."[f]
15"Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16ruin and misery mark their ways,
17and the way of peace they do not know."[g]
18"There is no fear of God before their eyes."[h]
Footnote: (9-18) So no one is good? Nope. Look thru each example in the verses and ask yourself this; have you or can you put your self in a situation regardless of how extreme that would make each one of the examples true to your self? God & Paul are talking about entirety. People have Good in them, but they are not Good. People say good things about each other, but we also say bad things. Most people are peaceful, but given the right circumstance, “Their feet are swift to shed blood” I know I would be quick to shed blood if you put Osama Bin Laden in front of me. See, It does not matter how good we think we are, EACH person has or will/would fall short in every category that Paul gives.
Question: Is water still water if you add Rum to it? No, it’s an alchoholic beverage. Water in its PURE form is the ONLY liquid that can sustain life ultimately. So, are Humans Good, if you add unrighteousness, deceit, fear etc, into the mix, even in the smallest amounts? No, not really.
Although we have Good in us, we are not Good. Lets look at this portion from a different perspective…
9What shall we conclude then? Are we any better[b]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10As it is written:
"There is no one righteous without faith, not even one;
11there is no one who understands everything,
no one who seeks God always.
12All have turned away at some point,
they have together become worthless, and require Jesus to be saved ;
there is no one who Always does good,
not even one."[c]
13"Their throats have been open graves;
their tongues practice deceit."[d]
"The poison of vipers is on their lips."[e]
14"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."[f]
15"Their feet are swift to shed blood given the right circumstance;
16ruin and misery mark their ways,
17and the way of peace they do not know."[g]
18"There is no fear of God before their eyes."[h]
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
Footnote (20) HUGE!!! This IS the purpose of the law for the Christian (“…rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”)
Righteousness Through Faith
21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Terms:
Forbearance: Tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation (to provoke); patience
Atonement: Amends or reparation made for an injury or wrong; expiation.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
Footnote: (27-31)
Jewish Arguer: Ah no Boasting?
Paul: No!
Jewish Arguer: Why not? The law doesn’t say we cant boast!
Paul: Do you agree that a man is justified by faith and not by observing the law?
Jewish Arguer: Yes.
Paul: Is God the God of Jews as well as Gentiles?
Jewish Arguer: Yes
Paul: Then what do you have to boast about?
God's Faithfulness
1What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge."[a]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnote: (1-4) “Paul responds to the objection that his teaching on the sinfulness of all humanity detracts from the religious prerogatives of Israel. He stresses that Jews have remained the vehicle of God's revelation despite their sins, though this depends on the faithfulness of God.” http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/romans/romans3.htm
God trusted his word with Jews. It is special, but its not because they did good, but because God said he would and is faithful to fulfill EVERYTHING he says.
Term: Prerogative
An exclusive right or privilege held by a person or group, especially a hereditary or official right
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(This is the concept we were talking about last week: “If there was no evil, then there would not be good, cause there would be no opposite to compare to)
Footnote: (5-8) God is good because He has always been good and always will be good – regardless of us. Furthermore The Key to this statement is in Paul’s question: “Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?” What paul is saying is this; If Gods reputation of being Good was dependent on our actions and if when we sinned that improved God’s reputation, and by improving God’s reputation we were excluding our self from his judgment… Then NOBODY would be judged since all sin. “…If that were so, how could God judge the world?””
Questions:
-Would a Circle be a Circle if a Square didn’t exist? It may not be called a “Circle” But it sure would exist. Lets say it was the only shape we knew of, maybe we would call it “Shape”
-If you are in a room FULL of light and with, does the light exist? Of course it does there is just nothing that is preventing the light from filling the room.
If evil did not exist, maybe we would not have an actual word for ‘Good’, but that does not mean it would not be present. This concept is really based off of language, with the assumption that the terms and definitions that have be created by man actually determine an objects existence. But, I feel certain that there are things in the universe that have not be defined by man that still exist without out our terms our comparisons.
LETS DISCUSS!!! J
No One is Righteous
9What shall we conclude then? Are we any better[b]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
11there is no one who understands,
no one who seeks God.
12All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one."[c]
13"Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit."[d]
"The poison of vipers is on their lips."[e]
14"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."[f]
15"Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16ruin and misery mark their ways,
17and the way of peace they do not know."[g]
18"There is no fear of God before their eyes."[h]
Footnote: (9-18) So no one is good? Nope. Look thru each example in the verses and ask yourself this; have you or can you put your self in a situation regardless of how extreme that would make each one of the examples true to your self? God & Paul are talking about entirety. People have Good in them, but they are not Good. People say good things about each other, but we also say bad things. Most people are peaceful, but given the right circumstance, “Their feet are swift to shed blood” I know I would be quick to shed blood if you put Osama Bin Laden in front of me. See, It does not matter how good we think we are, EACH person has or will/would fall short in every category that Paul gives.
Question: Is water still water if you add Rum to it? No, it’s an alchoholic beverage. Water in its PURE form is the ONLY liquid that can sustain life ultimately. So, are Humans Good, if you add unrighteousness, deceit, fear etc, into the mix, even in the smallest amounts? No, not really.
Although we have Good in us, we are not Good. Lets look at this portion from a different perspective…
9What shall we conclude then? Are we any better[b]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10As it is written:
"There is no one righteous without faith, not even one;
11there is no one who understands everything,
no one who seeks God always.
12All have turned away at some point,
they have together become worthless, and require Jesus to be saved ;
there is no one who Always does good,
not even one."[c]
13"Their throats have been open graves;
their tongues practice deceit."[d]
"The poison of vipers is on their lips."[e]
14"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."[f]
15"Their feet are swift to shed blood given the right circumstance;
16ruin and misery mark their ways,
17and the way of peace they do not know."[g]
18"There is no fear of God before their eyes."[h]
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
Footnote (20) HUGE!!! This IS the purpose of the law for the Christian (“…rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”)
Righteousness Through Faith
21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Terms:
Forbearance: Tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation (to provoke); patience
Atonement: Amends or reparation made for an injury or wrong; expiation.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
Footnote: (27-31)
Jewish Arguer: Ah no Boasting?
Paul: No!
Jewish Arguer: Why not? The law doesn’t say we cant boast!
Paul: Do you agree that a man is justified by faith and not by observing the law?
Jewish Arguer: Yes.
Paul: Is God the God of Jews as well as Gentiles?
Jewish Arguer: Yes
Paul: Then what do you have to boast about?
Einstien Slaps His Teacher, Metaphorically Speaking
Did God create everything that exists? Does evil exist? Did God create evil?
A University professor at a well known institution of higher learning challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that exists?"
A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!"
"God created everything?" The professor asked.
"Yes sir, he certainly did," the student replied.
The professor answered, "If God created everything; then God created evil. And, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then we can assume God is evil."
The student became quiet and did not answer the professor's hypothetical definition. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask you a question, professor?"
"Of course", replied the professor.
The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"
"What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?"
The other students snickered at the young man's question.
The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460 F) is the total absence of heat; and all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat."
The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?"
The professor responded, "Of course it does."
The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color.
You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."
Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"
Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's Inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
The young man's name - Albert Einstein 7
A University professor at a well known institution of higher learning challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that exists?"
A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!"
"God created everything?" The professor asked.
"Yes sir, he certainly did," the student replied.
The professor answered, "If God created everything; then God created evil. And, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then we can assume God is evil."
The student became quiet and did not answer the professor's hypothetical definition. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask you a question, professor?"
"Of course", replied the professor.
The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"
"What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?"
The other students snickered at the young man's question.
The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460 F) is the total absence of heat; and all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat."
The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?"
The professor responded, "Of course it does."
The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color.
You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."
Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"
Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's Inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
The young man's name - Albert Einstein 7
Friday, December 28, 2007
The Study of the “Law” & “Sin” Pt. 2
Romans 1
“18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
-In the bold Paul is saying, it is obvious God exists by the universe we live in. Look around and everywhere you can see God. “…being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
-In the bold Paul is saying, the people idolized. This can be applied to anything today, whether it be a car, or video games, a relationship or a job. Anything that is put before God could easily be put in place of this statement. I have some work ahead of me, that’s certain.
Romans 2
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
In the bold: Do you really want that type of burden? When you judge you are adding to your load. Judgment is weight to your already burdened being. Lets be honest, when we judge can we really hold up to the standards we are applying for someone else’s life? Every time you judge, it is a double standard. There is only one Judge. You are a sinner, he is the judge, I am a sinner, he is the judge. A sinner cannot judge a sinner.
5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
In the Bold: Imagine a dam holding a huge lake full of water, and you are in the valley where the water would flow if the dam ever broke. If that dam opens (the day of God’s wrath) You are dead. That’s IT… But if you repent, its like a secondary dam on the other side of the lake releases all the water and safely empties the lake.
12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
In Bold: To Be discussed.
17Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."[b]
In the Bold: I cant just say I am a Christian, I need to be a Christian, and live like one as well. “24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."[b
“18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
-In the bold Paul is saying, it is obvious God exists by the universe we live in. Look around and everywhere you can see God. “…being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
-In the bold Paul is saying, the people idolized. This can be applied to anything today, whether it be a car, or video games, a relationship or a job. Anything that is put before God could easily be put in place of this statement. I have some work ahead of me, that’s certain.
Romans 2
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
In the bold: Do you really want that type of burden? When you judge you are adding to your load. Judgment is weight to your already burdened being. Lets be honest, when we judge can we really hold up to the standards we are applying for someone else’s life? Every time you judge, it is a double standard. There is only one Judge. You are a sinner, he is the judge, I am a sinner, he is the judge. A sinner cannot judge a sinner.
5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
In the Bold: Imagine a dam holding a huge lake full of water, and you are in the valley where the water would flow if the dam ever broke. If that dam opens (the day of God’s wrath) You are dead. That’s IT… But if you repent, its like a secondary dam on the other side of the lake releases all the water and safely empties the lake.
12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
In Bold: To Be discussed.
17Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."[b]
In the Bold: I cant just say I am a Christian, I need to be a Christian, and live like one as well. “24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."[b
The Study of the “Law” & “Sin” Pt. 1
The Old & New Covenant (The Laws)
A covenant is a contract, an agreement, between two parties. When God is one of those parties, it is a very serious contract, a sacred agreement. In fact, God looked at the Old Covenant as a "marriage" contract between Himself and Israel.
In the Old Testament, the word “law” is used to translated the Hebrew word torah, “instruction.” The Hebrew word for “law” probably comes from the causative form of the verb yarah, “to throw,” “to shoot (arrows).” In the hiphil stem, the verb horah means “to point, guide, instruct, teach.” Hence, the law is that which provides authoritative guidance. In the New Testament, the Greek word used for law is nomos. Nomos means “that which is assigned,” hence, “usage, custom,” and then “law,” or “a rule governing one’s actions.”
The Old Covenant Or “Mosaic Law” The law that, according to the Old Testament, God gave to the Israelites through Moses. The Mosaic law begins with the Ten Commandments and includes the many rules of religious observance given in the first five books of the Old Testament. In Judaism, these books are called the Torah, or “the Law.”
Old Covenant Fact: Commandments are divided into positive and negative commands, which are treated differently in terms of --Divine and human punishment. Positive commandments (of which tradition holds there are 248) require an action to be performed, and thus bring one closer to God. Negative commandments (traditionally 365 in number) forbid a specific action; thus violations create a distance from God. In striving to "be holy" as God is holy, one attempts so far as possible to live in accordance with God's wishes for humanity, striving to more completely live with each of these with every moment of one's life. 613 Total
Galatians 3:16 & 19 (The Old until the New) 16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed,"[a] meaning one person, who is Christ. 19What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator.
The New Covenant Or “God’s Law” "'The day will come,' says the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah . . . . But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,' says the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Jeremiah 31:31,33).
Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. The old covenant was written in stone, but the new covenant is written on our hearts, made possible only by faith in Christ, who shed His own blood to atone for the sins of the world. Luke 22:20 says, "After supper, [Jesus] took another cup of wine and said, 'This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you – an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.'"
Now that we are under the new covenant, we are not under the penalty of “the law”.
Summary: Old Covenant: The Ten commandments, and a bunch of rituals and rules of religious observance. Before Jesus died and essentially beat ALL sin that will ever exist, (An infinite amount of sin, would require an infinitely perfect sacrifice) people were required to follow certain guidelines that God established in order to stay “Clean” The New Covenant was made real when Christ died. This covenant is a set of rules applied to your heart. The new covenant changes the heart, not just the mind. “'I will put my law in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts” So we observe the law (10 Commandments) but you have really entered into this covenant when these laws are on your heart. (Desire to fulfill them)
A covenant is a contract, an agreement, between two parties. When God is one of those parties, it is a very serious contract, a sacred agreement. In fact, God looked at the Old Covenant as a "marriage" contract between Himself and Israel.
In the Old Testament, the word “law” is used to translated the Hebrew word torah, “instruction.” The Hebrew word for “law” probably comes from the causative form of the verb yarah, “to throw,” “to shoot (arrows).” In the hiphil stem, the verb horah means “to point, guide, instruct, teach.” Hence, the law is that which provides authoritative guidance. In the New Testament, the Greek word used for law is nomos. Nomos means “that which is assigned,” hence, “usage, custom,” and then “law,” or “a rule governing one’s actions.”
The Old Covenant Or “Mosaic Law” The law that, according to the Old Testament, God gave to the Israelites through Moses. The Mosaic law begins with the Ten Commandments and includes the many rules of religious observance given in the first five books of the Old Testament. In Judaism, these books are called the Torah, or “the Law.”
Old Covenant Fact: Commandments are divided into positive and negative commands, which are treated differently in terms of --Divine and human punishment. Positive commandments (of which tradition holds there are 248) require an action to be performed, and thus bring one closer to God. Negative commandments (traditionally 365 in number) forbid a specific action; thus violations create a distance from God. In striving to "be holy" as God is holy, one attempts so far as possible to live in accordance with God's wishes for humanity, striving to more completely live with each of these with every moment of one's life. 613 Total
Galatians 3:16 & 19 (The Old until the New) 16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed,"[a] meaning one person, who is Christ. 19What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator.
The New Covenant Or “God’s Law” "'The day will come,' says the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah . . . . But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,' says the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Jeremiah 31:31,33).
Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. The old covenant was written in stone, but the new covenant is written on our hearts, made possible only by faith in Christ, who shed His own blood to atone for the sins of the world. Luke 22:20 says, "After supper, [Jesus] took another cup of wine and said, 'This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you – an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.'"
Now that we are under the new covenant, we are not under the penalty of “the law”.
Summary: Old Covenant: The Ten commandments, and a bunch of rituals and rules of religious observance. Before Jesus died and essentially beat ALL sin that will ever exist, (An infinite amount of sin, would require an infinitely perfect sacrifice) people were required to follow certain guidelines that God established in order to stay “Clean” The New Covenant was made real when Christ died. This covenant is a set of rules applied to your heart. The new covenant changes the heart, not just the mind. “'I will put my law in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts” So we observe the law (10 Commandments) but you have really entered into this covenant when these laws are on your heart. (Desire to fulfill them)
Saturday, July 22, 2006
European Union. The New Rome?
King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a statue...
A head of gold
Breast and arms of silver
Belly and thighs of bronze
and feet of iron and clay
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream is interpreted by most bible scholars to represent the four major empires that have existed in world history. Daniel confirms the first of these empires to be Babylon (head of gold) in Daniel 2:37-38) Knowing the head is Babylon, we can then figure out the rest of the dream by following world history. Silver is Persia, Bronze is Greece, Iron is Rome and the feet, the feet of iron and clay? Well this part has not come to pass, yet. The Bible speaks of the Roman empire to have received a "mortal wound" from this wound. She has fallen but is not destroyed. It is said she will rise again. In 1957 the treaties of Rome were signed which, established the European Economic Community (EEC) Then in 1965 the Brussels Treaty was signed which began the process of rebuilding the old Roman Empire through reunification of European states under one political system. This treaty established a commission, council, parliament, and court for the union. The European Union is currently made up of over 25 countries. Some are calling the EU the "United States of Europe."
Below is a map of the Roman Empire and the European Union. Hmm looks the same...
The European Union is a federation of many different countries that include many different cultures and background. Maybe the most diverse community of people on this earth..
Daniel 2:40 "It will be strong, yet mixed" (part of potters clay and part of iron, the kingdom will be divided) But will be strong.
So why is this so important to us? Well it is believed that this 4th and last empire is the empire the anti-Christ will rule before Jesus Christ returns. Plans for an EU presidency that will replace the 6 month rotating presidency (which is the current setup) are already being discussed. A president of Europe? That would create a very powerful international leader with HUGE influence on the global stage. The anti-Christ is said to become a great and beautiful person. He will talk about peace, and unity, and ultimately call himself God. Blasphemy!
Even the currency being used by the E.U is parallel to scripture.
"The Euro has replaced currencies that were, for many of the countries concerned, centuries-old symbols and instruments of their national sovereignty. In doing so, the new currency has moved Europe considerably closer to economic union. It has also given EU citizens a much clearer sense of sharing a common European identity" -
http://europa.eu/abc/12lessons/index7_en.htm
The EU Is striving to create "Economic and monetary union" thru the Euro. No its not a bad idea, But its relevant cause it coincides with scripture...
"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666" (Rev. 13:16-18).
Monetary union would be the first step in fulfilling this prophecy. The symbol on the currency may be the mark of the beast which will be given.
The EU also has there own Anthem. Cute right? Not exactly Its the "Ode to Joy" Is the prelude to the last movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The EU states its actually an "ode to freedom, community and peace" But, the lyrics by Friedrich von schiller, are about the entering of the shrine of a pagan goddess and the uniting of all men in brotherhood, by the power of magic. What the..?
It gets better. "The Eu constitution has also raised the ire of protestant leaders by banning the mention of Christianity as part of Europe's cultural heritage, while at the same time, including references to the civilizations of Greece and Rome, and the philosophical heritage of the Enlightenment. Eu government representatives excused this revisionist view of history by claming any mention of Christian values would upset the Muslim Population of the EU." http://www.contenderministries.org
As you can see, its not hard to relate the development of the EU to the rise of the last empire described in the visions from the book of Daniel, from which the anti-Christ will arise in the end times. I guess we will have to wait and see.
A head of gold
Breast and arms of silver
Belly and thighs of bronze
and feet of iron and clay
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream is interpreted by most bible scholars to represent the four major empires that have existed in world history. Daniel confirms the first of these empires to be Babylon (head of gold) in Daniel 2:37-38) Knowing the head is Babylon, we can then figure out the rest of the dream by following world history. Silver is Persia, Bronze is Greece, Iron is Rome and the feet, the feet of iron and clay? Well this part has not come to pass, yet. The Bible speaks of the Roman empire to have received a "mortal wound" from this wound. She has fallen but is not destroyed. It is said she will rise again. In 1957 the treaties of Rome were signed which, established the European Economic Community (EEC) Then in 1965 the Brussels Treaty was signed which began the process of rebuilding the old Roman Empire through reunification of European states under one political system. This treaty established a commission, council, parliament, and court for the union. The European Union is currently made up of over 25 countries. Some are calling the EU the "United States of Europe."
Below is a map of the Roman Empire and the European Union. Hmm looks the same...
The European Union is a federation of many different countries that include many different cultures and background. Maybe the most diverse community of people on this earth..
Daniel 2:40 "It will be strong, yet mixed" (part of potters clay and part of iron, the kingdom will be divided) But will be strong.
So why is this so important to us? Well it is believed that this 4th and last empire is the empire the anti-Christ will rule before Jesus Christ returns. Plans for an EU presidency that will replace the 6 month rotating presidency (which is the current setup) are already being discussed. A president of Europe? That would create a very powerful international leader with HUGE influence on the global stage. The anti-Christ is said to become a great and beautiful person. He will talk about peace, and unity, and ultimately call himself God. Blasphemy!
Even the currency being used by the E.U is parallel to scripture.
"The Euro has replaced currencies that were, for many of the countries concerned, centuries-old symbols and instruments of their national sovereignty. In doing so, the new currency has moved Europe considerably closer to economic union. It has also given EU citizens a much clearer sense of sharing a common European identity" -
http://europa.eu/abc/12lessons/index7_en.htm
The EU Is striving to create "Economic and monetary union" thru the Euro. No its not a bad idea, But its relevant cause it coincides with scripture...
"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666" (Rev. 13:16-18).
Monetary union would be the first step in fulfilling this prophecy. The symbol on the currency may be the mark of the beast which will be given.
The EU also has there own Anthem. Cute right? Not exactly Its the "Ode to Joy" Is the prelude to the last movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The EU states its actually an "ode to freedom, community and peace" But, the lyrics by Friedrich von schiller, are about the entering of the shrine of a pagan goddess and the uniting of all men in brotherhood, by the power of magic. What the..?
It gets better. "The Eu constitution has also raised the ire of protestant leaders by banning the mention of Christianity as part of Europe's cultural heritage, while at the same time, including references to the civilizations of Greece and Rome, and the philosophical heritage of the Enlightenment. Eu government representatives excused this revisionist view of history by claming any mention of Christian values would upset the Muslim Population of the EU." http://www.contenderministries.org
As you can see, its not hard to relate the development of the EU to the rise of the last empire described in the visions from the book of Daniel, from which the anti-Christ will arise in the end times. I guess we will have to wait and see.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream (The Rise of Powers)
The Dream...
"You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening. The head of this image was of fine gold, its breast and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it smote the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces; then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth." (Daniel 2:31-35 RSV)
Interpretation...
"This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory, and into whose hand He has given, wherever they dwell, the sons of men, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the air, making you rule over them all - you are the head of gold."
"After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things; and like iron which crushes, it shall break and crush all these. And as you saw the feet and toes partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. As you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay."
"And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand for ever; just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold."
"A great God has made known to the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure." (Daniel 2:36-45 RSV)
Ok lets break this down...
Knowing that the head of gold is clearly Babylonia (Daniel 2:36-38) we then know the meaning to the rest of the dream. Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar's rule, conquered Jerusalem but was later defeated by the Persians in 536 B.C (the arms of silver) Two Centuries passed before the Greeks swallowed up the persian empire under Alexander the Great. (Belly and thighs of bronze" The "legs of iron" are thought to be the Romans who fell in about 500 AD But will have one final time and will rise up as a new Rome. Many believe this new Rome will be the European Union. European Union? Or "EU" is a union of twenty-five independent states based on the European Communities and founded to "enhance political, economic and social co-operation." Im currently researching this subject and will describe in detail the "EU" : )
"You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening. The head of this image was of fine gold, its breast and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it smote the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces; then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth." (Daniel 2:31-35 RSV)
Interpretation...
"This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory, and into whose hand He has given, wherever they dwell, the sons of men, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the air, making you rule over them all - you are the head of gold."
"After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things; and like iron which crushes, it shall break and crush all these. And as you saw the feet and toes partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. As you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay."
"And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand for ever; just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold."
"A great God has made known to the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure." (Daniel 2:36-45 RSV)
Ok lets break this down...
Knowing that the head of gold is clearly Babylonia (Daniel 2:36-38) we then know the meaning to the rest of the dream. Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar's rule, conquered Jerusalem but was later defeated by the Persians in 536 B.C (the arms of silver) Two Centuries passed before the Greeks swallowed up the persian empire under Alexander the Great. (Belly and thighs of bronze" The "legs of iron" are thought to be the Romans who fell in about 500 AD But will have one final time and will rise up as a new Rome. Many believe this new Rome will be the European Union. European Union? Or "EU" is a union of twenty-five independent states based on the European Communities and founded to "enhance political, economic and social co-operation." Im currently researching this subject and will describe in detail the "EU" : )
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Revelationships
For centurys humans have anticipated the end of all existince. Armageddon, God's return to earth to restore peace, and deliver judgment. Some believe Lucifers right hand MAN will come to rule in the form of a saint. And some believe this beast has already been. Is the truth hidden in the symbolisms or abstract prophecies of revelations? And are we already living in the "end times" ???
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