Death and Taxes: A time of Reflection:

Lent season is upon us and so is filing income tax. Ash Wednesday is over and the death/resurrection of Christ will be memorialized with much reverence, while some are already preparing their tax return. As Benjamin Franklin says: “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

This reality of death comes close and personal to us in Chicago with the demise of a dearly-beloved Jose B. Delfin, MD an FEU alumnus, class ’68, at a recent PMAC medical mission in Olongapo City. This was followed about a week later by another surgeon, Andres Botuyan MD UST alum, a pioneer in improving medical practice laws in Illinois for foreign medical graduates. To them, goes our deepest debt of gratitude.

This season is a time of reflection about the inevitable, i.e., death and taxes. But, how about resurrection? Is that a surety as well? Some are “freeloaders” and don’t pay federal income tax, about 45%–49% of USA households. But for those who do pay, some get a tax refund quickly or later, while others receive none.

As an analogy, is there a correlation between death and taxes. Do some die and others don’t? Are there parallels between these 2 realities and resurrection? Metaphorically, those who gave up their life (by analogy, pay up in taxes), do some get their life back (resurrected) sooner than later (get a tax refund) while others don’t?

Consider the following facts. Even in the first century during the time of apostle Paul, there were people in the church, intelligent though they are in the secular world, who denied Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. More so now, there are some who claim that the man who died at the cross was not Jesus but a substitute; he was not the one who died because “God does not die“, so they proffer.

It is an eye-opener to read through the logic behind Paul’s arguments in I Corinthians 15:12-34:
“Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 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. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 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. 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. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”

Yes, their is resurrection for humans from the dead. Jesus (God-incarnate) is living-proof by his death as a man, and based on that evidence that we will also be resurrected. But when will our resurrection occur? Notice what Paul said, “everyone in his own order”, first Christ as “first of the firstfruits”, “wave-sheaf offering“!( I Cor. 15:20; Leviticus. 23:9-10), then others. Rightly so, as Jesus is the “pioneer“of our salvation; the author, originator (Hebrews 2:10-11), he has to be first, then us (I Corinthians. 15:23).

There is a first and second resurrection for humans who died (Revelation 20:4-6; Acts 24:15). The first resurrection is described in I Thessalonians 4:16 that will occur at the second coming of Christ, at the last trump, the “dead in Christ shall rise first“. They will then rule “a thousand years“(Millenium) on earth. Those “in Christ” who were baptized by the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit, bearing the spiritual fruits and who are alive at the time of Christ’s return on earth will “be changed“, i.e., not die, from mortal to immortal, from flesh to spirit-bodies ( I Cor. 15:52; Philippians 3:20-21).

Summary

With the preceding having been considered, indeed an analogy can be made between death/resurrection and taxes:, viz.,
1. Some will die before Christ’s return as some, not all, will pay taxes.
2. Some may not die, still alive, at the time of Christ’s return to change from mortal flesh to immortal spirit-bodies as some may not pay taxes. Almost 49% don’t pay taxes, although nobody knows how many will live through that time.
3. Some will receive tax refund sooner as some will participate in the 1st resurrection at Christ’s return; others will receive their tax refund later as others will participate in the 2nd resurrection. As the Paul said, “everyone in his own order”.

Eventually, innumerable people will have eternal life than those who will die eternally. As Jesus said, John 17:12,

“While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.”

Also, Genesis 15:5, “And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”.

These verses are an indication that many will be saved versus few that will experience eternal death, the second death. These will come to fruition because of God’s grace and love for us. And, while our “own” faith is required, all of these came about because of the “faith of Jesus“ (Romans 3:22, Galatians 2:16, 3:22, Philippians 3:9) in the Father that what was promised will come to pass.

Original post:3.9.2016

Reposted:12.20.16

Have you been asked this question? And, how did you answer it?
For a Jew, do you answer Orthodox, Reform or Conservative Judaism? During 2nd Temple period, there were Sadducees , Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots. For a Muslim, do you say Shiite, Sunni or otherwise? But for Christians, there are even more classification like, Catholics, Protestant with different denominations or separatist-exclusive churches. A number of people may say Roman Catholic while others would say Greek Orthodox, Evangelicals, Seventh-Day Adventist, Latter-Day Saints(Mormon), Sabbath-keeping churches, etc. Religion worldwide shares a commonality of having variety of sects.

Why all these differences?

Going through history of these divisions, it all comes down to how the human leader of that sect understands the original teaching of a particular religion and its evolutionary aftermath. And, this understanding comes by “progressive revelation”. That is, by what God wants us to know at a particular point in time, through the Holy Spirit that guides us to the truth. Notice Peter when asked by Jesus in John 15:16-17, “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” This truth that Jesus was the Messiah, did not come from humans but from the Father through the Holy Spirit. And, this Holy Spirit was given for the first time, in a general applicability, in the 1st century at Pentecost. Considering that decision-making to take action is engendered by one’s unique experience, it is not illogical for one to move in one direction and others toward another. Differences in processing mentally what was taught and interpreted are a given. 

What History has shown?

In the current era or C.E. that we are in, we have general knowledge of the specific issues that differentiate one belief-system with another. Assuming that all are well-intention, people, nevertheless, disagree with specifics. Take for instance, in the religion of Christianity in the 4th century, Christians were divided as to the truth of Trinitarian concept of God (1). Those who followed the teaching of Athanasius subscribed to Trinity codified in the Athanasian or Nicene creed. Equally passionate were the followers of Arius who denied this concept. They eventually excommunicated each other at different times depending on who had secular-religious control of the Roman Empire, that they are allied with.
The schism “came to a head in the 16th century, when a Roman Catholic monk named Martin Luther posted his 95 propositions (or theses) against the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church on the Castle Church door at Wittenberg, Germany. Underlying the Protestant Reformation lay four basic doctrines in which the reformers believed the Roman Catholic Church to be in error. These four questions or doctrines are: How is a person saved? Where does religious authority lie? What is the church? and what is the essence of Christian living? In answering these questions, Protestant Reformers such as Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and John Knox established what would be known as the “Five Solas” of the Reformation (sola being the Latin word for “alone”).”(2).

Different interpretation of what is right can even be traced to the time of Abel and Cain as far as what offering would be acceptable to YHVH-God. Both have their own understanding of what offering would please God. One was accepted, the other was rejected. This led to the first murder in the Old Testament (3). Earlier than that, in the garden of Eden, there was already misinterpretation (Gen. 3:1-4). While God wants us to be “like him”, the understanding of Adam & Eve to achieve this, on their own, was also flawed. As far as God is concerned, to be “like him” has to be by grace and not by our own works, so no one can boast. Because of Adam’s sin that was imputed to all, it has to take the death of Jesus (the actual Creator YHVH) to reconcile humanity to the Father. And, for him to be resurrected so the Holy Spirit will be given to dwell in us. Had the Father not resurrected Jesus, the Holy Spirit would not have been given to him and then to us(John 16:7).With that gift of spirit-power, we will then be guided to do what is right and be “one” with him and to be “like him“. Gentiles who do not have the Law (Romans 2:14) and non-believers, can follow the Decalogue on their own, without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Having our own righteousness is still as “filthy rags”(Isaiah 64:6). Human righteousness has to come as “fruits of His Holy Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) in and guiding us, as far as God is concerned. It has to be His righteousness that comes from his Holy Spirit, not our own works. Israel, as a nation, Judaism and Islam (as a religion), sought this fallacy of perfection by following the Law on their own. Similarly and to his dismay, Job who was “perfect” on his own way, found that being so was not enough, “…before I hear you, now I see you“(Job 1:1; 42:5). In New Testament times, we are reminded that Paul and Peter as well as Paul and Barnabas (Gal.2:11-14) had differences in the way they understood their calling; the understanding of Paul prevailed (Acts 15:22-28). And through the years, humanity has to use own faculties to discern what is right and the truth. It is no wonder, as there are different people so will there be differences and a variety of sects.

How then should one answer, What is your religion?

From the Bible, one may get some direction by considering the “seven churches” in Revelation Chapter 2-3. Notice that they are all, undoubtedly, “churches of God” but identified as to where they are, e.g. Ephesus through Laodicea. Moreover, all of them have differences, yet all are accepted and acknowledged to be “churches of God”. Each of these “churches of God” are different from one another depending upon how their human leader understood God’s teaching and their capacity to follow. From this observation, it appears to be alright to answer the original question as “I am a member of the Church of God”. Alternatively, one may continue on how the early believers were first identified and called as in Acts 11:26 at Antioch. One may answer, “I am a Christian“, without having to be exclusive or specific, as differences in understanding the truth is by “progressive revelation“, to God’s glory. This stance takes away an aura of superiority or invincibility in being specific that may amplify sectarian division. Just remember, while not yet, we are are anticipated to be “one body”, unified and not divided. 
God Bless.

References:

1. Gill, N.S.,The Arian Controversy and the Council of Nicea. Retrieved Sept 26, 2016, from http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/godsreligion/p/aa082499.htm
2. Where did the Protestant come from? Retrieved Sept. 26, 2016 from https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=A0LEVxLUZedXiZcAYFjBGOd_;_ylu=X3oDMTByaWg0YW05BGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwM4BHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg–?qid=20080115070247AAV1ZIR&p=how%20Protestants%20came%20about%3F
3. Cain and Abel. Retrieved Sept. 27, 2016 from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cain_and_Abel

Focus of Christian message, What should it be?

Attending Christian church services through the years , one cannot but be ingrained into our consciousness, the reality of God, his attributes of omnipresence, omniscience and omnipotence. Along with these are his grace and love for his awesome creation…humans.

So great is this love (John 3:16) that God the Father gave up his future only begotten “Son” man-Jesus. This Son is the YHVH ELOHIM in the Old Testament (the Logos/Word Creator in John 1:1), who took off his divine spirit-composition and powers to incarnate into a human being, as “man-Christ Jesus“.Although human, he was still categorized and confirmed, like us, as “god” in Ps. 82:6 and Jn.10:34. See also “What is God”.

Being flesh-composed at incarnation, he was subjected to death for humanity to be reconciled to the Father(Romans 5:10). Jesus’ death was substitutionary for humanity’s eternal or second and irreversible death which is a penalty for Adam’s sin (representing the whole mankind) from the garden of Eden.

Being human and flesh-bodied as Jesus was, we can die the first death, being matter-composed, a reversible death. Without resurrection from this, this death would have been eternal. But, it was “appointed for man to die“, being mortal and flesh-composed and will be resurrected. While Jesus died the first death having “mortal body” and acknowledged by the Father as “eternal/irreversible death” for Adam and mankind, he did not experience eternal death because this man-Jesus was resurrected into a spirit-body (and so shall we) as promised by the Father; this to prove the future resurrection towards eternal life for humans (I Cor. 15:1-58). Without resurrection, Jesus could still be dead, as we would, and the promise of the Father was for nought. 

But, this is not all. After resurrection, Jesus had to go to the Father. Otherwise, a most important gift and “power-tool” (the Holy Spirit) to empower us would not be received by him, to then be given subsequently to us (John 16:7, a “spirit-baptism“).

The Father can only give this as promised to YHVH/Logos who became his Son, before being given to us. We need this Holy Spirit of power to be “baptized into us” by Jesus (John 1:33), because “the flesh is weak“. Even if the spirit of man is willing (Matt. 26:41), we need to be empowered by the “immersion/baptism of the Holy Spirit” in us to overcome evil and be “one” with the Son and the Father, as members of the God-Kingdom. This Spirit will then “bear fruits” in us and will be reflected in “good works” (Gal. 5:22-23).

This work of the Holy Spirit is crucial for us to develop into “children of God“, the attainment of which will manifest at resurrection as a change in a “twinkling of an eye” from mortal flesh to immortal spirit-bodies. (I Cor. 15:52-56.). This same Holy Spirit dwelling in Jesus at river Jordan (Matt. 3:16), developed him to be “Son (begotten child) of God”(Rom.1:4), by resurrection from the dead, “firstborn of many brethren”(Rom. 8:29), firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18), the first of the firstfruits (Ezek. 44:30 ESV), the wavesheaf offering ( Lev 23:10-14). Similarly, this Holy Spirit “in-dwelling in us” will have to bear fruits, as it did to man-Jesus, to develop us into “children of God”, one with Jesus and with the Father, as members of the God-kingdom.

Therefore, Christians should focus, on this gift of the Holy Spirit given by the Father because this is a basic ingredient needed in the “ongoing creation” of and for us to be in the Kingdom of God. This “kingdom” is more than a “government“. It is about a “family of God”, a “new creation”(2Cor. 5:17), that was never done before until Christ. Prior to this, all that was created were angels, inanimate objects (planets and universe) as well as living creation like plants, animals and humans, all matter-composed and not spirit-composed, except angels. But, when Adam was created in the garden of Eden, he was only a type of “human” that would come in the future. The anti-type , the “2nd Adam“, was this man-Jesus, to start this “new creation”, the “children of God”. Man-Christ Jesus was the human template with the “spirit of man“, which is the temple for the Holy Spirit to be baptized and dwell into; see I Cor. 3:16-17: 6:19-20; 2Cor 6:16-17; Acts 7:48-51, Acts 17:24-25.

Like other humans, the man-Jesus has the “spirit of man”(the breath of life”) which came directly from the Creator. Growth and development occurred in Jesus’ life from birth, childhood and through adulthood. But at the river Jordan, his “spirit/breath-of-life” was then “Holy Spirit-baptized” as infused by the Father. It was at that time that he was empowered and thence miracles happened, not before.

Even as a child, Jesus did not have the power of the Holy Spirit until adulthood. This power was given to him only after coming out of water baptism at river Jordan (Lu.3:22). The same Holy Spirit empowered him to overcome evil, especially the temptations of Satan (Matthew 4:1-11) in the wilderness. Similarly, this was the power that Jesus used to decide whether to follow “his will” or not (Lu.22:42). The apostles (John 20:22)and others received this “spirit-baptism” on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-31).

In the same manner, we receive this Holy Spirit to take the path of Jesus and follow, not the pull of our flesh, but follow His example. And when we do, we will be on our way towards becoming “children of God”. 

This is the great commission: to preach this good news of coming creation of the God-kingdom, through spirit-baptism in the name of the Father and the Son.

God bless 🙏😇👍

Original post: March 29, 2016,

Hyperlink post; 1/22/2021

Please tap hyperlinks for references

Critique is welcome at foundationacts@yahoo.com

On Packing Heat …Rev Jerry Falwell Jr., Chancellor of Liberty Univ. vs. Rev. John Piper, Chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary.

Should Christians be advised to carry gun for “self-defense”? This is a controversial question that all of us are currently confronted with in this era of terrorist violence. Two major leaders of the Christian Community spoke out on this issue using the Bible as basis, albeit, opposing views. Being stalwarts of biblical teachings, does this make sense, using the same source, yet comes out with different take? How come? Or are they just like Peter and Paul or Barnabas, etc. having honest differences in understanding and processing of facts, much like all of us?

Rev Falwell Jr. on Dec 4, 2015 said, “I just want to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to get your permit (to carry gun). We offer a free course. And let’s teach them a lesson if they ever show up here.” This “teach them a lesson” comment may not be his intention, for which he was questioned and criticism extended against “packing heat” for self-defense. While Rev Falwell Jr. of Liberty University expressed his preference to have gun for self-defense, he sounded off on his extended message and assumed motive by saying, “let’s teach them a lesson if they ever show up here.” While “teach them a lesson” may actually come out as a consequence, this comment may conjure up an entirely different motive and was interpreted as “vengeance”.

Rather, the goal should actually be “proximate self-defense” in “packing heat”; not pro-active use of a weapon without one’s life in “proximate or imminent danger”. This controversy maybe resolved depending upon when to use a weapon in self-defense and how this is defined. In my view, it is perfectly reasonable as self-defense to discharge his/her gun if a person comes into a place actually shooting people; a perfect example of “proximate” self-defense and defense of others. In this scenario, there is no doubt about the evil person’s motive to kill and the “proximate” or imminent need to use a weapon for defensive purpose. In this setting, clearly we should defend ourselves and others. This is not vengeance nor proactive use of weapon sans “proximate” jeopardy of one’s life. Our death in the hands of an evil person should not be a “teaching moment” to witness for Christ which can be more effective with us alive. There is a time to die for our beliefs, but not in this particular setting. There will be plenty of time within our short lifetime. This position is not in anyway to cast aspersion to those who may prefer otherwise and “die for the gospel”.

Rev Piper’s position, on the other hand, is summarized in:
“8. A natural instinct is to boil this issue down to the question, “Can I shoot my wife’s assailant?”. In my humble view, if one’s motive to use lethal means is to inflict an “eye for an eye” judgment to your wife’s assailant when your own/or other’s life is not at “proximate risk”, then this response is wrong and falls under “yourself being judge and jury” to convict. We have secular laws where this scenario belongs and can adequately serve justice. Also, Rev. Piper took Rev. Falwell’s comment to mean “revenge”, although this may not necessarily what he meant. See Dec 22, 2015 http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-christians-be-encouraged-to-arm-themselves

Continuing to quote on Rev Piper’s position:
“Peter’s aim for Christians as “sojourners and exiles” on the earth is not that we put our hope in the self-protecting rights of the second amendment, but in the revelation of Jesus Christ in glory (1 Peter 1:7, 13; 4:13; 5:1). His aim is that we suffer well and show that our treasure is in heaven, not in self-preservation.”
Does “proximate self-defense” necessarily mean revenge or self-preservation, as in preferring life over death, no matter what?

As critique of Rev. Falwell Jr.’s position is in order, and so it is for Rev. Piper’s. Let us then analyze the biblical references the latter quoted:

Rom 12:1-21 In this whole Chapter, Paul was referring to how Christians should respond to evil and summarized in, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” This verse has nothing whatsoever referring to self-defense in a situation of “proximate loss of life”. We certainly should not use any weapon for “vengeance”. Proximate self-defense is not synonymous with vengeance.
Romans 13:1–4:”Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” Again, this has nothing to do with “proximate self-defense” but for us to understand that God uses “governing authorities”(certainly not ISIL?) on “wrongdoers” and “rulers are not a terror to good conduct”.

True, the apostle Peter “teaches us that Christians will often find themselves in societies where we should expect and accept unjust mistreatment without retaliation.” But, the following verses in I Peter are not an interdiction against “proximate self-defense”.

“This is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. (2:19)”. Endurance and suffering suggest being alive, not being dead in the hands of terrorists; nothing to do with self-defense.

“If when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. (2:20)” Suffer and endure here again suggest being alive.

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless. (3:9). Again repay and reviling suggest being alive.

“If you suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. (3:14)”. Suffer here again suggests being alive.

“It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (3:17)”. Suffer here again suggests being alive as dead people do not suffer.

“Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (4:12).” Note: a surprise and test, suggestive of being alive.

“Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (4:13)”. Share is being alive.

“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed. (4:14).” Insulted not death.

“If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (4:16)”. Suffer here again suggests being alive, as well as ashamed and glorify.

“Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (4:19).” Suffer and doing good here, again suggest being alive.

Also, not about proximate self-defense on Luke 21:12–19, “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. . . . You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.” Here, they would be taken prisoners, opportunity to bear witness, alive and not dead, to be witnesses.

According to Rev. Piper, “This article is about the people whom the Bible calls “refugees and exiles” on earth; namely, Christians. It’s about the fact that our weapons are not material, but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:4). It is an argument that the overwhelming focus and thrust of the New Testament is that Christians are sent into the world — religious and non-religious — “as lambs in the midst of wolves” (Luke 10:3). And that exhorting the lambs to carry concealed weapons with which to shoot the wolves does not advance the counter-cultural, self-sacrificing, soul-saving cause of Christ.” On the preceding quote, certainly, no one should shoot “the wolves”, just because we carry weapons or because they are wolves. Rather, when our life is in “actual, not assumed jeopardy” from these wolves already attacking us, then there is no prohibition to “proximate self-defense”.

On the commentary regarding Jesus’ rebuke of the use of a sword:
1. Against the high priest’s servant (Luke 22:49–51). Jesus correctly rebuked his disciples because the Roman soldiers were not there to kill anyone but to merely take or apprehend Jesus to be delivered to the Sanhedrin and subsequently to Pilate; otherwise there would be no formal charge against Jesus of blasphemy, conviction and sentence to death. There was no “proximate” risk to anyone’s life in the garden of Gethsemane and use of sword was not “proximate self-defense”.

2. The church’s nonviolent response to persecution:
Acts 4:25–31 “Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together † against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold † their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
The setting here in the whole Chapter 4 (and starting in Chapter 3) was Peter and John were preaching about Jesus, his death/resurrection and healed a man known to everyone as lame from birth. About 5,000 people believed them. They were then taken or apprehended by religious authorities and “threatened” to be harmed (or killed?) unless they refrain from preaching the gospel. A lot of people knew what happened and if they were harmed at all, the Sanhedrin authorities would be blamed. It is obvious that those were “empty threats” and eventually they were released. In all of this story, there life was never in “proximate jeopardy of losing”. Nowhere in the whole narrative was there an indictment of self-defense and the element that qualifies “proximate self-defense” was never present.

Acts 8:1–3: Here, it was about Paul taking Jesus followers “to prison”. Again, absence of situation that qualifies for “proximate self-defense” nor any interdiction against it.

Acts9:1–2:”And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”
The preceding verses show “breathing out” (not actual killing) and “bring them bound”, all of which did not qualify the element of “proximate self-defense”and therefore could not be invoked as self-defense by the disciples.

Acts 12:1–5: Here, the setting was Peter was delivered in a miraculous way from prison and death. Again, absence of situation that qualifies for “proximate self-defense” nor any interdiction against it. As to the death of James, there are no details of the story behind his death and no need to speculate.

Regarding these quotes …
“In fact, Acts 4:25–31 shows the church armed only with prayer and faith in God. Luke 22:36 sees the sword as only a symbol of preparation for pressure, since Jesus’ rebuke of a literal interpretation (22:38) shows that a symbol is meant (Fitzmyer 1985: 1432; Marshall 1978: 825). It points to readiness and self-sufficiency, not revenge (Nolland 1993b: 1076). (Luke, volume 2, page 1747″…
There is nothing wrong “with prayer and faith in God” nor about “readiness and self-sufficiency”. And certainly, “revenge” should not be the initiating force to use a weapon. There has to be present a situation of “proximate danger to life” as in a terrorist gunning down people around you, to invoke “proximate self-defense”.

Rev. Piper accepts the principles that “God ordains the use of the sword by the state in upholding justice (1 Peter 2:13–17; Romans 13:1–4)” but denies “packing heat” ourselves. The following narrative clears this up:
[Jesus] said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough [that’s plenty].” (Luke 22:35–38).
Notice, the disciples were allowed to have swords but not necessarily to be used for revenge nor proactively discharging a weapon without “proximate risk to one’s life”. This was why Peter who cut the ear of the soldier was refrained by Jesus because there was no “proximate risk to anyone’s life” at that time. Events that followed proved this to be so; no one died immediately.

However, I tend to agree with Rev. Piper in these quotes:
1. “The issue is not primarily about when and if a Christian may ever use force in self-defense, or the defense of one’s family or friends. There are significant situational ambiguities in the answer to that question. The issue is about the whole tenor and focus and demeanor and heart-attitude of the Christian life. Does it accord with the New Testament to encourage the attitude that says, “I have the power to kill you in my pocket, so don’t mess with me”? My answer is, No.”

2. “My main concern in this article is with the appeal to students that stirs them up to have the mindset: Let’s all get guns and teach them a lesson if they come here. The concern is the forging of a disposition in Christians to use lethal force, not as policemen or soldiers, but as ordinary Christians in relation to harmful adversaries.”

3.”For example, any claim that in a democracy the citizens are the government, and therefore may assume the role of the sword-bearing ruler in Romans 13, is elevating political extrapolation over biblical revelation”.

4.”…the unique calling of the church is to live in such reliance on heavenly protection and heavenly reward that the world will ask about our hope (1 Peter 3:15), not about the ingenuity of our armed defenses”.

Indeed, according to Rev Piper, “there are ambiguities in the way Christian mercy and civic justice intersect.” , but hopefully, either can be absorbed into the other, by defining what is self-defense and when it is so, i.e, when the element of “proximate” is “clear and present danger”.

Unfortunately, the position of Rev. Piper exposes himself and his followers as “soft targets” for terrorists bent on killing them. Our hope and prayer is for this position not be taken as an “enabler” to put them in “crosshairs” of Jihadists.

In summary, let us not put any additional burden of guilt on Christians as regards packing heat for “proximate self defense” or against such, as there are compelling arguments either way. If anyone wants to “pack heat”, let him do so; if not, so be it. This issue should not divide Christians but to realize that even well-meaning followers of Christ, like Peter vs Paul and Paul vs Barnabas, can have differences in the way facts are processed. Let the “spirit of wisdom” bear fruit in all of us.

Passion of Christ

Today, I finally got to see Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ”. It was a powerful and moving experience to see what the Pope allegedly described as “it is as it was” and for which Billy Graham wept. While it is a fiction, though based on a true story, one cannot but praise Mr. Gibson for his courage, perseverance, tenacity and indomitable spirit in producing and directing this film, in spite of headwinds in the Hollywood culture. Box-office gross revenue shows that the film was a blockbuster and still raking profits. True to what his plan was, Mel emphasized, as best he could in a graphic way, the physical torture Jesus suffered in the hands of Roman soldiers before his death.

Traditional teaching:

That Jesus died as a propitiation for the sins of humanity, past-present-future is a basic Christian doctrine known to many. That he paid with his own pristine life for the penalty of sin, which is death, for the whole humanity to be reconciled to God the FATHER is well known and has been emphasized for sometime. That he existed as LOGOS prior to his human birth is a well-accepted tenet among Christians, testified to in John 1:1. However, the truth and significance of Jesus’ death came to be understood only later and mainly through the exegesis of Paul. But, what has not come to the radar screen and scrutiny of established religion are the reasons known at that time that got Jesus killed in the first place. What was the rallying force that made the people at that time to come together in unison to kill him? What did Caiaphas, the High Priest, know and what role did he play to bring to finality the death of Jesus Christ? The truth will surprise anyone who is bold enough to open his/her eyes and ears to these facts written in the Bible, yet not emphasized. Knowing the truth will give us proper perspective on who we are, our destiny, what our attitude and behavior in this life should be.

Consider the following:

Reason #1: Blasphemy

In John 10:30-35, one reads that Jesus was being stoned for blasphemy. This was also the only accusation against him before the Sanhedrin, Pilate and Herod, that had unifying and broad support of the masses. What was this blasphemy? Coming from his accusers, they said, “you being man ( flesh-and-blood) make yourself God.” Yes, it was blasphemy to them for someone who is human to claim he is “god”. All through the ages, the people at that time were taught that God is spirit. Yet, they saw Jesus, flesh-composed, as human as they were. Also, they were grounded on the Shema doctrine that God is one. How then could Jesus also be God? That would make God more than one, a claim that was unfathomable to them. Naturally, the people were seething mad and came together as an angry mob to kill him. As expected as that reaction was from the masses, what was more poignant and amazing was how Jesus retorted. He said, ” Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods?, and the scripture can not be broken”. Let us pause at this time, evaluate, analyze and think what Jesus just said. Christ, the reservoir of truth, the one who was with the Father from the foundation of the world, the way-the-truth-and-the-life, classified man ( even as flesh) as…what?…god!

Putting it plainly, Jesus was correcting their mistaken understanding of what the meaning of the word “god” is. Even while flesh-and-blood (man), they are also “gods”. Jesus, even as man, is also classified as “god” and therefore not committing blasphemy. That was a new revelation to them. Basic Christianity teaches that we were created to be in the kingdom of God and that we were created to be like Christ. But, no one in memory have I heard in any organized religion that says man is classified as god, i.e., already in the God-kind while still in the flesh as Christ was. Man is classified in the God-kind, in the kingdom of God and not in any other kingdoms like the “plant-kingdom” nor “animal kingdom”.

When one goes back to the narrative in Genesis, it is obvious that after non- living objects were created, viz., the cosmos, God subsequently created living things, i.e., plants and animals. And, they were to reproduce only after their own kind, i.e., principle of Genetics. Plants can only have plants after their image/likeness or “plant-kind“, as animals can only beget animals after the “animal-kind“. Then, God said, ” Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (1). And so, man became in the “image of God”. Notice that living things like plants reproduce after their own plant-kind, as animals reproduce after their own animal-kind. While there are many species of plants and animals in their particular “kingdom” or “family”, they are all unique in each class. A rose-plant cannot become an hydrangea-plant, as it is impossible for a dog to beget a cat. And, when it came to man, the reproduction was not after the plant-kind nor the animal kind but in the “god-kind”, as in, “..man after our image…” (2). Notice, in the god-image, not in the man-image, even for the sake of argument of paleontologists that there was man before Adam. Indeed, as plants in the plant-kingdom are called plants, and animals in the animal-kingdom are called animals, so man in the god-kind can rightfully be called and classified as “god”. This was what Jesus testified to about man, as in, “…I said ye are gods…”(John 10:34). Our Creator God has planned and is in the process of reproducing the god-kind through man, a template. Truly, man is in the “phylum, class or kingdom” of God, in the god-kind, in the kingdom-of-God. And this august status of man was planned by God from the very beginning of time, even before we were born, even before you and I have done anything right or wrong. What a marvelous gift from God to put us in that high-esteem and category among his creation, a manifest expression of his love and grace for all humanity! This is why our attitude, behavior and responses must be consistent with one being in the “family or kingdom of God”.

Blasphemy was the charge for which Jesus was condemned to death. Classifying man as god was “blasphemy” for which Jesus was crucified. To them at that time (and even currently), that revelation of Jesus was farthest from the truth. Actually, according to Jesus, the Savior (3), he was god as Logos/Creator (4) before his incarnation, was god as man/Immanuel(5), was god as Christ(6)/ human/flesh, and still is God as High Priest Melchizedek(7)/resurrected Son of God/spirit and in the “right hand” of the Father God. His “deity” did not change; it was his body that changed from flesh-composed to spirit-composed, from “mortal-to-immortal”. For centuries and for many generations, we were distracted from the focus man’s destiny deserves.

Reason # 2: Caiaphas knew Jesus as the Messiah

In John 11:47-53, one finds that there was a debate as to what do with “blasphemous Jesus”. Then, Caiaphas who was the High-Priest at that Passover time “prophesied” that Jesus should die for that nation, the children of God scattered abroad, v-52, and the whole world (8). Notice, killed for the nation as well as “other nations”. That suggests that Caiaphas considered this role of Jesus as Messiah Savior. He then convinced the chief priests and Pharisees about who Jesus was and implemented a plan of killing this true human-Passover( not an animal/lamb Passover) at the right time, day and year that many lambs were being slaughtered in Jerusalem. As High-Priest bound by his annual duty, he plotted to kill the Passover to be offered as a sacrifice for the sins of all. Only the High-Priest can offer this Passover sacrifice through the “holy-of-holies” ( the 3rd segment of Jerusalem temple, a type or foreshadow of the 3rd heaven abode of the Father), once a year for all Israel. When “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (9), this signifies Jesus’ flesh (10) being torn and the blood of the true Passover offered to the Father through the anti-type or real “holy-of-holies” by Jesus (the true High Priest) himself after resurrection. Yes, from Caiaphas himself came the testimony that Jesus is the prophesied Messiah/Passover. All Israel and the world must take heed. No need to wait for another Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah/Passover for all.

In summary, Jesus was killed for:

1. An erroneous and concocted charge of blasphemy and the failure of those people at that time to accept the truth about this concept of the God-kingdom, i.e., that man (as flesh as Jesus was) belongs to the god-kind and can accurately be called god or classified in the “phylum, class or kingdom” of god. Jesus, even as man/flesh, did not commit any sin, much less the sin of blasphemy, by classifying himself as god, as He did others. The Logos/Word/Creator (4) took off his spirit-body, but not his deity, and became man ” to be obedient unto death” (11). Otherwise, without incarnation as human, he would not have died (12). Jesus was “created into the image of God”, as man was (13). He is the precursor (the ” beginning-and-the-end, the Alpha and the Omega the one who started and will bring to fruition) for the creation of the god-kind, god-kingdom. This concept that man should be classified as god is not dissimilar to the fact that, as we were created as flesh, and so Jesus had to. As we are humans, so did Jesus incarnate and became human. We will follow the path of our leader, “author and finisher” of our salvation(14). After death, Jesus subsequently “changed” into spirit-body, as others will, being similarly promised. First, Jesus (the first of firstfruits), then the “firstfruits” (15), at his coming to start the Millenium, then finally after the Millenium the “latter-fruits” in “a twinkling of an eye” (16) from mortal to immortal, from flesh to spirit-body. He is our Elder Brother(17) and we are members of his body, the “church”. Indeed, among the “gods“, there is none like him (18), the YHVH/Creator God Jesus; He is God of all Gods and Lord of all Lords (19) in the Old Testament. We should bow to no other gods (20) but YHVH in Old Testament times. When this YHVH incarnated into Jesus, he introduced his Father and directed us to pray to Him in his name. All of us in the God-Kind, with Jesus-God, will subsequently in the “new heaven and earth” kneel down and worship only the sovereign Father God (21).

2. Being the True Passover/Messiah.

His death is the fulfillment of the prophecy that a Passover-lamb (22) has to die and be offered as a “sweet savor” (23) for the sins of all, to reconcile (24) man to the Father. As death came to all because Adam sinned, so then his sin came to be reckoned by the Father and imputed to all (25). Conversely, Jesus’ death, which is a penalty for sin, was then imputed by the Father to all and for “many offenses”, in faith, as though we died and paid for the penalty of sin. As a Passover-Lamb,  he was killed for us and his “blood cleansed us of our sins” fulfilling the “type” of  narrative in Exodus when the “death-angel passed over” and did not kill the “firstborns” of Israel. His death reconciled us to the Father and initiated or began the road to our salvation, but it did not finally save us. Jesus is the “beginner and finisher” of this plan.  It was his resurrection or “his life” that empowered him to send the Spirit as the Father promised. Without his resurrection, the Spirit would not have been sent . Remember what he said, and I am paraphrasing, ” it is expedient that I die and be resurrected to go the Father” ? Salvation is a process brought about by and through the action of the Spirit sent to mankind for the first time at Pentecost (26) to nurture, develop and sanctify our spirit into the fullness of the “body of Christ“. Indeed, we “shall be saved by his life” (24); …”in Christ shall all be made alive” (25). He will ” finish” what he started.

As we contemplate on the agony of his suffering and mourn his death, let us rejoice in his resurrection and thank God for his love/grace and “faith of” (27) Jesus.

References: Retrieved from the Bible, King James Version.

1. Gen. 1:26. 2. Gen. 1:27. 3. Matt. 1:21. 4. John 1:1. 5. Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23

6. I John 5:1; Matt. 16:16. 7. Heb. 5-7; Ps. 110:4; Gen. 14:18. 8. I John 2:2

9. Matt 27:51. 10. Heb 10:20. 11. Phil. 2:8. 12. I Cor. 15:12. 13. Heb 2:6-9

14. Heb. 5:9; 12:2. 15. I Cor. 15:23. 16. I Cor. 15:52. 17. Heb 2:11-12

18. Ps. 86:8. 19. Deut. 10:17. 20. Ex. 20:3. 21. Eph. 3:14. 22. I Cor. 5:7

23. Gen. 8:21. 24. Rom. 5:10. 25. I Cor. 15:22. 26. Acts 2:1-4. 27.Rom.3:22

Posted: 03/26/2004

Reposted: 08/05/2014