Category: Teachings

The Gods of the Bible, Part 6

8. MAN CAN ALSO BE PERFECT AS JESUS WAS

Another reason that people accept Jesus as God is because they see him as being perfect. This we shall show as another illusion. Actually, there are more scriptures that talk about the perfection of the saints than that of Jesus.

There are two scriptures referring to perfection in relation to Jesus.

In the first Jesus said: “Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures today, and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.” Luke 13:32

“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Heb 5:8-9

Before we go on and discuss perfection it is important that we understand the word as it is used in the Bible. There are three basic Greek words that are translated as “perfect” or “perfection” in the King James Version. The first and most popular is TELEIOO and the corresponding TELEIOS. This word does not really mean perfection as we think of the word today but more literally means “to finish, accomplish, or complete.”

The second word is KATARTIZO. This word means to complete or finish, but in a different sense. TELEIOO has the implication of finishing a new work or effort one has taken on whereas KATARTIZO implies a restoration to something as it was in the past. Both words imply wholeness, but the first through a new task, the second through a restoration.

The third word is AKRIBELA and derivatives thereof. This is the closest Greek word to our modern word “perfect”. It means: “to do a thing precisely and exactly correct.”   Paul used this word in reference to the way the Jews taught the law: “I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the PERFECT (exact) manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as YE ALL ARE this day.” Acts 22:3

When the Bible believing people of today talk about Jesus being perfect they usually use the word in the same sense that AKRIBELA was used. That is they think that Jesus obeyed all the laws “exactly” . They think of his perfection in the sense that he never made one mistake, that he never broke one commandment and exactly obeyed every injunction from the Bible. He was beyond reproach.

Actually, AKRIBELA was never used in the Bible in association with Jesus. The ones who were seeking for perfection, exactness, or AKRIBELA were the ones he continually called “hypocrites”.   The Pharisees, Sadducees, the Doctors of the Law, Scribes, in other words, the basic religious people of the day were continually accusing Jesus of not being AKRIBELA or perfect enough in obeying the law.

The scripture says: “THE LAW MADE NOTHING PERFECT, but the bringing in of a better hope (Christ) did; by which we draw nigh unto God.” Heb 7:19

The word for perfect here is TELEIOO and is the one used in connection with the perfection of Jesus and has nothing to do with obeying the law thus the law cannot create TELEIOO, or the perfection of Christ.

Why do orthodox Christians say that Jesus was perfect because he obeyed all the laws when the Bible says “The law made NOTHING perfect”?

Why do people worship Jesus and revere him as God because he exactly obeyed every law and scriptural injunction when the Bible says: “that NO MAN is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is NOT of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.” Gal 3:11-13

Here Paul boldly states that Jesus was not perfect (or AKRIBELA) because he broke the law by his very death. The Old Testament which Paul quoted stated that anyone who was hung on a tree (or cross) was “accursed of God”. (See Deut 21:23) Therefore Paul explains that if righteousness comes by the law then Jesus was cursed because he was crucified on a cross made from a tree.

Why do you suppose it was in the plan of God that Jesus violated the law of perfection (AKRIBELA) to the extent that he was to be “accursed of God” by his very death. After all he permitted it to happen. Was it so we would look forward to something else besides a black and white interpretation for our salvation? If this is so, why do we put Jesus on a pedestal by saying he never broke a law? Why do we think of him as AKRIBELA (perfect) when he was not?

One of the main reasons that Jesus was rejected by the Jews is because he was not perfect or exacting enough for them in keeping the laws of God given through Moses. He did not have the black and white attitude of the typical pious person. He realized that there is a time and season for “every purpose under heaven” Eccl 3:1   He knew that no carnal law could be written that was correct in every circumstance and taught that on the principle of love “hang ALL THE LAW and the prophets.” Matt 22:37-40

Paul reinforced this and said: “For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” Rom 13:8 He also taught us not to be concerned with “the letter (of the law), but the Spirit: for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.” Rom 3:6

In other words if one follows the law of love, or the spirit, he may wind up breaking the letter of the law and the prophets. Almost everyone, for instance, would be forced to break the letter of the law under a ruthless dictatorship. If authorities came looking for one’s child to execute him what parent would not lie to some degree to save his child from unjust suffering? In this case a lie breaks the letter of the law, but fulfills the law of love. Exceptions as this can be found for every commandment as was well illustrated by Solomon when he said there was a time for every purpose under heaven.

Those who persecuted Jesus were of the mentality that believed one should obey the law regardless of who was hurt because the law was the law. On the other hand, Jesus guided his life with the question: What action can I take that will produce the most good and show the greatest display of love? These two modes of thinking are in great variance and a clash was inevitable.

The sin that Jesus was accused of most frequently was that of breaking the Sabbath. Here is an example: “At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day (they were harvesting corn). But he (Jesus) said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat (David broke the law by eating the sacred bread to save his life), neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests. Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? (Then priests had to work to offer sacrifices). But I say unto you, that in this place is one greater than the temple (The Christ). But if ye had known what this meaneth, ‘I will have mercy, and not sacrifice’, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man (all of us are sons of men) is Lord even of the Sabbath day.

“And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal upon the Sabbath days? That they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.” Matt 12:1-14

Here the Jews thought Jesus was far from perfect because he allowed the harvesting of grain and worked at healing on the Sabbath. Both of these actions were considered to be contrary to Jewish law as written by the prophet Moses..

On another occasion Jesus healed a man blind from birth on the Sabbath and the Pharisees said: “This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day.” John 9:16

On two occasions Jesus cleared the money changers out of the temple. He scattered the sheep, oxen, and birds. He overthrew tables, scattered money all over and caused considerable loss of revenue, destruction and distress to the workers there. In today’s society he would be violating at least a half a dozen laws of the land, and he undoubtedly broke a few there too, but again he did it in obedience to the law of love and respect for his Father whom the temple was supposed to honor. Again we see that Jesus was not perfect, or AKRIBELA, in obeying the letter of the law.

The greatest sin that Jesus committed in the eyes of the Jews was that of blasphemy. This was particularly serious because it carried with it the sentence of death. The law read: “And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.” Lev 24:16

The word “blasphemy” comes from the Greek BLASPHEMIA which literally means “a hindering or hurtful statement” or “a harmful unfounded statement.”   To receive the death penalty the Jew had to make a disrespectful or insulting statement against God, his name, or something sacred that was associated with him. One of those things was the temple. One could be put to death for blaspheming it. This was the first life threatening “sin” that Jesus committed.

After Jesus cleared the money changers out of the temple (some probably thought this was disrespectful and blasphemous): “The Jews said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19-19

In reality he was referring to his body which would be resurrected, but he intended them at that time to think he was talking about the temple. This created the grounds for an accusation brought against him at his trial. A witness stated: “This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and build it in three days.” Matt 26:61 Even though the witness slightly misquoted Jesus this statement of the Christ was still bordering on blasphemy according to Jewish law. They certainly felt that he made an unfounded statement, but this was not enough to make them consider taking his life.

Next Jesus did something that Jews considered to be much worse than making light of their temple. In the act of healing a sick man Jesus said: “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and Pharisees began to reason, saying, who is this which speaketh blasphemies?   Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” Luke 5:20-21

By far his worst offense in Jewish eyes was the fact that he identified with God and called himself a Son of God. He said: “The works that I do IN MY FATHERS NAME they bear witness of me…I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones to stone him.” John 10:25, 30-31

Here we see that the Jews felt he was guilty of blasphemy and could justifiably stone him to death. Jesus continues as we have previously quoted to tell the Jews that men were called gods in the Old Testament and that it should be no big thing that he would call himself a Son of God. Then they tried a second time to kill him, but he escaped.

Jesus sealed his fate when he committed blasphemy (in Jewish eyes) in front of all present at his trial. Here he gave them what they wanted to hear: a reason to put him to death.

The high priest asked Jesus: “I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.” Matt 26:63-66

In addition to breaking Jewish laws and customs even to the point of securing for himself the death penalty Jesus also disregarded the moral standards and customs of the Jews. To them he did not appear to be righteous or even religious. In fact, he offended so many people’s religious values that he said: “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Matt 11:6

Jesus relates the accusations against both he and John: “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, he hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” Luke 7:33-34

Jesus was accused of three things: (1) Being a glutton, (2) a winebibber (a drunk), and a (3) friend of publicans and sinners.

He was probably called a glutton because he frequently attended dinners and parties. Undoubtedly he did not eat to excess, but he seemed to give the appearance of this evil. Furthermore, gluttony is condemned in the law of Moses. (See Deut 21:20-21)

He was called a winebibber because he was seen drinking wine on occasion. It was doubtful that he got drunk, but just the fact that he was seen at social events drinking wine gave rise to the imaginations of his Jewish accusers. Jesus was probably expected not to touch wine because he was supposed to fulfill the following prophecy of the Christ: “And he (Jesus) came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” Matt 2:23

Concerning a Nazarite the scripture says: “He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.” Numbers 6:3

If Jesus truly was called a Nazarene he would be greatly open to criticism if he were to touch wine, or even fresh grapes. Furthermore, non Nazarites are told not to drink wine: “Ye shall drink no wine neither strong drink forever.” Jer 35:6 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging.” Pro 20:1

Furthermore, Jesus went against the literal word of the prophets at Cana when he performed his first miracle by changing the water into wine and serving it to the guests: “Woe unto him that givest his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him…” Hab 2:15

Now some religions think that Jesus drank fresh grape juice, but no serious scholar accepts this for there is no evidence of it. There was no way to store fresh grape juice in those days.

Thirdly, Jesus was strongly criticized for being a friend of publicans and sinners. A publican was a tax collector and Jewish opinion was much lower toward them than the public today have toward IRS auditors.   They were looked upon almost as traitors. The sinners included prostitutes, good time Charlies, and other non pious, non synagogue-attending people of various grades.

Though it may not have been against Jewish law for Jesus to associate with some of these people, it did nothing for his image. He even “loved” Mary, a lady who a Pharisee thought was too great of a sinner for Jesus to be seen with. The Christ, however, was not big on doing things “to be seen of men” as the hypocrites, and he associated with whomever he pleased and countered his objectors with: “The whole need not the physician, but the sick.”

Imagine what the New Christian Right today would think if a man like Jesus walked among us.   If he were to mingle incognito with them and treat them like the ancient Jews he would take no precautions to appear religious or pious and would disregard many of their teachings as well as introduce many new and strange doctrines. Could such a man be accepted by the pious of today? No. Never.

If Jesus lived among us, the religious leaders of today would say the same thing about him as they as they did two thousand years ago: “He hath a devil and is mad; why hear ye him?” John 10:20

On another occasion they said: “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan (a low life), and hast a devil?” John 8:48

If a controversial man like Jesus were to perform miracles among the fundamental religious people of today would they give the glory to God or would they be as the Pharisees and say: “This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of devils.” Matt 12:24 In other words: This fellow performs his miracles by the power of Satan and not God because he does not agree with us.

The Bible, as we can see, definitely teaches that Jesus was not perfect, or AKRIBELA, and did not follow the law and the prophets with exact precision as many think. He did without fail follow the law of love in every action and that is the important thing. No black and white law such as the law of Moses is correct in every circumstance. The law of love makes many exceptions and Jesus made a point to illustrate the exceptions so men and women could truly learn to recognize good over evil. He came to prepare the way for the fulfillment of the prophecy: “I will put my law in their inward parts, and will write it in their hearts; and will be their God.” Jer 31:33 Jesus was the great example of a man, who was a Son of God, with the law written in his heart.

If Jesus was not perfect (AKRIBELA), then what was he?   He was a different kind of perfection as the scriptures say: “Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and BEING MADE PERFECT (TELEIOO not AKRIBELA is used here), he became the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey him.” Heb 5:8-9

Finally we discover the type of perfection Jesus was. He was TELEIOO (Literally TELEIOEIS denoting the tense in this script). To understand Jesus more correctly we need to examine in greater depth the meaning of this word.

“Perfect” is not the most literal translation of TELEIOO, even though the Bible translators often render it so. It is more correctly rendered “finished”, accomplished, or completed”.

The best way to understand the word is to see how it is used in various situations. As one can see it is not always translated “perfect” in the King James (or any other) Bible: “Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish (TELEIOO) his work.” John 4:34 The works which the Father hath given me to finish (TELEIOO), the same works that I do bear witness of me.” John 5:36 “I have finished (TELEIOO) the work which thou gavest me to do.” John 17:4 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (TELEIOO) of our faith.” Heb 12:2

In this last reference “author” is more literally translated as “beginner”. The thought expressed here is that Jesus is the beginning and end of our faith.

Here we have several references where TELEIOO is translated “fulfilled”: “And when they had fulfilled (TELEIOO) the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem.” Luke 2:43 “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished that the scripture might be fulfilled (TELEIOO), saith. I thirst.” John 19:28

One can see from these references that the general meaning of the word is “to finish a job or project one has been given to do.” The closest one word interpretation would be “finish” not “perfect”. For instance Jesus spoke of “the works which the Father hath given me to finish” (TELEIOO).

The scripture we quoted as translated “being made perfect” (all three words are from the one Greek – TELEIOO) could be translated as “finishing his job,” “having accomplished this,”   being complete, or “fulfilling this”.

Now we will quote the whole scripture again so the reader can see the correct context: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and BEING MADE PERFECT (he finished this task of learning obedience), he became the author of eternal salvation to all that obey him.” Heb 5:8-9

Amazingly, this scripture by itself clearly tells us that Jesus was not perfect throughout his entire life – as the religious world defines perfection. It says: “yet LEARNED he obedience by the things which he suffered.” This tells us that there was a time in his life when he had not yet learned obedience and that he suffered for it.   This reference tells us that Jesus came closer to perfection (as we use the word today) after he suffered.   If he was perfect (AKRIBELA) from start to finish then why did he have to suffer to learn obedience?

Many Christians today have the idea that Jesus was so perfect that he never made one mistake, that he did not have to learn obedience but it was automatic with him because he was God. Why should God have to learn obedience from God? They think that he completely and literally obeyed every injunction in the Bible, and that he was a rigid lawkeeper. As we can see, this has no basis in the Bible. The Bible does, however, show us that he was the most perfect expression of love that ever walked the earth.

Perfection, as a religious zealot sees it is an impossibility. One problem is that everyone has a different version of it. If Jesus were to appear among us again as a regular man we would find that no matter how good his actions and deeds were most people would find fault with him and consider him imperfect. Out of the thousands that were taught and blessed by him only one hundred and twenty found him perfect enough to follow him to the end of his life. (See Acts 1:15)

It should be a great relief to us that Jesus was not perfect (AKRIBELA) in the keeping of the carnal law and that his perfection was in the fact that he was able to do the job expected of him by the Father. This is especially so because of a commandment men and women everywhere are given: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matt 5:48

Jesus was intelligent enough to not give his disciples a commandment that they could not obey, or that he himself did not adhere to. Most people see this perfection of the Father as something entirely beyond our grasp, but Jesus was talking about something that is possible for both him and us. The word “perfect” here again comes from TELEIOS, an adjective form of TELEIOO. We find that this scripture is right in the middle of the sermon on the mount and that it makes a lot of sense when we read it in its context with a more enlightened translation:

“Finish therefore what is expected of you, even as your Father which is in heaven accomplishes that which is expected of him.” This is a commandment we can live with and appreciate and is much more applicable than an injunction to be flawless as is the One God who holds the universe together and created all the millions of galaxies. That is like telling a worm to be like a man. That is impossible, but the worm does his job assigned to him by nature just as do the higher animals. In this way all living things are perfect as the Father is perfect if they follow the harmony of nature.

All life is sustained by the Spirit of God and even the micro organisms manifest his glory. We are told that “the WHOLE EARTH is full of his glory.” Isa 6:3

We are also told that the beasts share the One Spirit: “For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they all have one breath.” (Spirit) Eccl 3:19 In addition Moses called God: “the God of the Spirits of ALL FLESH.” Num 27:16 Since all flesh shares his Spirit and the whole earth is full of his glory we know that all living things, even the plant kingdom and the earth itself has some contact with the One Spirit. We could then say that a flower which displays beauty and a wonderful fragrance is fulfilling the purpose for which God made it and is thus perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.

In the same way, if men and women fulfill the purpose toward which the One Spirit guides them, then they are perfect as is our Father God.

It is commonly accepted by the Christian world that Jesus was the only perfect man, and the only one who never, never made a mistake of any kind, and the rest of us are condemned. They look on perfection as “not doing” rather than “doing”. With Akribela you do not do wrong things. With TELEIOO you do your job until it is completed.

On the other hand, contrary to orthodox thought the Bible tells us that there is not one, but at least 144,000 who are without fault: “And I looked and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name (Christ) written in their foreheads…And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are WITHOUT FAULT before the throne of God.” Rev 14:1&5

Jude also speaks of “Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you FAULTLESS before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” Jude verse 24

It sounds here like any of us can become faultless before God. If Jesus were faultless before God and we are too what is the difference? Obviously, we are faultless if we do the job we came here to go and experience the growth and service that God has in store for us.

Paul obviously expected many to attain perfection: “We may present EVERY MAN PERFECT in Christ Jesus.” Col 1:28 Again “perfect” comes from TELEIOS. If we fulfill the purpose for which God made us, even if we make mistakes along the way we are perfect or TELEIOS. Paul merely wanted every person to fulfill his part in the plan of God just as Jesus had done.

We are also told that Christ put apostles, prophets, and other officers in the church “For the perfecting of the saints.” Eph 4:12

We are not only expected to be perfect like Jesus, but also “holy”. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:15-16

Along this line Paul wrote: “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father.” I Thess 3:13

Obviously, the scriptures clearly teach that we are not to think of Jesus and his Father as merely Gods that we are to only worship, but not follow. We are clearly commanded to be “holy” and “perfect” just as they are and if we manifest the same Spirit of the one God that they do then we are Gods in the same way that they are.

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18-19

As we see the perfect day we realize that we can never be “one” with Jesus and his Father if we think of them as being entirely different than ourselves. How can we be one with something separate, different, or overwhelmingly superior to us? We can only be “one” with God if we are like him “in his image” as the scriptures say. Maybe it is time for believers to ask themselves if they really believe what the Bible says about man and God. Or does humanity just believe what they want to believe?

Copyright by J J Dewey

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The Gods of the Bible, Part 5

6. MAN CAN ALSO BE ONE WITH GOD

Many see Jesus as being a God in an exclusive way because of this pronouncement: “I and my Father are one.”   This statement so shook the Jews that they took up stones to throw at him and said: “Thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” John 10:30-33

Even though Jesus was one with the Father he did not declare himself as God and did not want to be thought of as such more than any other man: “And behold, one came and said unto him (Jesus), Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he (Jesus) said unto him, Why callest thou me good? THERE IS NONE GOOD BUT ONE, THAT IS GOD.” Matt 19:16-17

If Jesus was God more than you or I am then why did he say that? Instead of acknowledging himself as a God over others and saying: “Yes, you can call me good because I am God,” he said “Why callest thou me good?” Only the God who is in all things is good. The truth is that God was in the man asking the questions just as he was in Jesus.

“There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” I Cor 12:6 When God works in us we become one with him and manifest God. In this way Jesus and the rest of us become Gods “manifest in the flesh” (I Tim 3:16) because God is in us showing himself to the world.

Most Christians accept the fact that Jesus and the Father are one, but few seem to be able to consider that any man or woman can also be one with God in the same way that Jesus was. Nevertheless, this fact is taught beyond dispute in the Bible.

Jesus said: “Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one AS WE ARE…As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word (you and me); THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE; AS THOU, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me (‘The glory as of the only begotten of the Father.’ John 1:14) I have given them; THAT THEY MAY BE ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one.” John 17:11, 18-23

We are told in the scriptures that “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth.” John 4:24

Notice that this statement was spoken by Jesus who was at that time NOT a Spirit, but a tangible “son of man”. How then could Jesus be a God if “God is a Spirit”?

The answer was given by Jesus. He said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” Luke 4:18 Also John said: “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and it abode upon him.” John 1:32

Jesus had a body of flesh and bones, even after he was raised from the dead, but in that body dwelt the Spirit of God; consequently, God was in Jesus. Thus he was called “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us.” Matt 1:23 This name is from the Hebrew IMMANUWeL which can also be interpreted in the English as “God IN us” or “God LIKE us”.

We are told plainly in the scriptures that there is only “one” Spirit. “There is one body (of Christ), and ONE SPIRIT, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” Eph 4:4 “For by ONE SPIRIT are we all baptized into one body (of Christ)… and have all been made to drink into ONE SPIRIT.” I Cor 12:13

The body of Jesus was no God, but the “one Spirit” that dwelt in him was. However, when he manifested that “one Spirit” he manifested God and identified with God to the extent that he claimed to be “one” with God. If he was one with God and manifested that oneness, then he was literally God, Emmanuel, not a drop, but a manifest wave, as we mentioned earlier.

On the other hand, any man or woman can manifest the Spirit of God in the same way and become “heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ” (Rom 8:17), or “an heir of God through Christ.” Gal 4:7 Therefore we become as much of a God as Jesus was. “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one (one Spirit): for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Heb 2:11

John again makes this clear that God dwells in man: “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, GOD DWELLETH IN HIM, and he in God…God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and GOD IN HIM.” John 14:23

What difference is it between the way that God can dwell in an ordinary man and in the way he dwelt in Jesus? What difference is it between the way that man can manifest God and in the way that Jesus manifested him? What difference is there between the way that Jesus was God and in the way another man can be? According to the Bible there is none excepting the fact that Jesus was the first to manifest God in fullness hence he was called “the firstborn of MANY brethren.” Rom 8:29

Is it not clear that Jesus was the first of “many brethren” to manifest Christ and that we are to “be filled with ALL the fulness of God”? Eph 3:19 John reinforces this when he says: “Beloved now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see him as he is.” I John 3:2

It is beyond Biblical dispute that man can obtain the Spirit just as Jesus did: “For through him (Christ) we both have access BY ONE SPIRIT unto the Father.” Eph 2:18 “Hereby know we that we dwell in him (God), and HE IN US, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” I John 4:13

Joel and Peter carry this principle much farther and talk about a universal reception of the Spirit: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit UPON ALL FLESH: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” Acts 2:17 Also see Joel 2:28-32

Paul tells us that we are temples of God: “Know ye not that YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, and that the Spirit of God DWELLETH IN YOU? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple YE ARE.” I Cor 3:16-17

We are also told that “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to EVERY MAN to profit withal.” (I Cor 12:7) thereby fulfilling the scripture “that God is no respecter of persons.” Acts 10:34

What are the scriptures saying here? We are clearly told that God is no respecter of persons and his Spirit is given to every man. It is true that every person may not be sensitive to that Spirit, but it still dwells in us making us all potential Gods just as much as Jesus was. Is it any wonder that Jesus quoted to the unbelieving Jews: “YE ARE GODS.” John 10:34

Paul said: “For ye are dead (to carnal things), and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, WHOM IS OUR LIFE, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Col 3:3-4

In speaking of God which is synonymous to speaking of Christ he also said: “In him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28

Thus the Spirit of God or Christ is “hid” in every man and woman. When we discover that Spirit and manifest it we become as Jesus was and are even capable of doing “greater things” than he did.

The word “Spirit” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word PNEUMA which originally meant “breath” or “breeze”. In the Hebrew it transliterates from a corresponding word NeSHAMAH. This is often translated “breath” as well as Spirit. RUWACH is another Hebrew word that is similarly translated. When the Old Testament speaks of the “Spirit” of God and the word RUWACH is always used.

Job seemed to have a good conception of the fact that there is one universal Spirit from God that is also in man. He spoke of God “in whose hand is the soul of every living thing and the BREATH of ALL mankind.” Job 12:10

In this verse “breath” comes from RUWACH. So we could say that Job is speaking of a Spirit from God that all mankind shares.

“If he (God) set his heart upon man, if he gather to himself his Spirit (RUWACH) and his breath (NeSHAMAH); ALL FLESH shall perish together, and shall return to the dust.” Job 34:14-15

Here we can see that ALL men, both the righteous and the wicked depend upon the Spirit of God for life. This Spirit that dwells in all men is so powerful that it can even effect a resurrection as in the case of the two witnesses who are prophesied of in the Book of Revelations. After they will be killed it is written: “And after three days and an half THE SPIRIT OF LIFE FROM GOD ENTERED INTO THEM, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon them which saw them.” Rev 11:11

The Spirit which inspired the prophets of the Old Testament is called “the Spirit of Christ” by Peter: “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the SPIRIT OF CHRIST WHICH WAS IN THEM did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” I Peter 1:10-11

The Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of God are all one for there is only “one Spirit”. “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) WHICH IS IN YOU, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your Spirit, WHICH ARE GOD’S.” I Cor 6:19-20

Paul calls our body both “the temple of God” (I Cor 3:16) and the “temple of the Holy Ghost.”   In other words, within the human body lives God.   That Spirit which is housed in this holy temple called our body is “God’s”. A few verses later in the quoted context it is written: “But he that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT.” I Cor 6:17

Obviously there is only one universal Spirit that works through us all. Since there is no place where God is not, it is available for each person to tap into. Even the Father of Jesus Christ whom the Bible indicates was a Christ on another world, has to manifest God by recognizing this One Universal Life and manifesting it on the same principles that we do. Interestingly, the scriptures often differentiate between God, or the One Spirit, and the Father.

Paul talks about “the mystery of God, AND of the Father, AND of Christ.” Col 2:2 He also speaks of “Giving thanks always for all things unto God AND the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph 5:20 “Now God himself AND our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you.” I Thess 3:11

It is true that the Father is usually called God. In speaking of the Father Jesus was referring to his Master who was “greater” than himself who was a God to him and the rest of us, but this entity taps into the one Spirit and becomes one with it in the same way that we have to. Thus the Father is usually referred to as God in the Scriptures, but when the prophets speak of the Universal Spirit they sometimes differentiate between the two.

This principle is verified by the scripture: “For as the Father HATH LIFE IN HIMSELF; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.” John 5:26

If we substitute “One Spirit” for “life” we would have an accurate statement: “For as the Father hath the One Spirit in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have the One Spirit in himself.” This is fitting for “the Spirit giveth life.” Because they both share the one Spirit, the Father and the Son are “one” and we (ordinary men and women) can be “one as they are one.”

It is the destiny of every man and woman to manifest God just as Jesus and his Father did. Indeed, the oneness of God is already manifest in our physical bodies which are called temples of God in the scriptures. We have many different parts which are living and working together to create something greater than themselves. We have our brain, heart, liver, kidneys, glands – all very complex organisms cooperating together with no conscious effort on our part. Within these we have billions of cells, one of which is more complex than the greatest computer on the earth.   Yet it takes no concentrated effort on our part to keep them living and multiplying and keeping our form intact.

What energy or mind engineers this complex procedure? Our conscious self certainly does not, but the Spirit of God does, for our bodies are the temple of God and God dwells in them and keeps them functioning whether we be good or evil. No matter how evil we become that Spirit is still within us and available to be contacted. There is no place where the Spirit of God is not.

No wonder Jesus quoted the Psalms and said: “Ye are Gods.” If we have the Spirit of God in us and he is the principle by which “we live and move and have our being” then we can certainly manifest God. If we are one with that Spirit then we are “one” with God, or Gods – that is we assume the consciousness of God. After all the Son (Jesus) said that he and the Father are one and: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” John 14:9 Similarly, if we are one with the Spirit of God within us we can also say: “He that hath seen me hath seen God.”

7. MAN IS ALSO MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE

The scriptures definitely teach that Jesus is in the image and glory of God. Paul says that he “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” Col 1:15 We also read of Christ “being the brightness of his (glory), and the express image of his person…” Heb 1:3 and “Christ, who is the image of God…” II Cor 4:4

We are told that Jesus was “raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father.” Rom 6:4 “And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father.” John 1:14 Also Jesus said: “And now O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:5 Paul said: “For it pleased the Father that in him (Jesus) should all fulness dwell.” Col 1:19

Orthodox Christians read these passages and in them see Jesus as God in a way they can never be. They seem to overlook the many scriptures that say similar things about regular humanity.

For some reason people seem to delight in giving Jesus a corner on the God market. This relieves them of all responsibility to find the kingdom of God within and to become as Jesus was, and perhaps to do even “greater things” than he did. It is much easier to “let Jesus do it” and try to glide into heaven on a broad and easy path. It is as if they want to rely on a fairytale magic rather than the miraculous within the realm of natural law

No matter what people think we all have a responsibility to seek the God within and manifest him. The scriptures certainly bear this out for they tell us that man is in the image of God more frequently than we are told that Jesus was.

The most familiar scripture on this note is found in the first chapter of the Bible: “And God said, Let us make man IN OUR IMAGE, after OUR likeness: and let them have dominion…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen 1:26-27

Similarly in the New Testament we are told that man “is the image and glory of God.” I Cor 11:7 Also man is “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Col 3:10

“Image” comes from the Old Testament Hebrew word TSELEM and the corresponding New Testament Greek word of EIKON. The precise meaning of the word is “to make an exact duplication.” In fact the diminutive form of EIKON which is EIKONION is the closest ancient word we have to our modern word “photograph”. When the Greeks drew a picture of themselves they called it a EIKONION. When the scriptures tell us that man is in the image of God it is like saying that man is an exact copy or photograph of him. The meaning, however, goes deeper than this. The word not only implies physical representation but also image in quality. It is if a man is an extension of God rather than a duplication.

We are also told that man is in the image of Christ which is essentially the same as saying that he is in the image of God since Christ was in the image of God: “For whom he did foreknow (people like you and me), he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image (EIKON) of his Son (Christ), that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Rom 8:29

The word “conform” here comes from SUMMORPHOS which literally means “jointly formed”. “Predestinate” comes from PROORIZO which means “to determine in advance”. In other words, those whom God “foreknew” were jointly formed with Jesus and it was determined in advance that they would have all the attributes, powers, and privileges that he has.

James even tells us that men who are cursed are made after the similitude of God: “Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are MADE AFTER THE SIMILITUDE OF GOD.” James 3:9

“Similitude” here comes from a different Greek word: HOMOIOSIS. This word is derived from HOMOS. From HOMOS comes the English prefix “homo”. Most are aware that in English this means “the same”. Homogenized milk, for instance, is the same throughout. So we see here that James is saying that man’s true being is in the true reality exactly like that of God. No wonder John said: “Whosoever is born of God doeth not commit sin; for his (God’s) seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born (“begotten” in the Greek) of God.” I John 3:9

If we are begotten of God and his seed is in us, who then can doubt that we are children of God with a destiny to manifest the fullness of our creator? Paul seemed to believe this: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass (Greek: ‘mirror’) the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord.” II Cor 3:18   If man is indeed in the “image” of God then it is only natural that he would reflect or “mirror” the God of us all.

It is also written: “And as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the IMAGE OF THE HEAVENLY.” I Cor 15:49

David also wrote: “As for me I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied when I awake WITH THY LIKENESS.” Psalms 17:15

We learn from these scriptures we have quoted that man was first created in the image of God, but since the fall he seems to have to regain that image for some of the God in man is veiled or “lost” to his view. To see God man must look “with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord.” II Cor 3:18 This is more accurately translated as “With uncovered face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.”   Paul tells us that there must be an “uncovering” of the God self within us before we behold it.   When we uncover our true face we see “the glory of God.” In our “fallen” state we do not see God when we see ourselves because we have covered him up with our own limiting thoughts.

Paul was considering this principle when he said: “For now we see through a glass (mirror), darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know (the Spirit of the God within) even as also I am known.” I Cor 13:12

As we are now we do not see a correct reflection of God in a mirror, but the time will come when we will. When we see correctly with uncovered faces then we will truly see that we are in the image of God in every way.

Consider this. If we are in the image of God then our minds are in the image of God. Within us is the mind of God that is perfect and incapable of error or condemnation. The mind of God performs the many millions of flawless functions that are necessary to keep our bodies operating. Mistakes are only the illusion of the carnal or false mind that “covers” the God mind.

If we are in the image of God then our emotions and feelings are the perfect expression of the glory and love of God. The love of God is always in us, but its expression is often prevented or “covered” by carnal desire. Selfishness hides the perfect love of God that is each of us. It is always there, but in many of us it is “covered”.

If we are in the image of God then our bodies are habitations of God, temples of God. The body is a symbol of God’s intelligence and activity in the world of form. Those who are called Gods always take the form of a man for man is the form that most highly expresses the Spirit of God.

If man is in the image of God then man’s Spirit is God’s Spirit and is one with him. Therefore the Kingdom of God is within because the Spirit of God is within.

Thus it is the destiny of ordinary men and women as well as Jesus to reflect the image of God. Paul indeed said that if we are filled with the “love of Christ” we will be “filled with the fulness of God.” Eph 3:19

All this correlates with the testimony of John: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, behold, the tabernacle (from SKENE: can also be translated as ‘habitation’) of God is with (or ‘in’) men, and he will dwell with (or ‘in’) them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them (or ‘in’ them), and he will be their God.” Rev 21:3

Concerning the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem John also said: “And they shall see his (God’s) face; and his name (Christ) shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there (no darkness within); and they need no candle, neither the light of the Sun, for the Lord God giveth them light (enlightenment from within): and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Rev 22:4-5

Not only is man in the image of God as was Jesus (who was also a man and called himself the ‘Son of Man’), but we can also attain the glory of God. This only stands to reason since he is in the image of God. How could man be in the image of God and not express his glory?

The word “glory” is an interesting word. It comes from the Greek DOXA which is derived from DOKEO which means “to think”. Thus we could say that to have the glory of God is to think as God or to have the mind of God.

After all the scriptures tell us: “LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU, WHICH WAS IN CHRIST JESUS: who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” Phil 2:5-6

This is another way of saying: “Let the glory of God be within you that was within Jesus.”

Again the scripture says: “For we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Rom 3:23

The word “sinned” here comes from the Greek HAMARTANO which literally means “to miss the mark”. “Out of harmony” would be another way to put it. If we read this passage in the light of Greek meaning we obtain an interesting translation. “For we have all missed the mark and have come short of thinking as God does.”

Now the scripture correlates with Philippians 2:5 which commands us to have the same mind as Christ, or God. When we do not attempt to have the mind or the glory of God we are indeed “missing the mark”.

Many other scriptures reinforce this idea. In this light the following scripture does not seem to contradict: “He (man) is the image and glory of God.” I Cor 11:7 At least this is what man is if he does not miss the mark in seeking to be one with God. Paul also told the saints to “rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Rom 5:2 He also talked about “Christ IN you, the hope of glory…that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Col 1:27-28 “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Col 3:4 Paul also tells us that if we are justified we shall be “glorified”. Rom 8:30

Perhaps the most powerful statement on this doctrine comes from the Master himself: “And the GLORY which thou gavest me I HAVE GIVEN THEM; that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17:22

Who can believe the Bible and deny that the destiny of men and women to manifest the image and glory of God, and how can man do this if God is not in him? How can God be in man and man be one with God, and man not be God? Why do men refuse to believe the quote of Jesus: “Ye are Gods.” John 10:34 Why do men delight to sell themselves short and miss the mark? Perhaps it is because they do not want the responsibility that the glory (thinking) as God entails.   They do not understand that the realization of Emmanuel or “God in us” brings greater freedom rather than burden as the Christ said: “My yoke is easy and my burden light” Matt 11:30

Copyright by J J Dewey

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The Gods of the Bible, Part 4

3. MEN ARE ALSO CALLED CHRISTS

Many may not be surprised to learn that we may become sons of God as is Jesus, but few are prepared for this next claim that we will examine.

And what is that?

Others besides Jesus were called by the name of Christ, and such was written in the Bible itself.

The word “Christ” comes from the Greek word CHRISTOS which means “anointed”. Its equivalent in the Hebrew is “Messiah.” CHRISTOS is derived from the Greek CHRIO which means “to anoint with oil or consecrate to an office or position.”

The Hebrew “Messiah” comes from MASHIYACH and means the same as CHRISTOS. It is derived from MASHACH which is the equivalent of CHRIO.

Any good concordance will reveal that Christ and Messiah are the same word, but from two different languages. Furthermore, it can be proved from the King James version of the Bible: “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, we have found the Messias (Greek spelling of Messiah) which is BEING INTERPRETED, THE CHRIST.” John 1:41 (Also see John 4:25)

This means that wherever in the Old Testament the original Hebrew for Messiah, MASHIYACH, is found, it could be translated correctly into the Greek CHRISTOS or the English “Christ”.

Interestingly, MASHIYACH is not usually translated as “Messiah”, but “anointed”. If the New Testament CHRISTOS were translated the same way we would read “Jesus the anointed” rather than “Jesus the Christ” The word Christ is a name, but like all names in ancient times it had a meaning to convey. Those possessing this special name were anointed to a special office, position or mission.

There are only two places in the Old Testament that MASHIYACH is translated as Messiah. That is in Daniel 9:25 & 26. The reason it was translated as such here is that it seems to be a sure prophecy of Jesus. On the other hand, when MASHIYACH did not seem to refer to Jesus translators show their bias by rendering it “anointed”.

Let us be consistent translators and render MASHIYACH to its English equivalent “Christ” and see how some of these passages read: “And the Priest that is CHRIST shall take of the bullocks blood and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation.” Lev. 4:5 This refers to the priest that offered sacrifices according to the law of Moses.

In speaking of Saul David said: “I will not put forth mine hand against my Lord; for he is the Lord’s CHRIST.” I Sam. 24:10

In speaking of himself David said: “But thou (God) hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine CHRIST.” Psalms 89:38

In another scripture MASHIYACH refers to all Israel: “He suffered no man to do them (Israel) wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine CHRIST (Israel), and do my prophets no harm.” Psalms 105:14-15

MASHIYACH is even used in connection with a non-Jew: “Thus saith the Lord to his CHRIST, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden to subdue nations before him…” Isa. 45:1

In the New Testament the Greek CHRIO is a near synonym for “Christ”. Jesus used the word concerning himself when he said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed (Christed) me to preach the gospel to the poor…” Luke 4:18

The word is also used in connection with the followers of Jesus: “Now he which stablishesth us with you in Christ (the anointed), and hath anointed (Christed) us, is God.” II Cor 1:21

When we take the Greek and Hebrew of these and other scriptures into consideration we find that the following scripture which was previously quoted is not really so unique: “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being MANY, are one body: SO ALSO IS CHRIST.” I Cor 12:12

Those specifically named in the scriptures who are a part of the body of Christ, and thus bear the name of Christ are Saul, David, Cyrus, the ancient Israelites, the early Christians, and Jesus. Among the early Christians that bore the name of Christ according to the Bible were: “First apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers…” I Cor 12:28

It is beyond dispute that Jesus the Christ was referred to as the “Bridegroom” in the scriptures. See John 3:29 for example. The inhabitants of the New Jerusalem are “they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Rev 21:27 These people make up the body of Christ of whom Jesus “is the head of the body, the church.” Col 1:18 This body of Christ, or the New Jerusalem is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Rev. 21:8 If Jesus is the husband of those who receive the Spirit of God then a follower would automatically take upon himself the same name that Jesus had. Just as with David, Cyrus, and the early Christians we too can bear the name of Christ, or become worthy to be anointed as Sons of God by our Father God.

It is only natural that men and women who are the children of God should also be called by the name of Christ just as it is natural that Jesus, a Son of God, is called the Christ. We have proven that the Father bears this sacred name and the Son inherits the name and characteristics of the father. But just as Jesus inherited the family name of Christ from the Father “of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Eph 3:15) even so do we inherit the name of Christ from Jesus who is called our “everlasting Father” (Isa 9:6).

No wonder the scriptures tell us that Jesus became the Christ “by inheritance” (Heb 1:4). We are to follow that same process. Paul said: “In whom (Christ) also we have obtained an inheritance…” Eph 1:11 Remember he said we are “heirs of God, and joint heirs of Christ.” Rom 8:17

Jesus prayed that many disciples would become as Christ: “Neither pray I for these alone (the twelve apostles) but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they ALL MAY BE ONE; as thou. Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be ONE IN US: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I HAVE GIVEN THEM that they may be one, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE.” John 17:20-22

This scripture makes it very clear that the followers of Jesus are to receive the same “glory” and oneness as he did. In other words, they are to be “anointed” or made a Christ as Jesus was.

Jesus clarified this: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am sat down with my Father in his throne.” Rev. 3:21

“To the one who is victorious I will give authority over the nations just as I myself have received authority from my Father.” Rev 2:26-27 Phillips

“If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we ( the Christ Father and Son) will come in unto him and make our abode with him.” John 14:23

“For if the firstfruit (Jesus) be holy, the lump (the followers of Christ) is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.” Rom 11:16

Paul divides the resurrection of man into two groups: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: (Group One:) Christ the firstfruitS; (Group Two:) afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” I Cor 15:22-23

Notice that all people who are resurrected before the second coming of Jesus are called “Christ the FIRSTFRUITS”. “Firstfruits” means more than one fruit and would include not only Jesus but others who came alive with him such as those mentioned in Matthew: “And the graves were opened: and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” Matt 27:52-53

These people and others are called “Christ the firstfruits”.

Later Paul makes another very interesting statement: “For he (Jesus or Christ) hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he (God the Father) is excepted, which DID PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIM.” I Cor 15:27

Paul tells us clearly here that there was a time when the Father did the same thing that Jesus did. That is: “He did put all things under him.” That could only mean that there was a time when the Father did not have all things under him, or did not have all power and was subject to limitations as men are. Obviously, the Father of Jesus was once a man as we are now.

Remember: “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do, for what things soever HE DOETH, these also doeth the Son likewise.” John 5:19-21

Jesus did the same works that his Father had done previously. Jesus was raised from the dead. Obviously the Father had a similar experience on another world in ages past.

Paul calls this Christ principle a “mystery” which has been hidden for ages: “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory.” Col 1:26-27

It is fitting then that Paul speaks of “Christ,” who is our life…your life is hid with Christ in God.” Col 3:4 &3 “God has now made (us) to share the very life of Christ.” Col 2:13 Phillips

“And I looked and lo, a Lamb stood on mount Sion, and with him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name (Christ) written in their foreheads.” Rev 14:1

The faithful will bear the name of Christ because “Christ” means “anointed”. Jesus was anointed to be our Lord or Master, and also High Priest. The rest of the faithful are anointed to be “kings and priests unto God and his Father.” Rev 1:6 “And thou hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth. Rev 5:10

Speaking of ordinary mortals we are told that “saviours shall come upon mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau (carnal mankind) and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” Obadiah Verse 21

The full name of Jesus Christ literally means “anointed to deliver.” The most glorious and eternal work any of us can do is to reach forth our hands to lift up those who are struggling for greater light and truth. Aiding in the deliverance of our brethren and sisters is to become as Jesus and to take upon ourselves his name and become as Christ.

4. MEN ARE ALSO CALLED SAVIORS

Just as others besides Jesus belong to the body of Christ and have been anointed or christened (Christed), so are numerous men called saviors in the Bible.

Let us note the language of the angel right in the King James Version: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David A Saviour, which is Christ (anointed) the Lord.” Luke 2:11

The reason he was called “a Saviour” is because he was not the first to be called such. Numerous men among Israel have been called saviors in the past.

The word “savior” comes from the Hebrew YASHA and in the King James version this word is translated fairly inconsistently. It is also rendered as “avenging”, “defend”, “deliverer”, “help”, “preserve”, “rescue”, “get victory”, and “to be safe”. The core meaning is either “savior” or “deliverer”.

YASHA is part of the root from which the name “Jesus” was derived and often applies to God: “Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour (YASHA) beside me.” Hosea 13:4

“There is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.” Isa 45:21

It sounds here as if the God of the Old Testament is the only God there is and the only Saviour. We shall see that the Bible teaches that he is not the only God; neither the only saviour, but was merely saying that Israel was to look toward him for only source of leadership and deliverance.

Paul expressed it well when he said: “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But TO US THERE IS BUT ONE GOD, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” I Cor 8:5-6

If we substituted “Savior” for God here and it would still be accurate. It could be worded: “There are many Saviors, but to us there is only one. How else do we explain the fact that God says he is the only savior whereas the Bible goes on to mention numerous ones?

Here is one of the many examples: “And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a DELIVERER (from YASHA meaning Saviour) to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.” Judges 3:9

Among others who are called saviors are Tola (Judges 10:1), Shamgar (Judges 3:31), Gideon (Judges 8:22), and Samson (Judges 13:5).

An acknowledgement that there is more than one Savior is clearly spelled out in several other verses: “Thou heardest them (the Israelites) from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them SAVIOURS (from YASHA) who saved them out of the hands of their enemies.” Neh 9:27

Another good one is: “And SAVIOURS (YASHA) shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” Obadiah verse 21.

We already quoted a correlating verse to this from Rev 14:1 which tells us that the number of these “saviours” on mount Zion (Sion) will be 144,000. Thus the Bible tells us that there are at least 144,000 saviors. Common sense then tells us that we should not read passages which tell us of one savior or one God as literal, but in the light of all other scriptures.

We thus solidly establish point number four: Others beside Jesus are called by the name of Savior.

5. MAN CAN PERFORM MIRACLES

AS JESUS DID

One of the prime causes of religionists setting Jesus apart from us as a God in a different category from ourselves is the fact that he did so many great miracles that the average man or woman has not experienced in the present time. Therefore the fifth point to cover is the fact that even though miracles may not be common day occurrences that many have indeed been performed by people other than Jesus using the same principles.

Many have indeed been justly impressed by the miracles that Jesus performed. In his day it convinced many that Jesus was either the Son of God or God. Even today the miracles accredited to him carry much weight in convincing Christians that Jesus was God incarnate.

As great as Jesus was he said that the Father was greater than himself and “The Son can do NOTHING OF HIMSELF, but what he seeth the Father do…I can of mine own self do nothing…I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:19,30

Just before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead he acknowledged his dependence on the Father: “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.” John 11:41 After saying this he raised Lazarus to life.

He also acknowledged: “The Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them…” John 5:21 Interestingly, this was spoken in the present tense before the resurrection of Jesus.

We see from these and other scriptures that Jesus was just as dependent on a power greater than himself as ordinary men and women are dependent on powers greater than themselves to perform miracles: “I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doth the works.” John 14:10

If a person believes that Jesus is God because of the miracles he performed that is all the more reason to believe that man can become as much of a god as Jesus was for he said: “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and GREATER WORKS THAN THESE SHALL HE DO; because I go to my Father.” John 14:12 Again, Jesus gives the Father credit for miracles even that were performed by his disciples.

There are many examples of miracles performed by servants of God other than Jesus. Moses is perhaps the prime example. He brought plague after plague and even parted the Red Sea, brought and cured leprosy, and caused water to gush forth from a stone. The Spirit was so strong in Peter that the sick were brought into the streets hoping that his shadow would pass by them and heal them. Numerous miracles were performed by the disciples of Jesus. None of them claimed to have done it on their own power, but through one higher that was with them just as Jesus did.

Among the early Mormons there were also many miracles performed. The following is an interesting episode in the life of Joseph Smith:

“Many lay sick along the bank of the river, and Joseph (Smith) walked alone up to the lower stone house, occupied by Sidney Rigdon, and he healed all the sick that lay in his path. Among that number was Henry G. Sherwood, who was nigh unto death. Joseph stood in the mouth of his tent and commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise and come out of his tent, and he obeyed him and was healed. Brother Benjamin Brown and his family also lay sick, the former appearing to be in a dying condition. Joseph healed them in the name of the Lord. After healing all that lay sick upon the bank of the river as far as the stone house, he called upon Elder Kimball and some others to accompany him across the river to visit the sick at Montrose. Many of the Saints were living at the old military barracks. Among the number were several of the twelve. On his arrival, the first house he visited was that occupied by Elder Brigham Young, the President of the Quorem of the Twelve who lay sick. Joseph healed him, when he arose and accompanied the Prophet on his visit to others who were in the same condition. They visited Elder W. Woodruff, also Elders Orson Pratt and John Taylor, all of whom were living in Montrose. They also accompanied him. The next place they visited was the home of Elijah Fordham, who was supposed to be about breathing his last. When the company entered the room the Prophet of God walked up to the dying man, and took hold of his right hand and spoke to him; but brother Fordham was unable to speak, his eyes were set in his head like glass, and he seemed entirely unconscious of all around him. Joseph held his hand and looked into his eyes in silence for a length of time. A change in the countenance of Brother Fordham was soon perceptible to all present. His sight returned, and upon Joseph asking him if he knew him, he, in a slow whisper, answered, ‘Yes.’ Joseph asked him if he had faith to be healed. He answered, ‘I fear it is too late; if you had come sooner I think I could have been healed.’

“The Prophet said, ‘Do you believe in Jesus Christ?’

“He answered in a feeble voice, ‘I do.’

“Joseph then stood erect, still holding his hand in silence several moments, then he spoke in a very loud voice, saying, ‘Brother Fordham, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to rise from this bed and be made whole.’ His voice was like the voice of God, and not of man. It seemed as though the house shook to its very foundation. Brother Fordham arose from his bed and was immediately made whole. His feet were bound in poultices, which he kicked off, the putting on his clothes he ate a bowl of bread and milk and followed the Prophet into the street.” Taken from THE LIFE OF JOSEPH SMITH by George Q. Cannon, derived from the journal of Wilford Woodruff, the author’s great great grandfather.

We could write several books documenting miraculous healings and other miracles performed by men and women in many different religions, Christian and non Christian. All miracle workers recognize, as Jesus did, the Spirit of one higher than themselves working through them.

Copyright by J J Dewey

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The Gods of the Bible, Part 2

MAN IS TO BE LIKE JESUS CHRIST AND CHRIST WAS GOD

Few Christians would argue that Jesus as the Son of God was one with his Father God. As such he was God or at least a God depending on how one views the Trinity. The big complaint of the Jews against Jesus was that he was guilty of blasphemy. They said: “For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; because that thou being a man, makest thyself God.” John 10:33. Earlier, Jesus upset the Jews by declaring: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58 This bold declaration would have cost him his life if he had not miraculously escaped.

Let us suppose that Jesus were to appear again in our age incognito as an ordinary man and declare himself to be God, one with God or even a God. Would modern Christians accept him any more readily today than did the Jews two thousand years ago? Would the 20th century religionists again cry blasphemy and want him out of the way? This is very probable. New Age people who merely claim to be a reflection or in the “image” of God chills them to the bone.

There are more scriptures in our Bible today that witness that man can become a God than the disciples had in the days of Jesus to prove that he was Christ, or God. Therefore, if true Biblical evidence of the fact is rejected by modern Christians they place themselves in the same closed-minded category as the enemies of Jesus in ancient times.

Many people are going around proclaiming “Jesus is God” without even thinking as to why they believe it. Some person up the line said it and it sounded good.   Let us go along and list all the reasons we can think of why Jesus is called God by modern Christians. There seems to be ten major ones listed as follows:

(1) JESUS EXISTED BEFORE BIRTH.

(2) HE WAS CALLED THE SON OF GOD.

(3) HE WAS ALSO CALLED CHRIST

(4) HE WAS CALLED THE SAVIOR.

(5) JESUS PERFORMED MIRACLES.

(6) HE WAS ONE WITH GOD, THE FATHER

(7) HE WAS MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE AND IS TO MANIFEST HIS GLORY

(8) JESUS WAS PERFECT

(9) JESUS WAS CALLED GOD.

(10) HE OVERCAME DEATH WITH THE HELP OF HIS FATHER.

If man can also fill all of these criteria then it only stands to reason that he would qualify for Godhood just as much as Jesus does. So let us put our philosophy to the test and examine these points one by one and see if ordinary mortals dare have the same mind as Jesus and “think it not robbery to be equal with God”. If man can do all that Jesus did with the same resources then that makes them equal, does it not?

1. ALL HUMANS EXISTED BEFORE BIRTH

The orthodox Christian believes that man began at birth, but after that point in time he will live on endlessly, never dying again. In other words, before birth for every person there is a total blank. He was nothing. He did not exist.

To begin with this is a mathematical impossibility. If a line has a beginning and no end then it extends on to infinity. Every high school mathematics class teaches that one half of infinity is still infinity. In other words, if a thing has no end, mathematically it has no beginning. Nothing exists in nature which has no end unless it had no beginning. That which exists in nature and has a beginning can be proven to have an end.

A ring provides a good example of this principle. It is circular and has no beginning and no ending point. On the other hand, if one puts a slit in it there will be created both a beginning and an end. It is impossible to cut or mold the ring in such a fashion as to produce an object with a beginning but no end. A form as this has no existence anywhere in the universe because one half infinity is still infinity.

Paul talks about a part of us that is without beginning or end: “The things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle (the physical body) were dissolved, we have a building of God, (The Spirit of man) an house not made with hands, ETERNAL in the heavens.” II Cor. 4:18;5:1

Here we are clearly told that if the body were dissolved we will yet have an “eternal” house to live in, or that eternal part of ourselves we call Spirit. If it is eternal as Paul says then it existed before birth for that which is everlasting has neither beginning or end.

Paul teaches that this spirit can have an out-of-body experience: “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (Whether in the body, I cannot tell, or whether OUT OF THE BODY, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.” II Cor 12:2

Paul’s experience of leaving his body is not really that unusual, for now that mankind has ceased burning out-of-the-ordinary persons at the stake people are talking more about their spiritual experiences. Many who have experienced the near death state have reported actually leaving their bodies in the spirit and returning with an accurate memory of all the conversations of the doctors and nurses.

Some who have gone through this report that their spirit body is connected to their physical by a silver cord of great elasticity. Many believe that death occurs when this silver cord is severed. Interestingly, the Bible makes reference to this: “Or ever THE SILVER CORD BE LOOSED, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel be broken at the cistern.   Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the SPIRIT SHALL RETURN unto God who gave it.” Eccl 12:6-7

Evidently Solomon had knowledge of the silver cord which connects the spirit and body as well as the golden bowl which is a golden etheric life energy (invisible to the untrained eye) which ceases or is “broken” also at death. The broken pitcher and wheel describe a cessation of bodily functions.

Next we are told that at death “the spirit shall RETURN unto God who gave it.” The word “return” is a powerful proof of a premortal existence. If all that which is us began at birth how could we “return” to God? If orthodox Christian thought is true all we could return to would be nothingness. We could only return to God if we came from God and we can only come from the presence of God if we had some form of existence with him before birth.

The scriptures reveal that the Lord knew numerous people before they were born. Concerning Jacob and Esau he said: “The Elder shall serve the younger.” Gen 25:23 Eve said of Cain: “I have gotten a man FROM the Lord.” Gen 4:1 Another good example comes from Jeremiah: “Then came the word of the Lord unto me saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I KNEW THEE; and BEFORE thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jer 1:4-5

Concerning himself Isaiah said: “The Lord called me from (can be translated ‘before’) the womb; and from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.” Isa 49:1

Of John the Baptist it is written: “There was a man sent FROM GOD, whose name was John.” John 1:6

Evidently, the Lord knew Paul before his birth for he said: “He (Paul) is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15 This was spoken before Paul began his work. Paul also wrote that God “set me apart from (or before) birth and called me through his grace.” Gal 1:15 New English We are told that the saints are written in “the book of life from the foundation of the world.” Rev 17:8

In addition we are supposed to be “in hope of eternal life which God who cannot lie PROMISED BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN.” Titus 1:2 How did God promise eternal life to us before the world began if we were not there? It would be silly for God to make a promise to nothingness.

The scriptures make it crystal clear that people existed, were called, ordained, and had promises made to them before they were born. It is amazing to see the explanations of these scriptures that come forth. The objector says that Jeremiah and others were not in existence before they were born, but they were in God’s mind like an architect has a building in his mind. Therefore, they feel that God “sanctified”, “ordained”, “knew”, and “promised” to a blueprint. The argument sounds very weak to anyone who thinks about it. One doesn’t have to “wrest” the scriptures when he merely accepts them the way they read.

The Bible gives us powerful evidence that Job was with God before he was born. In chapter 38 God is reprimanding Job for questioning his wisdom and sovereignty and reminds him of works and events which he is supposed to already be presently aware of. He tells Job that he will demand an answer of him evidently aware that Job should know the following: “Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding…When the morning stars sang together, and ALL THE SONS OF GOD shouted for joy?” Job 38:4&6

Who are the “sons of God”?   The scriptures give a clear answer. John the Beloved said: “WE are the sons of God…” I John 3:2

It is only fitting that we should be called the “sons of God” for God is called the Father of our spirits in Heb 12:9. Paul also said: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that WE are the children of God.” Rom 8:16

Since Job was one of the sons of God and “ALL the sons of God shouted for joy” at the foundation of the earth then Job had to be there shouting for joy with them. Evidently, the sons of God (which included you and me) were rejoicing over the planet that was prepared for us to inhabit.

Who are the “morning stars (that) sang together”? They were the lightbringers and prophets to the people of earth with Jesus Christ being at the head. Jesus said: “I AM…THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.” Rev 22:16 Others will be given the morning star and evidently become morning stars themselves in a future round. (See Rev. 2:28)

The writer of Proverbs gives us a definite confirmation that the sons of men were present at the foundation of the world. The voice speaking in the eighth chapter is identified as wisdom and understanding. In other words, the wisdom and understanding of God has always been in existence and Solomon writes of it as if it were an entity: “Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?”

After explaining some of the attributes of wisdom the writer emphasizes how long wisdom has been around and how eternal she is: “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: When he strengthened the fountains of the deep:   When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: When he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; rejoicing in the habitable part of HIS EARTH; and my delights were WITH THE SONS OF MEN.” Prov 8:1,22-31

This scripture makes it clear that when God promised us “eternal life…before the world began” (Titus 1:2) that he was not merely speaking to blueprints, but to the “sons of men” who were with him in “the habitable part of HIS EARTH.” Evidently, we dwelt on another earth in another time where the wisdom of God was manifested. Here the Bible clearly tells us that the sons of men are very ancient beings.

This Proverbs scripture, however, helps us understand numerous scriptures from the New Testament. For instance, Paul said: “For whom he did FOREKNOW he did predestinate.” Peter said that the Saints were “elect according to the FOREKNOWLEDGE of God.” I Peter 1:2 Evidently God gained this “foreknowledge” of us “in the habitable part of his (God’s) earth.”

Another powerful Bible witness that we have had a pre-mortal existence comes from the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. This is a famous chapter on the faith of the prophets (the Morning Stars) on the promises of God. One of the most interesting promises God has made concerns the heavenly city of the New Jerusalem. In describing this city John said he “saw the holy city of the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Jesus Christ). And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the TABERNACLE OF GOD is with men, and he shall dwell with them…And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Rev. 21:2-3, 14

It’s quite possible that at least part of the New Jerusalem is presently located “in the habitable part of (God’s) earth.” The author of Hebrews tells the saints who presently dwell there: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.” Heb. 12:22-24

From these verses we have quoted we find that the inhabitants of the heavenly city Sion (Zion) or the New Jerusalem are: (1) God (2) The twelve apostles (3) Jesus (4) Angels (5) The general assembly (6) The church of the firstborn (7) The Spirits of just men made perfect.

The question naturally arises as to how long the city of the New Jerusalem has been in existence and how long the various types of inhabitants have been there.

Since the New Jerusalem in heaven is the habitation of God one would assume it is very ancient. One thing we know for sure is that it is older than Abraham for the scripture says: “He (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations (the twelve apostles of the Lamb), whose builder and maker is God.” Heb. 11:10

Since Abraham was aware of the foundations of the city and the foundations had in them the “names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” it is natural to assume that the twelve apostles lived in the city from the days of Abraham or earlier.

The writer of Hebrews tells us concretely that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sara, Noah, Enoch, and Able all lived in the Heavenly New Jerusalem before they were born: “These (those just named) all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS ON THE EARTH.   For they that say such things declare plainly that they SEEK A COUNTRY (‘country’ is from the Greek PATRIS which literally means FATHERLAND and figuratively means: HEAVENLY HOME) And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. (If they were looking for any country on the earth they would have had no trouble finding and returning to it). But now they desire a better country, THAT IS AN HEAVENLY: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: FOR HE HATH PREPARED FOR THEM A CITY.” (The New Jerusalem) Heb. 11:13-16

We could write much more in proving the pre mortal existence of humans, but these scriptural evidences along with common sense should prove this first point.

All human beings lived before birth even as Jesus did.

 

2. MAN IS A SON OF GOD

The second reason that believers see Jesus as God is because he is often referred to as a or the Son of God. Now if we show that we are also Sons of God just as Jesus was (and is) then this means we are entitled to be called Gods just as he is.

Most orthodox Christians insist that Jesus be called THE Son of God. I have made the mistake of mentioning my belief in Jesus as “a” Son of God and they about have a fit as if I am speaking great sacrilege. I have had them retort back that Jesus is “the” one and only Son of God.

It would be incorrect to refer to Jesus as “the” one and only son of God if we are also His sons and daughters. If you and I are also Sons then it is impossible for Jesus to be the only one.

The word “the” is used to identify a “particular person place or thing” Therefore, if there is only one Son of God we should always use “the” in describing his sonship. If there is more than one Son of God then “the” could still be used with it but the grammar would indicate that only a “particular” or one Son of God is under discussion when we are using a singular noun. For instance, there are thousands of hats, but when I tell the clerk “Give me the hat” I mean only one hat, a particular hat.

On the other hand, the word “a” refers to one out of many. If I say “Give me a hat” I am saying there is more than one hat and to grab anyone of them and give it to me. If we say that Jesus is “a” Son of God it means that he is one of many. This, the orthodox believer does not want to admit. So he insists that Jesus always be called “The Son of God”, as if he is the only one in existence…

But is he?

Not hardly. We have already quoted the scripture which tells us that the “SONS of God” shouted for joy at the creation of the earth. Job 38

Also in Job we read: “Now there was a day when the SONS of God came to present themselves before the Lord…”   Job 1:6

At the beginning of civilization we are told “That the SONS of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” Gen 6:2

Luke speaks of “Adam, which was the son of God.” Luke 3:38

The greatest proof that it is appropriate to call Jesus “a” Son of God is found in the words of Jesus himself. He usually used the term “son of man” and there was only one time when Jesus was on the earth that he definitely used the term “Son of God” in relation to himself and amazingly he called himself “a” Son; not “the”.

Unfortunately most translators distort the meaning of this particular scripture and add a “the” which is not even there: “Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken: Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am THE Son of God?” John 10:34-36 

The word “son” in the Biblical Greek is HUIOS. The key word “THE” is nowhere to be found in the original Greek. In this context the normal rendering would be “A Son of God.” Unfortunately none of the translators have the guts to translate it with there greatest accuracy. Even so some of them are honest enough to translate without the word “THE.”

Here are some examples:

Youngs

of him whom the Father did sanctify, and send to the world, do ye say — Thou speakest evil, because I said, Son of God I am?

Darby’s

do ye say of him whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am Son of God?

ASV

say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am [the] Son of God?

At least the ASV was honest enough to put ‘the” in parenthesis to indicate that it is not in the original.

Then we have my favorite translation, which stays very close to the original:

The Concordant

“…are you saying to Him Whom the Father hallows and dispatches into the world that you are blaspheming, seeing that I said, ‘Son of God am I’?

It is interesting that none of the translators dare translate it as the context would be rendered if they were talking about anyone but Jesus which would be:

“…do ye say of him whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am A Son of God?”

If it was all right for Jesus himself to say he was a son of God then what is the big deal about me, you or any other person also expressing a belief in Jesus as “a” Son of God? This certainly does not belittle him or take away from the fact that he was the greatest entity in the history of civilization and that he was the first to demonstrate divine sonship and even overcome death. It does, however, change him from our dictator to our brother, but that is in accord with his words, for he called us his brethren.

There are so many scriptural references proving that man is also a son of God that it shouldn’t be necessary to recite them. Nevertheless, the world wants to continue to call Jesus “THE Son of God” as if he were a son in a way that we are not. The amazing point is that no where in the Bible is this taught or indicated. None of the Bible writers say that Jesus is a son of God and we are not. In fact they say over and over again that we are sons like him: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be CALLED THE SONS OF GOD: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are WE THE SONS OF GOD, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see him as he is.” I John 3:1-2

Let us continue with a few more quotes: “But as many as received him (Christ) to them gave he power to become the SONS OF GOD.” John 1:12

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God; and he shall be my son.” Rev. 21:7

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD: And if children, then heirs; HEIRS OF GOD, AND JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST…” Rom 8:14-17

A few more: “Ye are the children of the Lord.” Deut 14:1 “And (God) will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” II Cor 6:18 “Ye are sons of the Living God.”   Hosea 1:10 To Solomon God said: “He shall be my son and I will be his Father.” I Chron 22:10.

In what way is God both our Father and the Father of Jesus Christ; in other words, how are both regular humanity and Jesus Sons of God?

To help answer this we must clarify the meaning of the word “Father”. To be a Father is to be “the originator of a creation”. Thus God is called the “Father of the heavens and the earth” or the Father of all things. We also have our “Founding Fathers” who originated our constitution and Edison the Father of the light bulb and so on.   In a more literal way a father is a parent who is the originating source of the child who is in his basic image and intelligence and has a capacity of becoming like the father at maturity.

By the first definition we can see that there is no argument that God is the Father of both ordinary humanity and Jesus Christ as well as all things, living and non living. In this way God is definitely our Father, and Jesus and ourselves are sons. In this category no one can argue that Jesus is “a Son” because by this definition more than one son is involved.

By the second definition, however, we still find that Jesus and men are brethren with the same Father. We have already quoted the scripture which says that “the Spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God…and JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST…” Rom 8:17.

If we are children of a different category than was Jesus then why are we joint heirs with him???

Obviously, we are joint heirs because we are children of the same Father as indicated: “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the FATHER OF SPIRITS, and live? Heb 12:9

Just as our flesh has a father here so do our spirits and the Father of all of our spirits is God. This would include ordinary men and women as well as Jesus. So here we find that Jesus is again our brother and we have God as a mutual father. Thus we are not in error by stating that from this respect Jesus is “a” son of God along with the rest of us.

The only possible way that Jesus was a Son of God in a way that we are not is in reference to the biblical story that he was born of a virgin and had no earthly father. There are a number of interpretations to this account. The most common is that the Spirit of God merely came upon Mary and she conceived a son. Another one is that God came down in a physical body and had sex with Mary and she thus conceived. A third is that she was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, but it was while the Holy Ghost was in Joseph, her espoused mate.

Whatever the case, if a virgin birth qualifies one for godhood then Adam had a double dose of it for he was conceived by neither an earthly father or mother, and Eve, his wife should qualify to be a goddess for she was born from the virgin Adam.

Melchezedec should also qualify under this criteria for of him it was written that he was “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the (a) Son of God.” Heb. 7:3

So here we see that we cannot say that Jesus is the one and only Son of God because he was born of a virgin because we have at least three other people from the Bible that have this qualification and more.

With all this evidence it is difficult to see how anyone can say that Jesus is the one and only Son of God.   He is perhaps the greatest of the Sons of God, from among mankind but no where does it indicate that he is the only one.

Copyright by J J Dewey

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The Gods of the Bible, Part 2

THE NATURE OF GOD AND CHRIST

Orthodox Christian are greatly disturbed by both the teachings of Joseph Smith and the New Age teachings on God because the only concept of Higher Intelligence that they can conceive of is a single God who rules the universe. Therefore, when they are told that man can become or manifest God they think that is the height of arrogance, as if the man who believes such is claiming to be the king of all creation. They forget that the New Age concept of God is different from theirs. If we looked upon God as being separate from ourselves it would be arrogant to claim to be God, but if we look upon God as being of whom we are a part, then there is no arrogance. New Age people merely see God as the whole of life and to manifest God is to recognize that we are a part of that whole. In other words, our claim to manifesting God is based on the injunction of Jesus to be one with the Father and the Son. How can being one with God be anything else than being God, or identifying with the whole?

A drop of water is insignificant when it is removed from a giant wave, but when it is joined back into the wave and cooperates with it, it then becomes the wave. We are like drops of water that have separated from the Life wave we call God. When we join back in with the God wave we become one with it and we can say with all the other billions of lives: “I am the wave” or “I AM God”. We have not lost the molecules that have made us the drop. We still have our identity, but we have much more. We are one with something much greater than ourselves to the extent we actually become the wave. We are a wave, yet one with millions of drops combined. We are God, yet millions of human drops combined. No life is separated from the life which is God.

This principle is not new and should not be thought to be esoteric for it is clearly taught in the Bible.

Paul spoke very clearly concerning the nature of Christ who is God: “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is THE SAME GOD THAT WORKETH ALL IN ALL. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to EVERY MAN to profit withal… (Then Paul enumerates on the gifts of the Spirit.) For as THE BODY IS ONE (the Wave) , AND HATH MANY MEMBERS (the many drops), and all the members (human lives) of that ONE BODY (GOD), being MANY, are ONE body, SO ALSO IS CHRIST (GOD). For by ONE SPIRIT we are all baptized into ONE body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into ONE SPIRIT. For the body (GOD) is not one member (Life), but MANY (All lives together)…Now Ye are the body of Christ (GOD), and members in particular.” I Cor 12:12-14,27

It should be obvious from this scripture that Christ is much more than the man Jesus and God is not just one entity sitting on a throne. Both Christ and God (or the Father) are one and manifest through one body, but that body is composed of many members. On earth, those who are members of the body of Christ are those who “know the love of Christ” and are “filled with the FULNESS OF GOD” (Eph 3:19)… “until Christ be formed IN YOU.” (Gal 4:19) “To whom God would make known what is the riches of glory of this MYSTERY among the Gentiles: which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory.” Col 1:28

“LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS: who being in the form of God, thought it not mockery to be EQUAL WITH GOD: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men…” Phil 2:5-7 “…That the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” II Cor 4:10

On earth the Bible teaches that Christ is composed of many members possessing the Spirit of God. Jesus, however, “is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.” Col 1:18

Even though Jesus is the most important member of the body he is NOT the only member. We should not look upon him as being apart from us, or as manifesting God in a way that we cannot for we are commanded to have the same mind in us that was within him. Concerning Jesus Paul wrote: “…great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh…” I Tim 3:16 Since we are commanded to be of the same mind as Jesus then we should also manifest God in the flesh.

This is verified by a correct translation of John 1:14. In the King James it reads: “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

The word “among” is from the Greek EN which is almost always translated as “in” not “among.” Let us render a more correct translation here in harmony with the ancient language:

“And the Word is BECOMING flesh and dwells IN US. And we beheld His (or Its) glory, a glory like an only begotten from the Father full of grace and truth.

In fact we are promised that we shall manifest God beyond our comprehension. Jesus said: “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and GREATER WORKS than these shall he do; because I go to my Father…At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in my, and I (Christ) IN YOU.: John 14:12 & 20.

It is interesting to note that Jesus never did directly refer to himself as “The Christ”. In referring to himself he always used the title: “son of Man”. Thus Jesus, the man, humbly associated himself with humanity. He never spoke the word “Christ” in relation to himself exclusively as others did. In fact there are only four occasions in the Bible where he actually spoke the word. Example: “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” Matt 23:8. Example: “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water in my name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” Mark 9:41

Jesus referred to Christ in the third person because the title of Christ did not belong to him alone but to all members of the body that partake of the Spirit of God. Because Jesus referred to the Christ in the third person and did not directly proclaim himself as such the Jews were led to exclaim: “How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly?” John 10:24 Even to this direct question Jesus did not proclaim himself to be the Christ. He did not want to set himself up on a pedestal, but identified himself as a Son of Man so the sons of men would look for the Christ within themselves.

Paul said that Jesus manifested God in the flesh (I Tim 3:16) and also that we are to have the same mind as he. On the other hand, because one is manifesting God is not cause to be worshipped by others because God is in them also. Jesus refused to let others exalt him as an idol God or even as a good man any more than his brethren. For instance after a man called him good he said: “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is God.” Matt 19:17 In other words, there is only one life we are to exalt and that is the universal God-life that is in us all for he said: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24.

The Christian world is happy to proclaim that Jesus is God as if he is something we can never be. This is not what Jesus or any of the scriptures says. On the contrary the Bible says: “No man hath seen God at any time…” John 1:18 and “God is a Spirit”. Now Jesus was a man who lived in the flesh and later raised his flesh from the dead and was felt by the apostles and even ate with them. He was seen by thousands of people and when he said “God is a Spirit” he was dwelling in mortal flesh. If Jesus is the one and only God, how is it that he was flesh and bones and was seen by thousands when “no man hath seen God”???

If Jesus in the flesh was God then who was the invisible Spirit he told us to worship?

When I ask Christian Fundamentalists this they merely shake their heads and say it is a great mystery we are not supposed to understand. Such an action reminds me of the words of Paul: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, AND SHALL BE TURNED UNTO FABLES.” II Tim 4:3-4

The truth is quite simple to understand and the Bible is indeed correct when it says: “No man hath seen God” for God is verily one invisible Spirit “dividing to EVERY MAN severally as he will.” I Cor 12:11 God has divided (or reflected) himself so he dwells in billions of lives on this and other worlds. Beings who have manifested that One Life as Jesus did are sometimes called Gods because they become one with the ONE GREAT LIFE, but it doesn’t matter whether that manifestation is through Jesus, Paul, or Shirley MacLaine we are not seeing the invisible God we are only seeing his works. That is why Jesus said: “Though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is IN ME, and I in him.” John 10:38

Jesus mentioned the Christ on another interesting occasion: “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him, the Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in Spirit call him Lord saying: The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.” Matt 22:41-46

No one answered the question of Jesus. If David acknowledged the Christ as his Lord then how could he be his son? The Father is supposed to be Master to the son. The answer is that Jesus, the man, was the son (or descendant) of David, but the universal Christ was not. It dwells in us all including David and is the son of no man.

There is no indication in the Bible that Jesus intended himself to be thought of as a Christ or God any more than other men ought to be. After all, he called himself “the son of man” a title previously given to ordinary humans. He also called all men, even the “least” of them, his “brethren”: “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these MY BRETHREN, ye have done it UNTO ME.” Matt 25:40 Here is Jesus’ plain and simple acknowledgement that even the lowest of men have Christ and God in them just as Jesus did for what we do to then we do to Christ.

This is not surprising for Paul in speaking of the followers of Christ said: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Rom 8:29

Jesus, as all believers know is called the firstborn, but here we find that ordinary men and women may even share that title with him for Jesus and the rest of the sons of men are brethren with a similar destiny as taught by Paul: “For both he that sanctifieth (Jesus) and they who are sanctified (followers of Christ) ARE ALL OF ONE: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Heb 2:11

We are supposed to come to “the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the FULNESS OF CHRIST.” Eph. 4:13

To accomplish this Jesus taught that we are supposed to follow in his footsteps: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Rev 3:21

If we are to overcome as Jesus did we must examine the key ingredient by which Jesus overcame the world. He revealed this in the statement: “I am come in my FATHER’S NAME, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his OWN NAME, him ye will receive.” John 5:43

This is an amazing statement. Jesus   tells us that he was rejected because he bore the name of God whereas if another will come and teach them, not making any claims of God in man (or bearing the Father’s name), but simply teach as a man in his own name, that this they will accept.

This is still true in the religious world today. Any teaching that humans and God are one is immediately rejected and the teachings of men in their own name (as men) are accepted.

THE NAME OF GOD

The Fathers name is mentioned a number of times by Jesus and is an interesting subject. He said he came in his Father’s name. He also said: “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me… and I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it.” John 17:6&26

Apparently Jesus used the name of the Father over and over, but there is no statement in the Bible where Jesus actually said plainly “The Father’s name is…” If it ever was in there then it was taken out by the compilers of the scriptures. On the other hand we will show the name is still there and can be proven with a careful reading that the name of the Father is the same as the Son. That is the name of Christ! That may be startling, but it makes sense when we consider that the scriptures tell us that Christ created all the worlds, but also God created the heavens and the earth.

Now for the proof. First, as we mentioned, Jesus came in the name of the Father and manifested that name over and over. This indicates the name of the Father was Christ because that was the name Jesus came in and manifested.

Second, he did his works in the “Father’s name”. John 10:25 He did his works in the name of Christ.

We are also told that the name of Christ is “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and EVERY NAME THAT IS NAMED, not only in this world, but also in the world to come.” Eph. 1:21

Jesus said that “My Father is GREATER than I.” John 14:28. Therefore, if the Father and the Son have separate names then the Father’s name would have to be greater. But we are plainly told that the name of Christ is greater than “every name that is named” in this and the next world therefore then only way the Father could have the greatest name is if his name is also “Christ”.

Obviously, the Father and the Son are not one entity as conventional Christianity seems to think or Jesus would not have said that his Father was “greater” than he was, but they are separate entities partaking of the same One Great Life which is God. They are two drops who realize they are the wave.

The Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead, also bears the same name. Jesus told his apostles: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME (singular) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matt. 28:19

Obviously, there is one name for all the members of the God family.

Now we can make sense of the writings of Paul: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the WHOLE FAMILY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH IS NAMED.” Eph. 3:14-15

The word cannot be much clearer than this. The whole family of God in heaven and earth is named after the Father. Jesus is, of course, part of that family so he bears the highest of all names – the name of Christ. But the scripture goes farther than this. It says that God’s family on earth also bears his name. How does the family of God on the earth bear the name of the Father? It is written” “God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people FOR HIS NAME…that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, UPON WHOM MY NAME IS CALLED” Acts 15:14 & 17.

Here we are plainly told that the early Christian church which was formed by the Gentiles was called after the name of the Father. What was that??? They were called CHRISTians or the “body of Christ”.

This all makes sense. After all when a Father has a son here on the earth the Son bears the Father’s name. Would not the Gods do the same?

This knowledge helps shed some light on other scriptures. Jesus said: “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he SEETH THE FATHER DO: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and SHEWETH HIM ALL THINGS THAT HIMSELF DOETH: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father RAISETH UP THE DEAD, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will…For as the Father hath life (God) in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life (God) in himself.” John 5:19-21, 26

Jesus explains here the principle of eternal progression. That is he has a teacher whom he calls the Father and he has learned what he knows by watching him. He was speaking here before there had been any resurrection and said he had already seen the Father raise the dead. Jesus received his power over death by watching the Father and obtaining from him the keys of eternal life within.

When did Jesus watch the Father overcome death? It was on another world whereon his Father was a savior and Jesus was one of his disciples. That is why the Father also has the name of Christ and his people must bear his name. The things that Jesus did we must eventually do. All of us need a teacher to show us the possibilities of man.

Now we can see that the previously quoted statement of Joseph Smith seems to make sense: “Jesus is one of a grand order of Saviors. Every world has its distinctive Savior and every dispensation its Christ.”

In reality everyone who manifests the Spirit of Christ is both a Father and a Son for progression is eternal and when we are learning we are Sons. When we are teaching we are Fathers. Jesus was a Son in relation to his Father, but a Father in relation to his disciples. On the other hand the Father, or teacher of Jesus will also have one above him who is his Father. Thus the Father-Son-Father-Son relationship stretches from men and women who manifest Christ clear up to the One Great Life whose physical body is the universe. “For he that is high hath another higher, and there are others still higher than these.” Eccl 5:8 Thus the life of the One Universal God can touch the lowest lives in creation. In this way Christ is the creator and savior of the universe, but the One Life is composed of trillions of individual entities like you and me.

The scripture says that the family of God both in heaven and on earth is named after the Father. This means that there is a God family on earth bearing the name of Christ. This has an outward symbol with the name Christian or body of Christ, but the meaning goes deeper than this. We are told that the redeemed have the “Father’s name written IN their foreheads.” Rev 14:1

What does it mean to have the name of Christ, or God in your forehead? It means that we accept the fact that Christ is in us and that we are one with him, and if we are one with him we are Gods as he is. No wonder Jesus stated “Ye are Gods” and Paul told us to have the mind of Christ within us.

The importance of not denying the name of God is stressed (See Rev 3:8). Indeed! It is a denial of the name of God to deny the statement of Jesus: “Ye are Gods”. We must accept the fact that we are “filled with the FULNESS OF GOD” (Eph 3:19) or we deny the God in us and the kingdom within which is the only place it will ever be found.

Another interesting name for God is Jehovah. This name is derived from HAYAH which is the statement given to Moses when he asked for the name of God. In the King James version the reply reads: “And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus salt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:14

This sounds confusing to many but a more literal translation sheds additional light: “And God said to Moses I AM BECOMING WHAT I AM BECOMING…” Or as written in my Book The Immortal: “I AM BECOMING THAT WHICH I DECIDE TO BECIME.”

This may still sound a little confusing, but Moses understood the answer perfectly. Names in ancient times were viewed differently than they are today. In our day if I introduce myself as Joe or Joseph that is all it means, just a sound to be known by. However, names in the days of Moses told people about themselves. For instance, Joseph then meant “he will be added upon”, David was “Beloved” and Abraham: “Father of a multitude”. In those days when you knew someone’s name you supposedly knew something about the person and his destiny. Therefore, the most natural question a person in ancient days would want to ask God would be his name. His name would tell us how he is different from everyone else and what is his destiny. Could the great Unknowable have a name? Moses wondered. Would God give him a name that would describe the kind of character he is and end the great mystery once and for all?

Moses, I am sure, was surprised with the answer. Instead of getting something like “My name is Zilgooser which means the Great One Who Sits in the Heavens” or something like that he received a simple and direct: “I AM BECOMING WHAT I AM BECOMING… Go tell the children of Israel that the One who sent you IS BECOMING.”

If Moses had not heard this from God himself he would have never believed it. God is still in the process of BECOMING or evolving. That means that God himself has not reached the ultimate. There is still something around the corner for Him to become. There are new worlds to conquer, even for God. He is becoming whatever the hell he wants to become and is certainly not in the box where believers want to place him.

Moses never did present this name he was given to Israel, probably for fear that he would be laughed out of Egypt. Surely God knows who he is. Instead, Moses introduced it in a more palpable altered form as JEHOVAH (or YAHWEH) which is usually interpreted to mean “The Eternal”.

Nevertheless, the first name given to Israel is the more glorious and reflecting upon it brings great enlightenment. The whole universe is in a state of change and “BECOMING” and God is the One Great Life that embodies the universe. Every life in the universe shares its life with God including man who is becoming, and, in reality, no name will fit any of us for eternity for what we will be tomorrow is different than what we are today and since we are one with God that means that God, also, will be different tomorrow.

For instance in the Old Testament He was called Jehovah, in the New Testament he was known as Christ, the anointed, and in the future a new name will be announced: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: AND I WILL WRITE UPON HIM MY NEW NAME.” Rev. 3:12

Is the new name “I AM BECOMING?” You never know.

Now we see why God says “Behold, I make ALL THINGS NEW.” Rev 21:5 The perfection that is attributed to God by man is not taught in the Bible as we shall show a little later. Because it is never achieved God keeps making everything “new”. He creates a “new” Jerusalem, “new” kingdoms, a “new” heart in man, a “new” heavens and earth, a “new” song, he gives us “new” names and will even give himself one. When the One Great Life changes then things become new.

Can you think of anything worse than reaching a static condition where there was no change and nothing new to look forward to? That is the main criticism I have heard of the Christian heaven. Many people naturally say: “I do not want to go to heaven where there is perfection and no new goals to set for ourselves.” The truth is that would not be heaven but hell. It would not be life, but death. Even among the people in the churches with this belief one can see the seeds of death. The people are lifeless and lead boring lives. Many having fun in the bars are closer to becoming what they will become and therefore closer to God. This makes us reflect on the words of Jesus to the pious people of his day: “The publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matt. 21:31

Copyright by J J Dewey

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THE GODS OF THE BIBLE

By

By J J Dewey

 

INTRODUCTORY LOGIC

Perhaps the greatest common denominator among the followers of New Age Thought is the belief that one has to look no further to find God than within himself.   They are true followers of the injunction of Jesus that “The kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21) If, then, the kingdom of God is within it must stand to reason that God resides in his own kingdom and he is also within. If God is within your brother then when you see his face you also see the face of God. If God is within you then when you look in the mirror you also see the divine face. When you feel within with no illusions then you must be feeling the presence of God.

Jesus preached the kingdom of God and invited all believers to come to it. Exactly what would be the nature of the inhabitants of the kingdom of God? The vegetable kingdom is composed of vegetables. The animal kingdom is composed of animals and the human kingdom is composed of humans. Therefore what kind of residents abide in the Kingdom of God? Yes. They can only be Gods. When Jesus invited us to the kingdom of God he called us to leave the illusionary human kingdom and assume our true nature as Gods in the God kingdom. In other words, we are to be as he is. A glorious thought is it not?

Many who call themselves Christians would disagree. There are those who think it is blasphemy to consider that God can be anywhere except sitting on a throne in heaven being worshipped by his hosts. This narrow-minded group believe that they are the only ones who are even worthy to use the name of Christ. They feel that others must interpret the Bible exactly as they do or God will be angry at them and they will have no right to use His name.   Thus all New Age people are condemned in one master stroke as being anti-God because they see God as being everywhere including within each man, woman, and child.

But wait a minute! Didn’t we learn back in Sunday School that “God is everywhere?” Yes, we did learn that. Almost all “accepted born-again Christians” embrace this belief quite emphatically. Yet at the same time they teach that God sits on a throne in heaven. Can both be true? Can he be in one place, yet everywhere?

Obviously, if he is omni-present he cannot be sitting on a throne in one location of the universe. He is either a being in one location like you or I, or he is Life itself that is in and through all things.

The Bible says that God fills “heaven and earth” (Jer 23:24) and “hell” (Psalms 139:8). Paul said that “In him we live and move and have our being”. (Acts 17:21) These and other scriptures verify the doctrine of the omnipresence of God. The interesting point here is that this doctrine is not objected to by orthodox Christians but is heartily embraced and promoted by them. Their problem is that their beliefs contradict themselves. In one breath they will teach the God-in-one-location-with influence-everywhere as the Mormons believe and in another they will say he is everywhere.

If the orthodox Christian world truly believes that God is omni-present then why do they condemn New Age Thought for teaching that God can be found within man? They are condemning such people for teaching not only what they claim to believe, but also a prevailing Biblical doctrine. Jesus had a word he used on the ancient Jews who did not practice what they believed. I will not say that word, but it can be found several times in Matthew Chapter 23. Read this chapter and you find that Jesus felt very strongly about people who do not abide by their belief system. They were the only ones he ever condemned. No sin he ever witnessed was ever condemned by him except this one.

If God is omni-present as even the most fundamental Christian believes then God is within humans. If God is within man then his kingdom can also be found there, for where the kingdom is there also abides the king. If God and his kingdom are within man then when we look within and manifest that which we truly see and feel with no deception or illusion then we are manifesting God and his kingdom. If a man is manifesting God and we are watching him then we are seeing God in action. Thus when we witness a human reveal his true inner self we see God. The man and God are not two, but one.

Is it any wonder Jesus said: “I and my Father are One?” (John 10:30) But if God is truly everywhere then all of us who recognize the God within are also one with God. Jesus was the rule and not the exception. He acknowledged this when he prayed: “that they (his disciples) may be ONE, as we (Jesus and the Father) are.” John 17:11

Jesus was God because he was one with the presence of God within him. But he said we are supposed to do the same thing. Therefore what is man when he obeys the injunction of Jesus and becomes one with God? If you and God are one then that one being (which includes you) is God.   We then join with Jesus and exclaim: “Ye are gods.”

If God and man are one, then man is God and God is man.

We only seem to be two because we have been deceived into thinking it.

Five entities in the Bible have called men Gods.   They are the serpent in the garden, the God of the Old Testament, Moses, David, and Jesus.

DID THE SERPENT LIE?

Because the serpent was the first to identify man with God the doctrine is greatly distrusted by orthodox Bible believers. They call it the first great lie and seem to believe that this serpent can never tell the truth.   They do not recognize that it would be impossible for any being to carry on an intelligent conversation and lie all the time. Even Hitler, Nero and Judas usually told the truth. The bad guys in history often used the truth to entice others toward a deceptive act. Thus when the serpent enticed Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by saying: “Your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil.” Gen 3:5 it is possible he was telling the truth. In fact we know he was telling the truth because it is verified by one of the Gods: “And the Lord God said, Behold, the MAN IS TO BECOME AS ONE OF US (one of the many who realize that God is in man), to know good and evil.” Gen 3:22

Why do so many call the serpent’s statement the first big lie when the truth of it is acknowledged by “the Lord God”? Apparently, the true first big lie was the teaching that the serpent was lying. This thinking deludes man into thinking that God is not in him, but “out there” somewhere. This teaching is necessary for man to believe if he is to be controlled by “God’s representatives” here on the earth. It is impossible to take away the freedom of a person who finds the God within, but it is quite easy to control a person who thinks that God speaks to an authority, but not directly to himself. This authority that speaks for God becomes then the God without.

Thus far we see that the serpent and one of the Gods acknowledged that man can become as God. Jehovah even went a step further and called Moses a god. (EX 7:1).

Later Moses called those who were supposed to be able to judge the people and discern good and evil Gods (See Exodus 22. We will elaborate more fully later).

Later David clearly stated to the leaders of Israel: “Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” Psalms 82:6

Finally arrogant young Jesus angered the Jews by teaching the oneness of God and man. As they tried to stone him he asked them what he had done wrong. They answered: “For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou being a man, makest thyself God.   Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? (John 10:33-36)

The angry Jews immediately saw here that the doctrine that man and God are one means that man is God. They called this blasphemous just as many religious people today still do. Jesus, however, courageously rebuked them and reminded them that men were called Gods in the Old Testament scriptures and the scripture “cannot be broken”.

This kind of talk only infuriated the Jews more and Jesus had to escape for his life from the midst of their anger.

Joseph Smith, A New Age Prophet

Another interesting person of more recent historical note who got himself in trouble and eventually killed for teaching the Godhood of man was the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith. Now because I mention the name of the Mormon founder do not get the idea that I am promoting Mormonism, for I believe that Mormonism has drifted far from the original teachings of its founder just as most other religious groups have done. However, in examining the teachings of the founders of any worldwide movement one will normally discover that they were originated by a person of high spiritual thought. Joseph Smith was no exception. He courageously took a group of crude Christian frontiersmen and shattered their thoughtforms on man and God by proclaiming to them that their destiny was to become as Gods. Some believed and were raised up in consciousness, others disbelieved and sought to take his life, but no one remained neutral. The doctrine was indeed a stirring missile to be cast in the stagnant pool of Christian thought.

Joseph was the first major public western figure in our era to proclaim the major doctrine of the New Age. Since that time many others have followed and churches such as Unity, Religious Science, movements began by Gurus from the East, as well as esoteric schools of thought as Theosophy, and the Arcane School by Alice A. Bailey, The Foundation for Inner Peace which publishes the COURSE ON MIRACLES, numerous New Age books, and even Shirley MacLaine and The Star Wars movies all proclaim that there is a “Force” or God in man.

Joseph then introduced the doctrine contrary to all the then current lines of thought and met with tremendous opposition.   But he taught that “truth will cut its own way”. And indeed this is what is happening. Those who are not chained down with dogma feel good inside when thinking about being one with God as was the Christ. The free-thinking youth of the world felt good about “the Force”, and many identified with Shirley MacLaine when she shouted “I AM God”. Joseph said the doctrine “tastes good” and indeed it does.

Feel within. Even at this moment it feels good to know that God is within and we are to be one with Him.

Among those who taught this doctrine in our age Joseph Smith is unique in the fact that he taught it to an unbelieving Christian people in the 1840’s, and he attempted to prove it out of the Bible. Because he struck a nerve at the heart of Orthodox Christianity there have been many enemies of the doctrine from his day to the present time. Many other New Age people who espouse the concept more as a philosophy than a religion do not seem to draw the fire that Joseph did. It is also paradoxical that many New Agers categorize Joseph’s teachings with orthodox Christianity and do not see the harmony between their own belief and his. They fail to realize that Joseph had many pure revelations and inspiration of pure esoteric truth that he had to clothe in the acceptable Christian language of his time. This caused his teachings to be somewhat misunderstood by later generations.

Many of his teachings about God were given in his last major address shortly before he was killed. It was given April 6, 1844 and has become known as the King Follett discourse. In it he taught the principle of eternal progression – that man does not stay man and God has not always been God. He later elaborated and taught about a hierarchy of Gods. He said that there was one being in particular who was appointed to be the God or Master for this planet before mankind set foot upon its surface, but that this person was once a man like ourselves, but learned his lessons of salvation on another planet. It is our destiny to eventually become as he is.

He further stated that the spirits or intelligence of men were not created by God but have always existed and are “co-equal” with him. “God himself could not create himself. Intelligence is eternal and exists upon a self-existent principle…The first principles of man are self-existent with God…If men do not comprehend the character of God they do not comprehend themselves…Here then is eternal life – to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourself, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all the Gods have done before you, – namely by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one, – from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings and sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power…The mind or intelligence which man possesses is co-equal with God himself…God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted Man…That is the great secret…God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth the same as Jesus Christ did.” See History of the Church by Deseret Book; Vol. 6; Pages 302-317; 473-479.

Concerning Jesus and the Father he said: “If Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and John discovered that the Father of Jesus Christ had a Father, you may suppose that he had a Father also. Was there ever a son without a father? And was there ever a father without first being a son?” History of the Church; Page 476. He also said: “Jesus is one of a grand order of Saviors. Every world has its distinctive Savior and every dispensation its Christ.” Women in Mormondom by Edward W. Tullidge; Page 192.

In the King Follett discourse he also taught that the first verse in the Bible was changed in ancient times and also mistranslated.   “In the beginning…” is translated from the Hebrew RESHIYTH. However, this word is sometimes translated as “chief” (Amos 6:1,6) and “firstfruits” (Lev 2:12). It is derived from ROSH which means “the head”. Joseph believed that when the Bible was first written ROSH was used instead of RESHIYTH. He taught that the Hebrew word for God, ELOHIYM should be rendered as “Gods” (plural). All modern Bible scholars agree with this. However, using the Hebrew Joseph came up with quite an unorthodox translation for the first verse. Instead of “In the beginning God created…” he translated it as: “The Head One of the Gods brought forth the Gods.”

This is a very possible rendition that would never occur to orthodox translators for obvious reasons.

Joseph said that in the morning of creation the Gods (ELOHIYM) had a council and formulated a plan for the organization of the earth and the salvation and progress of man. One God in particular was chosen to be the head over this planet. Later, Brigham Young who was tutored by Joseph said that this God later became Adam, “The only God with whom we have to do.” In the Bible Joseph said he was also called “The Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9, 13 & 22) Brigham said that Adam had lived as a man on another planet and was faithful there; hence he progressed and became a God (“Master” in New Age Language). He came to this earth in an immortal body, or one that was not subject to death as we know it. However, he partook of the elements here which created a change until he eventually became a mortal man again.

Joseph’s revelations seem to support the teachings of Brigham. Concerning those who overcome all things he wrote: “Wherefore, as it is written, they are Gods, even the sons of God. Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life OR DEATH…” Doctrine and Covenants 76:58-59.

Apparently Joseph and Brigham thought that even a God, or Master, could take for himself again a mortal tabernacle and become subject to death if it filled some purpose.

It is true that we cannot prove every detail from the Bible that Joseph Smith claimed to receive by revelation. After all – that was the purpose of the revelations past and present:   to give us knowledge that is not readily available from the Bible. Nevertheless, truth harmonizes with truth and if the Bible is true then Joseph’s revelations should not disagree.

Paradoxically, Joseph also taught that there was only one God. In the Book of Mormon we find several quotes similar to this one: “And now behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only true doctrine of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is ONE GOD, without end, Amen.” II Nephi 31:21

He also wrote: “And the light which shineth which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to full the immensity of space. The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.” D&C 88:11-13

Here we have a teaching of the omnipresent God “who is in the midst of all things.” Joseph also wrote that “the elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples…” D&C 93:35

The idea of the elements being the tabernacle of God is an interesting, but ancient concept. In other words, there is one life: God who permeates all things. He is everywhere. All the elements of the entire universe compose the physical body of the one great life which is God. Man, being composed of element, is a tabernacle of God, or a temple. The body of man is a symbol of the body of the one great God whose body is the universe.

Joseph said that the Gods are called one because they agree or work together as one. Thus even though there are many masters and great lives that are Gods to their dominions they all work in agreement and have a communion with each other that harmonizes with the One Great Life that permeates all things. Just as the tiny lives called cells work together in unity to produce the greater life which is man, even so do the Gods (or Masters) cooperate with the will of the One Great Life. They also identify with him and seek to be one with him.

THE HIERARCHY OF GODS

This identification of the Gods, or Masters on this earth with the One God Life that permeates the universe has caused misunderstandings to those who read the revelations of Joseph Smith as well as the Bible. For instance, Joseph said that long ago there was a God appointed to be the head over this planet, yet the God in his revelations takes credit for creating all the worlds: “And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine. And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words.” Moses 1:37-38

Joseph Smith has been criticized for speaking of God in this dual manner, but orthodox Christians do not realize that the Bible does the same thing. On the lowest level the Bible talks about Gods as being men with dominions in Israel as already mentioned in Psalms 82:6 and John 10:33-36 Isaiah on the other hand, spoke of a God whose dominion is the entire earth: “The God of the whole earth shall he be called.” Isa 54:5   David talks about “the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.” Psalms 97:5 The grain of Israel is to be consecrated “unto the Lord of the whole earth.” Micah 4:13 The God of the ark of the covenant is also called: “the Lord of all the earth.” Joshua 3:11.

The word “Lord” here is from the Hebrew ADOWN which means “Master” or “Ruler”. The God identified here in the Hebrew is “Jehovah” (or Yahweh). Thus the Master of the earth is one called Jehovah. This name is more of a symbol of consciousness of a Master rather than the name of an individual entity.

Thus far we have Gods that have dominion over men and the entire earth. Is there a God higher than these? The Bible says yes. It tells us that there is a hierarchy in all things, even the Gods: “If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgement and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth (many scholars think that this refers to Jehovah) AND THERE BE HIGHER THAN THEY.” Eccl 5:8

The Douay version renders it this way: “If thou see the oppressions of the poor, and violent judgements, and justice perverted, in the province, wonder not at this matter: for he that is high hath another higher, and there are others still higher than these.”

The Bible does tell about a God who created all the heavens who must be a lot higher than the God of the earth. It also tells us that he made the worlds through the power of the Son of God. (Hebrews 1:1-3) It makes it sound as if it was Jesus the man from Nazareth who created the trillions of worlds out there and is perhaps the one God that is over all things.

This belief is further reinforced because Jesus is identified as the Word in the first chapter of John by the Christian world: “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word WAS GOD. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4.

This sounds confusing. God is identified with men, the God of this earth, the creator of all the heavens, and now as the man Jesus who created all things. What really did create all things? A more correct translation will help here. The Concordant Version does the best job in rendering the original Greek in John 1:1-4: “In the beginning was the word, and the word was toward God, and God was the word. This is in the beginning toward God. All came into being through IT (not Him), and apart from IT not even one thing came into being which has come into being. In IT was life, and the life was the light of men.”

There is a major revelation here in this more correct translation. The word is an “it” and not a “he”. The original translators of the King James wanted to glorify Jesus to the position of the creator of all the heavens so they rendered the Greek AUTOS as “he” instead of “it.” The Concordant translators, who translate more literal than any others I have found, no doubt felt that the context warrants the word “it.”

The word “it” is very significant. This indicates that “it” is an energy (words are vibration and vibration is energy) and not a single person. The same with the Son of God. It is not just the man Jesus as we shall show but all who reach the Christ consciousness can be Sons of God. Jesus was a representative on this earth (not the originator) for the power of the Word of God, or the Son aspect or energy.

There is a hierarchy of beings of a diverse magnitude of consciousness who are tuned into the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost aspects. There are billions of entities in each category throughout the universe and even though he who is called the Christ is the greatest of humanity, many others on other worlds are greater than he.

Ancient man had a terrible time adjusting to the fact that the earth is not the center of the universe around which all things revolve including the Sun. When astronomers revealed how insignificant we are (relatively speaking) it was hard to face. It takes humility to admit we are not the greatest. Mankind has the same problem with its gods. The God we worship always has to be the head man of the universe and if Jesus is our God then we want him to be right up there at the top of the heap. Ancient man had difficulty putting the earth in its proper prospective.   Modern fundamentalists have the same problem with Jesus. Accepting him as the first to manifest the Christ is not enough. We want to shove him up there as the head of the universe.

Any logical thinker can see how improbable this is. This earth is merely one out of billions of worlds in this galaxy and the galaxy is only one of billions of galaxies in the universe. The end is nowhere in sight. There are trillions and trillions of worlds. There are as many worlds as there are grains of sand in all the beaches of the earth. To say that Jesus created them all and singled us out for special attention to the extent that he would come and die for the whole universe on this one speck of dust is comparable to this: See yourself as the creator of all the beaches of the world. You decide to make a journey to the shores of France and pick up one little grain off the seashore and say to yourself: “I will pay particular attention to this little grain and undergo unimaginable suffering to save it.”

Suppose you had an oil spill on one of your beaches in California. Would you drop your little grain of sand in France and attend to a weightier problem or would you continue to give it special attention and let the rest of your beaches spoil?

Obviously, you would be equally concerned with all your beaches. In fact you do not look upon your property as grains of sand, but the cosmopolitan product of their accumulation which we call beaches. Perhaps a lower life form such as bacteria may take a special interest in a certain particle of sand, but to you the whole mass is the important thing.

Joseph, Madame Blavatsky, Alice A. Bailey and others taught that there are many lives in the hierarchy of Gods and that one in particular was made the head over this earth and is very concerned with it. To the God who rules the entire universe we are no more than a mere grain of sand and have little effect upon the whole. However, the lesser Gods identify and cooperate with the One Great Life. In addition to this the One God dwells in every one of us. Therefore, through all beings in the universe who are one with God, no living thing is neglected. The One Great Life who is God is one with his creation and dwells in all things. A sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice.

 

Copyright by J J Dewey

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