Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 73

Next I wish to speak of how God' character is "QUINTESSENTIAL"

Which means the highest, purest, most perfect, supreme manifestation, example, incarnation, type of the essence of something, the express image.

Jesus is the quintessential expression of God.

Hebrews 1:3 "Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on High."

Colossians 2:9 "For in Him dwelleth ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily"

John 14:9 "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?

He that hath seen me hath seen the Father,, and how saith though then: Show us the Father?

Jesus is God in the flesh. He is the Son of the Father eternally and one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Godhead is three Persons in one Godhead. Not three gods, but one. Jesus became man to save us and to show us a fleshy person of the Godhead, that is in union with the Godhead as the Word made flesh. Jesus is the perfect manifestation of true God. There is no other who can truly and perfectly represent God to us. Jesus is the only one who came from within the Godhead to earth to live as a man for us. The Holy Spirit is the only Spirit who came from within the Godhead to come to live in us. When Jesus came to earth, the Father and the Spirit were in Him yet still separate Persons from Him. And when the Holy Spirit lives in us, the Father and the Son lives in each of us, yet are still separate Persons. There are not multiple Fathers and Sons and Holy Spirits inhabiting every believer that every has lived. There is only one. God who is everywhere present all the time and specifically present in every believer. This is a mystery, but it is real and true. God has told us so in His Word that is truly true.

In heaven, if Jesus is the only one we see of the Godhead, we will truly be seeing the Godhead.

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." Isaiah 54:17 KJV

Answer:

"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." Isaiah 54:14 KJV

The LORD is redeemer . For I am holy to recieve the gift and gifts of men. Oppression, terror shall not prosper and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

"Degree"

"Surely men of low degree are a vapour, Men of high degree are a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, They are altogether lighter than vapour."(Ps.62:9-NKJV)

A degree marks ascent or descent in matter of development. It is a sign for the faithless nation in their perpetual backsliding. In extending the life of King Hezekiah the sundial showed something else. It went backwards, "And Hezekiah answered, "It is an easy thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees; no, but let the shadow go backward ten degrees."/ So Isaiah the prophet cried out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down on the sundial of Ahaz.(2 Ki.2:20-8-11-NKJV).

"So the last shall be first, and the first," Jesus warned. Here we have a saying of Jesus that is built of chiastic structure. The Spirit instructs from the life of Hezekiah how the word of God works. The birth of Manasseh and his evil rein was consequential for Israel to be cast off as an apostate nation. Time is what the word of God shall make of the predetermined will of God.

Thank you Brother Giannis. Hebrews 12:16,17 was very well exegeted.

Amen Tunney!

That's what James 2:18 is saying.

We aa Christians should examine ourselves, "Not by what we do or by what we don't do or what we know, But by Who we have! Christ!

I'd we have Christ Spirit the inside of our vessels will be cleansed.

Then we can wash one another feet.

( Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:4-8.

God bless.

Great discussion Brethren! Salvation only through faith by grace in the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Then our works shows our salvation. Ephesians 2:10 as well as many other verses.

GOD to shine HIS face on all who trust and believe in HIM.

January 16, 2024

feelings of "condemnation" are difficult to shake off sometimes.

Hello Rainwalker

Hebrews 12:7, "17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears."

It says " though he sought IT carefully with tears" What do you think that "IT" is refering to?

Question. If one repents is there any case God rejects them? Answer. No, God always forgives Actually this is what God wants us to do when we sin. Next question. If we want to repent and seek to do it, is there any case that God rejects us? Is there any case that we want and have decided in our minds to repent and still not being able to repent? Really our heart is not that easy to come to repentance some times but when I have decided that in my mind then God forgives me at that very moment. Actually God will always gives us His grace to overcome our stony heart when we have decided to condemn our actions. So next question. Why was Esau rejected although he seeked with tears to find forgiveness? Well because simply he didn't ask for forgiveness. That "IT" is refering to the " inheritance" not to forgiveness or repentance. So the verse in simple words reads as " Esau was rejected by God when he wanted to get the inheritance because he didn't repent, although he wanted to get the inheritance very much(with tears)". So don't worry. When God sees that we condemn in our mind something we did, He always runs to our help and ease us to repent, if we have problem doing it, and He gives us His grace because He wants to get us to very end, the kingdom of Heaven. Also in NT there are no consequences like with David in the OT, when we sin and repent. It is like we have never done anything, God forgets it and He never punishes, no way.. GBU

"But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." Romans 7:6 KJV

I'm free from sin and when I sow , I will reap free from sin.

Hello Andrew,

Thanks for sharing that. Have you tried to read the Bible before? Jesus really does offer hope and guidance.

As far as evidence of God, you stated it backwards. Science and logic confirm God, that's why there's so many highly educated people in science and medicine who believe in God. Many were atheists before. Just take a look at your hands, your skin, your arteries and veins that pump blood around your body, your nervous system that allows you to feel, your 3D vision, surround sound, water cooling, and heating system, digestive system, reproductive system, on and on. You are very complex and have a smartly designed body. Is it more likely that it was designed by an accident or designed intentionally? How often today do we see accidents design order? Is it more often than accidents that cause disorder? Science and the 2nd law of thermodynamics shows that with no intelligent input, things will resort to disorder and chaos. In this manner, science supports and basically proves the existence of intelligent design.

How often do you see buildings build themselves? Has science ever proven that 1 building ever built itself? Or a painting, has science ever proven that a single painting has painted itself- even an abstract one with a disordered design- I mean a brush was picked up, dipped in paint, and deliberately put on an upright canvas. It seems more likely that a painter is the one who painted the painting, not nothing. It would also seem more scientific to say that a builder is more likely the one who built a building, not nothing, and not an accidental explosion. Likewise, it seems more logical and scientific to say that a designer was the one who designed the design of the body. We're the most intelligent life on earth and we still marvel at the complexity, intelligence, and brilliance of the design of the human body, and of animals, and plants and creation. It would be unscientific to assume that a creator didn't create the creation.

Hi Giannis,

The sword has its uses. Compare the rod of iron which is consistent throughtout, In Ps.2 we have "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."(2:9) Heathen is not pagans but ungodly holding truth in unrighteousness. They are 'miry clay' in the King's dream. The Spirit sets them in derisison. They are to be treated as such. "For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod."(Is.28:27). So are nations, "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron."(Re.12:5) and " And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."(Re.19:15)

The word of God is what we need look for. Jesus Christ referred to the sword as their badge of honor. The disciples were sanctified by the word so it is what Jesus intended. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,"(He.4:12)

"Daughters of Zion"

The Spirit introduces the earth as without form and void. (Ge.1:2) Subsequently we have the sins of man as synonymous with the land, to which the destruction of Sodom is a classic example. By creating a holy family in which heirs of promise are those who double for his Son as in the case of Seth who stepped in the breach of Abel he is asserting why the earth abides forever. The Son is the heir to it. (Ec.1:4b).

Salvation plan in the Bible is to give it anthropomorphic form. Thus in the fellowship of God with Man the latter designates Christ Jesus as the Man. God's promise to the Son was, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.(Ps.2:7-8) All those who would be saved shall be found in the Man component.

Consequently 'Ask of me' is with regards to the inheritance of the elect,- co-heirs with the Son. The body of Christ consists of the saints in light. This is New Jerusalem and the head is Zion. Thus daughter of Zion doubles for the church.

The daughters of Sion in the context of Israel merely foreshadows what must occur in latter days. " For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." (2 Ki.19:34,21) David is a double for Christ.

God explain this,"And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. (Ez.16:46)" and " Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:/ Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.(Ez.14:13-14). The Spirit sets three names Noah, Daniel, and Job four times in the chapter (See under N-numbers)

"Darkness &Outer Darkness"

When we make 'bed in darkness' the grave is our last stop. It is the world in the flesh. It is also a house as we in Christ may hope for "a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."(2 Co.5:1-2).A man born of woman is a prey to thousand evils. So Job laments, "My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart./ They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness./ If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness( Job17:11-13)".

God is a Spirit. God is the Father of lights and his Son is qualified as the true Light quality of which permeates the world of the Spirit while the lights in the firmament is for the world of the flesh. This distinction is very significant that God formed the spirit in man, so by the Spirit freely received we may become children of the light. Darkness explains those are blind to miss while it is day.

Outer darkness

God made all hearts the same but their works are tried. God sent the light to shine in darkness so anyone may profit from light of knowledge one has. For instance God is love and as God loved us we ought to love one another. It a light of the knowledge of God's glory (2 Co.4:6).

One who hates his brother is still in darkness. "But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them ( 1 John 2:11-NIV).

Darkness is a place. Outer darkness according to the Parable of the Talents where the wicked and unprofitable servants are consigned (Matt.25:30).

(See entry under Z-Zoar)

In our present time man and nations in their hate are like foolish builders and their sand castles shall not stand.

Hi Giannis,

We had this point earlier also discussed in this forum. Macheira in Greek is knife and in the context of the account as set down by the Spirit it was not everyday life he is placing emphasis as with an eye towards their calling. "I have overcome the world"( John 16:33) is a direct statement from Jesus. So it is appropriate to take it as sword, a ceremonial one at that. With joy and peace,

Guess nothing new to report on your prayer request on the house issue.

Again; if I haven't said it already clearly enough; I appreciate your steadfastness in this friendship in Christ for prayers and always seeking His face. I have a personal prayer request but since it doesn't match the forum here I'll put it in the prayer session.

I have often thought of Esau trying to find forgiveness with tears. Wondering if I were in the same situation. That indeed is a most "sobering" passage to consider.

Momsage, The people of Israel are going through so much pain and suffering at this time. About 20% of the population are Jews. The rest are people from all nations of the earth. All are being affected by this war. I do pray often for those involved in this war. It is very awful. And we can continue to pray for those in Ukraine. We can pray for the people of Taiwan to be kept safe from China. There are conflicts happening in the world that we may not even know of yet since not everything is reported in the news.

I believe that our focus is to love the people as Christ did. To pray for them as He did. To reach out to them as He did. To act towards others as He did.

I guess if people on this site know of wars that are happening that may not be reported on, I would like to know so I can pray specifically. There are opportunities to pray for others we don't know personally everyday. I pray for the ones holding signs along the road asking for help. I may not be able to participate in solving their problems, but I can pray for God to send them to the right places and for the best people to come their way who can help them.

I don't think anyone on this site is reluctant to pray for Jews. But if they are unbelievers, then they are the same as any other unbeliever-- Lost and enemies of God. They need to come to Christ in the same way as anyone else. They will not receive salvation just because they are Jews. So we pray for their hearts to be changed and open for the gospel of Christ and that the Holy Spirit will regenerate many. And we can pray for God's goodness to fall upon all who are being oppressed, being treated violently, who are in danger, and great need. We know He is merciful and compassionate, more than we can ever be. So we lay our prayers in His lap and trust that His ways are true and right and just-altogether good.

I agree Rainwalker. there are only two camps. One is either in Christ or not. And election does have much to do with this from

God's perspective. From ours, we either profess Jesus as Lord and Savior and God, and Creator, and King, and our Righteousness, or not

For the Jews, one was either a Jew or a gentile. The Jew being chosen by God and the gentiles not. But this is not truly so. Abraham was not a Jew, nor David, nor Noah, but they were chosen by God. Jesus cleared all that up through His teachings during his earthly life and through how He inspired Paul to write to the churches that were a mix of both Jew and gentile. Those in Christ are one in Him. Those not in Him are not united to Him as we are.

Jesus asking Peter, "Who do YOU say that I am?" is really the question of the ages, isn't it?

We can pray for any and all people to be blessed by God with salvation, provision, healing, and deliverance for we do not know whom God will show His favor to or send His Holy Spirit to sent to regenerate them into believers. There are almost 7 billion people on the earth now. God knows every single one through and through. But for His grace, we are all enemies of God due to our sinfulness. But to those He predestined, he called, and to those he called, he saved. We are among those He chose for redemption.

There are millions more chosen for salvation that need to come to Christ yet. We can pray for those brethren to be as well. As to those who will never come to Christ, I don't really know how to pray concerning that matter, only that we can never truly know if an unbeliever come to be a sheep or remain a goat . Therefore, we are to have compassion for all and a passion for all to come to the knowledge of the truth of salvation in Christ. May each of us on here be obedient to the call of God to be used for the bringing into the fellowship of believers those He selects to be in each of our lives.

Adam,

I agree. Anyone on this forum who says or believes that it is bad to follow Christ, or that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good, they are not true believers, and we are not to have fellowship with anyone who says these things.

What a blessed encounter. We never know all that God has in store for both people in such encounters, but I do believe that you both will be in a position to bless each with prayer since then. I will pray for this lovely lady, too. She needs to have the Bible filter out all that is impure in here walk with God. I believe the Holy Spirit will do just that. She desires to serve God and others in her life and God can and will use her. He is in the sanctifying business for all of us, her included.

It makes me think of the Jews of the early church who held onto the demands of Judaism even though they came to belief in Christ. Paul's conversion experience, his time in the desert with Jesus teaching him, and his commission to take the gospel to the gentiles caused him to shed the trappings of Judaism more quickly than most of his fellow Jewish believers. But these Jewish believers were saved, but not fully informed or "filtered" by the Holy Spirit to the point of shedding all they had been taught while only Jews. The same can be the case for many Catholics, who believe in Christ, yet the teachings of the Catholic Chruch are all they have known. The more they interact with Christians outside of the Catholic Church the more filtering that will happen where what is true passes through the filter but the errors are left behind. This is my prayer for this woman and others like her who have a love for our Lord.

One good way to determine if good works are truly being performed is if there is persecution and opposition. There are some; as you point out in Matthew 5:16 who will praise God seeing our good works (expect that is believers and perhaps unbelievers who are seeking the truth with an objective mind and open heart). This begs the question what good works actually are; especially in light of warnings about those who appear to be doing miracles in His Name even though in the end they are cast out and He never knew them. Knowing them in that sense would be an intimate knowledge; and of course involve the indwelling of the Spirit when He makes His home with them (see John 14:23).

To answer your point first; clearly bad works are evidence of bad fruit and hence an unregenerate heart. That comes from a lifestyle of sin that hasn't been changed; not from occasional sins that are still wrong but not something the Spirit will tolerate if we are one of His. Of course if we boast about all the great things we do for Christ it isn't edifying. The closest thing we can see in scripture is Paul where He had to give a laundry list of all the things to the Corinthians that he was suffering so as to keep them from being puffed up and to be able to take in the meat of the Word and stop living in carnality. His responsibility over the flock meant that they couldn't discredit God's character by exhibiting immature behavior so to disciple them this and sarcasm was needed.

Again the definition of works certainly involves our outer actions as James states must be present in helping a brother or sister in need not just words. It also would involve good fruit of character and things such as loving other Christians; having a listening ear and a general attitude of service. For instance; we can feed the hungry but also provide opportunities for them to hear the Gospel. Such actions need not be mutually exclusive.

Hi Momsage

I actually replied to an earlier comment of yours, that you asked what we think of Israel and if they are special to God.

GBU

I often hear anti-works messages quoting Ephesians 2:8-9, but they leave out the very next verse 10 which says:

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 KJV

We were created to do good works, but some like to shame others and claim that doing good works is bad because they assume it somehow takes away from grace, or assume effort is bad, assume there's instructions against it. Then oddly, they don't shame bad works though. They just say being bad is fine because its covered by grace, even if done intentionally, even if to harm others to the maximum degree, with no limits apparently, even blaspheming the holy spirit?, contrary to the scriptures. Someone has to ignore so many scriptures in the Bible to arrive at this conclusion and to massively cherry pick, like plucking out Eph 2, 8-9, but ignoring 10, ignoring James 2:17.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 KJV

Jesus said this. But this is like kryptonite to the anti-works group. They'd rather it say let your darkness shine that they may see your bad works, then they'd be ok with it?

Obviously satan is behind the distorting of the truth. He always twists everything to deceive people to believe the opposite is true. Imagine being a Christian and truly believing that its bad to follow Christ. Yet, I've seen comments even on this forum where people sometimes say this. We must be on our guard so we can discern truth from lies. 1 Peter 5:8

I feel led to post this info to counter anyone who may be indoctrinated by the false teachings. The best remedy is to read the Bible, not cherry pick. I don't know how anyone can read the entire Bible and come to the conclusion that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good. No one should expect to be saved if they are not even following Christ- not a Christian.

The Book of Daniel-1

Under the decree of King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel and other three noble youths were carried off to Babylon, along with part of the vessels of the temple. There he was obliged to enter into the service of the king of Babylon, and in accordance with the custom of the age received the Chaldean name of Belteshazzar, meaning "prince of Bel," This also explains why Daniel does not speak as the prophets hedging their messages with the usual formulae, for instance, 'Thus saith the Lord' as Nathan said to King David (2 Sa.12:7.)

Twelve chapters contained in the Book switch from Hebrew into Aramaic, which was often used in daily life while the formal occasions called for Hebrew. Daniel the seer interprets in the court of Babylon like Joseph before him, interprets the dreams of the king in chapters one to six while in the second half his dreams and visions would need help from angel of the Lord.

We shall consider one dream which is set forth in Ch.7." And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another." (v.3). Number Four signifies that it is in general terms we have the history of nations,- Israel, the Gentiles, Ideology of three ribs. These ribs are the doctrine of lies swallowed by the sons of perdition.

(See entry under B-Beast, The)

These ribs become three monsters in the fourth beast, which bring them even to our times. Totalitarian regimes, oligarchy and technology. This Iron monster relies on technology: .

Also significant is that the beast rising out of the sea is a composite image ('leopard, the bear,the mouth of a lion-Re.13:2) of the four beasts.

"The Book of Daniel"

Authorship of this book is credited to Daniel, who was a righteous man in the sight of God. Four times He refers his righteousness in contrast to the faithlessness of Israel. "Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God.".(Ez.14:14) Here we have a clue his role in the Salvation Plan of God. Noah belonged to the old world while Job was righteous in Patriarchal age, as a contemporary of Abraham. Whereas position of Daniel brought up in the court of a gentile kind sets him for the latter days.

The Spirit sets night visions, which are intended for our understanding of the divine Will. "The judgment was set; and the books were opened."( Dan. 7: 10) The book for this reason predicts evens far beyond the time of the creation as well as of the Gentiles. The book ends with the Angel of his Presence sidestepping the direct query of the Seer with these words, " But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.(10:12-13) (See under T-river of time)

"In his vision by the Tigris the angel of the Lord ('behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist') speaks to him thus: And he said to me, "For now I have been sent to you.( Dan 10:11)" The Spirit hints of the time of the Gentiles and it is by way of parenthesis, and explains. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days." (Dan.10:13). Twenty-one days (3x7) refers to the Son. The angel makes clear it is of the latter days with the second appearance of Christ.( "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days."(10:14) (See under M-parenthesis)

Yes I agree , may I expand ? I believe that God loves all of His creation , He certainly shows mercy and kindness to atheists and idolaters . I believe that God acts in everyone's lives , the problem is that a lot of people don't recognise Him and if they don't recognise Him they can't acknowledge Him and thank Him . We have to train our eyes and hearts and minds , to see Him at work in our lives and the lives of others , we have to acknowledge that everything , literally everything comes from Him and does so for a purpose and we have to recognise His righteousness and power and mercy and thank Him every day for every good thing in our lives . This means all the things we need , food , clean water , warmth , safe shelter and His Word , these are our only true needs , everything else is unnecessary but none the less a gift from God . I see Him every where every day , He is in the beautiful sky and all its different colours , never the same . He is in the birds singing , He is in my cats stunning eyes , He is in my kitchen , providing me with everything I need to cook a meal . Only when we can see Him can we acknowledge Him and thank Him . He is everything to us , He gives us everything and more , we need to see His love and beauty all over every day . When we acknowledge that we are nothing and have nothing without Him , then we can truly thank Him and love Him for His loving kindnesses that He pours all over His creation every day and for His beauty and generosity and mercy . It can be hard to see any good in this world , but it is here , only from Him though . Thy Kingdom Come .

The Cross and the Sword" (2 of 2)

In the Gospel of St Matthew we have this: "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword(Matt.26:51)".He was referring to the hour of darkness, and the ungodly were about to close in and his way to the cross was a signal for the enemies to gather in force. He knew the times. "Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, But this is your hour, and the power of darkness ( Luke 22: 52-53)"

"The Cross and the Sword" (1 of 2)

In Lucan gospel we have a saying of Jesus, coming as it is from the Servant-King is atypical. "Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one"( Luke 22:35).

St Luke makes it clear that the sword was their emblem of a new order they were entering into. It also fits with the subtext the narrative carrying along. As associates of Jesus they were also part of the kingdom he had promised (vv.29-30).

Symbolism of the sword is for every saint redeemed from the earth and they follow the white rider on a white horse. He is part of the great army following in the rear. "In righteousness he doth judge and make war." (Re.19:11). The sword is not forged in any fire kindled by man but from the fire that was symbolically present in the night vision of Daniel. The Ancient of day sat on a throne, "His throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire." (Dan.7:9) As human events unfold in earth this fire was streaming as with river of time.

(See entry under R-River of time)

The inaugural vision of St John made a composite image of the Father and the Son. The sword of the Spirit, 'which is the word of God' and it clears every offending thing, the remnant of iniquity, "were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth."(Re.19:21).

As Jesus is wrapping up earthly ministry they disciples were to be watchful (" Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning./ Lest coming suddenly he find you sle"- Mark 13:35-36) It was to be in readiness as soldiers awaiting the command of their Messiah-King for the battle. In the Gospel of St Matthew we have this: "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword(Matt.26:51)".

"Cross"

The cross first came into use as an emblem of Christianity after. Constantine the Great in 313 AD (on the eve of a crucial battle) seemed to have seen a flaming cross in the heavens bearing the inscription, "In hoc signo vinces", meaning 'By this sign thou shalt conquer'. Accordingly he adapted the cross and called it the Labarum.

Be that as it may a cross has two arms crossed so by mode of inversion he that came down from heaven is the same who ascended and the central beam tells its own story. ( John 3:13) The Son of man came down to fulfil the will of his Father. So the cross plank signifies the gospel he preached and his Great Commission connects the far ends of the earth into one fold.

Cross has undergone many shapes as the doctrine of God is suitably altered each after his own fashion. St Andrews cross is as different from St Antony's cross; for that matter Greek Orthodox cross differs from Latin cross. Despite of what names given to the type of cross, spiritual meaning can only be understood by taking up his cross and follow the way he chose. "He that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved"(Matt.24:13)

A cross is this made up two aspects in the ministry of Reconciliation in which direction and position bind heaven and the earth as one.

He became a curse for us fulfilling the provision of the Law of Moses. "Because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God's curse".(De.21:23) God willed also his Son to be the one who redeemed mankind. "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,(Gal.3:13).

His doctrine in the Son gave a position for all those who believed in God through his Son. He became the captain of their salvation from one end to the other.

Thanks for that excellent summation of Daniel . It's a book that always goes straight to my heart , maybe it's because I feel it's so real and relevant to us all as Christians in this world of idols and potential dangers . Two of my favourite verses : Ch 6 V 26+27 . Considering that the whole Bible is for our benefit and encouragement , a gift to us from our God to help us draw closer to Him , I always feel so safe when I read these verses . We have to believe that God loves each and everyone of us as much as He loved Daniel and that He would , will and maybe even has , done for us what He did for Daniel and his three friends . How many times in our lives has He pulled us out of the fire ? Shut lions mouths against us ? Some times we may know that He intervened on our behalf , other times He did it and we don't even know . We are all Daniel I think , let's hope we can be as strong and steadfast in our faith as he was .