There are eight essays in this series. The first two are introductory dealing with the how we reason the existence of God. The next six deal progressively with issues raised in discussing the existence of God.
Your comments will help sharpen my reasoning.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
REASONING DEDUCTIVELY
The reality of God is a hotly contested issue. My consideration of the arguments for and against God lead me to believe that there is a mix-up in the reasoning process. Those who contend for the presence of a God tend to view the details of the universe as the logical outcome of God.
Those who argue for no God view the details of the universe and conclude that a God is not required to explain the evidence that they have observed. If I am correct, this is a confusion of deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.
In the following essays I have tried to deduce what should happen beginning with the choice to accept the presence in the universe of a Supreme God, a Most High God, above all other gods as a known fact. By following this definition, I want to reason the consequences of such a God.
Deduce: > Latin deducere, to lead down, bring away de down + ducere to lead 1. To trace the course or derivation of 2. To infer by logical reasoning; reason out or conclude from known facts or general principles. (Webster’s New World Dictionary, World Publishing Co., 1970)
Critics will accuse me of creating my own God or using the God of the Bible who was created by the people of ancient times, especially the Jews. I would answer that the proof for such a God is, not in a creation by the people and for the people, but in the life, teachings, death, resurrection and ascension of the person Jesus of Nazareth. He verifies the God of the biblical Old Testament.
Another accusation critics may make is that I do not consider the evidence of a natural world without a God and which does not need a God. However, as I see it, I do consider this evidence but see it as the outcome of the presence of God. I do not approach it as the building blocks pointing to the presence of God. I do struggle with being consistent in framing my argument according to deductive reasoning.
It seems natural to see this evidence as pieces in the puzzle that will eventually lead to a definition God. In other words, the process of debating the presence of God tempts me, at times, to reason inductively. To inductively reason the presence of God is another challenge. And, by the way, inductive reasoning is the main core of the scientific method. "The use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this process." is the definition of science. ( Science, Evolution, and Creationism, National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, The National Academies Press, Washington D.C., 2008, p 10.)
"But science is a way of knowing that differs from other ways in its dependence on empirical evidence and testable explanations." (op. cit. p 12.)
Science and creationism will never agree according to this definition of science. Science will not consider natural phenomena mixed with supernatural. It considers only empirical evidence and testable explanations. Supernatural phenomena is not testable. Although it is not testable, it does not have to be false. Neither do the human observations and conclusions of science have to be true.
Those who argue for no God view the details of the universe and conclude that a God is not required to explain the evidence that they have observed. If I am correct, this is a confusion of deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.
In the following essays I have tried to deduce what should happen beginning with the choice to accept the presence in the universe of a Supreme God, a Most High God, above all other gods as a known fact. By following this definition, I want to reason the consequences of such a God.
Deduce: > Latin deducere, to lead down, bring away de down + ducere to lead 1. To trace the course or derivation of 2. To infer by logical reasoning; reason out or conclude from known facts or general principles. (Webster’s New World Dictionary, World Publishing Co., 1970)
Critics will accuse me of creating my own God or using the God of the Bible who was created by the people of ancient times, especially the Jews. I would answer that the proof for such a God is, not in a creation by the people and for the people, but in the life, teachings, death, resurrection and ascension of the person Jesus of Nazareth. He verifies the God of the biblical Old Testament.
Another accusation critics may make is that I do not consider the evidence of a natural world without a God and which does not need a God. However, as I see it, I do consider this evidence but see it as the outcome of the presence of God. I do not approach it as the building blocks pointing to the presence of God. I do struggle with being consistent in framing my argument according to deductive reasoning.
It seems natural to see this evidence as pieces in the puzzle that will eventually lead to a definition God. In other words, the process of debating the presence of God tempts me, at times, to reason inductively. To inductively reason the presence of God is another challenge. And, by the way, inductive reasoning is the main core of the scientific method. "The use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this process." is the definition of science. ( Science, Evolution, and Creationism, National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, The National Academies Press, Washington D.C., 2008, p 10.)
"But science is a way of knowing that differs from other ways in its dependence on empirical evidence and testable explanations." (op. cit. p 12.)
Science and creationism will never agree according to this definition of science. Science will not consider natural phenomena mixed with supernatural. It considers only empirical evidence and testable explanations. Supernatural phenomena is not testable. Although it is not testable, it does not have to be false. Neither do the human observations and conclusions of science have to be true.
MORE THOUGHTS ON THE REASONING PROCESS
Bits of arguments, pieces of evidence, generate an hypothesis. When there are enough bits and pieces that support the hypothesis, the hypothesis becomes a theory. The theory becomes a law, a guiding principle, or an assumed fact. This is the scientific method which is founded on inductive reasoning.
Inductive reasoning is the same process used to determine innocence or guilt. When all the evidence has been presented and all the witnesses have been examined, the defense and the prosecution sum up their case and give it to the jury for a verdict. The accumulation of evidence, for and against is weighed and the new judgement announced. The sum of the parts generates a hypothesis.
Inductive reasoning begins with observation of data with similar, but not necessarily identical, characteristics. Careful, analytical study of the data collected yields a hypothesis which is repeatedly tested with further observation of more data until an exhaustive amount of data has been analyzed without challenging the hypothesis. It is a tedious, unending process and assumes that at some point all data applicable would be known verifying the hypothesis.
Reverse the process. Now, the hypothesis/principle yields numerous parts. If the hypothesis/principle is valid, then the consequences naturally follow. The consequences collectively support the hypothesis practiced by inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning begins with a principle which produces a set of results. While inductive reasoning begins with collecting a set of results to arrive at a hypothesis. Deductive reasoning begins with a principle and then looks at available consequences. The known consequences may be many or few. The more the better. However, it is limited by the knowledge and experience of the investigator. To the critic there is inadequate support because deductive reasoning easily allows a principle to stand untouched by other data which may prove it invalid.
If data were stacked one on top of the other to form a lengthy column and on the top and the bottom of the column an appropriate hypothesis was scrolled, the deductive reasoner would say all the data is the consequences of the principle and ignore the bottom line while the inductive reasoner would say all the data is summarized in the hypothesis and ignore the top line. Could the principle and the hypothesis ever be the same? They could be. Does cause produce certain effects or do effects lead to the cause?
The inductive reasoning which leads to the theory of evolution is at odds with the deductive statements of creation with consequent results. Both view the same data but from different ends of the spectrum. The principle of the creationist is not the same as the hypothesis of the evolutionist. And, they never will be. For the creationist assumes God and consequent actions while the scientific evolutionist, who by definition is a naturalist, does not consider God and finds it impossible to assume an unpredictable factor such as the supernatural in his observations and testing. They both look at the column of data. One says it is the result of God. The other says it has no relevance to God. And both think that the other should admit their mistake and see it differently. These essays are an effort to reason deductively choosing to accept, as fact, the presence of Supreme God, as Joe does in "There is, There is Not."
Inductive reasoning is the same process used to determine innocence or guilt. When all the evidence has been presented and all the witnesses have been examined, the defense and the prosecution sum up their case and give it to the jury for a verdict. The accumulation of evidence, for and against is weighed and the new judgement announced. The sum of the parts generates a hypothesis.
Inductive reasoning begins with observation of data with similar, but not necessarily identical, characteristics. Careful, analytical study of the data collected yields a hypothesis which is repeatedly tested with further observation of more data until an exhaustive amount of data has been analyzed without challenging the hypothesis. It is a tedious, unending process and assumes that at some point all data applicable would be known verifying the hypothesis.
Reverse the process. Now, the hypothesis/principle yields numerous parts. If the hypothesis/principle is valid, then the consequences naturally follow. The consequences collectively support the hypothesis practiced by inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning begins with a principle which produces a set of results. While inductive reasoning begins with collecting a set of results to arrive at a hypothesis. Deductive reasoning begins with a principle and then looks at available consequences. The known consequences may be many or few. The more the better. However, it is limited by the knowledge and experience of the investigator. To the critic there is inadequate support because deductive reasoning easily allows a principle to stand untouched by other data which may prove it invalid.
If data were stacked one on top of the other to form a lengthy column and on the top and the bottom of the column an appropriate hypothesis was scrolled, the deductive reasoner would say all the data is the consequences of the principle and ignore the bottom line while the inductive reasoner would say all the data is summarized in the hypothesis and ignore the top line. Could the principle and the hypothesis ever be the same? They could be. Does cause produce certain effects or do effects lead to the cause?
The inductive reasoning which leads to the theory of evolution is at odds with the deductive statements of creation with consequent results. Both view the same data but from different ends of the spectrum. The principle of the creationist is not the same as the hypothesis of the evolutionist. And, they never will be. For the creationist assumes God and consequent actions while the scientific evolutionist, who by definition is a naturalist, does not consider God and finds it impossible to assume an unpredictable factor such as the supernatural in his observations and testing. They both look at the column of data. One says it is the result of God. The other says it has no relevance to God. And both think that the other should admit their mistake and see it differently. These essays are an effort to reason deductively choosing to accept, as fact, the presence of Supreme God, as Joe does in "There is, There is Not."
Part I THERE IS, THERE IS NOT GOD
Either, there is God or there is not God. How can Joe be convinced of which statement is true and which is false? However, upon one of these two statements his world view is determined.
Joe’s verdict about the existence or the non-existence of God is not dependent upon what Joe thinks or says. He may say there is God with all sincerity and conviction. But, if there is not God, all of Joe’s rhetoric and reason cannot create God. The same is true if Joe swears God is not.
God’s existence or non-existence does not depend upon what anybody wants to think or boldly proclaim. There is God, or there is not God. There may be many objects or personalities claiming to be a god. But, there can only be one God which is Supreme over all man, over what man fashions with his intellect or hands, over animals, over plants, and over whatever else exists.
God is the Most High, Ultimate, Timeless (for if limited by time, time would be most high), All-powerful (if not, whatever exceeded his power would be Supreme), All-knowing (if not, you are right, the more knowing must be Supreme), All-present (anything capable of limiting His presence would be greater than Him), Truth (if not, the contradiction would make deception greater), Love, (which builds-up rather than destroys), the First without beginning, and the Last without end, the Eternal. There may be lessor gods trying to usurp the position of God. Joe may choose from among men, from among all which men have invented or fashioned with their minds or hands, from among the animals, from among the plants, from among the sun, moon and stars.
There is no end to what Joe may choose to be god. But, there can only be one that truly is God. I would add that all others are limited by time and therefore time would be greater than any god that Joe would select. However, time cannot be God because time must be measured and the standard for measurement would be greater than time. Measureless time could be considered, but time cannot be without beginning or end. Time is the choice of many of Joe’s friends. Their universe rests upon the length of time marking the beginning of the Big Bang or some other cataclysmic event which released the energy for the beginning of life and the future however long that may be. However, the elements which released the energy would be greater than time for without the elements, time would have no beginning. Time is a poor choice for a god. Perhaps the elements would be a better choice. However, the energy contained in the elements is more powerful than the element itself. Without that energy the Big Bang or other cataclysmic event would not happen. And, even the energy would be restrained until the Big Bang. That would make the restraining power greater than the energy. But a power greater than the restraining power of energy must have been first in order to place the restraint upon energy.
Poor Joe, he says that there is God. He is convinced that all that exists is subject to the whims of God. Joe says, "A Supreme God who revealed himself would be more desirable than a Supreme God who ruled without giving a clue as to his expectations. A Supreme God who ruled in a chaotic, disorderly manner would not be acceptable. Therefore,"he says, "I would look for God to reveal his expectations in a manner which displays a constant, dependable order." Joe says, "There is God." But, if Joe does not or cannot, satisfy the expectations of Supreme God, he is at God’s disposal. For what All-powerful God would allow Joe to become superior to him by disobedience?
The wrath of Supreme God is justifiable upon anybody who ignorantly or willfully challenges His authority. Likewise, His favor is justifiable upon those who respect and pursue His expectations. Joe did not say, "I believe in a god." Or, "I acknowledge there is a god." He did say, "I believe God." Or, "I acknowledge God." To believe, or believing implies trust upon, commitment to, a dependable (which is open for interpretation) object or being, in Joe’s case, the Supreme God.
Joe cannot trust a god, or any god. He can trust God. Neither does Joe acknowledge just any god. He only acknowledges the Supreme God. When he acknowledges God, Supreme, Ultimate, All-powerful, etc., he recognizes the identity of whom it is he acknowledges. Does this place an obligation upon Joe? Yes, Joe can choose to live like there is no God, although there is. Or, Joe can choose to live like there is God. In the first instance, Joe can choose to live the lie. In the second, Joe can choose to live the truth. I am interested in how Joe would live the truth.
When Joe responds truthfully to the statement that there is God, how then does he live? In the presence of a Supreme Power above all other forces, Joe is an almost insignificant player. When considering all the demonstrations of energy that surpass the human ability, Joe comes far short. There are the winds, the lightning, volcanoes and earthquakes. There are hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, and ocean currents. There are the sun and the stars, the nuclear bomb and gravity. Joe cannot imitate nor approach the powers of nature, let alone God. Still Joe says, "There is power greater than all these. It is God. I live in that presence of Supreme Power. I will respect, honor, submit, and praise God whether driven by fear or in response to God’s love. "There is God, the All-knowing. I will search for wisdom and knowledge in comprehending the incomprehensible. For I can know in part, but never be all-knowing. If so, I would be more knowing than God which is not possible according to the criteria of God. I will humbly seek to understand His ways realizing that complete understanding is beyond me."
"There is God, All-present. Where can I hide? He is in the mountains, above the clouds, under the sea; in the forest, above the stars, under the sod. He is ever and everywhere present at all times. I can hide no secret for He is at my side. I can travel to the ends of the earth and the universe and He is still at my side. And, more than that, He abides within me. I will tell him my hopes, my hurts and my happiness. Confess my sins, my failures and my arrogance. "There is God, Truth. In God there is no deceit, no tricks, no contradictions. How can I be less than honest, open, and transparent, especially in relationship with God? And, then if I be that way with All-powerful, All-knowing, All-present, Supreme Truth, God, why should I be less with fellow man?
"There is God. I must reflect his character in all of life. It is Love, I must love as He does. It is Eternal. I must live with eternity in mind. "But, I often fail to reflect his character. What should I expect. I am not God. Only he can be all of the above. He is more than that. Love came down to be born of woman, live among men yet fully God. The Perfect died on a cross for all those who are not. The Eternal submitted to death, was buried three days before He overcame the power of death to walk and talk among men for a time and then ascended into the heavens while men and women watched. The Eternal, the Perfect, All-powerful, All-knowing, Love did it for me. I will cling to him that he might bring me into the presence of the Most High, God.
"There is God." Joe says. "May my life be a reflection of Him."
Joe’s verdict about the existence or the non-existence of God is not dependent upon what Joe thinks or says. He may say there is God with all sincerity and conviction. But, if there is not God, all of Joe’s rhetoric and reason cannot create God. The same is true if Joe swears God is not.
God’s existence or non-existence does not depend upon what anybody wants to think or boldly proclaim. There is God, or there is not God. There may be many objects or personalities claiming to be a god. But, there can only be one God which is Supreme over all man, over what man fashions with his intellect or hands, over animals, over plants, and over whatever else exists.
God is the Most High, Ultimate, Timeless (for if limited by time, time would be most high), All-powerful (if not, whatever exceeded his power would be Supreme), All-knowing (if not, you are right, the more knowing must be Supreme), All-present (anything capable of limiting His presence would be greater than Him), Truth (if not, the contradiction would make deception greater), Love, (which builds-up rather than destroys), the First without beginning, and the Last without end, the Eternal. There may be lessor gods trying to usurp the position of God. Joe may choose from among men, from among all which men have invented or fashioned with their minds or hands, from among the animals, from among the plants, from among the sun, moon and stars.
There is no end to what Joe may choose to be god. But, there can only be one that truly is God. I would add that all others are limited by time and therefore time would be greater than any god that Joe would select. However, time cannot be God because time must be measured and the standard for measurement would be greater than time. Measureless time could be considered, but time cannot be without beginning or end. Time is the choice of many of Joe’s friends. Their universe rests upon the length of time marking the beginning of the Big Bang or some other cataclysmic event which released the energy for the beginning of life and the future however long that may be. However, the elements which released the energy would be greater than time for without the elements, time would have no beginning. Time is a poor choice for a god. Perhaps the elements would be a better choice. However, the energy contained in the elements is more powerful than the element itself. Without that energy the Big Bang or other cataclysmic event would not happen. And, even the energy would be restrained until the Big Bang. That would make the restraining power greater than the energy. But a power greater than the restraining power of energy must have been first in order to place the restraint upon energy.
Poor Joe, he says that there is God. He is convinced that all that exists is subject to the whims of God. Joe says, "A Supreme God who revealed himself would be more desirable than a Supreme God who ruled without giving a clue as to his expectations. A Supreme God who ruled in a chaotic, disorderly manner would not be acceptable. Therefore,"he says, "I would look for God to reveal his expectations in a manner which displays a constant, dependable order." Joe says, "There is God." But, if Joe does not or cannot, satisfy the expectations of Supreme God, he is at God’s disposal. For what All-powerful God would allow Joe to become superior to him by disobedience?
The wrath of Supreme God is justifiable upon anybody who ignorantly or willfully challenges His authority. Likewise, His favor is justifiable upon those who respect and pursue His expectations. Joe did not say, "I believe in a god." Or, "I acknowledge there is a god." He did say, "I believe God." Or, "I acknowledge God." To believe, or believing implies trust upon, commitment to, a dependable (which is open for interpretation) object or being, in Joe’s case, the Supreme God.
Joe cannot trust a god, or any god. He can trust God. Neither does Joe acknowledge just any god. He only acknowledges the Supreme God. When he acknowledges God, Supreme, Ultimate, All-powerful, etc., he recognizes the identity of whom it is he acknowledges. Does this place an obligation upon Joe? Yes, Joe can choose to live like there is no God, although there is. Or, Joe can choose to live like there is God. In the first instance, Joe can choose to live the lie. In the second, Joe can choose to live the truth. I am interested in how Joe would live the truth.
When Joe responds truthfully to the statement that there is God, how then does he live? In the presence of a Supreme Power above all other forces, Joe is an almost insignificant player. When considering all the demonstrations of energy that surpass the human ability, Joe comes far short. There are the winds, the lightning, volcanoes and earthquakes. There are hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, and ocean currents. There are the sun and the stars, the nuclear bomb and gravity. Joe cannot imitate nor approach the powers of nature, let alone God. Still Joe says, "There is power greater than all these. It is God. I live in that presence of Supreme Power. I will respect, honor, submit, and praise God whether driven by fear or in response to God’s love. "There is God, the All-knowing. I will search for wisdom and knowledge in comprehending the incomprehensible. For I can know in part, but never be all-knowing. If so, I would be more knowing than God which is not possible according to the criteria of God. I will humbly seek to understand His ways realizing that complete understanding is beyond me."
"There is God, All-present. Where can I hide? He is in the mountains, above the clouds, under the sea; in the forest, above the stars, under the sod. He is ever and everywhere present at all times. I can hide no secret for He is at my side. I can travel to the ends of the earth and the universe and He is still at my side. And, more than that, He abides within me. I will tell him my hopes, my hurts and my happiness. Confess my sins, my failures and my arrogance. "There is God, Truth. In God there is no deceit, no tricks, no contradictions. How can I be less than honest, open, and transparent, especially in relationship with God? And, then if I be that way with All-powerful, All-knowing, All-present, Supreme Truth, God, why should I be less with fellow man?
"There is God. I must reflect his character in all of life. It is Love, I must love as He does. It is Eternal. I must live with eternity in mind. "But, I often fail to reflect his character. What should I expect. I am not God. Only he can be all of the above. He is more than that. Love came down to be born of woman, live among men yet fully God. The Perfect died on a cross for all those who are not. The Eternal submitted to death, was buried three days before He overcame the power of death to walk and talk among men for a time and then ascended into the heavens while men and women watched. The Eternal, the Perfect, All-powerful, All-knowing, Love did it for me. I will cling to him that he might bring me into the presence of the Most High, God.
"There is God." Joe says. "May my life be a reflection of Him."
PART II PROOF: THERE IS GOD
(This is inductive reasoning using the interpretation of data to reach the hypothesis.)
"How can I know that there is God?" Joe asks. "The arguments are two thousand, and more years old The opponents speak them well.. It is the Creator God which they dispute. What can be said beyond reason? Even if I thought reason indisputable, what more could I appeal to? The stakes are higher. The evidence is amazing. I’ll appeal to history, the life of Jesus of Nazareth."
He was long expected to appear. In the ancient Hebrew Scriptures references to his appearing flowed from the lips of God’s prophets. A nation selected by God to be his special people longed for the Messiah, the One sent from God. They were a wayward people much like people of today. However, in many unique and miraculous ways God kept his hand upon them, rescuing them, admonishing them, blessing them and disciplining them. This is the God who either is or is not. The nation Israel’s history is meticulously reported with its glamour and rebellion.
Interwoven into that history is the mysterious hand of God intervening in the affairs of individuals and the whole nation and promising the coming of Messiah. His name is known in the historical records, not just the Gospels, but in correspondence of the time. His miraculous birth is told in the three of the four Gospels in the New Testament, and more so in the rejected gospels.
His claim that he was one with the Father in heaven, his Son, makes him to be either a lunatic or truly the Son of God. The miracles recorded in the Gospels suggest supernatural power as Nicodemus said, ‘No man could do the things you do except God be with him.’ However, the ultimate test is, not his death, but the empty tomb wherein they laid his body, and the claim that he was seen by many after his death until he ascended into the clouds. That part of the story sounds like somebody’s dream. Was it a dream or reality? Was it part of the plan of God? His death is contested by some who say that he was only faint or in a coma. Although his last words on the cross were, "Father, why have you forsaken me?" and, "Into your hands I commend my spirit," some maintain that he did not die. The Roman soldiers at the cross were experienced executioners. They would know death. Just to be sure, they pierced his side with a sword. Not only was his body ravaged from scourging, bruised from mockery and bleeding before being nailed to the cross, he hung in such a way that when he became tired and weak he would die from suffocation. Nobody contested his death when the took him from the cross, wrapped his body with bands of cloth for burial in the tomb of Joseph of Arimethea. But, this was only the beginning. The Jews feared that his disciples might steal the body and claim his resurrection.
While the disciples hid in fear that they may be the next to die on a cross, the Jews persuaded the Roman authorities to place a guard at the tomb and the Roman seal on the rock closing the entrance. Failure of the guard in performance of their duty could also mean their death. His enemies took every precaution possible to keep the body in the tomb. When they failed, the Jews bribed the soldiers to say that the disciples stole the body. There was no resurrection for the body had been moved to a new tomb. However, the disciples were still huddling in fear when three of the women returned from the tomb reporting that the body was missing. The stone was rolled away. They saw an angel sitting in the tomb who said, "He is risen!" Mary Magdalene said that she had spoken with someone whom she thought was the gardener. When he said, "Mary," she recognized him as Jesus. But, he said, "Do not touch me for I must go to the Father." Two of the disciples, Peter and John, ran to the tomb to see for themselves. Stunned, they returned to other disciples. In the weeks that followed Jesus appeared to his followers time and time again. Of course, the critics would call this a fairy tale ending concocted by his followers. It would take the persecution of His followers to prove his tomb was empty and his body was not hidden elsewhere. Even if the disciples had somehow in their frightened estate managed to overcome the guards, roll the stone away, and steal the body, it would have been very difficult to move the body to another location without being seen. The streets were full of Jewish pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. Maybe, they did manage to elude the people and move the body unnoticed to a new location. When the followers of the Way, as they were known, were being imprisoned and murdered, why didn’t the disciples reveal the hidden body and prevent further persecution? After all, Jesus taught them to love one another. To practice lies and deceit was contrary to His teachings. Just produce the body and this nightmare would go away. But, there was no body of Jesus anywhere in or near Jerusalem, neither anywhere on earth.
Truly, Jesus was the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the ultimate proof of the God who intervened in the history of Israel. Philosophers reason that He is or is not. It depends upon their prejudice. But, the historical Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God proves by his life, his teachings, his resurrection that the God of ancient Israel is for real.
"How can I know that there is God?" Joe asks. "The arguments are two thousand, and more years old The opponents speak them well.. It is the Creator God which they dispute. What can be said beyond reason? Even if I thought reason indisputable, what more could I appeal to? The stakes are higher. The evidence is amazing. I’ll appeal to history, the life of Jesus of Nazareth."
He was long expected to appear. In the ancient Hebrew Scriptures references to his appearing flowed from the lips of God’s prophets. A nation selected by God to be his special people longed for the Messiah, the One sent from God. They were a wayward people much like people of today. However, in many unique and miraculous ways God kept his hand upon them, rescuing them, admonishing them, blessing them and disciplining them. This is the God who either is or is not. The nation Israel’s history is meticulously reported with its glamour and rebellion.
Interwoven into that history is the mysterious hand of God intervening in the affairs of individuals and the whole nation and promising the coming of Messiah. His name is known in the historical records, not just the Gospels, but in correspondence of the time. His miraculous birth is told in the three of the four Gospels in the New Testament, and more so in the rejected gospels.
His claim that he was one with the Father in heaven, his Son, makes him to be either a lunatic or truly the Son of God. The miracles recorded in the Gospels suggest supernatural power as Nicodemus said, ‘No man could do the things you do except God be with him.’ However, the ultimate test is, not his death, but the empty tomb wherein they laid his body, and the claim that he was seen by many after his death until he ascended into the clouds. That part of the story sounds like somebody’s dream. Was it a dream or reality? Was it part of the plan of God? His death is contested by some who say that he was only faint or in a coma. Although his last words on the cross were, "Father, why have you forsaken me?" and, "Into your hands I commend my spirit," some maintain that he did not die. The Roman soldiers at the cross were experienced executioners. They would know death. Just to be sure, they pierced his side with a sword. Not only was his body ravaged from scourging, bruised from mockery and bleeding before being nailed to the cross, he hung in such a way that when he became tired and weak he would die from suffocation. Nobody contested his death when the took him from the cross, wrapped his body with bands of cloth for burial in the tomb of Joseph of Arimethea. But, this was only the beginning. The Jews feared that his disciples might steal the body and claim his resurrection.
While the disciples hid in fear that they may be the next to die on a cross, the Jews persuaded the Roman authorities to place a guard at the tomb and the Roman seal on the rock closing the entrance. Failure of the guard in performance of their duty could also mean their death. His enemies took every precaution possible to keep the body in the tomb. When they failed, the Jews bribed the soldiers to say that the disciples stole the body. There was no resurrection for the body had been moved to a new tomb. However, the disciples were still huddling in fear when three of the women returned from the tomb reporting that the body was missing. The stone was rolled away. They saw an angel sitting in the tomb who said, "He is risen!" Mary Magdalene said that she had spoken with someone whom she thought was the gardener. When he said, "Mary," she recognized him as Jesus. But, he said, "Do not touch me for I must go to the Father." Two of the disciples, Peter and John, ran to the tomb to see for themselves. Stunned, they returned to other disciples. In the weeks that followed Jesus appeared to his followers time and time again. Of course, the critics would call this a fairy tale ending concocted by his followers. It would take the persecution of His followers to prove his tomb was empty and his body was not hidden elsewhere. Even if the disciples had somehow in their frightened estate managed to overcome the guards, roll the stone away, and steal the body, it would have been very difficult to move the body to another location without being seen. The streets were full of Jewish pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. Maybe, they did manage to elude the people and move the body unnoticed to a new location. When the followers of the Way, as they were known, were being imprisoned and murdered, why didn’t the disciples reveal the hidden body and prevent further persecution? After all, Jesus taught them to love one another. To practice lies and deceit was contrary to His teachings. Just produce the body and this nightmare would go away. But, there was no body of Jesus anywhere in or near Jerusalem, neither anywhere on earth.
Truly, Jesus was the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the ultimate proof of the God who intervened in the history of Israel. Philosophers reason that He is or is not. It depends upon their prejudice. But, the historical Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God proves by his life, his teachings, his resurrection that the God of ancient Israel is for real.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Part III GOD CREATED
Can anything happen that God does not know? Can anything happen in which God is not present? Can anything happen that God is unable to do?
God, who is Supreme, the Most High, the Almighty, the Eternal Eye, knows all, is everywhere present, and is uncontested in power. To be less than any of these is to be an inferior god.. Therefore, God created the universe and all that is in it.
In the act of creating God put in place all the laws which govern his creation. According to the definition of God, all physical laws, all biological laws, all moral/spiritual laws, must be subordinate to the will of God. The ecology of the earth, suns, moons, planets, and stars, all life forms and inanimate objects is his call. Nothing can supercede the act and will of God.
Physical laws govern the interaction and bonds of the elements macroscopically and microscopically. The combination of hydrogen and oxygen forms the amazing compound called water. The electronic attraction of these two elements allow two atoms of hydrogen to combine with one atom of oxygen, both gases in their original state, to form a liquid called water. Within each atom of oxygen and each atom of hydrogen electrons and protons orbit a nucleus similar to the planets orbiting the sun in our solar system. The numbers of electrons and protons orbiting the nucleus and their particular shell in which they orbit separate the elements from each other. This does not prove there is God, per se. It reveals laws which operate in the inanimate realm of the elements.
Biological laws determine the characteristics and behavior of living things. The determinative action of chromosomes and DNA provides the genetic code which explains the characteristics of a species and an individual of that species. The male and female of a species always produce another of their kind. A male and female dog which mate always give birth to puppies, young dogs. They never give birth to cats, rabbits, or mice. Like begets like. Genetic manipulation is possible to the extent allowed by the biological laws. This does not prove there is God, per se. It reveals laws which operate in the realm of the living.
Moral/spiritual laws also operate in the realm of the living. God is, and therefore God reveals his character in his creation and for the benefit of his creation. The act of creating, as in the act of writing this essay, reveals the values and priorities of the creator. Choosing the words and their arrangement in a sentence, paragraph and the whole opens a window to who I am. God opens a window to himself in his creation. The limitless universe reflects his eternal quality. The minute detail of the interior of an atom reflects his fondness for precision even in small things. The care of parents for their offspring reflects his care for all the living. The supremacy of man over all other living plants and animals reflects his supremacy over all things spiritual and material. The beauty of a sunrise and sunset, rainbow and clouds, snow topped mountains and lakes framed in green, the tumbling waters of the ocean and river falls, reflect his grandeur and grace. There is an expectation that all creation responds to the character of God. These moral/spiritual laws lubricate the ecology, and provide meaning and purpose to existence in his universe. It is like seeing the whole picture noting how each detail relates to the next, instead of just focusing on one detail at a time. Moral/spiritual laws reveal the nature of God but do not prove He is, per se.
Neither physical laws, biological laws nor moral/spiritual laws supercede God. Laws are not greater than the lawgiver. The lawgiver reflects his character in his laws. His laws are reliable and durable, changeless and effective. So is his nature. It is changeless, powerful, knowledgeable and trustworthy. So much so, that mankind banks on his character seldom giving credit to his being.
God, who is Supreme, the Most High, the Almighty, the Eternal Eye, knows all, is everywhere present, and is uncontested in power. To be less than any of these is to be an inferior god.. Therefore, God created the universe and all that is in it.
In the act of creating God put in place all the laws which govern his creation. According to the definition of God, all physical laws, all biological laws, all moral/spiritual laws, must be subordinate to the will of God. The ecology of the earth, suns, moons, planets, and stars, all life forms and inanimate objects is his call. Nothing can supercede the act and will of God.
Physical laws govern the interaction and bonds of the elements macroscopically and microscopically. The combination of hydrogen and oxygen forms the amazing compound called water. The electronic attraction of these two elements allow two atoms of hydrogen to combine with one atom of oxygen, both gases in their original state, to form a liquid called water. Within each atom of oxygen and each atom of hydrogen electrons and protons orbit a nucleus similar to the planets orbiting the sun in our solar system. The numbers of electrons and protons orbiting the nucleus and their particular shell in which they orbit separate the elements from each other. This does not prove there is God, per se. It reveals laws which operate in the inanimate realm of the elements.
Biological laws determine the characteristics and behavior of living things. The determinative action of chromosomes and DNA provides the genetic code which explains the characteristics of a species and an individual of that species. The male and female of a species always produce another of their kind. A male and female dog which mate always give birth to puppies, young dogs. They never give birth to cats, rabbits, or mice. Like begets like. Genetic manipulation is possible to the extent allowed by the biological laws. This does not prove there is God, per se. It reveals laws which operate in the realm of the living.
Moral/spiritual laws also operate in the realm of the living. God is, and therefore God reveals his character in his creation and for the benefit of his creation. The act of creating, as in the act of writing this essay, reveals the values and priorities of the creator. Choosing the words and their arrangement in a sentence, paragraph and the whole opens a window to who I am. God opens a window to himself in his creation. The limitless universe reflects his eternal quality. The minute detail of the interior of an atom reflects his fondness for precision even in small things. The care of parents for their offspring reflects his care for all the living. The supremacy of man over all other living plants and animals reflects his supremacy over all things spiritual and material. The beauty of a sunrise and sunset, rainbow and clouds, snow topped mountains and lakes framed in green, the tumbling waters of the ocean and river falls, reflect his grandeur and grace. There is an expectation that all creation responds to the character of God. These moral/spiritual laws lubricate the ecology, and provide meaning and purpose to existence in his universe. It is like seeing the whole picture noting how each detail relates to the next, instead of just focusing on one detail at a time. Moral/spiritual laws reveal the nature of God but do not prove He is, per se.
Neither physical laws, biological laws nor moral/spiritual laws supercede God. Laws are not greater than the lawgiver. The lawgiver reflects his character in his laws. His laws are reliable and durable, changeless and effective. So is his nature. It is changeless, powerful, knowledgeable and trustworthy. So much so, that mankind banks on his character seldom giving credit to his being.
Part IV GOD’S ABSOLUTE RULE
The Almighty, Most High God cannot be superseded by his creation. If that were possible He would not be the Most High God. Lessor gods, like those fashioned by the hands of man or ideological gods, cannot be superseded by their creators. They are the works or brainchild of man. They cannot be greater than man. Nothing and nobody can be greater than the Most High God.
Most High God would have absolute rule over whatever exists. Any attempt to violate or ignore His rule must be stymied. If not, the rebel or lawbreaker would have scorned the Almighty and if left undisciplined would actually become greater then He. His rules, laws, values must be obeyed or there will be dire consequences to the disobedient because God is the Almighty, not the rebel.
What is the origin of Satan, evil personified? Consider the possibility that God created a beautiful, powerful, wise creature who in pride and arrogance chose to rebel against the Most High. Now, if he could get away with it, he would actually be greater than God. Therefore, God must bring him under his absolute rule although he is the best of creation. Furthermore, suppose that this beautiful creature influenced others to rebel against God. They also must be brought under God’ absolute rule. Anybody, anything that challenges the authority of the Most High God must be subjugated, subdued, which is accomplished by some form of punishment or humiliation.
God protects, directs, and corrects his creation. Or, God loves his creation. It is His masterpiece. That includes Satan and those who have rebelled with him. Punishment may come immediately or postponed for a long time. It is considered mercy for a man guilty of a heinous crime to get life imprisonment rather than death. However, his punishment comes only at a much later date. In this sense, Satan and those who have rebelled with him have been given a life sentence. They are free to continue to rebel and continue to encourage all of creation to turn against the Most High God until their last hour, minute or second. They exist with this punishment hanging over their heads.
Why doesn’t God’s love allow them to repent and be pardoned? If His love is consistent towards all that He created, He would surely make it possible for them to be pardoned? Yes, however, Satan and those who rebelled with him apparently are so determined to become greater then God that there is no pretense of repenting. Either that, or God created them with a freewill to worship him or rebel and once the choice was made their was no turning back. The outcome would be the same. A hardhearted rebel will not return in submission to his antithesis. God’s absolute rule determines his fate.
Satan works on the heart of man and woman. Although his days may be numbered before his punishment, he strikes back by persuading the crown of God’s creation on earth to turn against God through disobedience. And, he has succeeded. He attacked the first man and women before they could conceive giving them the spiritual DNA that they would now pass on to all their descendants. Perfect success! Now all the descendants of man would have the tendency to rebel against God from birth. In essence, they would want to become greater than the Most High God by violating, ignoring God’s absolute rule. However, mankind was also created with a freewill. Those who exercise their freewill and choose to repent, God in his love and mercy accepts. Those who refuse and continue to rebel come under God’s wrath. Those who choose to pursue obedience to God win His favor. Those who disobey God receive His disfavor.
Joe chose a Most High, Almighty God, in the first essay. He pondered then how he should live. He must live under God’s absolute rule. God loves his creation protecting, directing and correcting it. Those who are submissive to Him receive His favor. Those who refuse His authority receive His disfavor.
Most High God would have absolute rule over whatever exists. Any attempt to violate or ignore His rule must be stymied. If not, the rebel or lawbreaker would have scorned the Almighty and if left undisciplined would actually become greater then He. His rules, laws, values must be obeyed or there will be dire consequences to the disobedient because God is the Almighty, not the rebel.
What is the origin of Satan, evil personified? Consider the possibility that God created a beautiful, powerful, wise creature who in pride and arrogance chose to rebel against the Most High. Now, if he could get away with it, he would actually be greater than God. Therefore, God must bring him under his absolute rule although he is the best of creation. Furthermore, suppose that this beautiful creature influenced others to rebel against God. They also must be brought under God’ absolute rule. Anybody, anything that challenges the authority of the Most High God must be subjugated, subdued, which is accomplished by some form of punishment or humiliation.
God protects, directs, and corrects his creation. Or, God loves his creation. It is His masterpiece. That includes Satan and those who have rebelled with him. Punishment may come immediately or postponed for a long time. It is considered mercy for a man guilty of a heinous crime to get life imprisonment rather than death. However, his punishment comes only at a much later date. In this sense, Satan and those who have rebelled with him have been given a life sentence. They are free to continue to rebel and continue to encourage all of creation to turn against the Most High God until their last hour, minute or second. They exist with this punishment hanging over their heads.
Why doesn’t God’s love allow them to repent and be pardoned? If His love is consistent towards all that He created, He would surely make it possible for them to be pardoned? Yes, however, Satan and those who rebelled with him apparently are so determined to become greater then God that there is no pretense of repenting. Either that, or God created them with a freewill to worship him or rebel and once the choice was made their was no turning back. The outcome would be the same. A hardhearted rebel will not return in submission to his antithesis. God’s absolute rule determines his fate.
Satan works on the heart of man and woman. Although his days may be numbered before his punishment, he strikes back by persuading the crown of God’s creation on earth to turn against God through disobedience. And, he has succeeded. He attacked the first man and women before they could conceive giving them the spiritual DNA that they would now pass on to all their descendants. Perfect success! Now all the descendants of man would have the tendency to rebel against God from birth. In essence, they would want to become greater than the Most High God by violating, ignoring God’s absolute rule. However, mankind was also created with a freewill. Those who exercise their freewill and choose to repent, God in his love and mercy accepts. Those who refuse and continue to rebel come under God’s wrath. Those who choose to pursue obedience to God win His favor. Those who disobey God receive His disfavor.
Joe chose a Most High, Almighty God, in the first essay. He pondered then how he should live. He must live under God’s absolute rule. God loves his creation protecting, directing and correcting it. Those who are submissive to Him receive His favor. Those who refuse His authority receive His disfavor.
Part V GOD PROTECTS, DIRECTS AND CORRECTS
God, the Creator of all that is, was, and will be, protects, directs, and corrects his creation. He is the Supreme, Most High God. As such, all that is, was and will be is under his Sovereignty. He cannot be superseded even by that which He has created. He has not subdued. He has not been rewarded. He rules by right of ownership and by right of origin.
As Creator, his creation is also his pride and joy. An artist does an exhibition to show-off his work, his creations. God, the Creator, the artist of the universe, remains involved with his works. They are for all creation to enjoy, to sing the praises of their originator. They are his exhibition. He presents his creation in its best condition protecting it from damaging forces. The damaging forces could not supersede his authority. All power and authority belong to the Most High God. Although forces attempt to destroy his exhibition, they cannot succeed. Destructive forces can frustrate, confuse, side-track God’s creation only to the extent which God allows.
If I, or any man, could comprehend all the thoughts and actions of God, we would be greater than God. God would become an object for us to observe, to investigate, and subject to experimentation. But, the Most High God cannot be contained in a test tube or laboratory. That which contained Him would be greater than He. Neither can He be comprehended. That is to say, God will always be a mystery to his creation.
One of those mysteries is the origin of the destructive force, evil. Is evil necessary to the understanding of a Most High God? Is there another way which would display Almighty God’s supremacy other than having it challenged by a slightly inferior force? Could God have created something equal to himself? Or, must that which is created always be slightly less than the creator? An artist creates a work that is inferior to himself. Parents give birth to progeny equal to themselves.
Which raises another question: Did God have a son? A son would be equal to the father. A son would be greater than all which God created. God, the father, would teach his son all that he knew and grant him all the privileges of the family. All that the father owned would be owned also by the son. It could be said that God, the father, and his son are equal.
Almighty God would love his son and his creation because both originated with Him. Both would also be objects of evil, the destructive force, which challenges the supremacy of God. One of the elements of God’s love for his son and his creation is witnessed as protection against the forces of evil. How does God protect his creation?
Bridges are built across wide and raging rivers. Some are suspended high above the waters. Others span the waters by only a few feet. All, with few exceptions, have railings on both sides of the bridge. God’s love has put railings along the road of life traveled by mankind. Guard rails are there to protect mankind from destruction. How could Creator God refuse to protect that which He has created?
Laws, commandments, warnings by His prophets are intended to keep man from destroying his freedom throughout life. Climbing over, jumping or crashing these guard rails puts mankind’s life and freedom at risk. However, the barriers may sometimes be breached without serious consequences and life will go on. God did not create robots. He created man with a freedom to choose to obey his laws, commandments, and warnings or to rebel and ignore them. Time will be lost while man tries to get back on the road. Or, man may be swept away by the force of the waters. The Creator God wants to protect his creation, although his creation flirts with destruction.
Guard rails are not enough. A loving God gives directions, or a road map, so that mankind, with the freedom to choose, can know the destination of his journey. It is much easier to follow the road and resist crossing the barriers when the twists and turns of the road leading to mankind’s destination can be known. Therefore, God, the Creator, declares to mankind the direction that He desires for His creation.
But, mankind wanders. He becomes distracted by the sights and smells along the road. A beautiful view captures his attention and suddenly he is crashing the barrier. A delightful aroma reaches his nostrils stirring his appetite and he finds himself swimming in the water. All the beautiful and amazing sights along the road are also part of God’s creation. The smell of cherry blossoms and roses are part of God’s creation. How would a loving God respond to mankind when temptations send man crashing through the barriers?
For the person who desires to get back on the road and proceed to his final destination, there must be available the element of correction. Somehow this person must change the direction he is going and get back on the road. But, first the traveler must realize that he is no longer on the road and is thrashing through the wilderness. A loving God would somehow reveal this to the traveler. However, it is not enough to realize you are off the road. You must know how to change directions and get on the road again. A loving God would reach out and reveal to you how to get back on the road. "I’m lost. I need help." the traveler cries. "Here is the way. I won't hold it against you." comes the response. The Creator God makes it possible for mankind who accidentally or intentionally crashes the barrier, to get back on the road as soon as the traveler realizes the need.
Therefore, the Creator God stays involved with his masterpiece. He protects it from damage, give directions to how it should exist, and corrects any flaws along the way until it reaches its final destination. However, mankind has been created with the freedom to choose. He may reject any or all that God offers.
As Creator, his creation is also his pride and joy. An artist does an exhibition to show-off his work, his creations. God, the Creator, the artist of the universe, remains involved with his works. They are for all creation to enjoy, to sing the praises of their originator. They are his exhibition. He presents his creation in its best condition protecting it from damaging forces. The damaging forces could not supersede his authority. All power and authority belong to the Most High God. Although forces attempt to destroy his exhibition, they cannot succeed. Destructive forces can frustrate, confuse, side-track God’s creation only to the extent which God allows.
If I, or any man, could comprehend all the thoughts and actions of God, we would be greater than God. God would become an object for us to observe, to investigate, and subject to experimentation. But, the Most High God cannot be contained in a test tube or laboratory. That which contained Him would be greater than He. Neither can He be comprehended. That is to say, God will always be a mystery to his creation.
One of those mysteries is the origin of the destructive force, evil. Is evil necessary to the understanding of a Most High God? Is there another way which would display Almighty God’s supremacy other than having it challenged by a slightly inferior force? Could God have created something equal to himself? Or, must that which is created always be slightly less than the creator? An artist creates a work that is inferior to himself. Parents give birth to progeny equal to themselves.
Which raises another question: Did God have a son? A son would be equal to the father. A son would be greater than all which God created. God, the father, would teach his son all that he knew and grant him all the privileges of the family. All that the father owned would be owned also by the son. It could be said that God, the father, and his son are equal.
Almighty God would love his son and his creation because both originated with Him. Both would also be objects of evil, the destructive force, which challenges the supremacy of God. One of the elements of God’s love for his son and his creation is witnessed as protection against the forces of evil. How does God protect his creation?
Bridges are built across wide and raging rivers. Some are suspended high above the waters. Others span the waters by only a few feet. All, with few exceptions, have railings on both sides of the bridge. God’s love has put railings along the road of life traveled by mankind. Guard rails are there to protect mankind from destruction. How could Creator God refuse to protect that which He has created?
Laws, commandments, warnings by His prophets are intended to keep man from destroying his freedom throughout life. Climbing over, jumping or crashing these guard rails puts mankind’s life and freedom at risk. However, the barriers may sometimes be breached without serious consequences and life will go on. God did not create robots. He created man with a freedom to choose to obey his laws, commandments, and warnings or to rebel and ignore them. Time will be lost while man tries to get back on the road. Or, man may be swept away by the force of the waters. The Creator God wants to protect his creation, although his creation flirts with destruction.
Guard rails are not enough. A loving God gives directions, or a road map, so that mankind, with the freedom to choose, can know the destination of his journey. It is much easier to follow the road and resist crossing the barriers when the twists and turns of the road leading to mankind’s destination can be known. Therefore, God, the Creator, declares to mankind the direction that He desires for His creation.
But, mankind wanders. He becomes distracted by the sights and smells along the road. A beautiful view captures his attention and suddenly he is crashing the barrier. A delightful aroma reaches his nostrils stirring his appetite and he finds himself swimming in the water. All the beautiful and amazing sights along the road are also part of God’s creation. The smell of cherry blossoms and roses are part of God’s creation. How would a loving God respond to mankind when temptations send man crashing through the barriers?
For the person who desires to get back on the road and proceed to his final destination, there must be available the element of correction. Somehow this person must change the direction he is going and get back on the road. But, first the traveler must realize that he is no longer on the road and is thrashing through the wilderness. A loving God would somehow reveal this to the traveler. However, it is not enough to realize you are off the road. You must know how to change directions and get on the road again. A loving God would reach out and reveal to you how to get back on the road. "I’m lost. I need help." the traveler cries. "Here is the way. I won't hold it against you." comes the response. The Creator God makes it possible for mankind who accidentally or intentionally crashes the barrier, to get back on the road as soon as the traveler realizes the need.
Therefore, the Creator God stays involved with his masterpiece. He protects it from damage, give directions to how it should exist, and corrects any flaws along the way until it reaches its final destination. However, mankind has been created with the freedom to choose. He may reject any or all that God offers.
Part VI GOD REVEALS HIMSELF
The Almighty God who cannot be superseded by anybody or anything creates his masterpiece in the universe including all the galaxies, all existing beings, the earth, and all that is found on the earth. God rules with absolute power or He cannot be the Most High God. He also loves his masterpiece by protecting, directing, and correcting it. His masterpiece includes all of mankind, the crown of his creation on earth.
Such an awesome, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present God, whose love for his masterpiece cannot be surpassed by anybody or anything, chooses to reveal himself to mankind. His absolute power and his love for his creation leads to a revelation of his nature and expectations for creation, especially mankind. This revelation is complete. First as it was documented in contemporary events, which are now in the past or historical, and second in actions. His revelation is complete in words and actions.
His revelation could also be considered as first by the testimony of others who recognized supernatural intervention in the affairs of mankind, and second by the personal interaction with mankind. First, God intervened in the events of mankind and gave to man the insight to recognize that indeed these events, these words, were from the Almighty God. Second, He identified Himself as a man and walked among mankind on earth both living and teaching the revelation of Himself. What more could He do?
His first revelation of Himself shows the connectedness between the Most High God, the Creator, and His creation, especially mankind. Mankind is not on an ego trip by considering himself to be superior to the rest of creation. In practice it is obvious who is highest ranked of creation. Mankind exercises his power and influence upon the rest of creation both animate and inanimate. However, mankind’s supremacy stops with that which was created on earth. Mankind explores and seeks knowledge of creation beyond the earth, but exercises no dominion over it. First, the Most High God reveals his relationship to all that He created. This revelation comes after the fact, is historical, and must somehow be accurately given to mankind. Therefore, it is preserved in words.
The Almighty God intervenes in the affairs of mankind. Somehow He must protect, direct, and correct that which He loves. Involvement, intervention is the only way. The Most High God cannot affect mankind by is love an other way. Here again, the presence of a rebellious super power comes into play. Satan must be thwarted. His rebellious influence requires God to protect, to direct, and to correct the affairs of mankind. To neglect Satan’s destructive influence in the universe would allow Satan to be supreme. If Satan could destroy all of God’s creation, he could claim, at least, equality with the Most High God. The Almighty God cannot allow Satan to go unrestricted. (If evil was not, could there be love?)
The intervention of Almighty God in the affairs of mankind could be recognized as such by mankind or revealed as such by God to man so that a permanent record could be made of it. Either the record is the testimony of what mankind witnessed or the revelation by God recorded by man. Both ways attests to the Most High God’s intervention. However, if it is the mere testimony of man, there could be no assured accuracy. Man can lie. Man can create fabulous stories based on deceit. On the other hand, Almighty God cannot allow Himself to negate any part of His authority nor put it in doubt. Such would contradict his absolute rule. Therefore, Almighty God cannot lie. If the intervention is revealed by God and given to man to be recorded, it is completely trustworthy.
The Almighty, Most High God disclosed his nature by intervening in the affairs of man as witnessed by others and as recorded with words. He also revealed Himself by actions as He identified with mankind. In both cases, the written word records these past events. ( As such, there is no way of comprehending an event without using words to describe it after the fact. Can there be a thought without words?)
Words and occasional interventions help mankind understand the nature of Almighty God. Mankind knows in part what God is like although he will never fully comprehend God’s nature. For mankind to better grasp what the Almighty God is like, God can come and live among mankind under the conditions faced by them and still live a life totally conforming to God’s absolute rule and love for his creation. He needs to totally identify with mankind and yet remain true to himself. How would Almighty God deal with the issues and temptations faced by mankind? Consequently, God sends a part of himself to dwell among mankind and to be tempted and tried as a human. This is the action phase of His revelation or it may be called the personal phase. It is when God himself becomes personally involved with mankind on earth and actually becomes a human being.
He identifies with mankind from the womb to the tomb walking his talk daily. He is born in such a manner as not to inherit the spiritual DNA of rebellion. He must remain true to himself although he lives on earth with mankind. His absolute rule cannot allow him to inherit a rebellious spirit. His life will be perfectly in tune with Almighty God to the extent that it is even synonymous with the Most High God. At the same time, he will fully experience the joys and woes of life on earth among mankind without yielding to the spirit of rebellion which dominates creation on earth. This is a personal, total involvement, of the Almighty God to reveal himself more fully to mankind.
It goes beyond that. The Most High God, the Almighty protects, directs, and corrects his creation as an expression of His love. He protects and directs through revealing his laws and expectations. But mankind born with the spiritual DNA of rebellion resists Almighty God’s expressions of love. The law by which God rules, the standards of His expectations, must be satisfied. They cannot be ignored thereby scorning God. The rebellious spirit must be overcome with a spirit of honor and respect willingly complying to God’s rule. Thus, man would be able to be corrected. But, the consequences of mankind’s rebellion must be experienced. All that mankind can do, or might cannot erase the consequences of one lie. Sacrifices, good deeds, sorrow, apologies, torture, etc. do not erase the results of one lie. Mankind is incapable, in spite of his knowledge of the lie, to walk correctly in the eyes of Almighty God.
God’s love demands restoration of his connection with mankind. Although he protects mankind by revealing the boundaries of acceptable living; although he directs mankind by showing mankind what is pleasing to himself; He cannot correct man until the price is paid for mankind’s rebellion. Since mankind is unable to do this, the Almighty God must pay the price himself.
God’s chief characteristic is love for his creation. He becomes personally identified with mankind while he is living on earth yet he remains true to his nature. There is no spirit of rebellion in him. He is perfect. On the other hand, mankind’s rebellious nature is rewarded with physical death. The Almighty God, while identifying with mankind, will overcome death. He will die like all mankind must. But, true to his nature he cannot be overcome by death. If death can hold Almighty God lifeless in the grave, then death is the most high. Almighty God will accept the penalty of mankind’s spirit of rebellion, that is death, and overcome it with life that cannot be destroyed. (In whose power then, is death, the Almighty God’s or Satan’s? Once again, the Almighty, Most High God cannot be if anybody or anything is greater than He. Death was created by Almighty God as the punishment for the spirit of rebellion.)
The second part of Almighty God revealing himself to his creation, especially to mankind, is more than words, more than occasional interventions. It is personal action totally identifying Himself with mankind while remaining true to Himself. Would it be unlike Almighty God to reveal Himself one more time by personal intervention in the affairs of mankind in such a manner that the whole world will witness his absolute rule and love? Will the spirit of rebellion continue to dominate mankind?
____________________________
And Joe fell on his knees and worshiped the Supreme God.
Such an awesome, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present God, whose love for his masterpiece cannot be surpassed by anybody or anything, chooses to reveal himself to mankind. His absolute power and his love for his creation leads to a revelation of his nature and expectations for creation, especially mankind. This revelation is complete. First as it was documented in contemporary events, which are now in the past or historical, and second in actions. His revelation is complete in words and actions.
His revelation could also be considered as first by the testimony of others who recognized supernatural intervention in the affairs of mankind, and second by the personal interaction with mankind. First, God intervened in the events of mankind and gave to man the insight to recognize that indeed these events, these words, were from the Almighty God. Second, He identified Himself as a man and walked among mankind on earth both living and teaching the revelation of Himself. What more could He do?
His first revelation of Himself shows the connectedness between the Most High God, the Creator, and His creation, especially mankind. Mankind is not on an ego trip by considering himself to be superior to the rest of creation. In practice it is obvious who is highest ranked of creation. Mankind exercises his power and influence upon the rest of creation both animate and inanimate. However, mankind’s supremacy stops with that which was created on earth. Mankind explores and seeks knowledge of creation beyond the earth, but exercises no dominion over it. First, the Most High God reveals his relationship to all that He created. This revelation comes after the fact, is historical, and must somehow be accurately given to mankind. Therefore, it is preserved in words.
The Almighty God intervenes in the affairs of mankind. Somehow He must protect, direct, and correct that which He loves. Involvement, intervention is the only way. The Most High God cannot affect mankind by is love an other way. Here again, the presence of a rebellious super power comes into play. Satan must be thwarted. His rebellious influence requires God to protect, to direct, and to correct the affairs of mankind. To neglect Satan’s destructive influence in the universe would allow Satan to be supreme. If Satan could destroy all of God’s creation, he could claim, at least, equality with the Most High God. The Almighty God cannot allow Satan to go unrestricted. (If evil was not, could there be love?)
The intervention of Almighty God in the affairs of mankind could be recognized as such by mankind or revealed as such by God to man so that a permanent record could be made of it. Either the record is the testimony of what mankind witnessed or the revelation by God recorded by man. Both ways attests to the Most High God’s intervention. However, if it is the mere testimony of man, there could be no assured accuracy. Man can lie. Man can create fabulous stories based on deceit. On the other hand, Almighty God cannot allow Himself to negate any part of His authority nor put it in doubt. Such would contradict his absolute rule. Therefore, Almighty God cannot lie. If the intervention is revealed by God and given to man to be recorded, it is completely trustworthy.
The Almighty, Most High God disclosed his nature by intervening in the affairs of man as witnessed by others and as recorded with words. He also revealed Himself by actions as He identified with mankind. In both cases, the written word records these past events. ( As such, there is no way of comprehending an event without using words to describe it after the fact. Can there be a thought without words?)
Words and occasional interventions help mankind understand the nature of Almighty God. Mankind knows in part what God is like although he will never fully comprehend God’s nature. For mankind to better grasp what the Almighty God is like, God can come and live among mankind under the conditions faced by them and still live a life totally conforming to God’s absolute rule and love for his creation. He needs to totally identify with mankind and yet remain true to himself. How would Almighty God deal with the issues and temptations faced by mankind? Consequently, God sends a part of himself to dwell among mankind and to be tempted and tried as a human. This is the action phase of His revelation or it may be called the personal phase. It is when God himself becomes personally involved with mankind on earth and actually becomes a human being.
He identifies with mankind from the womb to the tomb walking his talk daily. He is born in such a manner as not to inherit the spiritual DNA of rebellion. He must remain true to himself although he lives on earth with mankind. His absolute rule cannot allow him to inherit a rebellious spirit. His life will be perfectly in tune with Almighty God to the extent that it is even synonymous with the Most High God. At the same time, he will fully experience the joys and woes of life on earth among mankind without yielding to the spirit of rebellion which dominates creation on earth. This is a personal, total involvement, of the Almighty God to reveal himself more fully to mankind.
It goes beyond that. The Most High God, the Almighty protects, directs, and corrects his creation as an expression of His love. He protects and directs through revealing his laws and expectations. But mankind born with the spiritual DNA of rebellion resists Almighty God’s expressions of love. The law by which God rules, the standards of His expectations, must be satisfied. They cannot be ignored thereby scorning God. The rebellious spirit must be overcome with a spirit of honor and respect willingly complying to God’s rule. Thus, man would be able to be corrected. But, the consequences of mankind’s rebellion must be experienced. All that mankind can do, or might cannot erase the consequences of one lie. Sacrifices, good deeds, sorrow, apologies, torture, etc. do not erase the results of one lie. Mankind is incapable, in spite of his knowledge of the lie, to walk correctly in the eyes of Almighty God.
God’s love demands restoration of his connection with mankind. Although he protects mankind by revealing the boundaries of acceptable living; although he directs mankind by showing mankind what is pleasing to himself; He cannot correct man until the price is paid for mankind’s rebellion. Since mankind is unable to do this, the Almighty God must pay the price himself.
God’s chief characteristic is love for his creation. He becomes personally identified with mankind while he is living on earth yet he remains true to his nature. There is no spirit of rebellion in him. He is perfect. On the other hand, mankind’s rebellious nature is rewarded with physical death. The Almighty God, while identifying with mankind, will overcome death. He will die like all mankind must. But, true to his nature he cannot be overcome by death. If death can hold Almighty God lifeless in the grave, then death is the most high. Almighty God will accept the penalty of mankind’s spirit of rebellion, that is death, and overcome it with life that cannot be destroyed. (In whose power then, is death, the Almighty God’s or Satan’s? Once again, the Almighty, Most High God cannot be if anybody or anything is greater than He. Death was created by Almighty God as the punishment for the spirit of rebellion.)
The second part of Almighty God revealing himself to his creation, especially to mankind, is more than words, more than occasional interventions. It is personal action totally identifying Himself with mankind while remaining true to Himself. Would it be unlike Almighty God to reveal Himself one more time by personal intervention in the affairs of mankind in such a manner that the whole world will witness his absolute rule and love? Will the spirit of rebellion continue to dominate mankind?
____________________________
And Joe fell on his knees and worshiped the Supreme God.
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