Vernon,
You say that you strongly disagree with my assertion that to attempt to interpret the scriptures through some form of mathematical analysis forfeits the ability to understand the true spiritual import of the scriptures. I hold that the only way to understand salvation is to truly demonstrate it. We are all on spiritual journeys, even though some of us don't know it, and that according to popular opinion there are many roads that lead to Rome. The fact is that many people are morally and spiritually adrift and are wandering in the wasteland of materialism and sensualism. Christ said "I am the way, the truth and the life" and that "no man cometh unto the Father but by me". He also said that the "way is straight and the gate narrow" which leads to eternal life. In my study of the gospels I can not remember Jesus advocating your method of scriptural interpretation. Indeed, the effort to find an underlying cryptic message in the Bible might be considered a type of sorcery, which!
th
e Bible soundly denounces (remember John 10:1). I think therefore, my friend, that you might find it good to thoroughly search your motives and see whether you are doing God's will or man's will, which is the Anti-Christ. If our Lord had not surrendered his will to do God's will during his agonizing night in the Garden of Gethsemane, Christianity would not exist, and it's unlimited blessings for mankind would be unknown. Jesus exhorted his followers to do as he did, to be true disciples and follow his example. Are we being true to him and surrendering our will to do the will of God? The only way to answer this question is to be completely honest with yourself, and to humbly listen for God's direction and to be obedient to it, as Christ was. If it was your night in Gethsemane, what would you do? Remember that our actions have repercussions that will either bless or harm. Since Jesus did God's will and went on to demonstrate his victory over death and reveal the promise of ete!
rna
l life to benighted mankind, we have a great blessing and promise to gain. Although we may not have to endure the agony Jesus did on the cross we all have to make the decision he did in Gethsemane, to either surrender our will to do God's will and reap the eternal blessings that will confer on us, or to avoid the issue until our suffering forces us to accept God's salvation as the only way to redemption. Christianity is lifeless and cold without this sacrifice and demonstration of faith. This is the true sacrament. Any other method of obtaining salvation and redemption is of no avail whatsoever, for there is only one way to salvation and that is through following Christ in word and deed, through demonstration, starting right now. God will be with you and will support you all the way, when you put your trust in Him, like Jesus did, and look what he attained. OK, nuff said.
I love the promise of eternal life.
Stuart Kirkley
Wed, 24 Oct 2001 00:10:37
Vernon Jenkins wrote:
>Stuart,
>
>While I agree with much of what you have to say, you must surely be
>aware that there is much confusion nowadays regarding the proper reading
>and understanding of the Scriptures, and that apostasy abounds. I
>therefore see it as perfectly logical - and in keeping with the Lord's
>character - that he should now move to engender/restore a saving faith
>in himself by demonstrating the reality of his being and sovereignty in
>so miraculous and permanent a manner.
>
>You say, "Any attempt to pattern the Bible on some numerical code and
>draw meaningful interpretation from that process forfeits the ability to
>grasp the true import of the scriptures and gain true spiritual
>enlightenment and salvation." I strongly disagree. Why will you not
>allow God, in his wisdom, to do whatever he pleases with respect to his
>Word? Do you really suppose he is limited by our puny presuppositions?
>The reality is that in the process of time, by his will, Hebrew words
>became fairly readable as numbers; and that by his will, the first seven
>of his Book became imprinted with many apposite geometrical patterns;
>and again that later, by his will, the Creator's name, Jesus Christ,
>became numerically linked with the same opening words.
>
>Stuart, I suggest these wonders take nothing away from the Scriptures,
>but rather enhance them. And while they are not in the mainstream of the
>gospel message, their presence nevertheless is strongly supportive of
>it! Why not examine the evidence for yourself and be satisfied that the
>phenomena are real and of divine origin? In my view they have much to
>teach us - if we will but allow!
>
>Vernon
>
>http://www.otherbiblecode.com
>
>
>Stuart d Kirkley wrote:
>>
>> Vernon,
>> Here's the problem, people have been trying to interpret the
>> scriptures by one method or another for ages. To dissect the sacred
>> scriptures and attempt to analyze them through mathematics, or
>> spectral analysis, or whatever, is to miss the point. The scriptures
>> are sacred and they need to be understood in their spiritual import
>> and practical application to mankind alone. That is their purpose, to
>> raise the consciousness and Christianize mankind so that man can
>> attain salvation. Any other reading of the Bible than to gain moral
>> and spiritual inspiration is "missing the mark". The whole purpose of
>> Christianity is that Christians will adopt the "mind of Christ" and
>> learn to do "the works that I do and greater works than these". This
>> is achieved by following Christ in letter and spirit and to sincerely
>> and seriously consider the true meaning of the scriptures. God's word
>> is not wrapped in mystery if you use the lens of truth to read it.
>> What is this lens? The Mind of Christ, which involves raising your
>> consciousness to a spiritual altitude at all times, under all
>> circumstances, and "waiting patiently on God", trusting Him, being
>> obedient, and giving thanks. Any attempt to pattern the Bible on some
>> numerical code and draw meaningful interpretation from that process
>> forfeits the ability to grasp the true import of the scriptures and
>> gain true spiritual enlightenment and salvation.
>>
>> Your efforts may provide some intellectual intrigue, but I ask you, do
>> they do anything to purify your heart, elevate your character, and
>> enable you to boldly enter into the realm of the allmighty, the
>> spiritual kingdom which "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard". We try to
>> inform the Omniscient of things like this, but God already knows our
>> thoughts and the intent of our heart before we turn to him. To
>> understand the scriptures is to commune with God by listening humbly
>> for His thoughts toward us, and being obedient to his direction, not
>> to try to tell God what we think we want Him to know, or boasting to
>> Him how clever we are. He knows us inside and out already, for He
>> "searcheth the reins and hearts". I leave you with a few scriptural
>> quotations which should help to illustrate what I'm trying to say.
>
>> "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber" John 10:1
>>
>> "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
>> commandments of men.
>
>> For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,
>> as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye
>> do" Mark 7:7,8
>>
>> "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
>> understanding.
>
>> In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
>> Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil."
>> Proverbs 3: 5,6,7
>>
>> "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
>> renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
>> acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
>>
>> With Hope for all,
>> Stuart Kirkley
>> --
>>
>> On Mon, 22 Oct 2001 21:42:45
>> Vernon Jenkins wrote:
>> >Friends,
>> >
>> >As you know, at Allan's request I had intended (for the time being at
>> >least) to eschew any further comment on this subject. However, in the
>> >face of such provocation I feel a brief response is justified.
>> >
>> >I find it amazing that anyone should still seek to draw a parallel
>> >between this type of nonsense and the very real phenomena to which
>> >I have drawn attention. It occurs to me that perhaps Stuart - or his
>> >friend, the anonymous author of the 'masterpiece' - would like to
>> >pick up the gauntlet (thrown down by myself some time ago) and treat
>> >us to a rational naturalistic explanation of the OBC phenomena.
>> >
>> >In making this challenge I am conscious that some maturity and serious
>> >resolve will be required - as, of course, befits the true scientist.
>> >But I wish them well, and look forward to hearing their proposals in
>> >due course.
>> >
>> >With all good wishes,
>> >
>> >Vernon
>> >
>> >http://www.otherbiblecode.com
>> >
>
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