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PENTECOST AND THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS (GOLD) BY KIANG P LEE

Greetings Friends! As we approach the season of Pentecost we commemorate the birth of the New Testament church through the arrival of the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Act.1:1-4, 36-38) I would like to share the parable of Jesus which make Pentecost so meaningful to the Church as it embarks on its journey through the new dispensation of the Church as the Body of Christ. (Eph.1:22-23; Col.1:18) That parable is called the parable of the Bags of Gold. Elsewhere, it is called the parable the talents. Jesus’ parable of the “Bags of Gold” is found in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 25:14-30.

Here we see Jesus’ parable likens God metaphorically to “a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of Gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability (inborn gift). Then he went on his journey” (Matt.25:14-15). This conveys the fact that people are grouped into three categories commensurate with the varied gifts that God their Creator has placed in them. The first servant represent people God has conferred the greater ability and talent than the second category. And the second group was more gifted than the third category. And the third had the least, but not unimportant or inconsequential.

Parable of Gold Representing God’s Wealth or Love

Whatever the gift or talent does not make a person inferior or superior in God’s sight. What matters is we are using the gift as a platform to enhance and multiply the Master’s wealth (Gold/Love) we are given. What does the Bags of Gold mean and represent? The Bags of Gold, or God’s wealth, represent His divine Love-nature, which we receive through the presence of the Holy Spirit, as expounded in the fruits of Love in the Spirit. (1 Cor.3:16; 1 Cor.13:1-12; Rom.5:5) He is the third Person of the Tri-Personal God (Trinity), and personifies God’s divine Love-nature in humanity. (Matt.28:18-19)

So, there are three aspects about human life that Jesus presents in His Parable of the Bags of Gold (Matt.25). The first aspect is about the human gifts every person alive has been conferred at birth. Gifts are the natural human abilities, talents, and skills we are intrinsically born with. The second aspect is the Gold of God’s wealth which represents God’s Love. God’s Love is His divine nature that every human can acquire and possesses to complement their natural gifts and abilities. The third aspect is the ‘Spiritual Market Place’ where humans are given to trade with the divine wealth (Gold/Love) upon the human gifts and abilities. The ‘Spiritual Market Place’ represents wherever human interaction take place and happen where relationships are engendered.

The Spiritual Market Place is where as humans we utilize our gifts and abilities as platforms upon which to trade in the divine wealth (Love/Gold) we are given, so as multiply the Master’s wealth which is the purpose of Jesus’ Parable of the Bags of Gold. So, each servant (human being) was apportioned God’s Love (wealth) was determined by the Master. We are given the Holy Spirit (Love) by measure. Only Jesus possesses the Holy Spirit without measure.

The Scripture speaks about Jesus in this way, “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what He has seen and heard…For He who is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives Him the Spirit without limit. The Father Loves His Son and has put everything into His hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life.” (John 3:31, 34-36, NLT).

The reason Jesus was “given the Sprit without measure (without limit)” is because He is God in the human flesh or the Immanuel. (Isa.7:14; Matt.1:23) Jesus has always been one with the Father and the Spirit from eternity in the triune Godhead (Trinity) (Matt.28:18-19). Yes, “God gives Him the Spirit without limit” (John 3:34). Jesus is God’s Son and therefore have the full measure of the Spirit for they are One with the Father in the trinitarian Godhead. (Matt.28:18-19)

We recall the origin of humanity, created perfect in God’s Love image, but subsequently fell due to Adam’s disobedience. Thus, due to Adam’s sin mankind was cut off from access to the Holy Spirit in Eden, as represented by the Tree of Life. (Gen.3:24) Yes, since the fall, mankind has drifted so further and far away from God and His Love (Spirit), and closer to the enemy Adam chosen to obey, Satan. (Gen.3:1-6; 11)

We are fallen human beings from Adam’s disobedience and sin. However, upon repentance and conversion humans are conferred the Spirit proportionately by measure in three divisions metaphorically speaking in 5, 2, and 1 consistent with their inborn gifts and abilities as the parable lays out. (Matt.25:15; Act.2:38) The Holy Spirit is the personification of God’s Love and wealth in mankind which humans receive through repentance and accepting Jesus as Savior. (Act.2:38; 1 Cor.3:16; Rom.5:5) Although proportionate, it represents the full undiluted measure of God’s Love-nature, i.e. 100% of 5, 2, or 1, as the case may be.

However, the parable goes on to say that God’s Love can be multiplied and made to increase, if we know how, and the parable shows how humans are given the task to multiply His Love/wealth through trade in the Spiritual Market Place. And in the parable Jesus gave earlier (Parable of the 10 Virgins), we are responsible for replenishing God’s Love (Spirit) and make it grow. (Matt.25:1-13)  

God’s Divine Love-Nature is His Wealth We are Given Proportionally Consistent with Our Inborn Abilities to Invest and Make Returns For the Master

The first two servants returned one hundred percent of the Master’s investment rationed to them. One hundred percent is one hundred percent regardless of the amount rationed, whether 5, 2, or 1. It is the end result which counts. This can be likened to athletes competing in a race like the Olympic Games. We can’t expect an athlete to win gold medals in every contest, but in the particular ones they are gifted. A gold medal in the marathon race, is no different with the gold medal in the high jump, except that it is a separate skill category. Each athlete possesses different gift and ability to win a medal (wealth/Love). They are rationed with different amount of the Master’s wealth based upon their gift and capability. (Matt.25:15) Jesus said, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven” (John 3:27). No one can produce more than his/her gift can allow and sustain. That’s to say, whatever “is given them from above” (John 3:27).

Human gifts are allotted and dispersed by determination of the Creator. The Psalmist speaks of this truth beautifully, “You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works (gifts) are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God” (Psa.139:13-17).

In fact, the Bible says that we “may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col.2:2-3). So, the Father has determined that all human gifts and talents are spawned, apportioned, and appropriated through Jesus Christ. Through His Son, the second Person in the triune Godhead, human gifts and abilities are “mysteries hidden in Him (Christ) carrying all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The “treasures of wisdom and knowledge” speaks of human gifts and capabilities. Yes, James tells us, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (Jam.1:17).

Peter wrote to Christians, “Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master. Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One (Jesus) who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!” (2 Pet.1:2-3, MSG). So, the human access to God and everything good and sublime (gifts and abilities) arise from the divine grace made possible by Jesus Christ’s mediation as Savior and Mediator for mankind.

The Scripture by saying in Hebrews, “Through Christ;s mediation we offer sacrifices pleasing

In my previous post (http://bulamanriver.net/27435), I had dwelt at some length about the first two servant who had returned 100% of the investment apportioned to them by the Master. (Matt.25:21, 23). However, the third servant returned his one bag of Gold and said, “Here is what belongs to you” (Matt.25:25). The Master was not happy, and said, “‘You wicked, lazy servant! Take the bag of Gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags” (Matt.25:26, 28). Jesus told the unprofitable servant who buried his one bag of Gold the very least he could have done, “You should have put My money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I return I would have received it back with interest” (Matt.25:27). However, even such a simple act as that he did not have the foresight to see, let alone perform. But is there more than meets the eye, perhaps, there were considerations he failed to take into account, much less appreciated?

Let me elaborate on the dynamic between a person’s gift and the true wealth (Love/Gold) from the perspective of stewardship. There is a servanthood mindset and disposition we are called upon to uphold and embrace. In particular we are examining this from the point of view of the third servant in Jesus’ parable of the “Bags of Gold.” What made him/her hide the one talent and did nothing with it? (Luk.19:20) Yet, the preceding two servants were faithful and did what was expected of them. They made 100% increase on the Master’s apportioned investment (Love/Gold). (Luk.19:15-19, NLT)

Your Gift and Ability is Your God-Given Platform Given to Every Human At Birth Upon Which to Trade God’s Love, His Wealth.

God doesn’t want us to compare ourselves with others, He said people who do such things are unwise. Paul said this, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance” (2 Cor.10:12, Bereans T.). The point is, He wants us to make the most of increasing what we are given, whether it is 5, 2, or 1 bags of Gold, and doing so by utilizing our gifts and abilities. And we earlier read what Jesus said that no one can do more than what he or she is given. (John 3:27) That doesn’t mean you don’t try your best, it simply means your best is all you can do. And when we have done our best, we have the humility to say, we have simply done our duty, for we can do only what we are given. (Luk.17:10; John 3:27)

Why did the person with the one bag of Gold acted the way he did, and not follow the previous two faithful servants? Perhaps by hiding the Master’s Gold, he imagined the Gold would be safe and sound. Perhaps, he thought that just by giving back what he received, the Master would be happy. Or, he bluntly refused and disobeyed the Master and did something completely unrelated and different. The Master said he was wicked and lazy. But the Master wanted the servants to trade and make a return, a profit, from His investment. That is the purpose of the Master’s investment plan and why the Gold coins (Love) were entrusted to them. That was the purpose of life itself. Life is all about Love, and Love is all about life. They must be traded and by using their gift as the driving force, and bring back a return.

By hiding the Gold (Love) and doing nothing with it resulted in the exact opposite of what the Master had in mind for His servants, he lost it. (Matt.25:28-30) For the Master said, “Take the bag of Gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them” (Matt.25:28-29). In other words, God is a God of abundance not lack, and He wants His children to reflect Him in every way. God said, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness (abundance) thereof, the world and those who live in it” (Psa.24:1). Love, like the fruits of the Tree of Life, has seeds which reproduces and multiplies itself.

He desires that we be industrious in utilizing His Love in Loving works in order for Love to grow and multiply. (Eph.2:10) The answer to the dilemma to the servant who did nothing can be attributed to not understanding the underlying relationship dynamic which exist between the Master and the servants.

We have seen that we are blessed with gifts and abilities we are born with as the Creator determines. Then He allots to us His wealth (Love) that is commensurate with, that is proportional to, our abilities. If a person is in the first category, he or she is given more bags of the Master’s Gold (Love). Sometimes we wish we were given one, so we don’t have to work so hard. Then you have a lot of idle time, and that can be unhelpful for many a people. Remember, the Scripture tell us God looks at the heart, not your output necessarily. Scripture tells us, “The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Sam.16:7). We must not invert the priority and think that life all about output with no heart. The opposite is true, General McArthur said, “It must be of the spirit (heart) if we are to save the flesh (human output).” The heart is where the gift resides. And He already knows what is expected from your gift, for He knows you better than you know yourself. (Psa.139:13)

I said the servants refer to all humanity who are grouped into three categories of people according to their inborn gifts and abilities the Creator has conferred upon them. Besides the gift, humans are given God’s wealth or God’s Love by utilizing their gits as the platform to trade in the Spiritual Market Place. The first is given 5 bags of Gold, the second is given 2 bags of Gold, and the third is given 1 bag of Gold. (Matt.25:14-15; 1 John 4:8).

The Spiritual Market Place Where Human Gifts Are Utilized as Platforms for Trading God’s Love (Wealth/Gold) for Spiritual Profit

What is the spiritual Market Place? It is incumbent upon us to recognize its existence and realize this is the place we encounter God at work with humans. Primarily, it is wherever and whenever we are encountering situations with people from different walks of life and circumstances where Love comes into play and is made to grow and mature on the platform of our God-given gifts and abilities. In our relationships with God and our fellow humans, Love must be made to grow and increase and not retrogress and suffer loss through fear and evil. (Matt.22:37-40) God’s wealth (Love), like any wealth-accruing system, have currencies by which it is valued, appraised, and calculated, as we shall see.

Scriptures affirm, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (Jam.1:17). Paul says, “In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well… If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to Love others. Really Love them” (Rom.12:6-9).

“God is Love” 1 John 4:8, 16

The currency of Love was expounded by Paul in his letter to the Corinthian church. What exactly is this ‘Love currency’ or spiritual value system we utilize and trade upon the platform of our gifts and abilities? It behooves us to be intelligibly concsious of the divine currency system for without knowledge and recognition of God’s Love currency, how would we trade in God’s Spiritual Market Place? It begins with the Holy Spirit, as Paul told the Romans, “God’s Love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom.5:5). Paul said further, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Cor.3:16). So, without the Spirit we have no spiritual currency to begin with, let alone be involved in trading with God’s spiritual currency and wealth-building system (Love).

Peter, in his memorable message on Pentecost, informs us about how the Spirit is able to come and make His abode in the life of humans, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Act.2:38). (You can read about the “New Spiritual Birth” at: http://bulamanriver.net/17978) So, humans were created to be a temple, a repository, of God’s Love through the Spirit’s presence, individually and collectively as a Church. (Rom.5:5) Consequently, each and every believer is given spiritual money and currency of Love, in amounts of five, two, one, bags of Gold, “each according to his ability,” as the case may be, with which to trade in the Spiritual Market Place. (Matt.25:15)

There is one vital truth about life we must not overlook, and that is, no one is an island to himself or herself, where he or she can survive alone. Therefore, there is someone who need your inborn gift because he lacks what you have. The same is true the other way around. Sometimes we try to do too much, or perform a task we don’t have the ability to do, so we accomplish less or next to nothing. We can’t be everything to everyone for no one is a super multi-gifted human being. But we can be something to someone with our specific gift and ability which the Creator has blessed us with.

We must stay narrowly and close to what we are good at through our talents. This was God’s plan in the story of the parable all along. In this way, we live the life of co-dependance rather than trying to do everything which is next to impossible. God is by nature the same way in His collaborative Triune nature (Trinity). We are not to live a life of autonomy from God, but co-dependance upon His promises for us. Our promise to our fellow humans is our gift and what it offers them.

Peter said this, “Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises (gifts), so that through them you may participate in the divine nature (Love), having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Pet.1:4). Yes, in living the Master/servant relationship, God’s many precious promises (gifts) form the backbone of that relationship. Humans cannot survive without the divine promises of the Creator, and we cannot survive on our own without dependence on each other’s promise as expressed and communicated and acted out through our gifts, talents, and capabilities.

It’s almost like God is saying that your inborn gift is your ‘life-promise’ to help your fellow humans, much like God’s Love-promises to us. (You can read my post, “Standing On The Promises” at: http://bulamanriver.net/15209) Right here, we are standing upon the platform of our gifts, trading our talents in the power of God’s Love, to help those in need of our gifts and abilitites. Paul said, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph.2:10).

Dove, Symbol of Holy Spirit and God’s Love

God’s ‘Love currency’ are the fruits of the Spirit’s Love which Paul communicated to the Corinthian Christians. (1 Cor.13:1-13). Paul begins by saying “without Love I am nothing.” Paul stated the ‘Love currency’ are actually the Love-fruits of the Holy Spirit, and Paul tell us what they are: *the fruit of patience, *the fruit of kindness, *the fruit of contentedness,  *the fruit of modesty (unboastful), *the fruit of humility, *the fruit of honor, *the fruit of unselfishness, *the fruit of calmness and dignity, *the fruit of forgiveness and compassion, *the fruit of delighting in good and shunning evil, *the fruit of tolerance, *the fruit of responsibility, *the fruit of enduring hope, *the fruit of steadfast perseverance, *the fruit of joy, *the fruit of peace, *the fruit of goodness, *the fruit of faith, *the fruit of gentleness, *the fruit of self-control, *the fruit of zeal and spiritual fervor, *the fruit of friendship, *the fruit of sharing and generosity, *the fruit of prayerfulness, *the fruit of hospitality, etc. (1 Cor.13; also Gal. 5:22-23; Rom. 12:9-21).

These fruits may look ordinary, commonplace, and even cliche or stereotype, but in all seriousness they shine through and reflect the very nature of God’s Love. We are warned to not despise small beginnings, for like the minuscule mustard seed, the seedlings from of the fruits of Love will prove to become enormously influential trees with abundance beyond description and surpassing natural human effort. Every fruit of the Spirit is played out upon the platform of our gifts is an exercise in the unseen but miraculous divine Love-force. It may seem negligible by human reckoning, but when your gift is lived out in living faith, it can and will move mountains. (Matt.17:20-21)

What we see above in the Love-fruits represent the currency of Love through the Spirit’s presence in human life. Both Jesus and the Spirit co-exist in the heart of God’s children, for Paul said, “Christ lives in me;” and “You are God’s temple that God’s Spirit dwells in” (Gal.2:20; 1 Cor.3:16; Act.17:28). What we see above are the fruits of the Tree of Life (Holy Spirit) which we feed upon every day in life’s human journey upon earth. They represent the currencies of God’s wealth (Love/Gold) with which we trade upon the platform of our gifts, talents, and capabilities. They may not seem grandiose by human standard, or so it seems, but we must not ignore them for their weight in gold, particularly not to our own detriment or loss.

The important question from the parable remains, why did the servant who was given one bag of Gold failed to do as the prior two who were given 5 and 2 bags of Gold and returned 100% returns by investing the Master’s wealth/Love? The reason is he did not appreciate the Master/servant dynamic which is necessary to make the relationship work. I would like to share 8 principles of stewardship any servant must observe and always keep at the forefront of their thoughts if he or she desires to be a faithful servant who can wisely and diligenyly invest the Master’s wealth (Love) entrusted in his/her care.

Fruits of Love of God’s Spirit – Currency of God’s Wealth. 1 Cor.13

Firstly, we must gain an utter and complete appreciation of the identity of the Master we are called to serve, with the wealth assigned by Him to each of us. Who is He truly? He is God’s eternal Son through whom God created all things. So, He is the Creator. (John 1:1-3) He is the Messiah, God’s emissary sent to save us as our Savior and redeem humanity from sin and death. He is the Immanuel who brings the promise of immortality. (John 3:16) Jesus holds the key to human immortality. (John 3:36) He is the Personification of bounty and everything good and rejuvenating humans have ever sought and desired. (John 1:4; 14:6)

He is the pathway to the Holy Spirit who is the Personification of God’s Love, wealth, and bounty in humanity. (John 14:26; 16:7) He is the Master about whom we speak. His messianic name is “Immanuel” – the God who became human to become one of us. (Isa.7:14; Matt.1:23) This is the Master we have been called to serve by investing His wealth (Love) in out lives and in the lives of our neighbors and community.

Secondly, Love is God’s divine nature and is pictured as the wealth of Gold in Jesus’ Parable of the Gold. And just as the Scripture conveys, Love is like the fruits of the Tree of Life (Holy Spirit), with each and every fruit holding in itself the seeds which reproduces and multiplies itself. (1 Cor.13:1-12) Servants must fully appreciate this intrinsic nature of God’s Love-fruits which holds in itself the seeds of multiplication and growth.

Understand, at creation God emphatically states He created the human species in order to reproduce or multiply Himself, “Let Us make human beings in Our image, after Our likeness” (Gen.1:26, NLB). So, the work and principle of multplying and increasing springs from His divine Love-nature and played out for our understanding in Jesus’ Parable of the Gold. Just as God is multiplying and increasing His spiritual children to be fashioned in His likeness and image (Love), humanity finds meaning and associates this divine underlying nature of God with investing and increasing the Master’s wealth (Gold/Love) in each of us as we seek out opportunities to do so in the Spiritual Market Place.

As God’s spiritual children we emulate our heavenly Father’s motivation by adopting His magnifying Love-nature as the parable lays out. John makes this beautiful truth plain to us when he said, “God is Love, and all who live in Love lives in God, and God lives in them” (1 John 4:16). Yes, the overall purpose of multiplying God’s divine Love-nature is so we adopt His Loving nature through Christ and His Spirit. (Rom.8:29; Rom.5:5; 1 Cor.3:16; Gen.1:26-27)

Thirdly, humility. We need to understand the importance of humility in the Master/servant relationship dynamic. Earlier Jesus gave a master/servant scenario and said, “Suppose one of you has a servant who comes in from plowing the field or tending the sheep. Would you take his coat, set the table, and say, ‘Sit down and eat’? Wouldn’t you be more likely to say, ‘Prepare dinner; change your clothes and wait table for me until I’ve finished my coffee; then go to the kitchen and have your supper’? Does the servant get special thanks for doing what’s expected of him? It’s the same with you. When you’ve done everything expected of you, be matter-of-fact and say, ‘The work is done. What we were told to do, we did.’” (Luk.17:7-10). Do we sometimes invert the servanthood mindset and through a seditious conviction adopt the attitude of a master, and forget our place by shrinking from the responsibility of a servant?

Why did the servant imagined he/she could invert the master/servant relationship? A servant may think he is doing so much and increasing wealth for the Master that he thinks he ought to be the beneficiary, and not the other way round. Remember, in Luke’s account of the parable, it says, “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king’” (Luk.19:14). But he was made king anyway and sought an accounting of his investment from the servants. (Luk.19:15) Rebellion is insubordination against the Master.

So, when a servant fails to appreciate the Master/servant relationship, for insubordination or whatever reason of dissention, we become unprofitable servants. So, the old adage ‘know your purpose and place’ in life rings true for all of us. If you’re still wondering who is this Master we are called to serve, then review point 1 above.

Paradoxically, this second aspect indicatively points us back to the true source of the ‘original sin’ that was committed by insurbordinate Lucifer, not Adam. With his rebellion he led a third of the angels to sin against Almighty God, the Creator. Lucifer then became Satan with the errand fallen angels. (Isa.14:12-15) Lucifer, because of pride and arrogance, was the first who attempted to invert the Master/servant relationship by saying, “I will make myself like the Most High” (Isa14:14). Lucifer, in his pride and arrogance forgot that the source of his brightness was the inborn gift conferred upon him by the Creator God. (Deut.8:18; Pro.10:22)

Lucifer, now Satan the devil, rebelled against God’s created order, and Adam would later follow him through his fall in the Garden of Eden. (Gen.3:1-6) In doing so, Adam passed on the same satanic rebellious spirit upon all humanity that remains today, except for all who freely receive God’s path of rescue and salvation through Christ, the Messiah. So, in true humility there is no place for pride and arrogance, and least of all insubordination in the Master/servant relationship.

Lucifer’s pride and arrogance inverted the Master/Servant relationship which changed him from a bright Archangel to the insubordinate and defiant Satan the Devil

Fourthly, a genuine and Loving worship and adoration of God and eternal Father. Understand what our services as a servant really means. No matter the degree and magnitude of the service, substantially they do not add to God’s completeness in His divine triune Being. (Matt.28:19-20) Unquestionably, from eternity God has been and is already whole and limitless in Himself as God Almighty through His divine Love-nature. (1 John 4:8) The Scriptures asserts through Job, “Can a man be of benefit to God?” (Job 22:2). Yes, can even a wise person be helpful to Him? The prophet Isaiah inquires, “Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give Him advice or teach Him?” (Isa.40:13, NLB).

Paul warns us to not have a false sense of security in our self worth, saying, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith (gift/talent) God has distributed to each of you” (Rom.12:3). God does not need our aid in any way, shape, and form. His loftiest ideal, happiness and joy, will not be increased through our efforts. God is utterly complete and self-sustaining in Himself and we cannot add to His all-encompassing fullness in Himself as Creator.

Be that as it may, Scriptures affirms, “Love the LORD, all His saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant” (Psa.31:23, NLB). Yet again, we see His Fatherly Love for those who are faithful, “For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (Psa.84:11, NLB).

In truth, it is us, humans, who are in need of His Fatherly Love – every minute, every moment of every day. This fourth principle teaches us God’s awesome greatnes and the importance of our loving worship and adoration of His eternal Deity as God Almighty and Father of all minkind. James tells us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor” (Jam.4:10, NLT).

When God handed us His Love, His wealth, His riches, to go out and invest upon the platform of our God-given gifts and abilities, He had us in mind, not Him. He wanted us to become genuine “Love Personalities” in our own right and reality as He is Love in Himself. He is the supreme Love Personality who “Fills the entire universe with Himself” (Eph.4:10).

Jesus Humbles Himself and Vicariously Dies for All Humanity John 3:16

And God’s plan from the start was to create a human species in His Love image and likeness. (Gen.1:26-27) This is the God’s masterplan which is analogized and explained in the Parable of the Bags of Gold, that we have been called to be part of and to accomplish. For the parable reveals our human potential in God’s divine plan. And the path to this awesome goal springs from our total worship and adoration of His Fatherhood and Love for each and every human being He desires to make His spiritual children through Christ and His Spirit. (Matt.28:18-19; John 3:16; Rom.5:5)

Fifthly, God’s Spiritual Market Place is where we invest His wealth (Gold/Love) and cultivate and plant the Love of God through our relationship with God and our neighbors (fellow humans) as the command states. (Mar.12:30-31). What is your gift? What is your ability? Paul said, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” (Rom.12:6). You may be proficient with your gift physically and naturally, but Scripture tell us emphatically, “Without Love, I am nothing” (1 Cor.13:1-3).

Are you a doctor, a nurse, perhaps a plumber, a motor mechanic, or investment banker. You may even be a football player, or architect, or taxi driver. You may be a wood carver, a fisherman, a salesman, even an electrician. You may be a surveyor, or pilot, even a scientist, or dentist. Whatever capability one possesses, this unique God-given gift is the trading platform in the ‘Spiritual Market Place’ where the currency of Love is traded and made to grow and multiply.

On the other hand, we may do the opposite and trade with Satan’s fruits through the spirit of fear instead of God’s Love. Paul calls the enemy’s fruits the ‘works of the flesh.’ He told the Galatians, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal.5:19-21).

So, this is where and how we invest God’s wealth (Gold/Love) or the devil’s riches (fool’s gold/fear) in our interaction with God first and second with our fellow humans. (Matt.22:37-40) Earlier, we saw the actual currency of Love from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. (1 Cor.13:1-13) Any act which opposes the fruits of Love, constitute the fruits of evil which belongs to the devil.

Collage of Different Ocuupations Identifying Platform of People’s Gift Upon Which God’s Love (wealth) is Traded and Made to Grow in The Spiritual Market Place

Sixthly. Stewardship. It is vital to keep in mind that it is not so much the amount of Gold (Love) the Master has invested in us that makes the determining difference, it is actually accountability through stewardship and servanthood. It is the act of exchanging spiritual goods and services through the Love fruits that is applied and garnered upon the platform of the person’s gift and ability in the spiritual Market Place. Paul said, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph.210).

Satan manufactures fear in people to keep them trapped and enslaved in sin. God sent Jesus to bring His Love so the Spirit will empower freedom in our hearts and minds through Jesus ongoing mediation as humanity’s High Priest in heaven. (Heb.4:15; 2 Cor.5:21). Paul said, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Gal.5:1). This is the Spiritual Market Place dynamism where spiritual trading takes place. Love and fear compels us to make a choice. This is where we are given the unparallel prospect to multiply and increase the master’s wealth…or decrease and weaken God’s wealth (Love) in our lives and humanity as a whole. What will it be?

This means that whatever circumstance we face in life, there are two manifestations to every given situation where our gifts come into play. There is a purely physical/temporary aspect propelled by fear to a person’s gift, then there is a spiritual/eternal aspect inspired by Love. When applying our gifts and abilities, this mindset that there are always two manifestations to our abilities and gifts, must always be clearly understood at the forefront of our minds.

In true stewardship, the servant does not allow pride or arrogance get in the way of his/her work, but says as the Scriptures affirms, “But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power (through the inborn creative gifts of God who made us) to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day” (Deut.8:18, Italics my emphasis). This is the mindset of what and how genuine stewardship must look like.

Seventhly, according to the parable of the ten virgins Jesus gave earlier, there is a way of replenishing the power of God’s Spirit and Love in the human heart and mind. (Matt.25:1-13) Jesus likens it to the metaphor of virgins filling their lamps with oil so the flame of the divine Love is constantly burning bright and not extinguised.

We keep the light of God’s Love burning bright by eating from and sharing with others the Love-fruits of the Tree of Life (Holy Spirit). That is to say, the more we practice and act out the Love-fruits Paul cataloged and listed in his letter to the Corinthians, the more we are filling our lamps with oil. (1 Cor.13) The act of Love itself through its many fruits is the only practical way to fill our lamps with oil to keep Love burning brightly.

The oil is not some metaphysical substance we imagine fills our heart and head with Love, no, the act of living out the Love-fruits through the acts of our gifts and abilities is what produces the oil which keeps the lamp burning. The Love-fruits have the seeds of Love which produces more ‘Love-oil.’ We are to trade with the wealth of God’s Love upon the platform of our God-given inborn gifts and abilities, and in the process fill our oil (Love) and make a return in Gold (Love) for the Master’s investment.

That return from the Love activities through our inborn gifts is the very ‘black gold’ or ‘oil’ we make which keeps the light of God’s Love burning brightly. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Yes, with God’s light in Jesus, we are given the sight to see how to increase and wisely invest the Master’s wealth (Love).

The Metaphor of God’s Love to the Oil the 10 Virgins Constanly Kept the Light Of God’s Love Aflame and Burning

And eigthly, the servants need to always keep the right mindset and disposition as to the principles outlined above by investing time in prayer, meditation, grace and discernment, in the Lord’s presence. We offfer the Lord’s Prayer of divine salutation; petition and forgiveness; divine protection from trials and security from the enemy; and always paying honor, homage, and praise to God the Almighty our Father for the unique gifts and abilities He has conferred upon us, and for Christ’s unceasing mediation as humanity’s High Priest.

Having considered the eight points mentioned above, namely: 1) Recognition of who our Master is; 2) Appreciation of the Love-nature of God and its inherent motivation for growth and multiplication. 3) Understanding the Master/servant relationship and not allowing insubordination to invert its priority; 4) The essential humility in servanthood; 5) Understanding the Spiritual Market Place; 6) Stewardship – displaying accountability by responsibly and consistently investing the Master’s wealth (Love/Gold); 7) Being resolute and not weary in keeping the oil and flame of Love burning by applying the Love-fruits diligently. 8) The faithful servants invest their time in thoughtful prayer, meditation, praise and homage, before Christ (High Priest) in the Father’s presence.

Let me ask a pertinent and all together important question for the servants to consider, and especially for the servant with one bag of Gold (Love) who did nothing with His Master’s investment. Have you properly considered the eight points outlined above which are vital to the Master/servant relationship?

Most especially, on entering the sixth point of stewardship, where ‘the rubber meets the road’ so to speak, in which they are to directly invest their Master’s wealth (Love/gold), are they in a right mindset? Do the servants have a plan on how to weigh and consider their activity in the Spiritual Market Place as they are about to trade with the Master’s wealth (Love-fruits)? Now, they are to trade by utilizing the divine currency of God’s Love-fruits in their interaction and relations with the divine and human entities. (Mar.12:30-31)

From the account of Jesus’ parable, it was obvious only the two servants did, but not the third. Why? Recall, the three servants are representative of three categories of people and how they respond to the the Master’s call and command to invest His wealth (Love/Spirit’s Fruits), and doing it through the eight principles we covered about Master/servant relationship we have covered above. The parable representing human response to the Master’s wish and command are not foregone conclusions. They constitute people who understand and follow the 8 Master/servant principles above, thus making successful outcomes and servants.

Parable of Gold, Symbol for God’s Love and Wealth

We saw earlier that all human gifts and abilities originate from God through Christ, “In whom (Christ) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col.2:2-3). The apostle Peter reveals God’s ultimate plan for bestowing human gifts and abilities in humanity, “And you are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple. What’s more, you are His holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God” (1 Pet.2:5). What Peter is saying is each person as identified and personified by their gifts and abilities, energized by God’s Love, constitute the very ‘bricks’ which Jesus utilizes to erect God’s temple and sanctuary. So, all of saved humanity will become a holy temple and sanctuary where God Himself will dwell with His human children for all eternity.

The Scripture above, by saying, “…Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God” (1 Pet.2:5), this directly relates to God’s Love activity in humanity, and as servants in Jesus’ Parable of the Bags of Gold, we are offering the sacrifice of Love in the Market Place interaction with all we are given opportunity to invest God’s wealth and Gold called Love.

Nobody is born without divinely conferred abilities to live a purposeful life as a human being as the Creator has preordained. That is the reality of His divine sovereignty which we accept without question. Therefore, every person is metaphorically a ‘brick’ in God’s temple. As Creator God, by whose power humans and all living things draw breadth, everything is the expression of His Love, for “God is Love” (1 John 4:8, 16; Job 12:10).

If God is the ultimate Love Personality who fills the whole of creation, then we too as ‘bricks’ in His temple form the same divine Love likeness within His sanctuary wherein He dwells. (Gen.1:26-27) Hence, we see this played out in the reality of the Parable of Bags of Gold (Love).

We cannot debate the issue about our gifts and abilities with the Creator. That is His prerogative as Creator who created all humanity out of His Love and confer gifts for His divine purpose and goal. The Scripture declare, “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psa.139:13-14) So, here we see God creating you and me upon the live human platform of the gifts and talents He has bestowed in us, which He the Master, and faithful servants, will disseminate His wealth through His Love to all humanity.

From Jesus’ parable, two of the three servant-types responded properly to the eight points outlined above. In so doing, they faced the fifth point in the right frame of mind and spirit, where they live and operate in the divine/human Market Place knowing how to utilize the currency of Love to trade and multiply the Master’s wealth (Love). The first two understood that life is always lived on two levels, two tiers, one is physical/temporal, while the other if spiritual/eternal. Based upon them, we then make choices in life.

For example, when Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever” (John 6:51), it tells us that bread is not merely what we buy at the local bakery. There is another bread which is spiritual bread, and it is understood and personified in His Person as our Savior. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna (physical bread) in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die” (John 6:48-50, italic my emphasis).

Bread, otherwise called ‘the staff of life,’ is metaphor for a person’s occupation. It is a person’s gift which is now his/her profession which he/she has spent most of life learning and honing and with which he/she has become well-versed. Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:34). Yes, Jesus’ whole purpose in life, His profession, His nourishment, the food that keeps Him going is to see that the purpose for which God sent Him, is accomplished.

Humans in turn accomplish God’s purpose for their lives by receiving Jesus as Savior and Master, and through the gifts and talents conferred by divine edict trade in God’s Love. The Scripture tell about Jesus in this way, “‘The stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Jesus said, “I Am the Bread of Life”

The same goes with water. There is physical water which quenches our thirst physically, and there is spiritual water which quenches our spiritual thirst. Regarding spiritual water, Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified” (John 7:37-39). So, the Holy Spirit is spiritual water we drink to satisfy our spiritual thirst.

Two of the most basic elements in life by which humans survive and not perish, food and water (drink), carries physical and spiritual connotation and meaning. This teaches us that for just about everything in life there is always this dual expression that calls us to consider our actions, and the repercussions that precipitate them, based upon our choices and activities. We must not be myopic as to think that bread simply means getting your share of carbohydrates from the bakery and nothing more. And quenching your thirst means more than finding a river or tap with running water.

‘Bread’ (sustenance) means the primary purpose of human life is to do God’s will for us through the gifts and abilities He bestowed upon us. (1 Pet.4:10) ‘Water’ (drink) means to live by the divine Love empowered through the Spirit’s presence in us. (1 Cor.3:16) By wearing the new garment of Jesus’ resurrected life we become new personalities ourselves inspired by the Holy Spirit who supplies God’s Love. (Gal.2:20) The Spirit is the Personification of God’s Love and wealth we receive from Jesus, the Master as stated in the parable we read earlier.

John 7:37-39 (ESV) 37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus  stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and  drink.”

Let us take a real live situation. What is a person’s occupation? We saw a list of gifts in the fourth principle we covered above. There are always two manifestations to our abilities of which we must always be cognizant. This mindset must be at the forefront of our thinking process. However, because of our fallen state on being, we almost always look at life from a purely physical/material perspective inspired by fear, and ignore or are ignorant of the spiritual point of view inspired by Love and follow through with our actions. In truth, because the command we must Love God first above all else, than what ought to be at the forefront of our minds, our attitude ought to be, the spiritual perspective ought to and must lead the way, then the physical/material. What then is our motive for doing what we do?

This is why humans are blessed with gifts and talents in the first place. We ought always to ask why am I doing this, what am I doing it for? This is the main point of the parable. You may be very proficient with your gift physically and materially, but that is not the sole meaning of the parable. It was about what your gift will produce spiritually. The Bible states that “Without Love I am nothing” (1 Cor.13:2). So, for every activity we do with our gifts, there is a material manifestation based upon fear, and there is a spiritual action based on Love. If we place the spiritual deeds first, then the material will fall into its proper place by divine providence. (Matt.6:33)

Paul told Titus, “There are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception… for they overthrow the faith of whole families, teaching what they ought not, just for the sake of making money.” (Tit.1:10-11). Yes, these people spurn authority, teaching principles which contravene God’s foundation for living based upon Love, for the sake of dishonest gain through the spirit of fear. A person may be a surveyor, pilot, scientist, or dentist, botanist or nurse. But what is the purpose of your gift?

Is it just a profession so you could get a salary at the end of the day or week? It is not wrong to charge for the service of your talent, as long as you do not leave the vital first objective and aim undone. (1 Cor.13:1) We ought to be careful not to put the cart before the horse, so to speak. (Mat.6:33) A fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay is a biblically sound fiscal principle. Paul tell Timothy, “The worker is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim.5:18).

Your gift is to be lifted up above the mundane, above the physical/material level, above the spirit of fear, way up to the spiritual and divine plane beyond where it is performed for God’s Love, and out of God’s Love. It is the expectation of Love in our hearts, our motives, which counts. And when done out of Love, we are shining the light of His glory (Love). Listen to John’s arresting statement, “We know how much God Loves us, and we have put our trust in His Love. God is Love, and all who live in Love live in God, and God lives in them” (1 John 4:16, NLT).

Human Gifts and Talents Divinely Conferred By the Creator as the Human Platform for Trading in the Spiritual Market Place to Grow and Multiply God’s Investment (Gold/Love) In Humanity.

Yes, we have known and tasted God’s Love through His Son, who has saved and redeemed us from sin and death, while at the same time given passage for the Holy Spirit, the power of God’s Love, to come and reside in our hearts. (Act.2:38) Paul points out clearly, ”Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Paul asked pointedly (1 Cor.3:16). We have seen the currency of God’s Love through the fruits of the Spirit with which to trade upon the platform of our gifts in the Spiritual Market Place. (1 Cor.13).

As long as we live in this fallen age of Satan’s dominion, we will encounter the spirit and fruits of fear, the enemy of God’s Love and fruits of the Spirit. For every fruit of Love there is a fruit of fear the devil utilizes to deceive and keep humans in sin. Since the fruits of Love and the fruits of fear are opposing spiritual forces, it creates friction and dynamism whereby human life comes with its tests and trials in all seasons.

Today it is a sad tragedy to see misguided people arm themselves with potentially deadly firearms and turn it into weapons of destruction in schools and public and other places. The answer to such a situation, or for that matter, all different kinds of such negative and deadly situation and circumstance, can be found in Jesus’ Parable of the Bags of Gold. Through trials and tests we are given to choose between the physical and mundane and the spiritual and divine upon the platform of our gifts and talents. This is the Market Place dynamism where spiritual trading takes place. This is where we are given the unparallel prospect to multiply and increase the Master’s wealth…or the enemy’s riches, and decrease and weaken God’s wealth (Love) in our lives. What will it be?

What Will You Do With The Master’s Wealth (Love)?

Listen, our works no matter the magnitude or importance does not multiply to, nor is profitable for God. “Can a man be of benefit to God?” Job asked (Job 22:2). God does not need our help, and His happiness and wellbeing will not be increased by our efforts. In truth, the reverse is true for Paul told the Greeks, “‘For in Him we live and move and have our being’” (Act.17:28). But God is pleased with His human children who are faithful, trusting, and obedient. The fact is by increasing His wealth (Love) He had us in mind, not Him. He lacks nothing, for He is complete in Himself through His infinite Love.

As we saw earlier, He wanted His human children to become “Love Personalities” in their own reality as He is in Himself. He is the supreme Love Personality who “Fills the entire universe with Himself” (Eph.4:10). That is the purpose and aim of the parable, as Genesis informs us, He created humanity to become like Him in His likeness (Love). (Gen.1:26-27) The grace to do God’s will for our lives comes from Him only, and all the praise of that will be due to Him. If He rewards us, it will be a matter of unmerited favor on His part.

In Place of Love, Satan Sows the Seeds and Fruits of Fear

Our best services and efforts are always mingled with faults and imperfections. We come short of His glory. (Rom.3:23) We do not serve Him as sincerely, and cheerfully, and faithfully as we ought; we are far, very far from the example of our Savior; and if we are saved and rewarded, it will be because God will be merciful to our unrighteousness, and will not avenge our iniquities but will pardon and remember them no more. (Heb. 8:12)

However, God our Father does something so wonderfully magnificent beyond words, He imputes His Son’s perfect messianic life upon us for our justification and salvation. Listen, Paul said, “God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor.5:21). Yes, through Jesus’ glorious vicarious life God has made it possible for humanity to appear before the ‘mercy seat’ of the Almighty God and Father to make our pleas and suppication in time of needs and failings, and have a blessed life.

Humility a Vital Character of Faithful Servants

What ought our attitude be towards our work as servants? Jesus said, “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” (Luk.17:10). Yes, the servants who made one hundred percent return on the Master’s wealth simply say, “We have done that which is our duty.” Humans perform their tasks as servants in the spirit of humility, fully convicted of God’s promise, “However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who Love Him” (1 Cor.2:9).

However, the person given the one bag of Gold did nothing …Can we see that gifts are conferred foremost for the purpose of building the Master’s spiritual wealth (Love/Gold)? As human beings, we ought not to forget the lesson in point #2 above about God’s motivational Love to increase and multiply. Apparently, the third servant who was given one bag of Gold did not appreciate this all-important aspect of his/her life. He did not appreciate the Master/servant dynamic, much less the eight principles of stewardship and servanthood. There is another kind of mineral which looks like gold, but is not. It is call “fool’s gold.” The one-talent servant told his Master, “Here is what belongs to you” and found no time to invest the Master’s Gold (Love) apportioned him. (Matt.25:25).

The Unprofitable Servant Returned the Mater’s Investment with No profit.

Instead, he invested in “fools gold.” “Fool’s gold” is reaped from the fruit of fear and selfishness, not God’s outgoing Love (true Gold). “Fool’s gold” is reaped from the fruit of human self-centeredness, pride, arrogance, greed, laziness, rebellion and sin. It will serve us well to recognize the difference, and not live foolishly but as true profitable servants of our Master. May God give us the wisdom so life will not become a wasted opportunity to enter His Kingdom.

Petition: Friends, as I have closed my post in the past, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker and Savior. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart of heart you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious humanity made children in God’s Love forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or divisions one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for God’s dwelling:

Prayer: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Prayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons)

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s joy, and may we live to proclaim His praise!

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee (Your Servant in Christ)

*”Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26; Matt.28:19; John 14:10, 16; 16:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God as a Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Pet.1:2; 2 Thess.2:13; 2 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. Love by its nature is relational as God is in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational being to reflect God in His Tri-Personal Being. Thereby, the human family is comprised of the father, mother, and offspring. Many believe God is solitary, but in truth He is One trinitarian Being in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matt.28:19-20)

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family to raise composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Being. The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2; Eph.5:23-27, 32; Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Being.

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23).

Rublev’s Icon of The Triune God (Trinity) – One in Three, Three in One (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness, not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God, just as humanity is one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the Trinity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever.

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092.    

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

Mission Statement: Read the Triune Love Mission, Vision, and Value statements at: http://bulamanriver.net/8664.

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THE CROSS, BY KIANG P LEE

Greetings again Friends! Wherever you are in the far-flung corners of the world, may the peace of Easter be with you and your loved ones. Our heart goes out to the many men, women, and especially children, who are experiencing terrible suffering in central Europe, most especially in Ukraine, and other less known parts of the world.

The Cross: He Has Risen

“He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying.” (Matthew 28:6). Those are the most impactful words in the Christian faith, for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christianity. Even though Jesus told His disciples of His impending death and resurrection, they found it too incredulous to be believed. The Gospel of Luke tells us Jesus’ conversation with the disciples, “Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him, insult Him and spit on Him; they will flog Him and kill Him. On the third day He will rise again. The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what He was talking about” (Luk.18:31-34). Jesus predicted His death three times as the Gospel of Mark attests. (Mar. 8:31; 9:31; and 10:32–34).

On another occasion He spoke about it metaphorically, comparing His life to a temple, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19; Matt.26:61; 27:40; Mar.14:58) His hearers thought He was talking of the physical temple, not realizing He was making reference to Himself. (1 Cor.3:16) Yet again, He said this about His life, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father” (John 10:18). As the second Person of the Tri-Personal God (Trinity), Jesus possessed both human/divine nature in Himself upon His human birth. Athanasius of Alexandria said, “Nothing except the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a greater miracle or wonder in human history. God becoming flesh in human history is the greatest marvel.”

The prophet Isaiah gave His messianic name, Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Isa 7:14; Matt.1:23). By taking our fallen humanity upon Himself in the incarnation, He crucified our once sin-conditioned and rebellious humanity upon His cross, and glorified it in His resurrection and ascension once for all time.

 

“He Is Risen!” Artist Impression of Resurrection of Jesus (Wiki Commons)

When they heard from others that Jesus had indeed risen, it left them speechless. When He miraculously appeared before them, they were left gasping for breath. Jesus told one doubting disciple, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed” (John 20:29). You can read the inspiring account of Jesus’ resurrection at Matthew 28:1-10. The resurrection responds to the ancient quest for answers to the question of life, death, and the afterlife. Ancient philosophers, theologians, and sages have long sought to unlock the answers to the afterlife.

Yes, the Christian life is a life of living faith. Paul stated the anchor upon which the Christian faith is centered and upon which it revolves: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Cor.15:17). Indeed, powerful words concerning the Christian faith. The Cross would be meaningless if Jesus had not risen. The resurrection is the foundation upon which the Christian faith is built. Therefore, the very essence of freedom is founded upon faith in Christ and His work of Messiah. We cannot believe the Cross (death of Jesus Christ) and deny His resurrection. They are both one and the same expression of His Messiahship.

His life and all the prophecies concerning His calling as the Messiah would have all been fiction, a fabrication, if His resurrection from the dead had not happened for real. If it were not for the resurrection, mankind’s fate would have ended in the grave and no further. Mankind’s future of receiving the divine gift of immortality and continue as an everlasting species created in God’s eternal likeness would not be possible. (Gen.1:26-27, 5:1; Eph.4:24; John 3:16)

And to comprehensively secure the work of His Messiahship, we see the final act of Jesus’ ascension into heaven where He returns to the Father and is made to sit at His right hand as humanity’s High Priest forever. (Act.1:9-10; Heb.4.14-16) As our glorified human/divine High Priest, what Jesus did as Messiah as the Immanuel in His earthly life and ministry had not stopped at the Cross when He died.

In truth, He continues the work of Messiah, but now in His resurrected/ascended High Priestly role in heaven today where He forever mediates on humanity’s behalf before Almighty God, our heavenly Father. And Paul expresses this mind blowing truth of our reality in Christ, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Eph.2:6).

Jesus Christ, Our High Priest in heaven today where He forever Mediates on Humanity’s behalf Before Almighty God, our Heavenly Father

Did you see that? Paul says when humans are baptized, we affirm a certain reality to our faith in Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, that is, we have been made to also ascend with Him when He ascended back to His Father in heaven. (Eph.2:6-7) Human believers are always present with Jesus in His never-ending mediation as our eternal High Priest keeping mankind in right standing with God forever. For the Scriptures say, “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb.4:15-16).

God tells us He is the source of life – life originates and exudes from His divine Trinitarian Being. He is the fountain and spring of life. (Gen.2:7; 1 Sam.2:6; Act.17:25) If that is so, how and where did death originate and enter human existence which made the resurrection to immortal life necessary? The answer is the subject of our post today, “The Cross.” The Cross is the symbol of reconciliation and peace with the holy God from whom eternal life is received as a gift. (John 3:16-17)

Death was imposed upon humanity as a penalty for sin which began in the Garden of Eden. (Gen.3:1-6; 11) The Bible categorically states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom.6:23). When Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, sin entered our human existence, and death followed. God told our first parents, “you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Gen.2:17). Satan deceived them and they disobeyed. Then God asked our first parents, “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” (Gen.3:11).

Since death could result only from sin, God said to our first parents, “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Gen.3:19). This could not have been uttered before they sinned, but only after sin entered their lives. If death followed Adam’s disobedience, then what was Adams’s makeup and composition before he sinned? It is clear God made him from the dust of the earth. (Gen.2:7) But was he subject to death from his creation, before he sinned?

Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden, Covered in ‘Garment’ God Had Adorned Them Which Gave Them a Form of Human ‘Extrinsic Immortality’

When God created Adam, it would have been contrary to His Love nature and who He is to have subjected him and his wife to death in any way, shape, and form. The Scripture tell us God created humanity in His image and likeness. (Gen.1:26-27) God’s likeness and image is eternal life…death is anathema to the everlasting God and non-existent in His divine realm. (Lam.5:19; Psa.9:7; Exo.15:18; Psa.66:7) The totality of the environment in Eden was wrapped up in one element which defines who God IS: life, life, and life without end! Everlasting life that’s manifested in His divine nature of Love and Freedom. Death is the exact antithesis of who God is in substance and reality in His divine nature.

Adam had life to its fullest and broadest divine expression that a human can experience at the highest physical level ever possible! Adam existed in God’s presence, the Source of both spiritual and physical life. Adam did not know what death was, it had no meaning with him, although he was warned of it. (Gen.2:17)

It is said of the patristic writers that Eve and Adam lost “something physically real” namely, the ‘glorious garment’ with which God had clothed them. Adam and Eve possessed a human form of ‘extrinsic immortality’ in Paradise whereby they could fellowship with their Creator who existed in ‘intrinsic immortality.’ After their fall, they were unrobed of their ‘glorious garment’ (‘extrinsic immortality’) and realized their “nakedness.” (Gen.3:7) Although Adam was created from the earth, the ‘glorious garment’ or ‘extrinsic immortality’ gave them a form of human immortality reflecting God’s eternal image, for it was impossible for the Everlasting Creator to have fellowship with them as pure physical humans otherwise.

God alone possesesses ‘intrinsic immortality’ in Himself, and He alone has the power to confer ‘intrinsic immortality’ to humanity. This, He has promised to mankind through His Son. For the Scripture tell us, “Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (‘intrinsic immortality’) (John 3:16; Rom.6:23; Rom.8:11). (Jesus is the total embodiment of life in its fullest expression, without a hint of death, even on a physical mortal level as Adam existed in Eden.

God Our Father Promises ‘Intrinsic’ Immortality to Humanity Through His Son

Nevertheless, Adam’s ‘glorious garment’ (human ‘extrinsic immortality’) contained an imbedded weakness – it was powerless in the face of sin which brought death. For the immortality Adam and Eve possessesed was ‘extrinsic’ not ‘intrinsic’ immortality. When confronted with sin, Adam’s garment vanished. (Gen.3:7) It was a human form of ‘extrinsic immortality’ nonetheless, with a vital caveat they were warned about – death. (Gen.2:17) But as we shall see, God has promised to bless and clothe humanity in another garment which will bring true ‘intrinsic’ immortality which no sin has power over.

So, with sin having entered Eden through disobedience, the dark cloud of death had cast its long shadow over them and manind as a whole, and it was not possible for death (sin) to co-exist with life (God) in Eden. So, it was only after sin entered and severed the divine/human Love relationship, that God uttered, “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return,” not before, for “the wages of sin is death” (Gen.3:19; also Rom.6:23). Paul echos this original Adamic decree, saying, “It is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment” (Heb.9:27).

Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–298 – 2 May 373) contends Eve and Adam were not created either immortal or perfect. They needed to prove themselves – this is part of what many of the church fathers understood as having free will to mean. We are left to postulate as to what exactly was the pre-fallen state of existence of Adam and Eve? How long did this pre-fallen condition last – how long did they live in Paradise before their banishment from Eden?

The Genesis account of creation and the fall of man was very brief and dearth of detail, thereby patristic writers have made expositions and perspectives which convey vital aspects of the creation account and the fall of man. By inference, nuance and undertone, we can conclude assuredly that since our first parents was created to reflect God’s eternal likeness in His divine Love from the start, that they did remain true to their divine Love image for some extended period of ‘time’ prior to the fall. (Gen.1:26-27)

It is relevant to keep in mind that ‘time’ was immaterial as long as they were adorned in their ‘glorious garment’ of ‘extrinsic immortality’ which equipped and sustained them with the Almighty Eternal God. It was only after they sinned that their ‘glorious garment’ vanished and realized they were ‘naked.’ They became mere mortals and the clock of time began its countdown for them and humanity. (Gen.3:7) Today, according to the passage of ‘time,’ historical and documentary records, archeology and other evidence, we are about six to seven thousand years removed from that world-shattering and calamitous event of Adam’s fall.

Prior to this, they ate from the Tree of Life which sustained them in God’s Love and the ‘glorious garment’ with which God covered them. If we assume the fall occurred immediately after their creation, as is commonly postulated, that would presume the enemy (Satan) is mightier than the Creator, which would be absurd and sacrileges to say the least. (Isa.45:21-24; Isa.44:8) No, our first parents were sustained in God’s image and Love-likeness for a very long while before their eventual fall.

Eden was God’s paradisal garden empowered in the Spirit’s energized cocoon-like shielded environment where our first parents lived sheltered lives in God’s Love and safeguarded them from the inhospitable external physical world. Later, due to their sin of disobedience, they were banished to live in it. Eden was no backyard orchard, but was God’s gift to and His place of dwelling with Adam and Eve and humanity. In it, God taught them right from wrong through ‘the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,’ and guided and sustained them in His Love and way of life through ‘the tree of life.’ (Gen.2:8-9)

Over a long period of ‘time’ they had assumed enormous ‘human knowledge and intellect’ through the ‘the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.’ The ‘tree of the knowledge of good and evil’ was not an evil, sinful tree. It increased our parents fund of knowledge of good and evil. Be that as it may, it was human knowledge and basically emboldens the human spirit of self-reliance instead of divine-reliance, which the devil exploited. (Prov.14:12; Gen.3:1, 6-7) Then there was the ‘tree of life’ which taught them God’s way of life, and where they received the Spirit’s (Love) energy and true life, most importantly divine-reliance. God tested their freewill (freedom) to choose between the two trees.

In fact, there was only one tree they were commanded to stay away and not eat. They had liberty to eat from many other trees. (Gen.2:16-17) The tree of good and evil represented human knowledge, much like how humans acquire knowledge today, then through experience and experimentation receive and increase human understanding. The drawback was and still is, it stoked the spirit of self-reliance as harbinger of the autonomous life independent from God. (Prov.16:25) And that is exactly how the devil tempted our first parents in Eden.

On the other hand, the ‘tree of life,’ represented the Love of God, and life of interdependence and relationship with the divine will. We must understand all forms of bondage and slavery results from living automously apart from God promoted by Satan by way of his catastrophic original sin. (Isa.14:12-14)

The wisdom we draw from the two trees is we can make our human plans, but in the end it is God who determines our steps towards genuine freedom and success. So, we yield to the divine will in all our human efforts, rather than the human self-will as end in itself that becomes a god we submit to in place of God’s Loving will. God’s Love, as represented in the ‘tree of life,’ leads to freedom, interrelationships, goodwill, and will never promote slavery and bondage in any shape or form. (Isa.61:1-2; Luk.4:18)

We saw that the ‘glorious garment’ with which God had clothed our first parents was the source of the form of human immortality they possessed in Eden. After they disobeyed and sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, their celestial garment by way of their human ‘extrinsic immortality’ spontaneously vanished. Suddenly they saw and realized their nakedness. Yes, their “nakedness” revealed a change they never knew nor experienced before, now they were mere mortals and subject to deterioration and eventual death as God had warned. (Gen.2:17, 3:19)

The ‘glorious garment’ which sustained them with a form of ‘extrinsic immortality’ had disappearedon by reason of sin’s power over it. In the divine Edenic enviroment where God’s everlasting presence existed with our first parents, “nakedness” means to be stripped off the ‘glorious garment’ which sustained them in God’s presence. All their needs and wants, both spiritual and mortal, were supplied through the tree of life and the ‘glorious garment’ which sustained them immortally, which was subject to the mercy of sin’s power.

God clothed them with the garment of Animal Skin in place of the ‘Glorious Garment’ of ‘Extrinsic Immortality.’ This Animal Skin was to Depict the Substitutional sacrifice which Moses Instituted in Israel to Picture Jesus’ ultimate Sacrifice so Humanity is Spared from the Penalty of Sin and Death.

Then God shared the promise of the Messiah’s coming with our first parents, but directed it as a prophetic statement of intent of good over evil, right over wrong, uprightness over wickedness, at the serpent (Satan) saying, “I’m declaring war between you and the woman, between your offspring and hers. He’ll wound your head, you’ll wound His heel” (Gen.3:15, MSG). This was the first prophecy of the coming of the Messiah and Savior. Not only is this a prophecy of Jesus’ birth, but it is a prophecy of His work, His life, His Cross, His resurrection and ascension.

By saying, “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel,” God is declaring and proclaiming the good news of the defeat of Satan’s evil plan for mankind at the hands of Jesus His Son, our Savior, and Redeemer, and embrace us as His Loving children. This was the first mention to our first parents and humanity of God’s plan of redemption. The mission of Jesus as humanity’s Savior was to restore mankind to his predestined and celestially ordained place in God’s divine plan that was lost in Eden, and much, much more, as we shall see the role of the Messiah, the second Adam played out. (1 Cor.15:45-49)

In promising the coming of the Messiah and prior to their banishment from Eden, God clothed them with the garment of animal skin to cover the shame of their nakedness. (Gen.3:21) So, the Cross and the Gospel of Jesus Christ was first preached to Adam and Eve, humanity’s first parents. Up to now, Eden had never known death, for God’s divine existence was the life and environment of Eden. Death is anathema to God. However, after their fall (sin/nakedness) the garment of animal skin tells of the death of an animal or two in order to make garments to cover our parent’s nakedness.

Artist Impression of Jesus Defeating Satan in the Temptation and Bring Redemption to Adam’s Fall, and Dying Upon His Cross as Final Act of Victory and Freedom

We realize that Eden was the most beautiful and miraculous place upon earth. Eden was no ordinary backyard garden, all kinds of life forms existed in it. God had brought the animals and life forms before Adam so he would name them, “Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name” (Gen.2:19). It showed that these life forms possessed a pet-like existence with Adam and Eve in Eden. These life forms in Eden were neither wild nor ferocious, but were gentle, benign, and responsive to human touch and cognizance.

The animal skin conveys to us that the life of animals were slained and ‘sacrificed’ to symbolize the future work of restitution of the prophesied Messiah necessary to save and cover the sin (nakedness) of all mankind. It was to picture the substitutional sacrificial system Moses would later institute in Israel to picture the future Messiah and His sacrificial death to atone for humanity’s sins and be spared from the ensuing death penalty and be adorned with godly life. (Rom.6:23; Gen.2:17)

Their ‘extrinsic immortality’ (‘glorious garment’) that had furnished their every need and want both spiritual and mortal in divine Eden, was no more. Now, God said, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return” (Gen.3:19). They were banished to live outside Eden where the miraculous life they had always known and experienced had disappeared along with the sheltered life in Eden. (Gen.3:24) Beyond Eden they now had to work and earn their living. The miraculous life of Eden was lost forever.

The Birth of The Savior & Redeemer, The Second Adam

Yes, this symbolic substitutional death of animals in Eden foreshadowed the substitutional death of our Savior Jesus Christ as Redeemer upon the Cross to cover and protect humanity from sin and death. (John 3:16-17) Paul would say much later, “These things (sacrificial system) are a shadow of the things to come; the reality, however, is found (fulfilled) in Christ” (Col.2:17, italics my emphasis). What happened was symbolic, this first substitutional sacrifice in Eden was the first prophetic and symbolic act of the Messiah to come who would give His life as a sacrifice to cover human sin (nakedness). And this was fulfilled by Jesus’ death upon His Cross.

Paul would say, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Rom.5:12, 17). Then, Paul goes on, “For if we have been united with [Jesus] in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His” (Rom.6:5). Yes, humanity’s destiny is to inherit the identical resurrection to human immortality Jesus initiated through His own resurrection. (Rom.8:11, 29; John 5:21)

Yes, God gave us His Son so that through His death on the Cross we will not have to face death, and through His resurrection we will receive immortal life. (John 3:16-17) Let us turn to the Cross.

The Cross

This is where we pick up the story of Adam’s fall in Eden, and the transition to the Second Adam’s (Jesus’) story of restitution, redemption, Love and Freedom. (1 Cor.15:45) The primary meaning of the Cross of Jesus is to inherit the gift of freedom from the power of death which came through Adam’s fall. The Cross is about forgiveness and freedom from the imprisonment of sin, wickedness, rebellion through autonomy from God, the devil had established and consigned humanity since the fall of Adam in Eden.

It was upon the Cross that Jesus, the Son of God in human/divine form, was crucified and shed His blood and died for the atonement of all human sin in perpetuity. Athanasius affirms in his treatise, “On The Incarnation”: “If Jesus was only a man His death would not cover the sins of the world nor would He return to life.” Jesus Christ was no ordinary human being, He was the prophesied ‘Immanuel’ (meaning, “God with us”). (Isa.7:14; Matt.1:23) He is the second Person of the Tri-Personal Godhead (Trinity). (Matt.28:18-20)

The Bible speaks of Christians “carrying your Cross daily.” (Luk.14:27) This act conveys the message to humanity that by “carrying Jesus’ Cross daily” we may exist in a state of ongoing forgiveness and renewal so peace with God is attained and maintained continuously. Jesus said, “Anyone who does not carry his Cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple” (Luk.14:27). It is at the foot of the Cross that the journey to ultimate immortality begins. He said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt.11:29). Yes, there is the yoke of Jesus’ Love, freedom and eternal life, or the devil’s yoke of sin, injustice, captivity and death. (John 3:16)

However, the immortality Jesus brings is not going to be the ‘extrinsic’ form of immortality the first Adam had by way of the ‘glorious garment’ which was powerless in the face of sin, but the true ‘intrinsic’ human/divine immortality instituted by Jesus Himself by His own resurrection and ascension, thus clothing us with the New Garment of Himself. (John 6:47, 3:36; 5:24) Note, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Gal.3:27). Paul added, “Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom.13:14). Yes, note the new Glorious Garment is none other than Jesus Christ Himself who has lifted mankind to eternal life.

So, in the Father’s glorious presence, humans undergo this deathlike experience of disrobing the sin-conditioned old self from Adam, and stepping into the new life of being robed in the glorified life and garment of His Son, Jesus. (Rom.8:29) “For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies” Paul asserts. (1 Cor.15:53).

Adam’s ‘glorious garment’ was powerless in the face of sin and vanished instanly when our parent’s disobeyed God. (Gen.3:7, 17,19) However, the Garment of Jesus Christ’s Person possesses power over sin and will never vanish away for He is the Messiah. He has been appointed High Priest so He would forever mediate and consecrate mankind before God Almighty in perpetuity. (Heb.4.14-16; 2:14-18) Paul made an inspiring conclusion about our destiny in Christ as the human species, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Cor.5:21, NLT).

I draw our attention to the parable of the wedding banquet Jesus told His listeners. “The kingdom of heaven is like a King who prepared a wedding banquet for His Son.” The King “noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. Then the King told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness” (Matt.22:11-13). The wedding clothes is metaphor for being clothed in the Garment of Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, and wellspring of immortality.

The Resurrection to Human/Divine Immortality, Humanity’s Ultimate Glorious Garment in Christ, Establishing True Freedom and Success

Paul gives us insight into this, saying, “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you” (Rom.8:11; 1 Cor.15:51-53). Let us continue our journey with the Second Adam and His work to bring humanity out of Satanic incarceration and into true liberty and eternal life.

The ultimate purpose of Jesus and His Cross is aimed at one gaol – divine Freedom in Love. True freedom is the flipside of God’s divine nature of Love. The two are the same divine substance and indivisibly one. There is another word for freedom: success! Freedom and success are flipsides of one coin. Today, we hear so much about freedom and freedom fighters because of the conflict in central Europe between Russia and Ukraine. Today, we hear of the war erupting in Europe, and this is the picture of freedom lost.

We need to understand where this concept and natural urge for freedom originates. It is humanly inherent and instinctive because mankind assumed the likeness of our Maker who is both Love and Freedom in nature and substance. (Gen.1:26-27; 1 John 4:8; Gal.5:1; John 8:32; Rom.8:15) We treasure freedom because God made us to be like Him in His divine substance.

Be that as it may, freedom is not free but it took the life of Jesus, God’s own Son, to purchase our freedom by dying for us upon His Cross at the hands of fallen humans inspired by Satan. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free,” Paul asserts. (Gal.5:1, 13). However, freedom as a divine commodity from which a way of life is fostered and lived can be subjective based upon personal free will and preference. Today, there are 7.9 billion human beings that populate our earth, and counting. There are historical, emotional, cultural, and other societal inclinations in play which conspire to shape our freedom perspectives one way or another. Our free choice and perspective does not have to stand alone from others, there can be groupings of individuals with the identical points of view.

Although freedom is divinely endowed in humans, free will and free choice (freedom) has to be authenticated for its integrity and impartiality. To a person who is egomaniacal, freedom is viewed through a totally different lens compared to another person’s view of freedom.

Yet, over and above all that, freedom has to ring true and tested, before we can give subjective judgements as to its weight and import in relation to life’s journey for its integrity or deficiency, its success or emptiness. Recall, freedom and success are the flipsides of the coin of truth. Why is this vital? Because the Bible says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). To be free is synonymous with success, as freedom answers to truth.

God is Both Love and Freedom in Eternal Substance and Reality.

So, our freedoms and successes has to be tested for its authenticity through the gauge of truth. Truth is the scale by which the freedoms we espouse are weighed and substantiated. Only then, we can be certain our freedom and success is true and worth its weight in whatever significance we like to assign it. Yes, freedom and truth go hand in hand. I said earlier another word for freedom is success, and that they are flip sides of one coin. Now, we see the coin is the coin of truth!

Whatever activity we experience and encounter, the one aim of life is to achieve freedom and success. However, if we fail the test of truth then freedom and success will be elusive and unattainable. We may have the appearance of self-assurance and so-called success, unwittingly though we remain in bondage still. Things may seem robust and favorable, but it still must sustain the burden of truth. Life must stand the crucible of truth so freedom and success can be achieved and life becomes a joy to live.

Whether it is the freedom of religion, or one’s political persuasion, personal fiscal/financial freedom, freedom of expression/speech, the personal freewill to choose, the freedom to assembly without fear, the right to petition, a system of liberty to pursue and receive justice, the freedom to live in peace and prosperity, the individual’s freedom to marry for love, etc. However subjective these perspectives to freedoms may be, they must stand the burden of truth. And truth, in turn, will always stand the test of time itself. In other words, truth is eternal just as Love is and will endure forever, and so does the freedoms which have been validated by truth and Love.

Truth is The Scale by Which Our Freedoms Are Weighed. Jesus said, “I Am the Truth…”

Then, that leaves us with the predominant question of all, what is truth? The answer is crucial and just as impactful because it clears any doubts about whether our freedom perspectives, subjective though they may be, do indeed ring true and bring about the liberty and success we hope it articulates. Or, is it just a ‘false flag’ which leads us down a blind alley and ends nowhere? The devil has always deceived humans and led them down blind alleys and only come to realize too late we never did move, let alone advance, from where they were in the first place – being incarceration and held in bondage to Satan. Sadly, the freedoms we may have assumed we acquired had just turned out to be another side of the picture of our captivity, and like a puzzle we have yet to work out. Regrettably, there we remain in bondage still. But take heart, the Cross of Jesus is our Creator’s answer to the quest for life, freedom and truth.

When God gave His Son to become humanity’s Savior, Jesus came with a message from the Father which settles this question about truth once for all. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6, italicized for emphasis). Here, we see the Bible tell us that truth is grounded and consolidated in the Person of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. God has not hidden truth in some philosophical idea which humanity is supposed to seek out like some buried treasure. We are not to pursue truth like a Juan Ponce de Leon personality who sought the fountain of youth.

God has made it simple and easy for humanity to comprehend truth – God has gift-wrapped truth for us in the Person of His Son. Truth is absolute, it is reposed in Jesus. (John 14:6, 1:14) Truth is not some abstract notion we juggle in the mind and imagine it will materialize from nothing. No one can deny that God is the ultimate embodiment and repository of truth, and Jesus is the second Person of the Tri-Personal Godhead (Trinity) where truth is housed and abides from eternity. (Matt.28:18-19)

John further attest to this wonderful revelation, “Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17, italicized for emphasis). How would humans come to determine and find the truth if God had not revealed it to us in such a plain and straightforward manner? We would be lost in a sea of concepts, conjectures, and ensuing confusion in our never-ending search. And sadly, peoples the world over, in bygone epochs and eras, have ended up with superstitious beliefs and weird and bizarre conclusions, as many have done so. We are grateful beyond measure for God’s extravagant grace and revelation in His only Son.

Like a beautiful rose with its equally exquisite petals, we see truth’s unfolding wonder and move in the path of the next petal in truth’s evolution and revelation: faith! We have seen that the aim of the Cross is singular and unique – freedom! It means freedom from all forms of bondage we can imagine, principally freedom from death – and since death is the end-all, it means perfect liberty. The Scriptures had foretold of humanity’s restoration from death to life through Jesus Christ. (Psa.49:15; Hos.13:14; John 3:16; Heb.2:14-18)

Paul reiterates this wonderful future for mankind, and writes, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor.15:55-56). We see here how Jesus is the truth for He answers to the human nemesis, death, then brings about the opposite of death – immortality. (John 3:16-17) That, in a nutshell is the ultimate meaning of truth, freedom, and success!

Although freedom is subjective for every human being, we can determine if each of our ideas of freedom is truly genuine and does bring true liberty. To know that, we are required to weigh it on the scale of truth. We have seen truth is defined as the personification of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. (John 14:6) Each petal of the truth (Jesus) unfolds into the path and act of sanctification of Jesus’ faith in our person, our existence as humans. (Rom.3:22; Gal.2:20, KJV) What would be the meaning of life in all its manifestation if the final answer would always going to be the grave (death) and no further. So, we see why Jesus is the truth. Through His Cross He frees us from death and brings humanity true life. And it’s faith that brings all the pieces in God’s truth together in Christ. (Heb.11:1, 6)

Jesus came to reveal the Father to all mankind, who is the ultimate repository of truth. He said, “No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him” (Luk.10:22). Here, Jesus is making known His eternal trinitarian existence with the Father in the one triune Godhead.

But how does truth (Jesus) reveal itself to us, so we may test the integrity of our perceptions of freedom and success? The simple answer is through faith! We are to place our trust and faith in a Person who said He is the repository and Personification of truth. (John 14:6) Jesus alone has to answer to our cause for freedom and true success, He alone is the test and scale upon which our freedoms are weighed, tested, and sanctified in Him alone. (John 14:6)

Jesus Christ Conveyed God’s Gift Of Human/Divine Immortality to Mankind Through His Own Resurrection. Thus, He Is the Ultimate Answer to Truth, Freedom, and Love. (John 3:16; Rom.8:11, 29; 1 John 4:16)

The prophet Isaiah quotes the Messiah as fulfilling His divine purpose in this manner, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isa.61:1). Yes, “To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” – in short, Jesus and His Cross is the path to complete liberty! This speaks of freedom first from the spiritual prison and captivity Satan has incarcerated humanity since the fall of Adam, which unravels into every manifestation of freedoms humans can possibly imagine. (Gal.5:1, 13) In short, we’ll be living the ‘miraculous life’ Adam lived on an ongoing basis in Eden in God’s presence before the fall, only now in a much more holistic and sense of eternity, no longer temporal, nor subject to sin and death.

Paul said this about freedom, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery,” echoing Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus we saw above (Gal.5:1). But what kind of freedom is it, what yoke slavery are we delivered from? Jesus said this about Himself, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Freedom from what?  Paul asserts, “Jesus the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Rom.8:2).

So, the freedom Jesus brings is total liberty which deliver us from all forms of bondage, both spiritual and physical, arising from sin and rebellion under the devil’s influence. Recall, this is the same punishment and curse for sin decreed upon Adam’s fall in Eden, and passed down to mankind as a whole. (Gen.3:19; Rom.5:12, 17) All forms of bondage we experience as humans results from the fact that we are incarcerated as Satan’s slaves to living autonomously without God in sin and obstinacy.

We are abject failures, more so deceived, at comprehending the far reaching and devastating effects of sin. Sin has become so routine and normalized it has become a way of life. This is the most devastating form of slavery into which humans are presently incarcerated. It is a spiritual prison with human repercussion and consequence akin to being trapped in a curse we have unwittingly come to embrace which only Jesus’ Cross possesess the power to free us.

Paul explains the interplay of faith and its role in the truth which frees humans from bondage, “Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal.3:23-29).

What is the purpose of faith? It gives you and I the conviction to trust God’s testimony about His Son Jesus as mankind’s Savior and Liberator and who is the very Spring from whom freedom flows to humanity. The Bible states clearly, “For this is how God Loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Immortality is the ultimate answer to freedom and success. Faith gives us the assurance about Jesus’ role as the prophesied Messiah. Paul tells us, “We are to walk by faith, and not by sight.” (2 Cor.5:7) Further the Scriptures says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb.11:6).

God IS Love

There are many people who do not believe and have yet to receive Jesus Christ and remain lost. The Scriptures declare, “For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved. If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom.10:9-10). So here, Paul lays out how we confess with our mouths our faith and conviction in Jesus as the very Son of God and Messiah. Faith is the lifeblood of the Christian life.

The Human Faith, inadequate it may be in the spiritual realm, Is used to trust in the all-powerful “Faith of Jesus,” that’s Living and Miraculous.

I want to share a parable of Jesus with you. Try to imagine a tree so bounteous which brings forth all kinds of fruits hanging from its leafy branches. Let us call it the ‘tree of freedom.’ The tree is a metaphor for liberty in all its glory. This is a unique tree because it bears all manner of fruits, not just a single variety. It bears apples, oranges, mangoes, plums, apricots, even pineapples, grapes, bananas, and as many variety as one can imagine. People from all walks of life flock to feed from the delicious, highly beneficial and tasteful fruits.

The variety of fruits represent all the many different perspectives of freedoms and successes to which humans espouse and pursue. The trunk of the tree (vine) can be likened to the main ‘conduit of freedom’ that represents Jesus, who is the truth. Recall, without truth freedom and success is unattainable, for Scripture says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

The sap flowing in the Vine (Jesus) which provides the life-giving nutrients enabling the tree to produce all variety and abundance of fruits is the power of God’s Spirit flowing through Christ, the Vine. (John 16:12-15) Jesus said, “I am the vine (primary tree trunk); you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, italics my emphasis). He said further, “I am the Real Vine and My Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of Me that doesn’t bear grapes (fruits). And every branch that is grape-bearing He prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken” (John 15:1-3, italics for emphasis).

This tree, its branches and fruits, represents humanity with all the dreams and successes made possible through the divine Freedom and Love. What would be the meaning of the fruits of our lives in all its expression if the final answer for them is in the graveyard of the dead. What would have been the point of life itself if the epitaphs on our gravestones is the only picture we see throughout life. So, we see why Jesus is the truth. We have seen people build monuments to perpetuate and protect their legacies, however, nothing escapes death.

We see Jesus is the answer to genuine freedom and true success. Through His Cross He frees us from death and brings humanity true life. And it’s His faith that brings all the pieces in God’s truth together in Christ. (Heb.11:1, 6) I repeat Paul’s declaration, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor.15:55-56).

Fruit of the Spirit Tree Scripture Art based on Galatians 5 image 1

The Freedom Tree

All the matured, ripened, and delicious fruits on each of the branches received the life-giving nutrients and vitality from the tree trunk or vine. The tree trunk (Vine/Jesus) is the primary conduit for the nutrient-rich sap (Holy Spirit) enabling the branches to bear fruits signifying freedom in its all-inclusiveness. The Vine/Jesus (tree trunk) and the sap were nourished by and in the soil which the Farmer (God the Father) had tended to and fertilized through the Spirit’s power, drive, and inspiration. As we saw, these fruits symbolize each of the freedoms and successes of life we espouse and treasure in totality and perfection. And since they have ripened and become a source for nourishment for us and our neighbors, it proves they have been tested by the truth, namely, the Vine or tree trunk which represent Jesus Christ, the truth! (John 14:6)

Paul explained to us the meaning and magnitude of the ‘sap’ within the tree which provides the necessary nutrients enabling the branches to bear much fruits. Paul taught the Corinthians about the Love-fruits of the Spirit which represent the ‘sap’ of the tree of freedom. (1 Cor.13:1-13) He said, “So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without Love” (1 Cor.13:3, MSG). In other words, as humans we amount to nothing if our lives are not inspired and controlled by Love and Freedom.

The Holy Spirit is the personification of God’s Love in humans. So, the ‘sap’ of the freedom tree is God’s divine Love, flowing in the Vine and personified in the branches (humans) by the presence of the Holy Spirit through the ‘fruits of freedom’ Paul taught the Corinthians. Paul further said, “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Cor.3:16). (To read about the Love-fruits of the Spirit which represent the ‘sap’ in the Vine (Jesus), you may go to my post, titled, “Gifts Are Magnets of the Love Personality” at: http://bulamanriver.net/27435).      

The life we live as Christians is a life of living faith. Yet, even the faith we need is a gift from God, not our human faith that’s inadequate in spiritual matters where it’s constrained by our limited human senses. What is needed is the very personal “faith of Jesus.” Note, “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no distinction among people” (Rom.3:22, KJV). Did you notice, there are two faiths mentioned here, the “faith of Jesus,” and the human faith – “unto all and upon all them that believe.” We utilize our human faith, inadequate it may be in the spiritual realm, to trust in the all-powerful “faith of Jesus,” that’s living and miraculous. As we receive Jesus as Savior, we inherit His living Personal faith empowered in the Holy Spirit. (Rom.10:9-10; Act.2:38)

(The “Love-Fruits of the Holy Spirit” are shown in detail below in the appendix. You may read my Post titled, “The Saving Living Faith of Jesus” at: http://bulamanriver.net/21946.)

It is this ‘tree of freedom’ that was hewn down to make and erect the Cross upon which wicked humans impersonating the hands of the evil one, took and nailed Jesus’ upon it. So, we see the Cross of Jesus, hewn from the ‘tree of freedom.’ Upon this Cross Jesus took all mankind’s sins and acts of rebellion and nailed them and put them to death, so we may experience true Freedom and Love.

Dove, Symbolof The Holy Spirit of Love

Let me recap the subject of of this post, “The Cross.” The Scriptures say that the purpose of humanity’s creation is to attain and inherit the “image of God.” (Gen.1:26-27). But what is that image? The Bible says it is the likeness of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Listen to Paul’s words, “For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Rom.8:29). Jesus is the new Glorious Garment in which humans will be clothed. (Gal.3:27; 1 Cor.15:53)

By saying, “His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters,” it is affirming Christ took our fallan humanity, redeemed it through His Cross, and inaugurated (firstborn) human immortality through His resurrection so we become God’s children forever. The Scriptures tell us, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” (John 3:36). Mankind will exist in God’s very substance of Love and Freedom for eternity. This is the ultimate purpose of The Cross.

We earlier read the parable of the wedding banquet. It is the wedding of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, to His bride, comprising all humanity who have been made immortal. In the scene from the book of Revelation, we see the Father’s wedding gift for the marriage of His Son. This is what John saw in his vision, “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Rev.21:1-5).

Yes, a new heaven and new earth, and the most astounding city whose streets are marvelously paved in gold. Truly, what a gift, what an awesome sight to behold, what a fantastical future awaits humanity. (Rev.21:21; 9-27)

Petition: Friends, as I have closed my post in the past, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who is our hope and has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart of heart you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious Immanuel humanity made children of God forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or divisions one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for the holy God, the Creator’s dwelling:

Prayer: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Praying Hands – Albrecht Durer.pngPrayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons) – Wikimedia Commons

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects listed in our ‘archives’ that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net. You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

May I take this occasion to wish you and you families and loved ones a solemn and joy-filled Passover and Easter.

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s joy.

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee  (Your Servant In Christ)

Appendix: *The “Love-Fruits of the Holy Spirit:” *the fruit of patience, *the fruit of kindness, *the fruit of contentedness,  *the fruit of modesty (unboastful), *the fruit of humility, *the fruit of honor, *the fruit of unselfishness, *the fruit of calmness and dignity, *the fruit of forgiveness and compassion, *the fruit of delighting in good and shunning evil, *the fruit of tolerance, *the fruit of responsibility, *the fruit of enduring hope, *the fruit of steadfast perseverance, *the fruit of joy, *the fruit of peace, *the fruit of goodness, *the fruit of faith, *the fruit of gentleness, *the fruit of self-control, *the fruit of zeal and spiritual fervor, *the fruit of friendship, *the fruit of sharing and generosity, *the fruit of prayerfulness, *the fruit of hospitality, etc. (1 Cor.13; also Gal. 5:22-23; Rom. 12:9-21).

The Holy Spirit as Symbolized By The Dove Is the Nutrient-Rich “Sap” of the Tree of Freedom and Love

*”Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26; Matt.28:19; John 14:10, 16; 16:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God in His plurality, as the Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Pet.1:2; 2 Thess.2:13; 2 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. He is also clothed in Freedom. For the three Persons of the Trinity are three distinct and free Persons in the triune Godhead. Love and Freedom by nature is relational as God is in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational being.

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family to raise composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Being. The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2; Eph.5:23-27, 32; Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Being.

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23) God created humanity to reflect Himself in His unified Tri-Personal Being (Trinity).

Rublev’s Icon of The Trinity (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness (Trinity), not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God through Christ once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God through Christ, just as humanity is one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the one Triunity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from Adam, for she came out of Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever.

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092.

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

Mission Statement: Read the Triune Love Mission, Vision, and Value statements at: http://bulamanriver.net/8664

The Christian Faith As Recorded In the Nicene Creed

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

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“LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE AFTER OUR LIKENESS” BY KIANG P LEE

Greetings Friends! At the creation of humanity, God uttered these irrevocable wondrous words about mankind and his destiny upon the earth, and in the universe ultimately, “Let us make mankind in Our image, in Our likeness…So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so” (Gen.1:26-30).

17] Genesis 1:26-27 – Let Us Make Man in Our Image
So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Gen.1:27).

What would we say was the supremely vital piece of information from this creation passage of humanity? It is this, when God created humanity we were made “In God’s image and likeness.” What is God’s image? That image is Jesus Christ, God’s own Son whose image we are given to appropriate so humans may live the “Triune Life.” Paul said this to the Romans, “For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom.8:29). Recall what Jesus told Philip we read earlier, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The book of Hebrews makes this abundantly clear, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His Being (image)” (Heb.1:3).

Paul tells believers, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes” (Gal.3:27, NLT). Baptism is the titual a beliver undertakes to symbolize burial of the fallen Adamic humanity inherited from Eden in the watery grave of the baptismal waters, and to rise in resurrected new life in Jesus just as He was resurrected from the dead after His crucifixion and death.

Paul told the Colossians, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross” (Col.1:15-20). Paul would later tell the Colossians, “You have been made complete in Christ” (Col.2:10, BSB).

Pin on Believers
Pin on My Faith is Who I Am

Why is it imperative upon us that in true spiritual life we take on the image of Jesus through the indwelling Holy Spirit? Because Paul told the Corinthians this: “The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam (Jesus), a life-giving spirit… The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven…For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Cor.15:45-49; 21-22).

What we saw in the book of Hebrews and read Paul’s words to the Romans and Colossians is the vital subject of transformation whereby humanity experiences the process of human deification – away from the fallen deathly state of existence in the first Adam to the glorified state of immortality through and in Christ Jesus. (John 3:16-18; Gal.2:20) This is the incarnation, but in reverse. Just as we witness how Jesus was God incarnated into our fallen humanity in order to save us, He now saves mankind ultimately by incarnating fallen humans into eternal life through Him. (Rom.6:23; Isa.7:14; Rom.8:29)

Deification in Christ
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die(John 11:25).

Deification or human spiritual incarnation is made possible because Jesus is God in the Triune Godhead and has the power to impart immmortality – “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom.6:23). This act of God of deifying humanity through Jesus Christ spells out the Christocentric view of mankind’s future potential in God’s eternal realm and everlasting Kingdom. It is through the light and life of His Son into a life of immortality in the Father’s eternal presence forever.

Human deification is primarily about humans being deified in the very primordial divine nature of Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead of LOVE! God’s primordial “LOVE-NATURE” and immortality in Christ are the IMAGE of God humanity was created to replicate and thereby sealed and locked in Adam’s human genome mankind has inherited from creation. LOVE (God’s eternsl nature) is what makes us human and thereby connected to the divine seal of regency and governance over earth authorised by Almighty God, the Creator. (Gen.1:26-30; 1 Cor.13) The earth is the birthright for the human species by divine edict. (Psa.115:16)

If God’s divine Love-nature is what defines our humanity (for humans were cast in His Love-image), then anything that is opposed to, or antithesis of, God’s Love is inhumane and therefore not cast in God’s likeness – like fear, rebellion, lust, and might I add all works of the flesh (Gal.5:19-20; Col.3:5-11). Then Paul is emphatic about living a life with God’s Love leading the way. (Gal.5.22-25; see the fruits of Love as shown by Paul to Corinthians 1 Cor.13:1-12).

Paul told the Colossians about this new resurrected life we now have, saying, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ…you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your (true) life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.”

Only by following the Lord in the Crucifixion can we reach the Resurrection,  to unite with God. - Alexis Fotopoulos
The Death & Resurrection of Jesus

When Paul said, “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory,” what and how is the actual mechanics and process of immortality made reality in human life? Again, Paul answers by telling the Romans, “If he Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you, then just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you” (Rom.8:11). Yes, the Holy Spirit is the One who raised Christ’ mortal body to immortality will likewise raise us from the dead to immortality. So, here we see the Triune activity of the Godhead at comprehensive activity in the process of human immortality.

Christian Dove
Dove-Symbol of the Holy Spirit and God’s Power that Resurrects Humanity to Immortality

On account of this new eternal life we received by token of faith from God through Christ in the power of the Spirit, Paul tells us how we ought to be living today, in anticipation of the glory that will be revealed in us, “Set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming” (Col.3:1-6).

In my post, titled “Living The Triune Life” I shared a parable about this process of human immortality. Please go to: http://bulamanriver.net/31262 to read my post. I sincerely hope you  will find it beneficial to you personal journey as a believer.

May be an image of text that says '"BULA" MAN- RIVER she Minacie Finne Liring KTANG የታህ ALL BULA MAN-RIVERS FLOW TOWARDS ONE MAGNETIZ- ING CENTER- -THE OCEAN WHO IS JESUS'
The Triune Life

Before you leave this post, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart to heart, and faith to faith, you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious humanity made children of God forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or any division one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for God’s dwelling:

Prayer Petition: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I believe and receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Prayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons)

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s Temple where fullness of joy abounds.

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee (Your Servant in Christ)

*Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian Being and plural existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26; Matt.28:19; John 14:10, 16; 16:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God as a Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Pet.1:2; 2 Thess.2:13; 2 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. Love by its nature unveils a God who is relational and multifaceted in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational Love-being.

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Love-Being. (1 John 4:16) The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2; Eph.5:23-27, 32; Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Love-Being with His Son, Jesus, and His Spirit. (Mat..28:18-20)

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost being and humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23).

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Holy_Trinity_Icon-1.jpg
Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His singular triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness, not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God, just as all of humanity is inseparably one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the Trinity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from and in Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever. Jesus was given the prophetic name Immanuel which means “God with us”, or God with humanity. (Matt.1:23; Isa.7:14) As the prophecy foretold and fulfilled, God assimillated Himself with mankind through Mary who bore His Son, Jesus Christ. (Matt.1:20; 18-25; 2:1-2)

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092.

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

Mission Statement: Read the Triune Love Mission, Vision, and Value statements at: http://bulamanriver.net/8664

Note: All information is copy-write material. Any information obtained from this website that is used for publication should be acknowledged by citing the website address, date of acquisition and information pertinent to original authorship. For general guidelines regarding web citations see The Guide for Citing Electronic Information. Thank you.

ONLY ONE WAY TO GOD? BY KIANG P LEE

Greetings Friends! I would like to share an interesting topic with you in this post. There is a mantra offered by people who say there is more than one way to God. That there is no one established way through religions or other modes to the divine Deity. People seem to assert there is but one God, not many. So, some may maintain there are many routes, others proclaim there is only one, which they appropriate. They are agreed on one basic tenet, there is one true God. Let us begin here.

Are There Many Ways to God?
New Age' beliefs common among religious, nonreligious Americans | Pew  Research Center
“New Age” Beliefs

When it comes to Christianity though, believers may proclaim the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the one true way to God. However, many who espouse the multi-faceted route don’t support the Christian’s tenet. Jesus Christ is the founder of the Christian religion. But as we shall see, Jesus Christ is a Person, not a religion. As a Person, there is a way of life that’s associated with Him which He espouses. It is a misnomer to call Him a religion, that is the label of human hands and mind.

  

The “Cross of Jesus” the Christian’s Only Way to Redemption and Salvation
Is Jesus Christ the Only Way?

The most vital point for the case for Jesus proceeds from the nature of Jesus as a Person. I hope to present the case for Jesus as inviolable and undeniable, upon which the Christian faith rests. As Christians we all know the immortal passage of the Bible which says, “For God so Loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:16-18).

John 3:16 For God so Loved the World by Stephanie Marrott image 1
“God Is Love” 1 John 4:16

There are few important points to take away from this passage, which makes us wonder who Jesus was by nature, and what this passage claims and proclaims, leading to His preeminence in the Christian faith. First, Jesus is given as a gift from God to humanity to redeem humanity from his fallen (sinful) state of existence: “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish” (John 3:16). Second God has made Jesus as the Doorway to immortality: “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16; 10:9; 14:6).

Prior to Jesus’ coming, because of sin, all humanity was on a one-way track to oblivion, or death. The Bible states clearly, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom.6:23). But here is the third point this passage reveals, and this ought to be the preeminent point about the passage, for it is about who Jesus is – who is this Jesus who has the power to deliver humans from sin, and impart immortality upon humanity? God Himself answers by saying, He is “His One and Only Son” (John 3:16).

What John writes here is essentially the truth of the incarnation. What is the incarnation? The incarnation is to be understood as God really become man. Theologian Thomas Torrance said “the incarnation was not the bringing into being a created intermediary between God and man, but the incarnating of God in such a way that in Jesus Christ He is both God and man in the fullest and most proper sense.” Jesus Christ is not man participating in God but Himself essential Deity.

If Jesus Christ the incarnate Son is not true God from true God, then we are not saved, for it is only God who can Save.

John opens his gospel with the words, “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:1-5). John goes on to say, “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Jesus and recorded His messianic title, saying, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)” (Matt.1:23). That’s to say, in Jesus Christ God came to dwell among us. That is, “In the fullness of His Deity He became man in the undiminished reality of human and creaturely being, without ceasing of course to be the Son of God.”

“Immanuel” – “God With Us”

The Apostle Paul elaborated on this point in Romans 8. The Book of Hebrews tell us, “Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb.2:14; also, Rom.8:1-4,9).

Thus, only through the fullness of Jesus’ Deity as a Person, He is able to perform the role of Savior of mankind by redeeming fallen human beings, and conferring immortality upon them. (John 3:16-18) This is the work of one who by nature is in every sense of the word, Deity, not human. If Jesus Christ the incarnate Son is not true God from true God, then we are not saved, for it is only God who can save. But if Jesus Christ is not truly human, then salvation does not touch our human existence and condition. As humans, we are fallen and in need redemption.

But as God the Father had intended and purposed in His divine grace, Jesus in Loving obedience took upon Himself human form for the purposes of redeeming and glorifying fallen humans. (John 3:16-19) When the time of His death was near, He told His disciples, “I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over Me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I Love the Father and do exactly what My Father has commanded Me” (John 14:30-31). The message of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ embodies in His human actuality the Personal presence and activity of God.

Paul said this about about Jesus, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Phi.2:6-8).

And so John states Jesus’ exclusive uniqueness of purpose as the only way to God, saying, “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:18). The Scripture, by stating that a human being can either be condemned or not condemned simply by believing in Jesus the Son of God, for all practical purposes, tells us there is but one way to God.

The Message of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ Embodies in His Human Actuality the Personal Presence and Activity of God.

Let me elaborate further, shortly before His suffering and death, one of the disciples, Philip, asked Jesus this question, Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us. Jesus answered: “Don’t you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not speak on My own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work. Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me” (John 14:8-11).  It is vital to understand the undercurrent of what exactly Jesus was trying to convey to Philip and all the disciples.

Jesus was revealing His Deity as a Person being One with the Father in the primordial level of the Triunity of God in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Later, Jesus would tell His disciples, “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven” (Luk.24:29). Then after His death and resurrection, and shortly before He ascended back to His Father in heaven, He reminded them, thus, “And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss” (Act.1:4).

Dove Symbol of The Holy Spirit

Matthew quotes Jesus, “All things have been committed to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him” (Matt.11:27). Further, Jesus was emphatic and precise when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

T.F. Torrance says, “The three divine Persons, completely mutually indwelling in each Person, while remaining what He is by Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is wholly in the Others as the Others are wholly in Him (Triune Godhead).” Jesus revealed this primordial truth to the world which Matthew records, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt.28:18-21). The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are indivisibly One, eternally co-inhering in One Another as the Blessed Trinity.

Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity (Wiki Commons)

Torrance goes on, “Just as we take on our knowledge of the Father from the Son, so we must take on our knowledge of the Spirit from our knowledge of the Son, and in Him from our knowledge of the Father: that is, from the inner relations which the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have with One Another in the indivisible Being of the Holy Trinity.” (see, John 14:8-11; John 16:12-15).

The precise knowledge and functions of the Trinity was unknown to humanity until Jesus fulfilled His Almighty Father’s mission of making this knowledge known to mankind. Hebrews tell us, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His Being, sustaining all things by His powerful word” (Heb.1:1-3). By saying “ancestors” in this passage, it may well be applying a broad brush stroke encompassing all humanity through sages, ancient and otherwise, by way of belief systems, philosophies, religious inclinations and practices, etc.

At the creation of humanity, God said, “Let us make mankind in Our image, in Our likeness…So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so” (Gen.1:26-30).

What would we say was the supremely vital piece of information from this creation passage of humanity? It is this, when God created humanity we were made “In God’s image and likeness.” What is God’s image? That image is Jesus Christ, God’s own Son whose image we are given to appropriate so humans may live the “Triune Life.” Paul said this to the Romans, “For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom.8:29). Recall what Jesus told Philip we read earlier, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The book of Hebrews makes this abundantly clear, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His Being (image)” (Heb.1:3).

Paul tells believers, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes” (Gal.3:27, NLT). Paul told the Colossians, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross” (Col.1:15-20). Paul would later tell the Colossians, “You have been made complete in Christ” (Col.2:10, BSB).

Why is it imperative upon us that in true spiritual life we take on the image of Jesus through the indwelling Holy Spirit? Because Paul told the Corinthians this: “The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam (Jesus), a life-giving spirit… The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven…For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Cor.15:45-4921-22).

What we saw in the book of Hebrews and read Paul’s words to the Romans and Colossians is the vital subject of transformation whereby humanity experiences the process of human deification – away from the fallen deathly state of existence in the first Adam to the glorified state of immortality through and in Christ Jesus. (John 3:16-18; Gal.2:20) This is the incarnation, but in reverse. Just as we witness how Jesus was God incarnated into our fallen humanity in order to save us, He now saves mankind ultimately by incarnating fallen humans into eternal life through Him. (Rom.6:23; Isa.7:14; Rom.8:29)

Deification or human spiritual incarnation is made possible because Jesus is God in the Triune Godhead and has the power to impart immmortality – “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom.6:23). This act of God of deification of humanity through Jesus Christ spells out the Christocentric view of mankind’s future through the light of His Son and live eternally in the Father’s presence forever.

You can read about human deification in my previous instalment titled “Living The Triune Life,” where I shared a parable to explain this miraculously awe-inspiring subject. Got to: http://bulamanriver.net/31262

Petition: Dear Friends, as I have closed my post in the past, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart to heart, and faith to faith, you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious humanity made children of God forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or any division one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for God’s dwelling:

Prayer: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I believe and receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Prayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons)

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s Temple where joy abounds.

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee (Your Servant in Christ)

*Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian Being and plural existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26Matt.28:19John 14:101616:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God as a Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-201 Pet.1:22 Thess.2:132 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. Love by its nature unveils a God who is relational and multifaceted in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational Love-being.

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Love-Being. (1 John 4:16) The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2Eph.5:23-2732Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Love-Being with His Son, Jesus, and His Spirit. (Mat..28:18-20)

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost being and humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23).

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Holy_Trinity_Icon-1.jpg
Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His singular triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness, not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God, just as all of humanity is inseparably one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the Trinity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from and in Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever. Jesus was given the prophetic name Immanuel which means “God with us”, or God with humanity. (Matt.1:23Isa.7:14) As the prophecy foretold and fulfilled, God assimillated Himself with mankind through Mary who bore His Son, Jesus Christ. (Matt.1:2018-252:1-2)

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092.

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

Mission Statement: Read the Triune Love Mission, Vision, and Value statements at: http://bulamanriver.net/8664

Note: All information is copy-write material. Any information obtained from this website that is used for publication should be acknowledged by citing the website address, date of acquisition and information pertinent to original authorship. For general guidelines regarding web citations see The Guide for Citing Electronic Information. Thank you.

LIVING THE TRIUNE LIFE

Greetings Friends! Welcome to all our visitors and readers, both old and new! The name of this Web Site or Blog Post Site is called “Triune Life” or “Triune Living.”  I would like to devote this post in explaining what it means by way of a parable. I call it the parable of the ocean of God’s Love! It depicts to us what living “Living The Triune Life” means. In brief, “Living The Triune life” conveys a life of immortality in Christ. (Col.3:3; Rom.8:11) But before that, what is the Triune Life?

Briefly, the Christian belief of the “Triune Life” conveys the relationship between the physical and material realm of humanity with the spiritual metaphysical realm, particularly with Triune God of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matt.28:19-20). As physical human beings we experience our material world with the five human senses of sight (eyes), smell, (nose), hear (ear), taste (mouth), touch (feel/sensation), and I might add a sixth – human thought. The six basic human senses are tools mankind utilize to develope family goals and dreams, education and careers, ideologies, philosophies, and even religion and belief systems.

However, the spiritual realm cannot be detected by these human senses. The “Triune Life” is the Christian’s way of explaining how the physical world of mankind interconnect with the divine world which is undetected by human senses. People have called this phenomenon by the terms faith and hope, which are tools of the mind Christians use to define spiritual matters which are undetected by the human senses. Christians use their Bible, or Word of God, as basis for these and other spiritual tools. (Heb.11:1; Rom.8:24).

From time immemorial humans have always been fascinated by and possessed inclination for the spiritual and unknown. Mankind was always been conscious of the metaphysical aspects of how human life is constituted. Because of this realization and awareness, humanity has given birth to all forms of ways and means to explain the unknown metaphysiical aspect of his psyche. That has given birth to all forms of belief system and religion through human history. Look at the graph below:

Main Religions in the World (Wikipedia)

This graph is taken from Wikipedia and shows the various major religious symbols in clock-wise form from top: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baháʼí Faith, Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Slavic neopaganism, Celtic polytheism, Heathenism (Germanic paganism), Semitic neopaganism, Wicca, Kemetism (Egyptian paganism), Hellenism (Greek paganism), Italo-Roman neopaganism. According to some estimates, there are roughly 4,200 religions, churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, cultures, movements, ultimate concerns, which at some point in the future will be countless. However, adherents.com shows a growing collection of over 23,500 adherent statistics and religious geography citations — references to published membership/adherent statistics and congregation statistics for over 2,200 religions, churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, movements, ultimate concerns, etc. A person may be an adherent to one’s unique beliefs although the person claims to belong to a major mainline religious sect. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions)

So, what we see from the commentary above is obvious endorsement that humans have the spiritual proclivity for the supernatural. A pagan may claim to be enlightened and not trapped by religiosity or ancient superstition. Yet, by claiming to be so-called ‘enlightened’ he/she inadvertently admits to a belief system just like other belief system, whether pagan, religious or otherwise. Atheism, the disbelief in God, evolves into the religious belief of apotheotheism, the belief that man can become a god himself. So, we are all drawn and bound to this spiritual proclivity we were all born with that can’t be denied or dismissed.

“Triune Life”

Triune Life Means ‘Living In Community’ With and In the Tri-Personal Being of God (Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity, Wiki Commons)

By using the term, “Triune Life,” I am explaining the Christian thought and belief about the physical realm and its interconnection and association with the divine realm, and vise versa. Of course, other religions have their own understanding and beliefs. In the final analysis, every religion and belief system will be tried for its authenticity through its beliefs and practices whether it stands to benefit mankind’s universal welfare and good in this life and the next (if there is such a thing) regardless of our station in life. Obviously, all religions and biefs will lay claim about its own authenticity and validity. As I attempt to explain the Christian world view, I am assuming most of my audience have some basic background knowledge of the Christian Scriptures, the holy Bible.

Jesus Christ is the founder of Christianity, and the Christian religion. In the final commission He gave His disciples, and thereby all His followers, He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt.28:18-20). He gave this commission on the basis that He is God’s only Son who existed with God His Father in the Tri-Personal Being and Godhead of God Alimighty with the Holy Spirit from eternity.

So, in Christian thought, the mention of God always convey His Tri-Personal Being of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are indivisibly One, eternally co-inhering in One Another as the Trinity. The “Triune Life” or Triune Living” finds its basis upon this eternal truth of the divine Godhead uttered by Jesus Himself in His commission to the disciples and believers.

Matthew 28:19-20 | New King James Version (NKJV) Go therefor… | Flickr
The Commission

Recall, this commission was given to His disciples by Jesus when He was about to ascend back to the spiritual realm of His Father in heaven. He had taken up human life and human existence, emptying Himself without denying His divinity. Paul, as author of many New Testament books was inspired to say this about Jesus, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phi.2:5-8). Hence, when the prophet Isaiah spoke about His coming as the Messiah, he was inspired to utter the messianic name Immanuel, which means, “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Jesus was actually “God with us” as His name “Immanuel” conveys.

When we read this passage in the book of Philippians about Jesus “emptying Himself” (V.7), what does this mean, and what did Jesus empty Himself of? It is essential to understand what this statement means so that we know the true nature of Jesus as He lived on earth as a man and as God (Immanuel). When we fail to interpret this verse correctly, then it can lead us to understand who Jesus is incorrectly. Jesus is divine as part of God’s Tri-Personal Being, but He took on the form of a man and became a human being without ceasing to be God, hence, the name Immanuel or “God with us.” (Matt.1:23) As a human being, He lived the perfect human life and died upon His cross so humanity can be redeemed from sin and death, be reconciled to the Creator God and live a life of immortality through Jesus as Savior and Mediator. (John 3:16; 2 Tim.1:10; 1 Cor.15:53-54)

The Bible records the very first Gentile (non Christian) who was called into the Christian faith. His name was Cornelius, a Roman officer. (Act.15:7, 14) Peter had journeyed to Caesarea to baptize (initiate faith and hope in Christ’s finished work of redemption symbolized by the act of baptism) Cornelius, and everyone in his household into the Christian faith, following the original commission given to the disciples we read earlier in Matthew. (Matt.28:18-19) Peter gave the first message to the Gentiles through Cornelius and those present as representing His message of God’s calling of Gentiles into His fellowship as true spiritual Israelites, and those who would follow Cornelius and his family thereafter.

Peter was inspired by the Spirit and spoke, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching His message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

“And we apostles are witnesses of all He did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross, but God raised Him to life on the third day. Then God allowed Him to appear, not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be His witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name. Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.” (Act.10:34-44).

That is the record of how the Gentiles (unbelievers) were grafted into and made God’s own people. It is a story of spiritual rebirth into a new species of human beings, “Immanuel humans,” who have Jesus living in them.

Matthew 28:19 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, ba...
The Holy Spirit, Symbolized By a Dove Conferred as Gift Upon Saved Humanity at Baptism (Matt.3:16)

So Jesus, as the human Immanuel lived the perfect sinless human life in the Spirit’s power. He was baptized for our forgiveness in the Jordan, and opened the path for the Holy Spirit to enter and fellowship with mankind. (Matt.3:13-17) Jesus defeated Satan in the temptation for us to save us from the devil’s cunning, sin and death. (Matt.4:1-12) He lived a sinless life in our place. (1 Pet.2:22; 2 Cor.5:21) He was crucified and died for us in our stead. And God resurrected Jesus to immortality for us, so we may follow Him into a life of immortality by a resurrection from the dead. (1 Cor.15:53-58; Rom.8:29) And now, let us get back to our story.

As He was about to ascend back to His Father, He uttered these final words to His followers, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt.28:19). To baptize means to immerse and initiate into something, as Jesus was baptized or immersed in the Jordan River under John’s hand. (Mar.1:9-11) To be baptized or immersed into the “Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” means to be initiated into the very life and power of the Tri-Personal Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To be immersed into the very Being of God who is Triune by nature means we are given to live the “Triune Life” through human and spiritual experience.

“Triune Life” means to be immersed into, to inaugurate and initiate into, to enrol in, to be sponsored and recruited by, the very power and life of the supreme Triune Godhead who is Creator and Sustainer of life, both seen and unseen. The Triune Life is the Christian process by which physical humanity is made to interact and experience the spiritual realm of God. In lay person’s term, what does it mean to be immersed into and to live the “Triune Life?”

Jesus’ Baptism In Jordan by John the Baptist

Let me expound its meaning through a parable. It is by no means perfect, however, Jesus spoke in parables about the spiritual realm of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the spiritual domain of God. Humans are physical and material, subject to decay and ultimately death due to Adam’s sin-condition we have inherited. The kingdom of God is the domain of God’s holiness, righteousness, Love, and His eminent grace. God consists primarily of the three Persons of the Triune Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and countless number of holy angels. Humans cannot comprehend spiritual matters, so to make spiritual elements relatable to our physical life and material existence, Jesus taught spiritual priniciples and truths through parables. The Scripture reveals, “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; He did not say anything to them without using a parable” (Matt.13:34).

Parables are stories and illustrations about spiritual concepts to help our limited human minds understand spiritual principles. So, Jesus gave many parables to depict God’s spiritual kingdom and its reality. The parables depicts how human destiny and God’s kingdom are forever bound by destiny through His Love and grace. There’s the parable of the Sower. There’s one about The Weeds Among the Wheat. The Mustard Seed. Pearl of Great Price. The Ten Virgins. The Friend at Midnight. The Good Samaritan; to name some of them. A good Bible concordance will give you the list of parables Jesus taught the people in His day.

Today I’m going to share the parable of the Ocean of God’s Love to explain the “Triune Life” whereby we have been inducted and immersed into the life and power of the Triune God. We are speaking of being immersed (baptized) into their Names, as if to take up life in the life and power of the divine in our physical human existence. And now think about the parable of the Ocean and the Marine Life that populate it. The waters in the ocean is the ‘enabling condition’ which empowers marine life to go about living with other marine life, each fulfilling their individual role in the overall marine ecosystem. The Waters of the ocean is likened to God in His all-comprehensive, sweeping, and unfathomable Love.

The marine life in it represent all of humanity from whatever background, color, or station in life. And the title, “Bulamanriver” on the website is my term for the spiritual (marine) life representing humans. The title, “Bulamanriver,” literally means “a human being who possesses true life (“Bula” in Fijian language) through the river of living waters (of the Spirit – “Man-River”). Or, more precisely we are given the new birth through baptism, identified by the new human species, “Immanuel human,” which means, “Christ in us.” Baptism is the symbol and ritual signifying faith and hope in the salvation offered by God our Father through Jesus as Savior, Redeemer and eternal Mediator. (For more, you can read my blog post titled, “Triune Love Mission, Vision, and Value Statements” at: http://bulamanriver.net/8664“)

Or, as Paul affirmed, saying, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who Loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal.2:20, KJV; Matt.1:23). Yes, through baptism, humans are given a new birth, the old self has been crucified with Christ. The old life is gone; the new life in Christ has begun! (2 Cor.5:17)

When Jesus instructed His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations and to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—it’s worth pointing out that the Greek noun (ὄνομα) translated “name” is singular in Matthew 28:19. (https://www.logosapostolic.org/greek-word-studies/3686-onoma-name.htm) Therefore, the three distinct co-equal and co-eternal Persons of the Triune Godhead are not three different deities, but three distinct Persons who make up the One true God who is Love and saves sinners. (1 John 3:8, 16; John 3:16) The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are indivisibly One, eternally co-inhering in One Another in the Trinitarian Godhead.

The name of Jesus (Immanuel) into which we are baptized identifies us with the Godhead through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Christ, our Savior. Paul said, “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Rom.6:4). We now belong to One Triune God the Father, saved by the Son and through the indwelling life and power of His Spirit.

Warming waters will alter the distribution of marine life • Earth.com
Parable of the Ocean and Marine Life of All Spiritual Humanity

God’s divine Love-force is likened to the ocean in which mankind exist and find meaning to life. The ocean of God’s Love-force enables humans to be sustained in His spiritual ecosystem and live out their divinely conferred gifts and purposes for the eternal destiny of God’s spiritual oceanic Kingdom. The ‘ocean’ is the life-force of God’s Love which empowers and enables humans to live under God’s purpose for all its spitual oceanic inhabitants.

The spiritual ocean of God’s Love-force immerses humans in the way of life that’s monopolized by God’s Love, and the fruits of His Love. (1 Cor.13; 1 John 4:16) So, since the ocean symbolizes God’s Love, then it represents the role of the Holy Spirit, for Paul said this, “God’s Love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom.5:5). John affirms further, saying, “And so we know and rely on the Love God has for us. God is Love. Whoever lives in Love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16). Yes, through baptism human beings are immersed into the very Love of God.

Yes, in the Bible water is one of the symbols used for the Holy Spirit, His power and presence. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified” (John 7:38-39). Here, Jesus uses water to help our limited human minds conceptualize the work and activity of the third Person of the Triune God. The Holy Spirit is likened to the cleansing waters which flows in human life to cleanse and save humanity from sin and death through Christ. (John 4:14; 1 Cor.12:13; Rev.21:6; 22:1-2, 17; Rom.6:23) At the scientifical level water has proven as an effective agent which enact change with whatever it touches.

John 7:38-39 Sermon – What Does God Want For You In 2022?
“Rivers of Living Water Will Flow From Within Them”

To the Corinthians Paul taught them the role and purpose of the Spirit, and how the life-force of the Spirit is energized and manifested in their lives. But how is that Love-force manifested in human life? Paul reveals that answer by explaining the fruits of the Holy Spirit to the Corinthian Church. These fruits, which Paul reveal the spiritual fruits to us as: *the fruit of patience, *the fruit of kindness, *the fruit of contentedness,  *the fruit of modesty (unboastful), *the fruit of humility, *the fruit of honor, *the fruit of unselfishness, *the fruit of calmness and dignity, *the fruit of forgiveness and compassion, *the fruit of delighting in good and shunning evil, *the fruit of tolerance, *the fruit of responsibility, *the fruit of enduring hope, *the fruit of steadfast perseverance, *the fruit of joy, *the fruit of peace, *the fruit of goodness, *the fruit of faith, *the fruit of gentleness, *the fruit of self-control, *the fruit of zeal and spiritual fervor, *the fruit of friendship, *the fruit of sharing and generosity, *the fruit of prayerfulness, *the fruit of hospitality, etc. (1 Cor.13; also Gal. 5:22-23; Rom. 12:9-21).

These Love-fruits are not part of God’s Person like accessories. It’s not like one day God decides ‘let Me try the fruit of ‘gentleness’ today? Or, the next day, ‘Let me be ‘patient,’ or ‘kind.’ No, they tell us who God IS. The Love-fruits tell us who God is organically and naturally in His Love-Being. (1 John 4:8, 16) They tell us how the three Persons in One triune Godhead live and relate with each other from eternity. They reveal God’s holy emotions. They explain who He is in His Tri-Personal Being. The Love-fruits keep them One Being united in Love. And God invites humans into His Love fellowship, for we cannot live the surrendered life in His Love without the Love-fruits of the Spirit. We witness this divine/human interaction in the parable of the ocean of God’s Love.

Love is Patient Love is Kind Art  8x8 Printable Downloadable image 1
Love IS God and God IS Love (1 John 4:16)

So, we see the role and empowerment by the Spirit in the ocean of God’s Love and the fruits portrayed in it, and by which we the inhabitants exist and live as Immanuel humans (Christ in us). What is the role of Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity or Triune God. Consider, Jesus said this about the role of the Spirit, “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7). In other words, this ocean of God’s Love in which we have been immersed and made to swim and abide in cannot exist without Jesus prior mediation as our Savior who redeems us from sin, so the Holy Spirit can enter and give us the ocean of God’s holy Love to live, swim, and fulfill our divine purpose in life.

Recall what had cut humanity off from the Holy Spirit and the divine ocean of Love. In Eden, God gave Adam and Eve the following instruction, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Gen.2:17).

This verse gives us a vital clue to consider which many have improperly read to highlight the reverse of the rendition – the passage ought to emphasize life not death! When we accentuate God’s primordial nature as the reflection of eternity in His complete essence, we realize God has to uphold the identical likeness with our first parents and conferred upon them a form of human extrinsic immortality to reflect God’s eternal image in the Garden of Eden. God posseses intrinsic immortality in Himself, the Psalmist extols God’s everlasting nature, “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God…You are from all eternity” (Psa.90:2; 93:2). God gives immortality to whom He chooses, saying, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28).

Adam’s extrinsic immortality was conditional upon what we read earlier, “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Gen.2:17). So, it was impossible for God to subject them to death at creation as long as they were empowered by the Holy Spirit while living in God’s presence, imbibing of the Tree of Life “which you are free to eat from,” which God directed and our first parents fully obeyed.

It was only after they disobeyed and sinned that God uttered the fateful words, “Unto dust you shall return,” not before then. (Gen.3:19). They were created in God’s likeness and an important aspect of that likeness was immortality, and equally importantly, Love, God’s divine nature! Our first parents were free to eat from the Tree of Life, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, and that is how they related with God in Eden, by imbibing and eating of the fruits of the Tree of Life thus empowered by the Love of the Holy Spirit. (Rom.5:5; 1 Cor.13)

How long did our first parents lived in harmonious Love with their Creator before their fall? No one knows and the Bible does not specify the timing, especially since time is meaningless and irrelevant when considering immortality is timeless and perpetual. Bible commentators have said that there once existed an antediluvian (prior to Noah’s flood) civilisation before Adam’s creation which lasted for thousands of years and longer. (Gen.1:1-2; Gen.6:1-13)

Adam lived 930 years which had to be computed from the day he disobeyed God for eating the forbidden fruit, and given the death sentence discharge, “Unto dust thou shall return,” not before. Paul tell us, “The wages of sin is death.” (Gen.3:17; Gen.5:5; Rom.6:23). But because of God’s Love, it is safe and logical to assume that before Adam and Eve sinned, they lived faithfully and happily in Eden for a very long while (much longer than 930 years for Adam) empowered by God’s Love (Tree of Life). We must admit the Genesis creation account was brief and short on details.

Many believe and assert that our first parents disobeyed God and sinned immediately after their creation. If that were true, it would be tantamount to admitting the inadequacy of the spiritual energy of God’s unfathamable Love, and that the enemy is mightier. Of course, that would be impossible to even contemplate, to say the least. Nothing could be further from the truth. God tells us, “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God” (Isa.45:5). He tells us, “I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish’” (Isa.46:10). But our first parents had freewill which they exercised reasonably responsibly, and lived joyfully and fully with God while it lasted in Eden.

And the Lord God commanded the man - Genesis 2:15-17

But we know that with the passage of time, while in Eden, and in their moment of weakness, they obeyed the devil and sinned by eating the forbidden fruit. (Gen.3:1-6) Our first parents were banished from Eden, and notice what God did, He put a mighty angel to block all access to the “Three of Life” which symbolized the Holy Spirit. So, as humanity was banished from Eden, the pathway to the “Tree of Life” (Spirit) was barricaded and blocked off from human reach. Participation with the Spirit was lost forever for mankind due to our first parent’s sin and rebellion which all humanity inherited by birth.

It was not until, and only after the sin-condition mankind inherited from Adam’s fallen Adamic humanity was removed through the second Adam, Jesus the Mediator and Redeemer, that the Spirit was reunited with humanity again. This all important event in human history first occured as Jesus inaugurated the Holy Spirit at His baptism at the hands of John the Baptist in the Jordan River. John said, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matt.3:11).

Earlier we saw that there are two forms of immortality proposed by ancient commentators – intrinsic and extrinsic immortality. In their human form and existence in Eden, Adam and Eve possessed extrinsic immortality, until their fall which precipitated human suffering and death which overwhelmed all mankind. (Gen.3:17, 19) Only God possesess intrinsic immortality in Himself. God promises to confer intrinsic immortality to His human children who have taken on the glorious image of His Son as true Savior when Jesus returns in the Second Coming. (1 John 3:2; Rom.2:7; 2 Tim.1:10; 1 Cor.15:26)

Paul articulated on this, saying, “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give (immortal) life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you” (Rom.8:11). When human beings will have been fully born of God (intrinsic immortality) in His divine Love-nature in the resurrection, it will be immpossible for humans to sin. (1 John 3:6, 9) Paul makes it clear how when he said, “Christ in you is our hope of glory” (Col.1:27). Jesus once answered the lawyers who questioned Him, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are ‘gods.’ If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the Word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside (John 10:34-35). Jesus was speaking of the fulfillment of this prophesy in the resurrection when humanity will have become immortal like ‘gods.’

Subsequently, after Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River where He inaugurated the Spirit’s return to humanity, then following His suffering, death, ressurection, and ascension, the same Spirit was poured out upon all mankind on the day of Pentecost. (Matt.3:16-17; Act.2:1-4) The Spirit was poured out and it became a spiritual ocean of God’s Love wherein humanity can now exist and indwell as it was in Eden. The “Tree of Life” with its fruits we are ibibe today symbolizes God’s Word, the Bible.

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The Gutenberg Bible. The Bible Symbol of the ‘Tree of Life’ Today

The Spirit guides and directs our understanding of His Word and reveals Jesus, the Personified Word, to us on a daily basis. Jesus is the both the Word of God on its Personal and literal (scriptural/biblical) meaning. John tells us about the role of the Holy Spirit, when Jesus said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own…He will bring Me glory by telling you whatever He receives from Me. All that belongs to the Father is Mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever He receives from Me’” (John 16:13-15).

Jesus, the Word of God in Person

Jesus was baptized and repented for us in the Jordan and subsequently died upon His cross for our forgiveness and salvation. When He stepped out from the Jordan, the heavens opened and a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, descended and shone upon Jesus, the Father’s voice from heaven gracefully said, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” (Mar.1:11).

The pathway to the Holy Spirit (tree of life) through Jesus’ saving mediation was once more opened to humanity. Recall, as Jesus was about to be taken away to heaven at His ascension, He told His disciples, “I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luk.24:49). What was that promise? The promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon mankind beginning with the 120 gathered that day. (Act.1:15; 2:1, NLB) It was poured out and it filled humanity with God’s ocean of divine Love.

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Holy Spirit of Power Promise of the Father

The Book of Acts records this momentous occasion, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues a as the Spirit enabled them” (Act.2:1-4). The Bible says, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luk.11:13). Our heavenly Father waits upon us with Loving open arms to give us His Spirit and enter His oceanic kingdom of Love in His Son.

Let’s take this analogy, this oceanic parable of God’s Love, a step further to broaden our concept of the parable of the ocean of God’s Love. Only marine life can live and survive in this oceanic environment. But there is another environment, another world, another kingdom, outside it. It is the land environment above the ocean where all kinds of animal, beasts, birds, insects, etc. you name it, and they are up there, which are not adapted or naturalized to living in oceans. All lifeforms above the ocean exists under a different atmosphere and spirit. It is opposite from the world in God’s oceanic Love. Above, all life is ruled by the atmophere of rebellion, sin, and are conditioned to do evil and live ungodly lives – opposite to living God’s way of Love. Can a dog or cat, or a sheep or horse, a monkey or gorilla, a bird, live in the ocean? No, of course not, they would suffer asphyxiation, drown and die!

Another World, Another Spirit, Anoter Lifestyle

Why? Because they were not created nor habituated to live and exist in a oceanic environment. They would drown and die, just as a sinner would be instantly overpowered and decimated in God’s holy presence. Hence, Jesus said unless as sinners we are reborn and remade to adapt to God’s spiritual oceanic environment, we cannot live nor survive in His holy presence. He said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3).

The Bible quotes God as saying, “You must be holy because I am holy” (1 Pet.1:16; Lev.11:44). John said this of Jesus, “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12-13). God is saying, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will I, your Father in heaven, give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Me!” (Luk.11:13).

And speaking to humanity today in our enduring fallen condition, Paul says, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor.6:11). That’s to say, we were once part of the fallen existence and world we inherited from Adam’s fall who exist outside of the world made of God’s Love in His oceanic Kingdom. But now we are given the gift of rebirth in Christ through the Spirit and made Immanuel humans immersed in the Ocean of the Spirit’s Love so humanity may dwell in His Loving grace and presence.

You have been made holy through Christ, just as Paul said, “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor.5:21). Did you get what this passage has said? In and through Christ, human beings can be made holy as God is holy. Holiness is not something we do for ourselves or for God with human effort, it is a condition of existing in the Loving power of the Holy Spirit of Love through Jesus’ mediation as our High Priest before the Father in heaven. (Heb.4:14-16) Holiness is the perfect condition in God’s presence which only God can prepare and create for us. And this He has done through His Son and His Holy Spirit.

We have been given a new life to live and swim in the Ocean of God’s Kingdom in His holy presence. So, we are to come to Jesus…He is the doorway to this new life in God’s sacred Love and life of holiness in the Spirit. (John 10:9) What is Jesus’ role, and what is His part in the triune life we have been given the privilege and honor to live and experience?

Rebirth Into a New Life in Christ

Jesus’ role was and continues today as revealed by Jesus Himself when He said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture…Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 10:9; 3:3). He continues, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit b gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again’” (John 3:5-7). Jesus role is to redeem humananity from sin, and by that very act becomes the ever present Door who brings us to experience the rebirth by the Spirit’s power which gives us new life to enter and live in the ocean of God’s holy presence and Love .

And we know how this glorious new birth happens in human life. It takes shape when a person confesses and receives Jesus as Savior, who is the Door that gives passage for the Spirit to enter human life through baptism. (Act.2:37-38; John 16:7; Gal.3:27) As stated earlier, baptism is the symbol and ritual signifying a rebirth through faith and hope in the salvation offered by God our Father through Jesus as Savior, Redeemer and eternal Mediator. We recall John’s immortal verse, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

The initial transition of rebirth occurs at baptism, as Paul said, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Gal.3:27). How do we put on Christ? When we were baptized, we were immersed into God’s ocean of Love through the power of God’s Spirit. Only after a person is saved by receiving Jesus and God’s Spirit can they be given to enter this oceanic kingdom of God.

Notice how Jesus identifies the process of this miraculous rebirth, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). Jesus, at His baptism of repentance and forgiveness for mankind at the Jordan, received the Spirit from the Father. (Matt.3:16-17) His baptism had set the model and stage as to how humanity receives the Spirit as a gift from the Father at every corresponding act of baptism.

Note what the passage says at baptism, human beings are made offspring of God: hence, the Father’s words to Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I Love”, now becomes, “You are my children whom I Love” to all humans who receive His Son (Matt.3:17). Having received Jesus as personal Savior and Mediator, believers undergo the spiritual baptismal rebirth into divine familial fellowship with the God as depicted in the life within the spiritual ocean of God’s Triune Love.

Paul explained this beautiful truth, “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh (you are not part of the fallen realm up there influenced by Satan) but are in the realm of the Spirit (Love-oceanic condition), if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ” (Rom.8:9).

Jesus explained the Holy Spirit’s role so we are clear in our understanding. He said, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from Me what He will make known to you” (John 16:12-15).

The Spirit plays His role in the background and does not take center stage, for His sole purpose is to glorify Jesus, for Christ said, “He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears” as existing as one in the Tri-Personal Godhead, but indivisible from the Son and the Father, the Spirit does not magnify Himself to us, His role is to magnify Jesus Christ to us. His role is to make Jesus real to us at every turn through His enabling oceanic Loving power. So, we see here the Triune God working in our lives: the role of the Spirit is to magnify Jesus and make Him known; and in turn Jesus’ role is to reveal and magnify the Father to us. (John 14:11) And this is the Triune activity that is always happening in human life we live in this ocean of God’s Love.

Remember the Scripture when Philip asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not speak on My own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work. Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.” (John 14:8-11).

The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are three, existing in the singularity of the Triune Godhead in one co-indwelling and interpenetrating relationship. So, we see Jesus role of declaring and magnifying the Father of mankind to all humanity. Jesus came and revealed and make known the Father and the Spirit to humanity, which until then remain ‘hidden’ to human understanding. (Col.1:26; Rom.16:25; Eph.3:9; Col.2:2; 2 Cor.13:14)

The book of Hebrews informs us when God chose to let us in on the secret mystery of the ages, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His Being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Heb.1:1-4). Yes, the passage is clear about Jesus’ role of revealing the Father, and thereby the triune Godhead, to humanity.

The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy for calling God His Father, and crucified Him for it. (Mar.14:61-64) The Jews never belived a word Jesus uttered, much less Jesus’ claim as Messiah. (Mar.14:61-62) It is totally farfetched to claim the Jews killed Jesus as Redeemer, no, they accused and killled Him for the false trumped-up charge of blashemy for claiming to be the Messiah God’s own Son.

Through trumped-up charges the Jews condemned Jesus to death without realizing their treacherous act actually heralded mankind’s ultimate redemption, inasmuch as He had truthfully testified of His Father’s Love for humanity through Him as the Messiah. (Matt.26:63-64; Mar.14:61-62) In testifying of God’s Love, Jesus magnified the Father. As believers we magnify Jesus as the Spirit empowers us through His Love. In magnifying Jesus we magnify the Father. (John 14:8-10)

Role of the Holy Spirit to Magnify Jesus, and Son Magnify the Father

Why is this Triune life – life in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – so important? Because we can only  live the surrendered life to and in the Love of God through Christ in the enabling power of the Spirit. Jesus is the only human who has lived the Love-enabling surrendered life perfectly. We can live the same Love-enabling surrendered life because He has already done it for us, not because we can do it on our own human power, no.

Remember this jewel of truth about the Loving act of God our Father: He imputes His Son’s perfect and holy life upon us which no human power can do. When God freely assigns, attributes, and imputes Christ’s life upon us, only then we ‘re given to live the Love-enabling surrendered life in His oceanic environment. (2 Cor.5:21) That is how we are made to live holy lives just as God is holy. (1 Pet.1:16) It is a life lived by and through the living faith of Jesus supplied in the Spirit’s power. As Paul told the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who Loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal.2:20, KJV).

In true trinitarian mode the Father’s role is to provide overall care through His Loving Judgements for all His human children. His most immediate and all-important judgement was to give His Son and His Spirit as His ultimate gifts to enable humanity to live the gift of the surrendered life we are made to live through the oceanic environment of God’s Love. We pray daily to the Father in the model prayer Jesus taught us to pray in the “Our Father” prayer. So, here again we see Jesus magnifying the Father to us by teaching to pray to the Father in this prayer model.

In the prayer we call upon the Father to daily sanction His Loving judgements in every aspect of our lives we live upon this earth, providing sustenance both spiritual and material, His mercy and forgiveness through His compassionate heart, and daily protection and security from trials and tests and from the evil one. All our gratitude must end with praise for the Father’s overall Loving care, as the model prayer conclude.

The Lord's Prayer: what does it mean? | Bibleinfo.com
Father’s Role Provide Overall Care through His Loving Judgements for all His children. In Teaching Us to Pray, Jesus Magnified the Father

So, as we see this life we live in this REALITY of the oceanic Love of God, the surrendered life come as organic progression of living the “Triune Life” through the power and energy of the Tri-Personal Being of God as each play their respective role in our lives. This is the awesome truth about living the Godly triune life.

Jesus gave an interesting parable to depict the “Triune Life” wherewith we exist daily in their presence. And the parable of the ocean of God’s Love we just saw is a replica of His parable of the Gardener and the Vine and Branches in John 15 Jesus taught the disciples. He said, “I am the true Grapevine, and my Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch of Mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the Vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.”

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in Me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are My true disciples. This brings great glory to My Father” (John 15:1-8).

Now, just to be clear, what can be compared to the ‘ocean’ which we read in Jesus’ parable of the Vine and Branches? This was not clearly narrated in His parable. The answer is the ‘ocean’ in my parable is the ‘sap’ flowing in the Vine and Branches in Jesus’ parable. We see the ‘sap’s’ power by the fruits produced in the Branches. The ‘sap’ is the Spirit’s enabling Love and power (much like the ‘ocean’) flowing in the Vine (Jesus) and Branches (humanity) and provides the spiritual nutrients that bring out fruits in abundance, and seen and eaten by all that come to you, now the ‘tree of life’ – that is, Jesus in you, and the Branch (you) in the Vine (Jesus).

The reason this aspect of the ‘sap’ was not narrated or articulated in Jesus’ parable, even though the fruit-bearing potential was powerfully apparent, it would seem because the Spirit’s role is not to magnify Himself, but to promote and amplify Jesus (Vine) to and in humanity (Branches) because of His role of Savior and Redeemer of mankind to bring the Spirit’s power to bear upon mankind. (Isa.43:11; 44:6) Jesus is our High Priest in heaven who mediates for humanity today. (Heb.4:14) The coming King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev.19:16) Jesus’ parable shows us the role of the Father and the Son upon the Branches (humanity) and the fruits produced in the Branches. The Spirit is functioning resolutely behind the scenes, but nonetheless exercising a powerful role of providing the all-important sap (ocean) which produces the fruits which are seen and admired by all in the Branches (humanity) throughout the seven seas (earth).

Scripture Song] - John 15:1-5 - YouTube
Parable of the Vine and Branches

A final word on the new life in the oceanic Love-Kingdom of God. In this new spiritual life we have been given the form of extrinsic immortality in Christ with which to exist in God’s ocean of Love, as our first parents did in Eden. Humanity has come full circle, from the Garden of God’s Love in Eden to the Oceanic Kingdom of God’s Love. Through our human extrinsic immortality in Christ we are given to have eternal relationship with the triune God who ordinarily lives forever in intrinsic immortality. Only through this enabling divine fellowship we are given to draw on God’s spiritual resources for our own spiritual well-being and purpose within His oceanic world, and ultimately for eternity in His eternal Kingdom. Humanly speaking, it’s the only way of connection between the divine domain of God and the human domain of man. However, we cannot escape our fallen Adamic humanity inherited from Adam’s sin that Paul calls this “body of death” (Rom.7:24).

Paul states that this “body of sin and death” has been crucified to the cross with Christ once for all at repentance and conversion; and buried in the underwater grave of baptism in the Spirit’s power. (Gal.2:20) Paul reminds us, “Have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined Him in His death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives” (Rom.6:3-4). Yes, we were raised with Christ, but only now in the form of extrinsic immortality in bodily form in God’s aquatic Love-Kingdom, awaiting our complete change in the resurrection at Jesus’ return.

We still exist in our primordial human body from Adam’s creation encoded with the unique genome and DNA which identifies humanity in the original image fashioned in God’s likeness before our parent’s fall. (Gen.1:26-27). This primordial human shell, now existing in extrinsic immortality in Christ remains as Paul affirms, “Christ in you the hope of glory,” ultimately will be conferred intrinsic immortality just as Jesus was at His own bodily resurrection, only more supreme manifestation at a yet future appointed time at Jesus’ Second Coming. (1 John 3:2Rom.2:72 Tim.1:101 Cor.15:26) Paul makes this attainment of human intrinsic immortality plain, when he said, “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you” (Rom.8:11).

So, from both parables we see the context within which the Triune Godhead of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, function within the life of saved humanity within His oceanic kingdom. I hope this makes clear what Jesus’ commission was meant to convey when at first He was born humble upon earth the Immanuel (“God with us”), and at last before He departed the earth by ascending back to His Father in glory. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt.28:19).

Petition: Dear Friends, as I have closed my post in the past, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart to heart, and faith to faith, you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious humanity made children of God forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or any division one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for God’s dwelling:

Prayer: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I believe and receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Prayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons)

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s Temple where fullness of joy abounds.

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee (Your Servant in Christ)

*Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian Being and plural existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26; Matt.28:19; John 14:10, 16; 16:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God as a Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Pet.1:2; 2 Thess.2:13; 2 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. Love by its nature unveils a God who is relational and multifaceted in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational Love-being.

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Love-Being. (1 John 4:16) The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2; Eph.5:23-27, 32; Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Love-Being with His Son, Jesus, and His Spirit. (Mat..28:18-20)

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost being and humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23).

Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His singular triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness, not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God, just as all of humanity is inseparably one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the Trinity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from and in Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever. Jesus was given the prophetic name Immanuel which means “God with us”, or God with humanity. (Matt.1:23; Isa.7:14) As the prophecy foretold and fulfilled, God assimillated Himself with mankind through Mary who bore His Son, Jesus Christ. (Matt.1:20; 18-25; 2:1-2)

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092.

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

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This entry was posted in Uncategorized on November 28, 2022 by bulamanadmin. Edit.

CHRISTMAS, WHY, WHAT, AND HOW – GOD’S STORY OF HUMANITY

Greetings Friends! It is the time of year when we celebrate with true rejoicing hearts about the birth of the baby Jesus, humanity’s Redeemer and Savior. It is a story which carries such deep spiritual and equally transcendent meaning and impact beyond some story any human could have told – for Christmas is God’s own story about mankind.

We would not properly understand the story of Christmas if we are oblivious to the story of man itself! So the beautiful story of humanity comes to us by answering the questions of why, what, and how, of the story of Christmas. The story of Christmas is God’s own story about all humanity.

Let us begin with the why of Christmas. But before we do, let us rehearse the most beautiful and inspiring story of the birth of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. After all, the Christmas story today has centered around His birth, although we will see the larger story today. Here is the account from Luke,

“I Bring You Good News of Great Joy That Will Be For All The People”

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:1-20) What a marvelous account by Luke.

Christmas today has been so heavily commercialized and transformed from its actual purpose that its true meaning has been lost because it has been watered down to a commodity that can be traded. It is unfortunate, but in the end, it is the man for whom this day is devoted and honored who has suffered most. I hope we can recapture the true meaning of Jesus’ birth and God’s purpose for humanity.

Questions People Have About the Birth of Jesus - LetterPile
The Birth of Jesus

The Why? Why was Jesus born? The why question of Christmas takes us back to God’s own story of humanity. When God our Father first created humanity, He did so with these beautiful words, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will have dominion on earth. So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it” (Gen.1:26-28, NLB)

So, let us rehearse the why in God’s purpose of creating human beings. He said He created humans for the irrevocable purpose of fashioning human beings in His own image and likeness, so they may govern all He created upon the earth. There were two main motives and reasons God revealed about why human beings were created. First, there is the motives about God’s image and likeness. Second, there was the reason of governing and ruling His creation, the earth and all in it. Both go hand in hand, both can’t be separated. ‘Image’ and ‘rule’ is one and the same, you cannot have one without the other. In other words, if you deny His ‘image,’ then you disqualify yourself from ‘rule.’ So, the one who rule and govern must carry his/her person in God’s image and likeness.  

Matthew 28:19 KJV Desktop Wallpaper - Go ye therefore, and teach all  nations, baptizing
Tri-Personal Being of God in The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit

The two points naturally dovetails into the next question. It answers the what question of Jesus’ coming and His birth. What is God’s image and likeness. This is vital because human rule hinges and pivots upon it. The center of gravity of human rulership is God’s image. What then is God’s image and likeness? The Scripture answers, “God is Love” (1 Joh 4:8, 16) Once the word Love is mentioned, then that defines relationship, for Love cannot exist by itself. Love is relational. God is relational in His Tri-Personal Being. God is composed of three Love Personalities, as Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in ONE Triune Being and Godhead. (Matt.28:19) So, rulership is done out of Love, for God is Love in His Triune Being. He created the earth and all in it from His abundant Love, and decrees that human beings rule likewise – out of Love. We can see Love explained in detail In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. (1 Cor.13:1-12)

So, the why question about Christmas takes us to the immortal passage from John’s Gospel, “For God so Loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). We realize that He gave His Son by being born a human. Also, we know the passage means that Jesus would give His life to die upon His cross to redeem human beings from sin and death (“should not perish”) and impart immortality as His gift.

John 3:16 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net
Human Redemption Upon the Cross of Jesus

By speaking of human redemption, God is recounting a sad chapter in human history about mankind’s fall from grace which made human redemption a vital equation in the why question about Christmas. God first created Adam and Eve perfect in His likeness until the day they decided to follow Satan the devil into disobedience and sin. (Gen.3:1-6) By forsaking God’s way of Love Adam and Eve inherited the sin-image and condition from the evil one and all humanity inherited the same sin-image from our first parents. The Love-image of God was gone and no more as symbolized by God cutting them off from access to the ‘Tree of Life’ representing the Holy Spirit and God’s Love. (Gen.3:24; Rom.5:5) Humanity had to wait until Jesus appeared as the Second Adam, bearing the name Immanuel, born in Bethlehem to restore God’s Love-image and conditioning which Adam and Eve forsook for the devil’s false promises in Eden. (Isa.7:14; Matt.1:23; Gen.3:1-6) So, Christmas is about rescuing fallen humanity from sin and death and imparting the gift of Love and immortality. (John 3:16-17)

Let’s answer the how question, since human beings are fallen and exists in the devil’s sin-image and likeness from Adam’s fall. The essential purpose of Jesus’ role as the Messiah is the restoration of humanity where human beings are restored back to the Love-image and likeness of the Creator God, as it was from the beginning. (Gen.1:26-27) All of God’s plan and purpose for humanity, no matter how grand and glorious, can’t be realized until that change takes place in the heart and being of human beings.

Let us now see the how question concerning Christmas. How will God make it possible for humanity’s transformation from the sin-image or condition inherited from Adam’s fall into the Love-image which Adam possessed when he was first created? (Gen.1:26-27) Jesus gives us the answer. God the Father sent His Son to be born through His mother Mary, to give us His plan on how humanity will be restored. Jesus had taken on the likeness of weak humanity as Immanuel, so in turn humans can take on the likeness of God through Jesus. In due time, Jesus announced the Father’s plan through Jesus’ interaction and conversation with a Jewish rabbi named Nicodemus.

The Bible records their interaction, “He (Nicodemus) came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent You to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with You.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:2-3). The Kingdom of God is God’s spiritual realm which cannot be detected physically through the five human senses.

“No One Can Enter the Kingdom of God Without Being Born of Water and The Spirit.”

Continuing with their interaction, we read, “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again? Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life” (John 3:4-6). So, the purpose of Jesus birth was to show God’s plan about how human beings undergo the transformation from the sin-image of the devil which Adam conferred upon mankind, to the Love-image of God Adam had from his creation. (Gen.1:26-27)

Yes, Jesus proclaims the how question about Christmas: ‘”You must be born again’” (John 3:7). It is a noteworthy observation that just as Christmas tells us the story of Jesus’ human birth, it also speaks of mankind’s spiritual birth. But what is the process of rebirth, how exactly does this happen and become reality in a human person? Jesus said, a human being must be “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). What does that mean? Jesus was not talking of physical rebirth as Nicodemus assumed, He is metaphorically reflecting upon the reality of humanity’s spiritual birth. Humans cannot live the life of God’s Love, His very “image and likeness,” unless we are born again of the Spirit who unifies Himself with us.

Water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Triune God. Jesus made an interesting remark to His hearers, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified” (John 7:37-39). Here, the Scripture compares the Spirit to the cleansing activity of water. Jesus own example of His baptism in the Jordan, makes this clearer.

Jesus Batism in The Jordan

Recall, when Jesus was baptized in the ‘waters’ of the Jordan He underwent a type of watery burial and as He rose from the baptismal watery grave, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove, “And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” (Matt.3:17). What we are witnessing through Jesus’ example is the process of spiritual rebirth a human being undergoes. This spiritual rebirth happens and takes place when a person is baptized.

At baptism a spiritual rebirth takes hold where the sin-image symbolically dies through Jesus act of redemption and is buried in the watery grave by divine authority through the Spirit’s power in the ritual of baptism. Then the believing person is given to rise from the symbolic watery grave in newness of life in Christ’s Love-image whereupon humans are made God’s children, following the Father’s pronouncement at Jesus’ baptism, “You are My beloved children, I am well pleased.”

Paul told the Roman believers, “We were therefore buried with Him (Jesus) through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Rom.6:3-11). The “new life” is a life lived in God’s Love-image as His children. Yes, after baptism humans exist in a new life in the Love-image and conditioning of God just as He has predestined mankind to inherit.

Jesus was the first human to undergo this rebirth, and in so doing He did it on humanity’s behalf through His own baptism. He was baptized for us, just as He died for us upon His cross. In entering the Jordan He underwent John the Baptist’s “message of the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mar.1:4). So, Jesus repented for humanity’s forgiveness at His baptism in the act of burying mankind’s sinful past as symbolized by burial in the watery grave of the Jordan. In doing so, He opens the way for human repentance and forgiveness through His baptism and death upon His cross, and thereby spiritual rebirth through the Spirit’s power.

Therefore, we follow in Jesus’ footsteps when we undergo our individual baptism. We cannot repent and obtain forgiveness on our own volition, Jesus has to do it for us, just as He died and redeemed us upon His cross, for this was the mission given Him by His Father to accomplish. (John 3:16-17) That’s to say, we can do it only because Jesus has already done it for us. This act of Jesus on humanity’s behalf is called the principle of substitution in the Bible. It essentially means Jesus takes our place and took the fall for us. Paul explained the principle to the Corinthians this way, “God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor.5:21)

This is identical with John’s immortal passage, “For this is how God Loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-18, NLB).

Scripture Canvas Live By Faith Romans 1:17 Christian Wall Art Bible Verse  Print Ready to Hang - Walmart.com
“Without Faith It Is Impossible Tot Please God”

The apostle Peter explains how we are made to enter the ceremony of baptism and undergo the spiritual rebirth. Peter told the people of his day, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Act.2:38, NLT). To “repent of your sins and turn to God” means to recognize the sin-image we have inherited from the first Adam, and now turn to the Second Adam in Jesus who will redeem and change us over into God’s Love-image in the Spirit’s power. (Rom.5:5) The prerequisite for baptism and the new birth is repentance and forgiveness which Jesus has already done in the Jordan for humanity. All we have to do to is receive and accept what Jesus has already done in and by faith.

Faith is the all-important ingredient which makes the spiritual rebirth possible. Paul said this about faith, “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith” (Rom.1:17). Listen, we all have faith. There’s human faith which operates and relies upon the five human senses of sight, smell, hear, taste, and touch..and might I add human thoughts. Then there is the spiritual faith which the Bible describes as, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Heb.11:1). In other words, it is not detectable nor does it work through the five human senses and human thoughts. (2 Cor.10:5; Isa.55:8-9)

Basically, the spiritual faith is the Personal faith of Jesus. It comes to us through the Spirit’s power, not human power. Paul said, “The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal.2:20). So, it is not our limited human faith, but the limitless Personal faith of Jesus. Though human faith is inadequate in spiritual matters, it is not redundant nor needless, for as humans we have a part to play through our faith. Human faith can be made to merge with the spiritual faith of Jesus so both complement one another rather than oppose each other. (You may want to read about The Faith of Jesus on my blog post titled, http://bulamanriver.net/30348)

I will close with this inspiring passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, “When you believed in Christ, He identified you as His own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that He will give us the inheritance He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify Him” (Eph.1:13-14). Were it not for Jesus’ saving redemptive work, the Holy Spirit could not enter human life because of sin. Hence, Jesus said, “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away (to the Father). Unless I go away, the Advocate (Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).

Jesus’ saving work has given access for the Spirit to enter and make human life a temple to dwell in and furnish the power of God’s Love-image. (1 Cor.3:16; 6:19; Gen.1:26-27) Paul said, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you…God’s Love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (1 Cor.6:19; Rom.5:5). Now, human beings can live according the likeness of God’s Love-image as intended from creation. (Gen.1:26-27) The purpose of Christ birth has found a home in the very heart and soul of humanity.

Through the Holy Spirit in Christ Human Beings can Live According In The likeness of God’s Love-image

Petition: Dear Friends, as I have closed my post in the past, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart to heart, and faith to faith, you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious humanity made children of God forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or any division one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for God’s dwelling:

Prayer: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I believe and receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Prayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons)

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s Temple where joy abounds. May the joys of Christmas bring you and your loved ones peace and blessings.

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee (Your Servant in Christ)

*Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian Being and plural existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26Matt.28:19John 14:101616:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God as a Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-201 Pet.1:22 Thess.2:132 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. Love by its nature unveils a God who is relational and multifaceted in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational Love-being.

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Love-Being. (1 John 4:16) The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2Eph.5:23-2732Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Love-Being with His Son, Jesus, and His Spirit. (Mat..28:18-20)

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost being and humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23).

Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness, not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God, just as all of humanity is inseparably one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the Trinity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from and in Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever. Jesus was given the prophetic name Immanuel which means “God with us”, or God with humanity. (Matt.1:23Isa.7:14) As the prophecy foretold and fulfilled, God assimillated Himself with mankind through Mary who bore His Son, Jesus Christ. (Matt.1:2018-252:1-2)

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092. 

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

Mission Statement: Read the Triune Love Mission, Vision, and Value statements at: http://bulamanriver.net/8664

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LIVING THE TRIUNE LIFE

Greetings Friends! Happy New Year to all our visitors and readers. The name of this Web Site or Blog Post Site is called “Triune Life” or “Triune Living.”  I would like to devote this post in explaining what it means. So, I have called this post, “Living The Triune Life.” But before that, what is the Triune Life?

Briefly, the Christian belief of the “Triune Life” conveys the relationship between the physical and material realm of humanity with the spiritual metaphysical realm, particularly with spiritual entities. As physical human beings we experience our material world with the five human senses of sight (eyes), smell, (nose), hear (ear), taste (mouth), touch (feel/sensation), and I might add a sixth – human thought. The six basic human senses are tools mankind utilize to develope ideologies, philosophies, and even religion, or belief systems. However, the spiritual realm cannot be detected by these human senses. The “Triune Life” is the Christian’s way of explaning about how the physical world of mankind interconnect with the divine world which is undetected by human senses. People have called this phenomenon by the terms faith and hope, which are tools of the mind Christian’s use to define spiritual matters which are undetected by the human senses. Christians use their Bible, or Word of God, as basis for these and other spiritual tools. (Heb.11:1; Rom.8:24).

From time immemorial humans have always been fascinated by and possessed inclination for the spiritual and unknown. Mankind was always been conscious of the metaphysical aspects of how human life is constituted. Because of this realization and awareness, humanity has given birth to all forms of ways and means to explain the unknown metaphysiical aspect of his psyche. That has given birth to all forms of belief system and religion through human history. Look at the graph below:

Main Religion in the World (Wikipedia)

This graph is taken from Wikipedia and shows the various major religious symbols in clock-wise form from top: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baháʼí Faith, Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Slavic neopaganism, Celtic polytheism, Heathenism (Germanic paganism), Semitic neopaganism, Wicca, Kemetism (Egyptian paganism), Hellenism (Greek paganism), Italo-Roman neopaganism. According to some estimates, there are roughly 4,200 religions, churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, cultures, movements, ultimate concerns, which at some point in the future will be countless. However, adherents.com shows a growing collection of over 23,500 adherent statistics and religious geography citations — references to published membership/adherent statistics and congregation statistics for over 2,200 religions, churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, movements, ultimate concerns, etc. A person may be an adherent to one’s unique beliefs although the person claims to belong to a major mainline religious sect. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions)

So, what we see from the commentary above is obvious endorsement that humans have the spiritual proclivity for the supernatural. A pagan may claim to be enlightened and not trapped by religiosity or ancient superstition. Yet, by claiming to be so-called ‘enlightened’ he/she inadvertently admits to a belief system just like other belief system, whether pagan, religious or otherwise. So, we are all drawn and bound to this spiritual proclivity we were all born with that can’t be denied or dismissed.

“Triune Life”

Triune Life Means ‘Living In Community’ With and In the Tri-Personal Being of God (Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity, Wiki Commons)

By using the term, “Triune Life,” I am explaining the Christian thought and belief about the physical realm and its interconnection and association with the divine realm, and vise versa. Of course, other religions have their own understanding and beliefs. In the final analysis, every religion and belief system will be tried for its authenticity through its beliefs and practices whether it stands to benefit mankind’s universal welfare and good in this life and the next (if there is such a thing) regardless of our station in life. Obviously, all religions and biefs will lay claim about its own authenticity and validity. As I attempt to explain the Christian world view, I am assuming most of my audience have some basic background knowledge of the Christian Scriptures, the holy Bible.

Jesus Christ is the founder of Christianity, and the Christian religion. In the final commission He gave His disciples, and thereby all His followers, He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt.28:18-20). He gave this commission on the basis that He is God’s only Son who existed with God His Father in the Tri-Personal Being of God with the Holy Spirit from eternity. So, in christianity, the mention of God always convey His Tri-Personal Being of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as existing as One within the Holy Trinity.

Matthew 28:19-20 | New King James Version (NKJV) Go therefor… | Flickr
The Commission

Recall, this commission was given to His disciples by Jesus when He was about to ascend back to the spiritual realm of His Father in heaven. He had taken up human life and human existence, emptying Himself from His divine existence in the trinitarian existence. Paul, as author of many New Testament books was inspired to say this about Jesus, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phi.2:5-8). Hence, when the prophet Isaiah spoke about His coming as the Messiah, he was inspired to utter the messianic name Immanuel, which means, “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Jesus was actually “God with us” as His name “Immanuel” conveys.

When we read this passage in the book of Philippians about Jesus “emptying Himself” (V.7), what does this mean, and what did Jesus empty Himself of? It is essential to understand what this statement means so that we know the true nature of Jesus as He lived on earth as a man and as God (Immanuel). When we fail to interpret this verse correctly, then it can lead us to understand who Jesus is incorrectly. Jesus is divine as part of God’s Tri-Personal Being, but He took on the form of a man and became a human being without ceasing to be God, hence, the name Immanuel or “God with us.” (Matt.1:23) As a human being, He lived the perfect human life and died upon His cross so humanity can be redeemed from sin and death, be reconciled to the Creator God and live a life of immortality through Jesus as Savior and Mediator. (John 3:16; 2 Tim.1:10; 1 Cor.15:53-54)

The Bible records the very first Gentile (non Christian) who was called into the Christian faith. His name was Cornelius, a Roman officer. (Act.15:7, 14) Peter had journeyed to Caesarea to baptize (initiate through baptism) Cornelius, and everyone in his household into the Christian faith, following the original commission given to the disciples we read earlier in Matthew. (Matt.28:18-19) Peter gave the first message to the Gentiles through Cornelius and those present as representing His message of God’s calling of Gentiles into His fellowship as true spiritual Israelites, and those who would follow Cornelius and his family thereafter.

Peter was inspired by the Spirit and spoke, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching His message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

“And we apostles are witnesses of all He did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross, but God raised Him to life on the third day. Then God allowed Him to appear, not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be His witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name. Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.” (Act.10:34-44).

That is the record of how the Gentiles (unbelievers) were grafted into and made God’s own people. It is a story of spiritual rebirth into a new species of human beings, “Immanuel humans,” who have Jesus living in them.

Matthew 28:19 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, ba...
The Holy Spirit, Symbolized By a Dove Conferred as Gift Upon Saved Humanity at Baptism (Matt.3:16)

So, Jesus lived the perfect sinless human life. He was baptized for our forgiveness in the Jordan, and opened the path for the Holy Spirit to enter and fellowship with mankind. (Matt.3:13-17) Jesus defeated Satan in the temptation for us to save us from the devil’s cunning, sin and death. (Matt.4:1-12) He lived a sinless life in our place. (1 Pet.2:22; 2 Cor.5:21) He was crucified and died for us in our stead. And God resurrected Jesus to immortality for us, so we may follow Him into a life of immortality by a resurrection from the dead. (1 Cor.15:53-58) And now, let us get back to our story.

As He was about to ascend back to His Father, He uttered these final words to His followers, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt.28:19). To baptize means to immerse and initiate into something, as Jesus was baptized or immersed in the Jordan River under John’s hand. (Mar.1:9-11) To be baptized or immersed into the “Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” means to be initiated into the very life and power of the Tri-Personal Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To be immersed into the very Being of God who is Triune by nature means we are given to live the “Triune Life” through human and spiritual experience.

“Triune Life” means to be immersed into, to inaugurate and initiate into, to enrol in, to be sponsored and recruited by, the very power and life of the supreme Triune Godhead who is Creator and Sustainer of life, both seen and unseen. The Triune Life is the Christian process by which physical humanity is made to interact and experience the spiritual realm of God. In lay person’s term, what does it mean to be immersed into and to live the “Triune Life?”

Jesus’ Baptism In Jordan by John the Baptist

Let me expound its meaning through a parable. It is by no means perfect, however, Jesus spoke in parables about the spiritual realm of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the spiritual domain of God. Humans are physical and material, subject to decay and ultimately death due to Adam’s sin we have inherited. The kingdom of God is the domain of God’s holiness, righteousness, Love, and His eminent grace. God consists primarily of the three Persons of the Triune Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and countless number of holy angels. Humans cannot comprehend spiritual matters, so to make spiritual elements relatable to our physical life and material existence, Jesus taught spiritual priniciples and truths through parables. The Scripture reveals, “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; He did not say anything to them without using a parable” (Matt.13:34).

Parables are stories and illustrations about spiritual concepts to help our limited human minds understand spiritual principles. So, Jesus gave many parables to depict God’s spiritual kingdom and its reality. The parables depicts how human destiny and God’s kingdom are forever bound by destiny through His Love and grace. There’s the parable of the Sower. There’s one about The Weeds Among the Wheat. The Mustard Seed. Pearl of Great Price. The Ten Virgins. The Friend at Midnight. The Good Samaritan; to name some of them. A good Bible concordance will give you the list of parables Jesus taught the people in His day.

Today I’m going to share the parable of the Ocean of God’s Love to explain the “Triune Life” whereby we have been inducted and immersed into the life and power of the Triune God. We are speaking of being immersed (baptized) into their Names, as if to take up life in the life and power of the divine in our physical human existence. And now think about the parable of the Ocean and the Marine Life that populate it. The waters in the ocean is the ‘enabling condition’ which empowers marine life to go about living with other marine life, each fulfilling their individual role in the overall marine ecosystem. The waters of the ocean is likened to God in His all-comprehensive, sweeping, and unfathomable Love.

The marine life in it represent all of humanity. And the title, “Bulamanriver” on the website is my term for the spiritual (marine) life representing humans. The title, “Bulamanriver,” literally means “a human being who possesses true life through the river of living waters (Spirit).” Or, more precisely we are given the new birth through baptism, identified by the new human species, “Immanuel human.” It means, “Christ in us.” Or, as Paul affirmed saying, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal.2:20, KJV; Matt.1:23). Yes, through baptism, humans are given a new birth, the old self has been crucified with Christ. The old life is gone; the new life in Christ has begun!

When Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations and to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—it’s worth pointing out that the Greek noun (ὄνομα) translated “name” is singular in Matthew 28:19. (https://www.logosapostolic.org/greek-word-studies/3686-onoma-name.htm) Therefore, the three distinct co-equal and co-eternal Persons of the Triune Godhead are not three different deities, but three distinct Persons who make up the one true God who is Love and saves sinners. (1 John 3:8, 16; John 3:16)

The name of Jesus (Immanuel) into which we are baptized identifies us with the Godhead through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Christ, our Savior. Paul said, “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Rom.6:4). We now belong to One Triune God the Father, saved by the Son and through the indwelling life and power of His Spirit.

Warming waters will alter the distribution of marine life • Earth.com
Parable of the Ocean and Marine Life

God’s divine Love-force is likened to the ocean in which mankind exist and find meaning to life. The ocean of God’s Love-force enables humans to be sustained in His spiritual ecosystem and live out their divinely conferred gifts and purposes for the eternal destiny of God’s oceanic Kingdom. The ‘ocean’ is the life-force of God’s Love which empowers and enables humans to live under God’s purpose for all its oceanic inhabitants.

The spiritual ocean of God’s Love-force immerses humans in the way of life that’s monopolized by God’s Love, and the fruits of His Love. (1 Cor.13; 1 John 4:16) So, since the ocean symbolizes God’s Love, then it represents the role of the Holy Spirit, for Paul said this, “God’s Love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom.5:5). John affirms further, saying, “And so we know and rely on the Love God has for us. God is Love. Whoever lives in Love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16). Yes, through baptism human beings are immersed into the very Love of God.

Yes, in the Bible water is one of the symbols used for the Holy Spirit, His power and presence. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified” (John 7:38-39). Here, Jesus uses water to help our limited human minds conceptualize the work and activity of the third Person of the Triune God. The Holy Spirit is likened to the cleansing waters which flows in human life to cleanse and save humanity from sin and death through Christ. (John 4:14; 1 Cor.12:13; Rev.21:6; 22:1-2, 17; Rom.6:23)

John 7:38-39 Sermon – What Does God Want For You In 2022?
“Rivers of Living Water Will Flow From Within Them”

To the Corinthians Paul taught them the role and purpose of the Spirit, and how the life-force of the Spirit is energized and manifested in their lives. But how is that Love-force manifested in human life? Paul reveals that answer by explaining the fruits of the Holy Spirit to the Corinthian Church. These fruits, which Paul reveal the spiritual fruits to us as: *the fruit of patience, *the fruit of kindness, *the fruit of contentedness,  *the fruit of modesty (unboastful), *the fruit of humility, *the fruit of honor, *the fruit of unselfishness, *the fruit of calmness and dignity, *the fruit of forgiveness and compassion, *the fruit of delighting in good and shunning evil, *the fruit of tolerance, *the fruit of responsibility, *the fruit of enduring hope, *the fruit of steadfast perseverance, *the fruit of joy, *the fruit of peace, *the fruit of goodness, *the fruit of faith, *the fruit of gentleness, *the fruit of self-control, *the fruit of zeal and spiritual fervor, *the fruit of friendship, *the fruit of sharing and generosity, *the fruit of prayerfulness, *the fruit of hospitality, etc. (1 Cor.13; also Gal. 5:22-23; Rom. 12:9-21).

These Love-fruits are not part of God’s Person like accessories. It’s not like one day God decides ‘let Me try the fruit of ‘gentleness’ today? Or, the next day, ‘Let me be ‘patient,’ or ‘kind.’ No, they tell us who God IS. The Love-fruits tell us who God is organically and naturally in His Love-Being. (1 John 4:8, 16) They tell us how the three Persons in One triune Godhead live and relate with each other from eternity. They reveal God’s holy emotions. They explain who He is in His Tri-Personal Being. The Love-fruits keep them One Being united in Love. And God invites humans into His Love fellowship, for we cannot live the surrendered life without the Love-fruits of the Spirit. We witness this divine/human interaction in the parable of the ocean.

Love is Patient Love is Kind Art  8x8 Printable Downloadable image 1
Love IS God and God IS Love (1 John 4:16)

So, we see the role and empowerment by the Spirit in the ocean of God’s Love and the fruits portrayed in it, and by which we the inhabitants exist and live as Immanuel humans (Christ in us). What is the role of Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity or Triune God. Consider, Jesus said this about the role of the Spirit, “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7). In other words, this ocean of God’s Love in which we have been immersed and made to swim and abide in cannot exist without Jesus prior mediation as our Savior who redeems us from sin, so the Holy Spirit can enter and give us the ocean of God’s holy Love to live, swim, and fulfill our divine purpose in life.

Recall what had cut humanity off from the Holy Spirit and the divine ocean of Love. In Eden, God gave Adam and Eve the following instruction, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Gen.2:17). Our first parents were free to eat from the Tree of Life, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. That is how our first parents related with God in Eden, by imbibing and eating of the fruits of the Tree of Life thus empowered by the Holy Spirit.

And the Lord God commanded the man - Genesis 2:15-17

But we know that with the passage of time, while in Eden, and in their moment of weakness, they obeyed the devil and sinned by eating the forbidden fruit. (Gen.3:1-6) Our first parents were banished from Eden, and notice what God did, He put a mighty angel to block all access to the “Three of Life” which symbolized the Holy Spirit. So, as humanity was banished from Eden, the pathway to the “Tree of Life” (Spirit) was barricaded and blocked off from human reach. Participation with the Spirit was lost forever for mankind due to our first parent’s sin and rebellion.

It was not until, and only after the sin-condition mankind inherited from Adam’s fallen Adamic humanity was removed through the second Adam, Jesus the Mediator and Redeemer, that the Spirit was reunited with humanity again. This all important event in human history first occured as Jesus inaugurated the Holy Spirit at His baptism at the hands of John the Baptist in the Jordan River, and then later upon all mankind on Pentecost when the Spirit was poured out and mankind was immersed with His presence and power. (Matt.3:16-17; Act.2:1-4) The Spirit was poured out and it became a spiritual ocean of God’s Love wherein humanity can now exist and indwell.

Jesus was baptized and repented for us in the Jordan and subsequently died upon His cross for our forgiveness and salvation. When He stepped out from the Jordan, the heavens opened and a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, descended and shone upon Jesus, the Father’s voice from heaven gracefully said, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” (Mar.1:11). The pathway to the Holy Spirit (tree of life) through Jesus’ saving mediation was once more opened to humanity. Recall, as Jesus was about to be taken away before His ascension, He told His disciples, “I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luk.24:49). What was that promise? The promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon mankind beginning with the 120 gathered that day. (Act.1:15; 2:1, NLB) It was poured out and it filled humanity with God’s ocean of Love.

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Holy Spirit of Power Promise of the Father

The Book of Acts records this momentous occasion, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues a as the Spirit enabled them. (Act.2:1-4).

Let’s take this analogy, this oceanic parable of the ocean, a step further. Only marine life can live and survive in this oceanic environment. But there is another environment, another world, another kingdom, outside it. It is the land environment above the ocean where all kinds of animal, beasts, birds, insects, etc. you name it, and they are up there, which are not adapted or naturalized to living in oceans. All lifeforms above the ocean exists under a different atmosphere and spirit. It is opposite from the world in God’s oceanic Love. Above, all life is ruled by the atmophere of rebellion, sin, and are conditioned to do evil and live ungodly lives – opposite to living God’s way of Love. Can a dog or cat, or a sheep or horse, a monkey or gorilla, live in the ocean? No, of course not, they would suffer asphyxiation, drown and die!

Why? Because they were not created nor habituated to live and exist in a oceanic environment. They would drown and die, just as a sinner would be instantly overpowered and decimated in God’s holy presence. Hence, Jesus said unless as sinners we are reborn and remade to adapt to God’s spiritual oceanic environment, we cannot live nor survive in His holy presence. He said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). The Bible quotes God as saying, “You must be holy because I am holy” (1 Pet.1:16; Lev.11:44).

And speaking to humanity today in our enduring fallen condition, Paul says, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor.6:11). That’s to say, we were once part of the fallen existence and world we inherited from Adam’s fall who exist outside of the world made of God’s Love in His oceanic Kingdom. But now are given the gift of rebirth in Christ through the Spirit and made Immanuel humans to dwell in His oceanic (Loving) presence.

You have been made holy through Christ, just as Paul said, “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor.5:21). Did you get what this passage has said? In and through Christ, human beings can be made holy as God is holy. So, we are to come to Jesus…He is the doorway to this new life in God’s sacred Love and life of holiness. (John 10:9) What is Jesus’ role, and what is His part in the triune life we have been given to privilege to live and experience?

Rebirth Into a New Life in Christ

Jesus’ role was and continues today as revealed by Jesus Himself when He said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture…Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 10:9; 3:3). He continues, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit b gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again’” (John 3:5-7). Jesus role is to redeem humananity from sin, and by that very act becomes the ever present Door who brings us to experience the rebirth by the Spirit’s power which gives us new life to enter and live in the ocean of God’s holy presence and Love .

And we know how this glorious new birth happens in human life. It takes shape when a person confesses and receives Jesus as Savior, who is the Door that gives passage for the Spirit to enter human life through baptism. (Act.2:37-38; John 16:7) We recall John’s immortal verse, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). The initial transition of rebirth occurs at baptism, as Paul said, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Gal.3:27). How do we put on Christ? When we were baptized, we were immersed into God’s ocean of Love through the power of God’s Spirit. Only after a person is saved by receiving Jesus and God’s Spirit can they be given to enter this oceanic kingdom of God.

Notice how Jesus identifies the process of this miraculous rebirth, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). Jesus, at His baptism of repentance and forgiveness for mankind at the Jordan, received the Spirit from the Father. (Matt.3:16-17) His baptism had set the model and stage as to how humanity receives the Spirit as a gift from the Father at every corresponding act of baptism. Note what the passage says at baptism, human beings are made offspring of God: the Father’s words to Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I Love”, now becomes, “You are my children whom I Love” to all humans who receive His Son (Matt.3:17). Having received Jesus as personal Savior and Mediator, believers undergo the spiritual baptismal rebirth into divine familial fellowship with the God as depicted in the life within the spiritual ocean of God’s Triune Love.

Paul explained this beautiful truth, “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh (you are not part of the fallen realm up there influenced by Satan) but are in the realm of the Spirit (Love-oceanic condition), if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ” (Rom.8:9).

Jesus explained the Holy Spirit’s role so we are clear in our understanding. He said, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from Me what He will make known to you” (John 16:12-15).

The Spirit plays His role in the background and does not take center stage, as its says for His sole purpose is, “He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears” as existing as one in the Tri-Personal Godhead, but indivisible from the Son and the Father, the Spirit does not magnify Himself to us, His role is to magnify Jesus Christ to us. His role is to make Jesus real to us at every turn through His enabling oceanic Loving power. So, we see here the Triune God working in our lives: the role of the Spirit is to magnify Jesus and make Him known; and in turn Jesus’ role is to reveal and magnify the Father to us. (John 14:11) And this is the Triune activity that is always happening in human life we live in this ocean of God’s Love.

Remember the Scripture when Philip asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not speak on My own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work. Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.” (John 14:8-11).

The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are three, existing in the singularity of the Godhead in one co-indwelling and interpenetrating relationship. So, we see Jesus role of declaring and magnifying the Father of mankind to all humanity. Jesus came and revealed and make known the Father and the Spirit to humanity, which until then remain ‘hidden’ to human understanding. (Col.1:26; Rom.16:25; Eph.3:9; Col.2:2)

The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy for calling God His Father, and crucified Him for it. (Mar.14:61-64) Through trumped-up charge the Jews condemned Jesus without realizing His death heralded mankind’s ultimate redemption, inasmuch as He truthfully testified of His Father’s Love for humanity through Him as the Messiah. (Matt.26:63-64; Mar.14:61-62) In testifying of God’s Love, Jesus magnified the Father. As believers we magnify Jesus as the Spirit empowers us through His Love. In magnifying Jesus we magnify the Father. (John 14:8-10)

Role of the Holy Spirit to Magnify Jesus, and Son Magnify the Father

Why is this Triune life important? Because we can only  live the surrendered life to and in the Love of God through Christ in the enabling power of the Spirit. Jesus is the only human who has lived the Love-enabling surrendered life perfectly. We can live the same Love-enabling surrendered life because He has already done it for us. When Christ lives in us, only then can we live the Love-enabling surrendered life. It is a life lived by and through the living faith of Jesus. As Paul told the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who Loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal.2:20, KJV).

In true trinitarian mode the Father’s role is to provide overall care through His Loving Judgements for all His children. His most vital judgement was to give His Son and His Spirit as His ultimate gifts to make humanity through the gift of the surrendered life we are made to live through the oceanic environment of God’s Love. We pray daily to the Father in the model prayer Jesus taught us to pray in the “Our Father” prayer. So, here again we see Jesus magnifying the Father to us by teaching to pray to the Father in this prayer model.

In the prayer we call upon the Father to daily sanction His Loving judgements in every aspect of our lives we live upon this earth, providing sustenance both spiritual and material, His mercy and forgiveness through His compassionate heart, and daily protection and security from trials and tests and from the evil one. All our gratitude must end with praise for the Father’s overall Loving care, as the model prayer conclude.

The Lord's Prayer: what does it mean? | Bibleinfo.com
Father’s Role Provide Overall Care through His Loving Judgements for all His children. In Teaching Us to Pray, Jesus Magnified the Father

So, as we see this life we live in this REALITY of the oceanic Love of God, the surrendered life come as organic progression of living the “Triune Life” through the power and energy of the Tri-Personal Being of God as each play their respective role in our lives. This is the awesome truth about living the Godly triune life.

Jesus gave an interesting parable to depict the “Triune Life” wherewith we exist daily in their presence. And the parable of the ocean of God’s Love we just saw is a replica of His parable of the Gardener and the Vine and Branches in John 15 Jesus taught the disciples. He said, “I am the true Grapevine, and my Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch of Mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the Vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.”

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in Me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are My true disciples. This brings great glory to My Father” (John 15:1-8).

Now, just to be clear, what can be compared to the ‘ocean’ which we read in Jesus’ parable of the Vine and Branches? This was not clearly narrated in His parable. The answer is the ‘ocean’ in my parable is the ‘sap’ flowing in the Vine and Branches in Jesus’ parable. We see the ‘sap’s’ power by the fruits produced in the Branches. The ‘sap’ is the Spirit’s enabling Love and power (much like the ‘ocean’) flowing in the Vine (Jesus) and Branches (humanity) and provides the spiritual nutrients that bring out fruits in abundance, and seen and eaten by all that come to you, now the ‘tree of life’ – that is, Jesus in you, and the Branch (you) in the Vine (Jesus).

The reason this aspect of the ‘sap’ was not narrated or articulated in Jesus’ parable, even though the fruit-bearing potential was powerfully apparent, is because the Spirit’s role is not to magnify Himself, but to promote and amplify Jesus (Vine) to and in humanity (Branches) because of His role of Savior and Redeemer of mankind. (Isa.43:11; 44:6) He is our High Priest in heaven who mediates for humanity today. (Heb.4:14) The coming King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev.19:16) Jesus’ parable shows us the role of the Father and the Son upon the Branches (humanity) and the fruits produced in the Branches. The Spirit is functioning resolutely behind the scenes, but nonetheless exercising a powerful role of providing the all-important sap which produces the fruits which are seen and admired by all in the Branches (humanity).

Scripture Song] - John 15:1-5 - YouTube
Parable of the Vine and Branches

So, from both parables we see the context within which the Triune Godhead of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, function within the life of saved humanity. I hope this makes clear what Jesus’ commission was meant to convey when at first He was born humble upon earth the Immanuel (“God with us”), and at last before He depart the earth by ascending back to His Father in glory. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt.28:19).

Petition: Dear Friends, as I have closed my post in the past, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart to heart, and faith to faith, you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious humanity made children of God forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or any division one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for God’s dwelling:

Prayer: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I believe and receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Prayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons)

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s Temple where joy abounds.

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee (Your Servant in Christ)

*Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian Being and plural existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26; Matt.28:19; John 14:10, 16; 16:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God as a Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Pet.1:2; 2 Thess.2:13; 2 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. Love by its nature unveils a God who is relational and multifaceted in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational Love-being.

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Love-Being. (1 John 4:16) The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2; Eph.5:23-27, 32; Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Love-Being with His Son, Jesus, and His Spirit. (Mat..28:18-20)

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost being and humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23).

Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness, not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God, just as all of humanity is inseparably one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the Trinity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from and in Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever. Jesus was given the prophetic name Immanuel which means “God with us”, or God with humanity. (Matt.1:23; Isa.7:14) As the prophecy foretold and fulfilled, God assimillated Himself with mankind through Mary who bore His Son, Jesus Christ. (Matt.1:20; 18-25; 2:1-2)

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092. 

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

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GOD’S PROMISES VS HUMAN NEEDS & AMBITIONS

Greeting again Friends! God has made abundant promises in His Word (Bible) for humans whom He created in His likeness. (Gen.1:26-27) As a noun, a promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. As a verb, a promise is to undertake or proclaim that something will happen. God’s promises are assurances for mankind which paves the way for a blessed, predictable, and less worrying but miraculous life, in His Fatherly Love for His human children.

God’s Promises Made Real in Christ

However, from the outset we must understand how they are fulfilled and made reality in our lives. Paul told the Corinthians, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” ascends to God for His glory” (2 Cor.1:20). We must understand without question that all God’s plans for humanity is fulfilled in Christ alone. All God’s promises are made known through the holy Scriptures and received through faith. So the Scripture tell us, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Heb.11:6).

The Bible tell us what faith does, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (Heb.11:1, NLB). Even to have such faith and believing, Scripture tell us that Christ alone supplies such living faith. As Paul affirms, “Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe” (Rom.3:22, NKJV).

Through the book of Hebrews, we read this, “Now in these final days, He (God) has spoken to us through His Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son He created the universe” (Heb.1:2, NLB). John proclaims Jesus preeminence in God’s plan, “God created everything through Him (Jesus Christ), and nothing was created except through Him“ (John 1:3, NLB). Jesus is the Father’s own revelation to mankind. He said, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9).

So, you can say that all God’s promises are funneled through Jesus. It is pointless picking up your Bible and reading about God’s promises in isolation. And it is equally inconsequential if we don’t have a clue about how to open the door to their fulfillment. And Jesus is the only Door to Gdo’s promises, He said, “I am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9). To imagine God will bring His promises to pass in isolation by themselves is folly and will end in disappointment and futility.

Hence, when we believe this vital truth about Jesus preeminence and paramountcy in God’s will and plan for humanity, Paul affirms our status in Him this way, “In Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority” (Col.2:10). Being “brought to fullness” in Christ simply means that “All God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!”” in us. (2 Cor.1:20).

The first and most consequential promise of God is to bring His human children into His eternal Loving presence. To make this a reality, He made His Son the pivotal part of that plan, from beginning to end. Hence, He declared Himself this way, “I am the Alpha and the Omega” (Rev.1:8, ESV) So, He gave His only Son to redeem us from sin and rebellion to make His magnificent plan a reality. John utters the immortal verse of the Bible, “For God Loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (immortality)” (John 3:16, italics mine).

Jesus, The Alpha and Omega

There is no other reason given for Jesus’ role as Savior other than to bring humans to immortality in the Father’s Loving presence. God is immortal, and He desires to confer upon His human children an immortal inheritance. This was the same objective God uttered in the beginning when He created mankind. “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female he created them. (Gen.1:26-27). God’s likeness is eternal, thereby He gave humanity the inheritance of immortal children and live eternally in His presence. (John 3:16; 3:36; 11:25)

Immortality means everlasting life, and to possess divine unity with the Triune God, the Creator. God made many promises in His Word (Bible), but we are to recognize what is ancillary and supporting and what are primary and pillar promises like immortality and Love. (John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:16). There are God’s promise which bring material benefits, and it can be tempting to place our focus upon them and forget the primary promise which is the foundation upon which all ancillary promises find meaning. Immortality is the cornerstone of the New Covenant Promise that is ratified in Jesus’ blood. He is Mediator of the Covenant Promise. (Heb.9:14-15) The central premise of the Covenant (promise) states, “I will be their God, and they will be My people” – in other words, humans cannot become God’s eternal children without the gift of immortality. (Heb.8:10, 6-13).

We can remain His physical children and nothing more, but that endures for the life-expectancy of human life, which is around 70 years, or more, as God determines. (Psa.90:10; Deut.32:39) Human destiny is to become God’s immortal children. How do we rationally compare 70 years with eternity? It can’t be done. Peter gave our limited human mind a window into immortality when he said, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Pet.3:8). It’s intended to help with our comprehension of immortality.

If we took 70 years with ‘a thousand years for a day’ as reference and baseline (70x365x1000), that would give us 25,550,000 days/years. Can we imagine living as long as 25,550,000 million years? It’s just a prop to help us conceptualize immortality, even though eternity is infinite and uncountable. Numbers mean nothing with immortality – there is no past nor future to count, just the present. With immortality, time and keeping count has no meaning. Though God made us mortal for His purpose, He relates with us in our mortality, with the goal of human immortality as His ultimate destiny for us.

Immortality Is Humanity’s Destiny In Christ

In addition to immortality God has given humanity a destiny to be conformed to the Love-image of His Son, as Paul asserts, “For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Rom.8:29, NLB). What is Jesus’ image like. Jesus is God, being the second Person of the triune Godhead. The Bible reveals God’s nature to us, saying, “God is Love” (1 John 4:8, 16). So, we expect our change to come whereby we will be made immortal by nature and Love in character as Triune God is eternally Love. God’s kingdom is about immortality and where Love reigns supreme.

God Is Love & Love Is God

However, God created humanity to be mortal first before conferring immortality through Christ. (John 3:16; 6:40) As humans physical and material survival plays a prominent role in human life. We inherited Adam’s fallen Adamic humanity, subject to death, until Christ the second Adam came and redeemed us from sin and death, and brough the promise of immortality. (John 3:16) In fact, our temporary human life plays a huge role in our ultimate destiny, so much so that human beings have certain basic and pressing needs. We must have food, water, air, and shelter to survive. We have dreams, ambitions, and all kinds of hopes and desires. If any one of these basic needs is not met, then humans are unfulfilled and may not survive.

The graph below shows Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Chart. It reveals the five areas in psychology that Abraham Maslow proposed in 1943. And it shows the natural progression for human needs and aspirations. However, to prioritize any one of them above all else, so much so thy are venerated intensely to the degree of worship, then we mistakenly and sadly, fall into a form of idol worship. In doing so, we displace God as supreme above all else in our lives, which leads to sin and death, the ultimate roadblock to eternal life. (Exo.20:3-4) The Bible says “He (God) alone is worthy of our worship” (Matt.4:10). Jesus repeated this commandment to Satan when he tempted Jesus to worship him for Almighty God, His Father. (Matt.4:8-11)

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid Chart

These needs are human and are real and impactful in many different ways which compels us to rise ambitiously to achieve them. These needs are not evil by any means just as money is not evil except when used for evil purposes. In fact, all our human needs and aspirations can be choreographed to the extent of divine inspiration so as to live a life with meaning and purpose upon this earth. Yes, when we maintain all human ancillary needs and wants within the divine framework, we will experience a life of genuine harmony and fulfilment. Most of all, and here is the key to a blessed life – Jesus shows us the way to receive these needs as foreordained individually by applying a vital promise.

As Maslow’s diagram above shows, humans can demontrate and possess a myriad of human needs in life’s journey. However, it can be a challenge to keep them in check so none is idolized and become a hostile life force and negative asset in the human ethos. Fortunately, Jesus gave us a promise that will turn every need into a positive asset. It is a promise which acts like a ‘Midas touch’ effect, so to speak. By keeping this promise, we are assured that every proper and pertinent need will find its way into our lives and supplied – I call this living the ‘miraculous live’ in God’s Loving judgement by the power of His Spirit in Christ.

This is the ‘Midas touch’ promise Jesus gave us, “But seek you first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt.6:33). The Kingdom of God acts like a personalized filter which miraculously allows only the needs which are ancillary and subordinate to God’s overall purpose for you, indualized and personalized. Our Creator Father wants nothing less than a life customized and suited for our gift and personality

For such is the life lived with purpose and eternal destiny. As Paul assured the Corinthians, “However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who Love Him—these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit” (1 Cor.2:9-10). This is God our Father’s Loving judgement at work in our behalf to bring humanity to His eternal kingdom of Love and immortality.

And we saw how the Kingdom of God is constituted – Immortality and Love! Listen, God knows our needs even before we ask. In fact, He knows our true needs which we may not realize for He knows us better than we know ourselves. Our mission in life is to discover how and who we are gifted to be, and fulfill His purpose for our lives. Gifts are divinely bestowed in humanity to glorify the greater good and the great God we serve, not us. When we serve Him truly, then we serve ourselves authentically, for we reflect Him from our creation. (Gen.1:26-27). We will find unspeakable joy we never knew possible when we keep and apply this ‘Midas touch’ promise authentically.  

The ’Midas Touch’ Promise

Petition: Dear Friends, as I have closed my post in the past, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart to heart, and faith to faith, you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious humanity made children of God forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or any division one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for God’s dwelling:

Prayer: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I believe and receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Prayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons)

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

All God’s Promises Are There to Keep and Support You

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s Temple where joy abounds.

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee (Your Servant in Christ)

*Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian Being and plural existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26; Matt.28:19; John 14:10, 16; 16:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God as a Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Pet.1:2; 2 Thess.2:13; 2 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. Love by its nature unveils a God who is relational and multifaceted in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational Love-being.

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Love-Being. (1 John 4:16) The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2; Eph.5:23-27, 32; Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Love-Being with His Son, Jesus, and His Spirit. (Mat..28:18-20)

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost being and humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23).

Rublev’s Icon of The Trinity – One in Three, Three in One (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness, not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God, just as all of humanity is inseparably one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the Trinity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from and in Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever. Jesus was given the prophetic name Immanuel which means “God with us”, or God with humanity. (Matt.1:23; Isa.7:14) As the prophecy foretold and fulfilled, God assimillated Himself with mankind through Mary who bore His Son, Jesus Christ. (Matt.1:20; 18-25; 2:1-2)

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092.  

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

Mission Statement: Read the Triune Love Mission, Vision, and Value statements at: http://bulamanriver.net/8664

Note: All information is copy-write material. Any information obtained from this website that is used for publication should be acknowledged by citing the website address, date of acquisition and information pertinent to original authorship. For general guidelines regarding web citations see The Guide for Citing Electronic Information. Thank you.

                                                       

TWO HUMAN SPECIES

Greetings Friends!

Just as there are two faiths humanity live by (see http://bulamanriver.net/30348), correspondingly, mankind is created from two human species which will determine his eternal destiny.  

Two Human Species

Many don’t realize this basic truth about human existence as shown in Scripture. As Creator, God only made two forms of humans that has ever existed and walked upon this earth. We are all God’s human creation, but what many don’t understand is you can be born into one of two human forms, two species of humanity God created. By ‘species’ I speak of the inner spiritual person, not the outer physical material human. It is the inner man that rules and controls the outer physical man.

They are both distinct by their respective natures. Let me explain. First, Adam was created from the dust of the earth. (Gen.1:26-27; 3:19) He was perfect and sinless until his fall in Eden by disobeying God. Instead, he obeyed Satan, the devil, by eating the forbidden fruit. (Gen.2:15-17; 3:1-24) As a result, Adam and Eve were stripped off the Love-nature of God in whose likeness they were first created. (see Gen.3:7; 1:26-27) Thus, mankind was consigned to a life of spiritual imprisonment under the now rebellious sin-nature of Adam who inherited the same from Satan. The second Adam was created by God to atone for the sin of the first Adam. (1 Cor.15:45-47; 1 John 2:2; 3:5)

Genesis 3:6(KJV)
Our First Parents Partook of and Ate the Forbidden Fruit

As a consequence of the first Adam’s fall (sin), mankind was cut-off from access to God, as symbolized by his banishment from Eden, while at the same instant barred from access to the Tree of Life. (Gen.3:24) On account of Adam’s fall, we have inherited his sin-nature as his human descendants. We are fallen beings just as he was. We are “infected by sin,” as the prophet Isaiah affirms, just as he was. (Isa.6:4). The prophet said further, “When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind” (Isa.64:6, NLB).

Do we find that life at times hands us bad breaks, so to speak? Or perhaps we have an inherent unease that things may not turn out favorably despite our best intentions? It is highly likely our activity is the by product of a life that’s propped up by our fallen sin-nature from Adam. Recall what the Bible says about the nature or spirit of the “first Adam,” “When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags, and our sins sweep us away like the wind” (Isa.64:6). Is it possible to abort our own good intentions before we commit to them without realizing?

We are mindful of Eve’s example in Eden. Satan tempted her and she “saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom” (Gen.3:1-4). But her desires set in motion by Satan’s lies concerning the forbidden fruit did not materialize. Instead it led to failure…to sin. (Gen.3:6; John 8:44) Can we expect genuine success when even the good we imagine carries with it the seeds of failure by way of the sin-nature? Are the gains we think we have achieved in this life that’s molded in the spirit of the fallen “first Adam” be actually genuine success? How do we measure authentic success?

The Bible states, “God’s blessing (Love) makes life a success; nothing we do can improve on God (Love)” (Prov.10:22, MSG; 1 John 4:8). In other words, success or failure is a conditional response, it is not based upon effort alone; but strickly speaking upon one’s belief and moral values. Albert Eisntein said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” That’s to say, God’s Love creates a conditional response which brings an outcome to life where “all things do work together for good” (Rom.8:28), while sin is the conditional response for rebellion and failure. Isaiah says, “We have “become like something unclean..our iniquities carry us away like the wind” (Isa.64:6). So, we’ll call the “first Adam,” the fallen “Adamic humanity.”

Adamic Covenant | It Is Written
The “First Adam,” Earthly

Can we be saved? The answer comes through the second new humanity, the new human species, which God created through Jesus Christ, His Son. He was born to atone for Adam’s sin, and the sin-nature every human being inherited from him at birth. (John 3:16; Psa.51:5; 58:3; Job 15:14) God used the prophet Isaiah to announce this beautiful truth about the magnanimous heart of God to redeem mankind, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isa.7:14; Matt.1:22-23, KJV). Further, “She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (Matt.1:21). So, here we see the “second Adam,” Jesus Christ the Immanuel, who emerges forth from God’s Triune Being as the Second Person of the Godhead. (Matt.28:18-20)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image.jpeg
The Love-Nature of The Second Adam (John 3:16)

He was given a unique name, Immanuel. It means “God is with us” (Matt.1:23). The name reflects God’s Love and plan to be with and among humans and fulfill His redeeming plan for us. Therefore, we will call the “second Adam” (human), Jesus, by His prophetic name, “Immanuel humanity.” Or the “God With Us” humanity. Everything done by the “second Adam” produces good for it is done out of the Love-nature of the Spirit. Paul said, “God’s Love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom.5:5; 8:28; 1 John 4:16) Recall, we had identified the fallen and corrupt “first Adam” (human) the name “Adamic humanity.” He acts out of the sin-nature.

God Can Do Anything” – Isaiah 7:10-14 – Living Word Lutheran Church &  Preschool
The Second Adam, Jesus the Immanuel (“God With Us”) From Heaven

The sin-nature and Love-nature of the two human species reveals the determinative consciousness which precede and follow their actions. Paul identified them both this way, saying, ““Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven” (1 Cor.15:47). Before the fall, Adam and Eve existed in God’s perfect likeness. (Gen.1:26-27) However, after they disobeyed by eating the forbidden fruit, God declared to Adam, “For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return” (Gen.3:19). What happened? Adam and Eve had sinned and brought about their own demise – for Scripture says, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom.6:23). Paul said further, “The first man Adam became a living being. But the last Adam, that is Christ – is a life-giving Spirit” (1 Cor.15:45, NLT).

Both human species originate from the Creator God, and given to mankind to identify two pathways, two realities of life. One leads to extinction, while the other leads to God’s everlasting Kingdom. The “first Adam” became “infected with sin” through Satan as the prophet proclaimed, and Paul tell us where this pathway leads, “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom.6:23; Isa.64:6). Yes, the pathway and destiny of the “first Adam” (human) leads to death. Now, John informs us about the pathway the “second Adam,” “For God so Loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Yes, the pathway and destiny of the “second Adam” (human) whom we will identify as the “Immanuel humanity” is Love and immortality.

JESUSmyRighteousness✝️🕊❤️ on Twitter: "Romans 6:22-23 ✝️ But now being  made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto  holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages
For the Wages of Sin is Death…

Let’s face the most important question. How does this new humanity, called the “Immanuel Human,” is given birth and come into human existence? Jesus Himself answers, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John3:5). The ‘Kingdom of God’ is reference to immortality we are promised to inherit in Christ. (John 3:16). It is vital to bear in mind that this new birth would not be possible if God had not first chosen to be assimilated with humanity through His Son, and born as “Immanuel human.” (John 3:16; Matt.1:23; Isa.7:14; 1 Cor.15:50-56)

Let us see how God joined Himself to humanity in order to save us. God declares, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) (Matt.1:23; Isa.7:14). Through Jesus’ mother, Mary, God assimilated Himself with and into mankind through His Son in order to redeem us. In doing so, He took our sinful humanity (“first Adam”) and nailed him to His Son’s cross together with his sinful life once for all. Scripture tell us that Jesus as our eternal High Priest by “one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy” (Heb10:12-14). Consequently, God initiated the human rebirth, commonly called “born again,” whereby mankind as many as believe in Jesus can be reborn into the new “Immanuel humanity” reflecting Jesus’own resurrection (rebirth) from the dead.

LDS Scripture of the Day: Matthew 1:21
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel”

This divine miracle is God’s awesome mystery which any human being can enter and experience through faith by receiving Jesus as personal Savior. (John 3:16-17; Col.1:27) The “first Adam” with his sin-nature faces his demise upon the cross of Jesus through faith in Jesus as Messiah, and the “second Adam” is born to substitute and supersede the now deceased and lifeless fallen “first Adam” upon Jesus’ cross. Paul said, “Know this, that our old man (“first Adam”) is crucified with Him (Jesus), that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom.6:6).

Writing to the Galatians, he said, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal.3:27). What Paul says is the ritual of baptism we partook in as believers demontrates our commitment to change from one species of humanity and “put on” another. Essentially, we are burying the first fallen “Adamic humanity” in the watery grave of baptism. Then just as Jesus was resurrected from the dead by the Spirit’s power, we rise from the baptismal waters by the same Spirit which God our heavenly Father confers upon us as His abiding gift. (Rom.8:14-16)

Recall, mankind was denied access to the Holy Spirit as symbolized by the Tree of Life after Adam’s fall in Eden. (Gen.3:24) Now, Jesus clears the way by inaugurating the gift of the Spirit through His own baptism in the Jordan and likewise opens the path for the Spirit to embrace humans through the meaning of baptism. (Matt.3:16-17; Rom.8:11) Later, the Spirit was poured out upon the the disciples, believers, and mankind on Pentecost. From that momentous occasion, the new “Immanuel humanity” was born universally in humans. (Act.2:1-4)

Paul continues to elaborate on this new life in Christ through the Spirit’s power, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness” (Rom.5, 14-16).

It’s hard to fathom humanity’s epochal past under the sway of Adam’s “sin-nature” which brought on all the evil, suffering and pain, in the self-inflicted corruption and self-centeredness which mankind endured, up until the coming of Jesus and the Spirit that ushered in the new human species of Jesus with the “Love-nature” on Pentecost.

Paul, undeniably and clearly, speaks of how this change in the new birth become reality in life when he wrote to the Galatians, “My old self (“Adamic humanity”) has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ (“Immanuel humanity”) lives in me” (Gal.2:20). Yes, in baptism we have “put on” this new “Immanuel humanity” in Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit. Paul expounds the birth of the new “Immanuel human” this way, “Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal.2:20). Paul said further, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom.13:14).

Andy Jenkins +
Two Human Species, One Eternal Lineage in Christ

What was God doing? God was showing His unfailing Love for us and reconciling fallen humans back to Himself through His Son, Jesus. (John 3:16; 2 Cor.5:18-19) By giving a new birth into the new humanity of Jesus, “Immanuel humanity,” mankind has joined himself with God, just as God had first assimilated Himself with mankind through Jesus His Son. The Divine will is for humans to be “…conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom.8:29). “Conforming to Jesus’ image” is to be clothed in His new “Immanuel humanity” and become a people who live by God’s Love in every way, shape, and form. (1 John 4:16; 1 Cor.13) This is the foundation and essence of the new redeemed humanity we have in Jesus.

The First Adam Crucified, The Second Adam Now Lives in Me

Paul speaks further of this new human birth and said, “You have taken off your old self (“Adamic humanity”) with its practices and have put on the new self, (“Immanuel humanity”) which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Col.3:9-10, my emphasis, also Gen.1:26-27). Taking on Jesus’ new “Immanuel humanity” is the essence of the New Covenant, listen, “I will put a new Spirit (“Immanuel human”) within you; and I will take the stony heart (“Adamic human”) out of their flesh, and I will give them a heart of flesh: that they may walk in my statutes, and keep my ordinances, and do them: and they will be my people, and I will be their God” (Ezek.36:22-29; 1 Cor.15:45-47).

From being part of mankind born into the deathly fallen sin-nature of the “Adamic humanity,” there is nothing more astounding to the human imagination yet wondrously beautiful beyond compare, than to realize we have within our grasp the divine inheritance of the new birth wherein humans can through faith choose to be clothed in the glorious garment of Jesus’ resurrected life, the new “Immanuel humanity,” as a ‘Love gift’ from the Creator God our eternal Father. Amen.

christ in you hope of glory small – Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen  and Professionals

God Has made Known the Glorious Riches of His Mystery: Christ In You, The Hope of Glory”

Petition: Dear Friends, as I have closed my post in the past, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart to heart, and faith to faith, you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious humanity made children of God forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or any division one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for God’s dwelling:

Prayer: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I believe and receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Prayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons)

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s Temple where joy abounds.

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee (Your Servant in Christ)

*Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian Being and plural existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26; Matt.28:19; John 14:10, 16; 16:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God as a Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Pet.1:2; 2 Thess.2:13; 2 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. Love by its nature unveils a God who is relational and multifaceted in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational Love-being.

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Love-Being. (1 John 4:16) The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2; Eph.5:23-27, 32; Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Love-Being with His Son, Jesus, and His Spirit. (Mat..28:18-20)

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost being and humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23).

Rublev’s Icon of The Trinity – One in Three, Three in One (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness, not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God, just as all of humanity is inseparably one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the Trinity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from and in Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever. Jesus was given the prophetic name Immanuel which means “God with us”, or God with humanity. (Matt.1:23; Isa.7:14) As the prophecy foretold and fulfilled, God assimillated Himself with mankind through Mary who bore His Son, Jesus Christ. (Matt.1:20; 18-25; 2:1-2)

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092.   

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

Mission Statement: Read the Triune Love Mission, Vision, and Value statements at: http://bulamanriver.net/8664

Note: All information is copy-write material. Any information obtained from this website that is used for publication should be acknowledged by citing the website address, date of acquisition and information pertinent to original authorship. For general guidelines regarding web citations see The Guide for Citing Electronic Information. Thank you.

THE LIVING FAITH OF JESUS

Greetings once more dear Friends!

Faith is a vital component of the Christian’s life. As a noun it describes one’s belief system. As a verb faith is the lifeblood of the believer’s way of life. One describes who the believer is, and the other describes how he lives. Both elements work in unison to form a singular focus in life. The Bible states categorically, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb.11:6). Before one can please someone, it assumes that the same faith believes in the existence of that someone, hence, the passage follows with the following, “Because anyone who approaches Him (God) must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Not only does the person believes in the reality of God but there’s an expectancy of a positive outcome from the relationship of trust.

In the same way Love describes God, faith describes man’s spiritual life. Love (God) is a noun because it describes who He is, and as a verb it describes how He lives and acts. (1 John 4:8; 1 Cor.13) We were created to become His image of Love, as Genesis says, “God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them” (Gen.1:26-27).

“Without Faith…”

Human Faith

There is a faith that’s entirely human and is unrelated to a faith that is spiritual. Physical humans display human faith. Spiritual faith is not human and therefore exists externally from human faith. Human faith deals with human life in the physical realm, while spiritual faith deals with humans in the spiritual realm. Although both operate on separate sphere and orientation, one physical and the other spiritual, both are not unlike since both use the human mind to operate. While the human faith is constrained to the physical realm of reasoning and activity, the spiritual faith does not require physical considerations. One is mainly seen, while the other is unseen. The Bible says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (Heb.11:1).

The cogs and elements which turn the wheel of human faith are man’s five senses, whereby a person says, “I have to see, smell, taste, touch, or hear, to believe.” This is human faith. This is not the case with spiritual faith. As I said although both are oriented differently due to their nature, yet both are needed in the life of the Christian. God’s work of salvation in humanity requires our mutual participation, hence, human faith is needed. The reason is simple because Christianity is a belief system based upon spiritual faith. So, human faith is made to merge with the spiritual faith so both complement one another rather than oppose each other. God reveals Himself as Tri-Personal in His trinitarian Being and thereby a Loving participatory God. That’s how He desires His Love to work with humans He made in His image. So, we use our limited human faith to believe and trust in the spiritually all-competent spiritual faith to do His Loving will in our lives.

Spiritual Faith

But exactly what is this spiritual faith we speak of? Paul makes this abundantly clear in the following passage from Romans, “The righteousness of God which comes by the faith of Jesus to all and on all that believe” (Rom.3:22, AKJV). Humanity was not born with this saving faith. But note, the are two faiths stated in this passage, the “faith of Jesus,” and “on all that believe (human faith).” The spiritual faith is “Jesus’ Personal Faith” and exists outside of human life. It enters human life when Christ comes and indwells a believer through the power of the Spirit.

Paul told the Galatians, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal.2:20, KJV). Yes, we live, walk, and have our being in the faith of Jesus. (Act.17:28). To the Colossians, Paul said, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col.3:16).

How does Christ dwells in us richly? Through His Word. There is the written Word of God, the Bible, and there is the Personified Word who is Jesus, He is the Personal Word of God. Paul gives us the connection between the Word of God, Jesus, and faith, “So faith is from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ” (Rom.10:17). When Jesus dwells in each of us His Word is part of us, and thereby His faith through hearing and living by them. Thus, Jesus’ faith comes from the hearing ear, and the hearing ear comes from the Word of God.

“By The Faith of Jesus Christ…”

So, here we see the human and spiritual faiths are fused into one expression of life. As Jesus’ faith grows, we’ll find our human faith-scale begin to tip in favor of the spiritual faith of Jesus. Our limited human faith will have less and less of a role and impact, as John said, “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30). Why, because the place where Jesus is taking us, our narrow human faith has no scope of reference to maneuver this unknown spiritual landscape. We are now traversing in the Spirit’s territory which requires the faith of Jesus to pioneer and forge on forward. Its inclusive effect is we will grow to become a whole person because we are not limited by what our human faith allows. The two faiths, walking side by side, form one life of man that’s complete in Christ. (Amos 3:3)

“The Just Shall Live by Faith”

Petition: Dear Friends, as I have closed my post in the past, I customarily give our readers the opportunity to give their lives to our Maker. I thank you for investing your precious time with me in the sharing of the good news of Jesus who has enabled us to live the Triune Life*. Jesus is alive today as our High Priest in heaven seated at His Father’s side, and ceaselessly mediating for us. I hope that in your heart to heart, and faith to faith, you will receive Him as your personal Savior, receive God’s Spirit, and be part of living this glorious humanity made children of God forever.

You can privately and quietly pray the prayer below in your heart. I am asking you to pray this prayer as a human being Christ died for, regardless of your background. All are inducted into the one mankind Jesus saved, not into any religious sect or denomination, or any division one may espouse – but into the glorious humanity that Christ is preparing as the holy temple for God’s dwelling:

Prayer: “Almighty God, Father of all humanity, forgive me of all my sins for I believe and receive Your Son, Jesus, as my personal Savior. In Your incalculable grace, grant Your promised celestial life in Your Son through Your Holy Spirit, and open my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have conferred upon me and all humanity. May Your Love guide and protect me and my Loved ones always, and bring us all into Your beloved and divine Kingdom. I praise and thank You, Amen.”

Prayer: A Solemn One-On-One Spiritual Dialogue Between A Person and God (Wiki Commons)

Welcome to the celestial life of Love in God’s holy, eternal Family. (1 Tim.6:19) Then keep in touch with God’s Word for you by reading and studying your Bible, and visiting this blog and website and look at various subjects that may be relevant for your situation – go to: http://bulamanriver.net You can email me with your questions at the address shown below.

Personal Blessing: Until we meet again in my next post, may the blessings of the God who ceaselessly expresses Himself in His dependable Triune Love, be with you always. May the Spirit enliven your spirit and make all things concerning you possible as you live the “Triune Life”* Be strong in the Lord’s Temple where joy abounds.

Farewell for now!

Kiang P. Lee (Your Servant in Christ)

*Triune Life”: Relationship with God has no meaning without Love. By its very nature, Love cannot endure in solitary existence. So, when God said “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” He was revealing Himself as existing in His trinitarian Being and existence. That is, His Tri-Personal Being as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen.1:26Matt.28:19John 14:101616:7) The Hebrew word for ‘God’ in the creation account is “Elohim.” It describes God as a Trinity – the Tri-Personal Godhead, which other scriptures attests. (Matt.28:18-201 Pet.1:22 Thess.2:132 Cor.13:14) So, God is Trinitarian in His Love nature. Love by its nature is relational as God is in His Tri-Personal Being. Hence, a human being was created a relational being.

Adam was solitary and incomplete until God made Eve. He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone (solitary). I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen.2:18, italics mine). So, God gave Adam a family to raise composed of a father, mother, and offspring, to reflect Himself in His plural Being. The Bible states that the Church’s or humanity’s destiny is to marry Christ, the second Person of the Triune Godhead, in the new age to come which will be an everlasting relationship. (2 Cor.11:2Eph.5:23-2732Rev.19:7) The Bible is abundantly clear about God’s nature and declaration of Himself in His relational Triune Being from the past, the present, and the future. God has never lived as a solitary Being, but a Tri-Personal Being with His Son, Jesus, and His Spirit. (Mat..28:18-20)

It’s noteworthy to understand that Eve was not created an individual creation from the dust of the earth as was Adam. She was not created apart from Adam as an individualized separate human being, instead, she was taken out from Adam’s side to show she was biologically one and indivisibly part of Adam. Eve was not detached (solitary) from Adam, but intrinsically inseparable from Adam’s innermost being and humanity. When Adam saw Eve, he said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Gen.2:21-23).

Rublev’s Icon of The Trinity – One in Three, Three in One (Wiki Commons)

Each one of us was created as an indivisible relational human being incubated and given birth from Adam’s mold as one species, for God created humanity to reflect the eternal likeness in His triunity. We are born for relationships with the divine triune Love as our guiding principle. All this show that humans were created to be indivisibly one to reflect God’s Tri-Personal image of Oneness, not solitary separateness. When God sent Jesus His eternal Son, He became human in order to unify humanity spiritually to the Triune Being of God once for all time. Hence, when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed Jesus’ coming, He was given the prophetic name, Immanuel. (Isa.7:14) The name means “God with us” (Matt.1:23). Humanity is ‘organically’ one with the Triune God, just as humanity is one with Adam.

Most religions believe God as some solitary being. The true God is not solitary by any means, He is the Trinity in His Tri-Personal Being. God consist of three Persons in One divine triune Godhead. They exist in One “homoousion” meaning consisting in one substance, or “consubstantiality.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in One hypostatic union, One substance, like Eve was biologically part of and never physically separate, but of one substance from Adam. Likewise, humanity is made of one spiritual substance with the triune God through Jesus Christ who took our humanity upon Himself and joined it to the divine triune existence forever.

The three-dimensional Triune Life/Love is opposed to living the one-dimensional solitary life of the fallen humanity inherited from Satan through Adam’s rebellion. For additional information about the Triune Life: http://bulamanriver.net/?p=8036. Also at: http://bulamanriver.net/9092.    

**Bulamanriver: To read the different facets of the life of the Bulamanriver, you may obtain a copy of my book, “Bula” Man-River, from Amazon.com; xulonpress.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other online book stores. All proceeds will go towards furthering the work of Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Bulamanriver Book Cover

All scriptures are taken from the NIV Version 2011, unless stated otherwise.

Mission Statement: Read the Triune Love Mission, Vision, and Value statements at: http://bulamanriver.net/8664

Note: All information is copy-write material. Any information obtained from this website that is used for publication should be acknowledged by citing the website address, date of acquisition and information pertinent to original authorship. For general guidelines regarding web citations see The Guide for Citing Electronic Information. Thank you.