A "statement of purpose", by Dr. John Todd -- concerning all my personal writings and opinions: (Slightly revised, 10/23/99, and 3/1/00; 10/11/00; 10/25/02) Click HERE for Easy-Print format of this tablet. Habakkuk 2: 1-3 (NEB): I will stand at my post. I will take up my position on the watch-tower. I will watch to learn what He will say THROUGH ME -- and what I shall reply when I am challenged. 2 Then THE LORD made answer: "Write down the VISION -- inscribe it on TABLETS, made for a herald to carry, with speed. For there is still a VISION for the appointed time. At the DESTINED hour, it will come in breathless haste. IT WILL NOT FAIL. If is delays -- WAIT for it.... for when it comes will be NO TIME to linger." I have no interest in attempting to persuade anyone to "believe" as I believe. I am not generating this website on behalf of any sectarian group, or denomination. I am a physician.... not a preacher, priest, rabbi, or imam. I make no claim to have achieved special spiritual knowledge, or insight....and I have no illusions about having "all the answers"; or about having deciphered the "mind of God". My basic purpose in "documenting" my personal spiritual understanding (acquired and developed throughout a lifetime) is simply to express myself -- for my own "reflection", and satisfaction -- and to share my thoughts and "conclusions" with those individuals who have been "given" to me.... and with those who are now (or will be) a part of my existence.... as time and life inexorably progress. I never "argue" or debate "religious" (spiritual) issues. In all parts of this website, I am simply expressing and sharing my own personal "decipherings". Over a period of many years .... dating back to before my college-days.... I have frequently raised questions, within myself, about certain "churchy" terms that I have heard over-and-over, in various churches, of differing denominations. For example, early in my religious "listening", I often heard mention of religious concepts such as the Gospel (link); and the Kingdom of God (link); the chosen (link); "The Trinity"; salvation (link), "the church"; sovereignty (link); "Christian"..... and on-and on. (See link: Author's Creed Index.) I frequently heard conflicting usages and "definitions" of these numerous "religious" terms. So, gradually, I began a lifelong personal study and search for further understanding of these very, very important spiritual concepts.... for my own edification and gratification. I desired to satisfy "me" about these confusional "preachy" terms (still widely used in various pulpits).... rather than to rely solely on one-or-the-other of the world's innumerable "religions" to dictate to me the "conclusions" which they have adamantly decided to be "the truth".... "the one way".... the "only" way. (See link Rigid Doctrinism.) My spiritual searching, and my lifelong ongoing studies, and my personal contemplation, and my prayers.... led me to a degree of "spiritual" satisfaction, which I decided to record, as an unpublished "book".... "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets". Then, with the advent of computers, and word-processors, and the Internet.... a quick-and-easy and inexpensive way for me to "publish" my personal discoveries and beliefs, became available. So.... in 1998, a few years after my retirement from the practice of Internal Medicine, I decided to share my thoughts and understanding with others.... emphasizing "to share"; not "to debate".... via the Internet. Thus, with the use of the incredible, God-given, and marvelous Internet, I (like others) have had the luxury of being able to publish, "update", alter, edit, "doctor", supplement, and revise my thoughts.... easily and instantaneously.... at any time of the day or night. Hence, this book.... my "on-going, online Internet BOOK". I must state again.... I have no interest in trying to "convince" anyone.... especially my own family and friends.... to agree-with or "accept" my personal "conclusions". I do hope that our Creator has directed me in my studies, and in my "decipherings".... and in my written portrayal of what I consider to be "spiritually correct". (A somewhat peripheral purpose in my writing all this, is to honor my parents -- who were dedicated and proper and loving human-beings who spent their lives helping to develop my brother (Alton B. Todd, my only sibling) and me. It is interesting to recall that my father [John Norton Todd Jr. -- 1896 -1978] frequently mentioned his desire to compose and document his "philosophy", which he referred to as "Toddalism". He and my brother and I frequently had discussions about life, and "political" matters, and religion, and spiritual understanding. My father.... a very intelligent and talented self-educated man.... unfortunately was never able to fulfill his desire to document his thoughts.... for, in his day, there were no "word-processors", with easy revising and editing.... and so, this very studious-but-unschooled father found himself unable to express himself adequately, in written form. Perhaps, therefore, my developing this website will reflect at least a part of what my father "passed-on" to me. (See link, Remembering "GRAND".) (My well-educated mother [Alton Thomas Todd -- 1903 -1999] was a talented musician, in piano and organ. She taught piano; directed church-choirs; accompanied my father's professional singing; played the organ in a large Methodist church; gave highly-admired book-reviews; taught Sunday-school; professionally directed a "Youth Club" for underprivileged chlldren.... and served for several years as "Director of Religious Education" ("DRE") at the First Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. She never attempted to instruct our family, "formally", in our religious beliefs and understanding.... although she routinely "trained" us, and guided us by example. She instructed our family with the following "motto", which she wrote in my "autograph book" when I was 10 years old: "Success ends, when ambition dies". And so, my mother ("Mama T", as she was known to her grandchildren) remains a source of great comfort and remembrance, for me. Her thoughts and actions became a profoundly important part of me.) If there is still another motive in my writing about "religion" and "spiritual" matters, and about God-the-Creator.... that motive would be to expose -- and hopefully to lessen -- some of the almost-absurd denominational (doctrinal) squabbles, which hostilely separate loving-and-caring "Godspeople" from each other. (See link -- God's people.) (And, see link: Doctrinal Rigidity.) If anything I compose (or quote) in this website is beneficial to a reader who may be "searching" (as most of us humans are) for further spiritual understanding.... I am delighted to be able to share my thoughts, and my beliefs. A reader may copy or quote or print any part of this website, without restriction. As I state on the "FRONT PAGE" of this website, "No rights are reserved" (see link). My feeling is that even when a reader disagrees with my spiritual understanding -- that reader will perhaps benefit by solidifying his personal "spiritual" position -- when his own ideas and "beliefs" are evoked, within himself, for "internal" reflection.... and "debate". In other words.... if any thesis I express is "antithetical" to the doctrine of a reader, perhaps that reader will be able to augment his own spiritual thinking, by contrasting his opinions with mine. I prefer that a reader compose, and write, his own opinions.... for himself to save and read and "re-contemplate" -- and to share with others (including me).... rather than "critiquing" (or criticizing) my spiritual understanding, as documented in this "website". If a reader communicates his written opinions to others -- then all of us will grow in our pursuit of God's "TRUTH" (see link). (It disturbs me that some "church-goers" will never scrutinize or challenge or re-evaluate their own "beliefs", or their church's doctrinal "position"..... seemingly because of an almost "superstitious" dread that by spiritual "analyzing", they may be offending God, or "sinfully" questioning God.) Naturally, I do hope that there are those who will read my compositions and "conclusions", as expressed on these pages -- but my purpose is not to proselytize, or to "build temples", or to argue rigid "religious" principles. I believe that "church-building", and revelations of spiritual truth -- belong to God. God may "use" you and me -- but He does not need our "prodding" -- nor our assistance. ( See link: About the Author )

CREED INDEX -- Part I Click HERE for Quick-Print format of Part I Click here for "Creed Index, Part II", What is your "creed"? What do you really believe.... about life, and death -- and about God, and "religion"; and about the Holy Bible? Are you actually aware of, or do you really know, or have you ever "decided", your true beliefs (link) -- your firm "religious" convictions? Where did your beliefs come from? Do you simply "recite" something that someone else claims to be spiritually correct? Do you accept as "true" only what you were taught in your parents' church -- or in some other "church" of your own choosing? Do you simply "fall into line", and say "amen" to whatever your local preacher puts out as "the gospel"? Do you consider your own "spiritual" beliefs to be of profound importance -- or is it your opinion that your personal "faith" is not of particular significance -- or that your understanding of God and "ultimate reality" do not really matter? Have you simply accepted a "batch" of ancient rules and creeds and rituals from the "world's great religions", as your personal tenets, and "doctrine"? Or, have you casually "invented" an ethical "philosophy", which you hope will be acceptable to God...... "just in case" there is "something" to all this "religious" stuff? Did you ever attempt to record (to "document", in writing) -- or to tell someone else -- exactly how you really feel about the "church"; and about "Christianity"; and about "religious" (spiritual) matters? In this section I will outline, perhaps mainly for myself, but also for others who may be interested, a portion of my own basic spiritual beliefs, which I genuinely accept, and truly believe -- a personal spiritual "creed". I will use this "creed" to be my "index" of certain main points that I want to extrapolate (and "link"), in later "tablets" (chapters) of this book. My "creed" -- my genuine spiritual beliefs -- are based on my acceptance of, and belief in, the truth of God's Holy Bible. If the Bible is wrong, or only partially true, in describing how God was (and is) in dealing with His own accepted individuals -- then all of this (my) composition is in vain. If God's Word is true, though, then there is nothing more important in my life -- or anyone's life -- than to try to learn and understand all that we humans can possibly know about God -- as portrayed in the Bible. Consider what follows, below. This is written in an "open" style, not intended to be like "poetry"; but "opened" -- for emphasis of certain points -- and hopefully for clarity. I prefer that you read this part out loud, so that you may not only "see", but also "hear", what is being stated.   I believe in God, One God, One "Supreme Being".... THE Sovereign God -- designer and builder of the world, Creator of the universe.  I believe that God Himself Designed and created EACH individual human being -- Each for God's own plan and purpose.... God's intention. I believe that God knows His own creatures -- His "chosen" people, Individually; ( See link: God's Individuation ) And that He loves His people, and accepts them -- Each and every one -- "Just as they are" -- Each one -- created exactly as God intended. I believe that God created me, Precisely as He wanted me to be; And that He placed me in all of my surroundings, And my circumstances, For His own reasons, and for His satisfaction. I know that I did not design or produce myself. Everything about me is from God. Everything I possess is from God; And already belongs to Him. (See link: What do YOU POSSESS that you did not receive as a gift?) I was created for God's purposes. I am His child -- His student -- His servant...... And I am God's hands -- To those individuals who have been given to me -- Those whom God has placed into my life. I believe in Jesus, the Christ -- Jesus -- a human being, in whom God chose to dwell, To "embody" -- totally and fully. And I believe, because the Bible tells me so, That Jesus was, and is, God; And that God is Jesus, the Messiah. I also believe, as Jesus said of Himself: "When a man believes in me, He believes not in me, But in Him who sent me." And, as Jesus also said: "He who sees me, sees Him who sent me." And: "My Father and I are one." And: "Whoever receives me, receives not me, But Him who sent me." And: "No one knows the Father except the Son, And those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" I believe that the Holy Spirit of God -- God's essence within each of His people, individually, Has always been imparted to men and women, Of God's choice -- In the past, and now; And that the Spirit of God is The Holy Spirit, The Holy Ghost, The Comforter, The Spirit of Truth, The Advocate, The Spirit of the Messiah Jesus, And the Spirit of the Christ, resurrected. I believe the Bible. I accept as true, everything in the Holy Bible of God; And I believe that the Bible is truly from God, "Dictated" by God -- inspired by Him; And compiled in its present variations By human beings, under command of God. I believe and accept the "inerrancy" of the Bible. I do not understand everything in the Bible -- No one does! But I do "believe" every word of the Bible. I do not accept as "inerrant" All of the countless interpretations of the Bible That I have seen and heard and read -- Regardless of whose interpretation it may be. But, again, I do accept the "inerrancy" of the Bible, itself. The Bible -- God's Word, His picture of Himself -- His description of Himself -- His outline of His ways. And -- as for those statements of the Bible That no one yet clearly understands, I believe and accept them also, Even where I do not understand.  And, yes, Because the Bible says it: I believe in the Virgin Birth; The Resurrection; and Life after worldly death -- For those whom God has chosen. And, of course, I believe in angels, "Creatures of might that do God's bidding". And, I believe, because the Bible tells me so: That not all human beings are loved and claimed by God. I must accept that only certain individuals are Chosen by God -- And that "God knew His own before ever they were"; And that God created the "inmost being" of His "children"; And formed them in their mothers' wombs. And I believe, as the Bible tells me, That God's "chosen" ones are "Marked out", before the beginning of time, To be God's own -- to be His children, The offspring of God Himself -- The earthly "brothers" of the Lord Jesus. And I believe, because the Bible says it, That it is not an individual's "will or effort", Nor "the will of man, nor the will of the flesh, But the will of God", that causes a person -- A human-being -- To become "accepted" by God -- To become a "child of God". God "knows" His own people -- God's people God's own people know Him. God's people "hear" God's voice -- And recognize it. God's people understand His language, And they follow Him, and respond to Him. The Word of God (The Bible) tells me, And I accept it -- That not everyone is the same in the eyes of God, That each of us is different from every other human, And that we come to God In different ways, and from different places, And under different circumstances; And that "Each has his own special gift from God -- One has this gift; and another has that." And that everyone must "Lead the life which The Lord assigned to him, and in which God has called him." God's Word also tells me, so I believe -- That my faith -- my sincere beliefs -- (Not "pretend faith", or simply saying "Lord, Lord") -- My faith is a GIFT from God -- and that "Apart from faith, it is impossible to satisfy God." And I believe -- as I am told in the Bible -- That my faith, and my belief in God, make me "righteous" And "justified", and blameless -- In the eyes of God..... "Righteousness" imputed to me..... Righteousness that comes from God (linked). End of PART I of "Creed Index" Click HERE for "A Spiritual Creed Index, Part II

10-27-98 3/6/00 11/10/00 10/25/02 Originally written in 1992, but revised and edited several times.   "CREED INDEX" -- Part I Adapted from the book: "Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets"

11-11-98, and 12-18-98; and 3/6/00 11/10/00 10/25/02     Part II of JNT's "Creed Index"

A Spiritual "Creed Index" Part II SEE the introductory remarks preceding Creed Index, Part I .... and CLICK on the links (below) to see full "tablets" (chapters) on the subjects indicated. (Links to other pages are shown in RED.) The Bible tells me that my salvation Is from the Lord God -- determined by Him, only -- And not by a group of humans in ecclesiastical garb; And that my righteousness is a decision belonging to God; And that my ignorant misdeeds, and humanly errors -- Sometimes called SIN -- are matters evaluated by God..... And that I am not to be "judged" by men. Likewise, my "obedience", my sharing and giving; My loving, and my forgiving -- And whether I "do" enough for the "church" -- or for God; And whether I have "served mankind" sufficiently........ All of these are "judgments" and decisions That belong to God; And they are not determinations to be made By my fellow man -- or by a minister or priest, Or by any earthly organization -- Or by my evaluation of myself. The Bible tells me that: I cannot perform human works or deeds To make myself worthy to be "acceptable" to God. It is God's favor, unmerited by me, That makes me "worthy"............ God's "grace", a gift to me, Given to His chosen ones, For reason's known only to Him. The Bible tells me, and I believe -- That because of my being "accepted" by God, And because of my God-inspired allegiance to God -- I have become a child of God; And that therefore I "do not come up for judgement", And that I have "already passed from death to life", And that "salvation" is mine, All because of God's decision; A decision not dependent upon the notions of a "church", A minister, a priest, a pope, or a board of deacons. Therefore, I do not have to spend all my days Wondering, and worrying: "What will happen to me?" "Will I live or die?" "Have I done enough to please God?" "How much is enough?" "How can I appease God?" "Am I going to Hell, because I do not satisfy God?"  God's Bible tells me that I will be taught by God; Guided by God; Protected by God's right hand; Loved like a son; Disciplined like a son; Led on the right road; And that my plans will be established; And that I will learn to recognize the will of God. The Word of God tells me: That God has ENEMIES; And that he destroys His enemies; And that the enemies of God's people Are God's enemies; And that God protects His own people. The Bible also says that vengeance belongs to God; and that God will repay His enemies. The Bible tells me That God was, and is, the same -- Forever -- Yesterday, today, and for eternity. And that the message from God, and about God, Is the same, whether in the "Old Testament" From the "Law and the Prophets" of God; Or in the "New Testament", From, and about, the Lord Jesus, Who came "not to change" the "Law and the Prophets", But to complete the "Law and the Prophets". My Bible tells me: That the message of the Bible is for God's people Wherever they are, and in whatever NATION They may be scattered. I believe that I am an "Israelite", Though I was not born a "Jew", And though I am not descended from Abraham, And though I have never lived in Israel. The Bible tells me that It is not the natural born descendants of Abraham Who are considered to be the children of God, But that it is the children of God's promise Who are "reckoned" as descendants of Abraham (Israelites). And, the Bible says: "If you belong to Christ, You are the issue of Abraham, And so heirs (Israelites) by promise." And the Bible also says: "Israel is the people God claims as His own." So I believe that if I am chosen by God, Selected by God to be His own; Then I "belong to Christ", And I am an "Israelite", by promise. And, because of this covenant, The "Old Testament" promises of God, To "God's people", the "Israelites", Are promises to me -- In the same way that the promises of the "New Testament" From our God, the Lord Jesus, Are promises to me.  I believe, because the Holy Bible states it, That God Himself "blinds" certain people, Some individuals; And that He "deafens" some; and "hardens" some, To the truth about Himself...... So that not everyone sees and hears and understands God And the language of God, And the Biblical statements about God, And about God's message -- As told in the Bible.  I believe it -- when the Bible says: (Quoting three times the Lord Jesus): "No one comes to the Father except through me". And: "No one comes to me, Unless he is drawn by the Father." And: "All that the Father gives to me Will come to me." I conclude, therefore, since God is Jesus, And Jesus is God -- That: "No one comes unto God -- except THROUGH God." I believe in the Kingdom of God, As proclaimed in the Bible: The "spiritual dwelling u of God -- And God's people". And, as God's word says, "Jesus came into Galilee preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, And saying, 'The time is fulfilled, And the Kingdom of God is at hand.' " And, Jesus's words: "I must preach the Kingdom of God, For I was sent for this purpose."  I believe that the Biblical references to the "Kingdom of God" mean this: THE KING OF THE "KINGDOM OF GOD", is GOD ! The "King of the Kingdom" Is not a man, not a rabbi or priest, Not the "church", not "religion", Not the churchly authorities, Not the church "laws", or church "tradition", Nor the ancient "rites" and "sacraments". I believe that in God's Kingdom, God, and God alone, is King. God's people answer to God -- To God only. All the power, all the authority, all the Sovereign decisions, Belong to God, alone. I believe in "The church".... The "aggregation of God's people" -- The "company" of God's people -- The "army" of God's people. God's church -- Those individuals includud by God -- To be God's own. I recognize the need for the institutional church -- Denominational churches, Churchly associations formed by men, Buildings where people may gather To learn about God, and about Jesus..... (God-Incarnate)..... And about the Holy Bible of God. All of us humans need an "organized church" -- Where some people go to worship God, To praise God, and to pray -- And to be with others seeking God. I lovingly appreciate those human beings Who dedicate themselves To "the ministry", in the "church" -- Preachers, priests, rabbis, bishops, and popes -- Human beings employed in the church, By the church, To direct and manage and oversee The functions and businesses of Earthly denominational organizations. I especially love and appreciate Those ministers of God who serve God In God's "true church" -- Out in the "real world". I sense that there are countless "ministers" -- Servants of God, Who are not "employed" by denominational churches. These servants who are "called" -- "called by God", To do God's work -- apart from the "organized" church: Like mothers, and nurses, and teachers; Like farmers, and carpenters, and housewives; Like doctors, and legislators, and firemen; Like those in the military service; Like janitors, and like bankers -- All of these are "ministers" for God, And servants of God. (Indeed, are not all of God's people Truly "ministers" of God -- doing God's work -- In God's "world?) There is much, much more, Which I hope to "document", And include in "Creed Index III"..... soon.

10/11/98 7/16/99 11/29/00 12/8/01 Adapted from the book: "Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets"     Conclusions (link)

"The JUDGEMENT" -- For GOD'S PEOPLE Click HERE for Easy-Print format of this "Tablet" "The Judgment" -- what is "The Judgment"; and when does "judgment" take place? Who judges whom? Do humans judge each other? Do you "judge" yourself -- and, if so, does your "self-appraisal" affect God's evaluation of you? Are there "special" human-beings, who are "entitled" to make "judgments" -- for God? Do earthly humans have anything at all to do with "the judgment"? Do certain institutional churches make "judgments" for God -- and, if so, who gives them authority to judge? Do preachers and priests judge, for God -- by deciding who is "good", and sincere, and acceptable to God -- and who is false, and evil, and doomed to rejection by God? Is God-the-Creator an austere, wrathful, retributive Deity -- who "keeps books" on each human-creature, throughtout that "creature's" entire lifetime? (I think not!) Does God spy on every living human-animal, throughout a lifetime -- just waiting to catch some of us in "sin" or error -- so that "judgment" (then condemnation) can be imposed? (No!) Whatever happened to God's forgiveness, and His mercy, and His understanding -- and His LOVE? Why was The Christ sent to this world, by God; and why did God allow God-Incarnate to be crucified? Why ? -- except to indicate God's love for His people, and God's forgiveness of the sins of His people -- through the faith of Jesus (the "faith" that Jesus believed, and accepted, and taught, and exemplified). (See link.) Can Godspeople ever be confident, during this lifetime, that they (we) will not be "condemned" by God? What about after this worldly sojourn? Must "Christians" endure their entire existence on earth, never knowing, for sure, whether or not they have satisfied God? Must we humans wait until we are put on some type of arbitrary "scale", at "judgement day"; and only then find out whether or not we have "made the grade" -- for admission to heaven's "Kingdom of God"? 2 Corinthians 5: 16-19 (NEB) From first to last, this has been the work of God. He has reconciled us men to Himself, through Christ -- and He has enlisted us in the service of reconciliation. What I mean is, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself -- no longer holding men's misdeeds (NIV "sins"; KJV and RSV "trespasses") against them -- and that He has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. 1 Corinthians 4: 3 (Paul speaking) (NIV) I care very little if I am judged by you, or by any HUMAN court. Indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear -- but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time. Wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness; and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time, each will receive his praise -- from God. Romans 8: 1 (NRSV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, has set you free from the Law of sin -- and of death. 3 For God has done what the Law, weakened by the flesh, could not do..... ...... Same (Amplified Bible) 8: 1 There is now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 3 (KJV) 19 Now we know that what things soever the Law saith, it saith to them who are under the Law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become GUILTY BEFORE GOD. 20 Therefore, by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified, in HIS sight -- for by the Law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now, the righteousness of God, without the Law, is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God, which is BY FAITH OF Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.  Romans 3 (NIV) 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the Law. Rather, through the Law, we become conscious of sin. 21 But now, a righteousness from God (see link), apart from Law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe. Many church-goers typically consider the word "judgment" to refer to God's post-mortem evaluation of every human-being who ever sets-foot on the Planet-Earth. I am not satisfied by that narrow and limited and restricted "churchy" definition of "Biblical" ("theological") judgment. I have considered a number of alternative "plausible" implications and intentions of the Biblical use of terms related to "the judgment" -- and I want to share these with the readers -- and let them compare my "spiritual" thoughts, with theirs (A "computer search" of the entire Bible reveals the following findings concerning the use of words that have-to-do with "judging". The words "judgement" and "judge" and "judged" and "judging" are used 251 times in the Old Testament", and 140 times in the New Testament. There are clearly several different definitions of these "judge" words -- depending mainly upon the context of the scriptures in which these words appear. Some of the definitions implied in the Biblical usage of the word "judge" and "judgment" are as follows: decision; determination; evaluation; verdict; decree; estimate; opinion; understanding; conclusion...... and others. Furthermore, the word "judgment" is used alternatively, or interchangeably, with the word "condemnation" (condemn, condemned), in the various Biblical translations.) When we who claim to be "God's people" read our Bibles; and when we meditate, and pray, and concentrate on God and His words, and His language, and His message -- which definition should you and I accept as the correct "spiritual" explanation of words indicating "judgment" by God? Who's "opinion" matters -- to God? And.... who decides which definition and interpretation you and I should accept as "the truth" -- the truth that God intends? I doubt that any human-being can authoritatively answer that question -- regardless of how "advanced" an individual claims to be in "the church" -- or however far-along an un-churched individual may be in his spiritual quest).   So, in what follows, I will continue my "considerations" (for myself) -- and my "rhetoric" for the reader -- with several additional questions concerning "judgment". You answer these questions, for yourself -- based on your "conviction" of what God intends His "sheep" to perceive, concerning judgment. Then, read and contemplate the Biblical references that follow, below. 1. Does God repeatedly "judge" His already-accepted individuals -- and, if so, when does that "judgement" take place? For those individuals who have already been "included" by God, isn't it likely that "judgment" ("evaluation"), by God, is a continuous and on-going process -- throughout one's earthly life -- during which time God guides and corrects and teaches each individual "Child-of-God"; and disciplines them; and directs them to "paths of righteousness"? An affirmative answer to this question is clearly stated in the following scripture:  1 Corinthians 11: 31 (NIV) But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are JUDGED by the Lord, we are being disciplined -- so that we will not be condemned with the world. .......Same (NEB) 32 When, however, we do fall under the Lord's judgement, He is disciplining us, to save us from being condemned with the rest of the world. John 12: 31 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking): NOW is the judgment of this world. NOW the ruler of this world will be driven out.       2. The next important question (which is really a statement): Is it not "spiritually" ("Biblically") true that God's chosen ("accepted") individuals never "come up for judgement", as the following scriptures from John 3 and John 5 (quoting Jesus) clearly state:  John 3: 18 (NASV) He who believes in Him (the Son) is not judged. He who does not believe has been judged already; because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God. Same (Amplified Bible) He who believes on Him...... is not judged (he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgement -- for him there is no rejection; no condemnation -- he incurs no damnation).  John 5: 24 (NIV) (Jesus speaking): Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word, and believes Him (God) who sent me, has eternal life; and does not come under judgment -- but has passed from death, to life.   3. Could it be that "judgement" takes place at the very moment that a Godsperson is "awakened" (by God) to the "truth of God" -- and thus "included" among God's accepted individuals -- His "people"? 4. Does God's judgment-process (God's evaluation of His people for "election", or "acceptance", or "salvation") take place during earthly existence -- or "before the beginning of time"? Or, in accordance with traditional thought, does "final acceptance" by God await God's post-mortem judgment? Note the following, on this question:  Ephesians 1: 4 (NEB) "In Christ, He chose us, BEFORE the world was founded, to be dedicated, to be without blemish in His sight; and He destined us -- such was His will and pleasure -- to be ACCEPTED as His sons, through Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1: 11 (NIV): "In Him we were also chosen -- having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will".   Psalm 139: 13 (NRSV) For it was you who formed my inward parts. You knit me together in my mother's womb.... 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret -- intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me -- when none of them as yet existed.   5. Now..... consider another "alternative" possibility (reflecting the opinion of some.) Does "judgement" take place immediately after one's physical life (that is, after death) on this earth? Or..... is there a "probationary" time, like a "purgatory". Or, must we who claim to be "Christians" lie in the graveyard for a period of time, before we go before one or more "judgments" in the presence of a heavenly "tribunal" -- of some sort?  (Readers will doubtless answer according to their own traditional beliefs, and interpretations. Which of these numerous possible interpretations of the "truth of God" -- is indeed "true", in God's sight?) 6. Can Godspeople ever be confident, during our worldly lifetime, that they (we) will never be condemned and "rejected" by God? What about after this earthly existence? Must "Christians" live their entire lives on earth, never knowing whether or not they have satisfied God? Must we humans wait until we are put on some type of arbitrary "scale" at "judgement day", and only then find out whether or not we have "made the grade"? (Suppose your "score" at the "Gate of Heaven", on "Judgment Day"..... turns out to be 49% good, and 51% "bad". Does that mean that you have failed in life, and that you must therefore spend the rest of an eternal existence in some type of "Hell"?) Not the following Biblical answer to that question: Romans 8: 1 (NRSV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, has set you free from the Law of sin -- and of death. 3 For God has done what the Law, weakened by the flesh, could not do, by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh...... and to deal with sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the just requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh -- but according to the Spirit. 7. And, a major point for you and me to consider: Is my "acceptance" by God -- God's "judgment" of me -- contingent upon my joining an earthly institutional "church of men"? That is, must I be approved by a "church" -- before God will consider me? Must I be "baptized", or "circumcised"? Can a church "judge" me -- and exclude me from the love of God, and from acceptance by God? If I must "accept" a church's doctrine, before God will consider me -- which one of the numerous church-denominations should I believe? (Must I join your church!) 8. And..... another important question: Has God omitted Jews and Muslims, Buddhists and Hindu's, from His consideration -- because they do not "accept" the doctrine that you or I approve?  9. Do any human-beings -- either in the "church", or outside "organized" religion -- have anything whatsoever to do with God's evaluation of us human-beings? Look at the following references from the Bible of God: James 4: 12 (NRSV) There is one Lawgiver and Judge -- who is able to save, and to destroy. So then, who are you to judge your neighbor?   1 Corinthians 2: 13 (NIV) This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom -- but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God -- for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him?"  Deuteronomy 1: 17 (NIV) Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man -- for judgment belongs to God.  Romans 2: 1 (NIV) You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them -- and yet you do the same things.... do you think you will escape God's judgment? Ezekiel 34: 11 et seq. (NEB) I myself (God) will ask after my sheep, and go in search of them. I will bring out from every nation, and gather them in from other lands, and lead them home...... 22 Therefore, I will SAVE my flock, and they shall be ravaged no more. I (God) will judge between one sheep and another. Now, see what else God says. Some of the scriptures quoted below are repeated, from the section above. Read these verses out loud, so that you may "hear" God speaking again, while you "see" His words. These scriptures respond to the questions mentioned above -- and they also "touch" some of the other questions that you and I may have wondered about. (Major) John 3: 18 (NASV) He who believes in Him (the Son) is not judged. He who does not believe has been judged already; because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God. Same (Amplified Bible) He who believes on Him is not judged (he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgement -- for him there is no rejection, no condemnation -- he incurs no damnation). 1 Thessalonians 5: 9 (NEB) For God has not destined us to the terrors of judgment, but to the full attainment of salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Major) John 5: 24 (NIV) (Jesus speaking): Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word, and believes Him (God) who sent me, has eternal life; and does not come under judgment -- but has passed from death, to life.   (Major) Romans 8: 1 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; 2 because through Christ Jesus, the Law of the Spirit of life set me free from the Law of sin, and death. Same (Amplified Bible) 8: 1 Therefore, there is no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus.  (JNT note about 1 Corinthians 11: 31 -- a "biggie", repeated from above, indicating God's "on-going" judgment, and "disciplining".... or "disciple-ing", as I like to think.) .........1 Corinthians 11: 31 (NIV) But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined, so that we will not be condemned with the world. Same (NRSV) But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned along with the world. Same (NEB) When, however, we do fall under the Lord's judgement, He is disciplining us, to save us from being condemned with the rest of the world.   Deuteronomy 1: 17 (NIV) Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God.  John 8: 15 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: You judge by human standards; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. John 12: 47 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking): I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.     John 9: 39 (NRSV) Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.   John 12: 31 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking): NOW is the judgment of this world. NOW the ruler of this world will be driven out.   Psalm 96: 11 ......then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD; for He is coming -- for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth. Romans 2: 29 (NIV) .......Circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit -- not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men -- but from God. Ezekiel 34: 11 et seq. (NEB) I myself (God) will ask after my sheep, and go in search of them. I will bring out from every nation, and gather them in from other lands, and lead them home...... 22 Therefore, I will SAVE MY FLOCK -- and they shall be ravaged no more. I (God) will JUDGE between one sheep and another. My conclusion -- my current understanding -- based on what I have been led to believe -- is that "judgment" is unrelated to man-made (or church-made) creeds and deeds and appraisals and determinations that we humans concoct -- either about ourselves, or about other human-beings. "Judgment" -- whether now, in this life; or later, at-or-after death -- is like "salvation", and forgiveness, and "grace" -- it is all God's doing. I "sense", based on the scriptures quoted above, that God's "judgment" -- God's evaluation -- has already occurred, for those whom God has "chosen" -- for those whom God has included among His people. Godspeople do not need to wring their hands, and worry throughout a lifetime, about whether or not they have satisfied God -- and whether they have fulfilled a "list of requirements" for admission to the "Eternal Kingdom". "Judgment" is certainly not a specific denominational decision, in which hierarchical, heavily-robed, fully-frocked figures arrogate to themselves the right and the power to decide -- for God -- just who has made-the-grade, and who has become acceptable in the eyes of God Almighty. Doesn't it become ludicrous to think that any human-beings -- in or out of the institutional church -- should assume unto themselves the right to "include" certain human-beings (and to exclude others) for acceptance into God's Kingdom of God -- for eternity -- based on humanly "religious" (doctrinal) criteria -- or based on restrictive and exclusionary interpretations of the will and plan of God! God made the Universe, and everything in it. God made every living creature. God's people do indeed satisfy God's on-going "judgment" of them -- or God changes and re-directs each one, day-by-day -- and "prunes" and re-molds them; alters their paths; teaches them and encourages them; disciplines them; punishes them -- all to cause each of His people to respond within the precise plan and purpose that God has formulated, all along -- so that "terminal" judgment, condemnation, and rejection-by-God -- need not be pondered. Our Sovereign God does not change His plans -- for that which He has created -- to suit the fickle whims of human-individuals -- or the vagaries of human-nature.

9-10-98 3/5/00 9/27/00 11/29/00 3/15/02   A "tablet", adapted from the book: "Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets"

CHILDREN of God; BROTHERS of Jesus Click HERE for Easy-Print format of this "Tablet" God's people (linked) -- the called, the chosen, the elect, the "accepted" -- are the "children" of God. There are numerous Biblical references to those individuals who are chosen by God (see link), and hence accepted by God as His "children". Likewise, there are many scriptures that refer to those who are considered to be the "sons" of God (doubtless also including the "daughters" of God). And, there are Biblical verses portraying the "sons" of God as being "brothers" of Jesus, and "co-heirs" with Jesus. I will quote a number of these scriptures, below. The big question is: how does one become a child of God? Godsword (God's word -- the Bible) says that God "predestines" and "foreknows" those who are to be His "children", the "brothers" of Jesus, the "heirs" of God, and "joint heirs" with Christ. Note the following (read these out loud):   Romans 8: 29 (NIV) For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that He (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many BROTHERS. Ephesians 1: 4 (NEB) "In Christ, He chose us, before the world was founded, to be dedicated, to be without blemish in His sight; and He destined us -- such was His will and pleasure -- to be accepted as His sons, through Jesus Christ." Romans 8: 14 (NRSV) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God, and joint heirs WITH CHRIST. Same (NIV) Romans 8: 14 Those who are led by the Spirit of God are SONS of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of SONSHIP. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now IF we are "children" -- then we are heirs -- heirs of God, and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings, in order that we may also share in His glory. Hebrews 2: 10 (NIV) In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God -- for whom and through whom everything exists -- should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the One who makes men holy, and those who are made holy, are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them BROTHERS. He says, (quoting Psalm 22:22) "I will declare your name to my BROTHERS; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises". And again, "I will put my trust in Him." And again He says, "Here am I, and the children God has GIVEN me" (quoting Isaiah 8: 17 and 18). Galatians 4: 6 (NIV) Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. Godspeople do not become "children of God" by their own will and effort and works, or by the designation of other human-beings, or by joining a certain church, or by any individual's personal choosing, or "decision". Note the following: John 1: 12 (NRSV) But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man -- but born of God. SAME (NIV) 12 Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God -- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human DECISION, or a husband's will -- but BORN of God. Acts 17: 28 (NRSV) For 'In Him (God) we live and move, and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we too are His offspring.' 29 Since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the Deity is like gold, or silver, or stone -- an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. My understanding -- my belief -- is that those who are declared by God to be His "children" are the same individuals as those whom God considers to be the "chosen", the "called", and "the elect". Those who are considered by God to be His "children", are also the same ones to whom God has imputed the "righteousness" (see link) that comes from God. So, the "children of God", and the "chosen", and "the righteous", and the "justified"...... all fall into the same category of those whom God has declared to be His own -- the "saved", the accepted, the sanctified, the redeemed. In the same way, those who are "born of the Spirit" (rather than being "born of the flesh") are synonymous with the "children of God". A personal point: the "children of God" are not "robots", or God's "puppets" (as I have heard certain church-goers frivolously postulate). No...... God's children are God's individual human-beings -- each under the constant watchful eye of God -- each being guided and guarded and protected and molded and developed and instructed and disciplined and loved...... precisely like a loving and caring "human" mother and father "raise", and guard, and teach, and train their own offspring. (PJT tells me, in August 1999, that if we humans discover [later in our existence] that we are, in fact, God's robots or puppets -- interacting with and "responding" to the commands of God -- she would much prefer being a "God's-robot" or "puppet", controlled by God -- rather than being a "secular-puppet" whose "strings" are controlled by powerful and domineering humans....... or rather than being a churchy "robot", obeying and following ritualistic and/or superstitious dictates of a rigidly-doctrinal "religious" group.) I consider God's children to be like young "human" children, in a "PLAYROOM". In this simile, the human Father allows the children, in the playroom, to do whatever they like to do, under his careful observation -- so long as their games and toys and interactions with each other -- are compatible with what the Father wants (or requires). That is, the children are granted "FREE WILL", by their Father. Their "free will" continues, so long as the Father's children "respond" appropriately (see Responding to God) -- within the purview of the plans and purposes of the Father. The children may actually begin to "believe" that they have indeed been allowed "free will" -- that is, "freedom" to do and decide and "choose" whatever seems appropriate to their developing, juvenile, human-minds. But..... in reality, what the "children" soon learn, is that if, at any time, in the opinion of the Father (and regardless of the pleas and arguments of the "children") the children "misbehave", or involve themselves in activities and thoughts that do not please and satisfy the Father -- then the firm-but-loving-and-caring Father steps in, and makes himself "seen" and "heard" -- in order to instruct, or guard, or protect, or teach, or discipline His Children. And, so it is with our Heavenly Father -- and the "FREE WILL" that He permits -- for His "children". See chapters on "The Chosen" (see link, above), and righteousness from God, and The Flesh and the Spirit -- with the numerous Biblical references quoted in those chapters.) The following are additional Biblical quotations concerning the children of God:   Deuteronomy 14: 1 You are the children of the LORD your God...... 2 You are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has CHOSEN you to be His treasured possession. John 11: 51 (KJV) And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the CHILDREN of God that were scattered abroad. John 8: 42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God, and now am here...... 47 H