8-17-99 8-21-99 10-22-00 2/4/01; 10/25/02   "What God requires; and what God does not require"   From the Internet Book, "Dr Todd's Terrific Tablets" -- edited for Internet Version

WHAT GOD REQUIRES -- What GOD does not require (Edited for Internet Version) Click HERE for Easy-Print format of this "Tablet" Many times, in certain denominational churches, and in various doctrinal sects -- one might easily get the impression that much of the Bible is just a list of "do's and don't's" -- which God "requires" of all His people. I do not agree with that thesis. In fact, I believe that God "understands" His people -- their "weaknesses", and their vagaries -- and even their "animal" characteristics. After all, God desogned and created His people (see link God's People); He knows them; He remembers what He is doing with each of them.... and, therefore, He forgives them for their shortcomings and misdeeds. My understanding is that God's accepted individuals simply are not "required" to spend all of their lives worrying about which "rules and regulations" they may not have have complied with -- or what divine commandment they may have "broken"; or whether their "obedience" to the "fine-print" of God's Biblical admonitions has been satisfactory. An essential part of what Jesus (God-Incarnate) taught is that those whom God has accepted as His own, are forgiven -- and that the guilt of their sin is removed -- and that God's people "do not come up for judgement." Note the following Biblical references: Psalm 78: 38 (NEB) He (God) wiped out their guilt; and did not smother His own natural affection. Often He restrained His wrath, and did not rouse His anger to its height. He remembered that they were only mortal men -- who pass by like a wind, and never return. 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. John 5: 24 (NRSV) Jesus speakng: Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word, and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life -- and does not come under judgment -- but has passed from death, to life. Same (NIV) Jesus speaking: "I tell you the truth -- whoever hears my word, and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life, and will not be condemned. He has crossed over from death, to life." God's people ARE required to satisfy God -- and God only. God's people do not have to satisfy "the church", or any human-being, or any group of human-beings. That's what God-Incarnate meant when He said, "Now is the time for the Kingdom of God." That is, the "Kingdom of God" abolishes the "requirements" of the man-made "kingdom of mortals" -- and annuls the "authority" that some preachers and priests, and some rigidly doctrinal sects (link), have arrogated to themselves (frequently for the purpose of maintaining "religious" and "political" dominance over their members, and "followers"). Note the following reference concerning the "kingdom of mortals": (Daniel 4: 32 (NRSV) You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen, and seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that the Most High has SOVEREIGNTY over the kingdom of mortals -- and gives it to WHOM HE WILL.) In the references that follow, I have recorded a "mixture" of Biblical quotations having to do with "what God requires"; and "what God does not require." These scriptures were selected by me, and "accumulated" over a period of years.... as I discovered in my study of the Bible that God is not a scowling, retributive Deity -- reading "between-the-lines"; and scrutinizing His own "fine print"; and spending His time "checking on" His people.... trying always to discover something that we errant humans did, or didn't do..... or a "sin" that an individual may have "committed". Neither is God always anticipating and demanding "sacrifices" to Himself -- or seeking new signs of "obedience" to His "rules" -- in order to make His people become more acceptable to Him. Remember: God knows each of His people. He made us to be what we are. (See link: "Individuation by God".) God has a plan for each of His people. If you and I deviate from that plan, God quickly gets us back on His track, in a manner that He decides. He doesn't cast us away, because we "goof" -- or because our "animal" behavior reveals itself, at times. God is not keeping a lifelong compendium of all our wrong-doings.... just waiting impatiently for His ultimate "post-mortem" evaluation -- after our departure from this life. (The gospel song says, "Just as I Am" -- and I would extrapolate that to indicate "Just as He Made Me".) Can you imagine a heavenly "tribunal", where you and I come before a "Court of God", and where we may be told something like the following: "Well, you did pretty well during your life-on-earth. You accomplished 49% of my requirements, but you failed 51% of the time. So, I'm sorry..... but you didn't "pass" -- therefore, you're condemned to Hell." (Really now -- does anyone actually believe that to be the way a "Great Tribunal" will function -- before God's people will be allowed admission into the "Eternal Kingdom"? I haven't found indication of any such "scenario" -- in the Bible.) Read the following scriptures, out loud. "See" and "hear" what God is saying about what He expects of us -- what He requires, and what He does not require. And remember, if you and I fall short because of our human frailty, God will correct us -- not destroy us -- nor send us to eternal damnation, and doom. (After all, why did God-the-Son live for us -- and die for us -- if not to explain to us the mercy and the forgiveness of God-the-Father -- and to relieve us of our perpetual worry and anguish about whether or not we are satisfying the "requirements" of God?) Micah 6: 6 (NRSV) With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings -- with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression -- the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" 8 He (God) has told you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD REQUIRE of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Luke 12: 48 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.... and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. Habakkuk 2: 1 (NEB) I will stand at my post; I will take up my position on the watch-tower. I will watch to learn what God will say through me -- and what I shall reply, when I am challenged. John 6: 28 (NIV) Then they asked Him, "What must we do, to do the works God requires?" 29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the One whom He has sent." Hosea 6: 6 (NIV) For I (God) desire mercy, not sacrifice..... and acknowledgment of God -- rather than burnt offerings. Mark 12: 30 (KJV) (Jesus speaking): And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength -- this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Deuteronomy 10: 12 (NRSV) What does the LORD your God require of you? Only to fear the LORD your God; to walk in all His ways; to love Him; to serve the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul. Ecclesiastes 5: 1 (NIV) Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen, rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools -- who do not know that they do wrong. Jeremiah 9: 23 (NIV) This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom, or the strong man boast of his strength, or the rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let him who boasts, boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth -- for in these I delight," declares the LORD. 1 Samuel15: 22 (NIV) But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. Psalm 49: 7 (NEB) Alas! No man can ever ransom himself, nor pay God the price of that release. His ransom would cost too much, forever beyond his power to pay...... 15 But God will ransom my life. He will take me from the power of Sheol (death). Isaiah 1: 11 (NRSV) What, to me, is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the LORD; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. Psalm 50: 10 (NRSV) (God speaking) For every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the air -- and all that moves in the field is mine. 12 "If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world -- and all that is in it -- is mine. 13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. 15 Call on me in the day of trouble -- I will deliver you; and you shall glorify me. Hebrews 11: 6 (NRSV) And without faith, it is impossible to please God; for whoever would approach Him must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who seek Him. John 15: 8 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking): My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and become my disciples..... 12 This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Psalm 51:16 (NRSV) For you have no delight in sacrifice. IF I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. 17 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Proverbs 15: 8 (NRSV) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but He loves the one who pursues righteousness. Amos 5: 21 I hate, I despise your festivals -- and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings, and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. 23 Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. 24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Hebrews 13: 15 (NRSV) Through Him (Jesus), let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God; that is, the fruit of lips that confess His name. 16 Do not neglect to do good, and to share what you have -- for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Psalm 40: 6 (NRSV) Sacrifice and offering you do not desire; but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, "Here I am; in the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8 I delight to do your will, O my God -- your Law is within my heart." Deuteronomy 8: 14 (NRSV) Then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, 15 who led you through the great and terrible wilderness -- an arid wasteland, with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, 16 and fed you in the wilderness with manna, that your ancestors did not know -- to humble you, and to test you, and in the end, to do you good. Romans 12: 9 (NIV) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you -- bless, and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. The above Bible-verses are splendid and beautiful references, concerning what God INTENDS for His people. Ignore anything that I have stated above, concerning my thoughts and musings -- and re-read these Bible-verses. Hear and "see" what God says about His "requirements" -- and about what He does not require.

7-7-99; 7-25-99; 5/22/00 10/25/02 I am dedicating this "tablet" to a few "rigidly doctrinal" readers -- who frequently vociferously inform me of how "wrong" I am about God, and about spiritual matters -- since I do not agree with them, or with their "doctrinal" persuasion. Interestingly, some of these "resisters" are "frozen" in a Roman Catholic position -- some are "Southern Baptists" (one "liberal"; three "conservative") -- and one ia an inflexible "fringe" Baptist. All of these readers who openly disagree with me -- also generally disagree with each other. Of course, most respondents largely agree with my "spiritual" opinions -- as expressed in "Terrific Tablets".

"The Truth"..... What is it; and who decides? ("Religious" truth; "Spiritual" truth) (This "tablet" interrelates with another tablet: Rigid Doctrinism -- see link)  CLICK HERE for Quick-print format of this "tablet"   Many of us, who profess to be God's people (link), have a problem with the "doctrinal" thesis of those individuals (and groups) -- throughout the "religious" world -- who claim something like the following: "If you do not agree with me, and if you do not accept what I believe, and what my doctrinal church has declared to be 'the truth' -- then God will not accept you. In our 'religion', we have decided that God agrees with us, and that He has included only our 'members' in His Kingdom. We have deciphered the plan and purpose of God. We know precisely what God wants for us, and for you -- so we will decide whether or not you are qualified to be accepted by God. If you reject what we know to be 'the truth' -- then you are condemning yourself to eternal damnation, and doom. Therefore, sign-up with us pronto, and abide by our laws, rules, regulations, recitations, and tithing-to-us -- before it is too late.... and before you miss-out on your chance for salvation." Note the following Biblical references. Read these out loud -- and hear what God says: Romans 14: 1 (NIV) Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.... 4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own Master, he stands or falls. And he will stand -- for the Lord is able to make him stand.... 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will ALL stand before God's judgment seat.... 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.... 22 So whatever YOU believe about these things -- KEEP BETWEEN yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. Deuteronomy 29: 29 (NEB) There are things hidden; and they belong to the Lord our God -- but what is revealed belongs to us, and to our children, forever. 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? (SEE additional BIBLE quotations, below.) Are there different spiritual "beliefs" -- and conflicting doctrinal "truths" -- that are acceptable to God? For example, does God allow and approve a "Baptist truth" -- and a different "Catholic truth" -- and a separate "Jewish truth"..... even though the "doctrines" (the rigid "beliefs") of these "religions" are very much at odds with each other? What about the "believers" of Islamic "truth" -- are they excluded from acceptance by the One God -- the sole sovereign Deity of all creation? Similarly, are Hindus and Buddhists omitted from God's love and favor -- because they have not accepted and recited the creed which certain very-fallible-humans dogmatically claim to be "the-one-way"? Is there a solitary "God's doctrine" -- a set of "truths" in the mind of God -- with a long list of exclusionary rules and regulations and "sins" and misdeeds -- each designed and specified, by God, to "catch" and exclude (under God's own harsh scrutiny) those "believers" who do not swear to fulfill every "jot and tittle" of a certain "batch of beliefs"? (The answer to this question will probably be "yes", for some intensely-inflexible individuals, who insist upon a personal agonizing analysis of all Biblical metaphoric "fine print" -- and for those who plan never to question their own frozen spiritual "development".... and the answer may be "yes" for certain strict "orthodox" religions. The answer is "NO" for those "believers" who accept and understand a loving and caring and merciful and forgiving Creator -- who came into this world, Himself, "incarnate", for the express purpose of explaining and revealing "the truth" about Himself. See links: The Gospel of God; and "The Kingdom of God".) Is the "truth" about God fixed, and finite, and immutable -- in the "spiritual" world.... just as the "laws" of physics seem to be rigidly fixed -- in the mechanical universe? Yes, God's essence and His attributes and His purposes -- are "fixed", by God; and cannot be reshaped according to the whims of humans, or according to doctrinal variations. Can you tell me, authoritatively, what "truth" I must attempt to "believe" -- in order to satisfy God? Must I adopt your doctrine in order to avoid condemnation -- by God? Must I join your church -- in order to "get-right" with God? Why do you consider your spiritual notions to be correct -- while you sometimes judge the spiritual interpretations of your friends (and your enemies) to be erroneous, and heretical -- or even blasphemous? Who gave you the right and the authority to belie anyone's beliefs? Why do you arrogate to yourself this "privilege" of denigrating the beliefs of others? Answer this.... concerning God's truth: is there one "God" for the Jews, and a different God for the Catholics -- and for the Presbyterians; and the Mormons.... and is there yet another God for the Muslims -- and for the Hindu's, and for the Buddhists? Since earnest "believers" in each of these "faiths" worship "THE ONE God" that each "religion" positively (and sometimes belligerently) identifies as the sole God-of-Creation -- why can't all of us who claim to be included among "God's people" (link) agree-upon and "accept" the fact of a solitary loving GOD.... and why can't we "yield" a bit in our frozen and rigid notions about the "one-way" to this "One-God"? Why must each "faith" reject all other heartfelt and soulful spiritual understanding.... as if to claim "possession" of God -- for themselves, only. (See "Restricting God".) Can it be that God Himself -- using His own "selective process" -- has ordained into existence the various "humanistic" conclusions to the spiritual "feelings" which many of us humans, of differing religious "faiths", consider to indicate the "real" truth, from God? If spiritual "truth" is a matter of opinion, then whose opinion really matters? Which human-being can we other-humans trust -- to teach us the spiritual "facts"? Whom should we follow? If I happen to "believe" the wrong "preacher", or "accept" an erroneous doctrine, will I be rejected by God? (Do you think that your denominational church has deciphered the absolute answers to understanding the intentions of God -- for all of God's people....... even though your church's "answers" differ from mine, and from true-believers of other "faiths"? To repeat.... have you, yourself, arrived at the "right" faith -- and are all other beliefs, that differ with your interpretation, erroneous? Is is up to you to attempt to force-feed your beliefs upon others, with the threat of God's eternal damnation if the "hearer" of your words does not immediately adopt your "creed"? Do you think it is your personal duty to "convert" other humans to your way of thinking, and thus to "protect" them for "salvation"? If you have been led to believe that you have this "duty", from whom do you get your orders.... and whose doctrine do you attempt to "sell"? (Aren't you literally embarrassed to pretend, to yourself, that you are deciding, for God, who is acceptable to Him?) Another question: how (and when) can you and I know, for sure, that our "beliefs" are pleasing and acceptable to God? Must we worry and fret, for a lifetime, that our "internal" thoughts -- our musings and questionings in our search for "God's truth" -- may be offensive to God? Should you or I be afraid (superstitiously intimidated) to question "the church" -- or to develop our own spiritual understanding -- based on our personal study and meditation and contemplation and prayer -- and based on God's "revelations" to each of us? That is, should I surrender and abandon my own heart-felt beliefs, which I consider to be God-inspired and God-revealed truths -- and must I then adopt your denominational churchy views, which certain ecclesiastical groups have insisted are the one-way to acceptance.... by God? To state the same point, a little differently -- if you and I disagree about "ultimate reality", and about God's truth.... is it proper that you should become angry with me, and hostile toward me -- because your beliefs do not make sense to me? Must I yield my own spiritual feelings and "intuition", and flippantly accept your "religious" theses.... and bow down before the altar of your church-of-humans? Do you conclude that I am wrong, and that I will therefore be denied "admission" to the Kingdom of God -- because I do not memorize and recite the creed of your "church"? The following paragraphs were copied (slightly modified, here) from my chapter on "The Sovereignty of God" (see link). These remarks seem to be particularly pertinent to the present "tablet" concerning "The Truth". Consider the following: There is a major point which I have stressed in other chapters of this book; and that "point" is as follows: the truth from God, and the truth about God, and the truth concerning God's sovereignty and His power....... these "God's truths" do not magically come into effect, and do not "spontaneously" become "true" -- simply because someone "decides" to believe them -- or because one claims to "accept" them. In other words, "the truth".... about God, or (for that matter) about any other subject.... does not suddenly become true, and real, and functional in one's existence, just because that someone has "made a decision" to "accept" that truth. And, contrariwise, the "truth" about God does not become untrue or ineffective, simply because an individual, within his or her humanly understanding, has concluded that God, and the power of God, are a "matter of opinion", and hence of dubious fact or consequence. (I have previously analogized the "spiritual truth" about God, with the truth and the effect of the "physical" laws of the mechanical universe. For example, the "Law of Gravity" {let's call it, here, the "Truth of Gravity"} does not wait upon an individual's acceptance, before gravity can become effective in that individual's life. That is, "gravity" does not become true and valid and effective just because you "choose" to believe it; and it does not wait to become effective until you have made up your mind to accept it! Neither does the "Truth of Gravity" go away, or become ineffective, simply because your humanly brain cannot understand it; or because you "make a decision" not to accept it; or because you change your opinion, and decide that it is not believable.) And so it is with "spiritual truth". "The truth" is true, whether or not you, or anyone else, believes and accepts the truth. Similarly, an individual's profession of doubt or unbelief does NOT negate "the truth" -- or the effects of the truth. Note the following Biblical references. Read these out loud: Romans 14: 1 (NIV) (This first reference is repeated from above) Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.... 4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master, he stands or falls. And he will stand -- for the Lord is able to make him stand.... 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.... 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.... 22 So whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. Mark 7: 6 (NIV) He (Jesus) replied (quoting Isaiah 29:13): "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain. Their teachings are but RULES -- taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God, and are holding on to the traditions of men. 9 And He said to them: 'You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God, in order to observe your own traditions!' " Luke 16: 15 (NRSV) So He (Jesus) said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts -- for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God. Acts 17: 24 (NRSV) The God who made the world and everything in it, He who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything -- since He Himself gives to all mortals life and breath, and all things. 26 From one ancestor He made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and He allotted the times of their existence, and the boundaries of the places where they would live, 27 so that they would search for God, and perhaps grope for Him, and find Him -- though indeed He is not far from each one of us. John 8: 31 (NRSV) Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in Him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth -- and the truth will MAKE you FREE." (JNT note: "Make you free" from laws, churchy rules and regulations, rigid and exclusionary doctrines; etc.) Romans 8: 5 (NRSV) For those who live according to the flesh (JNT: "flesh" -- human and humanistic answers, and explanations) set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit, set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death -- but to set the mind on the Spirit is life, and peace. 7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's Law -- indeed it CANNOT. 8 And those who are in the flesh, cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit -- since the Spirit of God dwells in you.... 14 For all who are LED by the Spirit of God are children of God. 1 Samuel 16: 6 (NIV) "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things MAN LOOKS AT. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Galatians 2: 21 (NRSV) I do not nullify the grace of God -- for if justification comes through the Law -- then Christ died for nothing. ("Justification": deemed "just", or righteous -- in the sight of God.) ("Law" -- rules, regulations, and doctrinal do's and don't's.) Romans 6: 13-14 (NRSV) No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness; but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as INSTRUMENTS of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under Law, but under grace. Psalm 62: 1 (NRSV) For God alone my soul waits in silence. From Him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation -- my fortress. I shall never be shaken. Romans 8: 30 (NRSV) And those whom He predestined, He also called -- and those whom He called, He also justified -- and those whom He justified, He also glorified. 31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Psalm 27: 1 The LORD is my light, and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Don't all of us -- we who hope that we are included among God's people -- accept that all spiritual "TRUTH" about God (God's Truth) -- comes totally and unequivocally, now and ultimately and forever -- from the mind and eyes and Spirit and plan and decision of God Himself -- God alone.... regardless of what doctrinal variations we earthly creatures concoct and invent -- or "make a decision" to accept, and "believe"? (Acts 17: 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.) Also, we should be able to agree that it is not our human-obligation to belittle and besmirch the spiritual understanding of others. After all, God Himself decides when and where each of His people will awaken to Him, and begin to "see" and "hear" Him -- and to "feel" God's presence (the Spirit of God) in their lives. As for me, personally, I cannot imagine, nor do I believe, that the Almighty God of the Universe, who made each of us worldly creatures for His own plan and purpose and pleasure -- intends for His accepted individuals (His "chosen" ones) -- to argue, and fight, and kill each other -- in vain attempts to define, and remold, and limit God.... all for the "benefit" of certain religions, and "doctrines", and "churches".  So, what is "God's truth" -- according to God? Is "the truth" what you say it is, or what I say, or what the other folks say -- or is it what your "church" or my church claims..... or is it still, as always, what God has declared -- and what He Himself continues to decide, and to dictate? Do you and I and other human-beings have anything whatsoever to do with defining or altering "God's Truth". Does God change Himself according to what I suppose about Him, or suggest to Him? Is God likely to reshape His own configuration, because of an "upgrade" by some church's "Council of so-and-so" -- or because of the conclusions and edicts of a denominational church-of-men?  My understanding of God's truth is that God "designs" and "calls" and accepts individuals of His own choosing, for His own purposes -- and at His own time, and for His own reasons..... regardless of whether or not those "chosen" (link) individuals have yet been awakened by God to a specific "set" of "religious" beliefs. We humans, in or out of a doctrinal persuasion, have nothing to do with formulating or circumscribing or defining or limiting God -- to our own human "specifications". Neither are we mortals..... irregardless of our "church affiliation".... granted any voice or vote, in telling God whom He may accept and "save". You and I are free, of course, for a lifetime, to seek answers to our own spiritual questions -- and to cordially discuss our conclusions with each other, and with those of different faiths.... but we have no right or reason to attempt to impose our own doctrinal decipherings on those who do not see God -- the Almighty Creator of the Universe -- as we "picture" Him.

6-9-99 9/22/00 11/17/01 10/25/02   A "tablet" from the Internet book: "Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets"

"The Faith OF Jesus" (The Beliefs OF Jesus) (This "tablet" interrelates closely with another tablet: The Gospel of God -- linked) Click HERE for EASY-Print version of "The Faith OF Jesus" In this "tablet", I want to discuss several scriptures -- especially from the King James translation -- that refer to "the faith OF Jesus", rather than to "faith IN Jesus" (as translated in the NIV, and in other more recent translations of the Bible). My reason for including this subject, is to point-out that there is a vast, very important, and fascinating difference in meaning, and in "doctrinal implication" -- between the seemingly-minor variations in translation of these particular scriptures (which are quoted below). Another reason for my writing about this subject is to demonstrate how "minor variations" in the translation of any specific Biblical passage -- anywhere in the Bible -- can change the entire meaning of the scripture that is being quoted. Thus, in many cases, a deep "doctrinal variation" (a hostile argument) can readily be brought about by the altering of only a word or two, in translation. That is, by the simple manipulation of as little as one word (by "translators" who restrict themselves to a specific doctrinal "persuasion")...... the implication or meaning of an entire "religious" thesis can be altered. With this thought in mind, I will compare, in the several scriptures that are quoted below, the great difference in meaning between the translation of the phrase, "the faith OF Christ" (as in the KJV, and others) -- and the translation "faith IN Christ" (as translated in NIV, and others). Read the following scriptures, from the KJV translation (plus two quotations from Rheims New Testament)...... all quoted verbatim -- and each compared, side-by-side, with NIV translation. See what you think about the difference in "meaning", and spiritual implication -- in comparing the two different translations: KJV Galatians 2: 16 (KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ -- even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the Law -- for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. NIV Translation Galatians 2: 16 We know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith IN Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by observing the Law, because by observing the Law no one will be justified..... KJV Romans 3: 22 (KJV) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith OF Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference...... NIV Translation Romans 3:22 This righteousness from God comes through faith IN Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference..... KJV Galatians 2: 20 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. NIV Translation Galatians 2: 20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live; but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith IN the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. . KJV Philippians 3: 9 And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law -- but that which is through the faith OF Christ -- the righteousness which is of God -- by faith. NIV Translation Philippians 3:9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but that which is through faith IN Christ --the righteousness that comes from God, and is by faith. KJV Galatians 3: 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by the faith OF Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. NIV Translation Galatians 3: 22 But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith IN Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. KJV Romans 3: 3 (KJV) For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith OF God without effect? NIV Translation Romans 3: 3 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? KJV Philippians 1: 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith OF the gospel. NIV Translation Philippians 1: 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you, or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel KJV Revelations 14: 12 (KJV) Here is the patience of the saints. Here are they that keep the commandments of God -- and the faith OF Jesus. NIV Translation Revelations 14: 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments, and remain faithful to Jesus. KJV Romans 3: 26 (Rheims New Testament) Through the forbearance of God, for the shewing of His justice in this time, that He Himself may be just; and the justifier of him who is of the faith OF Jesus Christ. NIV Translation Romans 3: 26 He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time; so as to be just, and to be the One who justifies those who have faith IN Jesus. KJV Romans 3: 22 (Rheims New Testament) Even the justice of God, by the faith OF Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe IN Him -- for there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned, and do need the glory of God. NIV Translation Romans 3: 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith IN Jesus Christ, to all who believe. There is no difference..... The "New Revised Standard Version" uses the translation "the faith OF Jesus" as an alternative translation to "faith IN Jesus" in all of the above quotations.   All of us "church-goers" are already very familiar with the traditional postulations of most Christian churches, concerning "faith in Jesus" -- or "putting your faith in Jesus". Therefore, the "faith-IN-Jesus" translation (and concept) need not be extrapolated in this "tablet". But...... what about "the faith OF Jesus", that is referred to repeatedly in the scriptures shown above? What are the "beliefs" of Jesus -- the beliefs that Jesus "received" by revelation from God-the-Father -- Jesus's beliefs that He spoke about, and taught, and showed by example -- Jesus's "faith" (beliefs) that alienated the Jews, and others -- the "faith" that led to the crucifixion of The Christ? I conclude that the "beliefs" OF Jesus, the "spiritual" truths that were revealed to Jesus, by God -- and "implanted" in Jesus; and taught and exemplified by Jesus -- comprise "The FAITH OF JESUS"........ and that this "faith" of Jesus is encapsulated in what Jesus often referred to as "The Gospel of God". I believe that the "Gospel of God" (the "Gospel of the Kingdom of God") that Jesus mentioned so frequently -- is the message (the "good news") that God intended to portray and exhibit and explain -- when GOD ALLOWED HIMSELF to be revealed, "incarnate" -- in Jesus. Jesus said, repeatedly, that He was sent to "preach" and to "proclaim" the "Gospel of God". Study the following references to the "Gospel of God". Read these out loud: Luke 4: 43 (KJV and NASV) Jesus speaking: "I must preach the Kingdom of God -- for I was SENT for this purpose." Same (Amplified) 43 Jesus speaking: I must preach the good news (the Gospel) of the Kingdom of God ...... for I was sent for this purpose. Mark 1: 14 (KJV) Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, 15 And saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Same (NEB) After John had been arrested, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: "The time has come; the Kingdom of God is upon you; repent, and believe the Gospel". Same (RSV) ......Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel." Matthew 4: 23 (KJV) And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom (same RSV and NEB), and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matthew 9: 35 (KJV) And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom (same in RSV). Matthew 24: 14 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: "And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world, as a testimony to all nations....." Luke 16: 16 (NASV) Jesus speaking: "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John (the Baptist). Since then, the gospel of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. (Amplified Bible says: "Everyone strives to go into the Kingdom in his own way, rather than by God's way.") Romans 1: 1 (KJV) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. Romans 15: 16 (KJV) That I (Paul) should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God........ 2 Corinthians 11: 7 (KJV) (Paul quotation) Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the Gospel of God freely? Acts 20: 24 (KJV) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And so, to reiterate....... I conclude that the "faith OF Jesus" IS the aggregation of Jesus's beliefs -- encompassed in Jesus's frequently-used term, the "Gospel of God", and the "Gospel of the Kingdom of God". (I would really like for the reader to go to the link: "The Gospel of God" -- and note specifically the quotations from God's Bible, on this fascinating subject.) Also, it is critically significant (to me) to remember, and to emphasize, and to state (the obvious) -- that we who claim to be Christian "Godspeople" do not serve and worship two God's -- two "deities". There is only one God........ not a "God-God", plus a separate "Jesus-God". Therefore, it becomes apparent that the "beliefs" of Jesus ARE the "beliefs" of God...... the "Gospel" of God...... the "good news" from God -- taught by, and manifested through The Christ. (I hope you will go to the link to my "tablet": Jesus is God; God is Jesus, and note the Biblical references, and their instruction.) Remember, too -- there is only one "gospel" -- not a gospel of Jesus, and another man-made "gospel" about Jesus -- and then a "Gospel of God". As for me, since Jesus "preaches" and "proclaims" THE Gospel of God, I am satisfied that the "Gospel of God" is the one TRUE gospel. Yes...... there is only the "Gospel of God" -- the "good news" that was revealed to Jesus, and through Jesus, by God -- and explained and exemplified by Jesus..... and then extrapolated by Paul, and others -- and portrayed to us as the "Faith OF Jesus".

10-7-99 Copied and edited -- from "Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets"

"CHURCHIANITY" and "RELIGIANITY" (What "The Church" is NOT) Click HERE for Easy-Print Format of this "tablet" (This "tablet" interrelates closely with other tablets: "The Church"; and "Doctrinal Rigidity" (see links). I must reiterate.... I love "the church" ; and I respect the church; and I recognize and appreciate the impact of "organized religion" in the lives of God's people (link). And, more than anything, I recognize and accept the sovereignty of God -- the power of God in the creation and oversight and control of all aspects of life, and living -- and in all activities of the world, and of the Universe..... and of the Kingdom of God (link). In an earlier "tablet", I elaborated upon my understanding of the "definition" and implication of the term "the church" -- and I posed rhetorical questions for myself, and for the reader, to answer -- concerning the various "meanings" that may be indicated when one speaks of "the church". (I hope the reader will refer to the link concerning "The Church".) In this tablet, I want to give my impressions of what "the church" is NOT -- and I want to express my feelings about what some rigidly-doctrinal "religions" improperly attempt to claim for themselves.... and for their leaders, and their members. That is, I want to postulate some of the assumptions and arrogations that have "evolved" in the doctrines of various "churches" -- and I want to address some of the "profanations" of mission and purpose and worship which I consider to have developed in certain facets of the "organized" church -- (recurrently and progressively, I would say, for as long as "religion" and spirituality have existed as a quest of us human-animals). (But first, I want to "insert", here, my definition of "The Church" -- quoted from my "tablet" on The Church [link]): I consider the "church", the true church, to be the "aggregation" of God's people -- the "company", or "body", or "army", of those individuals who have been "accepted" (or "chosen", or "claimed") by God, to be His own -- those whom God has found acceptable, in His sight, for His own reasons -- regardless of where they may live; and regardless of the doctrinal/denominational church to which they may ""belong".) (It is my belief that no single "religion", or "church", or "doctrine" has all the answers. To me, it is the height of arrogance for "spiritual" individuals or groups to claim that they alone have God-in-a-box (link); and that God "belongs" to them -- and that they alone have been given authority from God to delineate the boundaries of "correct" spiritual thinking -- and ultimate understanding of the Omnipotent One..... the ONE who created each of us, for His own plan and purpose. And yet -- just think -- and look at how human-beings have restricted God, and re-shaped Him, according to the whims and vagaries of powerful and influential [and sometimes dictatorial] "church" organizations, and individuals.) (The terms "churchianity" and "religianity" are my "labels" for this "tablet". I don't know where I got these conceptual nick-names. Perhaps I "borrowed" from some wise person of the past. The term "churchianity" is listed in the dictionary.) "Religianity", in my current usage, refers to the various laws, rules, regulations, "sins", prohibitions and proscriptions, superstitions, requirements, rituals, ceremonies, etc. -- that have become an integral foundation of some "religions" and sects. Many of these churchy "legalisms" have evolved (layer upon layer) -- and may have nothing-at-all to do with an individual's search for God -- and for the truth about God.... and may play no part in one's responding to God (see link). (Furthermore, I would guess that "religianity" ["religion-by-rote", and by "legalisms" -- probably has very little "influence" upon God -- or upon God's "acceptance" of an individual "child-of-God".) "Churchianity" -- is the term I like to use to refer to denominational "squabbles" -- in which (even among sectarian groups which basically agree with each other), hostility and intense alienation sometimes develop, toward each other.... all in the name of "serving" God, and "loving" God. Churchy "political" wrangling, and peevish arguments may arise -- even among preachers -- and among "cliques" within a close-knit church congregation.... and most-frequently have nothing to do with the development of spiritual understanding. (I will have more to say about these definitions; and I will give several simple examples of churchianity and religianity -- and I will ask the reader to consider his own "list". Obviously, there may be "overlap" in the examples and usages of the terms "churchianity", and "religianity".) Concerning "churchianity" and "religianity", it is my perception that diagreements and distortions of the institutional church's "reason-for-being" have occurred, repeatedly, throughout the centuries -- (1.) whenever and wherever man-made "churchy" rules, rituals, laws, dogmas, regulations, rivalries, rites, restrictions, superstitions, exclusions, debates, splits, ceremonies, creeds, competitions, and church-businesses have been allowed to confuse and belittle and divide the attempts of God-loving individuals to "respond" to, and interact with, God-the-Creator..... (2.) and.... whenever animal-ly human-characteristics, and arrogant personal jealousies, and presumptuous dogmatism have taken the place of heart-felt spirituality -- and recognition of the Sovereignty of God (see link), and of God's supremacy in all matters concerning His people, and His world, and His spiritual universe -- (3.) and.... whenever genuine, and devoted, and loving and understanding and cordial worship of God has been subjugated to "human" doctrinal oversight, and interference and control. Church-made "religions", and far-fetched, hair-splitting doctrinal interpretations and stipulations and restrictions, have seemingly attempted to MOLD God into a "designer-shape", for any-and-every sectarian group that chooses to take it upon itself to construct, and re-define, and re-make God into a humanistic and worldly image. Note the following Bibiical references on this subject:   Mark 7: 6 (NRSV) He (Jesus) said to them, "Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 In vain do they worship me -- teaching human precepts as doctrines.' 8 You abandon the commandment of God, and hold to human tradition." 9 Then He (Jesus) said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! 13 ..... thus making void the word of God, through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this." Acts 17: 24 (NRSV) The God who made the world and everything in it -- He who is Lord of heaven and earth -- does not live in shrines made by human hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mortals life and breath -- and all things.... 28 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 is that the purpose of "religion" and of "the church" is to bring together those human-beings who long to know and understand our Creator -- and to encourage "seekers" in their lifelong search for God -- and in their quest for the "truth" about God. I do NOT accept or agree that the purpose of the various worldwide "religions", and of the now-countless "organized churches " -- is to give powerful insider-individuals, and large doctrinal groups, a "religious" and/or political "mind-control" over followers and "believers". And yet -- isn't that precisely what has happened in "religion", and in many denominational groups. Instead of leading "members" to seek God, and to understand God's grace, and His mercy -- many world-wide religions have grown in "power" to a position of dominance ("religiocracy") in virtually all aspects of the lives of their followers and "members" -- sometimes even to the point of "excluding", ex-communicating, or "exterminating" those under their control who do not toe-the-mark, and demonstrate unquestioning allegiance to a particular doctrine -- and to all the laws, and rules, superstitions, and ceremonies of that doctrine. Consider the following additional quotations from the Bible, concerning God's people, and "the church". Read these out loud, to yourself: Matthew 15: 6 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: "So, for the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God. 7 You hypocrites ! (Jesus quoting Isaiah 29: 13, shown below.) Isaiah prophesied rightly about you, when he said: 8 'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 In vain do they worship me -- teaching human precepts as doctrines.'" Isaiah 29: 13 (NRSV) (This is the scripture quoted by Jesus in both of the above references) The Lord said: Because these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is but a human commandment learned by rote. 14 So I will again do amazing things with this people, shocking and amazing. The wisdom of their wise shall perish, and the discernment of the discerning shall be hidden. 15 You who hide a plan too deep for the LORD, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, "Who sees us? Who knows us?" 16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay? Shall the thing made say of its maker, "He did not make me"; or the thing formed say of the one who formed it, "He has no understanding"? Luke 16: 15 (NRSV) So Jesus said to them (the Pharisees), "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts -- for what is prized by human-beings is an abomination in the sight of God. 1 Samuel 16: 6 (NRSV) When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed is now before the LORD." 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him -- for the LORD does not see as mortals see. They look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." Colossians 2: 22 (NRSV) All these regulations refer to things that perish with use; they are simply HUMAN commands and teachings. 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-imposed piety, humility, and severe treatment of the body -- but they are of no value in checking self-indulgence. John 4: 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit, and in truth; for the Father seeks such as these to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit -- and those who worship Him must worship in spirit -- and in truth." Mark 11: 15 Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple, and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple -- and He overturned the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those who sold doves..... 16 and He would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 He was teaching and saying, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for ALL the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." Ephesians 4: 14-16 (NRSV) We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro, and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery -- by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. Acts 7: 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands; as the prophet says, 49 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? 50 Did not my hand make all these things?' Acts 17: 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, He who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything -- since He Himself gives to all mortals life and breath -- and all things. John 5: 41 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking) I do not accept glory from human-beings. 44 How can you believe, when you accept glory from one another -- and do not seek the glory that comes from the ONE who ALONE is God? 1 Thesalonians 2: 4 (NRSV) But, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel; even so we speak,