All posts by Glen Jackman
I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Don’t Waste Your Life
SDA – Christian Beliefs
 Christ washing Simon Peter’s feet |
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1. Holy Scriptures:
The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12.)
2. Trinity:
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.)
3. Father:
God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; John 14:9.)
4. Son:
God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s power and was attested as God’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; John 5:22; Luke 1:35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9-18; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; John 14:1-3.)
5. Holy Spirit:
God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35; 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11, 12; Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)
6. Creation:
God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made “the heaven and the earth” and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was “very good,” declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3.)
7. Nature of Man:
Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Gen. 2:15.)
8. Great Controversy:
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)
9. Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ:
In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.)
10. Experience of Salvation:
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)
11. Growing in Christ:
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)
12. Church:
The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts 7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.)
13. Remnant and Its Mission:
The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness. (Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jude 3, 14; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Rev. 21:1-14.)
14. Unity in the Body of Christ:
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children. (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. 3:10-15; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20-23.)
15. Baptism:
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)
16. Lord’s Supper:
The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev. 3:20; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)
17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries:
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)
18. The Gift of Prophecy:
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . As the Lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)
19. Law of God:
The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Ex. 20:1-17; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40; Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10; John 15:7-10; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.)
20. Sabbath:
The beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Matt. 12:1-12; Ex. 31:13-17; Eze. 20:12, 20; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:1-11; Lev. 23:32; Mark 1:32.)
21. Stewardship:
We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt. 23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)
22. Christian Behavior:
We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)
23. Marriage and the Family:
Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)
24. Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary:
There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. (Heb. 8:1-5; 4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 1:3; 2:16, 17; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev. 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)
25. Second Coming of Christ:
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21; Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)
26. Death and Resurrection:
The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps. 146:3, 4; John 11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10.)
27. Millennium and the End of Sin:
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)
28. New Earth:
On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15.)
Eastern Mysticism
The following table will compare various views coming from what we classify as Eastern Mysticism. Many who follow these religious views often engage in conversations about the Bible, Jesus, the Gospels, the Apostle Paul with an ideology imparted via the group from which they learned their tenants of faith. However one thing becomes clear: they are not well versed in the Word of God. Thus their paradigm is formed before the Bible speaks to their hearts, which makes it most difficult to assimilate without looking through the spectacles of Baha, Buddha, or Maharishi Mahesh Yogi etc,
Thus it is imperative to only look at the Bible as one compares the worldview of these Eastern Mystics if one is not to be led astray into doctrinal error. These snippets gauge just how far off these views are outside of the Word of God and His Kingdom, especially with disregard to the Sovereignty of Jesus Christ as Lord and God of our minds.
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TRUTH
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ERROR
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WORD OF GOD
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EASTERN MYSTICISM
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| VIEW OF GOD | VIEW OF GOD |
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In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man, Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5) Go…and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19) Jesus was baptized: the spirit descended; the Father spoke: (Matthew 3:16-17) Come, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. (Genesis 11:7) From the time that it was, there am I; and now the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me. (Isaiah 48:16) |
Brahma, the Absolute, other than which there is nothing else–without qualities, unknowable, impersonal, beyond all appearances, changes, differences. God is all there is. “All visible objects are but modifications of self-existence, of an unconscious and impersonal essence which is called God” (Walter R. Martin, Kingdom of the Cults, p 239). God is omnipresent and almighty, and is in the heart of everyone (Transcendental Meditation, p. 61). In his real nature man is divine. The inner man is fully divine. Vedanta teaches no other dogma but the divinity inherent in man, and his capacity for infinite evolution (TM, p. 58). |
| JESUS CHRIST | JESUS CHRIST |
| In the beginning was the Word,…and the Word was God. (John 1:1)When, as His mother, Mary, was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)God was Manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the nations, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18). And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Roman1:4) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain… (1 Corinthians 15:17) Wherefore, he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25) This same Jesus…shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven. (Acts 1:11; cf. John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 |
All religions from times immemorial are just different branches of the main trunk of the eternal religion represented by the Vedas (Tm, p. 19).”I don’t think Christ ever suffered or Christ could suffer” (Maharishi MaheshYogi, p. 123)
Christ is considered to be one of a long line of “Masters” who had themselves realized divinity. They are recognized as “divine,” and addressed as such. Through such individuals at various times in history, the “divine truth” was transmitted to men. His picture is frequently to be seen beside that of Buddha, or of Shandaracharya, or Yogananda, or other recognized “Divine Leaders. The “Masters” are considered to be realized expressions of divinity and, as such, are worshiped. Bahaism: This emanated from Persian Islam but is essentially eclectic. All ways are of God, but Baha has the truth for this age. Divine Light Mission: Guru Maharaj ji is presented as the uncover the light of knowledge which is within the disciple himself. Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon): Devotion centers on the god Krishna. Transcendental Meditation: Deceitfully propagated as nonreligious, this is undoubtedly Hindu. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the leader. Mandatory initiatory rites in Sanskrit address the Lord Narayana, Brahma the Creator. Daily meditation focuses on the Source of Creative Intelligence within the individual himself. Vendanta Society (Rama Krishna Mission): This group also teaches the Perennial Philosophy, that God is the essence of all that is, and salvation is to “realize” the god (reality) that is within you. Yoga: This is one of the six major Hindu philosophical systems to be followed in order to obtain union (yoga) with the Ultimate, the Great All-pervading Soul. Self-realization Fellowship advocates practice of disciplined Kriya Yoga as the path to realization of the good within, the true self. Zen Buddhism: The major Buddhist activity solves eternity’s problems by illogical koan to produce enlightenment–similar to T.M, |
| HOLY SPIRIT | HOLY SPIRIT |
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When the Comforter is come, who I will send unto your from the Father, even the Spirit of truth,…he shall testify of me. (John 15:26) When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement. (John 16:8) When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. (John 15:26). The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, …he shall teach you all things. (John 16:13) His spirit that dwelleth in you… (Romans 8:11) Be filled with the Spirit… (Ephesians 5:18; see also 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 3:16 But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9; see also vv. 14, 16) |
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| SIN | SIN |
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For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:10) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8). Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also to law; for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4). All unrighteousness is sin… 1 John 5:17). Whatever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23). Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17). |
The subject per se is given little attention, and forgiveness of sin is unrealistic, By the Law of Karma, “sowing and reaping,” wrong actions inevitably produce punishment, good actions their reward.
Salvation consists of doing good in excess of evil in order to evolve to the highest state through successive incarnations. This highest state is Enlightenment; the realization of oneness with the World-Soul, Reality. Sin is not defined. It consists of actions which are contrary to one’s “dharma” or “duty”. “Sin means wrong doing or wrong thinking due to discontentment. Suffering is the result of some wrong doing in the past.” and “Past sins might induce an action in the present; some tendency of the past may come to us” (Meditations of Maharishi, p. 121). |
| REDEMPTION AND SALVATION | REDEMPTION AND SALVATION |
| We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Ephesians 1:7).
Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things…but with the precious blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19). Unto him that loveth us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us a kingdom of priests unto God and his Father. (Revelation 1:6). Without shedding of blood is no remission (Hebrews 9:22).Made peace through the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:20). This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God…For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:12, 14). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31). But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name. (John 1:12). He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the…only begotten son of God. (John 3:18). He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life. (John 3:36). Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5). For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God–not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Justified freely… through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 10:4). Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (Romans 10:4) |
“Be still and know that you are God, and when you now that you are God you will begin to live Godhood…” (Ibid., p. 178).
Go within and experience the Divine Nature is the premise! There is no supernatural intervention. We bear the whole responsibility for our actions. If we attain the clear vision of what we are, “the divine or Inner Light, and the god of what we are, “the Divine or Inner Light, and the god within,” we need not go elsewhere. “All may say, at the moment of Awakening, ‘I am the Way'” (KC, p. 237). Salvation comes through the realization that there is no duality. God is all-in-all, is all there is, and “that are Thou” (Upanishads). God-realization, or Self-realization, the highest of all states of being, is here and now possibility by any of the suggested methods. 1) The Way of Knowledge, usually involving meditation focused within. This may be aided by silent repetition of a designated, personal mantra, which is a group of sounds without meaning. Or by “Knowledge” imparted by a “master” by which “inner light” is given and the “current of real life” (the source of life) is turned and the “current of real life” (the source of life) is turned on within us. Meditation is upon this “light experience.” 2) The Way of Words, following prescribed rules of conduct without desire. This is the more common way of India, much less emphasized in the West. 3) The Way of Devotion to a deity, involving continuous chanting of the chosen name, as exemplified by the vocal Krishna-Consciousness cult. Transcendental Meditation is a path to God (MM, p. 59). The way of Yoga (meaning union is that of concentration aided by body control, with the aim being “Union with the Divine.” Self-realization is entry into the Kingdom of Heaven within, entry into the field of the Creator. ” It is the gradual movement from Matter to Mind, and them to super Mind. Once we reach the supper Mind, we reach union with the Divine.” |
| JUDGEMENT | JUDGEMENT |
| The wages of sin is death… (Romans 6:23).Those who sleep in the dust…shall awake, some to everlasting, life, and some to shame, and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:2).And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27).And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God….And the dead were judged out of those things … written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 10:12).The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven…in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel…; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
If thy foot offend thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter lame into life than, having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched. (Mark 9:45) |
Heaven and hell are not accepted concepts. Karma, the “law of the deed,” of sowing and reaping, is allied with Transmigration (Reincarnation) in defining the results of sin and rewards of good.Suffering (on earth) is the result of some wrong doing in the past, one’s own repayment of deeds.One who has attained union with God, or “God-consciousness,” has reached the end of reincarnation. As the Buddha is reported to have said, “There is no rebirth for me.” |
Who is Yahweh and who is Jesus?
Who are these Gods in relation to each other?
Jesus prayed in John 17: 1, NLT: I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. I have further written on Yahweh who called Moses in the burning bush, referring to Himself as “I am” and later revealed His name as “Yahweh” to Moses. Later Jesus inferred that: I and my Father are one and the same person by saying: Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58)
Now that we’ve defined “god,” it becomes apparent that our original question is inadequate. It is now clear that we are asking more than whether Jesus is a “god.” We want to know if Jesus is YAHWEH! We must determine whether Jesus and Yahweh are two beings, or only one being. That is the crux of the whole body of arguments surrounding this issue.
The word “god” is not a proper name. It’s a title. It is generic and can refer to ANY god. Therefore, in order to help keep this issue clear as we study it, we’ll need to use the proper names whenever possible so we’ll know which “god” we are talking about at that moment. This is the value of properly naming our true Gods for the sake of differentiation as we study.
The name of the Creator God of Israel is Yahweh. The name of our Savior is Jesus. So for the sake of clarity, we should use their proper names, rather than their titles, as much as possible.
Now, let’s consider some of the identifying characteristics of both Jesus and Yahweh. Are they the same, or different?
1. The Father and the Son are United
John 5 we read: Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
4b. …an idol is nothing in the world, and there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But, to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him: AND one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him. (I Corinthians 8)
Many similar scriptures clearly delineate between Father and Son – identifying them as two, separate, distinct personalities. By definition, sons issue forth from fathers. Fathers precede their sons, necessarily. Otherwise, a father is not a father, and a son is not a son. A son cannot be his own father, nor can a father be his own son. Such an absurdity would nullify the meaning of the terms “father” and “son” and render the language useless.
2. One is the Creator; the other is a Created and Empowered Son of God (who co-creates and governs equally with His Father)
We read in Colossians 1:
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
This says that Jesus was created. He is “the firstborn” (greatest) of all creatures (i.e. things created). If Jesus was created then it had to be Yahweh who created Him. If Yahweh created Jesus, then Jesus cannot be Yahweh. The Created is not the Creator. The logic is simple.
Of course, someone might argue, “But, doesn’t this scripture go on to tell us that Jesus created all things that are in heaven and earth? That must mean that Jesus was the Creator!”
Verse 16 reads:
For in him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created through him, and for him:
“All things created” (i.e. this universe, if you will) were created ultimately for the Son who was to inherit all things, whether created by Yahweh directly, or co-created together with the Son. This verse has been used in the past to suggest that Jesus was the Creator in Genesis!and it is quite possible that Jesus existed before this earth was created!thus the world would have been co-created with Yahweh and Jesus working together, much like fathers and sons work together in a family business.
Regardless of this, Yahweh ultimately created all things for Jesus the Son – inheritor of the governance of all things owned by His Father, Yahweh. They were created in Him and for Him. Dominions, principalities, thrones, powers – all things are IN him.
Jesus is much like Joseph governing in full power, as second in command with Pharaoh over all Egypt.
3. One knows all: the Other gains His Knowledge from the Father
Matthew 24:
3. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him (Jesus) privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy presence (judgment), and of the end of the age (fall of Jerusalem)?
The disciples were asking about the coming judgment and destruction upon Jerusalem. They wanted to know when to expect the prophesied judgment. Jesus’ answer was interesting. In verses 3-36, He gave them some detail as to what they should watch for. Then, He finally answers their question directly in verse 36:
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my father only.
This does not imply Jesus didn’t know. He simply said no man knows, and at that time, Jesus walked as a man on earth. We know that Jesus knows all about this event as He described it frequently, and set stage by stage articulates warnings in His revelation to the churches in the Book of Revelation. Jesus is the last day Judge of all mankind as well as our advocate!a very good deal. I propose to you that all judges know when they will go to trial.
4. One was visible; the other wasn’t
John 1:
In the beginning was the logos (i.e. the communication), and the logos was for (not “with”) God, and God was the logos (i.e. the communication expressed the person of God). And the logos (the communication) was made flesh, (Yahweh’s logos was manifested in a man) and dwelt among us, and we beheld (looked upon) his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Men beheld Jesus: the Logos of God. They saw Him and touched Him. However, no man has seen Yahweh who is the source Spirit of all creation.
No man hath seen Yahweh at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
I John 1:
That which was from the beginning (i.e. Yahweh’s logos), which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hand have handled, of the logos of life; For the life (i.e. the logos) was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that *eonian life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; (“eonian life” = the spiritual awakening given during this New Covenant age).
In John 5:37, Jesus stood before his disciples and said:
37. And the Father himself, which has sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
I John 4:
No man hath seen God at any time… Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
No man has seen or heard the actual form or voice of the Father at any time. But, Jesus was both seen and heard. We are never directed to confess that Jesus is the Father. We are commanded to confess that Jesus is THE SON!
Jesus manifested God’s character of love and mercy throughout the ages, as the apostle Paul said that Jesus actually was the Rock referred to in the writings of Moses. Jesus, is the articulate image of God as the presentation of a man’s form, either in vision, or in flesh as Jesus here on earth. He is the “express image of God” ie of Yahweh’s indwelling Spirit manifesting as His imaged-representative through His created, yet distinct Son.
5. One “exists” eternally; the other doesn’t
The name “Yahweh” stems from a Hebrew verb meaning “TO BE,” or “self-existence,” from a prime root “to exist,” or “to be,” in the sense of non-ending. His nature, as well as his self-proclaimed name, clearly shows the impossibility of his ceasing to exist – even for a few hours. Yahweh cannot die unless He is a fraud! His name declares it! His Word declares it! He simply cannot cease to be! Jesus, on the other hand, died and ceased to exist for several hours. That establishes a big difference between Yahweh and Jesus.
Jesus trusted Yahweh to die for three days, and be placed in the earth. This incredible trust of Jesus indicates that He was unified even as One indwelt with Yahweh’s own Spirit, the source of all. As well, all power in heaven and earth was transferred to the most trusted Son of Yahweh!
It is a basic premise of scripture that Yahweh cannot die.
Psalm 102:
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shall thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Exodus 3:
And God said unto Moses, I am the One that exists. Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, He who exists has sent me unto you.
Yahweh EXISTS! He cannot stop existing. He is Yahweh! Yet, Jesus calls Himself the Alpha and Omega, and the “I am” indicating a parallel eternal co-existence with Yahweh.
I Corinthians 15:
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.
I would point out that Christ never dies, as he existed in heaven, but He always lives to make intercession for us. He died only as a man, when He chose to incarnate man.
6. One became hungry; the other doesn’t
Matthew 4:
Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered.
Of course, hunger is just one of the common needs of a flesh-and-blood mortal. It’s an interesting point when comparing the difference between Yahweh and man. Otherwise Jesus would never had died.
7. One was tempted; the other cannot be tempted
Matthew 4:
Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when the tempter came to him, (when He was hungry) he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
In Hebrews, we find the reason it was necessary for Him to be tempted.
Hebrews 2:
Forasmuch then as the children have shared of flesh and blood, he (Jesus) also himself likewise shared of the same; (He was flesh and blood, the same as his brothers) that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he is not somewhere ministering to angels, but he is ministering to the seed of Abraham (corrected translation according to the Greek). Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in all things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
Jesus was tempted! He was temporarily incarnated into a mortal state of being. He didn’t sin, however. Temptation, in itself is not sin. “Sin” is when we give in to temptation.
Now turn to James 1:13:
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God (Yahweh): for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.
Yahweh cannot be tempted! He could not have been Jesus at the same time as Jesus walked on earth, thus never the same! Nevertheless, He was One in mind with the Father, being indwelt with Yahweh’s Spirit.
8. One slept; the other doesn’t
Matthew 8:
And when he (Jesus) was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him, And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he (Jesus) was asleep.
Jesus must have been pretty tired to fall asleep in one of those little boats being tossed about in a storm on the sea of Galilee. He became weary and He slept. Yahweh doesn’t have that problem.
Psalm 121:
4. Behold, he (Yahweh) that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Isaiah 40:
Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, Yahweh, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?
Jesus only slept as an incarnate man. Now He sits at the right hand of the Father!which also indicated two beings, on the right and left of each other.
9. One prayed to the other
Luke 22:
And he (Jesus) came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Jesus prayed to his Father for help. He also acknowledged two sets of wills:
a. His will as incarnate man, and
b. His Father’s will as God in heaven.
10. One increased; the other doesn’t change
Luke 2:
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
If Jesus could increase, or learn something, it meant that He was not omniscient (all-knowing). In order to increase in wisdom Jesus could not have been Yahweh.
Psalm 147:
5. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite (unlimited).
Yahweh does not increase! Yahweh is omniscient (all knowing).
11. One was a man; the other wasn’t
John 8:
But now ye seek to kill me (Jesus), a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God.
Acts 2:
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.
Some have said to me, “If you say that Jesus was a man, then you’re worshipping just a man.”
However, it was Jesus himself who said He was a man. He also prevented men from worshipping Him while He was mortal, telling them to “worship God.” However, after He was raised to immortality, He was no more a natural man. When I worship the risen, immortal Jesus I am not worshipping “just a man.”
Numbers 23:
Yahweh is not a man that he could lie, neither the son of man, that he should repent…
Yahweh is not a man, nor the son of man. On the other hand, Jesus WAS “a man,” and “the Son of man.”
12. One has authority; the other has power
There is an important difference between the two.
Matthew 28:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All authority (not “power”) is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Jesus was given authority [“exousia” – Gk]. Authority comes only from a higher source. It must be delegated. Authority cannot exist unless there is a higher source in which it can be based. Like links in a chain, positions of authority are completely dependent upon the higher links. Cut one of the higher links and all support is cut off for any links below.
Soldiers understand authority and rank. Each rank, or position of authority, rests upon the ranks above it. Authority always comes from above. Jesus was given authority. Jesus could not have been given authority unless there was someone higher to give it to Him. That higher source was Yahweh.
Now, some Bible translators have confused “authority” with “power.” The King James Version translators were some of the worst offenders in this. The KJV translators indiscriminately used both words interchangeably! But they are clearly NOT interchangeable, and subsequent translators have corrected that error.
As I pointed out, “authority” comes from the Greek “exousia.” Power, on the other hand, is altogether different. It comes from the Greek word, “dunamis,” from which we get our English word, “dynamite.” If you know how dynamite works, you know how power works. Dynamite doesn’t need authority – it is simply raw force: power.
Ultimate “power” means Yahweh God. He has all power. He doesn’t need authority. A “power” holds control by virtue of his own strength. There is no one above Yahweh to delegate authority down to Him.
Yahweh is the ultimate power. He has more muscle than anyone else. No one is big enough to overpower Yahweh. There’s no group, nor anything, anywhere, than can unseat Yahweh.
A “power” is someone whose superior strength keeps them in control. There are lesser powers, and greater powers. Yahweh is the ultimate power. As long as a power can hold his position and protect his realm, he can delegate authority down to other people under him.
Understanding the difference between power and authority will help you also to understand Romans 13:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher authorities. For there is no authority but of God: the authorities that be are ordained of God.
We recognize all higher authorities. But remember, there is no viable authority except under Yahweh. That is just common sense. If Yahweh is the ultimate power, then He must delegate all authority. All authority must come from Him.
Can any lawful authority exist except under Yahweh? No! It is impossible!
If Yahweh has vested Jesus with “all authority in heaven and earth,” can there exist any viable authority but in and under Jesus? No! It is impossible!
Some men say they get their authority from the State of Oregon, or from the Federal Government, or from the Constitution, or from the Soviet Politburo, or from the United Nations or some other source. But, if they’re not under Jesus, their “authority” is bogus. It is not true authority! It is counterfeit because no authority can exist unless it is aligned under Yahweh and his Son. The only way that authority can work is if a “power” delegates it. An authority must be ordained of God in order to be viable. If they aren’t ordained (authorized) of God, they are fake and we should not honor them.
John 17:
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son may also glorify thee: As thou has given him authority over all flesh, that he should give eonian life to as many as thou has given him. And this is eonian life: that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (Here is the Bible definition of “eonian life” – usually translated “eternal life”).
As thou (Father) hath sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them (the disciples) into the world.
Yahweh sent (authorized) “Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ then sent (authorized) the disciples. This is the correct perspective on the order of authority: the order of rank.