Tag: atonement

The Greatest CRIME in History SAVED Your Soul

The Greatest Crime in History Was the Greatest Gift in History  — and We Owe the Jews Our Lives
How Israel’s Rejection Became the Salvation of the World 
and Why Every Christian Must Fall on His Face in Gratitude

This is going to shock the world, but the Bible says it in plain letters:

The crucifixion could only happen because Israel, officially and representatively, said “No” to her Messiah.

If the nation had recognised Him in AD 30 and crowned Him King in Jerusalem, there would have been no cross, no blood on the mercy seat, no atonement, no salvation for Israel, and no salvation for the Gentiles.

The Lamb of God had to be examined, declared innocent, and deliberately slaughtered by the very people who were waiting for Him.

Caiaphas spoke better than he knew: “It is better that one man die for the people so the whole nation not perish,” and John 11:51–52 declares that the high priest prophesied by the Holy Spirit.

That means the greatest crime in history was, in the unfathomable wisdom of God, the greatest act of service in history.

Without that rejection there is no gospel for any of us.

God therefore ordained a temporary, judicial, partial blindness (Romans 11:25) so the Lamb could actually be slain “with wicked hands” yet exactly according to “to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23).

That is why the apostles could call the crucifiers “betrayers and murderers,” “serpents, brood of vipers,” “children of the devil” (Acts 7:52; Matt 23:33; John 8:44), yet in the same breath cry, “Repent — the promise is still to you and to your children!” (Acts 2:38–39).

The fierce words were covenant lawsuit language against one generation, not a racial curse against a people forever.

Because the same Paul who spoke the harshest also wrote:

“To them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, the promises, the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever” (Romans 9:4–5).

Their fall became riches for the world.

Their scattering became the sowing.

God drove the broken loaf of Israel to the four corners of the earth, and wherever those Jewish seeds fell (Spain, Poland, Russia, Yemen, Ethiopia, Cochin in South India), the gospel followed the exact same trails.

The synagogue appeared first; the church sprang up beside it.

That is why a boy in South India whose family still carries the name Thomas can stand today confessing Christ: because the Apostle Thomas followed the ancient Jewish colonies to Kerala in AD 52, preached in their synagogues, was martyred, and left his bones and his name in my soil.

The scattering that looked like the worst curse was the greatest missionary movement in history.

And there is only one place on earth where the Lord has sworn to put His name forever: Jerusalem.

Every empire that has touched that city has rotted into dust.

The final tug-of-war over that land is not about politics; it is about the finished work of redemption that began when His own people lifted Him on a cross so the whole world could be saved.

The Deliverer has already come out of Zion. The moment He cried “It is finished!” on the cross, He banished ungodliness from Jacob once for all (Romans 11:26–27).

The veil was torn, thousands of Jewish priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7), the church was born 100 % Jewish on the day of Pentecost, and the foundation stones of the New Covenant were laid by Jewish apostles and Jewish prophets.

On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell, and three thousand Jews — “devout men from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5–11): Parthians, Medians, Elamites, Mesopotamians, Cappadocians, Pontians, Asians, Phrygians, Pamphylians, Egyptians, Libyans, Cyrenians, Romans, Cretans, and Arabians — the classic list of the scattered twelve-tribe Diaspora — were added in one day.

These were the very people James addressed only years later as “the twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (James 1:1) and Peter called “the elect exiles of the Dispersion” in the exact same regions (1 Peter 1:1).

The church was born 100 % Jewish, led by twelve Jewish apostles appointed to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). The apostles themselves understood this first-generation ingathering of the remnant from every tribe scattered among the nations as the literal, visible, once-for-all fulfilment of the promise:

“All Israel has been saved.” “‘All Israel’ does not mean every physical Jew who ever lived, but the remnant according to grace from every tribe who say Yes to Israel’s own Messiah —  then and now (Romans 9:6–8; 11:5–7).”

No symbolism.

No future event required.

It happened in Jerusalem, in the generation that saw Him crucified and risen, exactly as the prophets and apostles declared. The first-generation ingathering of the remnant from every tribe fulfilled the promise: “All Israel has been saved.”

Only because ungodliness was removed from Jacob that day could the Gentiles ever be grafted in and receive the inheritance we now enjoy.  Without that Jewish salvation first, there is no world salvation at all.

Ever since Pentecost the remnant according to grace has never stopped growing.

Today Messianic congregations are multiplying again across the land of Israel, and when the last one of the 144,000 from the twelve tribes receives the seal of the living God, the circle will be complete and God’s promise will stand sealed forever.

The prophets also said the word of the Lord would go forth from the mountain top of Jerusalem to all nations (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2).

It did — on the day of Pentecost, from the upper room in Jerusalem, the gospel exploded to the ends of the earth and has never stopped going.

Both promises are fulfilled.

The root has borne its fruit.

Therefore every Christian who loves Jesus must fall on his face and say:

“Lord, I thank You that You used Israel’s ‘No’ to purchase my forgiveness.

I thank You that You turned their scattering into seed so the gospel reached even me.

I thank You that the Root, the Word, and the returning King are forever Jewish.

Therefore I will bless the descendants of Jacob, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, stand with the people through whom You gave me everything, and I will never boast against the natural branches that still bear me.

All glory belongs to You alone, O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and deep, trembling gratitude to the tribes You chose to be the channel of my salvation.

Salvation is from the Jews — and the word has already gone out from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Hallelujah.

The Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed.

Maranatha — the Lord has come, and He is coming again in glory to be admired in all His saints, Jew and Gentile together, forever.

Amen.

 

Restoring TRUE Healing: CORRECTING Misinterpretations of ISAIAH 53

“By his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5, KJV). These words blaze with divine power, yet they’re twisted into confusion. I’ve seen friends with chronic illnesses crushed when promised physical healings never came, and heard preachers proclaim this verse guarantees health through faith, leaving the afflicted doubting their devotion. This misreading of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53 (Isaiah 52:13–53:12) distorts God’s truth. By diving into the Hebrew text, exploring the Tanakh’s context, reflecting on Proverbs’ wisdom, and listening to the New Testament’s revelation, we uncover a truth that torches shallow promises: the healing of Isaiah 53 is primarily spiritual and collective restoration—mending a broken nation and reconciling humanity to God. Through this lens, we silence twisted theologies, embrace God’s grace in suffering, and anchor our hope in eternal wholeness.

The Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53: Bearing Our Afflictions

Isaiah 53:4-5, part of the Suffering Servant prophecy, paints a searing picture: “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (KJV). To grasp the depth of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, we must explore the Hebrew and its Tanakh context.

🧠 What "Tanakh" Means:

It’s an acronym for the Hebrew Bible’s three sections:

– T – Torah (Law / Instruction)

– N – Nevi’im (Prophets)

– K – Ketuvim (Writings)

Ta-Na-Kh = Tanakh

The Hebrew unveils fiery nuances: “cholayenu” (sicknesses) and “mak’ovenu” (pains) show the Servant bearing our afflictions, while “nagu’a” (stricken) and “muke” (smitten) depict him as misunderstood, enduring divine judgment. “Mecholal” (wounded/pierced) and “meduka” (crushed) highlight the cost of our “pesha’einu” (rebellion) and “avonoteinu” (sins). “Musar sh’lomenu” (chastisement for our peace) ignites reconciliation, and “nirpa” (healed), from the root “r-p-a”, means to restore or make whole—encompassing spiritual, moral, and national restoration.

Correcting Misinterpretations of Isaiah 53

Why is Isaiah 53:5 so often misread as a promise of physical healing? Prosperity gospel teachings and modern assumptions project bodily health onto “by his stripes we are healed,” ignoring its deeper context. This eisegesis—reading our desires into Scripture—misses the blazing truth of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. The Hebrew “nirpa” points to restoration, not just physical cures, and the Tanakh’s narrative reveals a collective healing for Israel’s spiritual sickness. By returning to the original context, we torch these distortions and embrace the true healing—spiritual wholeness through Christ’s atonement—that unites humanity with God.

Israel’s Spiritual Rebellion: A Sick Nation

During the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 740–700 BC), Judah and Jerusalem fell into deep moral and spiritual decay. They committed spiritual adultery, chasing the god of this world rather than the God of their fathers (Hosea 4:12, describing Israel’s idolatry as a “spirit of harlotry”; 2 Corinthians 4:4). They forgot their Maker—the Rock from which they were hewn (Isaiah 51:1–2; Hosea 8:14)—in an act of rebellion, called “children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2; 5:6; Colossians 3:6).

They didn’t just despise God’s messengers—they killed them. Again and again, they silenced prophets with bloodshed (1 Thessalonians 2:15; Matthew 21:35–40; 23:31–37), until they crucified the Son Himself, the Prince of Life (Acts 3:15), judging themselves unworthy of eternal life (Acts 13:46). This apostasy is a “sin unto death” (1 John 5:16). Isaiah 1 indicts this “sick” nation, using a body metaphor: “The whole head is sick, the whole heart faint. From head to toe there is no soundness—only wounds, bruises, and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with ointment” (Isaiah 1:5–6).

In the Tanakh, the “wicked” denotes unfaithful Israel, whoring after idols (Hosea 4:12), bearing “alien children” (Hosea 5:7, meaning offspring of spiritual unfaithfulness). Defiled like the seed of the serpent, like Cain (Hosea 5:4; 1 John 3:12), their hearts were hardened by God’s judgment (Isaiah 6:9–10), wrapped in a false spirit (Hosea 4:19; 5:4, symbolizing demonic influence). God withdrew from them (Hosea 5:6; Song of Songs 5:6), leaving them like a fruitless tree cursed to wither (Mark 11:13–14, 20; John 15:6), salt without savor (Matthew 5:13; Luke 14:34–35), or a darkened body with an evil eye (Matthew 6:23). This corrupt Israel, claiming to be Jews but a “synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9, referring to those opposing Christ’s truth), faced judgment. Jesus condemned their hypocritical worship: “They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8–9). Their synagogues, turned from truth, became “synagogues of Satan” (Revelation 2:9). Their house was left desolate (Matthew 23:38), their land ruined (Jeremiah 7:34), and not one stone left upon another (Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:22), as Nadab and Abihu fell for rebellion (Numbers 3:4). This culminated in AD 70, when Jerusalem’s destruction poured out God’s wrath (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15–21; 1 Thessalonians 2:16; Luke 19:41–44), ending the kingdom of Israel.

The Hebrew “rosh” (“head”) symbolizes Israel’s rebellious will, exposing corrupt leaders—princes and priests (Isaiah 1:23; Hosea 4:6)—and a deeper revolt against the covenant (Isaiah 1:2–4; Jeremiah 2:30; Daniel 9:27). “Choli” (“sickness”) underscores the nation’s moral affliction (Isaiah 53:4). Yet saints like Abraham, Moses, and Rahab, by faith, showed godliness was possible through God’s grace (Hebrews 11:6–31). Alongside them stands the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 11:1–40), who, under the Law, proved righteousness by faith was always God’s way, even before Christ’s full revelation.

The Suffering Servant’s Atonement: Jesus as the Ransom

Ezekiel 22:30 says God sought a man to stand in the gap for the land, but found none. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10, 23). Israel knew one man must die for the nation (John 11:50; 18:14). God took that place in Jesus of Nazareth. The Lamb of God, the Word, the express image of His person—slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8; John 1:29)—became flesh to bear what had to be borne (1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 9:15). He was the propitiation through faith in His blood (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10), a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:6). His rejection by many in Israel brought judgment—“Your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38). The audacity to reject redemption is staggering darkness! Yet through that rejection, salvation came to the Gentiles (Romans 11:11–12), ushering in a new covenant (Hebrews 8:13) that unites Jew and Gentile as one new man in Christ, without walls of partition (Ephesians 2:14–15). All things work together for good! Their fall led to the world’s salvation (Romans 11). For the sake of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God’s promise to preserve Israel’s tribes stands (Romans 11:25–29). Through Jesus, the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 fulfills Israel’s calling, bringing wholeness to all, silencing every claim of supersessionism. God has not cast off Israel or earthly Jerusalem—now under the authority of the heavenly Jerusalem, the mother of us all (Galatians 4:21–27; Hebrews 12:22).

The One New Man: Restoration, Not Replacement

The true Jew, circumcised in heart, praised by God not men (Romans 2:28–29), endures in the true Israel, rooted in Abraham’s faith through Christ, the promised seed (Galatians 3:16). Believers, Jew and Gentile, grafted into this holy line (Romans 11:17–24), form the indestructible Israel of God (Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:9). Called as God’s firstborn (Exodus 4:22), Israel was to blaze as salt and light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; Matthew 5:13). But the dried-up, sapless, Godless branches—steeped in willful rebellion—rejected their God and His Son, loving darkness (John 3:19), choosing the evil one (2 Corinthians 4:4; Acts 3:15), like their forefathers who went backward (Isaiah 1:4; Jeremiah 17:23), made a covenant with death (Isaiah 28:15), stiffened their necks (Jeremiah 17:23), burned incense to the queen of heaven (Jeremiah 44:25), and took up the star of Remphan (Acts 7:43). Even the ox knows its owner, but they would not consider their God (Isaiah 1:3). Their covenant ceased at the cross, where Christ, in the midst of the week, ended the old and disannulled their covenant with death (Daniel 9:27; Hebrews 8:13; Isaiah 28:18). Raising one new man in Himself, He united Jew and Gentile without enmity (Ephesians 2:14–15), restoring Zion as the Body of Christ, where the whole Israel is saved (Jeremiah 30:17). Yet, for the promise to the fathers—preserving all tribes of Israel—God’s vow stands, awaiting fulfillment before the Messiah’s return (Romans 11:25–29; Revelation 7). His covenant blazes eternal for the faithful who heed His call to repent and live (2 Chronicles 7:14).

The one new man in Christ is not about replacement—it’s restoration, reconciliation, and God’s eternal purpose: uniting all in Him. Ephesians 2:14–15 reveals Christ “is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” This unity is a present reality, not a future hope. We maintain the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3). The first-century church was distinctly Jewish, built on Jewish apostles and prophets, with Christ, the Jewish Messiah, as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). Salvation is “of the Jews” (John 4:22). Many priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7), and multitudes of Jews turned to Christ (Acts 2–6). Jesus came to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24), yet through God’s plan, Gentiles became fellow heirs (Ephesians 3:6). This is the true Israel of God, reconciled through the cross. Cease striving to unite national Israel with the true Israel, for “not all in Israel are Israel” (Romans 9:6). Those who walk in Abraham’s faith are the children of the promise (Romans 4:12; 9:8). Walk boldly in the true Israel, grafted into this blazing unity, bearing fierce witness to Christ’s triumph!

The healing promised in Isaiah 53 has begun in Christ, extending to individuals, the covenant people, and the land. The cry of 2 Chronicles 7:14—“If My people… humble themselves, pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…”—finds its answer in Christ’s finished work and the Spirit’s outpouring. Through the cross and resurrection, Zion is restored—not just as a city, but as a spiritual reality. Hebrews 12:22 declares, “You have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” This is our present inheritance in Christ. The true Zion is seated in heavenly places with Christ, and His temple is His Body—you are that temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Why We Misread Isaiah 53’s Context

Do you see the blazing gravity of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53? Why do some twist its meaning? Many Christians fall into eisegesis, drinking from muddy waters instead of Christ’s living truth, leaving them spiritually lean, far from the blazing life a Christian is called to live. The Old Testament was written for ancient Israel, where “healing” carried collective, spiritual weight. Reading translations centuries later, we project modern concerns, like physical health, onto the text. Theological lenses, especially in prosperity gospel circles, distort promises of “healing” or “wealth.” Let’s return to the Hebrew and Tanakh’s narrative to honor God’s blazing truth.

Israel in the wilderness didn’t seek healing—it was theirs under God’s direct rule. For forty years, their clothes and sandals didn’t wear out, their feet didn’t swell (Deuteronomy 8:4; 29:5; Nehemiah 9:21). God sustained them, suggesting remarkable health. Unlike them, we are endowed with healing for ministry, to bring Gentiles to faith, as Paul testified through signs and wonders (Romans 15:18-19). The phrase “by His stripes we are healed” isn’t just about personal healing—it’s the restoration of the nation and land, as seen in Israel’s prophetic warnings.

Jesus and the Apostles: Spiritual Wholeness Above All

The New Testament sets spiritual wholeness ablaze above all else. Jesus taught eternal life trumps physical health: “It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell” (Mark 9:43, KJV). His message prioritizes the soul’s condition, not dismissing miracles but clarifying their purpose—revealing God’s compassion and power. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” met God’s response: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Timothy’s “often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23), Trophimus’ sickness (2 Timothy 4:20), and Epaphroditus’ near-death illness (Philippians 2:25–30) show faithful servants thriving despite unhealed bodies. Paul honored them, not rebuking their faith. Our “vile” bodies groan for redemption (Philippians 3:21; Romans 8:23), awaiting resurrection.

Proverbs’ Fiery Wisdom: Spiritual Vitality

Proverbs ignites promises: “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones” (Proverbs 3:7–8, KJV). Wisdom offers “long life… riches and honour” (Proverbs 3:16) and “health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:22). These aren’t prosperity gospel lies but symbols of spiritual vitality, peace, and right living, blazing with the spiritual healing of Isaiah 53. The world twists these into shallow gain, but the truth burns brighter: the ultimate health is the restoration of the soul, the healing of corrupt human nature, a life infused with divine power.

“Flesh” in Proverbs isn’t just skin, bones, or organs—“dead because of sin” (Romans 8:10). It’s the “sarx“, the corrupted human nature—heart, mind, and sinful desires—distorted by the fall (Romans 8:4–5). Proverbs’ health is the spiritual transformation of this fallen nature through God’s life-giving wisdom, not a mere cure. Christ doesn’t patch up the old man; He makes all things new, clothing us in divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). This flesh, deadened by sin, is revived through the Spirit’s power, a spiritual resurrection into a new creation. The body awaits its glorious transformation (Romans 8:11), but the corrupt self is renewed today—spirit, soul, and mind—in divine vitality. And as we prosper in our souls, we can also access health and well-being, just as it is written, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2). But if we fall away and live according to the flesh, the opposite happens—spiritual death and discipline come upon us, as warned in Romans 8:13; 1 Corinthians 11:28-32; and Hebrews 6:6.

The Promise Unpacked

Proverbs 3:8’s “health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones” ignites holistic renewal—soul, spirit, and body—fulfilled in Christ, God’s wisdom.

– Health (רְפוּאָה, refu’ah): From “rāphâ“, “to heal” or “restore,” “refu’ah” is spiritual well-being, revitalizing our core.

– Navel (טֶנֶר, tenar): The navel, like an umbilical cord, is the source of life. “Health to thy navel” restores spiritual vitality lost in Adam’s sin.

– Marrow (חַסְרֵי, ḥaserê): Marrow, the lifeblood of bones, signifies inner vitality. Wisdom fortifies soul and spirit.

– Bones (עַצְמוֹת, ‘atzmot): Bones symbolize stability. Wisdom strengthens our life’s foundation.

This imagery—health to the navel, marrow to the bones—paints wisdom as a life-giving force, nourishing our core and fortifying our foundation, a spiritual healing touching every aspect of our being.

Christ: The Ultimate Fulfillment

Christ, the embodiment of God’s wisdom, fulfills this promise. His life, death, and resurrection reconnect humanity to the life-giving source severed at the fall, when the umbilical cord of spiritual nourishment was cut, plunging us into death—spiritual and physical. Through Christ, we receive wholeness, a restoration healing not just individuals but the corporate body of humanity. The “navel” signifies this lost connection, restored by Christ’s sacrifice, flooding us with divine vitality.

Israel’s Sickness and Restoration

This severed umbilical cord is seen in Israel’s history. God’s firstborn (Exodus 4:22), they became “whole body sick” (Isaiah 1:5–6), spiritually diseased, their connection to God broken by idolatry (Hosea 4:12). Like Cain (1 John 3:12), they bore alien children (Hosea 5:7), defiled as the seed of the serpent (Hosea 5:4). Their hearts hardened (Isaiah 6:9–10), wrapped in a false spirit (Hosea 4:19; 5:4), they faced God’s withdrawal (Hosea 5:6; Song of Songs 5:6) and judgment in AD 70 (Matthew 23:38; 24:2; Luke 21:22). Yet, the true Jew, circumcised in heart (Romans 2:28–29), endures in the true Israel through Christ, the promised seed (Galatians 3:16). Believers, grafted into this holy line (Romans 11:17–24), form the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:9). Proverbs’ promise is fulfilled in Christ, healing Israel and all nations, mending the wound of Adam’s fall.

A Corporate and Individual Restoration

Through Christ, we are healed as individuals and as a people—Israel and all nations. Embracing Christ’s wisdom, we are spiritually restored, receiving new life as the Body of Christ. Proverbs points to individual restoration through personal embrace of wisdom and corporate restoration through Christ’s healing of Israel and the world, returning us to God’s original design.

The Fiery Call

Embrace Christ’s blazing wisdom, not the world’s shallow promises! Proverbs’ health—”refu’ah”—flows from the navel, strengthens the bones, and fills the marrow with divine vitality. It’s not a patched-up body but a transformed person, individual and corporate, made whole in Christ. Find life, health, and wholeness—today in the Spirit, tomorrow in the resurrection.

Confronting Unsound Theologies

Some prosperity teachings misapply or twist Isaiah 53:5 and the promises found in Proverbs to guarantee physical health and material wealth, suggesting that sickness or hardship stems from weak faith. This interpretation ignores the consistent biblical witness regarding godly suffering. Job endured profound loss despite being declared blameless and upright (Job 1:8). The apostles faced trials, persecution, and physical afflictions. The “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 11:1-40)—including figures like Abraham, Moses, and Rahab—exhibited faith and godliness under the Law, indicating that God’s grace was operative even before Christ’s full revelation. Faithful believers such as Fanny Crosby, blind from infancy, and George Müller, who faced physical trials yet trusted God’s provision, bore lasting spiritual fruit amid hardship.

Church history also offers compelling examples of faithful believers enduring suffering without loss of faith or fruitfulness:

1. Charles Spurgeon: Known as the “Prince of Preachers,” he struggled with chronic depression, gout, and kidney disease, yet his preaching and writings bore massive spiritual fruit and continue to influence millions.

2. Amy Carmichael: A missionary to India for over 50 years, she suffered from neuralgia and later endured an accident that left her bedridden for years. Still, she wrote prolifically and had a powerful, lasting impact on missions and child rescue work.

3. David Brainerd: Died of tuberculosis at just 29. Despite intense physical suffering, his journal influenced generations of missionaries, including Jonathan Edwards and William Carey.

4. Oswald Chambers: Best known for the devotional “My Utmost for His Highest”. Though he served faithfully as a Bible teacher and chaplain, he suffered from frequent health issues and died at age 43 due to complications following appendicitis. Despite his short life and physical suffering, his writings—compiled posthumously by his wife—have impacted millions.

5. Epaphroditus: Described as “ill, and near to death,” even though he was serving the Lord faithfully (Philippians 2:25–30). Paul does not rebuke him for weak faith; rather, he honors him.

Theological Clarification on Propitiation and Healing

In theology, propitiation refers to the redemptive work of Christ that satisfies the justice of God and secures salvation for the soul (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2). Through faith—or the imputation of faith—the benefits of Christ’s atonement are transferred to the believer, guaranteeing eternal life, forgiveness, and reconciliation to all who believe (John 3:3; Colossians 1:13). However, physical healing is not a universal or guaranteed outcome of salvation.

The primary aim of propitiation is not bodily healing, but the redemption of Israel and ultimately the salvation of the soul. That said, healing is certainly possible and was prominently displayed during the inception of Christ’s Kingdom—a time marked by signs, wonders, and miracles confirming the gospel message (Matthew 10:8; Acts 3:6-8; Hebrews 2:4). The apostles were commanded to heal the sick, raise the dead, and proclaim liberty to the brokenhearted—not as a promise of guaranteed bodily wholeness for all, but as a demonstration of the Kingdom breaking into the world.

Healing, therefore, should not be regarded as a foundational or universal right in the same way as spiritual rebirth, deliverance from sin, or freedom from the kingdom of darkness. Rather, healing may come by grace, sometimes through personal faith, or through the Spirit’s movement in specific times and places (1 Corinthians 12:9). While the gift of healing has not necessarily ceased, it operates according to God’s will and purpose—not as a mechanical or guaranteed outcome of faith.

To interpret Isaiah 53 as a promise of personal physical healing for all believers strips the passage of its primary theological weight, which centers on the vicarious suffering of the Servant for humanity’s sins (Isaiah 53:11). Doing so risks distorting its message and rendering it ineffective by taking it out of its original redemptive and prophetic context.

Purpose of Suffering in the Life of the Believer

Instead, suffering serves important spiritual purposes:

– It refines faith (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5).

– Conforms believers to Christ (Romans 8:17).

– Prepares them to reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).

– Displays God’s glory in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:6-7).

A Balanced Theology: Hope Amid Suffering

God can heal—through prayer, medicine, or miracles (James 5:14-15)—and walking in the Spirit brings wholeness (Galatians 5:16-25). Yet, healing isn’t guaranteed; sometimes, like Paul, we receive grace to endure. Isaiah 53’s healing is foremost spiritual—forgiveness, peace with God, and restoration, fulfilled by Jesus. Suffering may persist, but God’s grace sustains, and ultimate wholeness awaits in eternity.

| Unbalanced View | Balanced Biblical View | Key Scriptures |

| Guaranteed healing via faith | Healing possible but not ultimate; focus on spiritual/eternal | Isaiah 53:5, 11; 2 Cor. 12:9; Rom. 8:23 |

| Sickness = sin or weak faith | Suffering refines, conforms to Christ | Job 1:8; James 1:2-4; Rom. 5:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Pet. 1:6-7 |

| Wisdom guarantees wealth/health | Wisdom fosters wholeness, but suffering persists | Proverbs 3:7-8; Eccl. 7:14; Phil. 3:21 |

Shining Light in the Darkness

Let this truth chase away ignorance: the healing of Isaiah 53 and Proverbs’ blessings point to spiritual restoration—peace with God and alignment with His wisdom, fulfilled through the Suffering Servant’s preordained sacrifice (Isaiah 52:13–53:12). Physical suffering may linger, but God’s grace sustains, and His promise of resurrection anchors our hope. By grounding ourselves in Scripture, we silence unsound theologies, grow sound in Christ Jesus, and shine His light amid trials.

Closing Call-to-Action

How does the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 ignite your faith today? Dive deeper into the Scriptures, let Christ’s healing torch your soul, and share His blazing truth with the world!

Visual Aids
1. Chart: Old vs. New Testament Views of Healing (from previous responses, retained to support the article’s argument)
| Aspect | Old Testament (Isaiah 53, Proverbs) | New Testament (Jesus, Apostles) |

| Definition of Healing | Spiritual and collective restoration; healing of the nation (Israel) and its covenant with God (Isaiah 53:5; Proverbs 3:7–8). | Spiritual wholeness prioritized; eternal life over physical health, though miracles show God’s power (Mark 9:43; Romans 15:18-19). |

| Key Imagery  | “By his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5); “health to thy navel, marrow to thy bones” (Proverbs 3:8). | Grace in suffering (2 Corinthians 12:9); body groaning for redemption (Romans 8:23). |

| Purpose | Restore Israel’s covenant, mend humanity’s fall (Isaiah 1:5–6; Proverbs 4:22). | Reconcile Jew and Gentile in Christ, prepare for resurrection (Ephesians 2:14–15; Philippians 3:21). |

| Outcome | Wholeness for the nation and individuals through God’s wisdom (Proverbs 3:16). | Spiritual renewal now, bodily resurrection later (2 Peter 1:4; Romans 8:11). |

2. Table: Unbalanced vs. Balanced Biblical Views (restored from original)
| Unbalanced View | Balanced Biblical View | Key Scriptures |

| Guaranteed healing via faith | Healing possible but not ultimate; focus on spiritual/eternal | Isaiah 53:5, 11; 2 Cor. 12:9; Rom. 8:23 |

| Sickness = sin or weak faith | Suffering refines, conforms to Christ | Job 1:8; James 1:2-4; Rom. 5:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Pet. 1:6-7 |

| Wisdom guarantees wealth/health | Wisdom fosters wholeness, but suffering persists | Proverbs 3:7-8; Eccl. 7:14; Phil. 3:21 |

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The “Law”: INDISPENSABLE & a Bulwark to Society

The Divine Foundation of Law: Navigating Justice, Order, and Human Flourishing

First, it is crucial to understand that the law is a spiritual force expressed through language. Given by whom? We shall discuss that presently! Mankind cannot contrive the kind of “Justice and Order” that prevails upon humanity. I posit that the law can only be conceived by minds aligned with the Creator of the heavens and the earth, whom we call GOD ALMIGHTY. Human hearts, tainted by sin and bound by finite understanding, lack the purity and omniscience to originate laws that reflect eternal righteousness. It is impossible for mere man to formulate what is spiritual in nature; it must come from a spiritual being who is Righteous, Holy, and Just.

The Nature of the Law

The law has two sides: the Sword and Grace. It is a terror to those who rebel against the natural laws of nature and a buffer to those who are fearful and upright in heart.

Before the inception or compilation of the Holy Bible, which is the Word of God, there was no law and order in the world as we have now. The world then was a chaotic realm under the reign of dictators, evil kings, and rulers whose vassals were all the souls that came under them. A commoner held no eminence; the rulers had such authority that even the keys of death and hell were in their hands—think of the blood-soaked altars where innocents were sacrificed to appease capricious gods. Whom they would annihilate, they would; whom they would let live, lived. It’s not that the Sovereign God didn’t have any power, but that God is Just and He works in perfect Righteousness. Despite man’s wicked heart, He values mankind as they are created in His own image and likeness. Therefore, He won’t violate and thrust Himself into a territory without mediums. And the law of God is one such medium.

The Atonement and Its Significance

When it is said, “God so loved the world,” it carries tremendous ideas of God in it. The sacrifice of the Lamb of God on the cross of Calvary was one of those ideas, as is the gift of the Spirit of God and the law of God. The “Atonement”—the reconciliation of God and humankind through Jesus Christ—stands pivotal as that one love offering of God, which alone made other manifold graces of God to be poured upon mankind to receive. By satisfying divine justice, it laid the foundation for a legal order that redeems rather than merely condemns.

The Conflict of Laws

Whether you are ignorant or not, the world is under the sway of the evil and good; the wicked and the just; the good seed and the bad seed; the devil and God. If so, the two entities have their own law and order. One is Chaos, which is lawlessness and disorder, ultimately embodied in a figure Scripture calls “the lawless one,” whose spirit already stirs rebellion against truth. The other is Shalom, which is order and good fruits. The lawless one wants to turn the world into an inhabitable environment, and it has held the world like that for many centuries. However, the work of God on the cross of Calvary transformed everything, initiating a process that worked toward man’s liberation.

The Impact of the Bible

Although it took centuries for it to become effective for humanity’s benefit, it emerged after the dark ages in the form of the Bible, the Sword of the Spirit of God. Until then, this Sword was not made available to multiple generations. This Sword of God permeated the entire globe, bringing liberation to mankind, turning vile, despicable, and abhorrent souls into well-behaved and ethical characters. The Reformation and the Renaissance were a few major milestones of its inception. The light finally dawned on mankind, bringing liberty, individual rights, and development. The once ferocious tribes and cannibals that would sacrifice humans on their altars to appease their internal longing for redemption have become regions of light and life, just because of the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Bible.

The Diverse Landscape of Law

Laws around the world can be categorized into various types based on their scope and application. Understanding these categories is crucial to grasp the complexity of justice and order that underpins society. Here are some key categories:

1. Constitutional Law: Governs the structure and function of government institutions and the rights of individuals.

2. Criminal Law: Defines offenses against the state and prescribes punishments, including felonies, misdemeanors, and regulatory offenses.

3. Civil Law: Addresses disputes between individuals or organizations, including contract disputes, property issues, and family law.

4. International Law: Governs the relationships between nations, encompassing treaties, customary international law, and principles like sovereignty and human rights.

5. Humanitarian Law: Specifically addresses the conduct of armed conflict, known as the laws of war or the law of armed conflict (e.g., the Geneva Conventions).

6. Environmental Law: Focuses on regulations and treaties aimed at protecting the environment, covering issues like pollution, wildlife protection, and natural resource management.

7. Labor Law: Governs the rights and duties of workers, employers, and unions, addressing wages, working conditions, and employment contracts.

8. Commercial Law: Regulates business and commercial transactions, including contract law, sales, and partnerships.

9. Family Law: Covers marriage, divorce, child custody, and other family-related matters.

10. Property Law: Governs ownership and use of property, including real estate and intellectual property rights.

11. Administrative Law: Regulates the actions of government agencies and their rule-making processes.

12. Cyber Law: Addresses legal issues related to the internet, digital communications, and technology.

Each type of law serves different societal needs and may vary significantly between countries, reflecting the unique cultural, ethical, and spiritual values that shape human interactions.

The Birth of Law and Order

Law and order have slowly but gradually been birthed into the world by the Judeo-Christian worldview. Before this, human attempts like Hammurabi’s Code sought order, but they lacked the spiritual depth and redemptive power of God’s law. The freedom that the world now relishes came through this divine medium. It reflects the common grace of God upon humanity—evidence of His care for His creation.

The Dangers of Undemocratic Regimes

Could you imagine a world without law? That’s exactly what the undemocratic regimes of the world would want. They seek to take liberty from the hands of the commoner and give it to authoritarianism, totalitarianism, or oligarchy, whose characteristics often include repression of dissent, limited freedom of speech, and lack of accountability to the public. An undemocratic regime typically refers to a government system where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, often disregarding the principles of democracy such as free and fair elections, civil liberties, and political pluralism. For example, in regimes like North Korea, where state-enforced atheism rejects divine order, or Venezuela, where corruption undermines justice, citizens experience severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms, illustrating the chaotic environment that arises without law rooted in God’s righteousness.

Addressing Counterarguments

Some may argue that laws can be oppressive or misused by those in power, leading to injustice rather than protection. Historical examples, such as Jim Crow laws in the United States or the Nuremberg Laws in Nazi Germany, illustrate how legal frameworks can be manipulated to justify discrimination and violence. However, it is essential to recognize that the failure lies not in the concept of law itself but in its application by flawed humans. Divine law, in its pure form, seeks justice and order; human distortion cannot tarnish its eternal essence. The pursuit of a just legal system requires constant vigilance and a commitment to righteousness.

The Coming of the Lawless One

A hybrid human is going to be the king of the planet for a short period, whose spirit is already at work in the world. He will oppose everything that embodies truth, righteousness, and GOD. He is going to be mankind’s worst nightmare. Despite his authority—God is Sovereign. This evil entity is called “the lawless one,” and in contrast to the Law, which enabled the righteous reign and brought justice to the world, he will let the wicked reign and will turn the world into a burning furnace. For it is the judgment of God upon all that shun truth and righteousness. The grace period upon the world, which God has bestowed upon mankind, will shut its doors forever. Once again, God will shut the door, just as He did when He closed the door of Noah’s ark during the great deluge.

Conclusion

I am not suggesting that the law has been beneficial for some while detrimental to others. I admit that all men are equal in the sense that all possess a wicked and unrighteous heart. But some fear the law and curb their wicked acts, allowing the righteous traits to be imputed to them, while the multitude that rebel and act foolishly fall into the hands of law and order to be either slain or punished by it.

Call to Action

As we reflect on these truths, I urge you to consider the vital role of law in our society. Engage in discussions about justice and governance, advocate for democratic principles, and educate others about the importance of upholding the rule of law. The future of our societies may depend on our collective commitment to these values.

Personal Reflection

Reflecting on these themes reminds me of my own experiences witnessing the impact of law and order in various contexts. I have seen communities flourish under just governance, where individuals are empowered to live freely and ethically. Conversely, I have also seen the despair that arises in places where lawlessness prevails. These observations fuel my conviction that the law, rooted in divine principles, is essential for a flourishing society.

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just and good – Romans 7:12

“Expanding the GENESIS 1 Narrative

Genesis 1

1    In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth

The Word of God, who is before all things, who was with God, the Prince of Life, the Lord who descended from heaven to atone for the sins of the world; it is by him that all things were created and are made; All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made – Colossians 1:16,17; John 1:1-4/17:5; Revelation 19:13; Acts 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:47 – the Word of God is God – John 1:1-4; 1John 5:20; Revelation 19:13 – He emanates from and shares the same essence as the All-Powerful God; He is the brightness of God’s glory, and the express image of his person, who upholds all things by the word of his power – Hebrews 1:3; John 1:18/5:37/6:46/10:30/14:9,10/16:28; Philippians 2:6; He is the power of God, and the wisdom of God – 1 Corinthians 1:24.

Why can’t God reveal Himself as He truly is? He tried once, but the sight was so dreadful that Israel could not behold and tolerate even His covered presence; they told Moses that they couldn’t abide his sound or the sight. The scene was so terrifying that Moses himself exclaimed, “I quake with fear” Hebrews 12:21. For God is a Spirit, who only hath immortality, He dwells in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see – 1 Timothy 6:16; John 4:24; with God is terrible majesty; Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out – Job 37:22,23. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Deuteronomy 5:23-26. The Lord thy God walks in the midst of thy camp – Deuteronomy 23:14; His glory was present with them, yet they could barely stand it. What did God respond in response to Moses’ request to behold His glory? Thou shalt not see my face: for no man shall see me and live; yet I will conceal thee in the cleft of the rock, which is Christ, and ye will see my back portion – Exodus 33:18-23; 1 Corinthians 10:4. Now do you understand one of the purposes for which God took on human form? And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory – John 1:14; God was manifest in the flesh – 1 Timothy 3:16.

When God created the heaven and the earth (Everything else is described in the sequence of creation, except for the ocean. That is not rational. I hypothesise that the water that covers the land appears to be a cataclysmic consequence, caused by God opening the earth’s reservoirs to destroy civilization (during the antediluvian epoch), just as He did again during Noah’s time. What we read here is not creation, but devastation. Jeremiah makes it quite evident how God destroyed the previous world – Jeremiah 4:23-18. God created the sea, according to Revelation 10:6, but when? God termed the waters that He gathered, Seas, for the first time in Genesis 1:10. Additionally, according to Psalms 104:6, God covered the earth with the deep like a robe, with the floods rising above the mountains (The Bible states, “God formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain/He did not create it a chaos (RSV), he formed it to be inhabited.” So why would God cover the earth with the deep like a robe? — Isaiah 45:18). And it is revealed in the book of Ezekiel when He did that. 31:15 Unlike the flood in Noah’s time, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters, ready to bring about a new creation – Genesis 1:2.

According to Ezekiel 26:20, who are the “people of old time”? Without a doubt, according to Ezekiel 28, the prince/king of Tyrus is a metaphor for lucifer. This is what God said concerning Lucifer; do you recall? “By the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise” – Ezekiel 27:33/28:5,12. How did lucifer fell? By the multitude of his merchandise they (his subjects) have filled his midst (his domain) with violence, and thou hast sinned – Ezekiel 28:16. Why would he say in his heart that he would put his throne above God’s if there was no throne where he was granted authority? Isaiah 14:13 A throne denotes a ruler. What purpose does a ruler serve without a kingdom to govern? While Tyre historically represented a city located at the sea’s entrance, serving as a major trading center for numerous islands and the domain of the anointed cherub, it also symbolizes a contemporary urban area that will face destruction similar to its ancient counterpart – Ezekiel 27:3. “Thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters” “The sea shall cause his waves to come up” – Ezekiel 26:3/27:34; Revelation 18. Why would the Spirit of God describe the prince of Tyrus as having been in Eden, God’s garden, if it wasn’t a reference to lucifer? Ezekiel 28:12,13 It is obvious that it refers to a realm ruled by heylel, also known as lucifer.

Heaven that is mentioned in verse 1 is the sky – singular (alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move – The troposphere, which is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere), He did not create it empty and void. God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn’t create it a waste – Isaiah 45:18. The earth without shape and empty described in verse two was the result of Heylel’s fall, often known as lucifer, the son of the morning, or the anointed cherub – Ezekiel 28:14. If that’s the case, there must be a time lapse between verses one and two. The book of Ezekiel and Isaiah describes the history of that space, as well as the existence of a world with living beings held in the custody and rule of the anointed Cherub. The lapse of time could be millions of years. According to Ezekiel 31, the scenario depicted in verse two of Genesis 1 was one of grieving for the fallen being.

Before Heylel fell from grace, God appointed him to be the administrator of the Garden of Eden – Ezekiel 28:12-15. The name lucifer is derived from Latin, not Hebrew. Heylel, or lucifer, is first mentioned in Isaiah 14:12, where it is used as a metaphor for the Babylonian monarch. This book presents him as a fallen angel who was kicked out of heaven because of his arrogance. Heylel is also mentioned in the book of Revelation, where Michael the Archangel vanquishes him as the dragon. Heylel is not the morning star, despite what many claim. In Isaiah 14:12, he is described as the son of the morning. According to Revelation 22:16, Jesus Christ is the morning star.

2    And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Sounds like God created a wasteland, don’t they? I beg to differ, as I see the earth submerged and the darkness on the face of the deep, which tells a different narrative to me. The phrase “the earth was without form, and void” plainly reveals the impact of a cataclysmic event. In this context, “tohuw” conveys the idea of emptiness, chaos, or desolation. It implies a state of disorder or confusion. It is the antonym for Shalom. Shalom indicates the order. If Jesus is the author of peace, then who might be the author of disorder or chaos? Heylel, or Satan. Prior to his fall, he ruled over the earth. And his collapse had caused his world to become chaotic – Ezekiel 28. It is ridiculous to think that the earth is just 10,000 years old. Genesis discusses creation, but the book of Job describes a time when God extended a line to measure it and laid the foundations of the earth in the presence of the morning stars; that is, when God formed the earth (yatsar = through the squeezing into shape; to mould into a form; especially as a potter) Isaiah 45:18; Job 38:4-7. Peter confirms that the heavens and earth were created long ago, with the earth existing both out of and in the water. The world at that time was flooded with water and perished – 2 Peter 3:5,6. While it might seem like Peter is talking about the flood in Noah’s era, this is not the case. Genesis reveals the mystery, stating that it is the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created by the Lord God – Genesis 2:4.

 

What is the significance of God instructing Adam and Eve to “replenish the earth”? Genesis 1:28 Why did He use that specific term? This term was also used when God blessed Noah after the flood in Genesis 9:1. “Replenish” usually refers to the action of filling up or renewing something that has been exhausted or utilized. It does not necessarily imply a new start or the continuation of something already in existence; instead, it indicates the restoration to a previous state or level. For example, you could replenish your supplies, energy, or resources, signifying a revival or renewal of what was previously available. God said, “Refill, not just occupy or fill; fill again; become full again.”

Genesis 1:12 states that the earth was void, yet Isaiah 45:18 states that the earth was not void when it was formed by God. Isaiah is speaking of the primordial earth. Genesis alludes to a scene of devastation.

And that is where God created Adam. Do you understand why Satan was so jealous of this new species, and how he used deception to reclaim that domain? The killing of God’s lamb marked the first stage of the salvation process (Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world), and the formation of the Adamic line marked the second, through which God plans to make the world’s Savior manifest – Revelation 13:8; 1 Peter 1:20; Galatians 4:4.

The creation of light is recorded in two settings in the Book of Genesis, notably in Genesis 1:3-5 and 1:14-19: on the second and fourth days. Why is that? The first creation of light, according to some, is associated with the separation of light and darkness on the first day, while the second creation of light, is associated with the creation of the sun, moon, and stars on the fourth day, each of which has a specific purpose in the created order. This implies that there was a light there already, doesn’t it? However, 2 Corinthians 4:6 indicates that the statement “God commanded the light to shine out of darkness” has a spiritual connotation. When did God command it? When was the Lamb of God slain? According to the Scriptures, the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world – Revelation 13:8; Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you – 1 Peter 1:20. Creating a new species of man in His image and likeness would not have been possible if God had not previously slaughtered the lamb in His heart. Because He knew that they would eventually die from the impacts of the fallen world from which they were being made. I prefer to phrase it that way. Inspired by the atonement of His perfect lamb—without which the coming fall of man would not be expiable—God set about re-creating things in an already fallen world. For He intended to use this race of man for something special. It was time to bring His enemy to heel.

The sacrificed lamb was constantly before Him, and whenever man rebelled, God’s grace ensured that He left a righteous seed through whom He would spare humanity because of the blood. Why did God accept Abel’s offering, but reject Cain’s? Abel’s offering had blood, but Cain’s did not? By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain – Hebrews 11:4; for he brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof – Genesis 4:4. Cain brought of the fruit of the ground – Genesis 4:3. The blood to expiate his depravity was missing. The blood offering reflects the offeror’s acknowledgement of contrition or wilful recognition of his or her need for God’s forgiveness. God would perceive the blood of the lamb of God in every offering containing blood, and would therefore consider it as restitution each time. For there can be no atonement without bloodshed – Hebrews 9:22. As God prepared to wipe away every living creature He had ever made, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord – Genesis 6:8. Was the seed of righteousness not preserved by God’s favor in spite of God’s anger directed against all wickedness? And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah – Romans 9:29. We see a display of God’s mercy and anger. God is enraged by our wickedness, but He is merciful enough to save us. His only requirement was that he pass over you only when he saw the blood – Exodus 12:13. Christ has arrived, and no further sacrifice for expiation is required; Christ, our Passover, has been slain for us. Only believe in Christ’s sacrificial blood to obtain pardon.

3    And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4    And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5    And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night – Genesis 1:5. In contrast to the natural light that we witness God creating on the fourth day, God says in verse three, “Let there be light,” and God saw the light and pronounced it good in addition to dividing it from the darkness. So why, having made the sun for the day and the moon and stars for the night, did God need to separate the light from the dark? Since it was already scheduled for its time, no division is necessary (the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night – v.16). And that’s what makes the first light special.

Apostle Paul restates this idea, demonstrating his understanding of it by asking, “What communion hath light with darkness?” Did God not divide it at the outset? What kind of fellowship exists between the righteous and the wicked? Did God not divide it at the outset? And how is Christ in agreement with Belial? or what relationship has he who believes with an unbeliever? – 2 Corinthians 1:14,15.  “Darkness” is pronounced “Khoshek” in Hebrew, which implies misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness. It is the absence of light. Araphel, on the other hand, represents thick darkness, the dwelling place of God – Exodus 20:21; Psalms 18:11; Chronicles 6:1; 1 Kings 8:12. In Zephaniah 1:15, both Choshek and Araphel are mentioned simultaneously. That is on the day of wrath, a day of sorrow and misery, a day of waste and devastation, a day of darkness (Choshek – misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness) and gloom, and a day of clouds and thick blackness (Araphel).

In verse 5, the King James Version uses uppercase letters, in contrast to the day and night described in verse 14 of Genesis 1, which is written in lower case. Did the scholars discern a deeper meaning in the first and second creations of light? Was it a typographical error or a deliberate placement? I’m certain that it was done intentionally, as the scholars were guided by the Spirit of God as they wrote, ensuring that every believer can understand God’s word and gain insight into His deeper truths.

When we examine the Scriptures, we can observe that in addition to the light and darkness that define day and night, there are descriptions of light and darkness that is spiritual in origin. Choshek, the spiritual darkness, denotes suffering, devastation, death, ignorance, grief, and wickedness; light, on the other hand, frequently represents knowledge, wisdom, enlightenment, and clarity in philosophical and metaphorical contexts. In this way, “phos” might be connected to the revelation of truth or the enlightenment of knowledge. Say for example: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light – Ephesians 4:18/5:8; 1Peter 1:14. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness – 1 Thessalonians 5:5.

Who is the light and who brings the truth? Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ; in whom was life; and the life was the light of men – John 1:4,5,17. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness (verse three of Genesis 1), hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:6; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness – Colossians 1:13. And the times of this ignorance God winked at – Acts 17:30. “Agnoia” is a Greek word that translates to “ignorance” or “lack of knowledge.” It refers to a state of not knowing or being unaware. Who was able to claim the atonement? Who would be able to claim the reparation? All of them? No, such advantages were reserved for the ignorant. And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourns among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance – Leviticus 4; Numbers 15:25-29. This darkness blinds the spiritual eyes – 1 John 2:11; 2 Corinthians 3:14/4:4; John 12:40; Romans 11:7. According to Luke 4:18, Jesus of Nazareth has been anointed by God to grant sight to the blind. Why was Saul chosen for? Acts 26:18 says, “To open the eyes, and to turn people from darkness to light.”

Choshek = IGNORANCE (Brown-Driver-Briggs)(= absence of the knowledge of God/and His ways, the eyes of their understanding being darkened – Ephesians 1:18/4:17,18; Hebrews 6:4; 2 Peter 1:2,3; Job 21:14/33:30; Hosea 4:6/6:6; Proverbs 2:5)(them that walk in (the ways of) darkness (contrary to the paths of uprightness – Proverbs 2:13) are considered fools – Ecclesiastes 2:14 – he that walketh in darkness knows not whither he goes – John 12:35 – for they are ignorant of the existence of God – Psalm 14:1) – its effect: Walking in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them (ergo the wrath of God abides on them – Colossians 3:6; Romans 2:5; John 3:36), because of the blindness of their heart – 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 4:18; Acts 17:30; 1 Peter 1:14)(the antonym of darkness is light – the Hebrew word for knowledge is “light” and only the knowledge of the glorious gospel of Christ can release a person from the grip/power of the prince of ignorance – 2 Corinthians 4:4; Acts 26:18; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 16:10 – For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:6) – For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace – 1 Corinthians 14:33 – Human-beings are born ignorant due to the original sin; but God is light (In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge – Colossians 2:2,3), and in him is no darkness at all – 1 John 1:5 – and when we repent and turn to God – Acts 17:30 – darkness (ignorance) becomes past, and the true light will begin to shine – 1 John 2:8 – the eyes of your understanding gets enlightened – Ephesians 1:18 – only if you will let the day star, which is Christ, arise in your hearts (by faith) – 2 Peter 1:19 – for Christ the light of men shines in darkness; but darkness (ignorance) comprehends it not – John 1:4,5 – He is the true Light, which lights every man that cometh into the world – John 1:9 – Acknowledge Him – 1John 2: 23 – While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light – John 12:35,36).