Posts Tagged ‘priests’

Abel Offering a Lamb

A painting that depicts the priesthood of both Abel and Cain


Today, reply is on the divine inheritance of priesthood that was bestowed on Adam and his sons. Because mankind continued to exist for millennia responding to the active presence of divinity, the holy writings provide no accounts that report or suggest that males became pregnant and gave birth to children, or that there were widespread appearances of social behavior for Adam and among his offspring that are presently understood as undermining continuous spiritual communion. Conflicts, divisions, and spiritual confusion increased through the rise of cities and the movement toward one-world empire that resulted in the founding of Babylon and Egypt. It is believed that the downward spiral of spiritual awareness, exaggerated pride, human self-will, and sin progressed very slowly as did the changes that occurred throughout the earth once mankind was thrust out of Eden. Present day practices did not likely appear such as casual and premarital sex, divorce, incest, same sex relationships, and the issues of transgender sexuality. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” Religion and Spirituality public forum using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:


According to genesis, we all come from Adam & Eve, who had 3 sons?

Think about it and take all the time you need.




THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Church Of Jesus (06/18/2018); Mankind’s Priesthood in Heaven (02/16/2018); Divine Priesthood on Earth (01/31/2018); Christ Our High Priest (10/25/2017); The Operations of Sin (07/25/2017); Cain and Genealogy? (11/27/2015); The First Book of the Bible? (11/20/2014); The Beginning of Wisdom? (11/21/2014)


Anonymous”, for developing Christian believers, it is important to understand that the account of divine Creation and the early development of mankind that appears recorded in Genesis provides more than a description of how divinity is the origin of the animals, insects, fish, and plants that are living on the earth. The holy writings are to be received as a detailed revelation from divinity that makes the character, operations, and substance of GOD knowable, known, accessible, and approachable. With this in view, consider the following points:

1. Adam, the first “living soul” was created through the joining of a material figure fashioned by GOD using soil from the earth and life essence from GOD (we also say, breath; spirit; word). Adam was to exist as a life companion to immortal, incorruptible divinity (we say, the Creator; the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit). He is called a son of GOD, because the man was a vessel containing sacred seed (we say, divine DNA; inseparable spirit matter imparted from divinity).

2. The male and female humans (Adam and Eve) existed as a single unit before GOD (we say, a pair called Adam), and were to serve like the animal and other pairs as the mechanism for the earth becoming fully populated having diverse life forms and kinds. The pair was to establish and maintain relationships as family, however, not in the forms and social expressions we see today. Adam, who lived on the earth for nearly 1,000 years, was to operate as the patriarch and head of the human family.

3. By covetousness, transgression of divine law, and transferring their allegiance and trust away from GOD to a created thing (i.e., idolatry; exalting the serpent), the pair became stripped of their endowments that appeared as sacred benefits, spirit content, and divine privilege. More than this, they became subject to the penalties of hardship, mortality, suffering, and the second death that had been declared as sanctions of the law.

4. There could be no “do over” for the many divine acts of Creation, yet, divinity would fashion and reconfigure mankind as a new creation by permanently altering his endowment of spirit from the makeup of GOD. Multiple operations were introduced by GOD to recover mankind and preserve Creation. Included were atonement for sin; forgiveness; the establish of priesthood on the earth patterned after that in the heaven; remission of sin through sacrifices of blood (a carnal device used to distribute life throughout the members, organs, and tissues of created beings and living creatures); divine promise; prophecy and sanctification as well as the manifesting of sacred grace, mercy, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and sovereign will.

5. Prophets are spokespersons from GOD who speak his word; only priests are those anointed and authorized to present offerings and sacrifices of blood upon a consecrated table (holy altar) or within a sanctified house that is the point of contact between heaven and earth. Not all the sons of Adam served as heirs to the priesthood of Adam; thus, at first, only those who continued the line of priests are named in Scripture (Abel, Cain, Seth). There appears to have been no service as priests by Eve and her many daughters.

6. Both Abel and Cain “grew up in the church,” so to speak. Both were taught the correct way to build and dedicate an altar; both were taught to pray and worship; and both were taught the correct way to present offerings and sacrifices. The conflict between Abel and Cain that finally resulted in fratricide (killing ones own brother) is to be discerned as the truth that they did not both receive, and obey the imparted Spirit from GOD. Divinity acknowledged the sacrifice that was more pleasing as that of Abel.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 7. The sacred inheritance Adam received and was to pass on to his own sons was one of priesthood. The entire Bible is a record of the beginnings of divine ministry to the earth, and its continuing development using family, tribes, covenant relationships, kingdom and monarchy, praise, proclamation, and fulfillment of prophecy. While the holy writings report the operations of GOD appearing on the earth through thousands of events within thousands of lives over the course of thousands of years, the continuing focus remained the salvation of mankind and their transformation to exist as immortal through the Incarnation and priesthood of Jesus Christ.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Signature Mark


Washington, DC




Elijah Calling for Fire From GOD to Defeat the 450 Priests of Baal


Today, fire from GOD, divine judgment, and the Lake of Fire are topics.  In Scripture, fire appears as an emblem of divine authority evoking awe, and a sign of divine righteousness.  Because we are speaking of a tool used by GOD for whom nothing is impossible, Christian believers accept that fire can be made to fall like rain even though mingled with ice and hail.  It is written:  Isaiah 4:  3-6, King James Version (KJV):  3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:  4 When the LORD shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.  5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night:  for upon all the glory shall be a defence.  6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “JohnnyBravo” (Level 1 with 106 points, a member since November 16, 2010) posted the following:


Christians: How can Satan burn in the lake of fire when it’s clear from this verse that angels don’t get hurt from fire?

Daniel 3:25


This is referencing the story of Shadrach and his 2 brothers.

Satan was once an angel, so why would he suffer in Hell? Wouldn’t he view it as a nice trip to the hot springs?




THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Servants To The Body? (01/17/2017); Christ The Solid Rock? (08/07/2016); A Guarantee of Judgment? (04/15/2016); The Fire From GOD? (06/22/2014); Destroying the Resurrected Body? (02/10/2014); For They Shall Be Ashes (02/11/2014); Prophetic Demonstrations (09/06/2013); Why GOD Prayed to GOD (09/07/2013)


“JohnnyBravo”, the notion that Satan can not be hurt in fire comes to us as another form of the answer given to Eve, Ye shall not surely die.  In the holy writings, different operations of fire from GOD include (1) anointing, cleansing, purifying fire such as fell on the apostles at Pentecost, (2) fire and flames indicating the active presence who is GOD as was seen by Moses in the burning bush, (3) flame that sanctifies, sets apart, and identifies the portion that belongs to GOD like the pillar of flame that stood between Pharaoh’s army and those fleeing Egypt in the Exodus, and (4) consuming, destroying fire such as that set apart to destroy the Devil and his angels.  Throughout the Scriptures burning and fire repeatedly indicate judgment, correction, prophecy, and wrath against sin.  Despite having been consecrated and ordained as priests, two sons of Aaron were punished for seeking to use ordinary fire from the earth when offering incense to the Most High.  Holy fire (the fire from GOD; fire from the holy altar) is very different in its makeup, process and substance from common fire used on the earth for cooking, light, or heating.  Holy fire separates the carnal, material and social aspects of an offering from the spirit content that is to be transferred to GOD such as awe, devotion, faithfulness, gratitude, humility, love, obedience, reverence and zeal.  Consider again the following from the Bible:






Washington, DC





Today, reply is made on differences among roles as clergy within the body of Christ, his church upon the earth.  While it is the duty of all Christian believers to display the active presence of GOD as vessels of the imparted, indwelling Spirit, there are specific duties and tasks within assemblies and congregations that set some members apart through accountability, anointing, authority, division of labor, hierarchy, and witness.  Included are apostles, bishops, deacons, pastors (to oversee the gathering and waiting of flocks), and priests.  A writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Parka” (Level 2 with 611 points, a member since November 12, 2016) posted the following:


What is the difference between a priest, preacher, and a minister?




THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Servant and More (08/17/2016); Holy Garments? (09/24/2015); Those Having the True Secrets? (04/14/2015); How Many Apostles? (04/30/2014); The Ruler Of the Earth? (05/01/2014); On Judging Preachers as “Fake” (12/23/2013); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013)


“Parka”, many mature Christians believers acknowledge Jesus Christ as a divine High Priest as well as a sacrificial lamb offered to the Most High.  Among Christians there are several offices representing divinity that display authority as ordained and set apart (consecrated) to be sacred servants (we say, clergy).  Many confuse the terms “priest”, “preacher”, and “minister” because they think they all are to carry out the same tasks and provide the same benefit within a congregation.  Correctly understood, only priests are those sanctified to make offerings and sacrifices of blood and life upon the holy table (i.e., the altar) that may be thought of as the “point of contact” between heaven and earth.  Otherwise “common” things that are offered to GOD must be cleansed, sanctified by prayer, and transferred to heaven by being burned upon the altar in holy fire.  The fire (that also represents judgment) destroys separation, sin and uncleanness while releasing the spirit content of the gifts that may include awe (i.e., fear of the Lord), gratitude, joy, praise, respect, reverence, and wonder.  Preachers are those whose duty is to make proclamations from the sovereign ruler of the divine kingdom.  Thus, they operate as those who prophesy (i.e., comfort, edify, exhort), as teachers of the holy writings, and as spokespersons sent from GOD.  Ministers are those who maintain the house of GOD by providing “behind the scenes support” and assistance to those in consecrated office.  Ministers, therefore, are important through their work to foster the administration, distribution and management of spirit substance and sacred gifts.  Included among ministers are deacons, prayer and study leaders as well as those who prophesy through music (choir, orchestra, etc.).  Consider the following points from the Bible:

(1.)  Ephesians 4:  10-12, King James Version (KJV):  10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:




Washington, DC


The priesthood of Jesus Christ to continue streams of divine promise, prophecy, and unselfish service is the topic, today.  Jesus dying upon the cross was to accomplish more than a finite sacrificial offering for forgiveness of sins.  Jesus would serve as a priest after the order of Melchizedek to cleanse, heal, and renew the Levitical priesthood while launching a priesthood of “born again” believers that would finally appear through gifts from the Holy Spirit.  Also, the Savior’s death, resurrection, and ascension were crucial for the fulfillment of his work as High Priest within the temple of heaven that included atonement, cleansing of the sanctuary, and the application of blood for remission of sins as the ministry of mercy in judgment.  Those who come to Jesus Christ for redemption and salvation themselves become an offering that is not to be destroyed upon the altar; they are to remain alive, and continue the presence of the Lord by daily routines of acknowledgement and service.  In this sense, they become living sacrifices, priests, kings, prisoners, and slaves.  Readers are to consider the following from Scripture and the presentation below:

1st Peter 2:  9, King James Version (KJV):  9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;


Isaiah 61:  6, KJV:  6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORDmen shall call you the Ministers of our God:  ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.


The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Davian” (Level 2 with 277 points, a member since May 05, 2015) posted the following:


Did Jesus tell his disciples they would die?

Just wondering where in the Bible Jesus told his disciples that they would die for His name.




THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  On Carrying The Cross (02/28/2016); Martyrdom and Tribulation? (09/30/2015); Messiah and the Unthinkable? (09/25/2015); Jesus Given A Divine Ministry? (08/18/2015); Consecrated in Christ? (06/21/2014); To Live As a Sacrifice (03/08/2014); A Perfected Body (03/09/2014)


“Davian”, trust that, despite time and space, through operations of the Holy Spirit, blood and truth from the cross are flowing to here and now.  Adoption through the Holy Spirit should come into view, whereby, the living become children, heirs, and offspring of GOD.  Properly understood, the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross was not merely a discrete, “stand-alone” event.  Followers of Jesus are recruited to be anointed priests and kings, where the role of a consecrated priest is to offer acceptable sacrifices of blood (we say, life), and the role of a sanctified king is to administer divine law (we say, judgment).  The Savior fulfilled and re-introduced prophecy; demonstrated death, resurrection, and ascension; provided a new level of covenant, inheritance, and testament; and renewed divine promises pertaining to priestly and kingly service.  When preparing his apostles to be witnesses (that he did appear alive after suffering death and burial), the Lord also provided instruction fitting them to continue the ministry they had begun with him, to receive gifts from the Holy Spirit that would carry them forward having a new ministry, and that would establish the specific expectations (we say, hope) they were to share as his church.  Consider again how this appears in the language of the Bible:

(1.)  Matthew 10:  27-28, King James Version (KJV):  27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light:  and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.  28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:  but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.




Washington, DC

New Disclaimer


Covenant, prophecy, and the permanent place of Israel in the workings of GOD for mankind are topics, today.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Suleman Gill” (Level 1 with 95 points, a member since November 23, 2014) posted the following:


Why god send his prophet in israel?




THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Chosen To Serve As Prophets (01/01/2014); Lawful Revenge? (01/02/2014); Circumcision and Promise? (07/16/2013); The Bible and Stupid People (07/17/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012); The Firstborn, Higher than Kings? (12/18/2012)


“Suleman Gill”, here are a few points of sacred knowledge shared among Christian believers that clarify the place of Israel in the workings of GOD for all mankind:

(1.)  The revelation of divinity to mankind has required the device of incarnation (appearing in flesh) and the operation of GOD through forms knowable by finite human beings whose awareness can be dominated by appetite (e.g., hunger, thirst, sexual cravings), sense (e.g., hearing, seeing, tasting, touching), emotional/mental functions (e.g., anger, fear, fantasy, imagination, recall), and sin (a non-material, non-spirit influence that opposes the continued existence of divinity).

(2.)  The relationship with divinity begun with Adam and Eve was defiled and profaned, however, not completely destroyed or terminated.  Through such devices as family, inheritance, and priesthood, the divine intent and sacred purposes of GOD for the creation of the pair would be continued and fulfilled within the lives of their offspring.

(3.)  Abraham was called the Friend of God, having operated in a personal relationship with divinity that framed sacred law in the terms of covenant, promise, and prophecy (i.e., comfort, edification, exhortation).  Only selected men upon the earth received sacred knowledge, and were instructed in the things of GOD serving as heads of families (we say, patriarchs) and priests to their households that sometimes numbered thousands (their own spouse and children, the workers, their families).  The institution of covenant relationship embracing nations upon the earth was instituted first through Noah, then, following Babel.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The Hebrews and mixed-multitude (we say, Gentiles) who left Egypt together with Moses were chosen by GOD to remove and replace the seven nations that occupied the land that was promised by GOD.  Moses was not the first prophet (we say, spokesperson) sent from GOD; and Israel was not the first covenant nation.  However, GOD proclaimed the covenant with Israel would be eternal.  After their terrifying experience of hearing GOD speak to declare divine law, Israel requested that GOD only use human prophets to communicate his will.  Therefore, since that time many prophets were sent, including the Son of the Highest.  As surely as only GOD can establish divinity in eternal covenant, only GOD may break it off or terminate it.   While the Jews can violate covenant, they may not dissolve covenant.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC

Today, I share some thoughts (below) triggered by a recent video intended to provide instruction on the place of mercy as an aspect of divinity.  The rabbi who was teaching explained that mercy was not to be taken as the only, or most significant feature to describe GOD.  Nor was love.

THE BATTLE AXE:  For Priests and Sons Only? (09/07/2014)—(4.)  Anyone and everyone may benefit from sound advice, truth, and wisdom; yet, some will benefit from the same counsel more than others; and some will be cast down, overwhelmed, and ruined by the same counsel.  A Christian believer takes the view that operations carried out by the same Spirit from GOD that worked during Creation is what makes the difference.  The Bible is an incarnation, or appearance of divinity that may only be recognized and responded to by those having discernment (i.e., ability to use ones own spirit content to determine the spirit substance within various life experience such as encounters, events, messages, objects, other persons, purposes, and writings).  For that reason, the Scriptures may not be dealt with casually, or as though they are designed for mundane and profane uses.  The Bible does not supply gossip, fantasies, fictions, supernatural spells, or stories to amuse, enchant, and entertain.  Influenced by political and social doctrines, many today misapply the truth of divine grace, and express desire for equal treatment by GOD that would deny distinctions through rank, service, the place of merit as well as a place for the exalted privilege and divine prerogative of the Almighty.  Some argue there should be no provisions by GOD that do not apply across the board, and to all.  Many complain that there do not have to be judgment and wrath against sin, the total elimination of sin, and the destruction of all sinners within the Lake of Fire.  Because such persons also deny the absolute honor, integrity, and righteous of GOD, they effectively disqualify themselves as those who are trusting the goodness, love, and wisdom of the Almighty as the true sovereign over all sacred judgment.  Thereby, they become speakers who are unwise, who are not proclaiming what they have received from GOD, and may not be trusted as those authorized by GOD to speak in his Name.  It remains all attitudes, behavior, conduct, and works carried out among the faithful are not the same in their consequences, necessity, purpose, outcome, and value.  Thus, in addition to salvation, believers also are encouraged to expect an exclusive judgment, wherein only those who are immortal and incorruptible will appear, to determine rewards for those who were devoted, faithful, steadfast and transparent as servants of GOD.  See again Exodus 19:  5, Deuteronomy 14:  2, Romans 8:  16-18, 1st Corinthians 3:  11-15, 1st Peter 2:  1-10, Titus 2:  1-15 and Revelation 21;  7-8, KJV.




THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  A Hardened Spirit? (06/12/2014); Mary (06/13/2014); Sin in Mind not Deed? (01/06/2014); Hardness of Heart? (11/24/2013); Prayer on Behalf of Others? (11/25/2013)


Lately, I’ve been considering this:  Those having no part with me now—because of my age, country of origin, ethnicity, or income bracket; those condemning, despising, rejecting, slandering, and snubbing me now—will have no part as brothers, friends, and partners with me in the times of divine reward that are to come.  Sanctification, and the process of growth in ones divine content are operations where things at first isolated, loose and soft become bonded, crystallized and permanently joined to be solid, stable, and unshakeable.

There is a “hardening” of ones heart that is in accordance with being sealed to function as an agent of GOD through Christ.  With this in view, we may say, the heart of Moses was hardened as surely as was the heart of Pharaoh.  There can be a focusing of the believer’s inward spirit content and power.  Thereby, those who serve GOD display commitment, single-mindedness, and the total investment (we say, self-sacrifice) that is very different from the hardening seen through a seared conscience that shuts out the earnest and heartfelt pleadings of divinity that draw one into intimate relationship with GOD.

Men are to understand that GOD, who is a spirit being, is made up of matter and substance that is not carnal, material or physical.  The unchanging elements of divinity have been revealed to created beings and living creatures as inseparable aspects of existence and person such as awareness, awe, faith, forbearance, forgiveness, longsuffering, love, majesty, maturity, perfection, stability, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Many confuse compassion, a peculiar expression of love, with mercy.  Mercy is a rubric of judgment, like attention to detail, impartiality and thoroughness.  Without judgment, there is no mercy, just as there is no decision of guilt or innocence.  Judgment is always a blessing, for the outcome of judgment is always peace.  Judgment is the resolution of conflicts and the settlement of disputes through law.  Thus, peace comes by judgment, not by war.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, love pertains to creation and life, not to death and destruction.  The interactions and social reality of created beings and living creatures must be governed by principles that emerge from love; for love is also that aspect of judgment whereby the assignment of continuing trust and value are accomplished.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

Washington, DC

A brief Scripture study focused upon prophetic visions, the raising of a temple at Jerusalem, and the active presence (some say, the glory, the Shekhinah) of GOD.  Much of what we now account as affliction, horror, scourging, and war are intended to prepare us for the fulfillment of visions, and to supply clarity and sobriety for the realization of awe and sovereign power that are soon to be revealed.
























There is much more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  For example, rather than conceal and hide ourselves from GOD as did Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, mankind is to expose and offer himself in welcome to the presence and operations of divinity.  Here again, readers are asked to add those verses or passages from Scripture that they would like to share in the comments area (below).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


Washington, DC