Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts

The Message of the ... tabernacle
and some stuff about angels



Until Haley said on Facebook, in response to this meme of mine:

Haley M~~~:   I don't...I don't even understand what point they're trying to make...

I really didn't understand the others who have give me similar responses. I thought they were pointing out the ludicrous logic of this "Tabernacle's" message. I like Haley, and I understood that she was truly baffled by this, and so I wrote out an answer for her, which after I posted it and recalled the others, I'm repeating here.

Glenn Hefley: Well, they are attempting to put Women's Equality in-line with Satanism. It is said that Satan (Lucifer really - Satan in the Old Testament is not a devil or even a bad angel.. it is actually the name of an office, which is why it is always "The Satan" not just Satan. The Hebrews believed this angel to be something like a Prosecuting attorney,.. but I digress) -- as modern Christianity's mythos goes, Satan rose up to attempt to take God's place, which could be thought of as an attempt to be equal with God... which is actually not accurate either -- God decreed that the angels were to serve man, his creation, and Lucifer said he would not, that he would only serve God.-- anyway... Satan rose up against God in the Modern Christianity view of things -- instead of "staying in his place"


Glenn Hefley: What I'm pointing out in this meme is that angels are equal. for example, Michael is only an Arch angel, not even a Seraphim, and he was given command of all the armies of God.-- and also the war between the angels lasted forever, with neither side getting an upper hand on the other -- until God came into the fray and then it ended rather quickly. Michael did fight one of the stronger ones (which in the old testament was said to be their leader) in a duel and won (that would be Beelzebub or Beelzebul depending on which translation you are reading) -- so they were more or less equal in just about every way, even though they did have groupings called 'choirs'. There was also a kind of angel which were the barer of God's Chariot.. which were very vicious if their description has any truth to it, but they were not said to be higher or lower than anyone else.


Further, it is written that all are equal in Jesus Christ – and where it says that a woman must never turn her husband away if he wants sex, the next paragraph says the same of the husband if she desires.


That’s the background Haley, but what it really means, is that there are people out there, who claim to be Christian, and have sworn themselves to the church, yet  they are happily willing to commit the gravest of sins, if it means seeing that you and other women are not allowed to have the inalienable rights of being human.  They are willing to burn in their hell and take their congregation with them to meddle and militate against your basic right to exist. That is the level of their hate. Strife so vile it is like acid on the soul, and they will smile and smile and smile and be a villain.
Never underestimate these beings -- never think of them as humorous or ignorant – for they are neither. They know exactly what the Bible says, perhaps even better than I do, and I know it very well. They don’t care what it says – if it says anything against what they want this world to be. In their churches and their homes, Jesus is flatly ignored,  and God is only given an airing when he is affronted by abomination – and only if those abominations serve their purpose. 


So, what that sign means Haley, is there is a creature serving that church as minister, which you should be wary of.


There are, according to modern Christianity nine choirs of angels, who are more or less described as the following.

Seraphim

These are the highest order or choir of angels. They are the angels who are attendants or guardians before God's throne. They praise God, calling, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts". the only Bible reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, cleansing him from sin. Seraphim have six wings, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and two are for flying.

Cherubim

There is a great deal of confusion with the Cherubim. The Catholic tradition says on their website that the Cherubim rank after the seraphim and are the second highest in the nine hierarchies or choirs of angels. They posture that -- "The Old Testament does not reveal any evidence that the Jews considered them as intercessors or helpers of God. They were closely linked in God's glory. They are manlike in appearance and double-winged and were guardians of God's glory. They symbolized then, God's power and mobility. In the New Testament, they are alluded to as celestial attendants in the Apocalypse (Rv 4-6). Catholic tradition describes them as angels who have an intimate knowledge of God and continually praise Him."

However, the only one who actually was in the presence of the Cherubim is the prophet Ezekiel, who -- it is assumed after this encounter -- gives us the most confusing passages in the scriptures - or anywhere else for that matter.


We need to give Ezekiel a little slack however, because this encounter is Ezekiel coming face to face with God, who arrives before him on his Chariot, which is held and carried by four Cherubim. Ezekiel describes a lot of fire, and thunder coming from these four, who are 10 cubits in height (about 15 feet tall), and their wings are like swords. He then describes as follows.

Exe 10:10 And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.
 Eze 10:11
When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.
 Eze 10:12
And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.
 Eze 10:13
As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel.
 Eze 10:14
And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
 Eze 10:15
And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.
 Eze 10:16
And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.
 Eze 10:17
When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them.
 Eze 10:18
Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
 Eze 10:19
And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
 Eze 10:20
This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.
 Eze 10:21
Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.
 Eze 10:22
And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.
---


Yeah.. so... that's  Cherub. Not sure where the cute little babies came into the picture, but these... aren't them. Cherubs are also the figures used for the Arc which allowed the Hebrews to talk to God.

Thrones

Thrones are the Angels of pure Humility, Peace and Submission. They reside in the area of the cosmos where material form begins to take shape. Modern Catholic tradition says that the lower Choir of Angels need the Thrones to access God -- which is odd since Micheal, Gabriel, and five others are the "seven who stand before God," and they are all from the "lower" choirs. It should be mentioned as well that this business of lower and higher is all from medieval Catholic literature and not part of the Biblical text at all -- these are also the same people who were burning people alive.

Something to be said about the Thrones, Dominions, Virtues and Powers. These choirs are not mentioned in Hebrew scripture at all, and are only mentioned once in the New Testament and I've never thought that the passage they are mentioned in was talking about angelic choirs. These were first described by the medieval Catholic church -- and once the Catholic church says something like "these are choirs of angels", it is unlikely that they will admit to a misunderstanding later -- especially if it is the Pope at the time who was the one declaring the existence and description.

The passage is in Colossians 1 which is an Epistle written by Paul and Timothy (both have a hand in the writing):

For by 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 by him, and for him:

An Epistle is a very formal letter -- it is the type of letter you write when you understand that what is written in the document is not going to be taken lightly or as personal correspondence. It is what you write when you understand that those reading it on the other end are going to take it as "this is what it is to be Christian", and everything you say is going to be taken literally... and you aren't going to be around to correct any misunderstandings for close to a decade.

The two of them are writing this document to the Church in Colossae, a small Phrygian city near Laodicea. This church sprang up on its own and is basically "winging it".   Members of the congregation at Colosse had incorporated pagan elements into their practice, including worship of elemental spirits. The Epistle to the Colossians declares Christ's supremacy over the entire created universe and exhorts Christians to lead godly lives. The letter consists of two parts: first a doctrinal section, then a second regarding conduct. In both sections, false teachers who have been spreading error in the congregation are opposed.

Warning to Guard against the False Teachers (2:8-15)
Pleas to Reject the False Teachers (2:16-19)
An Analysis of the Heresy (2:20-23)

Now let's continue with the Catholic Modern Christianity's view on things.

Dominions

Dominions are Angels of Leadership. They regulate the duties of the angels, making known the commands of God.

Virtues

Virtues are known as the Spirits of Motion and control the elements. They are sometimes referred to as "the shining ones." They govern all nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun is subject to their command. They are also in charge of miracles and provide courage, grace, and valor.  (again, there is not a single source which describes them in this manner... this is purely Catholic tradition)

Powers

Powers are Warrior Angels against evil defending the cosmos and humans. They are known as potentates. They fight against evil spirits who attempt to wreak chaos through human beings. The chief is said to be either Samael or Camael, both angels of darkness.---  Samael is also the Head/Leader/General/King Angel of the Tenth Level of Heaven -- so there is a dynamic with the angels which is not readily understood with simple views of 'good' and 'evil'.

Archangels

Archangels are generally taken to mean "chief or leading angel" ( Jude 9; 1 Thes 4:16), they are the most frequently mentioned throughout the Bible.  The Archangels have a unique role as God's messenger to the people at critical times in history and salvation (Tb 12:6, 15; Jn 5:4; Rv 12:7-9) as in The Annunciation and Apocalypse. A feast day celebrating the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael is celebrated throughout the Church Sep 29. A special part of the Byzantine Liturgy invokes the "Cherubic Hymn" which celebrates these archangels and the guardian angels particularly.

The Angel of Death is said to be
Gabriel in many traditions though
three others are given this office as
well - it is clear however that most
of the time it is an Archangel holding
this important office
Of special significance is St. Michael as he has been invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. The Eastern Rite and many others place him over all the angels, as Prince of the Seraphim. He is described as the "chief of princes" and as the leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over Satan and his followers. The angel Gabriel first appeared in the Old Testament in the prophesies of  Daniel, he announced the prophecy of 70 weeks (Dn 9:21-27). He appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptist (Lk 1:11). It was also Gabriel which proclaimed the Annunciation of Mary to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour. (Lk 1:26) The angel Raphael first appeared in the book of Tobit (Tobias)Tb 3:25, 5:5-28, 6-12). He announces "I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the throne of God." (Tb 12:15)

Principalities

In the New Testament Principalities refers to one type of spiritual (metaphysical) being which are now quite hostile to God and human beings. (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:10, 15) Along with the principalities are the powers (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 1 Pt 3:22; 2 Thes 1:7); and cosmological powers (1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; Col 2:15);Dominions (Eph 1:21; Col 1:16) and thrones (Col1:16). The clarity of the New Testament witness helps see that these beings were created through Christ and for Him (Col 1:16). Given their hostility to God and humans due to sin, Christ's ultimate rule over them (ibid) expresses the reign of the Lord over all in the cosmos. This is the Lordship of Christ, which reveals God's tremendous salvation in conquering sin and death at the cross, and now takes place in the Church. (Eph 3:10)

Angels

These angels are closest to the material world and human begins. They deliver the prayers to God and God's answers and other messages to humans. Angels have the capacity to access any and all other Angels at any time. They are the most caring and social to assist those who ask for help.


Metatron

bath meaning daughter + qol meaning voice)

Metatron (Hebrew מטטרון) or Mattatron is an archangel in Judaism and in Christian folklore as well as the Chancellor of Heaven (effectively making Adramelech his infernal counterpart). According to Jewish medieval apocrypha, he is Enoch, ancestor of Noah, transformed into an angel. There are no references to Metatron as an angel in the Jewish or Christian scriptures; however, Genesis 5:24 is often cited as evidence of Enoch's bodily ascension into heaven —"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him."

Adramelech, which means, "the glorious one is king", was a god worshiped through human sacrifice by the Sepharvites in II Kings 19

Although he is mentioned in a few brief passages in the Talmud, Metatron appears primarily in Jewish mystical texts and other post-scriptural esoteric sources, such as the Books of Enoch: 1 Enoch: Book of Parables, 2 Enoch, and 3 Enoch. In Rabbinic tradition, he is the highest of the angels and serves as the celestial scribe. -- so again we have an Arch angle, not a seraph who is in a lofty position -- showing anyone can be anything and that equality among the angels is the norm and rule, not the exception.

In Judaism and Christianity, the voice of God (Hebrew: בּת קול, bat kol or bath ḳōl, literally daughter of a voice; Latin: vox dei; Persian: ندا, Neda) is a "heavenly or divine voice which proclaims God's will or judgment." It is "identified with the Holy Spirit or those who speak as the medium of the Holy Spirit."

Understanding the "female" aspect of God's Voice is much clearer when you understand the Hebrew tradition of the Old Testament as the Hebrews did and not the Catholics. What the Catholics name "Holy Spirit" the Hebrews -- or rather the closest personage the Hebrews have to that office -- named Asherah, who it could be argued was God's girlfriend -- and in the "temple" where the arc resided, Asherah was always represented and reverenced as the one who "cleansed" the area for God's arrival. Asherah is not referred to in any tradition as being an angel of any choir -- there are early Catholic text which name Asherah as the Holy Spirit, but those lost favor and were "removed" before the year 500. (personally I give her credit for lasting that long). She is not completely gone however. If you walk around the Vatican and look at some of the doorways and frames, you'll find her -- there, but not mentioned.

In the period of the Tannaim (circa 100 BCE-200 CE) the term bath ḳōl was in very frequent use and was understood to signify not the direct voice of God, which was held to be supersensible, but the echo of the voice. The rabbis held that bath ḳōl had been an occasional means of divine communication throughout the whole history of Israel and that since the cessation of the prophetic gift it was the sole means of Divine revelation. It is noteworthy that the rabbinical conception of bath ḳōl sprang up in the period of the decline of Old Testament prophecy and flourished in the period of extreme traditionalism. Where the gift of prophecy was believed to be lacking – perhaps even because of this lack – there grew up an inordinate desire for special divine manifestations. Often a voice from heaven was looked for to clear up matters of doubt and even to decide between conflicting interpretations of the law. So strong had this tendency become that Rabbi Joshua (c. 100 CE) felt it to be necessary to oppose it and to insist upon the supremacy and the sufficiency of the written law.

Shortly after this, Jerusalem was razed by the Romans after the Hebrew attempt to take the city back from Rome. The Romans destroyed the city so completely -- eradicating every sign of the Temple -- that still to this day we really can't tell where the temple was, where it stood or what any part of the original city might have been. Many texts of that time and for centuries after have strongly pointed out that the Hebrews ceased to be when they decided that Asherah should not be heard.




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