Omega Commentary on the Gospel of Jesus
The original people of the Messiah were led by James the Just, Peter the Rock, and John the Revelator. James was the first moderator of their church, called the "Nazorians." The original church was based upon the life and teaching of Jesus. The words of Jesus in the Gospels and in the Revelation of Jesus were the inspired Word of God. Jesus was known to be the only begotten Son of God. He partook of the divinity of the Father. Moral rebirth with its symbol of baptism replaced ceremony and sacramental acts. Their epistle was the book of James, written by James the Just.
There came to be other parties in the early Christian church. The Gnostics believed that the God of the Old Testament was evil. Gnosticism included ideas from Greek philosophy as well as Judaism. Gnosticism divided into two parties. One was ascetic, the other was libertine. The libertines were called Nicolaitans.
There was also a Pharisee party in early Christianity, later called the Ebionites. They believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but not the Son of God. Their interest was in the restoration of a Jewish state.
The fourth party of early Christianity interpreted the preaching of Paul in line with the religions of Rome. This interpretation became standard for the religion of the Roman Empire and the later Christian church up to the present day. This became the "little horn." It started small, but grew to be the exceeding great power, taking over the entire western world.
PAUL'S MESSAGE OF MERIT TRANSFER, AND JESUS' MESSAGE OF THE KINGDOM
New religions in the ancient world were combinations of earlier religions. The religion of “the little horn” was not an exception. Paul of Tarsus had grown up in the Roman province of Cilicia, in modern-day Turkey. This area had long been a center for the Babylonian type salvation god Attis as well as the ancient Aryan god Mithra. When the religion of Mithra spread into Cilicia, elements of Mithra and Attis were brought together. Later in Rome, Mithra was joined with Sol Invictus, and was worshiped in several different ways. The symbol for both Mithra and Attis was the cross, and the cross was placed upon the foreheads of Roman soldiers who worshipped Mithra in the Chaldian way with elements of Babylonian astrology. It was a short step to the synthesis of Christ with Attis-Mithra. A new religion was born. It resonated deeply and spread rapidly. The cross was the distinctive symbol, with Christ serving the people of the Roman Empire as the ultimate embodiment of the Aryan and Babylonian gods. This god tortures forever those who do not believe properly but chooses some people to be saved from hell. History has shown the actions of those who believe so fundamentally in this characterization of God.
On the other hand, in Islam there was a synthesis of the Creator God with Ninurta who was sometimes called Saturn. These two were the special gods of Mohamed's father which were synthesized by Mohamed into the one God. This religion also resonated deeply and spread rapidly. In traditional Christianity as well as in Islam there is a choice between two ideas of the one God. The God chosen resonates in the person and influences who the person becomes. There are two kinds of Christians, and two kinds of Muslims.
Jesus had said "Salvation is of the Jews," and taught a purified and reformed religion as he himself had given to Moses but without the earlier tribal rituals, and without the encrustations that obscured the spiritual meaning of the will of God. Jesus' teachings were true to the original principles. He told his disciples to take the good message of the kingdom as a witness to the world.
Paul rejected the disciples who had known Jesus and His teachings. Paul, not Peter, was the first pope, ing accept a role of vicar of Christ. Paul, not Peter, said "I am your father in Christ. Any who has a different message than mine is cursed." Paul seemed to denigrate Peter, James, and John as "super-apostles." He wrote that "super-apostles" were false apostles, and had no right to think that they were equal to him. His letters were written to confirm his preeminence. Jesus had given instruction that none of his followers were to claim preeminence, nor be called father. He said to Peter, "You are a stone. On a mass of stone I will build my church.” He gave to his disciples the keys to shut the grave and death. His words are the keys. In the Revelation, Jesus said, "I have the keys to shut the grave and death."
Paul taught that Judaism, referred to as "the law," was to bring one to Christ, and then was done away with. He later said it was “useless.” But the principles of the law are God's will for man, and cannot be done away with. The earlier rituals could and were done away, and baptism of both genders replaced circumcision, but "the Law of the Lord is perfect," and does reveal God's will for man. The "Law of Moses" as given by God to Moses, was an expansion of the Ten Commandments given at Sinai, and suitable for a people living in an ancient, agrarian, and superstitious society. The principles are still good today: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself." Are the Ten Commandments still good? They were written by the finger of God. According to Jesus, the Law of God with its memorial of creation was for man, not alone for the children of Abraham.
In Jesus' story of the lost son, salvation is by the grace of the Father, and is for all who come home to a
forgiving father and live as His loving, obedient children. Jesus said, "Unless you enter the kingdom of God as a little child, you will not enter therein."
Paul said if you assent that Jesus is Lord, you will be saved. Jesus said "not everyone who calls me Lord will enter the realm of heaven, only he who does the will of my Father in heaven."
Paul said that God gives grace to some, in order to show His glory. Jesus indicated that God is a father, desiring the return of his children. Paul said that women should be silent and not ask questions. Jesus taught a spiritual equality of women and men. Both seemed equally welcome to receive his teaching.
Paul said that all Jews would one day be saved. Jesus said that the way is wide that leads to destruction, and many enter it, including many who call Him Lord.
The gospel of Paul was forgiveness of sins by blood sacrifice. The pain and death of Jesus, the God-Man, was said to stand for the pain and death penalty of the person. This would propitiate (appease, satisfy wrath, atone, make favorable ) the Father, and legally allow him to forego a penalty of eternal punishment in hell. What was necessary was to believe that this would happen, and it would happen.
The gospel of Jesus was the everlasting gospel, an invitation to enter the kingdom of God and to become his children. God has forgiven sins of his children from the time of Adam. This was given freely and personally when he was on earth, without ritual, without sacrifice, nor with payment. Jesus words were given in stories. He said that most people would not understand the meaning of the stories, only those who were taught by the Holy Spirit.
The new doctrine of Paul was different from the teaching of Jesus and the Hebrew scriptures. Paul insisted upon dominance in the churches. He established the beginnings of a hierarchy responsible to himself. The beliefs and practices of Paul and his followers are found in the letters of Paul, and in the letters written in the names of Paul and others. Paul sought to discredit Peter, James, and John, writing that he did not care what they appeared to be, and making accusation of insincerity and forcing everyone to obey Pharisee Judaism. Paul cursed those who taught anything different from himself. His sect was later chosen to become the required religion of the Roman Empire. This was an easy switch for the population of the Roman Empire. The new religion incorporated elements of the religions to which the people of the Roman Empire were accustomed. There was blood sacrifice for the purpose of paying for sin. There was predestination and eternal torment. Familiar elements were the miter, alter, vestments, and the meal with the presence of sacred flesh in the bread. Holidays continued the Mithra practice. The day of worship was Mithra’s “day of the invincible sun.”The voice of God Himself had said, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." The Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it special. Paul said it was of no import. "One man considers one day better than others, another considers every day the same."
What of the call of Paul, when he heard a voice in his head telling him of Christ? Was this the voice of conscience, since he had relatives who followed Christ, while he himself persecuted followers of Christ. No one else heard the voice, and no one can say. He was determined not to learn anything from those who had been taught by Christ, and had as little to do with them as possible. Jesus said, “I am the way, truth, and life."
Jesus told who the Father is, who the son is, his pre-existence, and whence comes the Holy Spirit. Why then the necessity for Paul’s church to develop its doctrine of trinity? God is said to be like a great judge, whose justice demands eternal torture for those who do not please him. It is said that he has another side, and works it out so that his son suffers torment and death. He accepts this instead of punishment of sinners, and gives forgiveness to anyone who believes this. It was voted (at Nicea in 325) that Jesus was not the Father's son, but in reality his twin. This was thought to guarantee that his sacrifice would be great enough to pay for all the sins of all people of all time.
Lost was the experience of spiritual fellowship with Christ. As he said, “If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and will sup with him.” "The words I speak to you are spirit and life. You have the words of eternal life. Whoever is of God understands the words. If a man loves me, he will keep my words. I have sheep not of this fold.” Over the centuries, this truth has been found by some within Christianity. Some have found the good message of the realm. Like a stream within a river, there is a church within the Christian church. It is based upon the words of Jesus as given to the twelve apostles. Their beliefs and teachings are best seen in the Bible in the words of Jesus in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and words of Christ in John, together with the Revelation of Jesus, the Apocalypse.
The original church is a church usually not seen. It is made up of those within and without Christianity who have perceived the God of heaven as made known by Jesus, and by the Spirit of Truth. Most people in their hearts reject this God. Others have seen beyond doctrines of religions, and have perceived the God of creation. As Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they might perceive (know) you the only true God, and the Consecrated Deliverer whom you have sent.”
According to Jesus and the ancient scriptures, there is a great war in the universe. Our world is a part of that war. The Creator's enemy lied about the Creator to the first modern man, and set himself up to be the god followed. Jesus called him "the god of this world." The scriptures record this war, the struggle between God and Satan. In his life and in his death, Jesus defeated Satan. He said, “Now will the prince of this world be cast down.” Man had separated from his creator, and had followed the adversary as god. But man can be reconciled to his creator. He bought men for God, not from God's wrath. He defeated the adversary and won the unquestioned right to have his children back. Jesus invited mankind to become members of his family, and subjects in his kingdom. This is the "new covenant." It is the great affirmation of the covenant made with mankind from the beginning. It is the everlasting covenant.
God has given the Son a realm. The “good message” or “gospel" is that we can become members of this kingdom here and now, living in humble obedience to the laws of that realm, and enjoying the privilege of being his friend and supporter. We can have fellowship with the Father, and with the son. This is a spiritual fellowship taking place within the mind, in prayer, and in meditation upon the words of the Son. This happens through the agency of the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things."
“If a man loves me, he will keep my words, and the Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our abode with him.” “This is life eternal, that they might know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
The time will come when the Son will return, receive His friends, and fully establish His kingdom on this earth. It is then said, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and hold to the faith of Jesus."
There is no need for sacraments, similar to ancient sympathetic magic, the idea that an action done to one person or object affects another person or object. Jesus said, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me." His hearers could not make out the spiritual meaning of this. Paul and the Pauline church did the same. They thought he meant literal flesh. But Jesus said, "The flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."
There is no payment for sins by someone else, nor stacking up of good "works." There is no need for mediation of saints, priests, nor even the Son himself. He said, "I do not say I will pray to the Father for you." "Pray to the Father in my name." Jesus taught that His friends were those who have made benevolence to fellow man first and foremost. They are God's children. He does not forget them now, nor while they sleep in the grave until the great resurrection. Such people have always existed, everywhere, and in all religions, frequently in spite of their religion. Obedience to the Kingdom is always a matter of the heart. It is the sincere decision to do God’s will. When such a decision is made, we are suffused with a different spiritual influence. Jesus said, "You must be born again. Salvation does not come by merely having sins forgiven. “The realm of God is within you.” Salvation occurs by becoming a citizen of the realm. “Many will say to me, Lord, open to us. Then I will say, depart, I never knew you.”
Obedience is never complete in our human condition. We aim at the mark. "Sin" is a separation from the will of God, rebellion, lawlessness, unwillingness to listen and follow. The "sinful nature" remains in us while we live. It is ever able to raise its head when the connection with the creator is curtailed. "If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that withers."
Members of this church exist without and within the Christian churches, as well as in various organizations, heresies, and movements. The distinguishing characteristic is the perception of God as presented to Moses, and given directly by Jesus: the Father of us all, the creator, mighty and eternal, compassionate, gracious, and abundant in kindness. He requires no death, pain, nor compensation in order to forgive us and have us back.
Citizens of the realm tend to be honest, benevolent with fellow man, frequently more prosperous than usual, and possessing some of the attributes ascribed to God himself: compassionate, gracious, long suffering, abundant in kindness, and worthy of trust. Their theology may not be perfect, but through the power of the Spirit, following the ethics of Jesus, and perceiving God as father, there can be a transformation which enables one to become a member of the realm. The attributes of the God of Heaven begin to resonate with the person. “Unless a man is born from above, he cannot see the realm of God.”
What became of the religion of the twelve apostles? It still exists within Christianity. In the year 313, when the Emperor Constantine was making decisions, the church which Paul began became the political church. Power grew until finally the Roman Emperor Justinian in 529 enforced a ban on all others, and the church of Jesus became invisible, a stream within the river of Christianity up to this day. People within all churches, frequently unknown to each other, make up the church of Jesus.
The God of traditional Christianity is not the authentic Christ, but has rather the characteristics of Tammuz and his successors in the ancient world. The authentic Christ is not an intercessor between the Father and us. He said He would not pray the Father for us. The Father himself loves us. There is likewise no magical significance to symbols, rites, sacraments, or even "good works" to commend us to God.
The authentic Christ is neither “Arian” nor “Trinitarian.” Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God, begotten, not created. He existed before the beginning of creation. He is one in purpose with the Father, and it is our privilege to become one in purpose with him. He is the I AM. The Son was given to have life in Himself, and therefore partakes of the divinity of the God of heaven. He is worthy to be worshiped. It was Jesus who gave the law to Moses. He is lord of the Sabbath, and lord of the whole law, which reveals God's will for man. It reveals the kind of life He wants his children to live. The principles of the law of love are eternal.
The God worshiped in traditional Christianity is an imperfect likeness of the authentic YHWH. The traditional god of Christianity has some of the characteristics of the ancient Babylonian god and of his successors such as Baal, Zeus, Jupiter, with a host of other names over the world. The Christ of traditional Christianity looks somewhat like Tammuz and his successors. As was said earlier, "In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men." The place and work of the Holy Spirit was by some usurped by a great mother figure.
The church which Christ called out is not the church of tradition and dogma. The authentic God is the father of mankind and requires no sacrifice in order to be reconciled to us. He sent his beloved son, who in becoming a human and sacrificing his life for mankind, overcame the “god of this world” and bought man for God. The sacrifice in traditional Christianity is similar to the ancient Pagan sacrifice, a sacrificial rite aimed at ensuring divine intervention. In this case, it brings the blood of Christ in order to get something out of God: salvation from eternal punishing.
"Salvation" is without price. God is not a judge requiring suffering and death in order to pay for sin. He is a nurturing father seeking the return of his children. In the traditional Christian church, the gospel is forgiveness through payment of a penalty by another (His son). Jesus taught the gospel of the kingdom. Through rebirth, the person becomes a member of the kingdom. Forgiveness is freely given, and freely given when, missing the mark, one repents and sincerely turns from the mistake.
The church called out by Jesus consists of those who have been able to perceive and accept the Father, and who have repented and turned away from that part of themselves called “the sinful nature” and recognize their place in the scheme of things as neighbor to their fellow man. These are the members of His church. They are candidates for the immortality promised to those who love the father and choose to be his obedient children, members of his kingdom. This Gospel of the Kingdom was foretold to be finally announced before the end of the age, as a witness to all people.
ADDENDUM
The Sacrifice
From earliest times there were sacrifices. The Creator has been creating in this world a long time, but when we begin with Adam, the first modern man created by God, their were sacrifices. There is no explanation as to why. It seems that with Moses, arguably the provider of the earliest account of Hebrew history and religion, there was the assumption that anyone would know the why and wherefore of sacrifices. In his story the sons of Adam, called Cain and Able, made sacrifices. Cain was angry that God found his brother's sacrifice acceptable, while his own sacrifice was not acceptable. Cain killed his brother in anger.
Why was Cain's sacrifice unacceptable? Some would suppose that early man was directly instructed by God to offer animal sacrifices. The fruit of the soil brought by Cain was therefore not acceptable. Others might say that Cain's motive was bad. In the history of the Hebrews, people were admonished for offering sacrifices in the pagan way. That is, sacrifice to gain God’s favor in order to get something out of him. The Hebrew prophets took a dim view of this. David, who himself was a prophet, when he had sinned grievously and had repented, said "sacrifice and offering you do not desire, or I would give it." He knew that a sacrifice would not cause God to forgive, or to be favorable to him.
What then was the purpose of a sacrifice, the kind of sacrifice that was acceptable to God? There is an example where this is spelled out in the story of Abraham. Abraham was told to make an offering in which the animals were divided in two, with a path between the parts, and through which a torch passed. God made a covenant, a promise, a pact, a contract with Abraham. He promised to give Abraham heirs, and after four hundred years to make them a nation extending from the Euphrates river to the river of Egypt. The cutting of the animal sacrifice and the passing between the parts was a token, an affirmation of the promise. Here we have a hint of the meaning of the sacrificial system. It was an affirmation of the covenant. This history is an important metaphor for the sacrifice of the Messiah. With this affirmation, there is a place assured for his people.
The Hebrew word for sacrifice is "the cutting." How did this work out in the Law of Moses. A “cutting” was made twice a day as a symbol that the entire nation affirmed the covenant with the God of Heaven. A private cutting was also made when a woman gave birth, when a house was made clean, when one had sinned ignorantly, or when one simply wanted to reaffirm the covenant. The latter was called a “fellowship” offering. When one had sinned ignorantly and the sacrifice had been made, the covenant was re-affirmed. Cutting was usually followed with a feast. It was a happy occasion. There was no provision for a sacrifice when one had committed a high handed or capital sin. One could repent, meaning to turn again to God and away from the grievous offense, but there was no sacrifice. As David said, "Sacrifice and offering you do not desire or I would give it, but a humble and contrite heart you will accept." "Create in me a new heart, and renew a right spirit within me."
John said of Jesus, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." His "cutting" was not the sacrifice of the pagan. It did not make God forgiving or favorable toward man, nor did it turn aside His wrath. It did not "pay" for man's sins. In what way then did He "take away the sin of the world?" He bought mankind for God, not from God's condemnation. The ransom he paid by his death “loosed” us from our sins, and the claims of Satan. It did not appease an offended God. He was crushed for (because) of our iniquities, not in order to pay the Father for them. Satan's substitute system of worship requires a sacrifice of propitiation. It is his system that requires sacrifice to bring prosperity, or to escape a sentence of eternal torment. This was the basis for most Pagan religions, and different from the sacrifice acceptable to the father.
This difference is taught in the symbolic sacrificial system of Moses, the climax of which was the “day of covering.” On this day, two goats were selected. One was sacrificed. The other was the goat-sent-away. It was the one who had the sins of the people placed upon it, and which was then turned out into the dessert, never to be seen again. This is the story of the great sacrifice of the Messiah. It was Jesus who was sacrificed. In it, he had the victory. The adversary, the god of this world, was defeated. The blame for the whole of man's predicament is shown to be upon Satan. In the Apocalypse, it is he who at the end of the millennium will be led away, never to be seen again. When the Son came in the flesh, he overthrew Satan and clearly affirmed his right before the universe to have his children back. To Him is given the kingdom, and Satan is cast out, never to return. The sacrifice of the Son overcame Satan’s deceptions about God and God’s government. Henceforth, the only thing Satan can do is to take as many people with him as possible.
The belief in the Pagan religions was that a blood sacrifice would make the god favorable, provide expiation and reparation, and cause the god to give an afterlife of happiness. Using sympathetic magic, what happened to the sacrifice was thought to effect the status of someone else.
The interpretation of the teachings of Paul continues this central idea. God is thought to be propitiated by the death of the Son, and to accept His sacrifice as a substitute for the death of the sinner. Development of the traditional Christian religion brought forward the religion of Babylon into the modern world. It is
this that makes the "beast" the beast. There are two kinds of gods. Indeed, there are two gods. One is the god of this world, who requires pain and death in order to be reconciled. He also tortures forever, or for a considerable time, those outside his satisfaction.
The God of Heaven was revealed by the Messiah. He is a father. He is concerned in having his children back rather than in legal status. They are his children and part of his kingdom. The Messiah was the savior of the world. The entire world was saved from the claims of the Adversary. All who choose to be members of his kingdom will be with him in his kingdom.
In the end, there will be a judgment. This judgment will come at the end of the millennium, as described in the Apocalypse. "Sheep" will be separated from "goats". But the sheep are not those forgiven by a death payment. Rather, they are the ones who have chosen to be members of his kingdom. They are his friends. They obey his will, the laws of his kingdom. "Why call me Lord, and do not the things I say." This was taught by the Messiah. "The kingdom of God is within you."
God, YHWH, Anu, the God of Heaven, is the father of mankind. He sent his Son to be human, to live among us and to reveal the Father. His birth as one of us, his life and death, was a sacrifice which affirmed the covenant he had made with mankind. The promise of the covenant was to overthrow Satan and grant eternal life. He ransomed us from Satan's claims and control, and in the end from the chaos of this present world. A future is for all who choose to become part of His kingdom.
Precursors of the Christian Establishment
The Babylonian genealogy:
The peoples of the ancient world knew about the God of Heaven. The people of Babylon called him "Anu." In Egypt he was "Anni," then "Atum." To the Hebrews he was YHWH, the eternal creator. The ancient peoples did not want to worship Anu the God of Heaven. To be rid of him they invented generations of other gods whom they said came from Anu the God of Heaven. They pushed the God of heaven into the background. They put other gods before Him. In time, the Hebrews became almost peerless in holding to the God of Heaven, yet even they frequently preferred the worship of other gods.
These other gods were said to give prosperity and shelter from disaster, and could be made favorable through rituals and sacrifices. They were less particular regarding the ethics of the worshipers. The greatest god came to be the great "storm god," known as En-Lil in Babylon, also known as Baal, Rimon, Zeus, Jupiter, Thor, Marduk, and other names in different languages and cultures as they developed. He was sometimes given solar attributes. This god became the "father of the gods," and the God of Heaven became obscure and almost forgotten.
There was another important god in the ancient world. This was the "salvation" god. The belief was that through him one could obtain a good life in the hereafter. He was believed to be a god-man, part god and part man. His original name was "Dumuzi" or "Tammuz". His symbol was the cross. Tammuz possibly existed before the great flood. In Babylonian documents he is listed as the eighth of the ten kings who ruled before the flood. His name means "the true son who rises." He was later called by such names as Adonis, Attis, Osiris, and many more. It was in connection with his death and rising that salvation in the hereafter was thought to come. This was sometimes achieved by "participation" with him in a sacrament signifying his death. By the time of the Roman Empire, he was frequently venerated as Attis and a national holiday was kept in honor of his rising. This is the holiday we call Easter. In the Greek language it was called the "Hilasterion."
The "sacred feminine" was connected with the salvation god. Her name was Inanna. She was later known as Ishtar, then as Isis, Minerva, Diana, Venus, Cybele, Ashteroth, and others. This great goddess had multitudes of names, and was generally called "the great mother" or "queen of heaven.” In most of her shrines she was seen as a mediator, speaking in behalf of those who adored her. Attached to her were such concepts as fertility, protection of mothers, and helper of men at war. She was the one "of a thousand names." In connection with Attis in Rome, she was called Cybele. In Egypt, connected with Osiris, she was called Isis. Thus we have the frequently occurring ancient trinity: the storm god, the salvation god, and the great goddess. The "sacred feminine" is the third element of ancient paganism.
There was a helper god. He was originally known in Babylon as Nebo. He was otherwise known as Hermes, Mercury, Thoth, and a host of other names in different languages. The "wisdom" of Hermes has come down to us in modem times in many forms. Along with the trinity and helper, the people of antiquity venerated a number of lesser gods and godlings, each with an area of control and interest, but all under the great god En-Lil, who became Jupiter to the Romans and Zeus to the Greeks.
Among the priests of ancient religions there was a secret which was sometimes revealed only to an initiated few. Beyond the trinity and all their godlings was a hidden god, the god actually worshiped. In Egypt he was "Neter,” the hidden one. In Roman times his name was "Saturn."
Satan was in fact the one worshiped in place of the god of heaven. Whether recognized or not, he is the god of this world. There are in reality two entities who are worshipped: the God of heaven and the imposter. “This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and the anointed deliverer whom thou have sent.”
In Christianity, a person may perceive the God of Heaven, or may accept the god of this world posing as the God of Heaven, but who has attributes of En-lil and the sacrificed son, Tammuz. Likewise in Islam there is Allah, the merciful, and there is another Allah, the cruel "god of this world," going under the name of Allah. Also, in primitive religions, in deism, and even in agnosticism. Which of the two one perceives and who resonates within the person makes a difference.
The Aryan Genealogy
The story of Mithra begins in the ancient past of the Aryan people. It is thought that a branch of the Aryan people came from the north into India. They assimilated with the conquered people as they went, combining their Aryan religion with the religion of the people they conquered.
Another branch of the Aryan people invaded Iran. They conquered and assimilated with the people they found there. These are the people of Persia. They then conquered Babylonia and added elements of the Babylonian religion to their religion. Their trinity of gods then consisted of Ahura Mazda (the father god), Mithra (savior and protector of humanity), and Anaitis (the goddess). They also created a plethora of lesser gods and godlings, but the story of Mithra and his animal sacrifice was important to their religion.
Mithra met and assimilated with elements of the salvation god Attis, the salvation god of ancient Phrygia. Thereafter, images of Mithra wore a Phrygian cap with Persian trousers and cape, and with Chaldean astrological signs on the cap and cape.
Later, Rome conquered Asia Minor. Their soldiers brought back to Rome several versions of Mithra. One version was the ancient Persian-Babylonian story of Mithra slaying the bull. Another version emphasized Mithras as the Roman god, Sol Invictus. This Attis-Mithra synthesis was welcome in Rome. The religion of Phrygia was already well established and important.
Mithra had by now absorbed a number of gods along the way, including Persius, Apollo, Helios, and Sol Invictus. Sol Invictus is especially important since a number of important Roman emperors worshiped him. When the emperor Constantine wanted a religion to unify the empire, Sol Invictus became further synthesized with Christ, and this was the religion of the Roman Empire. This was not difficult to do, since the Pauline Christ already had many attributes of Attis-Mithra. Indeed, Mithra as Sol Invictus has never been conquered. It conquered other branches of Christianity, which were driven underground by the year 490, and permanently by 529.
The new synthesis maintained nearly all the trappings of the Babylonian religion and those of Osiris. Sunday, the day of the invincible sun, was observed. This rather than the memorial of creation found in the Ten Commandments. December 25, the Mithric birthday, was observed. Easter, always observed near the spring equinox in honor of the death and resurrection of Attis-Mithrus, was maintained. The resurrection of Christ had been at Passover time. There were vestments, ecstatic utterances, the meaning of the lord’s supper, immortality of a conscious soul, the magical use of the cross and the sign of the cross, symbols, eternal torment of the damned, retributive judgment, sacrifice as an appeasement, and then later, the sacred feminine with numerous elements of common worship. All were carried over into Christianity from the great salvation god.
The new synthesis combining Christ and Mithras had greater appeal than the ancient Mithra. Christ was a historical person. His was a self-sacrifice. Salvation was a legal affair in which one’s sins were legally expiated. In time, salvation became an arrangement of faith and works, or faith and no works. Baptism for the dead seems to have been practiced. This had an element of sympathetic magic in which the action of one object or person controls what happens to another object or person. This same idea is present in the Pauline Christ. One sins and everyone is guilty. A divine person dies and is resurrected, and all are resurrected. This sympathetic magic is common from Tammuz to Mithras and salvation gods of all paganism. The idea of an immortal soul in eternal hell was also Mithric. Jesus said that eternal existence is a gift which would be given to some in the future.
Prophecies concerning Christ and the Apocalypse
The Hebrew Bible tells the experience of God working with the Hebrew people, as recorded by prophets, kings, and historians. There is something to be learned about God from each writer. These writings are of variable value. They are valuable rather than infallible. They have kept alive knowledge of the God of Heaven, who is working with people in a sea of Paganism. The knowledge of each writer of the Bible was partial and incomplete, and together make an invaluable whole.
Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and the other prophets predicted judgment upon the nations of Israel and Judah. They promised that Judah would be reestablished under a “new covenant.” This was fulfilled after the year 538 B.C. under Persian kings.
Some prophets, such as Isaiah, use hyperbole, poetry, and non-literal prose, in order to portray the desolation and re-establishment of Israel, or the experience of the prophet himself. These had a wider, future, more obscure meaning regarding Messiah to come, and for the "new earth" to come. Ezekiel discusses the king of Tyre, but seems to break out with knowledge regarding Satan, and his end.
Note: The prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel regarding the re-establishment of Israel were fulfilled, but not precisely in the way predicted. People did not fully cooperate with God's purpose. The wrongs which people do to each other are not the will of God. Satan works to counteract God's purposes. In the same way, while one can be sure concerning prophecies of the end of the age, conditionality has always come into play as to how things play out. One must not be dogmatic concerning the details which will unfold in due time. Jesus prayed, "may your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." Eventually, it will be so.
There are two apocalyptic prophecies in the Bible regarding the time of the end. These are the prophecies of Daniel and of John in the Revelation of Jesus. These represent the purposes of God who is at work in the world to bring about a good end and for a good purpose in the long run, even when His adversary has room to act.
The Prophecies of Daniel:
Daniel, Chapter 1 is the historical introduction.
Daniel, Chapter 2.
This is the first prophecy in Daniel, given in the time of the Babylonian Empire, about 600 years before the birth of Jesus. Four empires are to follow in the providence of God, symbolized by four parts of a statue. These empires will follow one after the other: Babylon, Persia, Greece , and Rome. Rome would be divided into ten parts. So it has been. The divisions of the old Roman Empire would continue until the time of the end, when the God of Heaven will set up an everlasting kingdom which will not be destroyed.
Daniel, Chapters 3 through 6.
Historical events which occurred during the time of Daniel and the Babylonian empire.
Daniel, Chapter 7.
This is the second prophecy of Daniel, given about 550 years before the birth of Jesus. A repeat is given of the four empires foretold in Daniel 2. This time the four empires are symbolized by four animals. The ten divisions of the Roman Empire were symbolized by ten horns. Three of these horns would be replaced by another horn, which would be different from others. This "little horn" would become great, and it would be against the "saints,” who would be handed over to it for 1260 years. In perhaps the greatest paradox in history, the "little horn" became Christendom itself. It would "try to change times and laws." Then a court would be held in heaven. "One like a Son of Man" will be given dominion, and His kingdom will not pass away. This would seem to point to the long looked for second coming of Jesus. Judgment was given against the "little horn" and in favor of the "saints."
Daniel Chapter 8
This is the third prophecy of Daniel, given two years later, and speaks of a long 2300 year period. From the time this prophecy was given, a 2300 years period would end in about 1750 AD, during the time of the “Enlightenment.”
This prophecy is a repeat of Daniel 7, in different form. Here, the second animals (Persia) is represented as a Ram, and the third animal (Greece) is represented as a Goat. Greece would be split into four horns or kingdoms. These would grow towards the four winds. Out of one of the winds would come a great and terrible horn, Rome. Rome in its religious form would continue until end times. Here, “the daily and the place of the sanctuary” seem to be metaphor for the same thing as the “the saints” of Daniel chapter seven.
Note: The 2300 year prophecy of Daniel, as well as the 1260 year prophecy (mentioned six times in the Bible) end at the same time, about 1750 AD. There is no time prophecy extending past this time. No one can know the time of the second coming of Christ, not even the Son. Perhaps it will be a matter of how the end time events work out. We do know the events will be exciting.
Daniel Chapter 9
This is the fourth prophecy of Daniel, given 540 years before the birth of Jesus. This is an additional prophecy concerning the fourth animal of chapter 7. The Jewish nation would be given a certain amount of time to finish transgression and bring in the "Holy One." This prophecy concerns the Messiah and an evil ruler. It foretells when the person called “Anointed One,” “Messiah,” or “Prince” would come. He would come “sixty-nine sevens” or 483 years after the command to rebuild Jerusalem. From the command to rebuild Jerusalem in 457 BC, until the time of Jesus’ ministry in AD 27, is 483 years. During the first “seven sevens” or 49 years of this period, Jerusalem was again established. After the full 483 years, Messiah did confirm the covenant for seven years. In the middle of that seven years, he did put an end to sacrifices and offerings. But he himself was cut off. So it has been. After this, the evil ruler (Rome) would cause the desolation of the temple. The prophecy tells things to be done by the evil ruler. The power of Roman leadership would continue until the end of the world, as it turned out, leadership in its religious form. That which is decreed is to be poured out on him. All has been as predicted, which gives reason to believe that the end will be as predicted. Jesus said that the desolation of the temple and his second coming are separate events. He said that his coming would not be a local event. It will be an earth shaking event, not a secret rapture.
Chapters 10 and 11 appear to have been inserted into the book at a much later date. Apparently the effort was to make the entire book appear to be about a Greek king and his enemies.
Daniel, Chapter 12
Interesting information regarding the time of the end. The last two verses of chapter 12 may have been added for the same reasons as chapters 10 and 11.
Prophecies in the Revelation of Jesus: the Apocalypse of John.
The Revelation of Jesus concerns a “time of the end” of all things, and was written about 90 years after the birth of Christ. The Revelation says that these things “must soon take place.” It is repeated several times that these things are “near.” On the other hand, it also prophesies regarding the 1260 year period, which was to come before the end of all things. Therefore the book of Revelation must take the point of view and be concerned with conditions and events prophesied to take place in the last generation before the second coming of Christ. It brings additional information regarding the fourth animal of Daniel's prophecy, which will take place at the end of the age.
In the Revelation of Jesus, angels gave several series of seven signs to the prophet. Each of these series of signs give the same material over and over again, but with different words and imagery. Taken together, these series of signs support each other, and together paint a single picture of the unfolding of events predicted at the end of the age. Many have tried to make interpretations of these signs to fit events of the past, or to make "rapture" scenarios of the future. The Revelation has to do with the end of the age, and gives enough background to know who will be the contending forces at the end of the age. The significance of the signs will without doubt become fully understood when these events unfold.
There are clues throughout the Bible leading to the understanding that there is a great war in the universe. By connecting the dots, it becomes apparent that the God of Heaven has an adversary. This is seen in that which God said to the serpent and the woman, as well as in the prophecy of the king of Tyre of Ezekiel. This adversary is seen in many places in the words of Jesus, as well as in the prophecies of Daniel and in the prophecy of Revelation. The adversary will be defeated in the end, but will alas take many with him.
Symbolism of chapters 1, 2, and 3.
The word "Jew" stands for one who "keeps the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." “Eating of food sacrificed to idols” may be a symbol for taking the commemorating meal as if containing the body of Christ, as was taught by Paul. This has deep Pagan roots, and became a doctrine of the Christian church. “Satan’s so called deep secrets” stands for doctrines of the Gnostics who believed they had secret knowledge. Nicolaitans were Christians of the Gnostic type who advocated adultery. “Practices of the Nicolaitans” or “sexual immorality” may stand for “spiritual adultery,” that is, mixing Pagan and Christian practices. “Those who claim to be apostles but are not” may refer to Paul and his legates, who did not dominate other Christian churches. “Jezebel” advocated worship of Baal, and may stand for any individual who advocates worship of the god with Baal attributes. “Morning star:” Jesus Christ Himself. “I am rich:” spiritual pride.
Revelation, chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7.
This vision predicts the same scene as the apocalypse in Daniel chapter 7, with additional information and symbols. It is a vision of the throne of God in heaven, and of “seven seals.” The seven seals have to do with events occurring at the time of the end, the time of the second coming of Christ. In this vision, no one other than the Son was able to “open” the seals. The opening of the seals is the end of the age, “the great day of wrath.” The answer is given regarding how it is that the Son is able to open the seals and end the rebellion against God. He has triumphed. In his sacrifice he purchased men for God. The adversary is defeated. The “144,000” stands for the complete plurality from all parts of the earth of those who are on God’s side at the second coming. The “12 tribes of Israel” stand for all these people. Such numbers indicate completeness. The “great multitude in white robes” explains the symbolic 144,000. They come out of great tribulation at the second coming.
Revelation, chapter 8, chapter 9.
A vision of “seven trumpets.” The vision tells in symbolic form of a time of terrible disaster before the second coming. It sounds as if there will be a series of terrible wars with mass destruction.
Revelation, chapter 10.
A vision of “seven thunders.” The prophet is not allowed to write down anything about these thunders. It must be terrible. These events come under the seventh trumpet. Curiously, this all seemed pleasant to the prophet, but afterwards seemed bitter.
Revelation, chapter 11.
After a digression to discuss again the 1260 year period, the seventh trumpet is sounded and the end has come.
Revelation, chapter 12.
This is an additional prophecy covering the time between the birth of Christ and the end of the age. A woman gives birth, the child is caught up to heaven, and the woman flees from the dragon into the wilderness for 1260 days, symbolic of years. The “woman” is the church in the wilderness; the “child” is Christ; the “dragon” is the adversary; the “wilderness” stands for the 1260 year period when the church which Christ founded went underground, and was the victim of the little horn.
At the time of the sacrifice of Christ and his ascension back to his father, there was war in heaven. Michael “He who is like God," the head of the angels, not the head angel, is the Son. He and his angels fight against the dragon, the adversary. The dragon is expelled, and is no longer allowed to approach the presence of God. The Son has prevailed. Now has come salvation for man and the power of the kingdom of God.
Here we have the sacrifice of Christ, and his being “caught up” to heaven. But the dragon is furious because he knows his time is limited. He pursues the “woman,” who goes into the wilderness for 1260 years. The dragon uses “water,” signifying peoples, to sweep the woman away. The “earth” signifying “lack of people,” possibly the new world, helps the woman. After all this, the dragon makes war against the woman’s offspring, those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the teachings of Jesus. It will be a matter of great interest to see how this plays out.
Revelation, chapter 13.
Of special interest are the “dangerous animals” of chapter 13, and also the 1260 year period. This 1260 year period must be important, because it is mentioned three times in Daniel, and three times in the Revelation. It is sometimes called “42 months,” and sometimes it is called a “year, two years, and a half a year.” This would correspond to the beginning of the medieval period, the Anno Domini calendar, and the surpassing power of state sponsored religion in the west, with the year 490 as the logical starting time. The 1260 year period would then extend to the societal changes brought on by the Enlightenment and the end of the medieval period. State sponsored Christianity finally received “a deadly wound” with the enlightenment, and could no longer exercise control so strongly. In this chapter 13 of Revelation we have the important events of the 4th animal of Daniel chapter 7, here with additional information and symbols.
The dangerous animal from the sea (water representing peoples) is Rome, or the religion of Rome. This animal had authority for 42 months, or 1260 days, representing years, and the inhabitants of earth did worship the animal.
After this, there is an animal which comes from the “earth.” This causes everyone to honor an image of the animal that came from the sea, and to receive its “mark.” This must represent something which has not as yet happened in the world. The mark has to do with the number 666. This is a human number, not the number of a man such as Nero, a bishop, or political figures. The number 6 was the basic number of the Babylonian system. The number 666 stands emphatically for Babylon.
In the Revelation of John, “Babylon” stands for Rome; an animal stands for a political power or nation. The number 666 stands for the religion of the Roman Empire and the civil power as an agent of enforcement. The "image" of the religion of the Roman Empire is Protestantism, which started well, but in the end reflects the religion of the empire. The symbol given in this chapter is an animal which is like a lamb, but comes to speak like a dragon.
According to this prophecy, the time will come when the religious power, with its continuation of the elements of the ancient religion, will again require honor, either in the head (belief) or the hand (action). One wonders how such a thing could be.
Revelation, Chapter 14.
The number 666 is contrasted with the number 144,000.
Now we have the frightening vision of “three angels.” These seem to be warnings to mankind before the end of the age. Taken together, this sounds like an omega message, a message before the end. It would have to take place in the generation before the end of the age. Here are the warnings:
Angel one: A warning to every nation to worship God as creator.
Angel two: Babylon is fallen, and has made the nations drink wine of spiritual adulteries.
Angel three: A terrible warning against receiving the “mark.” Might it paradoxically be the cross, the enduring symbol of the “son who rises” of Babylon, and the same cross on which the adversary sought to destroy the holy one.
Note: Does God torture? The eternal smoke of Revelation symbolizes the eternal results of the judgment. The results are final. The lake of fire burns forever. God’s unveiled presence is life to some, and annihilation to others. Throughout the Bible, passages refer to God's face as the eternal fire. It is the only eternal fire. God's presence, symbolized as the fire that comes down from heaven, burns forever. In the final judgment, knowledge of what one might have had is the ultimate pain, and it is self-inflicted.
The book of Job lets us know that God does not inflict retributive justice. He does not require "payment" for sins. His idea of justice it not like ours. Job told the truth about God. Our creator may have purposes for allowing pain, but pain to pay for wrong is not one. As revealed in the story of Job, God does not deal in retributive pain, and takes a dim view of those who say otherwise. This is not the kind of person He is.
In Pauline Christianity, as in all the pagan salvation religions, the afterlife is achieved by the pain of the sacrifice of a person, or animal, or a god. This is thought to be an expiation, and through participation in the sacrifice, the afterlife is secured. This is the mark of all salvation Pagan religions. It is the mark of the beast. This is in contrast to the call to be reborn as a member of God's kingdom and rightful heir of Christ's promises.
Chapter 14 concludes with a description of the second coming of Christ with many symbols.
Revelation, chapters 15 and 16.
Using a multitude of symbols, there is a description of "seven bowls," filled symbolically with “wrath.” Of special interest is when the rulers of the whole world are gathered together at "Armageddon" for "the great day of God." Armageddon means "mountain of rendezvous." Does God have a rendezvous with His challenger? In early times, Har-Megiddon was a gathering place for the worship of Hadad-Rimmon, a name for Tammuz. As such, the battle of Armageddon seems to be the culminating battle between the Son of El, the Creator, and the usurper god Tammuz, the "god of this world." Armageddon is the coming of the real true Son. The true Omega is promised to win out over the cross of Tammuz. Then is it said, "It is done."
Revelation, chapters 17 and 18.
A description of the judgment of the “woman” (The religion of Babylon) who rides the “animal” (Babylon.) The vision foretells a time when “for one hour” the animal, together with its “horns” (nations) and the “woman” make war against the “Lamb.” Then the animal and its horns hate the woman and destroy her. In Revelation, an animal is a political power, a woman is a religion, and horns are nations. It seems that at the time of the second coming, a religious, political, and economic combination will war against the Lamb (Christ). Then the horns (nations) turn on the animal and its rider.
In chapter 18 there is a voice which says, “Fallen is Babylon.” A second voice says “Come out of her my people.” Then a dirge is said over Babylon.
Revelation, chapter 19.
In this vision there is a great shout of exaltation because the time has come for “the wedding of the Lamb.” The “prostitute” has been judged. The Lamb has won in the great cosmic war. The “Lamb” stands for the Son. The “bride” stands for those who have chosen to be His people. The “wedding supper” stands for the great resurrection when His people go to be with Him. It is the end of the age. Then the words are said, “Blessed are those who are invited to the supper.” The prophet falls at the feet of the angel, but is forbidden to do so, with enigmatic words, “Worship God, for the testimony (evidence) of Jesus is the spirit (or mind) of prophecy”. The Second Coming is then again described with many symbols. The earth is depopulated. The beast and its image (the false prophet) are symbolically cast into the “fiery lake,” signifying annihilation.
Revelation, chapters 20, 21, and 22.
Here is the most remarkable of all predictions, the Millennium. At the coming of the Son, the livingzndas the dead who had not worshiped "the beast" will rise to be with him for a millennium, while the earth is depopulated. God’s adversary will be “bound” for a thousand years. There are none to trouble or control.
After the thousand years, the resurrection of all who have ever lived will occur. The adversary is now released to deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle. They surround “the city God loves.”
The prophet sees a great white throne and one seated upon it. All stand before the throne. Books are opened, including the “book of life,” which was typified by Moses' "day of covering." All are judged by what is recorded in the books, not according to their beliefs, but according to what they have done. If one’s name is not found in the book of life, he goes into the fiery lake. Then death and the grave are thrown into the fiery lake. There is no more death nor suffering. These become a thing of the past. What is the wrath of God toward those who prefer the god of this world? As the Son has shown, it is the disappointment this Great Being feels for the children of His creation.
There is a new earth with no sea. The heavens are different. The prophet sees a holy city coming down to earth. Now the dwelling of God is with men. There is no material temple. God and the Lamb are the temple. A “river of life” flows from the throne through the city. God’s servants will serve him, and be with him for ever and ever.
One might ask, if Jesus is kind and merciful, how is it that he is pictured with a sword coming from his mouth? The Revelation of Jesus is a book of symbols and parables. Jesus said that mysteries of the kingdom were given in parables so that some would understand, but that others have “waxed gross” and seeing they do not see, nor understand. It is possible that if events in Revelation were not given in this way, the book would scarcely have been preserved. The prophet Daniel said that in end times, knowledge would be increased.
The Old Testament prophets said that the “wrath of God” would come upon various nations. This happened at that time, but not with God hurting people. Nations such as Assyria and Babylon swept these nations away through war and plundering. When God’s protection is withdrawn from the world, the “god of this world” has his way. Wars, plagues, and disasters follow. God is never vindictive, retributive, nor sadistic. It may seem to some to be unjust for God to not punish wrongs with pain. But God’s justice is not like ours. Even at the end, as Jesus has shown, his wrath is sadness when he lets go, and one is left desolate. God’s face is a consuming fire to those not born into the kingdom. The "lake of fire" is a metaphor for the final extinction and eternal death of body and soul at the end of the age.
Note: There is another "wrath" in the book of Revelation. This is a warning against adding to or subtracting from the prophecies of this book. Unfortunately, the popular "dispensationalist" prophecy with its "secret rapture," adds, subtracts, and changes. Building a temple in Jerusalem is not a sign of the end of the age. In Revelation, the temple is the throne of God, and figuratively, the people of God. Revelation does not predict the date of the end of the age. Such prediction would be adding to the prophecy. Jesus said such prediction is impossible.
The Anti-Christ.
“Anti-Christ” is not mentioned in the Revelation. There is no prophecy of a future "Anti-Christ." He has already come. He was one who denied that "Christ came in the flesh." He denied that the Son of God came as a human being. Some early Christians taught that Jesus only “seemed” to be human. Gnostic Christians said that Jesus had two natures. They said his divine nature was immortal, so it was the human nature which was sacrificed. Likewise, the official religion of the Roman Empire insisted that Jesus had two separate natures, one of which was human, and this nature was sacrificed. According to Jesus, the Son of God became one of us, a human being. As human, He remains the Son of God. As an ultimate insult, He was sacrificed upon the pagan cross, not just a part of Him, but truly and completely. He indicated that He became a man and a sacrifice for two reasons: to reveal the Father to mankind, and to defeat the "god of this world."
There are predictions of false Christs who appear in various places before the end of the age, before the coming of the real Christ in clouds and with power and glory.
Note: It is a of wonder to some that God is one, and that the Father and the Son and the Hoy Spirit are three beings. Material things are made of something we call qubits. A qubit may be in two or more places but be the same thing doing different things. An assembly of qubits existing as a non material person may explain many things recorded in the Bible. It could also explain the possibility of one thing in three persons.
Symbols of Alpha and Omega
Alpha as symbol of the beginning, the Creator. The Omega as symbol of the “seal,” the Tav, the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet translated as Omega, the final, relating to the end. Christ is the ultimate Alpha and Omega.
The number 7, a symbol of God the creator. The number 144,000, a symbol of those on God's side in the great cosmic war.
Symbols of Tammuz (Mithra, Attis, Sol Invictus)
The symbol of the cross: the earliest and most common religious symbol in the ancient world was the cross. It was the symbol for the ancient god Tammuz, the Babylonian salvation god. It became the symbol for many of the variations of the Tammuz god. Jesus was sacrificed on this ubiquitous symbol. After the synthesis of Mithra-Judaism-Christ, the cross of Tammuz and the Tammuz way to salvation became central in Christianity. The cross was the symbol of oppression to the saints, the symbol of the 666 animal.
The circle, the obelisk, and the steeple are symbols of the "father of the gods," the god of this world, the reputed giver and taker of prosperity and salvation.
Creation and Evolution
The basis of the Omega faith is that Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God. His words are true and are the words of life. Scripture and the world around us are understood with this in mind. The Omega view of creation is the “long creation” interpretation. The Genesis view of origins as well as geological observations must both be taken into account in order to have insight into the creator and his powers.
Death has been a part of creation for a long time. Stars, galaxies, flora, and animate beings are born, live, and live again through their seed. Death and reproduction go together. In the Genesis creation, a new human race was created in the image of God. They separated from the creator. Death intervened. God has been creating in this world for a long time. It seems that in the last iteration, the atmosphere was made clear, such that the sun, moon, and stars appeared. New species were created. The voice of God himself affirmed that this creation was done in six days, and that he rested and blessed the Sabbath as a memorial of the creation. The call of the Revelation is the call to respect God as father and creator.
Both fossil record and astronomical observation suggest that God has created again and again over long ages, apparently using genetic material from previous iterations. We do not know what role if any that Satan, the “god of this world,” might have had in manipulating God’s creation. The fossil record suggests sudden appearances of life forms, without extensive sequences of intermediate forms. Observations indicate contacts between some layers of rock without erosion features. Darwinian evolution fails in the history of the earth. Microevolution, not macroevolution, has routinely taken place on the earth. There is an abundance of coal and other formations which require extended periods of time to form. Radiometric dating show the earth's crust in discrete layers with the youngest layers generally on top, and the older layers on the bottom. There have been several mass extinctions over the ages.
This Biblical flood brought disaster to the Mediterranean and Black Sea areas. The flood reduced the new race to a few people. They had intermarried with existing races. The “sons of God” married the “daughters of men” and “strong men of renown” were born. This may have included marriage with Neanderthal blood, as we now carry some of their genes. There are flood stories from around the world. Around 8,200 years ago, there was a disastrous rise in the ocean levels as well as massive flooding.
Based upon evidence, modern civilized man appeared after the end of the last ice age, perhaps 14,000 years before the present. This is the last iteration of creation. This was followed by years when the earth was favorable to life. The earth was then cursed with two periods with cold, and with dryness in the Mediterranean area. These two periods of cold are the Older and Younger Dryas periods. Warm weather then returned, and has remained for the past 11,500 years, but with moderate cooling from time to time. Creation of the entire universe did not occur 6000 years ago. The Bible story begins late in the history of the earth. It is also noted that the tenth chapter of Genesis suggests long time periods in history, with numerous cities and populations.
There is indeed a spiritual dimension in earth's creation. There is more to life than chemicals. To deny this is to deny the obvious. A program of software associated with the DNA hardware is necessary to make the literally millions of precise interactions required to make what we call life. The "Soul" itself may be a bit, taking up no space at all, a seed ready to be once reactivated at the last day. "The fool has said in his heart, there is no God."
The Prophecy of Jesus is of a time to come for a final extinction, then a millennium of the desolate earth, and a "new earth." There will be a resurrection and a metamorphosis of those accounted worthy of a new life. They will be "as the angels," Both death and reproduction are no more. Man was created mortal, and all mortals die. God has planned immortality to those created in His image, but man must die first. Jesus told of a time when we shall be immortal, but we must first go through this material stage before that can be so. We must be human, with all that entails, before we can be "as the angels." Some succeed in their life cycle, others fail. In the great resurrection, we will surely know why. This is the meaning of life.