It is commonly said the righteous will live by faith. Abraham was credited with righteousness not because he was a perfect man but because he believed what God had spoken (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23). With only a promise from God, Abraham was told to leave everything he knew; his country, his kindred, and his father’s household (Genesis 12:1-2). This is what makes a man righteous. Faith – the absence of doubt. Forsaking what you know and trusting in God. A righteous man has faith that God will deliver on his promises even when the promise appears to be impossible. For Abraham, it was the promise that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5), even when he as an old man was told to sacrifice his son – the only heir to God’s fulfilled promise.

If we think of this in the broadest of terms, we can know that as individuals we are ultimately promised one of two futures. The first is a promise where those who have faith in Christ will be resurrected into eternal life (Revelation 2:7). The second is a promise where those who doubt and oppose Christ’s authority as King will be resurrected into death and forever separated from God (Matthew 25:30-46). One of these two futures will be granted to each and every one of us as a result of our obedience or disobedience to the Fathers perfect law of love (Matthew 25:45).

Christ’s promise states that evil will be removed from creation – forever. Our sins will be cast away as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12), and the names of those who found pleasure in tyranny, subjugation, and the torture of God’s servants will not be found written in the book of life (Revelation 20:14-15). No amount of evil will enter the new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65:17-25; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). We will be free to experience joy far beyond anything we are currently capable of understanding. Believe in God’s promise. That is faith. Faith that God will deliver us from this fallen world and usher us into paradise. It is so beautifully simple; all we really need to do is love God, love one another, and have faith in his resurrection power – along with everything true love and faith requires of us.

“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4; NAS)

But how can we know the truth of our faith in a world where a multitude of religious organizations are all espousing salvation in Christ through different means and different works? Is Christ divided?

We are faced with mass deception in this world. It comes to us by way of our social institutions, by our religious ideologies, and by our governments. What many in the church fail to acknowledge is that our faith does not reside in these things. Especially not our corrupt and degenerate world leaders. We must understand, Christ never once instructed us to take up arms against tyranny or fight and protest in opposition to the governments of this fallen world, even if they are tyrannical. In fact, it is quite the opposite. We are instructed to love our enemies (Luke 6:35).

If we search the entire New Testament, we will find the only thing Christ, his apostles, and the many disciples were ever truly protesting was a false religion in the name of God – not a broken constitution in the name of earthly government. Christ was not preaching against Rome or Caesar. He was preaching against the false religious teachers in Israel. Think about it…

The religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with his own words. They hoped in vain that if they could somehow persuade Jesus to publicly denounce Caesar, Jesus would be in big trouble with the authorities. He would be sent to prison or killed and therefore would no longer be a threat to the Pharisees rule over the religious establishment (Mark 12:12-17; Luke 20:19-26). They questioned Jesus about paying tribute to Caesar (the government). Christ’s response was to tell the religious teachers to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Jesus was not concerned at all about what Caesar was doing. Our precious Lord Jesus was only ever concerned about the trickeries of the false religious teachers. He then told the chief priests to give to God what belongs to God. Never once did Christ command his apostles to preach against the tyranny of Rome.

Then later, when our Lord was on trial for the sin of blasphemy, he was led before Pilate to be judged. We read that Pilate was afraid Jesus might in fact be who he claimed to be – the son of God (John 19:8). Pilate then asked Jesus where he came from (John 19:9). Jesus did not answer. Pilate then reminded Jesus “knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?” (John 19:10). Jesus then declared that Pilate’s “power” came from God… what Christ said next is exactly what we should find so striking.

“Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” (John 19:11; emphasis in bold mine throughout this chapter)

Christ clearly stated that the false religious teachers have a greater sin than the ultimate tyranny of the Roman Empire. Why? Perhaps because the Romans were preaching false works in the name of false gods, while the religious teachers in Israel were performing false works in the name of the One True God. Which do you believe is a greater sin?

Protesting an earthly government to the point where the government is overthrown, will only lead to another earthly government. Taking pride in our earthly leaders and trying to change our corrupt governments is futile and irrelevant. Our King Yhowshua has established an eternal government ruled by God Almighty. It is His government and His laws that we should seek to know and continue to practice!

The tyranny in the western world and across the globe is only going to increase. The prophesies explain how these events must come to pass before a lasting peace is finally established. Dearly beloved of God, we have nothing to fear. Whether we meet our end at the hands of government tyranny, deadly religious extremists, or our bodies expire from old age, accident, or some mysterious virus, we should always remember this wonderful truth. Christ is concerned with our eternal souls, not our earthly passions, possessions, or transitory powers of government. For this purpose, we must deny this fallen world and adhere only to what our Lord and King has taught us to observe.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 3:22).

… … …

The Newly Updated Edition of this book has been completed, and is currently pending publication. For details on when the New Edition will be available, send your inquiries to philipjwalls@gmail.com

The first draft of the book can still be purchased from most online retailers, or form WestBow press here. Or, you may request a free copy of the original draft by sending your shipping details to my email address.

Thank you, and God bless.

Return to the chapters page for more details.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ has been forever memorialized in discussions regarding end times prophecy. Bible teachers refer to this Revelation as a book written specifically for the “end of time” or the “end of the age” even referring to it as “the apocalypse”. This way of thinking has in effect made the entire book of Revelation equivalent to nothing more than a book written for “the end of the world”.

The book begins by stating this Revelation was sent “to show unto his servants’ things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1), which to some would indicate the events taking place in this book only occur after a specific point in time. However, we can know with certainty there exists a much greater truth being revealed in these scriptures. Revelation is not referring to the end of time alone. It is referring to all time; from beginning to end, and into eternity – all at once.

Though the book of Revelation does indeed speak of several very mysterious end times events, it is not an “end times” book any more than Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, or Zechariah are specifically written for the end times. Many of the Old Testament prophets spoke of the exact same scenarios taking place in the book of Revelation. Since this is the case, why do we not also refer to books written by Old Testament prophets as “end times” books? The fact is, each of these prophetic books have much more to teach us than mere end times prophecies, including the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending…” (Revelation 1:8; emphasis in bold mine throughout this chapter).

And again, in verse eleven Christ instructs John; “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia” (Revelation 1:11).

Not only does the book of Revelation show us a great deal about the history of our planet and the spiritual significance of what is taking place on our planet, it also offers the reader a glimpse into the nature of a completely separate and yet spiritually linked eternal realm absent from space and time. The Revelation of Jesus Christ has obscured space and time as we know it.

There is absolutely no way for the Revelation of Jesus Christ to be read from start to finish the same way we read, for instance, the four Gospels start to finish. The events explained in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (similar to Samuel, Kings and Chronicles in the Old Testament) are chronological in order and had all taken place in the physical realm of space and time. These visions in the book of Revelation did not (Revelation 1:10; 4:1-2). Here exists the reason why this Revelation of Jesus Christ is so much different than any of the paralleled books in the New Testament. Similar to writings from various Old Testament prophets, this Revelation John was told to write down and “send it unto the seven churches” is quite literally a glimpse into eternity.

Ask yourself, how could the apostle John have written a linear account of events to something he witnessed in a vision taking place in the eternal heavenly realms? If Revelation were a book written about events which will only occur in the “end of time” on planet earth, why are there so many recorded events present in this Revelation which are now, and even at the time the book of Revelation was written, known to us as ancient history?

It is made clear to the reader in chapter one that what they are reading is in reference to things that were, things that are, and things that will shortly come to pass – past, present, and future.

“Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be here-after;” (Revelation 1:19).

“Write therefore the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter;” (Revelation 1:19; ASV)

“Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.” (Revelation 1:19; NAS)

The Greek word “and” (G2532; kai) highlighted above is “a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words” [1].

This same word kai was translated from Greek to English in other areas of the New Testament as; also, both, likewise, even, as well as other words of conjunction. The word kai in this passage was not a word that was inserted into the various versions of the English bible hundreds of years after-the-fact as often is the case when translating the Greek texts into English. Often times, words such as; are, of, the, and, etc. were inserted into the English bible but were not present in the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. The translators introduced new words in order to draw out the context of a passage of scripture that may have not been obvious to a reader who only has the ability to understand and read the English language. The word kai in Revelation 1:19 is not one of them. The word kai does exist in the original Greek manuscripts. The word “and” (kai) in this passage is very important.

This passage states, “Write the things which thou hast seen,” (referring to events in the past-tense) “and (kai) the things which are,” (referring to events in the present-tense at the period of time John received this Revelation) “and (kai) the things which shall be here-after;” (referring to events in the future-tense; prophecy)” (Revelation 1:19; emphasis mine throughout).

The word kai in this passage shows us a clear distinction between that which was seen (past-tense), that which is seen (present-tense) and that which will be seen (future-tense).

The book of Revelation offers the reader a glimpse from an eternity perspective as well as shows us the past, present, and future of our existence on this planet; all at the same “time”.

… … …

Now think about this… could it be that subconsciously, this is why mankind is often so fascinated with time-travel? The angels are capable of time travel (traveling from eternity into space-time wherever and whenever is needed to fulfill the will of God), mankind is not. Mankind is bound by space and time – stuck in a linear format. The physical universe exists in a finite encapsulation; the angels and the eternal realms from which they enter our realm exist in the infinite, eternal will of God. When angels enter the physical realm to do God’s bidding, which happens on many occasions throughout the bible, they are literally traveling through time. Time travel does exist. God and his angels have been time-traveling since the beginning of creation!

… … …

[1] Unless otherwise noted, all Hebrew and Greek definitions were taken from: Strong, James (2010). The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Thomas Nelson

… … …

The Newly Updated Edition of this book has been completed, and is currently pending publication. For details on when the New Edition will be available, send your inquiries to philipjwalls@gmail.com

The first draft of the book can still be purchased from most online retailers, or form WestBow press here. Or, you may request a free copy of the original draft by sending your shipping details to my email address.

Thank you, and God bless.

Return to chapters page for more.

New-age gurus teach us to seek comfort in meditation. They teach us to align our chakras for better mental and physical wellbeing. They teach us we can master the art of astral projection, leave our bodies, and willfully navigate the spirit realm. In turn, we can gain a oneness with the universe. How absolutely wonderful… …what are we going to do, meditate away our need for salvation?

Gaining a oneness with the universe is pointless when we come to realize this universe, because of sin, will be destroyed by fire (Isaiah 13:13; 34:4; 51:6; Zephaniah 1:18; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 21:1). Many prominent atheists have already come to admit this fact. Atheistic scientists have for quite some time begun to teach us the death of the universe is inevitable. They teach us how billions of years in the distant future the universe will implode in a fury of cataclysmic retraction. Nice theory, Mr. Scientist. The irony is, God told us first.

Not only has the bible been teaching the destruction of the universe long before modern scientific theory arrived on college campus, but the bible has been teaching us it will occur much sooner than our current theoretical analysis’ have predicted.

But we are not talking about science here. We’re talking about the religion of spiritualism. The many experiences these modern new-age philosophers indorse revolve around the idea of seeking spiritual enlightenment. They seek to know and experience something greater than the physical realm. All of which is possible, but at what cost?

When we seek to know the mysteries of the universe while simultaneously rejecting the words of the Creator of the universe, we will forever be opening ourselves up to tremendous spiritual distress.

Seeking a spiritual experience outside of the truth revealed to us by the Lord Jesus Christ will only result in an invocation of deceiving spirits presenting themselves as angels of light (Galatians 1:8; Ephesians 6:12).

This spiritual enlightenment may seem wonderful to our earthly senses, but in most cases – if not all cases – we will be encouraging deceitful spirits to play upon our every new-age polytheistic whim.

This false sense of inner-peace outside of the will of God will only last so long in this worldly physical existence. What the many new-age guru’s fail to realize or teach their gullible sheeple is how this meditation is a form of prayer and worship of false gods.

If you begin praying and meditating to someone other than your heavenly Father via the atoning work of Christ, you are going to get exactly what you asked for – spirits posing as angels of light.

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14; NKJ)

The way we are being taught to meditate is all wrong. Do not attempt to silence your mind leaving it vacant. Instead, meditate on the love of God and fill your thoughts with His presence.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

It is only He who can bring true inner peace.

… … …

The Newly Updated Edition of this book has been completed, and is currently pending publication. For details on when the New Edition will be available, send your inquiries to philipjwalls@gmail.com

The first draft of the book can still be purchased from most online retailers, or form WestBow press here. Or, you may request a free copy of the original draft by sending your shipping details to my email address.

Thank you, and God bless.

Return to the chapters page for more details.

The atheist, the agnostic, and the devout religious alike; each and every one of us must at some point come to address these universal questions – Why are we here? How did we get here? What is the meaning of life?

In the previous chapter, What is the Matrix, we examined several potential answers to these questions. A close study of the bible tells us that we were all born into this life as part of a predestined plan for salvation.

Several passages of scripture strongly suggest a great multitude of what would ultimately become mankind (metaphorically referred to as a system of “trees”) existed in the Garden of Eden alongside “Adam” and “Eve” (Ezekiel 17:12-24; 28:12-13; 31:8-14; Isaiah 14:8-15). These vast nations of trees committed a number of heinous sins while in Eden, the garden of God. Engulfed by their own pride, they would be cast down to earth, to the depths of sheol (Ezekiel 31:14; Isaiah 14:15; Revelation 12:4).

At some point while still in Eden, Adam and Eve had finally succumbed to the realization of their own transgressions. They chose to hide themselves “among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8).

Our heavenly Father knew these transgressions could not go unpunished. Something needed to be done. Being overcome by his undying love for us, God predestined a plan to die a most gruesome death on our behalf – a sacrificial offering for sins of his children. The Father would create from his own being, a likeness of Himself. A Christ for all mankind.

“For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground…He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief…Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… but he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him: and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:2-6; emphasis mine)

Christ, in the image of the Father, entered the martix (the womb) to be physically born into this world. He grew into a young man who would preach the true gospel message of repentance from sin, and the arrival of the kingdom of God (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 10:9). Christ would then fulfill the Fathers plan by offering his own blood on the cross and declaring his power over death by rising from the grave. This sacrifice offering paved the way for all who believe in him to eventually regain access to the eternal “tree” of life (Genesis 2:9; 3:24; Revelation 22:2).

Our purpose in this world is to love God, and to love one another as he loves us (John 13:34). To be reconciled back into the Father’s kingdom; this is the meaning of life.

Now… continuing this line of biblical logic, the next question we face is an obvious extension of the former; what is death? What happens to us after we die?

The atheist’s response to this great mystery is simple. Nothing, we cease to exist. The agnostic response is to say, I don’t know and I don’t care. There is no way to prove it one way or the other. The Christian will respond with a statement we have all heard a thousand times. At the moment of death, bad people go to hell where they will burn in a lake of fire for all eternity. Good people go to heaven to be with Jesus where they will be reunited with their loved ones.

Popular culture paints a picture where at the moment of death we travel down a tunnel… we begin to see a bright light… and then, we are immediately “in heaven” with Jesus and all our loved ones who did not go to hell.

There are several books and movies claiming men, woman, and children have “been to heaven”. Some claim they have even met with the Lord Jesus Christ and their departed family members. Then, these individuals returned to earth to tell their heavenly stories. Okay, fantastic. Maybe they did indeed experience something other worldly. Perhaps their experiences were very real. Or, perhaps some of them are charlatans and they are fabricating their stories. What we can know for certain however is what the bible says about this mystery.

The truth, as revealed in the bible, is much more elaborate than an immediate transference to “heaven” or to the “lake of fire” at the moment of our death.

In this chapter, it will be revealed that never once does the bible ever say a human soul goes straight to heaven or straight to the lake of fire at the moment of death. In fact, the bible declares nothing of the sort. We will see that from cover to cover, there is zero evidence to support the false doctrine that heaven immediately awaits Christians who pass away. Nor will we find any scripture to declare the lake of fire immediately awaits the wicked.

The bible clearly teaches there are several extraordinary events which must transpire before we reach our final destination. The events which precede the lake of fire for the wicked, and paradise for the redeemed in Christ, are many. Such events include; sheol/hades (explained thoroughly in the chapter you are now reading), the resurrection of the living (first resurrection at the end of this current earth age – 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 20:4-6), the “millennium” reign of Christ right here on planet earth (Revelation 20:4), the resurrection of the dead (second resurrection at the end of the millennium – Revelation 20:3; 5), the final battle of good and evil (Revelation 20:7-10; Ezekiel 38; 39) and then, an event referred to by many as “the white throne judgement” where all mankind and fallen angels will be eternally judged (Revelation 20:11-15).

It is only after these supernatural events have taken place where the lost souls will be thrown into the lake of fire and the redeemed in Christ will be granted entrance into paradise. It is at that time, at the very end of it all… the creation of new heavens and a new earth will occur (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2 Peter 3:12-13; Revelation 21:1).

“…what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:11-13; emphasis in bold mine throughout this chapter)

It is here, in the new heavens (G3772; Ouranos) and new earth (G1093; Ge) where the redeemed in Christ will live in paradise for all eternity; just as it was in the Garden of Eden.

… … …

[stacks and stacks of biblical evidence]

… … …

The Newly Updated Edition of this book has been completed, and is currently pending publication. For details on when the New Edition will be available, send your inquiries to philipjwalls@gmail.com

The first draft of the book can still be purchased from most online retailers, or form WestBow press here. Or, you may request a free copy of the original draft by sending your shipping details to my email address.

Thank you, and God bless.

Return to the chapters page for more details.

Years ago, I worked in an office with a man who would frequently refer to himself as the father and referred to everyone else as his children. For the sake of this man’s anonymity, we will refer to him only as Wolf.

Wolf’s alpha-male persona was his defining characteristic. It was the root of his personality that everyone grew to expect when encountering him around the office. This man literally referred to himself as a god.

“Good morning, my children”, he would say. “You just let your dad take care of that for you”. Dozens of little comments like this, several times a day, constantly reminding everyone in the office that he was our father. Admittedly, sometimes it was kind of funny.

Wolf was also well known for his constant belittling of others. Not so funny. For the most part, everyone enjoyed Wolf’s company and conversations in the same way most people enjoy a good celebrity roast. My direct supervisor even once referred to him as “comic relief” in our weekly team meeting. This was the common perception of Wolf; he was funny, and he was fun to be around.

The company where I worked was a medium sized public company and the human resources department was well aware of Wolf’s often offensive language and foul behavior. The truth is, they didn’t care. As far as anyone could tell, Wolf was one of their own.

Wolf and his pack of agnostics and atheists were a majority in the department where I worked. Together, they created a very loose atmosphere where godless conversation was rampant and every topic imaginable was put up for debate on a daily basis. It was an “anything goes” environment.

When it came to the topic of faith in Christ, I was fundamentally alone. I knew of at least two other men in the office who were professing Christians, but they would never stand up to the wolf pack. In fact, they would often engage in the same disgraceful dialog we heard every day. After all, who in their right mind wants to rail against the status quo in the office, right? Why rock the boat when you’re receiving a good paycheck?

Often, I would respond with what I believed was the appropriate Christian response. Other times I didn’t have the energy to put up with it. I would either remain silent or to my own folly, flat out lose my cool and say things I shouldn’t have. Ultimately, being on my best behavior wouldn’t have changed anything anyway. Wolf would give his pessimistic and godless views on life, and I would offer my own views. It was a constant struggle to endure Wolf’s consistent attacks. Though it was a good learning lesson, I wish I had been more diligent at times. In the end, neither of us were able to persuade the other to a different way of thinking.

One day early in my employ at this company, the topic of the bible’s authenticity came before the proverbial water-cooler. I was ready for this. The majority were essentially stating the bible cannot be trusted as a factual record of events to have taken place. It was quite entertaining in fact to hear these men unknowingly expose how little they really knew about the bible while at the same time dismissing it as ‘a book written by charlatans all plagiarizing each other’s work over the centuries’. I am generalizing their comments a bit, but that is in essence exactly what the wolf pack were claiming. They claim the bible is nothing more than a work of fiction written by multiple different authors, copycatting each other’s work over the course of several centuries all espousing the same ignorant religious hysteria the former authors had been referring to in years past. That is to say, the people who wrote the bible were parroting an ancient belief that there is an invisible man in the sky who loves us and takes care of us. Which as they believe is all nonsense. That was their way of thinking. The wolf pack claimed to believe in an all-powerful God was derived as a means for the wiser few at the top to control the gullible many at the bottom – to make people feel better about themselves and their often-horrific conditions in this life. They believe the bible is nothing more than a story of imagination told over and over throughout the course of time combined with the fiction of the New Testament era which would later be compiled into one book (the Holy Bible) and then propagated as a system of control over the masses. They believe, what would later become the Holy Bible, is nothing more than an age-old fairytale. A children’s story not to be believed. In a nutshell, that is precisely the commentary I heard from the wolf pack.

This group, the wolf pack, absolutely loved trashing the gospel. They knew for certain, there is no God, and they were always willing to tell me about their faith in atheism without consequence. For nine hours a day, five days a week, for nearly five years, I would sit in the cubical next to these men knowing full well that at any moment they would deliver yet another witty quip about how Christ never existed, the gospel is a fantasy, and the alpha males in society are the only true gods of this world. My hat is off to these men as I have to admit; they are not entirely wrong. It is written that Christ said, “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). And as Paul states, Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).

What I really want to point out in this scenario is that I am still to this day very grateful to have had my time with these men. I am grateful because it allowed me the opportunity to realize firsthand, it is not our job as Christian to change the hearts and minds of others. It is our job as Christians to plant the seed of the Gospel (Luke 8:4-15). It is only then where God the Holy Spirit can water that seed and allow it to grow. If we are neglect in our responsibilities as Christians, there will have been no seeds planted and therefore no harvest to reap (John 4:35).

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:35-38)

So, that is what I attempted to do as often as I was able; plant the seed of the Gospel. Some days it felt like I was only making a fool out of myself. Other days it felt like I was making a difference. I could see a slight glimmer in Wolfs eyes on occasion as he briefly contemplated some of the things I had said. I could see the wheels begin to turn… though these moments were rare, it felt good to experience the thought of helping someone in that way.

I remember at one point specifically, a new question dawned on me. I asked Wolf quite suddenly if he had ever read the bible for himself. After all, he and his pack had such strong opinions about the Holy Bible. Perhaps they could enlighten me. I’m sure in all their wisdom they must have at some point read the bible for themselves, right?

Wolf chuckled with cynicism and said, “no”.

I then asked Wolf quite frankly, “how can you write a book report on a book you have never read?” Without the slightest bit of hesitation, he responded, “I don’t read fiction”.

Over the course of the next few months, I attempted to introduce Wolf to the vast amount of archaeological evidence proving the stories of the bible to be historically accurate, but my testimony fell on deaf ears. My efforts appeared to be futile. By the time I left the company, Wolf was no closer to a relationship with Christ than I was to being a world-renowned hunter-gatherer. It just wasn’t going to happen.

It should be no surprise to learn I was eventually and abruptly let go. We came to the mutual consensus that I was clearly not a company man.

Throughout my years of researching the teachings of modern Christianity, I have found many of the questions I posed to atheists such as Wolf were still relevant in the Christian world.

Most Christians do not believe what they believe because they have read the bible for themselves and have come to their own conclusions based on years of studying scripture. No, most Christians simply accept church doctrine as fact while being force-fed pamphlet propaganda from their denomination’s headquarters and never delving deep into bible study for themselves. Most Christians tend to never question church doctrine – ever. They simply walk in and out the doors Sunday or Saturday morning fully content on believing what they are being taught is the full truth and nothing but the truth.

Dearly beloved of God, I pose to you the same question I posed to my atheist friend Wolf; how can you write a book report on a book you have not studied for yourself?

It wasn’t until I began reading, studying, and taking notes for myself that I began to see the bigger picture. The books in the Holy Bible are packed full of wisdom, knowledge, and very insightful history I formerly did not know from my time attending various churches. I was unaware of certain truths until after the time in which I had begun studying the bible for myself.

This book, The Christian Doctrine Paradox, is a result of over sixteen years of research into the mysteries of the Christian faith and the many questions I ask surrounding the various denominations of Christianity.

I am a non-denominational believer. This is a non-denominational book. I am not starting a new church, and I do not want your money. I do not want your “tithes”, nor do I deserve them.

If you cannot afford this book, contact me at doctrineparadox@gmail.com and I will do my best to send you a copy of this book for free; paid out of my own pocket.

In addition, relevant segments of this book are posted on my website/blog with a section for anyone who wishes to freely comment on what I have written. If you find something in this book that you believe is not biblically accurate, I challenge you to prove me wrong; please leave a comment. I do not have all the answers, my friends. However, by the time you finish this book, you will come to know for certain how the various modern Christian doctrines are lacking in the fullness of truth when it comes to Christ’s teachings.

I hope and pray you will read this book with an open mind. To every controversial topic discussed, I have listed biblical chapter and verse for clarity and understanding. If what I say is not true, call me out. But do not blindly make accusations because you disagree with me. Show me specifically from the Bible where I have spoken falsely. This is my challenge to the reader. This is my challenge to any and all theologians across the planet.

The evidence suggests a vast majority of modern Christianity has been blinded by the devil. I challenge the reader to test what I say against scripture. Do not just read these words blindly but read also the scriptures I use to prove what I say. Read the bible for yourself!

Beloved of God, I do not have the truth; I have been seeking the truth. In a world full of lies, I am passionate about finding the truth. My quest for obtaining the truth is the reason I have written this book and hope to distribute it to the masses. I pray the Holy Spirit of our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you and keep you as you read through these chapters.

Brothers and sisters, you should never feel ashamed to question the status quo while seeking the truth.

With love and hope,

Philip Joel Walls – doctrineparadox@gmail.com – https://doctrineparadox.com/

Part One

There are precious few matters among the varying manifestations of modern Christianity in which everyone is in agreement. Ironically, what is possibly the most mysterious topic in the entire bible happens to be a subject where virtually no one seems to disagree.

The whole world it would appear has believed for at least two decades that this mysterious “mark of the beast” will be a microchip implanted under the skin in the right hand between the thumb and pointer finger. Even more recently, the idea of documentation proving you have received a vaccine to halt the spread of some mysterious virus has been put on the table. The same people who claimed it was a credit card, and then a microchip, are now claiming it is a vaccine… among many other theories, as we will see.

What we should find so strange about this conglomerate of theological understanding across denominational barriers, is how these diverse religious institutions do not share the same view regarding the earthly identity of the “beast” of Revelation 13.

If varying sects of Christianity fail to share the same theological belief for the identity of the beast, how have they now drawn an exact conclusion regarding the mark of that beast?

Effectively, everyone agrees on the identity of the mark but somehow disagrees on the identity of the beast who imposes that mark.

In order for us understand the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13:16-18), we must first understand completely and without question who or what this “beast” is. And what it is not.

The moment we come to understand the identity of the beast is the moment we will begin to gather more precise evidence to support the details of what exactly this mark of the beast represents.

It should be clear to anyone who possess the capacity of deductive reasoning that this one simple statement is undeniably true. If the identity of the beast is misrepresented, the subsequent implications of what the mark of the beast represents will also fail to be correct.

… … …

Part Two

The Earthly Historical Identity of the Beast Kingdoms

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns…” (Revelation 13:1; emphasis in bold mine throughout this section)

“And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” (Revelation 17:10-11)

When a person studies scripture, it becomes clear the seven heads on this first beast in Revelation 13:1-10 are seven world empires (kingdoms) which have all come to power since the time of the great flood. The first beast of Revelation 13 is a system of government(s) that took turns ruling the world for thousands of years. Satan has been building his kingdoms (the beast) since the dawn of man. The second beast of Revelation 13 (the beast who recovers from a fatal head wound) is the beast which will be in power at the time of the end (Revelation 13:11-18). This second beast will exercise all the power of the first beast (world empires of the past) as explained in verse twelve.

Later in chapter 17, we see another reference to a beast (kingdom) who was killed, then came back to life.

“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come.” (Revelation 17:8; NAS)

“And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.” (Revelation 17:10)

Chapter 17 verse 8 depicts “the beast was, and is not, and yet is” which may very well be referring to the same “resurrected” beast back in Revelation 13 verses 3 and 12 whose “fatal head wound” was healed.

The first beast of Revelation 13 existed as seven different heads, or kingdoms, throughout history. The seventh head on that beast received a fatal head wound and was healed, allowing for an eighth head to arise.

“And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” (Revelation 17:11)

It is likely that this eighth head in Revelation 17 is the second beast of Revelation 13. In other words, the beast “who was, is not, and yet is”, in chapter 17 is the same beast who recovered from a fatal head wound in chapter 13.

But who are these kingdoms? Who are the heads on this first beast of Revelation 13? Who is this second beast that recovered from a fatal head wound? Can we know their earthly identities?

When taking Genesis chapters ten and eleven into account, there is some debate as to the origins and the exact dates of these seven kingdoms (seven heads of the first beast of Revelation 13). Historians and Archeologists know the Egyptian and early Mesopotamian empires (Assyria, Samaria, Babylonia, etc.) came to power before the conquering Babylonian empire of Nebuchadnezzar’s time. However, the bible only offers the lineages of the descendants of Shem, Ham and Japheth. It does not give details as to exact peoples who founded Egypt and Mesopotamia nor the exact timeframe in which they settled their earliest city-state kingdoms.

… … …

Part Three

What is The Mark of the Beast?

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark…” (Revelation 13:16-17; emphasis in bold mine throughout this section)

We began this study in part one by illustrating the so-called evidence to support two central theories regarding the identity of the beast. We saw how Nero and the Pope are the usual suspects while learning the evidence many teachers use to draw their conclusions. Now, to finally divulge what I believe is the unadulterated truth surrounding this mysterious mark of the beast, I would like to use the same approach. I will provide every single theory that has ever existed on the subject. Then, I will provide my own biblical understanding as well as my personal thoughts on the subject. With this approach, the reader will be provided with all the available evidence and all the available theories. After having heard arguments from all sides, the reader will have the opportunity to decide what is credible and what is not. So here we are. What is the mark of the beast?

… … …

The Newly Updated Edition of this book has been completed, and is currently pending publication. For details on when the New Edition will be available, send your inquiries to philipjwalls@gmail.com

The first draft of the book can still be purchased from most online retailers, or form WestBow press here. Or, you may request a free copy of the original draft by sending your shipping details to my email address.

Thank you, and God bless.

Return to the chapters page for more details.

Read a short story about Christian life in the old Wild West!

How can we explain the spirit of happiness and joy to someone struggling emotionally, spiritually or psychologically? What guidance can we offer a person who has a broken spirit without diverting to pharmacological alternatives such as SSRI’s which are well known to increase depression and thoughts of suicide? All too often this is the modern medical answer for social anxieties, depression, and mood disorders; ‘I’ll write you a prescription for that’.

To answer this question, we must give an accurate illustration of the spiritual significance of what is taking place on this planet, and how we all came to exist in this chaotic world. Understanding the true nature of our existence is the only real answer to permanently healing a broken spirit. Once we accept our true purpose in the light of creation, we will forever have hope in a better future and happiness even in the darkest of times.

Ultimately, the answer is multidimensional. We must understand that Satan is a very powerful angel who has chosen to use his power to manipulate the children of God. More importantly, we need to understand that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, and He has defeated Satan by overcoming the temptations of the flesh (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). This was all part of a pre-destined plan to sacrifice himself as an atonement for the sins of mankind. Once we understand the reality of how our Creator God entered into his own broken creation to literally die for us, we will finally understand the reality of how Satan no longer possesses the power to keep us under his spell. However, if we deny God’s life, love, and sacrifice, we need to also understand that Satan does still possess the ability to keep us looking down, feeling blue, discouraged, and unworthy of God’s love. Satan has deceived mankind into believing it is okay to deny God’s supernatural power while seeking pleasure in the things of the flesh, which will always and in every circumstance fail to make us happy.

Think about it… what happens to humans who deny the Heavenly Father while seeking the desires of the flesh? Why does the rich man never have enough money? Why does the collector never have enough stuff? Why does the adulterer never have enough sex? Why do drugs and alcohol never fill our internal vacancies? Why are the “beautiful people” and self-worshipers never truly satisfied as they age? Why must mankind choose hatred and war when love is so much easier to practice? Why does anger well up in the hearts of those who deny Christ’s teachings of love and forgiveness?

Why are people who love worldly thing never satisfied?

The God of creation is ever-present and always available for anyone and everyone who is willing to seek him. The Lord our God has promised us that if we have faith, we will send us the Comforter – His promised Holy Spirit (John 14-17).

But how can we know for certain the poor in spirit will receive God’s blessing? Think of the teaching, “blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). Take a moment to visualize what it means to be “poor in spirit”… Have you ever felt “poor in spirit”?

… … …

The Newly Updated Edition of this book has been completed, and is currently pending publication. For details on when the New Edition will be available, send your inquiries to philipjwalls@gmail.com

The first draft of the book can still be purchased from most online retailers, or form WestBow press here. Or, you may request a free copy of the original draft by sending your shipping details to my email address.

Thank you, and God bless.

Return to the chapters page for more details.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.” (Proverbs 25:2; BSB)

Is it possible there is a grander celestial purpose to our lives than the limited scope of feel-good Christian theology being taught by modern preachers? Is it possible there are certain things we may not have taken into consideration? Are the various Christian religions being broadcast on radio and television the direct and uncompromised testimony of Christ? Why are there so many divisions in our Christian churches? Which denomination should I attend as a new believer? Do all the denominations preach the same message? How do we witness a true Christian faith to the atheist, agnostic, and other worldly religious? In the greater sense of this universal construction, a person may ask, why are we here? How did we get here? What is the meaning of life?

So many questions at so great a cost for the wrong answers.

The Modern World

Think about our lives in the modern world. What has modern life succumb to in all its luxuries? We possess such great comforts in the first world nations yet still seem to find the time to bicker and argue about our lack of freedoms, possessions, and the often-harsh social injustices being forced upon us. Have we become complacent while capitulating to the modern woe-is-me mentality?

The Christian procurators of the modern world no longer need to toil and till the ground or hunt their own food to be nourished. Large meals for the whole family are only a phone call away.

In the winter, our toes can get chilly while sitting comfortably on the couch. No problem. The stove or furnace in our homes can reset the temperature to whatever level we desire.

Has it become too hot or too humid on a sunny summer’s day in the area where you live? Blast the air conditioner or swamp cooler for a few minutes. Problem solved.

Have you ever broken a bone playing sports, acting foolish, or injured by accident? Fret not. A mobile medical unit can pick you up and drive you to the nearest hospital where your bones can easily be reset by a professional physician. In times past, a broken bone was practically a death sentence. Infection, fever, and death were often inevitable with certain types of injuries.

Woe, woe, woe are our first-world problems in an age of mounting technological advancements.

For many of us, the modern meaning of life is to work toward retirement. For others, our daily lives revolve around allowing the government to handle our finances through social welfare and subsidy programs. But whether we work thirty to sixty hours a week or receive everything for free, more often than not the result is the same. We sit at home gazing endlessly at a screen force-feeding propaganda into our sub-conscious minds through stories of entertainment and corporate news juggernauts. All the while, stuffing our faces with a seemingly endless supply of processed food often lacking in organic nutrition, which then inevitably leads to an endless array of self-inflicted illnesses.

And now, since the advent of television, the majority of earth’s population have come to believe our lives should be totally encompassed by these so-called news stories; social media, entertainment, the latest gadget, technology, pop-culture personality, or pleasure. All of which is pushing borderline idolatry while instructing us to seek a pride for this life Christ warns us to avoid.

Why are so many souls willing to put up with this? Why do we plant our faces in these devices day after day often believing the propaganda, mimicking the forced societal behaviors, and entertaining these spiritual deceptions?

Have you ever noticed how the creators of the Hollywood blockbuster movies implant subliminal messaging directly into the heart of the characters?

Think about the original trilogy, The Matrix. If you were asked to describe The Matrix to a person who had never seen the movie, how would you tell the story? Perhaps you could unfold the narrative of how Trinity and Morpheus freed Neo from the clutches of a false reality. Or how all souls are being enslaved by an evil group of entities capable of traveling supernaturally at will in the blink of an eye performing inhuman feats of strength, miracles, signs and wonders.

That could be a fitting analogy… but what is more interesting than using The Matrix as a fictional parallel to describe this world of machinations in which we live, is the fact that the bible does indeed give mention to the “matrix” – by name. Coincidentally, much like The Matrix trilogy, the bible is also referring to a world being pulled over our eyes. Similar in part, but so very different when given closer scrutiny.

Earlier versions of the bible including the King James Bible use the word “matrix” or variations in the spelling of the word from the old English dialect such as “matryce”, and “matrice”. We see this in Exodus chapters 13:12-15; 34:19 and Numbers 3:12; 18:15.

We know how Hollywood portrays The Martix. But how does the bible explain this mystery? Well, the word “matrix” is only used when referring to the female womb …how very interesting. In the bible, the portal from which life is brought into this fallen world is introduced to us as “the matrix”.

“Matrix”

““7358 {26x} rechem, rekh’-em; from 7355; the womb [comp. 7356]: – womb {21x}, matrix {5x}. Rechem, as a noun, means “bowels; womb; mercy.” The first use of rechem is in its primary meaning of womb”. (emphasis mine throughout) [1]

“7355 {47x} racham, raw-kham’; a prim. Root; to fondle; by impl. To love, espec. to be compassionate: – mercy {32x}, compassion {8x}, pity {3x}, love {1x}, merciful {1x}, Ruhamah {1x}, surely {1x}. Racham, the verb, means “to have compassion, be merciful, pity”

“7356 {44x} racham, rakh’-am; from 7355; compassions (in the plural); by extens. the womb (as cherishing the fetus); by implication a maiden: – mercy {30x}, compassion {4x}, womb {4x}, bowels {2x}, pity {2x}, damsel {1x}, tender love {1x}. Racham expresses a deep and tender feeling of compassion, such as is aroused by the sight of weakness or suffering in those who are deer to us or in need of our help.”

This word “matrix”, which in the Hebrew tongue is rechem (womb) comes from its Hebrew derivative, racham which means; love, compassion, mercy – to have pity on or cherish a loved one who is week and suffering. The meaning of the womb (the matrix) most accurately resembles an act of mercy.

Okay…? A person should ask, why is the process of a spirit supernaturally entering the mother’s womb, and later, entering into this world explained as an act of compassion, mercy, and pity? What could this possibly mean? [1]

… … …

The Newly Updated Edition of this book has been completed, and is currently pending publication. For details on when the New Edition will be available, send your inquiries to philipjwalls@gmail.com

The first draft of the book can still be purchased from most online retailers, or form WestBow press here. Or, you may request a free copy of the original draft by sending your shipping details to my email address.

Thank you, and God bless.

Return to the chapters page for more details.

What most modern Christian preachers fail to teach their congregations when using scripture such as 2 Pet 1:19 and 2 Tim 2:15 is that the Holy Bible had not yet been compiled and published in mass. The authors of the new testament were often referencing specific passages recorded by the old testament prophets. You see, context is of the upmost importance when trying to decipher modern church doctrine. In this chapter, we will examine “The Word of God” and how this phrase has become synonymous with “the Holy Bible”.