A Definitive Answer to the Ultimate Question

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Introduction

In the preface to his book, the Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis admitted that he never intended to use his real name when publishing such literature. The content was, as he felt, of such a magnitude that he deemed himself unworthy of its authorship. It was Lewis’ publicist who later ensured him the Christian world would not accept such literature unless it were in fact coming from a man of Lewis’ continuing stature. Eventually, Lewis caved, and poured out on paper so complex a book that precious few have ever come to grasp its true meaning or insight. As profound as Lewis’ sentiments were, the reader is left with many unanswered questions. This book, the Evil God of Love, seeks to answer those questions.

By no means does this writer compare himself to Lewis, yet, he does presuppose the Christian world will likewise not accept the latter chapters of this book. Regardless, I did not publish these pages solely in hopes of persuading modern Christians to forfeit their estranged doctrines. The greater intention here is to provoke the atheist to a new way of understanding the ultimate question.

Lewis was a very rare breed of believer. A former atheist converted to Christianity; uniquely a result of his own contemplation toward the mysterious will and Holy Spirit of God. The only entity with the ability to compel a person to make such a profane statement as to suggest that God not only allows suffering, but in fact requires it as a means for understanding his purposes, our spiritual potential, and indeed, our long forgotten angelic origins.

“But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” [1]

My prayer is for this book to help men and woman who can in any way relate to the atheist, C.S. Lewis, how by struggling so thoroughly within his own consciousness, could not resist the urge to take the initial leap of faith and believe in a loving creator.

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Among the most important questions presented by the atheist worldview, there exists a few questions above all others for which we Christians have failed to sufficiently answer. This book is that answer.

If the God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament, how do we explain the clear discrepancies in his teachings?

If our God is a God of love, why do unthinkable tragedies befall innocent people?

If this “God of love” is the creator of all things, and he truly does possess foreknowledge and sovereignty over his creation, why does he himself perform such evil atrocities according to his own written testament? (Genesis 6-8; Genesis 18-19; Exodus 11-12; Leviticus 18:24-25; Numbers 21:2-3; Deuteronomy 9:3; 20:17; Joshua 6:17, 21; 1 Samuel 15)

Is God a hypocrite?

The default defensive posture of atheists will always precede a logical conversation with questions similar to these. How does a loving God command the death of entire nations of people in the Old Testament (which is tantamount to genocide), only to execute a complete 180 in his actions by commanding his followers to love one another, and forgive them in the New Testament? If our creator God is a God of forgiving love, why did he command the death of so many people?

This ideology is only one of the many grievances held by those who reject the Christian faith – or reject the existence of a “loving God” altogether. As often is the case, their reasoning behind posing such questions is subjective, not objective.

Such questions date back to the earliest known writings we have on record. Many philosophers, poets, writers, even Kings and Priests – both religious and a-theistic – have attempted to address these dilemmas by postulating for and against the existence of an omnipotent loving creator. Yet, those who have contributed to the vast body of literature appear to be asking all the wrong questions. Said postulating suggests only a philosophical response concerning the why of evil.

Why does evil exist?

Why did God create the potential for evil?

Why does God allow good, innocent people to suffer, even partaking in causing others to suffer by his own hand?

Who exactly is this Evil God of Love?

We will leave the unanswerable question of “why”, to the philosophers. The question of why is and always has been a loaded question. What this author seeks to answer is the potential of how.

How did evil enter into existence? That should be the question in focus. To suggest the question of “why does evil exist?” is a wickedly misleading presumption that creates the presupposition that God did in fact intentionally create evil. So why is there not more emphasis on the; who, what, where, when, and how? These are all important questions as well.

We know God allows suffering to exist. The Christian testament states God himself allowed his own begotten son to be tortured, publically humiliated, and excruciatingly executed at the hands of evil men who had grown to hate him. God allowed his own self-existence to be born into the flesh to experience persecution, torture, and evil, under the authoritarian hand of the enemy. But why? Why would God allow this?

If God has foreknowledge, why did he continue moving forward with creation knowing full well that he would later need to die by the hand of his own evil creation? Why go through all the trouble?

If God has foreknowledge, why did he create free will knowing in advance that free will would inevitably lead to rebellion and the need to “send a person to hell’s fire”?

Again, the answer is not why. It is how. The only way to answer the many questions listed herein is to answer the questions no Christian dares ask. How does evil exist?

Here is the ultimate question. Did God knowingly and willingly creating “people” he knew he would have to torture for all eternity? Is God really that cruel?

Is it God’s desire that evil should exist, even knowing from before time began that his creation would eventually need to be punished? Or, is God only allowing this evil force, which he had no part in creating, to fully run its course, to prove how patient and loving he truly is?

Furthermore, if God is the origin of evil, where does Love come from? Why would an evil God create the capacity for Love?

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” (Psalm 86:15)

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

If the reader possess the courage and wisdom to continue reading, they will come to understand that God did not create evil; Satan did. It is us, by the knowledge Satan has passed down, who conjure up evil thoughts in our hearts to do the will of Satan – the creator of evil. We then act on those thoughts of evil (created by Satan) – or we act on our thoughts of love (created by God) – to bring them into existence.

The desire of our Loving Creator is that we deny he who created evil, which is of course “the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan” (Revelation 20:2), and choose to do what is right, loving, and virtuous. Those who continue to practice Satan’s knowledge knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that God is a God of Love, and that Satan is the origin of all evil deeds; it is these souls whom God has promised will be punished for their wickedness.

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This book will provide four solutions to answer the ultimate question. Why does evil exist? The first solution presented is biblical; proving it was not God who created evil, but Satan who summoned its treachery from before creation began. Such an understanding was previously covered in the chapter, “What is the Matrix?”, in the first book of this series, The Christian Doctrine Paradox. [2] By expounding upon this biblical teaching once again, we will uncover how evil first came into existence.

The other three solutions are a simple, logical response as to how evil may have occurred in the first place. Though we will dabble in the “why’s” throughout this book, this is not a class in philosophy. This is, in itself, the most basic definition of how evil could have come into existence while God simultaneously maintains his absolute sovereignty and pure love.

If you search, you may find as I have, the question of “how” has never firmly been addressed. Our Christian philosophers have only ever bothered with the “why” of evil.

They will teach, Why? Because God said so, that’s why. And He will do all his good will and pleasure. Believers make such claims quoting passages such as Daniel 4, Isaiah 46, and others.

“All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:35)

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” (Isaiah 46:10)

One notable example among many is John MacArthur’s position regarding “The Problem of Evil” [3]

To which the atheists, such as Richard Dawkins, respond without hesitation.

“The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.” [4]

In this author’s opinion, Dawkins view of God is proven in error by addressing the how, in place of the why.

 The problem with this, as you will see, is that Christians will undoubtedly reject answers to these questions for one simple reason. The latter three solutions mentioned in this book cannot be categorically proven with scripture. Even so, we should also note the nature of such a duality in logic. The burden of proof does not necessarily fall on those who cannot prove such a teaching with scripture, but equally so to those who cannot disprove such teachings with scripture. Some will argue this statement creates a logical fallacy. However, given evidence for the duality complex, it can be proven the logical fallacy is also a two-way street. Both the burden of proof and the logical fallacy argument(s) are at the same time both true and false, for both sides of the debate, creating a paradox that cannot be resolved outside the order of FAITH. A Christian believer can no more disprove the theories written in this book, than an atheist can prove the non-existence of God. Hence, the paradox emerges.

In chapter 1, we cover historical sources and their baseline conclusions for the problem of evil. Chapter 2 is suggested evidence on how the burden of proof and logical fallacies are a two way street. Often, Christians are thrown under the bus when suggesting the burden of proof is on us. To suggest that should be the case is overtly bias and unrealistic. In Chapter 3 we revisit the Matrix chapter from the previous book in this series to clarify a few points leading to the topic of evil. Chapter 4 is a proposed depiction that Satan and God did not originate in the same realm, or dimension. Evidence is sited and many claims are made to which the Christian world will likely have this author stoned for heresy (a touch of hyperbole was used for dramatic effect, but is not entirely out of the realm of possibility; pun intended). In Chapters 5 and 6 we discuss the potential origins of both foreknowledge and free will. The two most important, and at the same time misleading, topics concerning the problem of evil. Finally, in chapter 7, additional information of various sorts is proposed to both the believer and non-believer.

Heresy? Blasphemy? Call it what you want. Nevertheless, this book offers solid evidence for answers that will likely warrant new conversations that have never been had. Such conversations may also warrant a man getting himself kicked out of “the church”. A fate for which I am willing to accept, if it will lead even one lonely atheist to a grounded faith in our Loving Creator (John 1).

If a person were to offer potential answers to a question that has never been sufficiently answered, and to answer said question with a logical view to which even the most devout atheist would be required to rethink their position… wouldn’t it be worthwhile to have that conversation? Why should these answers be shushed by the Christian community calling it heresy, or worse, if it does not dismiss God’s sovereignty nor his authority to execute judgement over a fallen creation?

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you…” (1 Peter 3:15; emphasis mine)

If an atheist were to publically confront you with the question, “why is your God so damned evil?” How would you respond? [5]

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[1] C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain (New York: Macmillan, 1944), 91

[2] https://doctrineparadox.com/2019/05/08/what-is-the-matrix/

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwifX03d9QU

[4] Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion (Boston: Houghton Mifflin 2006), 31.

[5] Philip Walls, The Christian Doctrine Paradox (Genesis Publishing House, 2022), ix-xiv.

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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).

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The Newly Updated Edition of this book can be purchased from most online retailers. Click Here to order the book. Or you may request a free copy by emailing me directly: doctrineparadox@gmail.com – I only ask that you please be patient as I am not a wealthy man. If the book ever does take off, the response time should be 1-3 business days.

Thank you, and God bless.

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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”.

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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!

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And much, much more.

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The Newly Updated Edition of this book can be purchased from most online retailers. Click Here to order the book. Or you may request a free copy by emailing me directly: doctrineparadox@gmail.com – I only ask that you please be patient as I am not a wealthy man. If the book ever does take off, the response time should be 1-3 business days.

Thank you, and God bless.

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.

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The Newly Updated Edition of this book can be purchased from most online retailers. Click Here to order the book. Or you may request a free copy by emailing me directly: doctrineparadox@gmail.com – I only ask that you please be patient as I am not a wealthy man. If the book ever does take off, the response time should be 1-3 business days.

Thank you, and God bless.

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 have been completed (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.

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Stacks and stacks of biblical evidence are cited, with definition and context.

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The Newly Updated Edition of this book can be purchased from most online retailers. Click Here to order the book. Or you may request a free copy by emailing me directly: doctrineparadox@gmail.com – I only ask that you please be patient as I am not a wealthy man. If the book ever does take off, the response time should be 1-3 business days.

Thank you, and God bless.

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, often times it was quite 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 once wrote, Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).

A year or so after my termination, I had begun to reflect on my encounters with the wolf pack. It was only then I began to understand how fortunate I was to have spent 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 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 at becoming 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 same 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 never read?

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 twenty 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, write to 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 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, I insist, you must 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/

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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.

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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.

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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 divulge the unadulterated truth surrounding this mysterious mark of the beast, using the same approach, we will research every single theory that has ever existed on the subject. Then, based on standard biblical exegesis the reader will be provided with all the available evidence and theories and will have the opportunity to decide what is credible and what is not. So here we are. What is the mark of the beast?

Common Theories for the Mark of the Beast

The Market Place of Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome had a thriving economy for the greater part of its tenure as a dominant world power. Roman markets were common in all the larger cities. One noteworthy example of a famous Roman market is the ancient ruins of Agora in Ephesus, Turkey. More specifically for this topic is the archway entrance to the marketplace known as the gates of Mazaeus and Mithridates.

Agora was one of the many structures built by Greek architects. When the Romans conquered the Grecian empire, they adopted all Grecian buildings as their own. Including the Agora marketplace.

Agora was a very large and thriving market in its prime. Everything you wanted to buy, sell, or trade could be found within the stone walls of Agora.

In order to understand what it was like to buy and sell in the markets of ancient Greece and Rome, one has to understand their version of a Walmart door greeter.

When entering in through the archways of Agora, the marketgoer would find large niches or enclaves fashioned from stone on either side of the main entrances.

All shoppers would be required to pass through these archways. Positioned within the stone cavities would have been a large statue of a Roman Emperor. When the Greeks ruled the territory, these niches would have been occupied by one of the Greek gods. However, during the time of Roman rule after the Greek cities fell, Greek gods were replaced with the image of the various Caesars carved in stone. Similar to how we in America still hang the portrait of our past presidents in government buildings and schoolhouses.

A priest from the Roman Empire would have been stationed at each entrance to the market next to these idolatrous statues closely monitoring the people as they traversed in and out through the archways. There would have been a bowl of spices used for incense next to a large bowl of burning coals to perform a quick sacrificial offering as you passed by the priest at the foot of Caesars idol. Everyone who entered the marketplace was ordered to cast a pinch of incense into the fire with a proclamation to the priest, ‘Hail Caesar’.

As you can imagine, some Christians would refrain from the obligation to “hail Caesar” as they entered into the markets. A priest would then flag them down, ‘You there, stop! You are required to make an offering to the gods!’ When anyone, including Christians, would refuse to make their offering to the gods of Rome, a priest would follow them through the marketplace shaming them loudly for all to hear. ‘This man refuses to worship Caesar!’ Upon this shameful declaration from the priests, the merchants would refuse to buy anything from, or sell anything to these publicly shamed marketgoers.

Can you see where this is heading? The Romans did not need to implant microchips in their subjects to stop them from buying and selling. They simply placed a team of priests (loyal subjects) in all their markets. The “mark” has everything to do with worship!

There is evidence to support this is how the Romans implemented the mark of the beast in their time. Which could very well have been the case. If you refuse to worship the god king Caesar by partaking of his burnt offering, you cannot buy or sell. Hence, the mark of the beast has everything to do with how one worships, and virtually nothing to do with the technology of the age.

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And much, much more…

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The Newly Updated Edition of this book can be purchased from most online retailers. Click Here to order the book. Or you may request a free copy by emailing me directly: doctrineparadox@gmail.com – I only ask that you please be patient as I am not a wealthy man. If the book ever does take off, the response time should be 1-3 business days.

Thank you, and God bless.

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? In some cases, these drugs have been quite effective. In other areas, they have been devastating to those effected by the outcome. 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 things never satisfied?

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Who are the Poor in Spirit?

The Beatitudes are often quoted in Christianity. They are as wonderful to read as they are comforting to those who need a spiritual pick-me-up. But have you ever thought to understand their deeper significance or how much more there may be hidden under the cover of the English language?

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Think about this logically, putting aside any preconceived notions you may have. To uncover the original context of this passage we need to first discuss the two obvious conclusions the Christian world portrays in the various versions of the bible when referring to Matthew 5:3. The first view suggests the financially poor are blessed in spirit. The second view suggests those who are “poor in spirit” are blessed.

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Just what does it mean to say the “poor” are blessed in Spirit, or blessed are the “poor in spirit”? Whichever way we look at it, there is something about this passage that just doesn’t make any sense.

You see, the English language is a very unique and odd language. Much like how a garbage disposal has an odd smell. Many different types of food (languages) all minced together into tiny pieces before it is watered down.

This point bears repeating, again. When the 66 books of the bible were originally written, the English language did not yet exist. The bible was not written in English and common folk need to come to a hard realization of this fact. Being ignorant of the Holy Bible and its linguistic origins can easily lead to the masses being deceived, whether knowingly or unknowingly, by many modern preachers.

The translation oddity in Matthew 5:3 is very subtle. These types of subtle discrepancies as well as the more glaring questions in scripture are very important to point out. We need to ask questions and study the original languages if we do not understand something that is written. We should never be tricked into believing that asking questions about what is written in the bible is heresy. If we fail to study for ourselves, or we are told that questioning church doctrine is wrong, then we can and likely will be easily led astray.

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It is important to note when talking about biblical translation, it is not the bible that is flawed. Not at all. It is the English language and the way we interpret it with our modern vernacular which is flawed. Again, we must be willing to seek the truth and study the origins of these ancient writings. It takes a conscious effort on our part to divide the word of truth (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:15), as well as using some good-old-fashion common sense – a trait not common in many modern cultures.

People are hypnotically content in believing what they already know. This is not wise. The English language has convoluted the context of a deeper understanding all throughout the bible and its history. This example in Matthew 5 is no exception. Subtle, yes. But the bible often has much more to offer us than a “poor” word at a passing glance. Consider the definitions of the Greek words used in Matthew 5:3 closely.

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The Newly Updated Edition of this book can be purchased from most online retailers. Click Here to order the book. Or you may request a free copy by emailing me directly: doctrineparadox@gmail.com – I only ask that you please be patient as I am not a wealthy man. If the book ever does take off, the response time should be 1-3 business days.

Thank you, and God bless.

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

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? 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 churches? 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 popular religious? Who exactly is this Christ, and what were his true intentions? So many questions at so great a cost for the wrong answers.

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?

Why would God (in the original Hebrew language) refer to the mother’s womb as a matrix in which those who are “in need of our help” will be receiving “mercy”? Shouldn’t it go without saying that a new born baby requires help from the parents? Why is there so much emphasis on the Hebrew word rechem (matrix: the womb) being an act of mercy? In the movie, the term “matrix” is used to describe a false world being pulled over our eyes for the purpose of keeping us from knowing the truth. In reality, this is not entirely false. But who is to blame for hiding this ultimate truth in the first place? Is it God the Father? In the movie, when you leave the matrix you are born into the “real world” – a place where those who were deceived by their creator have been awakened from their sleep and now live in the “real world” in a place called “the city of Zion”. In the movie, Zion exists deep beneath the earth (a traditional folklore setting for Hell).

In the movie, the good guys are fighting against the evil creator of “the Matrix”.

On the contrary…

In the bible, Zion is the holy mount of God. Zion is explained as a heavenly city – the new Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22; Isaiah 8:18; 24:23; 28:16; Revelation 14:1; Joel 2:32) – not a city cast into the bowels of the earth. In the bible, the term “matrix” is used to describe our entrance into this world via mercy through the womb. Not an oppressive false reality of an evil creator’s rule. In the bible, we are not born into the “real world”. We are born into a temporary world where all souls have been deceived by Satan.

In the bible, earth is a domain where Satan (not Jesus Christ or the Father) is the temporary prince of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). In the bible, the creator of “the Matrix” is the only source of love and truth in all the universe.

Hollywood’s version of The Matrix is an exact opposite of what the bible reveals the matrix to be. The life we are now living is not the real world as it is in the movies. In this life, we are all destined to die and either receive judgement (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-15), or salvation into eternal life (John 3:16). The next life is the “real world”. We are only hear in this world for a very brief moment of time.

Satan has always sought to deceive the children of God, both man and angel. This manipulation of the truth created in part by Hollywood elites is yet another means for Satan to achieve his purpose of deception in the modern “real world”.

The Matrix trilogy unravels the plot of how there exists an almighty powerful ‘Creator’ being who has pulled the wool over our eyes.

In the movie, the Creator of “the matrix” is the evil villain.

In the movie, the evil Creator villain refers to himself as “the Father” and “God” where the all-knowing “Oracle” is the “mother God”.

In the movie, Neo (the savior of mankind) finally defeats the Evil Creator Father God and becomes the sun god himself at the end of the trilogy. Coincidence? Most certainly not. That is how Satan sees himself. A savior who will overthrow the throne of the Evil Creator Father God.

So, Hollywood made another movie. Why make such a fuss? The plot behind The Matrix is only a work of fiction, right? There is not really an evil spiritual force seeking to pull the wool over our eyes, right? Satan doesn’t really want our assistance in dethroning the creator of heaven and earth, right? Satan doesn’t exist in reality, right?

What would you say if I told you, you can know the truth? You can understand very easily the meaning of life on this planet and the purpose for the creation of the universe.

What would you say if I told you, the bible clearly and unobjectionably states the human race existed before the womb/matrix was created?

What would you say if I told you, the reason we are all living in this spiritually deceived existence is the result of mankind’s disobedience to our Creator in a former angelic state?

In this chapter, we will be cross-referencing three underlining biblical themes attempting to explain this fundamental paradigm. The first being mankind’s mortality (human nature) and nothing more. The second being mankind’s angelic origins. The third being an intermingling of the first two. By the end of this chapter, you will have the scriptural evidence to make the decision for yourself.

As difficult as it will be for many Christians to except this biblical reality having been brain washed by modern Christian pop-culture, this chapter will explain in detail and ask pertinent questions relevant to understanding exactly what the bible has been teaching us all along. This understanding is found clearly in the scriptures, as you will see. And yet, it is being completely ignored or distorted by modern Christianity. Namely, when preachers teach brief passages from Paul’s letters (Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15) while ignoring virtually the entire bible in context with the same subject matter.

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And much, much more.

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Thank you, and God bless.

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”.

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