For Sale: Body Parts

     Just when you think you’ve heard it all, another issue surfaces that defies human reason.  Planned Parenthood shocked the nation recently when it was revealed that their services include not only the slaughter of the unborn but harvesting parts of their bodies for profit.

     Let’s see what the Bible says about such practice and then everyone can choose for themselves their position on the issue.

     The sanctity of human life is a major premise throughout the entire Bible beginning in the first chapter of the first book, i.e. Genesis.

     “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”  Genesis 1:26a, 27

     The Hebrew for ‘man’ means ‘mankind’ which includes both male and female.

     Immediately the thought process reasons that if God made man in His own image, it would be contrary to God’s will to destroy or kill man, or mankind.  That is absolutely the case according to the Bible.

     Even before the immutable Ten Commandments were given, God confirmed the premise of sanctity of human life to Noah immediately after the flood.

     “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.”  Genesis 9:6

     The primary meaning of ‘shed’ is to ‘pour out.’  It also means to spill, slaughter, or murder.

     Many centuries later as the fledgling nation of Israel was preparing to enter Canaan, God delivered the Ten Commandments through Moses which included ‘You shall not murder (kill)’ and, as we’ve seen, is synonymous with ‘shed man’s blood.’

     Shortly thereafter God elaborated on the significance of the ‘blood.’

     “…for it (the blood) is the life of all flesh.  Its blood sustains its life.”  Leviticus 17:14

     Therefore, if the blood of an animal or of a man is shed, its life is taken.

     Let’s back up three verses to see the significance of that fact.

     “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”  Leviticus 17:11

     Only God has the authority to require man’s blood as payment for his own sin.  The animal sacrifice was a type, or foreshadow, of Christ’s offering His own blood to cover the sins of His chosen.

     So if only God has the authority to require man’s blood, how serious is it when man sheds the blood of another, especially that of a child?

     The Israelites provided vivid examples of such atrocities to alert this current generation of the consequences of such practice.

     Shortly after entering Canaan the Israelites began to disobey God.  They did not destroy all the people in the land as commanded, but rather adopted some of their hideous practices.

     They did not destroy the peoples, concerning whom the LORD had commanded them, but they mingled with the Gentiles and learned their works…they even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughter…and the land was polluted with blood.  Thus they were defiled by their own works…”  Psalm 106:34-39a

     Several significant points in the above passage are noted.  The Hebrew for ‘innocent’ means guiltless and/or blameless.  The Hebrew for ‘sons’ and ‘daughters’ includes ‘child’ or ‘young one.’

     The Prophet Jeremiah addressed the issue to Judah approximately 800 years later, after Northern Israel’s fall.

     “Because they have forsaken Me and… have filled this place with the blood of the innocents (they have also built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or speak, nor did it come into My mind)…”  Jeremiah 19:4-5

    

     The people of Judah had also forsaken God’s word by shedding the blood of innocent children and offering their sons (children) as burnt offerings to Baal. 

     Such a horrific practice was never commanded by God nor had such an abomination ever entered the mind of God.

     But what about unborn children?

     To be completed next week.

Reading the leaves...(2)

     After Daniel prophesied that ‘at the appointed time’ the enraged king of Syria would take out his anger on the Jews, he (Daniel) provided details on the actions that Antiochus Epiphanes would take.  Remember Daniel prophesied in the 6^th century BC.

     “And forces shall be mustered by him…then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.  Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong…and those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame…to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.”  Daniel 11:31-33, 35

     This profound prophecy revealed that the Syrian king would enter Jerusalem, put an end to the Jewish offerings, and desecrate their temple.  Then he would ‘place there the abomination of desolation.’  The specific act spoken of was sacrificing a pig and pouring swine’s broth on the altar.

     There were two ways in which the Jews would react.  Many would fear the Syrian king and submit to his forces (corrupt with flattery) while others would take a stand for God’s covenant (those of the people who understand).

     Those who took a stand would suffer greatly; however, their stand would refine them and make them stronger.  Note particularly the latter part of the above passage, i.e. ‘until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.’  Thus Daniel was stating that the prophecy had both short term and long term application.

     The short term fulfillment of the prophecy, which was revealed in 535 BC, occurred in 168 BC.  About 200 years later the Jewish historian Josephus recorded the actual events.

     The following quotes are taken from Josephus, Book XII, From the death of Alexander the Great to the death of Judas Maccabeus, Chapter V, Sections 4 and 5.

     “Now it came to pass…that the king came up to Jerusalem, and, pretending peace, he got possession of the city by treachery…”

     At this point recall the first ‘horseman’ of the apocalypse who will in the future offer a false peace for Israel with deceitful intentions of breaking the treaty and severely persecute the Jews.

     Josephus then described those Jews who submitted to the Syrian king out of fear.

     “And indeed many Jews there were who complied with the king’s commands, either voluntarily, or out of fear of the penalty that was denounced…”

     “And when the king had built an idol altar upon God’s altar, he slew swine upon it, and so offered a sacrifice neither according to the law, nor the Jewish religious worship….”

     “He also commanded them not to circumcise their sons, and threatened to punish any that should be found to have transgressed his injunction.”

   Now read the following closely and compare with current events in the Middle East.

     “But the best men, and those of the noblest souls, did not regard him, but did pay a greater respect to the customs of their country than concern as to the punishment which he threatened to the disobedient; on which account they every day underwent great miseries and bitter torments; for they were whipped with rods…and were crucified while they were still alive and breathed; they also strangled those women and their sons whom they had circumcised, as the king had appointed, hanging their sons about their necks as they were upon the crosses.  And if there were any sacred book of the law found, it was destroyed….”

     The events of the 2^nd century BC and confirmed by history, serve as a very distinct warning for the future.  History will soon be repeated as revealed by Jesus.

     “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.  So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near – at the doors!  Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.”  Matthew 24:32-34

     Are we there?

    

Reading the leaves on the Fig tree

Reading the leaves on the fig tree

     Considering the animosity and violence currently being perpetrated in the Middle East, it seems appropriate to review several items of relevant Biblical prophecy.

     We’ll begin with the first ‘horseman’ of the apocalypse.  The following will take place to usher in Daniel’s 70^th week of years.

     “And I looked, and behold, a white horse.  He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.”  Revelation 6:2

     Note the ‘horseman’ will have a bow but no arrows.  The white horse represents peace as does the absence of arrows.  Note also that a crown representing the rider’s royal rule was ‘given to him.’  Such is all done to fulfill the word of our sovereign and almighty God.

     In the not too distant future, a much anticipated peace will be negotiated by the anti-Christ between Israel and the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s beast which is the final seventh kingdom.

     However, the negotiated peace is short-lived.  In fact it will only last for 3 ½ years at which time the second ‘horseman’ will appear.

     “Another horse, fiery red, went out.  And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.”  Revelation 6:4

     The riders on the two horses are metaphorically the same.

     The color of the second horse depicts bloody warfare.  Note again the sovereignty of God, i.e. ‘it was granted’ and ‘there was given to him.’  God grants to the anti-Christ the ability to engage in warfare marked by tremendous slaughter.

     The ‘great sword’ does not mean that the weapon is a large sword, but rather the sword will cause great havoc.  The sword itself is from the Greek machaira which is defined as a slaughter-knife used for cutting.  Sound familiar?

     The preceding prophecy was penned by John in approximately 95AD.  About 50 years earlier the Apostle Matthew recorded Jesus’ words relative to the second horseman.

     “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”  Matthew 24:15

     The Greek for ‘abomination’ basically means lawless, or the total disregard for God’s word.  It is transgression against God’s revealed standard.  Likewise, desolation is defined as destruction or demolition.

     “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.”  Matthew 24:21

     Jesus was affirming the writings of the Prophet Daniel which were penned approximately a half millennium before He (Jesus) was born.

     After Daniel returned from the 70 year captivity in Babylon which ended in 538BC, the angel Gabriel revealed God’s plan for Israel’s future.  The plan included the following:

     “…then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week (a week of years, i.e. seven years); but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.  And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate…”  Daniel 9:26-27

     As previously noted, the anti-Christ will negotiate a seven year treaty between Israel and her enemies.  One aspect of this treaty will allow Israel to worship in their temple as they please.  After 3 ½ years the anti-Christ will desecrate the temple and put an end to Jewish worship.  The Jews will suffer greatly at that time until Christ returns to set things straight.

     Shortly after the above prophecy, Daniel reveals a detailed example that will occur foreshadowing that of which both Jesus and John spoke.

     “At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south (Egypt)…but ships…shall come against him; therefore, he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant; and do damage.”  Daniel 11:29-30

     ‘He’ in the above is the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes who had been at odds with Egypt for years.  He is driven from Egypt and takes his rage out on the Israelites.

     See next week as the leaves of the fig tree begin to form.

     Share your thoughts with walt.thrun@gmail.com

    

New Found 'Freedom'

     The Supreme Court ruled recently to legalize same-sex marriage in every state.  It is a hot button issue with many and is spurring much controversy.  On one side is the president’s progressive view and on the other side is the Biblical view. 

     The Biblical view is clearly outlined in several passages including 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. 

     In President Obama’s victory speech following the Supreme Court’s decision, he repeatedly stressed the importance of equality.

     The Bible also addresses the issue of equality in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 where ten types of behavior are listed; each behavior, according to the Bible, equally prevents one from inheriting the kingdom of God. 

     Logically then, the president’s progressive viewpoint relative to same-sex marriage should apply to the other lifestyles listed in the passage inasmuch as the Biblical consequences for each of the ten are equal.  In other words, if any of the ten activities are legalized in America, then logically there should be no reason not to legalize any of the other ten inasmuch as they are considered Biblically ‘equal.’

     So then, let’s apply this logic to another of the behaviors in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.  In fact let’s examine the very next activity listed after sexual behavior.

     “…nor thieves…will enter the kingdom of God.”  1 Corinthians 6:10

     Now let’s review several significant statements in President Obama’s victory speech to see how his logic would apply to the issue of thievery. 

     “This morning, the Supreme Court…reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to the equal protection of the law; that all people should be treated equally regardless of who they are…”

     According to his logic of equality, the president implied that the Supreme Court reaffirmed that people, who have a desire and propensity to steal, should be protected by law to do so.

     “And this ruling is a victory for America.  This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts.  When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.” 

    He is basically stating that America has won a victory by allowing those who engage in thievery to do so freely.

     “I know that Americans of good will continue to hold a wide range of views on this issue.  Opposition, in some cases, has been based on sincere and deeply held beliefs.  All of us who welcome today’s news should be mindful of that fact and recognize different viewpoints, revere our deep commitment to religious freedom.”

     The president acknowledges that there are many who, unlike him, do not see legal freedom to engage in thievery to be a victory.  He recognizes the conflict between his victory and religious freedom.

     His advice to minimize the conflict follows.

     “But today should also give us hope that on the many issues with which we grapple, often painfully, real change is possible.  Shift in hearts and minds is possible.  And those who have come so far on their journey to equality have a responsibility to reach back and help others join them…”

     The president then states that those who cling to Biblical teachings should reexamine their thinking and be willing to change their minds.  In addition, those who have just won the freedom to steal must be patient and encourage those who oppose thievery to join in the celebration of their newly sanctioned freedom. 

     Mr. President, you underestimate the resolve of those who trust the Bible.

     He continues:

     “We are people who believe every child is entitled to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  There is so much more work to be done to extend the full promise of America to every American.  But today, we can say in no uncertain terms that we’ve made our union a little more perfect.”

     When the president speaks of ‘every child’ he omits the 55 million children who were freely and legally murdered within their mother’s protective body under Roe v. Wade.  Then he states that there is more work to be done to insure that every American can experience the freedom to steal without recourse. 

     Finally, the president proclaimed with certainty that the farther America strays from Biblical principles the ‘more perfect’ she becomes.    

     His summary statement:

     “America should be very proud.”

     Share your comments walt.thrun@gmail.com

    

"The Left Wing of the Supreme Court"

     The title words were how a news agency recently described one side of the Supreme Court.  These words reveal more about this nation’s demise than the decision being referenced.

     Remember that Israel was God’s chosen nation to be the model for all other nations.  God delivered His standard of righteousness and justice to Israel.

     “Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live,…You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it,…Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”  Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6

     God through Moses also initiated Israel’s judicial system to interpret and enforce His laws and commandments.

     “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates (towns) …and they shall judge the people with just judgment.  You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe...You shall follow what is altogether just…”  Deuteronomy 16:18-20

     Several relevant key words include just, partiality, and bribe.

     The Hebrew for ‘just’ means ‘right’ and ‘true’ weighed against God’s standard.  Partiality means in essence to show favor towards a person based on what that person appears to be.

     And ‘bribe’ means a gift, present, or reward in exchange for an action.  In the current environment it means votes.

     Nearly all federal judges have their own political ideology which leans either to the right or the left; towards conservatism or liberalism.  And while contemporary judges should ideally reflect total impartiality, in reality it is more likely their judgments will reflect their ideology.

     A judges’ political ideology is very likely the reason he/she is appointed by the president, i.e. to further his agenda or conform to his ideology.

     As stated in this column 3 years ago, the concept of impartiality in our federal court system is laughable.

     Israel also had their version of a ‘supreme court.’

     “If a matter arises which is too hard for you to judge…then you shall arise and to up to the place which the LORD your God chooses…According to the sentence of the law to which they instruct you…you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left…”  Deuteronomy 17:8-11

     Israel was given the choice to either obey or disregard God’s instructions.  Obedience would bring blessings while disobedience would result in curses.

     “…if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God…the LORD will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do…because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me.”  Deuteronomy 28:15, 30

     And as history unfolded, Israel chose to disregard God’s standard of righteousness.  Not only did they depart from God’s law, their judicial system was partial in judging the transgressors.

     The last book in the Old Testament revealed Israel’s fate.

     “But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law…Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base before all the people, because you have not kept My ways but have shown partiality in the law.”  Malachi 2:8-9

     Such is so true today.  The majority is continually leaning towards ‘equality’ at all costs and our judicial system is interpreting the constitution to justify the majority.

     In today’s political climate in America the quest for power depends on voter support; therefore, many politicians form their platform to appeal to the majority.

     ‘That’s democracy’ we are told.  But remember, democracy will eventually fail because the members of the ‘world’ are the majority and their numbers far exceed the members of the ‘kingdom.’

     God’s standard of righteousness and justice is immutable, and remember who will have the last laugh.

     “Because you disdained all my counsel…I also will laugh at your calamity…then they will call on me, but I will not answer…therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way…”  Proverbs 1:25-30

     America is being given wake-up calls repeatedly, but is she listening?

     Are we really a Christian nation?

    Share your thoughts at walt.thrun@gmail.com