Reader Poll - Where did the Bible come from?

[One 2 question]

Sigh.
Why do you side with Cessationists by using the term "closed canon"? Who closed the canon? God or humankind?

]

I use it only because that is what most refer to it as. It's definitely not closed, as the Spirit is still giving mankind more information with which to measure (measuring stick), weigh up and determine (rule) what is truth, that derermines God's will and how we are to carry it out.

The facts are there to prove that humans derermined what truths the church needed and then closed it, stopping others who are being carried along by the Spirit from contributing to their sacred writings.

 

[St. SteVen]

New topic.

Plundering my religious upbringing - The desert island question

While composing a response post on another thread (obviously) it occurred to me the benefits I received from my religious upbringing. I spend plenty of time talking against it now, but only occasionally speak to the benefits. Others may have taken a similar path. Started in one place and...

www.christianityboard.com

]

 

[St. SteVen]

The facts are there to prove that humans derermined what truths the church needed and then closed it, stopping others who are being carried along by the Spirit from contributing to their sacred writings.

Thanks. I mostly agree. I can see both sides of the issue.
1) The Bible is already a HUGE and challenging volume. It doesn't need to be bigger, or endlessly amended.
2) On the other hand, it doesn't mean that God is done speaking.

My only issue is with HOW the term "closed canon" is typically used. Example:

--- PARODY ---

Believer #1: God told me that...
Believer #2: Whoa! Hold on there!
Believer #1: What's the matter?
Believer #2: The Bible is a closed canon.
Believer #1: Yes, of course. But God told me...
Believer #2: Stop! I told you that the Bible is a closed canon!
Believer #1: Does that mean God is done speaking?
Believer #2: Yes! That's exactly what it means.
Believer #1: Doesn't God speak to you?
Believer #2: Yes, he does. But only through the Bible.
Believer #1: So, where do my revelations from God come from?
Believer #2: The devil obviously!
Believer #1: You can't be serious.
Believer #2: I told you that the Bible is a closed canon!

]

 

[One 2 question]

Sorry, but haven't come across it yet

The Spirit of God revealed the mass repenting of all those outside His kingdom. The one who led the turning back to their Creators was Satan.


As I observed this scene, the Creators accepted them, reconciling every one of them to Themselves.


God the Father went further than that. While engaging with Satan, He reached behind Him and produced a throne to His left. This prodigal angel was shown mercy and grace of the highest order.


Now isn't that something amazing, that not only the angels in heaven will rejoice over, but we the firstfuits also as we join them in worshipping our Creators. What a reunion party this will be! To be reunited with those we were separated from, be it us humans or angels. This is so exciting! My heart can't help but be filled with joy right now. Oh the love of God for Their creation is absolutely astounding.

but who are your Creators?

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil.

Also, I don't think Satan is back in God's good graces according to scripture.

You are right. Scripture doesn't reveal this. But obviously most of our Creators' story can't be recorded by humans, as to my knowledge, no human has lived throughout eternity to see and fully know that never ending story, let alone document it.

Again, how could 66, 73, 81 or a bible with a million books tell us all of Who They are?

We are supposed to gauge things according to what the Bible says.

What things? And who said that?

Are you sure it is God speaking to you? Eze 28

I think after being in a 40 year relationship, we know eachother well enough to recognise one another's voice. I am certain and sure, without a doubt that it was my Creators communicating with me.

 

[St. SteVen]

As I observed this scene, the Creators accepted them, reconciling every one of them to Themselves.

This sounds like God "Themselves" have gender identity pronoun issues. - LOL

Sorry. that was such a good set-up.

] cc: @Cassandra

 

[St. SteVen]

God the Father went further than that. While engaging with Satan, He reached behind Him and produced a throne to His left. This prodigal angel was shown mercy and grace of the highest order.

The word "prodigal" in your post triggered these thoughts. (I am reluctant to claim prophetic revelation)

As a Christian Universalist I actually understand your post quote above on some level. But I can imagine what it sounds like to others.

From a biblical perspective:
1) Jesus taught us that it is godly behavior to love our enemies. Who is God's #1 enemy?
2) Every knee will bow and every tongue willingly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. Satan has knees and a tongue.
3) The prodigal son was restored to his former authority (robe and ring) and to full son-ship.

Therefore, from a biblical perspective it is possible that Satan will be forgiven and restored as the ULTIMATE triumph of grace.

Granted, we are not informed of this in a straight forward manner, and there is biblical evidence to refute the idea. But... God is full of surprises, and usually unannounced.

- The Red Sea crossing. Who saw that coming?
- The Jordan River parting. Who saw that coming?
- The walls of Jericho falling. Who saw that coming?
- David and Goliath. Who saw that coming?
- Samson's victory against the Philistines. Who saw that coming?
- The resurrection of Jesus Christ. Who saw that coming?
- The outpouring at Pentecost. Who saw that coming?

Shall I continue? So... who knows?

/

 

[St. SteVen]

Now isn't that something amazing, that not only the angels in heaven will rejoice over, but we the firstfuits also as we join them in worshipping our Creators. What a reunion party this will be! To be reunited with those we were separated from, be it us humans or angels. This is so exciting! My heart can't help but be filled with joy right now. Oh the love of God for Their creation is absolutely astounding.

Again, as a Christian Universalist, here's how I see that playing out.
Conjecture on my part, with a reasonable modicum of biblical support.

There will be an Age of Restoration. It will require an entire age. Much to be done.
1) The nations will be evaluated. (judged)
2) Leaders, both political and religious will be evaluated. (judged)
3) Individuals will be evaluated. (judged) Both humans and angels.
4) Both rewards and correction will be administered.

This evaluation/judgement will be for all to witness.
Everyone will take the stand for individual evaluation while everyone else is witness to the event.

Humans will be evaluated first and then angels.

Satan will witness the restoration and redemption of all before he is restored to his former glory as Lucifer.

The ULTIMATE triumph of grace. Who saw that coming? (pick me, pick me) - LOL

]

 

[One 2 question]

Satan will witness the restoration and redemption of all before he is restored to his former glory as Lucifer.

Can you share more on this. What did YOU see of this event?

 

[St. SteVen]

St. SteVen said:
Satan will witness the restoration and redemption of all before he is restored to his former glory as Lucifer.

Can you share more on this. What did YOU see of this event?

I saw your post.
My points above led to the obvious conclusion that you presented.
I tried to connect the dots biblically.

The term "prodigal angel" led to what I posted.

I am operating in a different gifting than you are. This is how God reveals things to me.
But I am reluctant to claim prophetic revelation. (unless I know for sure)

]

 

[St. SteVen]

@One 2 question we should take this discussion to its own topic. Doesn't really belong here.
Do you want to launch the topic, or should I?

Return of the prodigal angel - The Triumph of Grace

]

 

[One 2 question]

@One 2 question we should take this discussion to its own topic. Doesn't really belong here.
Do you want to launch the topic, or should I?

Return of the prodigal angel - The Triumph of Grace.

Can I leave that with you. Appreciate that. Thanks

 

[Stumpmaster]

Good one. - LOL
I had think about that for a moment. It's 5:21 AM and I am still working on my first cup of coffee.

See, keeping you sharp.

How do you balance divine revelation (extrabiblical input) with the term "closed canon"?

As I understand it, the term "closed canon" means that God is done speaking to us. As if to say, "We have the Bible now, new divine revelation has ended."

I believe the closed canon points to continuism, as opposed to ceasationism.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

 

[One 2 question]

 s

See, keeping you sharp.

I believe the closed canon points to continuism, as opposed to ceasationism.

Who closed the canon and why?

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

So do you believe the Spirit is still carrying holy men and women along and leading them into all truth? Or was that discontinued when the bible was compiled and made available?

 

[Cassandra]

The Spirit of God revealed the mass repenting of all those outside His kingdom. The one who led the turning back to their Creators was Satan.


As I observed this scene, the Creators accepted them, reconciling every one of them to Themselves.


God the Father went further than that. While engaging with Satan, He reached behind Him and produced a throne to His left. This prodigal angel was shown mercy and grace of the highest order.


Now isn't that something amazing, that not only the angels in heaven will rejoice over, but we the firstfuits also as we join them in worshipping our Creators. What a reunion party this will be! To be reunited with those we were separated from, be it us humans or angels. This is so exciting! My heart can't help but be filled with joy right now. Oh the love of God for Their creation is absolutely astounding.

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil.

You are right. Scripture doesn't reveal this. But obviously most of our Creators' story can't be recorded by humans, as to my knowledge, no human has lived throughout eternity to see and fully know that never ending story, let alone document it.

Again, how could 66, 73, 81 or a bible with a million books tell us all of Who They are?

What things? And who said that?

I think after being in a 40 year relationship, we know eachother well enough to recognise one another's voice. I am certain and sure, without a doubt that it was my Creators communicating with me.

Are your Creators the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Also why would God write one thing in the Bible and tell you something different? That right there should tell you something aint quite right.

 

[One 2 question]

Are your Creators the Father, son, and Holy Spirit?

Yes

Also why would Gd write one thing in the Bible

Technically the Creators didn't write anything on scrolls. They did write things on a table of stone.

Humans documented things on scrolls. Other humans over a period of time after much debate came up with at least 3 canons which they closed. One containing 73 books, another with only 66 books and another with 81 books. You can take your pick.

and tell you something different?

I'm not sure I'm following you here. Why would God tell me something different?

 

[St. SteVen]

Can I leave that with you. Appreciate that. Thanks

Here it is.

Return of the prodigal angel - The Triumph of Grace

An interesting discussion was occurring in the Reader Poll - Where did the Bible come from? topic. This may be the most detailed view on the subject of Christian Universalism that I have posted to date. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ God the Father went further than that. While...

www.christianityboard.com

]

 

[Stumpmaster]

 s

Who closed the canon and why?

So do you believe the Spirit is still carrying holy men and women along and leading them into all truth? Or was that discontinued when the bible was compiled and made available?

I believe the closed canon points to continuism, as opposed to ceasationism.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

That's on loop for repeating as often as required.

All through the Bible the exhortation is to hear what God says. It's a major issue for those who would walk in the Spirit.

What strange logic it is that decides this should conflict with having an instruction manual known as the Bible.

 

[One 2 question]

I believe the closed canon points to continuism, as opposed to ceasationism.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

That's on loop for repeating as often as required.

All through the Bible the exhortation is to hear what God says. It's a major issue for those who would walk in the Spirit.

What strange logic it is that decides this should conflict with having an instruction manual known as the Bible.

Still not sure what YOU are saying when you quoted Jesus.

Personally I really appreciate hearing the Spirit communicating directly to my spirit. Of these truths that He releases, some people may be able to pin biblical references to them. This is great. And then there are revelations which He has given that don't have its origin in the bible. This too is great. I would say even greater, as this is proof that He is alive now and remains active in my life.

I haven't had any desire to return to reading or studying any of the content in the bible. And I can say without a doubt that the once theory of what you quoted is a reality. I identify as one of Jesus's sheep, who follows His Spirit Who leads and feeds me from the inside. He works Himself outward where the character of the Divine Creators are evident.

Isn't it awesome that the sheep become like the Shepherd, the student like the Teacher, the follower like their Leader, the creation like their Creators.

They have never ceased from being Who They are. And They are relationship centred and orientated Beings Who have not ceased from relating with Their creations.

And what confidence this brings to us as recipients of our Creators' love, that Their continuing love for Their creations will never be shut down, turned off or cease.

 

[One 2 question]

W

All through the Bible the exhortation is to hear what God says. It's a major issue for those who would walk in the Spirit.

Out of interest, what do you mean by this statement? What's the issue?

And again, who closed the canon and why?

 

[Stumpmaster]

Still not sure what YOU are saying when you quoted Jesus.

"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

I simply don't believe Jesus contradicts what the Bible records of Him.

Copilot Quote:

Gnosticism emerged in the late 1st century AD among Jewish and early Christian sects. These groups emphasized personal spiritual knowledge (gnosis) over traditional teachings and religious authority. Key aspects include:

1. Cosmogony: Gnostics believed in a supreme, hidden God and a lesser, malevolent divinity (sometimes linked to Yahweh) responsible for creating the flawed material universe.
2. Salvation: Direct knowledge of the hidden divinity was central to salvation, attained through mystical insight.
3. Texts: Gnostic writings flourished in the Mediterranean around the second century. Early Gnostic teachers, like Valentinus, saw their beliefs as aligned with Christianity.
4. Variety: Gnosticism isn’t a single system; it includes diverse currents like Valentinianism and Sethianism.
5. Survival: Efforts to destroy Gnostic texts were largely successful, but the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library in 1945 revealed rare early Christian and Gnostic texts, influencing renewed interest in Gnosticism1.

Feel free to explore more about this fascinating topic!