| 2. Was God Once a Man Like Us? The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that God is Spirit (John 4:24; 1 Timothy 6:15,16), He is not a man (Numbers 23:19; Hosea 11:9; Romans 1:22, 23), and has always (eternally) existed as God — all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere present (Psalm 90:2; 139:7-10; Isaiah 40:28; Luke 1:37). By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that God the Father was once a man like us who progressed to become a God and has a body of flesh and bone (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22; " God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! " from Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-347; Gospel Principles, p. 9; Articles of Faith, p. 430; Mormon Doctrine, p. 321). Indeed, the Mormon Church teaches that God himself has a father, and a grandfather, ad infinitum (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 373; Mormon Doctrine, p. 577). 3. Are Jesus and Satan Spirit Brothers? The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that Jesus is the unique Son of God; he has always existed as God, and is co-eternal and co-equal with the Father (John 1:1, 14; 10:30; 14:9; Colossians 2:9). While never less than God, at the appointed time He laid aside the glory He shared with the Father (John 17:4, 5; Philippians 2:6-11) and was made flesh for our salvation; His incarnation was accomplished through being conceived supernaturally by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:34-35). By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Jesus Christ is our elder brother who progressed to godhood, having first been procreated as a spirit child by Heavenly Father and a heavenly mother; He was later conceived physically through intercourse between Heavenly Father and the virgin Mary (D&C 93:21; Journal of Discourses, 1:50-51; Gospel Principles, p. 11-13; Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 129; Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 546-547; 742; Ezra Taft Benson, Come unto Christ, p. 4; Robert L. Millet, The Mormon Faith: Understanding Restored Christianity, p. 31). Mormon doctrine affirms that Jesus, all angels, Lucifer, all demons, and all human beings are originally spirit brothers and sisters (Abraham 3:22-27; Moses 4:1-2; Gospel Principles, pp. 17-18; Mormon Doctrine, p. 192). |
| Rom. 9:17/Exodus 9:16 – my power “in you”; my name may be “proclaimed.” Hebrew – show “thee”; may name might be “declared.” Rom. 9:25/Hosea 2:23 – I will call my people; I will call my beloved. Hebrew - I will have mercy (love versus mercy). Rom. 9:27/Isaiah 10:22 – only a remnant of them “will be saved.” Hebrew – only a remnant of them “will return.” Rom. 9:29/Isaiah 1:9 – had not left us “children.” Hebrew – Jehova had left us a “very small remnant.” Rom. 9:33; 10:11; 1 Peter 2:6/Isaiah 28:16 – he who believes will not be “put to shame.” Hebrew – shall not be “in haste.” Rom. 10:18/Psalm 19:4 – their “voice” has gone out. Hebrew – their “line” is gone out. Rom. 10:20/Isaiah 65:1 – I have “shown myself” to those who did not ask for me. Hebrew – I am “inquired of” by them. Rom. 10:21/Isaiah 65:2 – a “disobedient and contrary” people. Hebrew – a “rebellious” people. Rom. 11:9-10/Psalm 69:22-23 – “pitfall” and “retribution” and “bend their backs.” Hebrew – “trap” and “make their loins shake.” Rom. 11:26/Isaiah 59:20 – will banish “ungodliness.” Hebrew – turn from “transgression.” Rom. 11:27/Isaiah 27:9 – when I take away their sins. Hebrew – this is all the fruit of taking away his sin. Rom. 11:34; 1 Cor. 2:16/Isaiah 40:13 -the “mind” of the Lord; His “counselor.” Hebrew – “spirit” of the Lord; “taught” Him. Rom. 12:20/Prov. 25:21 – feed him and give him to drink. Hebrew – give him “bread” to eat and “water” to drink. Rom. 15:12/Isaiah 11:10 – the root of Jesse…”to rule the Gentiles.” Hebrew - stands for an ensign. There is nothing about the Gentiles. Rom. 15:21/Isaiah 52:15 – been told “of him”; heard “of him.” Hebrew – does not mention “him” (the object of the prophecy). 1 Cor. 1:19/Isaiah 29:14 – “I will destroy” the wisdom of the wise. Hebrew – wisdom of their wise men “shall perish.” 1 Cor. 5:13/Deut. 17:7 – remove the “wicked person.” Hebrew – purge the “evil.” This is more generic evil in the MT. 1 Cor. 15:55/Hosea 13:14 – O death, where is thy “sting?” Hebrew – O death, where are your “plagues?” |
| John 6:31/Psalm 78:24 – He gave them “bread” out of heaven to eat. Hebrew – gave them “food” or “grain” from heaven. John 12:38/Isaiah 53:1 – who has believed our “report?” Hebrew – who has believed our “message?” John 12:40/Isaiah 6:10 – lest they should see with eyes…turn for me to heal them. Hebrew – shut their eyes…and be healed. Acts 2:19/Joel 2:30 – blood and fire and “vapor” of smoke. Hebrew – blood and fire and “pillars” or “columns” of smoke. Acts 2:25-26/Psalm 16:8 – I saw…tongue rejoiced…dwell in hope.. Hebrew – I have set…glory rejoiced…dwell in safety. Acts 4:26/Psalm 2:1 – the rulers “were gathered together.” Hebrew – rulers “take counsel together.” Acts 7:14/Gen. 46:27; Deut. 10:22 – Stephen says “seventy-five” souls went down to Egypt. Hebrew – “seventy” people went. Acts 7:27-28/Exodus 2:14 – uses “ruler” and judge; killed the Egyptian “yesterday.” Hebrew – uses “prince” and there is no reference to “yesterday.” Acts 7:43/Amos 5:26-27 – the tent of “Moloch” and star of god of Rephan. Hebrew – “your king,” shrine, and star of your god. Acts 8:33/Isaiah 53:7-8 – in his humiliation justice was denied him. Hebrew – by oppression…he was taken away. Acts 13:41/Habakkuk 1:5 – you “scoffers” and wonder and “perish.” Hebrew – you “among the nations,” and “be astounded.” Acts 15:17/Amos 9:12 – the rest (or remnant) of “men.” Hebrew – the remnant of “Edom.” Rom. 2:24/Isaiah 52:5 – the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles. Hebrew – blasphemed (there is no mention of the Gentiles). Rom. 3:4/Psalm 51:4 – thou mayest “prevail” (or overcome) when thou art judged. Hebrew – thou might “be clear” when thou judges. Rom. 3:12/Psalm 14:1,3 – they “have gone wrong.” Hebrew – they are “corrupt” or “filthy.” Rom. 3:13/Psalm 5:9 – they use their tongues to deceive. Hebrew – they flatter with their tongues. There is no “deceit” language. Rom. 3:13/Psalm 140:3 – the venom of “asps” is under their lips. Hebrew – “Adder’s” poison is under their lips. Rom. 3:14/Psalm 10:7 – whose mouth is full of curses and “bitterness.” Hebrew - cursing and “deceit and oppression.” |
| The same Prophet Hosea, proclaiming the name of God and addressing the chosen people, says: “for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee” (Hosea 11:9). God defines Himself as such, which means that holiness is one of the most important definitions of God (Cf., Leviticus 11:44–45; 19:2; 20:3, 7, 26; 21:8; 22:2, 32. Jesus of Navi [Joshua] 24:15, 19. 1 Kings Samuel] 2:2, 10; 6:20; 2 Kings Samuel] 22:7; 4 Kings Kings] 19:22. 1 Paralipomena Chronicles] 16:10, 27, 35; 29:16. 2 Paralipomena Chronicles] 6:2; 30. 27. Tobit 3:11; 8:5, 15; 12:12, 15. Judith 9:13; Job 6:10; Psalms 2:6; 3:5; 5:8; 10 14 15 17 19 21 23 26 27 32 42 45 46 47 50 64 67 70 76 77 54; 78 88 97 98 5, 9; 101 102 104 42; 105 110 137 144 21; Proverbs 9:10; Wisdom of Solomon 1:5; 9:8, 10, 17; 10:20. Wisdom of Sirach 4:15; 17:8; 23:9–10; 43:11; 47:9, 12; 48:23. Esaias [Isaiah] 1:4; 5:16, 19, 24; 6:3; 8:13; 10:17, 20; 11:9; 12:6; 17:7; 29:19, 23; 30:11–12, 15; 31:1; 37:23; 40:25; 41:14, 16, 20; 43:3, 14–15; 45:11; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7; 52:19; 54:5; 55:5; 56:7; 57:13, 15; 58:13; 60:9, 14; 63:10–11; 65:11, 25; 66:20. Jeremias [Jeremiah] 23:9; 31:23; 50:29; 51:5. Baruch 2:16; 4:22, 37; 5:5; 20:39–40; 28: 14; 36:20–22; 39:7, 25. Ezekiel 43:7–8; Daniel 3:52–53; 4:5–6, 10, 14–15, 20; 5:11; 9:16, 20, 24. Joel 2:1; 3:17; Amos 2:7. Abidias 1:16. Jonas 2:5, 8; Michaias [Micah] 1:2; Abbacum [Habbakuk] 1:12; 2:20; 3:3; Sophonias [Zephaniah] 3: 11–12; Zacharias [Zechariah] 2:13; 2 Maccabees 8:15; 14:36; 15:32; 3 Maccabees 2:2, 11, 16; 5:8; 6:1–2, 4, 17, 26; 7:8; 2 Esdras 14:22; Matthew 1:18, 20; 3:11; 12:32; 28:19. Mark 1:8, 24, 29; 12:36; 13:11; Luke 1:15, 35, 41, 49, 67, 72; 2:25–26; 3:16, 22; 4: 1, 34; 11:13; 12:10, 12. John 1:33; 7:39; 14:26; 17:11; 20:22; Acts 1:2, 5, 8, 16; 2:4, 33, 38; 3:14; 4:8, 25, 27, 30–31; 5:3, 32; 6:3, 5; 7:51, 55; 8:15, 17–19, 39; 9:17, 31; 10:38, 44–45, 47; 11:15–16, 24; 13:2, 4, 9, 35, 52; 15:8, 28; 16:6; 19:2, 6; 20:23, 28; 21:11; 28:25. 1 Peter 1:12, 15–16; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 2:20; 5:7. Jude 1:20; Romans 5:5; 9:1; 14:17; 15:13, 16; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 3:17; 6:19; 12:3; 2 Corinthians 6:6; 13:13. Ephesians 3:5; 4: 30; 1 Thessalonians 1:5–6; 4:8; 2 Timothy 1:14; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 2:4; 3:7; 6: 4; 9:8, 14; 10: 15; Revelation 3:7; 4:8; 6:10; 15:3–4; 16:5). |
| At the Great Entrance, we are not far from hearing the hymn of the Seraphim, which the Prophet Isaiah and the beloved disciple John heard (Isaiah 6:1, Rev. 4:8): “Holy, holy, holy, Lord of hosts; heaven and earth are full of your glory…” And our response to this holiness is that of Isaiah: “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty”. Our sense of sinfulness does not come from measuring the distance between our conduct and some sort of morality or law; it is only in the presence of God Himself, the only Holy One, that we come to know how sinful we are. And, indeed, in that moment we feel like murderers and adulterers. For the deeper we enter into the infinite holiness and presence of God, the more sinful we feel by comparison. This is why we identify with a murderer and adulterer in Psalm 50. The psalm is not merely an expression of penitence and self-disgust. It is the overwhelming holiness of God that is the source of profound repentance, and it is particularly related to the coming of the Holy Spirit. The recitation of Psalm 50 is a preparation for the epiclesis, when we call on the Holy Spirit to change the bread and wine into Christ’s Body and Blood. And so in Psalm 50 the priest says, “Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right Spirit within me. Do not cast me out from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.” In the Liturgy of St Basil the Great, the priest prays that God will not, because of his own sins, “withhold the grace of the Holy Spirit from the Gifts here spread forth”. It is because of this sense of being in the presence of holiness that Psalm 50 is far from being morbid and morose. We are reminded that repentance finds its fulfilment not in looking back on our sins in despair, but in looking forward with hope and faith; not in looking down into the pits of hell, but in looking up to God in heaven. We are called to become what God wants us to be: holy. God says to His people: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’ (Lev. 11:44). And St Peter writes, ‘just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do’, and goes on to quote Leviticus: ‘for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy”.’ (1 Peter 1:15-16). St Paul calls the Christians ‘holy ones’ or ‘saints’ (γιοι). We are reminded of this calling to be holy just before Communion when the priest elevates the Body of Christ and exclaims: “the Holy Things for the holy”. |
| Question: How can we meet the Nativity in such a way that our souls are light and joyful from knowledge of the fact that we have spent the feast properly? Can a believing person give himself over to the generally cheerful and carefree atmosphere that reigns in the New Year-Nativity period? For example, ranks of saints were never cheerful, despite the fact that St. Serphim of Sarov called upon everyone to rejoice. Igumen Peter: The cheerlessness of these ranks of saints had its basis. Holy Scripture has dreadful things to say about feast days in general. The Lord, through the Prophet Amos, said: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offering of your fat beasts. Take thou away from Me the noise of thy songs: for I will not hear the melody of thy viols (Amos 5:22-23). And: Your new moons and your appointed feasts My soul hateth: they are a trouble unto Me, I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide My eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood (Isaiah 1:14-15). The majority of Orthodox will say: “What?! This isn’t about us.” We are celebrating the Nativity in the flesh of our Lord and God and Savior, born in the holy manger! This is about Herod, about Pharisees, about Jews, and in the end about those who didn’t make room in the inn – it’s their hands that are full of blood! But we’re completely different! We endured a forty-day fast, we stood through all the pre-festal services, we listened to all the Old Testament readings, we didn’t eat anything until the first star appeared, and so on. Alas, it is about us! Let’s give more citations from the Prophets. What is pleasing to the Lord? How can we celebrate His feast days properly? But let judgement run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream (Amos 5:24). Wash ye, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes, cease to do evil, learn to do well, seek judgement, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it (Isaiah 1:16-20). |
| The ultimate purpose of life reveals to us who love is, what the Source of love is, how our identity is one of love and how when we realize who we are, we will naturally allow this innate, divine love to overflow from us to other people. Jesus said, “I have come to give you life and to give it to you abundantly” (John 10:10). He was not referring to an abundant material life or a life solely of personal happiness. An abundant life is a life with an abundance of the fruit of love – joy, peace, hope, mercy and grace. When we discover this purpose of love, we discover deep and existential contentment and become joyful in all circumstances. Let me conclude with these words from Holy Scripture: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even if she may forget you, I will never forget you. See, I have carved you in the palm of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16) “I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.” (Isaiah 44:2) “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” (Ephesians 1:11 ) Why believe and what should we believe? Well, our Faith offers answers to the existential questions of life, and one of the most important questions any of us can ever ask is “What is the nature of the world and humanity and why do we exist? What is the purpose of life?” We discover the ultimate meaning and purpose of life when we make our Creator the reference point. And this Creator is Divine Love who created us out of love, who loves us unconditionally, and who calls us to share His love to the world around us. Code for blog Since you are here… …we do have a small request. More and more people visit Orthodoxy and the World website. However, resources for editorial are scarce. In comparison to some mass media, we do not make paid subscription. It is our deepest belief that preaching Christ for money is wrong. |
| Death as the means of God’s retribution manifests itself through illnesses, pain, persecution, loneliness, need, fear and being forsaken by God, and threatens life both in case of individuals and of whole societies (compare Ps 6:5-9; Ps 21:12-22; Ps 29:2-4; Ps 37; 59:3-5; 78:1-5). The Prophets could daringly declare a whole city or a whole country to be cast down into dust, although at the time of the prophecy these places were flourishing and it appeared that nothing was threatening them. This kind of prophesy was uttered by Isaiah about Zion (Isa 1:21-23) and by the prophet Amos about the house of Israel (Am 5:1-2). 1.3. In the Old Testament death is linked with the underworld, or Sheol, which is located in the bowels of the earth and is the common grave for the whole of humanity. To descend into Sheol or to be buried meant becoming a victim of the mighty power of death. And although the idea of life after death was linked to Sheol, existence in this kingdom of shadows was hopeless, because death is the result of and the punishment for sin (Gen 2, 3; Wisdom 1:13-16; 2:22-24). However at the time of the Maccabees the attitude to death changes in connection with the struggle against foreign enslavement and, for the first time in the Old Testament, in the first book of Maccabees death is portrayed as heroic (1 Macc 13:25-30). From this time onward the idea of the anticipation of the resurrection of the dead gradually develops, an idea that had been expressed already in the book of the prophet Daniel (Dan 12, 13; compare 2 Macc 7, 9, 14). It is subsequently taken up in Jewish apocalyptic writings, in the writings of the wise men of Israel (Sir 15:6; Wisdom 2:23) and in the works of scribes close to the Pharisee faction (Acts 23:8). 2. Death in the New Testament 2.1. In the New Testament Man’s death is viewed through the prism of the death on the Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Immortality belongs only to God (1 Tim 6:16) and it is natural for people to be afraid of death (Matt 4:16; Heb 2:15). However, because God is the life-giving source of all life (Rom 4:17), death could have only appeared as the result of Man having abandoned God, which is what happened with Adam (Rom 5:15, 17-18; 1 Cor 15:22) and which is repeated in the life of every person (Rom 6:23; Heb 9:27). In this manner, death gains power over a person not only at the end of his earthly life, but reigns over him throughout his whole life. This is so-called carnal wisdom, moral or spiritual death (Rom 8:6; 1 John 3:14), because sin, which results in death and is its sting, exists in Man despite the law of God (Rom 7:9, 1 Cor 15:56; James 1:15). For this reason the Scriptures say that the Devil, from whom sin originates, was in possession of the dominion of death (Heb 2:14) and death itself is viewed as a demonic power (1 Cor 15:26-27; Rev 6:8; 20:13-14). |
| В ветхозаветных апокрифах В. называется ангелом злобы, властелином этого мира (Вознесение Исаии 2. 4; 4. 2), главой бесовских сил (Там же. 1. 8). Его закон и воля противопоставляются Закону и воле Бога, а его ангелы противодействуют ангелам Божиим (Завет Асира 6. 4). В. сбивает людей с пути добродетели (Завет Рувима 4. 7). В Пророчествах Сивиллы (3. 63-74) описываются пришествие В., знамения, к-рые он творит (напр., воскрешение мертвых), и его смерть. Возможно, здесь содержатся аллюзии на имп. Нерона ( Collins J. J. Sibylline Oracles//Old Testament Pseudoepigrapha/Ed. J. H. Charlesworth. Garden City (N. Y.), 1983. Vol. 1. P. 360; Knibb M. A. Martyrdom and Ascension of Isaiah//ibid. Vol. 2. P. 16). Прор. Моисей в Книге Юбилеев (1. 19-20) молится, чтобы дух В. не овладел народом Божиим и не сбил его с пути добродетели. Хотя В. может править миром, праведники способны противостоять ему (Завет Рувима 4. 11; Завет Дана 5. 1; и др.). Срок царствования В. предопределен (Вознесение Исаии 4. 12): он будет побежден в последние дни Божиими помазанниками (Завет Левия 3. 3; 18. 12), и Бог освободит плененных В. (Завет Дана 5. 10-11). В текстах Кумрана глава сил тьмы часто называется В. (1 QM). Он - ангел вражды (CD 16. 5; 1 QM 13. 11), глава царства зла (1 QM 17. 5-6). Его «воинство» борется против «сынов света» или «людей Божиих» (1 QM 1. 1, 13; 11. 8; 15. 3; 1 QS 2. 2, 5). Именно В., согласно CD 5. 18, призвал егип. магов, Ианния и Иамврия, чтобы воспрепятствовать Моисею и Аарону (ср.: Исх 7. 11; 2 Тим 3. 8). Встречаются проклятия В. и тем, кто с ним связан, за их злобные планы (1 QS 2. 4b - 10). Часто упоминается царство В. (1 QM 14. 9; 18. 1; 1 QS 1. 18, 24; 2. 19; 3. 21-22; CD 12. 2). Мир находится в его власти (1 QS 2. 19), он влияет на Израиль (CD 4. 12-19). В нынешнем злом веке верные члены общины подвергаются различным искушениям (1 QS 1. 17-18a), но скоро Бог вмешается и разрушит власть В. (1 QM 11. 8). Эсхатологическая война будет страшной, но в установленное время Бог уничтожит В., его ангелов и служителей (1 QM 1. 4-5, 13-16; 18. 1-3), и тогда наступит новое время Царства Божия, где уже не будет несправедливости (1 QS 4. 18б - 23а). |
| The words Simeon spoke when he saw the Christ Child are known as " St. Simeon's Prayer. " This prayer is sung daily at the evening Vespers services of the Orthodox Church. In the Orthodox Church, both baby boys and baby girls are taken to the Church on the fortieth day after their birth. This is done in remembrance of the Theotokos and Joseph taking the infant Jesus to the Temple. ORTHODOX CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION This Feast of our Lord is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is conducted on the day of the Feast and preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on the evening before the day of the Feast. Scripture readings for the Feast are the following: at Great Vespers – extracts from Exodus 12:15-13:16 ; Leviticus 12 and Numbers 8 ; Isaiah 6:1-12 , and 19:1,3-5,12,16,19-21 ; at Matins – Luke 2:25-32 ; at the Divine Liturgy – Hebrews 7:7-17 and Luke 2:22-40 . HYMNS OF THE FEAST Apolytikion (First Tone) Hail Virgin Theotokos full of Grace, for Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness, has dawned from you, granting light to those in darkness. And you, O Righteous Elder, rejoice, taking in Your arms, the Deliverance of our souls, who grants us Resurrection. Kontakion (First Tone) Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom you love, as only the loving one. RESOURCES The Story of the Icons by Dr. Mary Paloumpis Hallick. The Festal Menaion translated by Mother Mary (South Canaan, PA: St. Tikhon’s Seminary Press, 1969) p. 60. The Incarnate God: The Feasts of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, Cathering Aslanoff, editor and Paul Meyendorff, translator (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1995). Festival Icons for the Christian Year by John Baggley (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2000), pp. 40-47. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America |
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