Our relationship to what was called often in the last section, that is the material universe, is peculiar. We explore such as can be discerned of it with the natural senses which inform the mind of our consciousness and thence and there, seek to bring it into some conformity of understanding. To grasp a consistency of it. To find, if possible, the nature of it, even some law or laws of it. But it can never be disregarded nor overlooked we “do this” with a consciousness present, as much as anything else we might find, in it, and of it. Our own consciousness is therefore not separate from the material universe.
But of course, this can only be an acceptable proposition to those who are able to admit consciousness, and admit to it, as much as anything else we might find in the universe. As much as we may like to think ourselves observers of the universe of material things (and what observer can rightly observe unless he be a thing apart from what is in observation?) we are as much in it as anything we might imagine we can observe of it. Even again, a trap we are trapped in. That is, unless one believes his mind/consciousness can escape the bounds of this inhibition…to even observe and discern the material universe as though from outside of it.
But here an even more peculiar consideration must be endured. For if convinced of this, or any ability to escape there would be a de facto admission that the consciousness is not of material origin, nor dependent upon it for its knowing. That it then can step outside all its confines with something that then must be immaterial (nor material dependent in nature) to observe and discern. Is this an odd proposition?
Well, we might say, both yes and no. No, if we propose its immateriality, but yes if we concede to its being materially dependent or that its origins are solely of universal material.
The problem here for the unbeliever is plainly two-fold. Which in hope will be addressed later.
And please here remember we are not seeking to offer any “proof” of God but that such argument that may arise against His being are to be, and can be torn down as those proud things that would seek to exalt themselves (and confound the believer) over Him. This is a birthright accorded by Him to we who believe.
And here, even in arguments presented and torn down, the believer may find his own false foundations shaken, in order that any and all establishment come from only one. That we know whence our faith comes, and only can, and must.
And yes, we may be led to discover many shaky places otherwise.
If we hold this alone as proposition of our faith, we will then, sooner or later, come to its expression as, or for, our faith:
“Everything has to come from somewhere…all the things in material seeing (of the material universe) had to come from somewhere, and therefore is my faith in God…as the immaterial and eternal God who always was and is” Such a man may be led to learn he is still only reaching out with his own reason and reasonings. Even in support of a god he does not yet know as is of elemental formation.
When he meets the clever he may be dumbfounded. Yet even rightly so. He may meet the man who says “You propose or attempt to explain all away of material things (in having to come from somewhere) with something you may then say has always been, is un-created, and doesn’t “have to come” from somewhere.” Do you see how that shaky contention invites a clever response? “For what prevents me (the unbeliever) from saying then, that the material and all energies have always also been in some form?”
The weakness of this, if it be our sole foundation, is exposed. Indeed, it is shown as a mere function of yet man’s reasoning from the material, for its foundation of materiality is exposed.
Only in (or from) the material have we learned “everything must have some beginning”. As in, “the radio did not make itself” if our faith only rests there. But, even so, it is not a bad beginning (as nothing is if it is understood as only beginning), but it cannot stand as conclusion. It remains shaky and shakeable. And God does not rest upon, nor will, our reason for support of Him. This, even all and any of our own reasonings, must be shaken. And it is good they are.
We must enter into the foolishness of God. And I am persuaded that not only those of the faith of Jesus Christ can, but must. Where all our own reasonings must fail us. What remains of my own also, and no less.
I said it was not a bad beginning. Especially if it be recognized as only a beginning. For the call remains “that we may know Him”, and not merely of His existence. And only what is of the dauntless one, Jesus the Christ of God, will remain undaunted. Experience of shakings may be many; who doubts He said “now is my soul sorrowful, even unto death” but yet endured? Yes, our souls experience many things. But the power of the spirit is not to be denied. Nor can be when seeing the Christ. For it is even the spirit alone that gives such revelation. And it is only in the knowing of Him as our sole salvation, that is our salvation. Yes, all “else” has to go.
This brief section of scripture as to what is “not bad” as beginning addresses this:
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
As wholeheartedly as one may be in belief that God is, the question is simple. Does the demon’s knowledge of God’s existence provide them salvation? Or is one convinced their knowledge of Him, even their sure knowing of Him as Being, should, or is intended to exceed, what God provides His very own children? God forbid! Our birthright runs far deeper and is beyond what they could know or might explore. And I am also convinced grace remains to their great confounding. Those beings that furiously strive, but only to their own end.
Our labors, even if they could be described as such, are for more delightfully provided. To both see Him and know Him as He is, and for the child of God in Christ, there is no prohibition nor law against. Knowing Christ is knowing the Father, and the Father, through the Christ, is always calling His children to know Him.
israelx7wordpresscom 