Introduction:

Over the past several years I have noticed an increasing trend for people to -compose- words, as though "from" God or Jesus. A couple of years ago, people claiming to have received a "special word" or "revelation" through the "holy spirit" would contrive all sorts of 'charismatic' messages about "spirit-filling" and "unity" with the underlying premise that -Doctrine- was not so important and should be laid aside.

Now, these things are coming from what many consider as New Age. They come from the same -spirit- which produced the recent movie "Noah's Ark" and handle Truth about as [in]accurately. They are downright blasphemous, and I shudder to think what is in the hearts of those who believe it and produce it!!

While there are variations of these things floating around, someone recently sent me the one which is included below, hoping I might issue some answers to it, to explain to the naive what is 'wrong' with it. So much of it is part of today's "feel good" theology, and sounds 'wonderful'. But it is deceitful, and comes straight from the pits of hell, and the one for whom hell was created. (Mt25:41)

However, many readers will not accept this rebuttal, because answers will be coming from the Scriptures. And one of the premises of the piece is that God 'purposely' included errors in the Bible, and that He doesn't much 'care' one way or the other about a lot of things. But the reader must understand the premise of these answers; as coming from God's Word, the Holy Scriptures, as available to us today in the translations originating from the Masoretic & Textus Receptus texts of the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. If the reader does not accept the Holy Scriptures, they will also not receive these answers.

[Ed: the edited text of the piece is included below in 'indented' format. Scripture and commentary responses are in full-width format. Not all points will be addressed. There are simply too many. ..to keep this from becoming even more massive in length than it already is. The complete text of the original can be found in the Discernment Archives]

My Dear Children ..

The very idea! That someone would take it upon themselves to 'impersonate' God in this manner! Notice God's retort to Job who had been vindicating himself and was "righteous in his own eyes." (32:1) Characteristic of the last days, they speak of "things they do not know" (Jude10) When a prophet spoke it was "the Word of the LORD that came to... Jeremiah" (14:1) "And the LORD said to me, The prophets prophesy lies in My name; I did not send them, nor have I commanded them, nor did I speak to them. They prophesy to you a false vision and a worthless divination, and a thing of no value, and the deceit of their heart." (Jer14:14)

When these false prophets come along with these things, they "cause you to trust in a lie." (Jer29:31b)

Believe me, that is all of you. I consider myself a pretty patient guy. I mean, look at the Grand Canyon. It took millions of years to get it right. And about evolution - boy, nothing is slower than designing that whole Darwinian thing to take place - cell by cell - and gene by gene.

And... "Millions of years"? to "get it right"?

"And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was VERY GOOD. And the evening and the morning were the SIXTH DAY. And the heavens and the earth were FINISHED, and all the host of them. (Gen2:1-2)

He "got it right" the first time, and did it in six days! He created it all by -speaking- the words (Gen1:3,5,6,8,9,11,14,20,Ps33:6,etc.) through Jesus Who -is- the Word (Jn1:1-4) and through the agency of the Holy Spirit. (Gen1:2) And continues to hold all things together. (Col1:17)

These kinds of comments were prophesied 2000 years ago for the "last days". "First knowing this, that there will come in the last days scoffers walking according to their own lusts and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." (2Pt3:3-4) This is the premise upon which Darwinianism is based.. "uniformitarianism". But notice how the Grand Canyon was formed. Noah's flood. (vs5-6) Those waters "prevailed exceedingly" [with much force] (Gen7:19)

First of all, your religious rivalries are driving me up a wall. Enough already! Let's get one thing straight: these are your religions - not mine! I'm the whole enchilada! I'm beyond 'em all!

Every one of your religions claims that there's only one of me - which, by the way, is absolutely true - but in the very next breath, each religion claims that it's my favorite one - and each claims that it's bible was written personally by me - that all the other bibles are man made.

Oh, me! How do I ever begin to put a stop to such utter nonsense. All right, listen up now! I am your father and mother. And I don't play favorites among my children. Also, I hate to break it to you - but I don't write! My longhand is awful and I've always been more of a doer anyway - so all of your books - including those bibles - were written by men and women. They were inspired men and women. They were remarkable people. But, they also made mistakes here and there and I made sure of that so that you would never trust a written word - rather than your own living heart!

And, where does correct -doctrine- come from? "All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine..." (2Tm3:16)

Where did the Scriptures originate? From God. How did He deliver them to man? First of all they did -NOT- originate from well-intentioned people. Many of His prophets balked and drug their feet. Moses said, "I am slow of speech and of a slow tongue" send somebody else. (Ex4:10,13) When Jeremiah sought to keep silent and said, "I will not mention Him, nor speak in His name any more. But His Word was in my heart like a buring fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with holding in, and I could not stop." (Jer20:9) Ezekiel balked, and it says, "So the Spirit lifed me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of Jehovah was strong on me." (Ez3:14)

Scripture does not originate from any man's -personal- ideas, nor is it subject to "private interpretation" (2Pt1:20) It came about when "holy -men- (not women) of God spoke being borne along by the Holy Spirit." (2Pt1:21) This expression "borne along" needs explaining. If we understand the Holy Spirit's coming in Acts as a "rushing mighty wind" (2:2) this "borne along" is like being -driven- by a fierce gale. Like a massive tornadic wind. It is not the activity of a "pious" monk-like individual, having a stream of light coming through his window, as he ho-hums along in meditation, halo hovering over-head. No! God's message comes, and the servant God chooses to write it down has, essentially, 'no choice' but to write what God is giving him. It is a "burden" (Isa31:1,17:1,19:1,etc) which does not go away until the job is finished!

The trouble with false doctrine is that its messengers -appear-as- "ministers of righteousness" (2Cor11:15) as their victims are like "infants, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, in the dishonesty of men, in cunning craftiness, to the wiles of deceit." (Eph4:14)

But God's Word "endures forever." (1Pt1:25a) "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in the heavens." (Ps119:89) The -details- of its exactitude was proclaimed by Jesus, "Till the heaven and the earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall in any way pass from the law until all is fulfilled." (Mt5:18) That's accuracy down to commas, periods, dotted "i"s and crossed "t"s.

As for our treatment of it... "Take heed to yourself that you do not become snared by following them...do not ask about their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods that I may do likewise? You shall not do so to the LORD your God..every abomination..which He hates. All the things I command you, be careful to do it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it." (~Deu12:3-32) And God closes the Scriptures with a curse. "For I testify together to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add on him the plagues that have been written in this Book. And if anyone takes away from the word of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which have been written in this Book." (Rev22:18-19)

It would behove the individual to be sure he is actually reading God's Word, to know precisely -what- God said; and not some perVersion!

And, what of, as they say, "your own living heart"? The charismatics introduced it into the "C/church". "Experience." And as New Age has blossomed, it has picked up this mantra, and gone full-steam ahead. Extra-biblical 'revelations', etc. And if the experience disagrees with Scripture, they rely on experience. But notice Paul's words; "..some are troubling you, and desiring to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from Heaven preach a gospel to you beside what we preached to you, let him be accursed." (Gel1:7-8) When Paul wrote this, all necessary doctrine had been revealed to the Church. Nothing new was needed. How do we know what they knew? It's been written down in the Scriptures. And so, the warning. If something else comes along, it is "accursed". Even if it's an "angel from heaven". Do not forget, the demons are heavenly beings, and they originally were "good" angels.

Which brings me to my next point about your nonsense. You act like I need you and your religion to stick up for me or win souls - for my sake. Please don't do me any favors. I can stand on my own, thank you. I don't need constant credit. I just want you to be good to each other.

Now, the thing is - I want you to stop thinking of religion as some sort of a loyalty pledge to me. The true purpose of your religion is so that you can become more aware of me - not the other way around.

Believe me, I know you already. I know what is in each of your hearts. And I love you anyway - with no strings attached. So, lighten up, and enjoy me. That's what religions are for.

What you seem to forget is how mysterious I am. You look at the petty differences in your scripture and you say, "WELL, it this is the truth, then that can't be!" But instead of trying to figure out my paradoxes and unfathomable naivet‚ - which, by the way, you never will - why not open your hearts to the simple common threads of every religion.

So, yes, there are "mysteries"... "The secret things belong to Jehovah our God, but the revealed things belong to us and to our sons forever, so that we may do all the words of this law." (Deu29:29) We obey God's Word 'meticulously'. The things we need to know readily are not difficult to know, to one who is In Christ. "For this commandment which I command you today it not hidden from you, neither is it far off...but the Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may do it." (Deu30:11,14)

And, I am very tired of your main excuse. Do you think I care whether you call me God, or Jaway, or Jehovah, or Allah, Wakatonka, Branda, Father, Mother, even the Void of Nirvana. Do you think I care which of my special children you feel closest to: Jesus, Mary, Buddha, Krishna, Muhammad, or any of the others?

"You shall not take the name of Jehovah your God in vain. For Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain." (Ex20:7)

No, I am not telling you to abandon your religions. Enjoy your religions. Honor them. Learn from them. Just as you should enjoy, honor, and learn from your parents. But, do you walk around telling everyone that your parents are better than theirs?

Your religion - like your parents - may always have the most special place in your heart. I don't mind that at all - and I don't want you to combine all of the great traditions into one great big mess. Each religion is unique for a reason. Each has a unique style so that people can find the best path for themselves.

But my special children - the ones your religions revolve around - all live in the same place - in my heart. And they get along perfectly - I assure you. The clergy must stop creating a myth of sibling rivalry where there is none.

Get with the program! If you really want to help me celebrate the birthday of my son Jesus - then commit yourself to figuring our how to feed your hungry, and clothe your naked, and protect you abused, and shelter your poor - and just as important: make your own everyday life a shining example of kindness and good humor.

Now - I am not really ticked off. Not really! I just wanted to grab your attention - because I hate to see you suffer. But I gave you free will, so what can I do now - other than try to influence you through reason - persuasion - a little old fashioned guilt and manipulation.

"What can I do now?" Is God 'helpless'?? He does not resort to human "manipulations" but He proclaims His Word. "So shall My word be, which goes out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall complish what I please, and it SHALL CERTAINLY DO what I sent it to do." (Is55:11) "My purpose shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.. Yes, I have spoken, I will also cause it to come; I have formed; yes, I will do it." (Is46:10-11)

And the "letter" closes with...

I really am, indeed, I swear, with you always - always - that in me.
Your one and only,
God

"Your words have been strong against Me, says Jehovah. Yet you say, What have we spoken against You? You have said, It is vain to serve God; and, What profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked as mourners before Jehovah of Hosts? And now we are calling the arrogant blessed. Not only are the doers of wickedness built up, they also test God, and escape." (Mal3:13-15)

Well, Israel came up with a 'book' listing those who feared the Lord. (vs16) In God's mercy, He also has a book. The "Book of Life". At the final judgment, if a person is not found "written in the Book of Life" they will be "cast into the Lake of Fire." (Rev20:15)

These scoffers try to be 'cutsy' and 'clever' as they blast away at God. Well, God 'cutsies' back at them, "Is there a God beside Me? Yea, there is none." [...at least I don't know of any.] (Is44:8) They say that God doesn't care what a person believes. That He doesn't care what you call Him, or if you fear Him or not. That God is muddling around, letting mankind wander about, going his own way. And that it's OK. But to them God proclaims...

"Then you shall again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God, and him who does not serve Him." (Mal3:18)

Amen!