THE CARNAL MINDED INTELLECTUAL

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Eph.5:11; Rom.8:7

     All throughout history, nations and religions have been run by carnal minded men posing in virtuous garb. And while they secretly scheme in their lust for gain regardless of the cost to others the common man has been led to believe the shyster leaders had his best interest at heart. This is just one aspect of the deplorable history of sinful men on the Earth. And this ancient betrayal of trust lay at the heart of modern politics today.

     But what is not considered is that each and every sinful deed conceived and/or perpetrated against GOD and man has been meticulously recorded by holy angels in the books of heaven (Rev.20:12). These books are not needed for GOD’S knowledge, “for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.” Ps.44:21. The books of heaven are there for us—that we might see something of the true nature of sin and what cruelty sin has wrought in the hearts of demons and men.

     Enter: the Holy Bible. The promises and warnings of GOD, recorded for every man to take heed, cover every aspect of life in a sinful world. There is nothing we face in this world that Scripture does not address. In fact, if men uplifted Scripture as their guidepost for all of life’s decisions, none need perish in the judgment, as it is written: “Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” Isa.34:16.

     But for those who deny the salvation of GOD freely offered, Jesus and His Apostle Paul declared that every secret sin held in the heart will one day come to light: “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.” “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God,” “in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Lu.12:2; I Cor.4:5; Rom.2:16. This is why all should compare their lives with the Great Standard of Righteousness: the simple absolutes of the Ten Commandments.

     Every book in the Bible admonishes our obedience to the Ten Commandments. With prayer, we continually strive to conform to the virtue contained therein. This is the process of true sanctification: comparing our character with the perfection of Christ Who lived out the fulness of the Law of GOD that we could be saved from sin. and His obedience should never be viewed as a license for disobedience. The Bible warns that all who stand disobedient to the Ten Commandments stand morally flawed and need to repent and ask GOD to come into their lives to reform their character into the standard that Jesus honored to save His children: for it is that standard that will judge every man (Matt.19:17; Rom.2:13; II Pet.2:21).

THE ORIGINS OF INTELLECTUAL COERCION

     There is a premise in the history of religion that deserves to be made known, for it has been a great snare for the destruction of men through time. When we examine ancient cultures and see the precision of the astronomical science used in the design of the pyramids, the Mayan temples, and other temples in Asia we see a direct connection to highly intellectual men using astronomical science to manipulate and control the people through religious ceremony and superstition. Highly advanced these cultures were in their knowledge of math and science. The pyramids for instance were of such measurements so as to embody a mass of science. It’s base is a ratio giving the equatorial circumference of the Earth. This demanded the advanced knowledge of spherical trigonometry. It also points true north. And it marks the Spring Equinox: casting no shadow at noon during the spring equinox.

     Then there are the ancient temples where the summer solstice was coordinated with an opening in the temple wall allowing the sun to beam into the temple room at the precise moment and shine on their pagan deity. In these simple astronomical events the priests claimed the power to communicate with the gods. So, in addition to providing a yearly calendar for planting and harvesting we see the origins of uniting astronomical science with religious practice. This is what paved the way for the practice of astrology. Over 2600 years ago the LORD exposed this age-old threat of men using astronomical science to control the lives of society: “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.” Jer.10:2.

     This coercion of using science to manipulate men is readily seen today in modern atheistic science. This faith-based pseudo-science called evolution stands in utter denial of the Word of GOD. As a result society has been flooded with science fiction novels and movies: none of which ever address sin as the cause for every calamity whether of nature or men. In the midst of all the clamoring voices asserting the variety of ELE’s (Extinction Level Event) GOD’S Word stands sure: “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Gen.8:22.

     But GOD declares that this world will come to an end, and that all ungodliness leads to nature’s repercussion, whether of drought, famine, tornados and pestilence (Lev.26; Deut.28). And all of man’s technology will not avert the harm that sin is causing the planet.

     In our modern atheistic age some of the greatest intellects have served this evil purpose of diverting attention away from the things of heavenly value and replacing that knowledge with things of no value. Satan delights to lure the most intelligent men and women into joining forces with him, for through the admiration and flattery of others they are used to deceive the world through “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (I Jn.2:16). The apostles gave strong counsel for us to be on our guard for those whose sole purpose is to mislead from the way of “holiness unto the LORD.”

     “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he [Christ] is righteous.” Eph.4:14; 5:6; I Jn.3:7.

ON THE ISSUE OF INTELLECT VS. SPIRITUALITY

     Men ever claim that great intellect equals superior wisdom and compassion. Through man’s calculation he assigns the status of genius to an IQ of 140. But there is an Enemy who works to the sole destruction of man whose IQ is vastly superior to that of any man’s. We can safely assign to Satan a minimum IQ of 3000. Now keep one thing in mind: the Bible teaches that great intellect is no measuring stick of godliness (II Tim.3:7). Satan was given the greatest beauty and mightiest intellect of any created being (Eze.28:12). And look where it has gotten him: he’s heading “to ashes upon the earth” in “the lake of fire” (Eze.28:18; Rev.20:7-10).

     The perfect contrast to Satan’s complex, calculating mind is to look upon a little five year old girl, having so little experience in the things of life; but this little girl prays every night at her bedside: “GOD bless mommy. GOD bless daddy. GOD bless my new friend. GOD bless my cat and dog. Thank you Jesus, amen. Oh, and GOD bless my Barbie doll.” The little girl who looks to Jesus is drawn to a wisdom that is infinitely smarter than the one who has rejected GOD regardless of life’s experience or intellect.

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Matt.18:1-7.

     As many as call themselves Christian and/or claim to love family and friends, and have done no one any deliberate harm, this is not enough for them and their loved ones to be together in the coming kingdom of everlasting life. To have the reputation: “He was a good man” carries no weight in the controversy over sin between Christ and Satan. Jesus said that without our freewill desire for the companionship of the Holy Spirit, to live and dwell in our lives, we cannot be raised to immortality: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God,” and “he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Jn.3:5; Lu.12:9. The Bible gives many examples where Christ is denied, even within the church.

     But this warning of the LORD does not apply to victims of ungodly churchmen who present a corrupted gospel, slandering the character of GOD and the Good Name of Jesus Christ. Church history is littered with this abuse. A clear example of this slander of GOD is in the book of Job: “the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.” Job 42:7,8. This exemplifies the reality that GOD and His Word should never be taken for granted.

     The Savior presents the simple remedy to everyone’s great need for spiritual renewal: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Lu.11:13; Jn.3:5. In honoring these words we can rest in faith that with GOD’S Very Presence in our lives we are capable of responding to what He has called each of us to do. All other methods are fruitless as Jesus said: “Without Me ye can do nothing” Jn.15:5. But with the Presence of GOD dwelling in the citadel of my soul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil.4:13. The Apostle Paul also confirmed that it is the Presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in the willing heart that will raise every faithful saint from the dead to “everlasting life:” “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Rom.8:11.

     Only through the power of the indwelling presence of GOD can a man be fitted for heaven and resurrected to everlasting life. We have no strength of our own to accomplish any of this: either for obedience to GOD (Jer.31:3) or even love for GOD (Rom.8:7). Men have no right to boast of their love for GOD. For when the whole of mankind stands before the throne of Christ the glorious prophecy will be fulfilled: “He alone shall be exalted in that day.” Isa.2:11. Therefore we rest in His power to accomplish the works of GOD’S unselfish service to life in and through us (Isa.26:12), being ever mindful that sin separates the soul from the companionship of the Holy Ghost (Isa.59:2), without whose companionship there can be no fulfilling peace and joy (Isa.48:22; Jn.14:15-17).

     “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” I Cor.3:19. So where is this carnal foolishness and rebellion of sin leading the human race? Let Solomon answer: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be.” Eccl.1:9. The prophecies of Scripture are inescapable that man is to enter a phase of human history that is given virtually no attention, in or out of the church.

     There is a valuable lesson of the past that perfectly illustrates the extremes men are willing to go when the frantic lust for survival assumes control of all decisions. When the Conquistadors of Spain came to the Aztec people of Mexico they witnessed the most barbaric slaughter of human life. It is recorded that within one year, the Aztecs sacrificed 250,000 lives to appease an angry GOD. In a single ceremony alone over 80,000 lives were slaughtered on their altar. With such numbers of human life extinguished the blood flowing down the steps of their temple coagulated into a huge mound at its base. Graphic details were recorded on what the people endured. But when asked why the priests sacrificed so many from among their people, the response of the priests was given, "To prevent the end of the world."

     Our religious leaders today will choose this same theology as the Earth’s closing events unfold. United with the carnal world, unconverted churchmen will refuse to acknowledge their own sins as the cause of the coming calamities. And because of their belief that GOD will not allow this world to follow its natural course to utter destruction (as prophesied in numerous passages of Scripture) they lull the congregations into a false sense of security "saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace." Jer.6:14. This is because they falsely believe Jesus Christ comes to establish a kingdom in Jerusalem for a thousand years. Even as the world is increasingly threatened the “false apostles, deceitful workers” masquerading as GOD’S servants will urge the people to hold on until THEIR APOSTATE VIEWS OF PROPHECY are fulfilled. As they refuse to be corrected for their sins they refuse to hear the simple words of Christ: "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world then would my servants fight…but My kingdom is not from hence." And yet, the leaders of Christianity keep fighting to build the kingdom of this world: a world Christ said that He would have no association with. Instead, He gave a strict command to take to the world the message of GOD'S coming kingdom founded on the standard of the Ten Commandment Law, and how that kingdom will be restored to the dominion of earth.

     This “everlasting kingdom,” fulfilling GOD’S intended purpose for the eternal destiny of His children can only be inaugurated after GOD destroys every trace of sin’s presence through nature’s arsenal of molten rock. This is the hellfire spoken of in the Bible. It’s called “the lake of fire.” The Bible teaches that once the heritage of sin and sinners are reduced “to ashes upon the earth” the fire then goes out. At that moment Christ will say, “Behold, I make all things new.” Rev.21:5. The earth will then be recreated, restoring it to a pristine condition. This cleansing of the Earth from sin includes the fate of Satan according to “the word of the LORD:” “I will destroy thee, O covering cherub…I will bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth…and never shalt thou be anymore.” Eze.28:11-19.

     GOD declares the same fate awaits every man who chooses a life of sin: “For behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts…for the wicked shall be ashes.” Mal.4:1-3. Other verses declare the same fate (Gen.3:24; Ps.21:9; 37:10,20,36,38; 145:20; Matt.25:41; Rev.20:9).

     After all is said and done in the resurrection judgment of those “reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men,” “they shall be as though they had never been.” “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” II Pet.3:7; Ob.16; II Pet.3:13,14.

     As the seed must die in order to grow and bear fruit, so this world must perish that another may be born. And as Christ must "change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body" so this sin cursed Earth must be rejuvenated to "the fulness thereof." Phil.3:21; Ps.96:11.