*

Deeper and wider, quicker, and more difficult, were the principles of forgiveness that Jesus brought to the table. Cleansed of our sins, and moving forward with a clear conscience, can a Christian continue to grow and grow until they finally outgrow their need for forgiveness?

1 John 3:4 – 9: Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.  And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins has not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his nature remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Is the message noted in these scriptures a requirement for a born-again follower of Christ? Shall we believe that it is actually possible to attain to such heights as the sin-free (or stain-free) life suggests?

Paul’s Letter To The Romans 7:17-19:  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

If we read and find Paul’s message more agreeable with our own convictions, we’ll understand why we need to go to the Lord in prayer, and ask Him to forgive us for everything we need be forgiven for. I don’t see the need for bringing in particulars. That kind of prayer could last all day. Jesus kept it short when asked how we should pray. Matthew 6:16 - And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Jesus didn’t tell them every day to get out their list of 100 sins and check off the one’s that applied. No, He did not. This is what I mean by the daily grace of continuous forgiveness. We only need to ask for it. I find it easy to sympathize with Paul, who clearly understood.

I confess, because of this disparity in perspectives, I do have a bone to pick with the author of 1 John 3:4-9. He appears to say otherwise in Chapter 1. So much so, that it sounds to me like a different author.

1 John 1:8-10: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

If the same author was responsible for this letter to ‘children and friends’ (meaning no one in particular), and he sees this as a paradox inherent in the theology of religious discourse, then I’ll agree with him.

*

Paul seems to understand salvation as being an act of grace. Paul realized his sinful nature, and knew he would continue to sin as long as his Spirit housed itself in a body of flesh, blood, and bones. John seems to believe that salvation can only be redeemed, or proven to one’s self, by living a life free from sin. The proof is in the pudding for him, so to speak. To me, that means a sinner who claims to have been saved, baptized, and forgiven for a lifetime of wrongs is actually fooling themselves if they continue to sin after having been saved. So, the way I read it,  John proclaimed that ever since he was saved, he no longer sinned. Not once. Not the tiniest one off the list below did he commit. How Bold! Or, how seemingly impossible! Keeping that in mind, allow me to bring this closer to home with a plausible example.

Paul hangs out with Jesus, who is perfectly sinless, and John, who by now is perfectly good. What a humbling experience that must have been. Imagine a sinner meeting up with the disciples, including Paul and John, when the personage of Jesus was absent. This sinner, who doesn’t like his (or her) life, nor the thought of death, wants to know all about it. Who best to inform the sinner? Paul would have been sympathetic and loving as he told the sinner about his own new perspective in life, thanks to Jesus. I don’t think he would have made a life with Christ sound like an impossible task. He would not have pulled out a list of 100 sins to avoid for the rest of their lives, I don’t believe. If there is a time and place for everything under the sun, then why would anyone attempt to bring out the worst in human nature, unless the author wanted to rub somebody’s nose in it?

Before you read this list (which doesn’t seem to be in any particular order of importance), let us also remember what James had to say,

James 2:10 - For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

*

List: 100 Sins (author unknown)

“God is the name by which I designate all things which cross

my path violently and recklessly, all things which alter

my plans and intentions, and change the course of my life,

for better or for worse.”

The maṇḍala is a symbol for the wholeness of Self, which, loosely defined by me, includes the ego (the center of consciousness), the conscious mind (assumed to exist in the brain somewhere, although that has yet to be proven – the intelligence of our intellect, and the wisdom of the heart), the personal unconscious (previous thoughts, instincts, feelings, and experiences forgotten, but held in memory), and all that timely remains unconscious (self-knowledge that has yet to emerge) in our psyches up to Now.

The Self, according to Peter Shepherd: It is a “God-image” within the psyche. Although Jung was criticized for allegedly implying that the Self is God, he stressed that the Self is not God itself but rather only an image of God, a representation of God as it would be depicted within the psyche (although he did call the Self the “God within us” in Psychology and Religion on page 334). An encounter with the Self feels like a “religious experience” with God; Jung said that the occurrence leaves us vitalized” and “enriched.” In addition to being a symbol of God in the psyche, the Self could also be considered a symbol of what the religions call the “soul.”

With “Aion”, Jung presents the Christ within us as another symbol for the Self in its entirety. These archetypes are also portrayed as constellations, or congregations, of ideas in our psyche that he claimed to exist a priori to the birth of consciousness within ourselves. Therefore, we come into the world with a map, of sorts, that is lacking in instructions, but chock-full of instinctual natures (drives that steer our will/wheel) that are somehow imprinted on the electrical structures of the brain. Libido is a term described as the energy that turns the wheel. The wheel runs a route that is consciously directed whilst we are awake, but when we are asleep, the wheel’s direction is subject to the will of the unconscious; i.e., God, daemon, our sympathetic nervous system, etc.

*

*

Carl thought astrology was worth pursuing, but he  got caught up in the ideas and thoughts of The Gnostics and the alchemists. He searched for a train of thought, like a silver thread or a fine lifeline, that connected these historical figures, right on up through the annals of time, to himself and his theories. In his great mind, he was the one who received the baton from his ancestors, and in honor of those who had run the race before him, he was to raise the torch and blaze a trail until the time came when he thought he had accomplished all he could in one lifetime, and he laid his pen to rest with the hope that after his passing, another would heed the call and continue the race.

*

The Age Of Blind Faith is slowly coming to an end, or so it seems to me. Church-goers are dwindling in number, whilst atheists groups continue to add members. Jung wished to save Christianity by proving its contemporary poignancy; by proving it is for real; that it is a living myth with a living Savior who makes History today. It is not only an age-old story, it’s a Truth that He walks amongst us today. Jesus Christ is pertinent today! He stands for The Truth, whether it comes from scientists, or artists, or any other vocation, it matters not.

Getting over it with Carl Jung has been, and continues to be a blessing. I highly recommend a healthy dose of his writings and teachings. ”Memories, Dreams, Reflections”, a semi-autobiography (1963), is the perfect book for beginning your journey to the depths of his brilliant and insightful mind, where you’ll find many a psychological truth. May The Truth always astound you. God bless! Uncle Tree

*

*

Below is a link to an article about C.G. Jung, written by a Jewish Professor of Psychology, concerning the Book Of Job. It’s simply the best commentary on Carl’s views that I have ever seen. This explains his ideas ten times better than I could do. The Bible story, how to read it, what it means, and why God had to change His own nature due to His ongoing relationship with His chosen people – is given here. Jung made many prophetic statements during and after W.W.II. This article tells which ones were ‘on the money’ based on how things are today.

http://www.junginstitute.org/pdf_files/JungV8N1p1-18.pdf

]]> http://uncletreeshouse.com/2012/01/15/carl-jung-a-personal-brief/feed/ 17 Uncle Tree image mandala-jung-profile jung-first-mandala http://uncletreeshouse.com/2012/01/02/the-question-of-adam-the-first/ http://uncletreeshouse.com/2012/01/02/the-question-of-adam-the-first/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:52:24 +0000 Uncle Tree http://uncletreeshouse.com/?p=4974 ]]>

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Was Christ the Second Adam, or was Adam the First Christ?

I’m no scholar, but I am familiar with the scientific view of evolution and The Big Bang theory. In part of my mind, God’s mind and body equals the Universe as we know it. Matter and Energy = Dust and Spirit. That would make me a pantheist, except that I also like the arguments for panentheism, with God outside the box as well as in it. Ephesians 4:6

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

In His image – His likeness – we look like Him – He must look like us. So God is, was, and always has been a being who exists in the realm of Time, just as we find ourselves. For some pantheist, God was not completely consciousness of Himself in His beginnings. Therefore He/Her/It created beings, or creatures (by chance or happy accident) who would eventually evolve an awareness of themselves as separate entities, and they would come to realize two facts: their own mortality, and this realization - they didn’t create Reality themselves.

I’m guessing here, but in Uncle Tree’s symbolic point of view,

Adam was the first human being to evolve conscious awareness.

As a panentheist, I could propose that God used a little bitty part of Himself to create a reality that was separate from Himself. Again, this could have been a happy accident, or a wonderful fault. A godly “Woops!” A bang, what have you. Perhaps, He doubted His own existence. Why? He had no way to prove it. Turmoil-Chaos-Bang! Now God, conscious of Himself in this case, realized what He had done, and gained a positive reaction. Good came into being as a concept. His first creation was Good – in His Mind and thoughts, and from His image.

Then like a child (if this was His first experience at creating something other than Himself from His own very Self), He started playing with this Reality that thickened as it cooled. Eventually, he formed a figure that He thought was representative of Himself – and called it Adam. Adam needed a Life, so God dreamed up a reality in which Adam could exist and play and create just as He had done. He came up with a Divine Plan, but the only way it would work was if He poured out more of Himself, and then ordered this new Reality to conform to specific laws that only He could break. You know, just in case He made a mistake and had to fix a thing or two via Divine Intervention. I’m just saying…

God was aware that He had a past, a present, and a future, as would this new Reality. God had to conform to the rule of Time. God needed the help of Time and Distance to cool off this reality of His. He didn’t know He was so hot. God learned to control this fire, and then He knew His power. Perhaps, in imitation of God, Adam (now conscious of himself, the world, and his Creator), took it upon himself to challenge The Unknown. Uncle Tree likes to think that Adam was the first human being to control fire on this material planet, our home in the heavens, and as of January 1, 2012 – the only home we know of that houses people like you, and trees like me. What do you think? Am I way beyond the forest here? I wood appreciate your thoughts, my friends. In the meanwhile, I thank you ahead of Time! Romans 11:36

For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things:

to whom be glory forever! Amen.

*

Hanging with the Prince Of Peace, I am.
Uncle Tree

*

Painting: Ancient Of Days, * William Blake, 1757-1827

*

http://www.npr.org/2011/08/09/138957812/evangelicals-question-the-existence-of-adam-and-eve

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O Lord of Hosts,

I thank Thee for this day ~ for my life,

for my loved ones ~ for my family and friends!

Forgive me for everything I need be forgiven for.

O Lord,

I am not as wise as that crafty old serpent,

nor am I as cunning as the snake that nips at my heels.

O Lord God Almighty,

Send Saint Michael to defend me from the outside in.

Awaken the Christ within me!

Drive away the tempt to sin.

O Lord,

Penetrate the innermost midst of my soul.

Radiate an aura of love and protection around me

that I may go forth in confidence,

learning to trust Thee more and more,

with every step I take, thus increasing my faith in Thee

day after day, hour after hour, and minute by minute.

Whatever Thy will, let it be ~ I will forgive Thee.

Deliver me, defend me, and save my soul, O Lord!

Truly in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen

*

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray:
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

*

*

* *

* * *

 The Way

is the way

of truth and light.

May I know The Truth

when I hear it ring. May I see

Thy Holy Light right in front of my face.

May I make a righteous choice

at every curious crossroad.

May I choose the road

chosen by someone

smarter than me

by God!

* * *

* *

*

]]> http://uncletreeshouse.com/2011/12/18/the-star-that-lit-the-flame/feed/ 29 Uncle Tree star http://uncletreeshouse.com/2011/11/20/an-instance-of-grace/ http://uncletreeshouse.com/2011/11/20/an-instance-of-grace/#comments Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:11:20 +0000 Uncle Tree http://uncletreeshouse.com/?p=4878 ]]>

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How does the Holy Spirit feel to our 5 bodily senses
when it co-mingles with our human spirit?

Our hearts are heavy – there is much suffering -
we feel the pressure of unseen gravitational forces
bearing down on us – pushing us against the solid earth.

When the Holy Spirit invades
one’s physical and mental presence,
one begins to think one must be levitating.
The weight of doubt is so heavy…
and one doesn’t even know how heavy,
until one feels the weight drop in an instant.

*

]]> http://uncletreeshouse.com/2011/11/20/an-instance-of-grace/feed/ 25 Uncle Tree http://uncletreeshouse.com/2011/10/30/when-the-dead-bury-the-dead/ http://uncletreeshouse.com/2011/10/30/when-the-dead-bury-the-dead/#comments Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:08:10 +0000 Uncle Tree http://uncletreeshouse.com/?p=4829 ]]>

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Jesus said unto him, “Let the dead bury their dead:

but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60

That strange Bible verse came to mind this morning.

I still don’t know how to take those words.

When the dead bury the dead, I’ll be in over my head.

Jesus supposedly spoke to the living. Right?

He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied,

“Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Luke 9:59

Literally speaking, the dead can’t bury the dead.

Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests,

but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:58

No place to lay His head?

Why…He has everywhere a place to lay His head. For God’s sake,

He owns every place imaginable. That doesn’t make sense.

No rest for the weary? What else can it mean?

If it was me, I’d of stayed home and buried my Dad.

Then I’d catch up to Jesus afterwards.

Some of the translations speak of the spiritually dead.

But the man’s dad was really dead.

It doesn’t say the man’s dad was spiritually dead.

If it did, he’d just go home and say “Bye!”

My take on how my Lord would have answered him:

Jesus said, “Okay, go home and bury your father.

Then come to me prepared to leave this world, your reality, behind.

For I go not to raise the dead, but to save the living.”

But can we save the dead, too? You know,

can we save those souls who can’t seem to leave this world behind?

Perhaps, the dead must bury the living to make it through to God.

But then again, Heaven is here – within.

Where we are now! Why do we have to leave?

For this world, our true home, is where it all ends in Revelations.

I like to think I’ll be here when that day comes.

There is no place to go, folks. This is it.

This is where it’s happening!

On Earth, as it spins in

The Heavens.

Amen

*

*

Creation begets human consciousness daily.

Consciousness gives birth to Desire endlessly.

Desire transcends illusion momentarily.

Routine practices its performance consistently.

Habit magistrates a majestic performance.

Ignorance ordains the boring dullness!

Laziness condemns the facilitating guilt.

Anxiety inevitably germinates illness.

Death releases incomprehensible Timelessness…

Space matters faithfully alter infinity!

( Containment entombs the united singularity )

Light speeds away forming spectral curiosities.

Intelligence wings constellations of pluralities.

Compassion breathes – exhaling Creativity.

= Order rhythmically distributes Equality =

Relativity affects the terrific stabilizer!

Drama evolves the essential formalities.

Mercy justifies our primary abilities.

~ Grace fulfills our desires completely ~

*

Love sustains our Father’s Creation for good!

*

]]> http://uncletreeshouse.com/2011/09/23/our-fathers-intelligent-design-creation-live/feed/ 24 Uncle Tree 77-8_creation solor-system-creation http://uncletreeshouse.com/2011/09/11/union-in-tragedy-911/ http://uncletreeshouse.com/2011/09/11/union-in-tragedy-911/#comments Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:01:02 +0000 Uncle Tree http://uncletreeshouse.com/?p=4724 ]]>

*

Here is a sight we seldom see:

union in tragedy.

Lights from the heart light up the dark,

showing the way to be.

*

Love is a force that opens eyes.

To those who’d blacken skies:

Feel from the heart before you start

to sever all the ties.

*

Remember – sisters and brothers,

hate and anger smothers.

Beneath the ruins of mankind,

love’s flame will lead the blind.

*

*

I went on this path one day – off the straight and narrow way

looking to find the unknown - unafraid to be alone

a skip in my stride - my smile a mile wide

passion perspiring inside.

.

Suddenly! There’s a shadow - beside my own.

“It can’t be so!” No one came with me, I know.

Nobody else wished to go.

Who could it be then? How shall I begin?

Where did it happen and when?

.

I’ll tell you a secret now - that only you can allow.

Stick with me for one moment - maybe you’ll find atonement.

Do you not have the time? It won’t cost a dime.

(Don’t be scared. It’s just a rhyme.)

.

Okay? Now, back to the trail…

not knowing if I could fail - sensing a treasure ahead

I take a left turn instead.

And to my surprise - right before my eyes

this other shadow complies.

.

I look – but no one is there!

With reason, I must compare…

Judging it, I do declare, ”It’s not my own!”, but I swear,

it stayed right with me. I giggled with glee!

(Quite strange, you might agree.)

.

And so, I strode on through the wood

wondering if two shadows could

converge as one, if the light

from the sun was angled right.

.

I stopped in my tracks, and checked out the facts:

- Three as One -

Sun on our backs!

.

Guardian Shadow appear! Assurance is always near.

Although crossroads never seem too clear,

the directions tell me not to fear.

Whichever I choose, I know I can’t lose.

He’s already paid my dues!

…

For there are three that bear record in heaven,

the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:

and these three are one.

1 John 5:7