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DIE SEWE VLAKKE VAN MORELE ONTWIKKELING

DIE SEWE VLAKKE VAN MORELE ONTWIKKELING

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VLAK 1 – Beloning en straf

Reg en verkeerd word bepaal deur elkeen wat die mag het om te regeer deur dreigement van straf en hoop op beloning. Genade (versuim om te straf) word deur ander op hierdie vlak as swakheid beskou, as beginselloosheid. Dit is die vlak waarop antieke Israel as slawe in Egipte gewerk het. Hulle het gedoen wat die slawedrywers beveel het om straf te vermy.

Mense op vlak een dring daarop aan dat God sy krag gebruik om die onberouvolle goddeloses te martel en dood te maak, soos bewys is toe hy die eerste getuienis oor homself bevestig het om Israel te regeer deur strafdade op die Egiptiese gode toe te pas, en deur magtige, skouspelagtige wonderwerke gedemonstreer het dat die Egiptiese gode hoegenaamd nie gode is nie.

Hierdie vlak van denke is so primitief dat dit nie eers ‘n brein vereis nie; die denke is heeltemal opsy gesit. Diere, plante en selfs bakterieë kan gekondisioneer word om pynlike stimuli te vermy en te groei na lonende stimuli. Dit is Satan se doelwit om die mensdom te verminder tot “redelose diere en wesens van instink” wat op vlak een werk.

Tevredenheidsteorie (Satisfaction Theory) van die versoening stem die beste ooreen met Vlak Een-denke, wat soos volg opgesom is: God het gesê moenie iets doen nie, maar wanneer ons ongehoorsaam is en doen wat God verbied het, onteer en beledig dit hom. Daarom reageer hy in sy geregtigheid met woedende wraak om die ongehoorsame tereg te stel om sy verontwaardiging te bevredig. Maar toe tree Jesus tussen God en mens in om die mensdom se plaasvervanger te word. God het dus nie die mens doodgemaak nie, maar sy Seun doodgemaak in ons plek en is nou tevrede dat sy eer en geregtigheid bewaar word.


 
VLAK 2 – Ruilhandel

Reg en verkeerd word bepaal deur ‘n billike ooreenkoms tussen twee partye, ook bekend as quid pro quo – “Ek sal iets vir jou doen as jy iets vir my doen”. Op hierdie vlak is wraak ‘n morele plig. Mense wat kwaad doen, moet met ewe veel pyn en lyding terugbetaal word, met ander woorde, “‘n oog vir ‘n oog en ‘n tand vir ‘n tand.” Om nie pyn en lyding terug te gee nie, is as immoreel beskou. Dit was eertydse Israel wat by Sinai gesê het, toe die wet die eerste keer gelees is, “Alles wat die Here gesê het, dit sal ons doen.”

Losprysteorie (Ransom Theory) van versoening stem die beste ooreen met Vlak Twee-denke, wat soos volg opgesom is: Omdat die aarde en die mensdom nou die wettige eiendom van Satan is en onder sy beheer, het die duiwel wettige regte op hierdie aarde en die lewens van die afstammelinge van Adam en Eva. Daarom het God ‘n ooreenkoms met die duiwel aangegaan om die lewe van Christus te verruil vir die lewens van die res van die mensdom.


 
VLAK 3 – Sosiale ooreenstemming

Reg en verkeerd word bepaal deur gemeenskapskonsensus, byvoorbeeld wanneer ‘n kind sê: “Maar al die ander mense doen dit.” Reg word as reg beskou deur die goedkeuring van gelykes.

Dit was antieke Israel toe hulle konings wou hê. Al die ander nasies het konings gehad, so dit moet reg wees, daarom het Israel daarop aangedring om konings te hê.

Regeringsteorie (Governmental Theory) van die versoening stem die beste ooreen met Vlak Drie-denke, wat soos volg opgesom is: Iemand moet die prys betaal sodat almal oortuig kan word dat God regverdig en reg is om sonde en sondaars te hanteer deur martelende straf toe te dien. Daardie iemand is Jesus, want hy is die enigste een wat daardie prys kan betaal om die mensdom vry te spreek.


 
VLAK 4 – Wet en orde

Reg en verkeerd word bepaal deur ‘n gekodifiseerde stelsel van reëls, onpartydige regters, opgelegde strawwe, en respek vir gesag. Reg is om ‘n behoorlike betaling of beloning vir goeie werk te kry, en verbieding en strafopgelegging vir die oortreding van die reëls. Gesagsfigure is selde bevraagteken, “Hy moet reg wees, want hy is die President, die Regter, die Pous, God, ens.”

Dit was antieke Israel in die tyd van Christus – “ons het ‘n wet!” het hulle verkondig, terwyl hulle probeer het om Jesus te stenig vir genesing op die Sabbat. Dit is ‘n groot deel van ons moderne wêreld, met sy gekodifiseerde wette, howe, aanklaers, regters, juries en opgelegde reëls. Gesag op hierdie vlak berus in die geforseerde druk van die staat om diegene wat van die gevestigde wette afwyk, te straf. Op hierdie vlak moet polisie-agentskappe en wetstoepassers die bevolking monitor, op soek na oortredings van die wet om gestandaardiseerde strawwe op te lê.

Strafvervangingsteorie (Penal Substitution Theory) van die versoening stem die naaste ooreen met Vlak Vier-denke, wat soos volg opgesom is: Jesus het gesterf om die wetlike straf te betaal wat die wet vereis en wat deur die hemelse regter opgelê is. Die wet moet nagekom word. Die mens het die wet oortree, dus vereis geregtigheid die oplegging van die regte straf. Iemand moet tereggestel word om die wettige boete te betaal. Jesus het ons plaasvervanger geword en is in ons plek tereggestel deur God die Vader (as die regverdige regter) om daardie boete te betaal. Sodoende word die integriteit van die wet gehandhaaf en sondaars kan vergewe word, maar slegs as hulle aanspraak maak op die wettige betaling wat Jesus gemaak het.


 
VLAK 5 – Liefde vir ander

Reg word bepaal deur te doen wat in die beste belang van ander is, om te besef dat mense waarde het in wie hulle is, ongeag die reëls. Verkeerd word bepaal, nie deur ‘n kontrolelys van reëls nie, maar deur nie te doen wat eintlik nuttig en voordelig vir ‘n ander is nie.

Jesus het dit getoon toe hy melaatses aangeraak het, met vroue gepraat het, met belastinginvorderaars gesosialiseer het, en op die Sabbat genees het. Die Fariseërs, wat op vlak vier en laer werk, wou Hom stenig omdat hy die wet oortree het.

 Morele invloedteorie (Moral Influence Theory) van die versoening stem die naaste ooreen met Vlak Vyf-denke, wat soos volg opgesom is: Sonde het ons van God geskei en ons harte verdorwe, sodat ons God nie langer vertrou het nie, maar God het ons te liefgehad om ons te laat gaan, so Christus se dood was die middel om ons te bereik met sy liefde en herstel ons om op Hom te vertrou.


 
VLAK 6 – Beginselgebaseerde lewe

Reg is om te verstaan hoe die ontwerpprotokolle en beginsels waarop lewe gebou is, funksioneer en intelligent te kies om in harmonie daarmee te leef. Reg is nie iets doen omdat ‘n reël sê om dit te doen nie, maar omdat dit verstaan word hoe dit in werklikheid werk.

Dit was hoe Jesus God se karakter van liefde uitgeleef het in alles wat Hy gedoen het, en ook die Apostels na Pinkster. Dit word verstaan dat God sê wat reg is omdat dit reg is, want dis die manier hoe dinge werklik funksioneer. Dit is nie reg bloot omdat God dit gesê het nie.

Samevatting en Christus as Oorwinnaar Teorieë (Recapitulation and Christus Victor Theories) oor die versoening stem die beste ooreen met Vlak Ses denke, wat soos volg opgesom word: Christus se lewe, dood en opstanding word verstaan as die enigste manier om reg te stel wat sonde aan God se skepping gedoen het. Toe die mensdom gesondig het, het die toestand van die mensdom verander, wat dit uit harmonie met God en sy plan vir die lewe geplaas het. Die mensdom is nou in slawerny gehou deur hul eie toestand van sondigheid (vleeslike natuur), hul terminale toestand (dood), en die leuens oor God wat deur Satan vertel word. Christus het gekom om hierdie drie magte te breek en te herstel wat sonde aan hierdie skepping gedoen het. So “het hy wat geen sonde geken het nie, vir ons sonde geword, sodat ons die geregtigheid van God kan word.” 2 Kor 5:21.


 
VLAK 7 – Begrypende Vriend van God

Diegene op hierdie vlak het nie net liefde vir God en ander nie (Vlak 5), verstaan nie net God se ontwerp protokolle vir die lewe nie (Vlak 6), maar verstaan ook God se doelstellings en kies intelligent om saam te werk om hul rol in Sy doelwitte te vervul.

Jesus het in Johannes 15:15 vir sy dissipels gesê: “Ek noem julle nie meer diensknegte nie, omdat die dienskneg nie weet wat sy heer doen nie. Maar ek het julle vriende genoem, omdat ek alles wat ek van my Vader gehoor het Ek aan julle bekend gemaak het.”

Mense op hierdie vlak verstaan die waarheid omtrent God se karakter van liefde, Sy natuur en ontwerp vir die lewe, die oorsprong van die bose, die aard van sonde, die wapens van Satan, die oorspronklike doel vir die skepping van die mensdom, die val van die mensdom in sonde, God se werking deur die menslike geskiedenis, die doel van die Kruis, en die uiteindelike reiniging van die heelal van sonde. Jesus het op hierdie vlak gefunksioneer, net soos almal wat gereed is vir verheerliking wanneer Jesus weer kom.

Genesende Plaasvervangingsrealiteit (Healing Substitution Reality) stem die beste ooreen met Vlak Sewe denke, wat soos volg opgesom word: Die verlossingsplan word verstaan as ‘n dieper en breër bedoeling as net die verlossing van die menslike spesie. Beide vlak vyf en ses is waar: God se karakter van liefde is verkeerd voorgestel, Sy metodes van waarheid, liefde en vryheid is nie ten volle begryp nie, God het dus ‘n groter doel gehad as net die redding van die mensdom; Hy was ook besig om die ongevalle wesens in lojaliteit aan Sy ontwerpmetodes en karakter van liefde vas te maak.

 

 

 

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I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

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I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

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Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

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God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

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Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

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Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

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Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

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Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

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Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

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Michael A., Ghana