The Bible Inquirer

ISANG PAANYAYA PAG-ARALAN NATIN ANG MGA ORIHINAL NA KAPISTAHAN NG DIYOS

Isang paanyaya sa masusing pag-aaral ng Kasulatan tungkol sa
mga banal na takdang panahon ng Panginoon.

BAKIT NATIN DAPAT ITO PAG-ARALAN?
Sa panahon ngayon, maraming tradisyon at relihiyosong kaugalian ang minana mula sa mga nakaraang salinlahi. Ngunit isang mahalagang tanong ang dapat nating itanong: Ano ba talaga ang itinuro at itinakda ng Diyos sa Kasulatan?

Sa halip na basta tanggapin ang nakasanayan, inaanyayahan tayo na buksan ang Biblia at siyasatin mismo ang mga araw na tinawag ng Diyos na Kanyang mga takdang panahon.

Levitico 23:1–2 — “Ang mga takdang kapistahan ng Panginoon... ay siyang aking mga takdang kapistahan.

ANG TOTOONG PANANAMPALATAYA: ANG PANGANIB NG PAGTANGGI SA MAGANDANG BALITA NG DIYOS

Sa gitna ng mundong puno ng kalituhan at maling aral, napakahalagang kumapit tayo sa purong katotohanan ng Banal na Kasulatan. Ang Aklat ng Pahayag ay isinulat upang ipakita sa Kanyang mga lingkod ang mga bagay na dapat mangyari. Sinabi sa Pahayag 1:3,*"Mapalad ang bumabasa, at ang nangakikinig ng mga salita ng hula, at nag-iingat ng mga bagay na nasusulat doon: sapagka't ang panahon ay malapit na." Kung tunay tayong nagnanais na makaligtas sa darating na Matinding Kapighatian (Great Tribulation), kailangan nating suriin ang ating mga paniniwala kung ito ba ay nakatayo sa tunay na Salita ng Diyos o sa mga tradisyon ng tao.

MGA HALIMBAWA NG PAGTANGGI SA KATOTOHANAN SA HULING PANAHON
Maraming tao at iglesya ngayon ang unknowingly na tumatanggap ng mga aral na nagmumula sa Babilonyang Misteryong Rehiyon (Babylon Mystery Religion). Narito ang mga malinaw na anyo ng pagtanggi sa katotohanan ayon sa Banal na Kasulatan:
Pagtanggi sa Tunay na Araw ng Pamamahinga (Anti-Sabbath):
Pinalitan ng tao ang ikapitong araw na Sabbath ng Diyos (Exodo 31:13) at ginawang Linggo (Sunday)—isang araw na nagmula sa pagsamba sa diyos ng araw (Mithra o Sun God) sa ilalim ng dekreto ni Emperador Constantino. Ang tunay na Marka o Tanda (Sign) ng Diyos ay ang Kanyang Sabbath, samantalang ang pagpapalit nito ay bahagi ng Tanda ng Beast (Mark of the Beast) sa isip at gawa ng tao.

Pagtatwa sa Sampung Utos at Exact Words ng Diyos:
Sinisikap ng hula sa Daniel 7:25 na baguhin ang "mga panahon at ang kautusan" ng Diyos. Ang pagsuway sa mga utos ng Diyos at ang pagtuturo na pinalitan na ang Kanyang kautusan ay isang malaking pagtanggi sa Salita ng Maykapal.

Pagtanggap sa mga Maling Araw ng Pista (False Holy Days):
Gaya ng kasalanan ni Jeroboam na nagtatag ng sariling pista ayon sa kanyang sariling puso (1 Hari 12:32-33), marami ngayon ang nagdiriwang ng mga paganong kaarawan at pista tulad ng Pasko, Easter, at All Souls' Day habang tinatanggihan ang tunay na mga Pista ng Diyos.

Pagtanggap sa Doktrina ng Babilonyang Misteryong Rehiyon:
Ang pagsamba sa mga diyos-diyosan, ang aral ng Trinidad na nagmula sa lumang Babilonya, ang pagdarasal sa mga imahe, at ang pagpapakain ng mga pagkain at dugong marurumi (gaya ng dinuguan at baboy) sa mga kapistahan ay pawang mga kasuklam-suklam sa mata ng Diyos (Levitico 7:26, Deuteronomio 14:3-8, Isaias 65:3-4).

Pagsamba sa Maling Diyos at Pagsamba kay Maria:
Ang pagtawag at pagsamba kay Maria bilang "Mediatrix" o "Reyna ng Langit" ay malinaw na paglabag sa Utos ng Diyos. Ipinapahayag ng 1 Timoteo 2:5: "Sapagka't may isang Diyos at may isang Tagapamayapa sa Diyos at sa mga tao, ang taong si Cristo Jesus."

Pagpapalaganap ng Maling Jesus (False Jesus):
Nagbabala si Jesus sa Mateo 24:4-5, "Mag-ingat kayo na huwag kayong mailagaw ng sinuman. Sapagka't marami ang magsisiparito sa aking pangalan... at ililigaw ang marami."
Ang pagtuturo ng ibang Cristo—isang Jesus na nagbibigay ng lisensya upang lumabag sa Kanyang kautusan at itinatakwil ang Sabbath—ay pagpapalaganap ng huwad na Cristo sa wikang Tagalog at sa buong mundo.

ANG PANGANIB NG PAGTANGGI SA MAGANDANG BALITA
Ang sinumang sumusunod at sumasamba sa sistema ng Beast at tumatanggap ng kanyang marka sa noo (isipan) o sa kamay (paggawa) ay iinom ng alak ng p**t ng Diyos (Pahayag 14:9-10). Sa darating na paghuhukom, ang mga nagpapatuloy sa maling aral at pagsuway ay makakaranas ng mga peste, matinding kapighatian, at walang hanggang kaparusahan sa apoy at salitre.
Sinabi ng Panginoon sa Pahayag 18:4, "Lumabas kayo sa kaniya, bayan ko, upang huwag kayong magsipagbahagi sa kaniyang mga kasalanan, at upang huwag kayong magsitanggap ng kaniyang mga salot." Ito na ang panahon upang magsisi, magpabautismo sa pangalan ni Jesus Christ, at magbalik-loob sa tunay na Salita at Kautusan ng Diyos (Gawa 2:38).

SURIIN ANG INYONG PANANAMPALATAYA
Huwag nating payagan ang ating mga sarili na mailagaw ng mga maling propeta na mukhang tupa ngunit nagsasalita na tulad ng dragon (Pahayag 13:11). Maging matalino at sumunod sa mga yapak ni Cristo (1 Pedro 2:21) sa pamamagitan ng pag-iingat sa Kanyang mga utos at pagkilala sa tunay na Sabbath.












PDF:
Ang Matagal nang Tinatag na Marka ng Halimaw (666)
bit.ly/3TytDgn
The 10 Signs of the Anti-Christ in the Bible
bit.ly/4aOtBpg
Calamities ahead- Do you follow the Lord?
bit.ly/41u5LME

PANAWAGAN SA MGA TUNAY NA KRISTIYANO: PANAHON NANG SUBUKIN ANG IYONG PANANAMPALATAYA (1 bahagi)..

Mga minamahal na kapatid kay Cristo at mga naghahanap ng katotohanan,

Ang pag-aaral na iyong natapos basahin ay hindi isinulat upang magbigay lamang ng bagong kaalaman tungkol sa "Halimaw ng Pahayag, sa Babaeng nakasakay sa Halimaw, sa Babilonyang Dakila, at sa bilang na 666". Higit sa lahat, ito ay isang taimtim na "babala ng Diyos" sa lahat ng tao bago dumating ang dakila at nakakatakot na Araw ng Panginoon. Ang aklat ng Pahayag ay ibinigay upang ihanda ang mga lingkod ng Diyos sa mga pangyayaring darating at upang tawagin silang manatiling tapat sa Kanyang Salita.

Marami ang naghahanap ng pagkakakilanlan ng Anticristo, ng Halimaw, at ng bilang na 666, ngunit kakaunti ang nagtatanong sa kanilang sarili: "Ako ba ay sumusunod sa Diyos ayon sa Kanyang Salita, o sumusunod lamang ako sa mga tradisyong minana ko?"

Ito ang pinakamahalagang tanong na dapat harapin ng bawat Kristiyano.

Paulit-ulit na ipinakikita sa Aklat ng Pahayag na ang pinakamatinding sandata ni Satanas ay hindi lamang pag-uusig kundi "panlilinlang". Hindi niya kailangang pilitin ang lahat ng tao gamit ang dahas kung maaari naman niyang baguhin ang kanilang pag-iisip sa pamamagitan ng mga aral na taliwas sa Kasulatan. Kaya't ang babala ng Diyos ay hindi lamang laban sa pagsamba sa Halimaw kundi laban din sa pagtanggap ng anumang aral na sumasalungat sa Kanyang mga utos.

Sinabi mismo ng Panginoong Jesus:

"Datapuwa't walang kabuluhan ang kanilang pagsamba sa akin, na nagtuturo ng kanilang pinaka-aral ng mga utos ng mga tao."
(Mateo 15:9)

Napakalinaw ng babalang ito. Maaaring ang isang tao ay taimtim, masipag sa pagsamba, aktibo sa simbahan, at puno ng mabubuting gawa, ngunit kung ang kanyang pananampalataya ay nakasalig sa mga utos ng tao kaysa sa mga utos ng Diyos, sinabi mismo ni Cristo na ang gayong pagsamba ay "walang kabuluhan".

Ito ang dahilan kung bakit dapat nating siyasatin ang bawat aral na ating pinaniniwalaan.

Hindi sapat na sabihin nating, "Ito ang itinuro sa akin ng aming relihiyon." Hindi rin sapat na sabihing, "Ganito na ang kaugalian sa loob ng maraming siglo." Ang katotohanan ay hindi sinusukat sa dami ng sumusunod dito. Hindi rin ito nasusukat sa edad ng isang tradisyon. Ang sukatan ng katotohanan ay nananatiling iisa—"ang Salita ng Diyos."

Ganito ang ginawa ng mga taga-Berea.

"Tinanggap nila ang salita nang buong pagsisikap ng pag-iisip, na sinasaliksik araw-araw ang mga Kasulatan kung gayon nga ang mga bagay na ito."
(Gawa 17:11)

Hindi sila naniwala kay Apostol Pablo dahil lamang siya ay isang tanyag na mangangaral. Sinuri nila ang Kasulatan. Inihambing nila ang bawat aral sa nasusulat. Dahil dito, sila ay pinuri ng Biblia.

Ito rin ang dapat maging halimbawa ng bawat Kristiyano ngayon.

Sa panahon ng napakaraming relihiyon, magkakaibang doktrina, at sari-saring interpretasyon ng Biblia, higit kailanman ay kinakailangan ang mapagpakumbabang puso na handang tumanggap ng katotohanan. Ang tunay na lingkod ng Diyos ay hindi natatakot na siyasatin ang kanyang sariling paniniwala. Handa siyang iwasto ang sarili kung ipapakita ng Kasulatan na siya ay nagkamali.

Sinabi ni Apostol Pablo:

"Subukin ninyo ang lahat ng mga bagay; ingatan ninyo ang mabuti."
(1 Tesalonica 5:21)

Hindi sinabi ng apostol na tanggapin agad ang lahat ng naririnig. Hindi rin niya sinabing sundin ang nakararami. Ang kanyang utos ay "subukin"—ihambing sa Biblia, saliksikin ang katotohanan, at pagkatapos ay panghawakan ang napatunayang ayon sa Salita ng Diyos.

Ito ang diwa ng buong pag-aaral na iyong natapos basahin.

Hindi layunin ng artikulong ito ang manira ng relihiyon o manuligsa ng mga tao. Ang layunin nito ay hikayatin ang bawat mambabasa na bumalik sa Biblia bilang tanging pamantayan ng pananampalataya at pamumuhay. Sapagkat kapag ang tao ay humiwalay sa Salita ng Diyos at umasa lamang sa tradisyon, doon nagsisimula ang espirituwal na pagkaligaw.

(Ipagpapatuloy sa Bahagi 2: "Ang Pagsunod sa Diyos ay Hindi Lamang sa Bibig Kundi sa Gawa" — tatalakayin ang pagsunod, ang mga utos ng Diyos, ang pag-iwas sa espirituwal na Babilonia, at ang paghahanda sa pagbabalik ni Cristo.)

Why Do People Die? The Bible's Answer, the State of the Dead, and the Hope of the Resurrection

Death is one of humanity's greatest mysteries. Every person, regardless of age, race, or social status, eventually faces it. Families grieve, hearts are broken, and many ask difficult questions: Why do people die? Why would a loving God allow death? What happens after we die? Is there any hope beyond the grave? The Bible provides answers that bring understanding, comfort, and hope—not by denying the reality of death, but by revealing God's plan to ultimately defeat it.

The Bible begins with a perfect creation. God created Adam and Eve in His own image and placed them in the beautiful Garden of Eden. There was no violence, disease, suffering, or death. The first human couple enjoyed direct fellowship with their Creator and were entrusted with caring for the earth. However, God did not create them as robots incapable of making choices. He gave them "free will"—the genuine ability to obey Him or to rebel against Him. Without freedom to choose, love and obedience would have no meaning.

According to this understanding of Genesis, Adam and Eve were created "mortal", not inherently immortal. They were living beings because God breathed into Adam the breath of life, and "man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7, KJV). The Bible does not say that Adam was given an immortal soul. Rather, he "became" a living person through God's life-giving breath.

Although Adam and Eve were mortal, God offered them the opportunity to receive everlasting life by remaining in fellowship with Him. In the Garden stood the "Tree of Life", representing God's provision for continued life. As long as they trusted and obeyed God, they could continue to partake of His gift of life. Had they remained faithful, God would have granted them immortality in His appointed time. But if they chose rebellion, they would remain mortal, eventually dying through aging or other circumstances.

God gave only one command: they were not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This command tested whether they would trust God's wisdom or choose their own. Influenced by the serpent, Adam and Eve deliberately disobeyed. Sin entered the world, and with sin came separation from God. After their rebellion, God prevented them from eating from the Tree of Life, declaring, "...lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever..." (Genesis 3:22, KJV). Humanity was expelled from Eden and remained subject to mortality.

From that moment, death became the common destiny of mankind. Romans 5:12 explains that through one man sin entered the world, and death came through sin. Every human being now inherits a mortal nature and lives in a world marked by suffering, disease, natural disasters, violence, and aging. Death was not God's original purpose but the consequence of humanity's rebellion.

The Bible repeatedly teaches that "only God possesses inherent immortality" (1 Timothy 6:15–16). Human beings do not naturally possess an immortal soul that can never die. Instead, immortality is God's gift. Romans 6:23 declares, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Eternal life is not something people already possess—it is a gift received through Christ.

Many Christians who hold to the doctrine of "conditional immortality" also understand the Bible to teach that the dead are "unconscious until the resurrection". Scripture frequently describes death as a "sleep". Jesus said of Lazarus, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth" before explaining that Lazarus had died (John 11:11–14). Daniel 12:2 speaks of "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth" who shall awake. Ecclesiastes 9:5 states, "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing..." Likewise, Psalm 146:4 says that when a person's breath departs, "in that very day his thoughts perish." According to this understanding, the dead are not conscious in heaven or hell but rest in the grave until God calls them forth in the resurrection.

This teaching gives profound hope. Death is not the final victory. It is often described as a temporary sleep from which God will awaken His people. Jesus Himself was raised from the dead, becoming "the firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). Because He conquered death, all who belong to Him may look forward to the resurrection.

Some ask why faithful people still die. The answer is that believers remain mortal until Christ returns. Christians are not promised freedom from physical death in this present age. Instead, they are promised victory "over" death through the resurrection. At Christ's return, "this mortal must put on immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:53, KJV). Notice that immortality is something believers "put on" in the future; it is not something they already possess by nature.

Grief over death is natural. Even Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus. God understands human sorrow and draws near to those who are brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18 assures us that the Lord is close to those whose hearts are crushed by grief.

For those battling depression or despair, the Bible offers genuine hope. Difficult circumstances can make life seem unbearable, but your value does not depend on your wealth, achievements, appearance, or failures. You were created in the image of God and are deeply loved by Him. David, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Job all experienced seasons of profound discouragement, yet God did not abandon them. He strengthened them and gave them reason to continue.

If you struggle with depression, stay close to God through prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship with faithful believers. Care for your physical health through rest, nutritious food, exercise, and meaningful relationships. Share your burdens with trusted Christian friends or church leaders. If your depression is severe or persistent, seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is a wise and responsible step that can complement your spiritual life.

The climax of God's plan is found in Jesus Christ. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, He made eternal life available to all who believe and obey Him. John 11:25 records Jesus' promise: "I am the resurrection, and the life." The believer's ultimate hope is not escape from the body but resurrection into everlasting life in God's coming Kingdom.

The Bible closes with an extraordinary promise. Revelation 21:4 declares that God will wipe away every tear, and there shall be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The curse that began in Eden will finally be removed. The Tree of Life will once again be available to God's redeemed people (Revelation 22:2). What humanity lost through Adam will be restored through Jesus Christ, the second Adam. Death will be abolished forever, immortality will be granted to God's faithful people, and they will live eternally in perfect fellowship with their Creator.

Therefore, do not lose hope. Death exists because sin entered the world, but death will not have the final word. God created humanity with the freedom to choose, and through Jesus Christ He offers forgiveness, resurrection, and the gift of eternal life. Trust in Him, walk in His commandments, encourage those who grieve, and look forward with confidence to the day when Christ returns and "the dead in Christ shall rise." That glorious resurrection—not death—is the believer's blessed hope.

Mga Masasamang Pinuno sa Bibliya: Ang Kanilang Kasamaan, Pagdurusa ng Pamayanan,
Pagtindig ng Bayan, at Paghatol ng Diyos

Ang Bibliya ay nagtuturo na ang pamumuno ay isang banal na pagtitiwala mula sa Diyos. Ang isang pinuno ay inaasahang mamuno nang may katarungan, katotohanan, at
paggalang sa Diyos. Ngunit kapag ang mga pinuno ay naging mapagmataas, mapang-api, at tumalikod sa mga utos ng Panginoon, hindi lamang sila ang nagdurusa sa
bunga ng kanilang kasalanan—pati ang buong pamayanan ay naaapektuhan.

"Kapag ang matuwid ang namamahala, ang bayan ay nagagalak; ngunit kapag ang masama ang naghahari, ang bayan ay dumaraing." (Kawikaan 29:2)

1. Paraon – Pang-aapi sa Bayan ng Diyos

Si Paraon ng Ehipto ay inalipin ang mga Israelita at ipinapatay ang mga sanggol na lalaking Hebreo upang mapigil ang paglaki ng kanilang populasyon.

Mga Talata: Exodo 1:8–22; Exodo 2:23–25

Dahil sa matinding paghihirap, dumaing ang bayan sa Diyos. Dininig ng Panginoon ang kanilang panalangin at isinugo si Moises upang sabihin:

"Pabayaan mong umalis ang Aking bayan upang sila'y makasamba sa Akin." (Exodo 5:1)

Nagmatigas si Paraon kaya dumating ang sampung salot, at sa huli ay nalunod ang kanyang hukbo sa Dagat na P**a (Exodo 7–14).

Aral: Dinirinig ng Diyos ang daing ng mga inaapi at may takdang panahon ang Kanyang paghatol.

2. Haring Ahab at Reyna Jezebel – Idolatriya at Kawalang-Katarungan

Pinangunahan nina Ahab at Jezebel ang Israel sa pagsamba kay Baal. Pinatay nila ang mga propeta ng Diyos at inagaw ang ubasan ni Nabot sa pamamagitan ng
kasinungalingan.

Mga Talata: 1 Hari 16:29–33; 1 Hari 18; 1 Hari 21

Sinaway sila ni Propeta Elias.

"Hindi ka ba pumatay at umagaw rin?" (1 Hari 21:19)

Nagpahayag ang Diyos ng hatol laban sa kanilang sambahayan, at natupad ang lahat ng Kanyang sinabi.

Aral: Walang pinunong makatatakas sa katarungan ng Diyos.

3. Haring Manases – Pagpapalaganap ng Kasamaan

Si Manases ay nagtayo ng mga dambana sa mga diyus-diyosan, nagsagawa ng pangkukulam, at inihandog pa ang kanyang sariling anak.

Mga Talata: 2 Hari 21:1–18; 2 Cronica 33:1–20

"Nagbubo rin siya ng napakaraming dugong walang sala." (2 Hari 21:16)

Dahil sa kanyang kasamaan, ipinahayag ng Diyos ang paghatol sa Juda. Bagama't nagsisi si Manases sa huli, nanatili ang epekto ng kanyang pamumuno sa buong bansa.

Aral: Ang kasalanan ng pinuno ay maaaring magdala ng pangmatagalang pagdurusa sa sambayanan.

4. Haring Nebucadnezar – Kapalaluan at Pagsamba sa Larawan

Ipinagawa ni Nebucadnezar ang isang malaking rebultong ginto at inutusan ang lahat na sambahin ito.

Mga Talata: Daniel 3–4

Tumanggi sina Shadrach, Meshach, at Abednego.

"Ang aming Diyos ay makapagliligtas sa amin... ngunit kung hindi man, hindi kami sasamba sa iyong larawan." (Daniel 3:17–18)

Kalaunan, ibinaba ng Diyos ang mapagmataas na hari hanggang sa kilalanin niyang ang Kataas-taasang Diyos ang tunay na Hari.

Aral: Nilalabanan ng Diyos ang mapagmataas ngunit binibigyan ng biyaya ang mapagpakumbaba.

5. Haring Herodes Agripa I – Pag-uusig at Pagmamalaki

Inusig ni Herodes ang iglesya at ipinapatay ang apostol na si Santiago.

Mga Talata: Gawa 12:1–23

Tinanggap niya ang papuri ng mga tao na para bang siya ay diyos.

"Tinig ng isang diyos at hindi ng tao." (Gawa 12:22)

Dahil hindi niya niluwalhati ang Diyos, siya ay agad na hinatulan.

Aral: Ang kaluwalhatian ay para lamang sa Diyos.

Ang Pagdurusa ng Pamayanan

Kapag ang mga pinuno ay naging tiwali, ang buong lipunan ay nagdurusa.

- Lumalaganap ang katiwalian.
- Inaapi ang mahihirap.
- Nasisira ang katarungan.
- Lumalayo ang bayan sa Diyos.
- Dumarami ang karahasan at kasamaan.

Kawikaan 29:4 – "Pinatatatag ng hari ang lupain sa pamamagitan ng katarungan, ngunit sinisira ito ng tumatanggap ng suhol."

Ang Pagtindig ng Bayan ng Diyos

Sa Bibliya, ang mga lingkod ng Diyos ay hindi nanahimik laban sa kasamaan.

- Si Moises ay humarap kay Paraon (Exodo 5:1).
- Si Elias ay humarap kina Ahab at Jezebel (1 Hari 18).
- Si Nathan ay sumaway kay David (2 Samuel 12:1–14).
- Si Juan Bautista ay sumaway kay Herodes (Marcos 6:17–18).
- Sinabi ng mga apostol: "Mas dapat naming sundin ang Diyos kaysa sa tao." (Gawa 5:29)

Ang kanilang pagtindig ay hindi sa pamamagitan ng karahasan kundi ng katotohanan, pananampalataya, at katapatan sa Diyos.

Ang Pagkilos ng Diyos

Paulit-ulit ang huwaran sa Bibliya:

1. Nagbibigay ang Diyos ng babala sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang mga propeta.
2. Binibigyan Niya ng pagkakataong magsisi ang mga pinuno.
3. Kapag tumanggi silang magsisi, dumarating ang Kanyang paghatol.

Galacia 6:7

"Huwag kayong padaya; ang Diyos ay hindi maaaring kutyain. Ang anumang itinatanim ng tao ay siya rin niyang aanihin."

Konklusyon

Itinuturo ng Bibliya na ang bawat pinuno ay may pananagutan sa Diyos. Ang kasaysayan nina Paraon, Ahab, Jezebel, Manases, Nebucadnezar, at Herodes ay nagpapatunay
na ang kapangyarihan ay pansamantala, ngunit ang paghahari ng Diyos ay walang hanggan.

Bilang mga mananampalataya, tinatawag tayong ipanalangin ang mga nasa kapangyarihan (1 Timoteo 2:1–2), igalang ang makatarungang pamahalaan (Roma 13:1–7), at
manatiling tapat sa Diyos kapag ang tao ay humihiling ng salungat sa Kanyang kalooban (Gawa 5:29).

Sa huli, Ang Dios at Kanyang Anak na si Jesu-Cristo lamang ang tunay na Hari na naghahari nang may ganap na katarungan, katotohanan, at pag-ibig.

"Ang kaharian ng sanlibutan ay naging kaharian ng ating Panginoon at ng Kanyang Cristo, at Siya ay maghahari magpakailanman." (Apocalipsis 11:15)

Luke 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

“Obey God’s Law Without Turning Left or Right”

True worship is not just in words, but in obedience. God calls His people to walk in His commandments faithfully, without turning to the left or to the right—neither adding to it nor taking away from it.

When we worship God, we honor Him not only with our lips but with a life shaped by His Word. His law is not a burden, but a guide that leads us to righteousness, peace, and truth.

“As I have commanded you, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left…” — Joshua 1:7

Let our worship be genuine—rooted in obedience, guided by truth, and centered on God alone.

Immortality of the Soul: Who Advocated It and Who Rejected It?

The doctrine of the "immortality of the soul" teaches that the human soul continues conscious existence after physical death and cannot cease to exist.

This doctrine has been understood differently throughout Christian history.

-Historical Origins

-Greek Philosophy

Many scholars note that the strongest philosophical defense of the soul's natural immortality came from Plato (427–347 BC).

Plato taught that:

* The soul exists before birth.
* The soul survives death.
* The body is temporary, while the soul is eternal.

These ideas influenced later Greek and Roman thought.

Hebrew Scriptures

Many scholars observe that the Old Testament generally emphasizes the resurrection of the dead rather than an inherently immortal soul.

Examples:

-Ezekiel 18:4 — "The soul that sinneth, it shall die."
-Daniel 12:2 — speaks of a future resurrection.
-Ecclesiastes 9:5 — "the dead know not any thing" (interpreted differently by various traditions).

Early Christianity.

Those Who Advocated Immortality of the Soul.

Several influential church fathers taught the soul survives death consciously:

* Justin Martyr (though he held nuanced views)
* Origen
* Augustine of Hippo

Augustine's writings became especially influential in Western Christianity.

Roman Catholic Position

The Catholic Church teaches that:

-The soul survives bodily death.
- Individuals undergo particular judgment after death.
-The soul awaits the resurrection of the body at Christ's return.

Reformers and the Immortal Soul

Martin Luther.

Martin Luther generally accepted the survival of the soul after death, although some of his writings contain language that has led some scholars to discuss whether he occasionally described death as a kind of "sleep."

John Calvin.

John Calvin strongly defended conscious existence after death and wrote *Psychopannychia* specifically against teachings that the soul sleeps until the resurrection.

Groups That Rejected Natural Immortality

Several Christian groups teach **conditional immortality**, meaning humans are not inherently immortal and receive eternal life only through God's gift.

Anabaptist Minorities.

Some radical Reformation groups questioned the traditional doctrine.

Modern Conditionalists.

Examples include:

* Seventh-day Adventist Church
* Church of God (Seventh Day) and all Churches of God.
* Christadelphians

They often cite:

-1 Timothy 6:16 — God "only hath immortality."
-Romans 6:23 — eternal life is a gift.
-John 11:11–14 — death described as sleep.
-Ecclesiastes 9:5.

Their view is that the dead remain unconscious until the resurrection.

Key Difference

The debate is not usually whether there will be life after death—most Christians affirm resurrection—but "how the dead exist between death and resurrection".

Traditional Catholic and most Protestant Churches

-Soul remains conscious after death.
-Final resurrection occurs at Christ's return.

Conditionalist Churches

* The dead are unconscious ("sleep").
* Conscious life resumes at the resurrection.

Thus, historically, the strongest advocates of the soul's inherent immortality were influenced by both Christian theology and classical Greek philosophical traditions, especially Plato. The strongest critics have generally been conditionalist Christians who argue that Scripture teaches "resurrection and immortality as gifts from God rather than qualities naturally possessed by every human soul".

Soul is not immortal
https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZXAhX5ZVDgDQJgk3PjUt2FM6jyyDQaJJr07

Pentecost, the Giving of the Law, and the Protection of Society.

The Feast of Pentecost is one of the most powerful events in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Pentecost is connected with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai after the children of Israel came
out of Egypt. God called Moses to the mountain and gave commandments that would guide the nation in righteousness and justice. In the New Testament, Pentecost became the day when
the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the believers in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-4). Both events reveal the heart of God: to transform people and build a society founded on holiness, justice, and love.

At Mount Sinai, God gave His commandments to protect human life and relationships. The Law was not merely a list of religious rituals; it was a divine system that guarded families,
communities, and nations from violence and corruption. The commandments taught respect for God and respect for fellow human beings. God declared:

> “Thou shalt not kill.” — Exodus 20:13

> “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” — Exodus 20:16

> “Honour thy father and thy mother.” — Exodus 20:12

These commandments established moral boundaries that protect society. Domestic violence, abuse, hatred, oppression, and injustice grow when people reject God’s law. The Law given at
Sinai taught accountability, self-control, and compassion. Husbands were instructed to honor their families, children were taught respect, and communities were commanded to defend the
weak and vulnerable.

The Law also emphasized human dignity because every person is created in the image of God. In Leviticus 19:18, God commanded:

> “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

This principle is foundational for human rights. True human rights do not begin with governments; they begin with the Creator who values every human soul. When people obey God’s
commandments, society becomes safer and more compassionate. Violence inside the home decreases because people learn to control anger, respect others, and walk in righteousness.

The prophets continually reminded Israel that true worship includes justice and mercy. God condemned oppression, cruelty, and abuse. The prophet Micah declared:

> “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” — Micah 6:8

Domestic violence destroys families and leaves emotional and physical wounds. The spirit behind abuse is contrary to the character of God. Scripture teaches husbands to love sacrificially,
not violently. Ephesians 5:25 says:

> “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

The love of Christ is patient, gentle, and protective. Pentecost reminds believers that God not only gives commandments externally but also writes His law within the heart through the Holy Spirit.
Jeremiah prophesied:

> “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.” — Jeremiah 31:33

On the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit empowered believers to live transformed lives. The Spirit produces love, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
These qualities directly oppose domestic violence, hatred, and abuse. A Spirit-filled society becomes a society where people defend the weak, respect women and children, and uphold justice.

The early church also demonstrated compassion and equality. Acts 2:44-45 says believers shared with those in need. This showed that Pentecost was not only about spiritual power but also
about caring for human welfare and dignity. The message of Pentecost calls people to repentance, reconciliation, and unity.

Human rights rooted in biblical truth recognize that all people are accountable before God and deserving of dignity. James 1:27 teaches believers to care for the vulnerable:

> “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.”

This reflects God’s concern for those who suffer abuse, neglect, and injustice. A society guided by biblical principles protects the oppressed and values every life.

Pentecost therefore is not merely a historical feast. It is a reminder that God desires righteous laws and transformed hearts. The Law at Sinai established justice, while the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
empowers people to live out that justice in daily life. Together, they reveal God’s plan for peaceful families, protected communities, and a compassionate society.

When nations reject moral truth, violence and injustice increase. But when people honor God’s commandments and walk in the Spirit, homes become safer, families stronger, and human dignity
preserved. Pentecost calls humanity back to holiness, justice, mercy, and love.












images credit:leonardoai