Imagine if we could step into God’s mind. Before the Big Bang: He thought: why don’t I create a race of people -- in my own image -- that I can love and provide for; and they in turn will worship and love me. I will create a world, a domain, a planet where they can live in total harmony -- with complete freedom to think and do as they choose-- total freewill.
So in an instant! Through His divine Wisdom, He calculated the precise amount of elements and chemical reactions needed to produce an intense nuclear chain reaction: The Big Bang! An explosion that produced the initial beginnings of a starry universe!
Molecules of energy was generated at precise timing; nothing out of sequence -- knowing that if just a miniscule infraction, He would have to start all over again. So like a fine tuned watch, the process of creating a universal cocoon of the human race would take shape.
Stars were being formed, then clusters of stars into galaxies and clusters of galaxies, building and building … until it was time to concentrate on one immense galaxy called: The Milky Way, tucked away far from crashing and clashing galaxies and clusters of galaxies. The human race was to be created within the realm of millions of stars: of one specially designed spherical shaped galaxy.
Earth -- a planet that God would place His beloved humans -- would have to be at just the right position, where it would have a nearly 100% chance of survival amongst the swirling, dangerous movements of celestial bodies. It had to have a main star (the sun) that was large enough, and young enough to emit life giving light for as long as was needed. The earth had to be placed at the exact distance from the star to promote the intricate systems that God generated for the existence of human and animal life. Protection from distant nemeses, such as roving comets or lurking fragments of older planets, the earth needed to be shielded by larger planets on the outer edge of the Solar System. Menacing objects that are freely moving around would be deflected by these larger planet’s (Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn) strong pull of gravity; in turn, protecting planet earth. God invariably thought of everything!
Earth itself was created, wondrously, for the sake of humanity. God formulated the seasons by tilting the earth on it’s axis at just the correct angle (23 degrees). Aside from the sun, He formed the moon as our night lamp, also to regulate the ocean’s tidal flow. He created a first line of protection from the intense rays of the sun with an electromagnetic layer shield that surrounds our planet -- without this shield, life would cease to exist. On earth, life flourishes with an abundant of flora and forest with the instigation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Plants and trees consume the carbon dioxide that humans and animals exhale; transforming that into the life-giving rich oxygen that we inhale.
All part of the original plan, even before the beginning of the Big Bang! God’s wisdom, His word has always been there …. dynamically active.
The age of the universe is approximately 14 billion years old. Genesis describes the creation of the universe as well as the earth and all within. His purpose was to have a unique relationship with human beings. Therefore the preparation for the coming of mankind had to be exact. Adjustments had to be made along the way. Complete extinctions took place: 250,000 million years ago: The Cambrian period where 90% of all life was wiped out, paving the way for reptiles and land animals. Then 65 millions years ago, a giant asteroid struck the earth at the Yucatan Peninsula and created a toxic dust cloud that killed all large animals and reptiles; leading to the eventual arrival of pre-humans (Hominids) and later, humans (Neanderthal and Homo-sapiens: Cro-Magnon Man).
The annihilation and extinction of the dinosaurs was important, in the planning stage in building the surface of the earth with plants and animals But 65 million years ago, it all ended!
The dinosaurs perished (within just a few days), their carcasses gradually permeating the layers of earth adding to the formation of the resources and nutrients that we need to survive today.
The earth was forming into a magnificent, shining, gleaming blue, planet placed third form the sun. Tucked in between Mars and Venus. Each uninhabitable due to their hostile, extreme climates.
God’s plan was put in place -- through His Wisdom! And there was not stopping Him!
God Rested on the 7th Day
Genesis describes that the universe was created in 6 days and on the 7th day He rested. But literally, did this happen? I suggest to you that, yes it did! From God’s view it is -- 6 days. He is not limited by Time. But we are … and so we look at 6 days and perhaps would say, “Well that’s impossible!” But actually, I think most of us know (from high school science classes) the postulation that the further you are from earth the slower time travels. That is the key.
From God’s point of view (or from the point of view of the Big Bang) 14 billion years is 6 days. Quit looking at everything from your perspective. Pretend you are the ‘Maker’ looking in (or down at us). Yes, to our mortal perspective the development of the entire universe is unimaginable. To God it’s an “instant” ….. a blink of an eye!
Life itself, began 3.8 million years ago with the onset of ‘water.’ How did water appear? The earth was bombarded with ice-filled comets entering the solar system from great distances. Eventually permeating the earth’s crust with pockets of water. Then slowly emerging to the surface; instantly, triggering information (placed by God) within molecules to initialize cellular life: first, cells without a nucleus, and later, cells with a central nucleus. Life flourished freely for millions of years. The earth was on its way toward intelligent forms of life.
God’s plan was in full force. Although He sees it instantly, as one sequential action -- all happening at once. God is ubiquitous … able to be everywhere at the same time.
God’s Light Keeps the Darkness Away
He is a spirit. He is divine. He is energy. He is light! His presence fills the universe; every object, every animal, plant; every being. His information is embedded within every molecule, within every atom in the universe. He is the ultimate common denominator. He is the “Light” that beams from within all matter, and non-matter. We cannot get away from His shadow, His presence. We are here because He is here. If He leaves, we cease to exist. He is the divine; the ultimate Super Man!
So if God dwells within all of us, what and where is heaven? Most of us think that heaven is up there! Somewhere over the clouds; somewhere beyond, or “over the rainbow.”
Well, yes … heaven is somewhere beyond the rainbow. It is beyond our comprehension; it is a place outside our realm. In a higher plateau or sphere. And God does frequent this magical place. Inhabited by His angels. It is a glorious realm: pure, majestic, righteous. It is a place reserved for the sinless and righteous. It is God’s dwelling; and He operates His government with justice and love. Heaven is just on the other side of the unseen. Invisible. And it has a one way door. We (the tainted) are forbidden to enter this door, due to original sin. The sin committed by the one who wanted to be God; the usurper of God’s will. His name is Lucifer!
Lucifer was an Arch-Angel of the government of God. His duties included steward of planet earth -- including all life forms. He was in charge of all lower echelon angels in the care and support of earth. Lucifer decided that he wanted to take things into his own hands; to be like God. Because of his disobedience, God banished him, and one third of the his followers (fallen angels or demons) to earth. And at the same time condemning all life forms on earth as part of the same sin. So, due to Lucifer’s sin, humanity fell into sin as well. Lucifer was our heavenly representative: he reported to God and His governmental council table of angels. Lucifer became known as the ’Red Dragon.’ And he became the devil: manipulating and influencing humanity throughout the ages.
So even though God strives for perfection, He allows His creations to have the freewill to choose. Freewill is universal, given to all of His creations -- including angels. And so, the reason why there is evil and strife in the world. Evil was present at the Garden of Eden; influencing Adam and Eve.
Redeeming Mankind
God decided to try an experiment in redeeming mankind by creating a human being that was sinless, placing him in a special, heavenly domain known as the Garden of Eden. He was named Adam, and knew only good; he was sinless. And his purpose was to be the forbearer, the leader of a lost race; he was the redeemer. God created a wife for Adam, and they both became the first family -- sinless and righteous in God’s eyes.
But lurking in the darkness was Lucifer -- evil. He knew that in order to redeem a lost race, there had to be perfection in the first born. So the devil -- in the form of a serpent or snake -- came into the presence of Eve (knowing that she had enormous influence on Adam) and tricked her into taking a bite from the apple of ‘Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil’ … and offering the same to Adam. Instantly, the experiment failed, as Adam became just a man -- he had disobeyed God’s command, and at that moment the garden gates opened exposing the chaotic realm of a sinful world. It would take many more generations before another ’redeemer’ would be anointed.
God began His creation of humans by using a well known method called evolution. He knew that the end product had to be unique and special. So, from the onset of animal and human life He put forth a code system called DNA. It is an extremely intricate set of codes that determine who and what each specie became. Every form of life was coded; from plant life to animals, to human beings. These codes are very similar for many species, varying just a little. God experimented by creating tree animals such as Lemurs, monkeys, than Apes, before moving on to pre-humans, called hominids -- Ape-man like creatures that through time evolved by coming out of the trees, into walking upright. From this stage emerged the Neanderthal man (200,000 to 30,000 years ago) that exclusively occupied the region of what is Europe today. They were short, tough, stocky and strong pre-humans that were very adaptable to the extreme climate of northern latitudes.
Through time and evolution, another species of pre-humans emerged ’out of Africa,’ known as Homo-sapiens or Cro-Magnon man (50,000 years ago). They were very similar to what we are today: tall and slender, very agile, and standing very erect, as well as highly intelligent. They migrated, out of Africa and settled in all parts of the earth. They actually came into contact with the Neanderthals; so far, it is unknown whether the two species commingled.
God’s fine tuning was in the process, in finalizing an exquisite specimen from homo-sapiens. These pre-historic humans freely populated the earth from Africa, to Europe, into Asia, Southeast Asia, south through Australia, and the many tropical islands of Polynesia. They eventually migrated north from China, through southern Alaska, down into the Americas, into Central and South America.
The earth -- the world -- 10,000 years ago, was basically populated, from end to end, top to bottom. Life flourished everywhere: in all continents, and many of the islands. But most of the earth’s inhabitants were not organized. It was survival of the fittest; some groups made it, some did not. Gradually groups became tribes, then into villages, then into a multitude of pagan societies. Their intelligence developed slowly; gradually learning techniques for survival.
Planet Earth Thrives
The earth was shaping up. Primitive societies in all the continents: Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America. Ancient pagan tribal societies developed into more complicated idol worshipping, sacrificial, ceremonial types of communities. In general though, still haphazard and chaotic. Then, at approximately 10,000 years ago something amazing happened: God was ready to infuse the neshama (Hebrew: human soul) into humanity; giving them the moral choice of what to choose within their surroundings. The freewill, to live a life as one chooses. To choose one God or false gods. God also gave them the ability to realize that they were created by someone or something greater then themselves. Animals did not have this unique ability, they acquired the nefesh (Hebrew: animal instinct) instead.
So … after billions of years of painstaking adjustments and fine tuning, God decided to pick out of the millions of human beings one man (and his tribe or family) named Abraham. And they lived in the middle east, in a land called Ur. And because God instilled in him the neshama -- the ability to understand a spiritual entity -- he came to know of a spiritual, invisible creator; a supreme Father in heaven; . And because of Abraham’s allegiance, God chose him to begin His program of salvation and redemption for all of humanity.
But in-order to bring a redeemer to light, there must be trials and tribulations; illustrations of trust and obedience by the people of Abraham and his clan. There would be “types” of a redeemers and a system of rituals and sacrificial offerings symbolizing the coming of a redeemer; a representative of all humanity.
The Covenant
God made a covenant with Abraham, as well as his offspring: Isaac, and Jacob. He made a covenant that all of their children would dwell in a land of milk and honey, and live freely, without strife -- for generations. God’s encounter with Abraham began at approximately 6,000 years ago, and he called these chosen people -- Israel (God changed Jacob‘s name to Israel).
Israel -- the Tribe of Israel -- became a type of the coming redeemer (The Christ), and had to follow certain rules or Commandments; regulations given to them at Mt. Sinai after their captivity and during their journey from Egypt to the promised land (part of God’s Covenant). God chose this group of people as an example of what the true redeemer would be. Another words, all that Israel was as a nation … would culminate in one man: the redeemer, the Christ!
God’s plan of salvation was simple: he would teach a small group of human beings to do the will of the Father (Himself); to have allegiance to Him; to follow certain commands. In a way: to be a perfect people; which in turn, would be a prerequisite for the future redeemer -- The Christ, The Messiah!
God’s patience was tried many times, and He actually threatened to terminate the covenant, but each time a type of redeemer or leader “argued” with Him and convinced him to continue the plan. Although in God’s eyes it was a chore keeping His focus on the positive side of such a raggedy group of people. But if it wasn’t for these: types of redeemers, who understood the temperament of earthly beings, the covenant would have be broken long before the entrance into the land of Canaan.
So, for over 5,000 years God’s plan of salvation was in effect; although many times nearly broken. But He always found a way to continue the long journey to the coming of The Christ. God’s initial thought of having humans colonize earth had never wavered. His plan was to create a universe specifically for the introduction and colonization of beings that would live in total harmony with Him, His angels, within His government. Although in order to properly instigate such a program, it had to be done properly and in an orderly manner. There would not be short cuts or instantaneous, magical appearances. It had to be done the long way (of course to God it would be instantaneous); all the bells and the whistles had to be included. There would be no humanity if the slightest glitch was detected in the development of the universe, its contents, and the formation of life, itself!
After the neshama was instilled in all humans, life on earth developed exponentially, until it really got out of hand. So much that God decided to step in and start over through a man of faith named Noah. He instructed him to build an arch large enough to house his family (clan) and two of every animal in the known world. Noah was obedient and the arch was constructed, and God made it rain 40 days and nights; water covered every part of the known world, every living thing perished. And when Noah, his family and all the animals finally stepped out, onto the dry land, God said to go into the land and multiply. God’s plan was back on track -- a redeemer was in the works.
Egypt: Satan's Hell
Through the centuries the generations added up, and eventually it came to pass that Israel found themselves in Egypt, under the ruler of Pharaoh, and lived prosperously for several centuries. But toward the end of 400 years, they gradually lost their respect and dignity from the current ruling Pharaoh and found themselves enslaved. This is a type of all of humanity falling into sin. Israel, chosen by God, became a type -- or symbol -- of the entire human race, and just like mankind, had fallen into degradation and was destined to be under the tyrannical grip of Pharaoh (type of Satan).
But God heard their cries and groans, and of course was right on top of it, by picking out one man: Moses. A story very similar to the Joseph story centuries earlier. Joseph through divine providence, became part of Pharaoh’s government; and so did Moses, living within the elite inner circle. Until one day, he argues with an Egyptian and kills him. He fears for his life and leaves for the backside of the desert, in the land of Midian. 40 years later, after a visit with an angel of God, he returns to Egypt and after much arm twisting, frees his people -- the Israelites.
Moses (as well as Joseph) were types of redeemers; rescuing or freeing a lost people. They were literal types of the coming Messiah. God had chosen this group of human beings not because they were any better than other tribes in the region, but of the faith of their leaders, who understood the goodness of who He was. His covenant with them was bound by His pure justice and integrity. The character of God was the key to “life” itself. He wanted all of the universe to know who He was: His character, His goodness, His love, His generosity, His boundless desire to share his realm with humanity. It is what creating the universe and human beings was all about: companionship!
Moses led his people through the wilderness and reached the land of Canaan in a mere two years. But something happened at the entrance of a land of promise.
The people did not trust God’s word, that all of the land in front of them was their’s for the taking. They sent spies into the land to see if it was possible to invade the various cities for occupation. Which is saying to God that His word could not be trusted. It infuriated Him and He nearly abandoned the covenant with these indignant group. But if it wasn’t for their leader -- Moses -- to defend their actions, pleading to God that “what would the world think if they knew that the God of Israel left them in the desert -- defenseless.” God heard Moses’ plea and spared the 12 Tribes of Israel. But because of their disobedience, they were forbidden to enter the land of promise for one entire generation or 40 more long years.
The Israelites demise was a type of all of humanity after being freed by the future redeemer (The Messiah) at the Cross; at his sacrificial death in paying the ransom of a sinful humanity. The Israelites roamed through the wilderness for 40 years; symbolizing humanity’s interim time (in the wilderness), from the cross till the present, still waiting to enter the land of the true -- Milk and Honey. We (today) are what the Israelites were, in the wilderness! God’s dilemma was to salvage a broken relation between mankind and Himself. And the character of God demands that He brings forth one who is able to live a life of pure righteousness and void of sin. And His first experiment in Adam -- failed. Humanity was condemned because of disobedience: first with Lucifer, then with Adam; and in the works: a nation called Israel! They were chosen as redeemers. What was God thinking? How could an entire nation be considered redeemers of the world?
Well, it was (is) God’s original plan of salvation. Through the nation of Israel, there would come a redeemer, a Messiah --- The Christ.
Unfortunately … Israel failed in nearly every category. Like Adam, Israel could not be trusted. They, from time and time again, disobeyed every commandment set forth by God. For years gone by, Israel fought God’s repeated generosity and goodness. But eventually through His grace and understanding, they emerged as a great nation for hundreds of years under the guidance of amazing leaders: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Solomon, David, and many others. Their time on earth was important and part of the eventual emergence of a Messiah.
After wandering in the wilderness for a full generation (40 years) the tribe of Israel finally came to the Jordan River where they made camp. A new generation brought new life as God’s chosen people, in a land given to them by God. Their leader, also chosen by God, was Joshua (meaning savior), another type of redeemer. It had been a long journey, full of ups and downs, but they were ripe and ready to enter God’s gates.
In present time, we (mankind) are at God’s gates ready to enter His realm. But only God can decide when the grain is ripe to harvest. As the Israelites, anticipated the end of a long journey, we are also looking forward to the culmination, and the gates of a New Kingdom to open. All that Israel has done, we are doing today. It is a recapitulation of the Old Testament history.
Finally, Joshua gave the go ahead to cross the Jordan; and the people slowly entered the shallow waters, symbolically being baptized by God’s grace then gradually meandering on to higher ground. The entire nation of Israel was blessed in water by the Hand of God, in the same way they were blessed when crossing the Red Sea. A prophesy of the future Messiah, entering the Jordan and being baptized by John (The Baptist). God chose Israel to demonstrate their ability to follow His commandments and regulations; to focus on him …. And not on themselves. Which they constantly did, throughout the journey. Regardless, God stayed with them, with the assurance by their representative -- Joshua.
God promise that the land beyond the Jordan would be theirs. And as the months and years passed they accumulated land throughout the region. They built a temple in the City of Jerusalem and they worshipped and carried out the rituals and ceremonies commanded by God.
God's Solution
All along Lucifer (Satan) had been observing God’s scheme of meticulously, and calculably guiding and directing humanity -- through a chosen bunch -- ensuring a distinct generational line toward a future redeemer. And although it was far in the future, never-the-less, it was an interesting endeavor.
God’s plan was ingenious, to the least! He would continuously be active in Israel’s lives; guiding and encouraging their actions toward the grooming and shaping of the coming Messiah. His nature calls for complete determination in seeing that the road to Salvation and Redemption was completed.
He was with the Israelites from the beginning; He is with us (humanity) now. We are never without His presence. He is always on the wings; encouraging us, rooting for us. His is with us when we falter; when we stumble; when we lose our grip.
God was always God. He dwells within a domain that is unimaginable; incomprehensible; beyond our intelligence. Knowing that we can only view things by understanding His Character. But how do we see things from His eyes?
Well, we can only imagine. But through the ’study’ of His Character, we can acquire a close proximity of what and how He sees our world. We know that He is All-Supreme; that He is the only God of the universe -- and beyond. That He is all Righteous! That He is Trustworthy, Holy, Genuine, All-Sufficient, Faithful, The Life-Giver, with Integrity, Honest, Compassionate and Respectful.
God demands that our focus and allegiance is on Him. He is the Creator of the universe and all that dwells within. In an instant He had decided to add a new specie to His realm -- humanity. And He expected them to appreciate and love Him just as much as He cherished and love them. But that was not the case. Many times Israel lost it’s focus, instead became more interested in national pride. God became secondary.
What does God see in such a case? He sees disobedience; self-righteousness; self-indulgence; selfishness … He sees them looking away; not needing God. And when he looks down and sees such things going on, He heads south! As Israel learned when they were conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian empire. God would teach them a lesson by losing everything that they had acquired --- including their temple. They were exiled for 70 long years.
God had chosen this one group of people as an example to the rest of the world that He was interested in mankind, that He would bring them back from total annihilation due to sin. That through this special breed of people a redeemer would emerge. But through the process, the people of Israel continued to challenge His authority. And through the years and centuries God made it known who was Creator, by reminding them of the consequences.
By ignoring the Creator, and putting Him second was a grave mistake! And Israel suffered the painful consequences. And when they finally realized their mistake, God came back into their lives, resuming “The Promise” -- The Covenant; but only to those who would “Put Him First.” Those that returned from Babylon were called the “remnant.” Most of the exiled citizens of Israel remained in Babylon choosing to take the side of man, and assimilated into their society.
The remnant Israelites returned to their old land of promise and decided to rebuild the temple. They worshiped God and put him first, and followed all rituals. God was pleased, and stayed by their side through the years.
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