Introduction
For something to appear in the Bible four times is a rarity. Only the most important things would be repeated so many times in the record of Holy Scripture. The transfiguration of Jesus Christ is no exception. Under the guidance of Peter, James, and John, the Evangelists of the Gospel bore witness of it with great detail. Matthew, Mark, and Luke each provide unique details of this event within the ongoing narrative of their Gospel (Matt. 16:21-17:13, Mk. 8:27-9:13, Lk. 9:29-35). Finally, some three decades later, the Apostle Peter was moved to speak on the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:16-21).
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” – 2 Peter 1:16-21
God the Father bore witness of to the greatness of Jesus Christ as He was standing next to Moses and Elijah, who were arguably the greatest Prophets of the Old Testament. The testimony of the Father was described to be a voice from the excellent glory because of how it thunderously proceeded from a bright cloud hovering overhead (2 Pet. 1:17). Peter’s careful choice of words in 2 Peter 1:16-21 was clearly exalting the Father’s testimony as something supreme and unrivaled.
However, controversy arises when interpreters suggest that Peter was contrasting the witness of the Father and the witness of Scripture to exalt the Bible over Peter’s own personal revelations. They believe this contrast is being proposed by Peter, when he said, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy…” (2 Pet. 1:19), supposing that Peter was referring to prophecy of Old Testament Scripture as it is to be compared to the witness of the Father. Even the most noble commentators, like C.H. Spurgeon, have taken this position.
However, controversy arises when interpreters suggest that Peter was contrasting the witness of the Father and the witness of Scripture to exalt the Bible over Peter’s own personal revelations. They believe this contrast is being proposed by Peter, when he said, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy…” (2 Pet. 1:19), supposing that Peter was referring to prophecy of Old Testament Scripture as it is to be compared to the witness of the Father. Even the most noble commentators, like C.H. Spurgeon, have taken this position.
“Surely, nothing could be more sure than the evidence presented to the apostles in the holy mount. Yet Peter thus writes to express his utmost confidence in the Word of God. Surer than the light he saw, which dazzled him; surer than the voice he heard, which he never failed to remember, and to which he ever bore unfaltering witness; surer even than these things is that divine Book which is still preserved to us: “ We have also a more sure word of prophecy.” – C.H. Spurgeon
How do you grade the greatness of the transfiguration experience compared to other revelations in the Scripture of the Old Testament? The purpose of this paper is to prove that this comparison is not what Peter was referring to, when he said, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy…” (2 Pet. 1:19). Peter would not have lowered the witness of the Father under the witness of Scripture. Neither would the prophetic testimony of the Apostles, who bore witness of the “vision” as eyewitnesses, be lowered under the witness of Scripture.
Peter was arguing for the equality of Scripture in the Old and New Testaments. The revelation in question was called a “vision” in the Gospel of Matthew (Matt. 17:9). The “vision” that Peter was referring to was already written down, canonized, and circulated as Scripture through the Gospels (Matt. 16:21-17:13, Mk. 8:27-9:13, Lk. 9:29-35) by the time that the Epistle of 2nd Peter was written. This fact is easily demonstrated by Peter’s acknowledgement of Paul’s epistles as “Scripture” in 2 Peter. 3:15-16. The writing and verification of Scripture for circulation among the Churches was one of the most important duties of the Apostles in the 1st Century.
Perhaps you have had similar thoughts about this controversial text? Because of the complexity of this issue, suffer me to continue the format of this paper in the following order of questions.
Peter was arguing for the equality of Scripture in the Old and New Testaments. The revelation in question was called a “vision” in the Gospel of Matthew (Matt. 17:9). The “vision” that Peter was referring to was already written down, canonized, and circulated as Scripture through the Gospels (Matt. 16:21-17:13, Mk. 8:27-9:13, Lk. 9:29-35) by the time that the Epistle of 2nd Peter was written. This fact is easily demonstrated by Peter’s acknowledgement of Paul’s epistles as “Scripture” in 2 Peter. 3:15-16. The writing and verification of Scripture for circulation among the Churches was one of the most important duties of the Apostles in the 1st Century.
Perhaps you have had similar thoughts about this controversial text? Because of the complexity of this issue, suffer me to continue the format of this paper in the following order of questions.
- Questions -
What was Peter emphasizing in the claim that the Apostles were “eyewitnesses” in 2 Peter 1:16?
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” – 2 Pet. 1:16
Scorners in the 1st century were casting doubt upon the transfiguration experience, calling it, “cunningly devised fables” (2 Pet. 1:16). Peter responded with 2 Peter 1:16-21. A major part of the argument rests upon the emphasis in question. When Peter said that the Apostles were “eyewitnesses”, he was formally claiming the honor of a Prophet. In other words, this was an explicit claim of prophecy. Why? The Prophets were seers! Observe the use of this terminology in 1 Sam. 9:9, 2 Kings 17:13, Isaiah 29:10, 30:10.
“…he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.” – 1 Sam. 9:9
Literally, in calling themselves “eyewitnesses” (2 Pet. 1:16), Peter was emphasizing that the revelation being described by the Apostles was in fact a prophecy. Underscoring this, the revelation in question was called a “vision” in the Gospel of Matthew (Matt. 17:9). Prophetic encounters of various kinds were frequently called visions in the Old Testament (Ezek. 1:1, Dan. 8:1-2, 10:8, 16-17, Lk. 1:11, 22).
There were multiple witnesses of the same event, all of whom were beholden to the same prophetic revelation. These weren’t your average bystanders. The Apostles didn’t randomly witness something! They weren’t the witnesses of a crime. The situation cannot be compared to how witnesses are called to the stand in a courtroom setting. We are talking about Peter, James, & John! These men were more than Prophets. They were pillar Apostles (Gal. 2:9)! And Peter was speaking on their behalf, when he said, “we”, in 2 Peter 1:16, 18, & 19. They ascended the holy mountain that day to behold a divine revelation.
Finally, doubtful inquirers will be glad to know that their collective testimony of prophecy was undeniable according to the legal parameters of trial and judgment set forth in Holy Scripture (Deut. 17:6, 19:15, Matt. 18:16, 2 Cor. 13:1, 1 Tim. 5:19, Heb. 10:28).
There were multiple witnesses of the same event, all of whom were beholden to the same prophetic revelation. These weren’t your average bystanders. The Apostles didn’t randomly witness something! They weren’t the witnesses of a crime. The situation cannot be compared to how witnesses are called to the stand in a courtroom setting. We are talking about Peter, James, & John! These men were more than Prophets. They were pillar Apostles (Gal. 2:9)! And Peter was speaking on their behalf, when he said, “we”, in 2 Peter 1:16, 18, & 19. They ascended the holy mountain that day to behold a divine revelation.
Finally, doubtful inquirers will be glad to know that their collective testimony of prophecy was undeniable according to the legal parameters of trial and judgment set forth in Holy Scripture (Deut. 17:6, 19:15, Matt. 18:16, 2 Cor. 13:1, 1 Tim. 5:19, Heb. 10:28).
When and how did Peter and the Apostles make “known” to the people “the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” in the language of 2 Peter 1:16?
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” – 2 Pet. 1:16
Apparently, the Apostles were beholden to “the power” and “coming” of the Lord at the transfiguration. They peered into the future on this momentous occasion! This can be easily understood by comparing 2 Pet. 1:16 with the testimony provided in the Gospels recorded in Matt. 16:27-28, Mk. 8:38-9:1, & Lk. 9:26-27. This was something that Peter, James, and John already “made known” to the people (2 Pet. 1:16). This isn’t something that couldn’t be “made known” because it had not yet come.
Correctly discerning the “coming” of the Messiah’s Kingdom in the 1st Century was of utmost importance. However, when the Apostles were enabled to “see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom” (Matt. 16:28), they were forbidden from telling anyone about the vision until after the resurrection (Matt. 17:9). They were commanded to remain silent about it because the Lord wanted to prevent a premature declaration of His own messianic identity and, in so doing, He was preventing a premature crucifixion (Mk. 3:12, 5:43, 7:36, 8:4, 9:30, Matt. 12:16-18). The leaders of the Jews were not ready for this mighty mountaintop revelation, seeing that it corresponded with a well-known messianic prophecy about “the Son of Man” in the Old Testament.
Correctly discerning the “coming” of the Messiah’s Kingdom in the 1st Century was of utmost importance. However, when the Apostles were enabled to “see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom” (Matt. 16:28), they were forbidden from telling anyone about the vision until after the resurrection (Matt. 17:9). They were commanded to remain silent about it because the Lord wanted to prevent a premature declaration of His own messianic identity and, in so doing, He was preventing a premature crucifixion (Mk. 3:12, 5:43, 7:36, 8:4, 9:30, Matt. 12:16-18). The leaders of the Jews were not ready for this mighty mountaintop revelation, seeing that it corresponded with a well-known messianic prophecy about “the Son of Man” in the Old Testament.
“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” – Dan. 7:13-14
All the expectation of the Jews was bound to the fulfillment of Daniel 7:13-14. This is the day when a mortal man will be the King of the world! An Israelite King. Naturally, the plot of the Gospels orbits around this topic. The Jews were looking for the Messiah! Furthermore, this prophecy was very well known among the Jews, seeing that its fulfillment was called, “the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven” (Matt. 24:30). Meaning, the identity of the Messiah could be easily determined by the fulfillment of Daniel 7:13-14.
“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” – Matt. 24:30
Before the Sanhedrin, during an infamous court proceeding conducted in the darkness of night, the High Priest demanded to know whether or not Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. Caiaphas said, “tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God” (Matt. 26:63). Our Lord responded with a striking answer that confirmed His identity as the Messiah in the language of Daniel 7:13-14, and everyone knew exactly what He was talking about. That’s why the Jews were infuriated and immediately condemned Jesus Christ to death!
“Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” – Matt. 26:64
Similarly, in Acts 7:51-60, the first martyr of Christianity was inspired to confirm the same testimony, and then he too fell a prey to the uncontrollable rage of people. Stephen rebuked the Jews for ignoring the testimony of the Prophets, “which shewed before of the coming of the Just One” (Acts 7:52). The unbelieving Jews were looking for Daniel 7:13-14 while ignoring Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. They needed an interpreter to correct their misunderstanding. It was then that Stephen’s eyes were opened to behold in Heaven the very thing that the Jews wanted to see on earth.
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” - Acts 7:55-56
The blood of Stephen was spilt for this testimony. This revelation confirms the “hereafter” of Matthew 26:64. The Jews of the last century will know the converting power of this revelation (Rom. 11:25-36, Zech. 12:10-14, Rev. 1:7)! And even if none of the Jews present that day hearkened to the word, it was enough that “Saul” was in audience (Acts 7:58).
How would you grade the greatness of the trans-figuration compared to other revelations in the Scripture of the Old Testament?
There is a biblical precedent for grading Prophets and their revelations (Matt. 11:11, Lk. 7:28). God forbid that we should come out with different results in our own judgments! The rarest and most magnificent prophetic revelations in the Bible are so holy that even the grounds upon which they were received became holy (Ex. 3:5, Josh. 5:15, Acts 7:33). Remember? This is how Sinai became holy (Ps. 68:17, 87:1)! Similarly, some ordinary mountain north of the Sea of Galilee became “the holy mount” as a result of the transfiguration (2 Pet. 1:18). Can you believe it? Soberly consider it. When mountains are divinely consecrated, not just anyone can ascend their slopes (Heb. 12:20-21). Even Moses had to wait six days before ascending to the peak of Sinai when he “went into the midst of the cloud” of glory and abode there for 40 days and nights (Ex. 24:18).
“And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.” – Ex. 24:15-18
This waiting period speaks volumes about consecration. Similarly, the pillar Apostles, Peter, James, and John, had to wait “six days” before they were permitted to ascend the holy mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17:1). Do you think this parallel is just a coincidence? Upon ascending the holy mount, much to the surprise of the Apostles, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory. Why? These were the only two Prophets of the Old Testament who personally ascended Sinai to behold the Glory of God. Only this time, these men were present to behold a more excellent glory! Luke is very bold to say, “they saw His glory” (Lk. 9:32)! Whose glory? Not Moses’ or Elijah’s glory. This is speaking about how the Apostles saw the glory of Jesus Christ! The glory of Moses and Elijah paled in comparison. Consequentially, even though Sinai was their exaltation, the holy mount of transfiguration was their humiliation. The greatest of the Prophets love to have it so (Mk. 1:7, Jn. 1:27, 3:30).
As Moses and Elijah were communing with Jesus Christ, speaking to Him about the death that He would soon accomplish in Jerusalem (Lk. 9:31), Peter made a suggestion that would make these three men appear to be equal in glory. Peter boldly asked if a tabernacle should be built for each one of these men! Contrastingly, the Father spoke to deglorify Moses & Elijah in the glorification of Jesus Christ, showing that there could be no equality among these three men. The thunderous voice of the Father made a declaration, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” (Matt. 17:5)! “Hear, O Israel!” (Deut. 6:4). Are you listening? If Moses and Elijah do symbolically represent the Law and the Prophets, this glorification of Jesus Christ warrants our obedience to the Messiah above all other Prophets. “This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world.” (Jn. 6:14).
As Moses and Elijah were communing with Jesus Christ, speaking to Him about the death that He would soon accomplish in Jerusalem (Lk. 9:31), Peter made a suggestion that would make these three men appear to be equal in glory. Peter boldly asked if a tabernacle should be built for each one of these men! Contrastingly, the Father spoke to deglorify Moses & Elijah in the glorification of Jesus Christ, showing that there could be no equality among these three men. The thunderous voice of the Father made a declaration, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” (Matt. 17:5)! “Hear, O Israel!” (Deut. 6:4). Are you listening? If Moses and Elijah do symbolically represent the Law and the Prophets, this glorification of Jesus Christ warrants our obedience to the Messiah above all other Prophets. “This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world.” (Jn. 6:14).
“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” – Deut. 18:15-19
“A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.” - Acts 3:22-23
Confessions will be tried and tested to determine their worth. All believers everywhere should give attendance to hearing. Hearing is believing! Believing is obeying! Our faith will be measured by the rule of Scripture.
Are the “holy men of God” in 2 Peter 1:20-21 exclusively referring to the Prophets of the Old Testament?
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” – 2 Pet. 1:20-21
Peter was certainly referring to the Prophets of the Old Testament. However, Peter was not elevating the “holy men of God” in the Old Testament above their counterparts in the New Testament. This is impossible (Matt. 11:11, Lk. 7:28). Likewise, Peter was not lowering the holy men of God in the New Testament under their counterparts in the Old Testament.
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” – Matt. 11:11
If Peter called the mountain north of the Sea of Galilee, “the holy mount” (2 Pet. 1:18; see Ex. 3:5, Josh. 5:15, Ps. 87:1), it stands to reason that he believed the Apostles were “holy men of God” in the delivery of the prophetic “vision” that they received (2 Pet. 1:21, Matt. 16:9). As a matter of fact, this was Peter’s point of argument! The apostolic delivery of prophecy from the holy mount was made possible by the same prophetic operation described in 2 Peter 1:20-21; like the old, so it is with the new. They too were “moved by the Holy Ghost” in the communication of the “vision” (2 Pet. 1:21, Matt. 17:9).
Was Peter exclusively referring to “the Scripture” of the Old Testament in 2 Peter 1:20?
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” – 2 Pet. 1:20-21
Peter was arguing for the equality of Scripture in the Old and New Testaments. The “vision” that Peter was referring to was already written down, canonized, and circulated as Scripture through the Gospels (Matt. 16:21-17:13, Mk. 8:27-9:13, Lk. 9:29-35) by the time that the Epistle of 2nd Peter was written. This fact is easily demonstrated by Peter’s acknowledgement of Paul’s epistles as “Scripture” in 2 Peter. 3:15-16.
“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” – 2 Pet. 3:15-16
We can be sure that Peter was referring to the trustworthiness of all prophecy in 2 Peter 1:19-20. Namely, that the reported heavenly vision of the Apostles was no different than the prophecies received by the Prophets “in the old time” when they reported inferior visions of excellent glory. It had all become Scripture! Peter would not be minimizing the apostolic vision of the holy mount as something inferior to Scripture, seeing that Peter referred to Paul’s epistles as Scripture in the same letter (2 Peter 3:15-16).
The writing and verification of Scripture for circulation among the Churches was one of the most important duties of the Apostles in the 1st Century. Do you believe the Apostles were derelict in their duty? Perhaps the finger of blame should be pointed at the record of so-called “Early Church History” as it is taught in Christian Academia. Historians and Theologians suppose that the Early Church was uncertain which books of our New Testament were inspired until the Counsel of Carthage in A.D. 397. Similarly, they think Peter was lowering his revelations beneath the authority of the Prophets in the Old Testament.
Do you believe it took three centuries for the Church to decide which books were or weren’t inspired? This is an insufferable negligence. The Apostles would not have allowed this to happen. Otherwise, they would have a very low view of the Bible. This would mean that the necessity and importance of the Bible was being neglected by Christians for over 300 years because the manuscripts in their possession were not officially recognized as Scripture. Again, the writing and verification of Scripture for circulation among the Churches was one of the most important duties of the Apostles in the 1st Century. Proponents of this view believe in delinquent Apostles who failed the Church.
These same people will tell you that it took three centuries for the Church to comprehend the Trinity. Last time I checked, the Apostles clearly understood the Godhead as a Trinity. They were instructed by Jesus to baptize people in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Matt. 28:19). The Apostles were not baptizing people in the Name of the Trinity without a profound understanding of trinitarian doctrine. Who would dare to suggest that the Apostles were ignorantly and superstitiously baptizing people?
Let the finger be pointed to “the Fathers” of Early Church History. The Apostles warned us about them and their companions (2 Pet. 2:1-2, 2 Tim. 3:1-17, 1 Jn. 2:18-19, Acts 20:26-31)! And yet modern Scholars and Theologians rely on them for doctrine. This is not a good idea. Things didn’t get better after the Apostles died. The pure and holy doctrines of the faith were clearly handed down to the Church through the Apostles (“once delivered unto the saints” - Jude 1:3), and then they fell into controversy after the Apostles passed away through the rise of mockers and scorners.
The writing and verification of Scripture for circulation among the Churches was one of the most important duties of the Apostles in the 1st Century. Do you believe the Apostles were derelict in their duty? Perhaps the finger of blame should be pointed at the record of so-called “Early Church History” as it is taught in Christian Academia. Historians and Theologians suppose that the Early Church was uncertain which books of our New Testament were inspired until the Counsel of Carthage in A.D. 397. Similarly, they think Peter was lowering his revelations beneath the authority of the Prophets in the Old Testament.
Do you believe it took three centuries for the Church to decide which books were or weren’t inspired? This is an insufferable negligence. The Apostles would not have allowed this to happen. Otherwise, they would have a very low view of the Bible. This would mean that the necessity and importance of the Bible was being neglected by Christians for over 300 years because the manuscripts in their possession were not officially recognized as Scripture. Again, the writing and verification of Scripture for circulation among the Churches was one of the most important duties of the Apostles in the 1st Century. Proponents of this view believe in delinquent Apostles who failed the Church.
These same people will tell you that it took three centuries for the Church to comprehend the Trinity. Last time I checked, the Apostles clearly understood the Godhead as a Trinity. They were instructed by Jesus to baptize people in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Matt. 28:19). The Apostles were not baptizing people in the Name of the Trinity without a profound understanding of trinitarian doctrine. Who would dare to suggest that the Apostles were ignorantly and superstitiously baptizing people?
Let the finger be pointed to “the Fathers” of Early Church History. The Apostles warned us about them and their companions (2 Pet. 2:1-2, 2 Tim. 3:1-17, 1 Jn. 2:18-19, Acts 20:26-31)! And yet modern Scholars and Theologians rely on them for doctrine. This is not a good idea. Things didn’t get better after the Apostles died. The pure and holy doctrines of the faith were clearly handed down to the Church through the Apostles (“once delivered unto the saints” - Jude 1:3), and then they fell into controversy after the Apostles passed away through the rise of mockers and scorners.
“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.” – Jude 1:17-18
The apostolic doctrines of the New Testament were questioned and the common people became confused only after the era of the Apostles ended, and this is reflected in the record of “Early Church History”. An added difficulty came in the rise of the Doctrine of Cessationism. Naturally, cessationists will read 2 Peter 1:16-21 with tremendous bias, looking narrowly upon the Apostle Peter as if he was ashamed to claim the honor of a Prophet.
The influence of Cessationism is inestimable nowadays. Success for these preachers can be measured in how much believers doubt their personal experiences and disregard them as irrelevant and dangerous in comparison to the Word of God. Preoccupation with this has made interpreters think that Peter doubted the prophetic authority of what he experienced during the transfiguration. On the contrary, we can be sure that if any true spiritual or prophetic revelations are given to Christians in modern times, these revelations will only serve to defend and confirm the unique and unparalleled authority of Holy Scripture.
The influence of Cessationism is inestimable nowadays. Success for these preachers can be measured in how much believers doubt their personal experiences and disregard them as irrelevant and dangerous in comparison to the Word of God. Preoccupation with this has made interpreters think that Peter doubted the prophetic authority of what he experienced during the transfiguration. On the contrary, we can be sure that if any true spiritual or prophetic revelations are given to Christians in modern times, these revelations will only serve to defend and confirm the unique and unparalleled authority of Holy Scripture.
How important is the Voice from Excellent Glory? This is the Witness of the Father (2 Pet. 1:17-18). How important is the Witness of the Father?
“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.” – 2 Pet. 1:17-18
The Apostles beheld how Jesus Christ received honor and glory by the witness of the Father, speaking from the excellent glory of a heavenly cloud (2 Pet. 1:17), making this experience supremely important even above other prophecies. We can understand the importance of the Witness of the Father in the following ways: (1) generally, through miracles; (2) especially, through an audible utterance from on High. The audible utterances of the Father from on High will draw our attention to the Baptism of Jesus Christ, the Trans-figuration of Jesus Christ, the Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem as the Messiah, and the Glorification of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary.
The Witness of the Father through Miracles
Jesus Christ publicly spoke about the witness of the Father as it was manifest through miracles (Jn. 5:31-32, 36-37, 8:13-19, 10:24-25, 38). The wholesome words of our Lord on this subject should not be disregarded. The witness of the Father was only and always exalted by Jesus Christ.
“But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.” - John 5:36
“It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.” - John 8:17-18
The argument is simple. The testimony of Jesus Christ about Himself was true. The testimony of the Father about Jesus Christ was true. Two witnesses reinforce the credibility of the testimony in question. This is not a comparison of testimonies that differ in superiority but a confirmation of two immutable things rendered for the personal assurance of believers.
The Baptism of Jesus Christ
Interpreters should adopt the same view about the voice of the Father when the LORD spoke from Heaven at the baptism of Jesus Christ. This event was unprecedented! For the first time ever in human history, the three Persons of the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, were all manifesting themselves simultaneously in three different locations at one place in time on earth (Matt. 3:13-17, Mk. 1:9-11, Lk. 3:21-22).
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matt. 3:16-17
“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:21-22
Now, consider the greatness of this event. In other words, consider the greatness of the prophecies being revealed in this event. Look at how the man who played a small part in the baptism was named the greatest Prophet born of women in the Old Testament (Matt. 11:11)! This was the climax of John the Baptist’s whole ministry.
John the Baptist prepared the way before the Lord (Mk. 1:2-3, Isa. 40:3). Meanwhile, as John was waiting, the Prophet was earnestly looking for the Christ. John received specific instructions about how to identify the Messiah when he appeared in the appointed time (Jn. 1:31-34). Upon seeing Jesus of Nazareth, John publicly declared the Man to be “the Lamb of God” (Jn. 1:29)! This was the greatest day of John’s life and ministry! This one event is so great, it made the only participating Prophet the greatest of all the Prophets, only by virtue of being near to Christ.
John the Baptist prepared the way before the Lord (Mk. 1:2-3, Isa. 40:3). Meanwhile, as John was waiting, the Prophet was earnestly looking for the Christ. John received specific instructions about how to identify the Messiah when he appeared in the appointed time (Jn. 1:31-34). Upon seeing Jesus of Nazareth, John publicly declared the Man to be “the Lamb of God” (Jn. 1:29)! This was the greatest day of John’s life and ministry! This one event is so great, it made the only participating Prophet the greatest of all the Prophets, only by virtue of being near to Christ.
“And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.” – Mk. 1:7
John had a painful awareness of his own unworthiness to be in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene. John’s perspective of things was preached loudly and clearly to the multitudes! He strongly objected to baptizing the Man, when he said, “I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?” (Matt. 3:14). Naturally, as cousins, John was the elder. He was about six months older in age (Lk. 1:36). Nevertheless, John boldly confessed that the Son of God predated and preexisted him, declaring to everyone present, “He was before me” (Jn. 1:15, 30). Somehow, John knew what Christ had come to accomplish in the earth – namely, the Atonement! – even though everyone else was erroneously expecting the Messiah to immediately seize power in Israel as a King.
The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ
If John was deemed to be great for the virtue of being nearest to Christ, the Apostles were brought much closer to our Lord, and for much longer. Their greatness is visible! Only the names of “the twelve Apostles of the Lamb” are emblazoned upon the foundations of the walls of Jerusalem in Heaven as an eternal memorial (Rev. 21:14).
Now, consider the superior greatness of the Apostles, Peter, James, & John, who also heard the witness of the Father bestowing “honor and glory” upon Jesus Christ, in saying, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Pet. 1:17). Speaking of this, in 2 Peter. 1:18-19, Peter called the voice from heaven “a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet. 1:19). Why? The witness of the Father is something that should give more assurance to believers! Literally, the “voice which came from heaven” is what made it “a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet. 1:18-19). This line of reasoning was also used in Hebrews 6:13-18, speaking about the voice which came from Heaven in Genesis 22.
Now, consider the superior greatness of the Apostles, Peter, James, & John, who also heard the witness of the Father bestowing “honor and glory” upon Jesus Christ, in saying, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Pet. 1:17). Speaking of this, in 2 Peter. 1:18-19, Peter called the voice from heaven “a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet. 1:19). Why? The witness of the Father is something that should give more assurance to believers! Literally, the “voice which came from heaven” is what made it “a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet. 1:18-19). This line of reasoning was also used in Hebrews 6:13-18, speaking about the voice which came from Heaven in Genesis 22.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy…” – 2 Pet. 1:19
“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:” – Heb. 6:17
In Hebrews 6:13-18, the voice that came from Heaven was confirming to the Abraham the “immutability” of prophecy in divine promises and oaths (Gen. 22:15-18). The “more” of Hebrews 6:17 corresponds with the “more” 2 Peter 1:19 in the rendering of the same argument. This is not a comparison of inferiority but it is a confirmation of immutability. Therefore, this pertains to the doctrine of assurance. This is something that makes believers “more sure” in their faith about the immutable things of prophecy.
The Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem as the Messiah
All this should make readers pay more attention to these unique moments in history, especially in the ministry of Jesus Christ, when the voice of the Father confirmed the Son of God in the aforementioned events, and when similar things happened in the future. The Witness of the Father was heard only one more time during the earthly pilgrimage of Jesus Christ. It came thundering from Heaven in John 12:28.
“Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from Heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” - John 12:28
Most readers overlook this event. It seems obscure. It appears insignificant when compared to the baptism of Jesus Christ and the holy mount of transfiguration. Nevertheless, the Witness of the Father warrants a more thorough investigation, because it would only be present in a situation of greatness.
This was a very special day! Upon arriving to Bethphage and Bethany, on the way to Jerusalem, preparations were made for what was about to take place in fulfillment of messianic prophecy (Matt. 21:1-5). Meanwhile, multitudes of disciples had come to hear that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem (Jn. 12:12). They went out to meet the Lord before he had even descended the Mount of Olives (Lk. 19:37).
The people then cast their garments upon the colt and set Jesus thereon (Lk. 19:35). They then spread their garments in the way before Him. They also cut down branches from trees and strawed them in the way. The multitude went before and followed behind as Jesus made the approach to Jerusalem, and they were crying out, “Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the LORD” (Mk. 11:9), in fulfillment of Psalm 118:25. The people boldly declared Jesus to be the Christ, the Anointed One, while loudly celebrating and praising God.
This was a very special day! Upon arriving to Bethphage and Bethany, on the way to Jerusalem, preparations were made for what was about to take place in fulfillment of messianic prophecy (Matt. 21:1-5). Meanwhile, multitudes of disciples had come to hear that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem (Jn. 12:12). They went out to meet the Lord before he had even descended the Mount of Olives (Lk. 19:37).
The people then cast their garments upon the colt and set Jesus thereon (Lk. 19:35). They then spread their garments in the way before Him. They also cut down branches from trees and strawed them in the way. The multitude went before and followed behind as Jesus made the approach to Jerusalem, and they were crying out, “Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the LORD” (Mk. 11:9), in fulfillment of Psalm 118:25. The people boldly declared Jesus to be the Christ, the Anointed One, while loudly celebrating and praising God.
“Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the Name of the Lord: peace in Heaven, and glory in the Highest.” – Lk. 19:38
The very thing that was kept secret among the closest disciples of the Lord was now being proclaimed openly (Matt. 16:20). The time had come for Jerusalem to receive her King! The whole city was moved with commotion at the noise, saying, “Who is this?” (Matt. 21:10). This was a day of great glory! Now, let us briefly consider the greatness of this day.
The greatness of the day can be discerned through the greatness of the prophecies being fulfilled. Specifically speaking, this is the fulfillment of the 69 Weeks in Daniel’s prophecy of eschatology in Daniel chapter nine.
The greatness of the day can be discerned through the greatness of the prophecies being fulfilled. Specifically speaking, this is the fulfillment of the 69 Weeks in Daniel’s prophecy of eschatology in Daniel chapter nine.
“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” – Dan. 9:25
This came to pass at the public declaration of Jesus as “the Messiah the Prince” (Dan. 9:25) during His triumphant entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-43, Lk. 19:28-48), The day had finally come! Literally, Jesus Christ was speaking of this “day” (Lk. 19:42) because it was precisely foretold to be 173,880 days from when the countdown of the prophecy began. The staggering precision of this messianic prophecy is so amazing! If the Jewish disciples remained silent at the triumphant entry, even the rocks would have been crying out for glory (Lk. 19:40). This day was marked by glory, and there was more glory to come.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus Christ was so cautious and often withdrawn from the common people during his earthly ministry? Readers of the New Testament often marvel at this behavior. Jesus Christ even commanded people to be silent at times when they came to know about His real identity as the Son of God (Mk. 3:12, 5:43, 7:36, 8:26, 9:30; Matt. 12:16-18). Our Lord was doing these things to prevent a premature declaration of His own Messianic identity, because the Lord knew that this declaration would not be received well by the rulers of Judaism, and therefore it would prematurely lead to His martyrdom.
The Evangelists of the Gospel carefully noted these decisive moments where Jesus Christ withdrew or prevented His own glorification as the Messiah until the appointed day had come to show how the Lord was making calculated decisions for a timely and precise fulfillment of Daniel’s 69 Weeks. John noted the appointed day in how the Lord often spoke about a specific “hour” and “time” that was divinely appointed in the future (Jn. 2:4, 24-25, 6:14-15, 7:1-9, 25-39, 8:20, 12:16, 23-33, 13:1, 31-32, 16:32, 17:1). The glory of the Triumphant Entry led directly to one final glorification of Jesus Christ.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus Christ was so cautious and often withdrawn from the common people during his earthly ministry? Readers of the New Testament often marvel at this behavior. Jesus Christ even commanded people to be silent at times when they came to know about His real identity as the Son of God (Mk. 3:12, 5:43, 7:36, 8:26, 9:30; Matt. 12:16-18). Our Lord was doing these things to prevent a premature declaration of His own Messianic identity, because the Lord knew that this declaration would not be received well by the rulers of Judaism, and therefore it would prematurely lead to His martyrdom.
The Evangelists of the Gospel carefully noted these decisive moments where Jesus Christ withdrew or prevented His own glorification as the Messiah until the appointed day had come to show how the Lord was making calculated decisions for a timely and precise fulfillment of Daniel’s 69 Weeks. John noted the appointed day in how the Lord often spoke about a specific “hour” and “time” that was divinely appointed in the future (Jn. 2:4, 24-25, 6:14-15, 7:1-9, 25-39, 8:20, 12:16, 23-33, 13:1, 31-32, 16:32, 17:1). The glory of the Triumphant Entry led directly to one final glorification of Jesus Christ.
The Glorification of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary
“Then came there a voice from Heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” – Jn. 12:28
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” – Jn. 12:28
On the same day, shortly after the Triumphant Entry, the jubilant sound of celebration was silenced. One glory was past and another was to come. In sober reflection, the Son of God declared, “the hour is come” (Jn. 12:23), but this time He was speaking about how the “Messiah” was now going to be “cut off” according to Daniel’s prophecy (Dan. 9:26). This follows the chronological order of the two messianic prophecies in Daniel’s 70 Weeks.
“And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” – Dan. 9:26
Peering into the future, Jesus Christ said, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.” (Jn. 12:27). In a little while, on day 173,885, Peter, James, and John will be separated yet again, but this time in the Garden of Gethsemane on the fateful night of betrayal (Matt. 26:37). They will then see the Face that so lately shined as the sun in glory completely melted in anguish, and in sore amazement, dripping with blood and covered in gory sweat (Mk. 14:32-42). Before everything is said and done, the Son of God will be marred beyond recognition (Isa. 52:14). The glorification soon to come was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on mount Calvary (Jn. 12:28, 32-33; Jn. 7:39, 12:16, 13:31, 17:1).
Similarly, at the Cross, various miracles were manifested by the Father to bear witness to the awful occasion: in the darkness over all the land and its immediate dissipation at the death of Jesus Christ (Matt. 27:45, Mk. 15:33, Lk. 23:44, Jn. 19:14), and in the earthquake which coincided with the rending of the vail of the Temple (Matt. 27:51, Lk. 23:44-49).
Similarly, at the Cross, various miracles were manifested by the Father to bear witness to the awful occasion: in the darkness over all the land and its immediate dissipation at the death of Jesus Christ (Matt. 27:45, Mk. 15:33, Lk. 23:44, Jn. 19:14), and in the earthquake which coincided with the rending of the vail of the Temple (Matt. 27:51, Lk. 23:44-49).
What is the Daystar?
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Day Star arise in your hearts:” – 2 Pet. 1:19
This speaks of none other than Jesus Christ! Specifically, because the Apostles beheld the face of the Son of God when it was shining as the “Sun” in glory, according to Matthew 17:2. Just one glimpse of this “Light” changed everything for the Apostles! Nearness to Christ is the yardstick of greatness. This is the greatness of John the Baptist. This is the greatness of the twelve Apostles. Beholding the glory of Jesus Christ! This is the greatness of Peter, James, and John.
The greatness of the Apostle Paul is questionable. Right? Admittedly, he was a man “born out of due time” (1 Cor. 15:8). However, not even the Apostle Paul was exempt from the branding exercise, even though he was so late coming. Paul’s theology about Moses, Sinai, and Jesus Christ, recorded in 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:7, speak volumes about his own personal experience.
Paul, formerly known as Saul, encountered “the Daystar” while traveling on horseback to Damascus at “noon” (Acts 22:6). It was the brightest part of the day! The astronomical Sun was shining directly overhead the riders when, suddenly, another Light appeared in a different location above them, and when Paul looked up at the “Light”, behold, it was shining “above the brightness of the Sun” (Acts 26:13-14)! It takes about 100 seconds to suffer permanent retinal damage in your eyes while looking at the Sun. Contrastingly, it only took a glimpse for Paul to go blind while seeing the face of Jesus Christ! Considering the circumstances, how do you think Peter, James, and John felt on the holy mount of transfiguration? While seeing the glory of Jesus Christ, as the Messiah was standing next to the two greatest Prophets of the Old Testament, it was obvious to them whose glory excelled in comparison.
The greatness of the Apostle Paul is questionable. Right? Admittedly, he was a man “born out of due time” (1 Cor. 15:8). However, not even the Apostle Paul was exempt from the branding exercise, even though he was so late coming. Paul’s theology about Moses, Sinai, and Jesus Christ, recorded in 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:7, speak volumes about his own personal experience.
Paul, formerly known as Saul, encountered “the Daystar” while traveling on horseback to Damascus at “noon” (Acts 22:6). It was the brightest part of the day! The astronomical Sun was shining directly overhead the riders when, suddenly, another Light appeared in a different location above them, and when Paul looked up at the “Light”, behold, it was shining “above the brightness of the Sun” (Acts 26:13-14)! It takes about 100 seconds to suffer permanent retinal damage in your eyes while looking at the Sun. Contrastingly, it only took a glimpse for Paul to go blind while seeing the face of Jesus Christ! Considering the circumstances, how do you think Peter, James, and John felt on the holy mount of transfiguration? While seeing the glory of Jesus Christ, as the Messiah was standing next to the two greatest Prophets of the Old Testament, it was obvious to them whose glory excelled in comparison.
“But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.” – Lk. 9:32
Remember, Moses and Elijah were the only two men that ascended Sinai to personally see the glory of God! Albeit, this moment in history before the transfigured Messiah was the most significant part of their ministry to date. In other words, the glory of Jesus Christ excels it all! “They saw His Glory” (Lk. 9:32)! Moses asked to see the Face of the Father and was denied. Then, at last, when he saw the Face of Jesus Christ, the impossible became possible through the invisible becoming visible. This is the testimony of the Apostles! Jesus Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). Literally, those elect and holy souls who are beholden to the glory of the Father are made to see it when they look on Jesus Christ, because the Son of God is “the brightness of His glory, and the express Image of His Person” (Heb. 1:3).
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"I think every preacher needs to be reminded that he is not a descendant of the Greek orator, but the offspring of the Hebrew prophet." - Leonard Ravenhill
Modern academia applauds the fair speeches of ancient Greek philosophers, men like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the like; and the gullible minds of educated men are sincerely impressed. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul remains thoroughly unimpressed! While opposing the philosophical wisdom of the heathen in his time, Paul said, “the Greeks seek after wisdom” (1 Cor. 1:22), as he was contrasting their pursuit with the wisdom of God, saying, “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). These are two different paths.
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." - 1 Cor. 1:18-31
Those who love life cannot simply conversate about the ideals of morality with those who love death (Amos 5:10). A surgeon’s knife cuts to heal, while a simpleton’s lust for war and violence unsheathes the sword for death and destruction. We have theological Crusaders in this our day! Professors at Seminaries train gladiators for blood-sport in classroom debates to perfect the art of godless argumentation (Prov. 29:9). The raw display of intellectual power is all that’s needed to wow the goats in congregations these days (Isa. 29:13). It gives the people a sense of pride in what they call, “my church”. Certainly, this isn’t a “jesus” the world can hate (2 Cor. 11:4).
Modern Christianity has essentially Christianized American patriotism and democratic policy, even in the face of bloodshed, famine, and war ravaging other nations, so why wouldn’t it do the same thing with all that modern academia can produce? Preachers enter the arena and celebrate their ministries like teams in a spirit of competition and pride. Poor and needy souls in need of true Christianity are the casualties. Unholy Americans yearn for competition and violence both physically and spiritually, and they find acceptance and community in Modern Christianity.
Modern Christianity has essentially Christianized American patriotism and democratic policy, even in the face of bloodshed, famine, and war ravaging other nations, so why wouldn’t it do the same thing with all that modern academia can produce? Preachers enter the arena and celebrate their ministries like teams in a spirit of competition and pride. Poor and needy souls in need of true Christianity are the casualties. Unholy Americans yearn for competition and violence both physically and spiritually, and they find acceptance and community in Modern Christianity.
The Last Hours on Earth of Voltaire
Voltaire was a Famous Deist of the 1700's and an Outspoken Critic of Christianity Comparable to Richard Dawkins as an Outspoken Atheist in Modern Times
When Voltaire felt the stroke that he realized must terminate in death, he was overpowered with remorse. He at once sent for the priest, and wanted to be "reconciled with the church." [Note: Roman Catholicism could not reconcile Voltaire to God because it was riddled with heresies that are dangerous and contrary to the Bible.] Voltaire's infidel flatterers hastened to his chamber to prevent his recantation; but it was only to witness his ignominy and their own. He cursed them to their faces; and, as his distress was increased by their presence, he repeatedly and loudly exclaimed:
"Begone! It is you that have brought me to my present condition. Leave me, I say; begone! What a wretched glory is this which you have produced to me!"
Hoping to allay his anguish by a written recantation, he had it prepared, signed it, and saw it witnessed. But it was all unavailing. For two months he was tortured with such an agony it led him at times to gnash his teeth in impotent rage against God and man. At other times, in plaintive accents, he would plead, "O Christ! O Lord Jesus!" Then, turning his face, he would cry out, "I must die -- abandoned of God and of men!"
As his end drew near, his condition became so frightful that his infidel associates were afraid to approach his bedside. Still they guarded the door, that others may not know how awfully an infidel was compelled to die. Even his nurse repeatedly said, "For all the wealth of Europe she would never see another infidel die."
It was a scene of horror that lies beyond all exaggeration. Such is the well-attested end of the one who had a natural sovereignty of intellect, excellent education, great wealth, and much earthly honor. We may all well exclaim with Balaam, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" (Num. 23:10).
"Begone! It is you that have brought me to my present condition. Leave me, I say; begone! What a wretched glory is this which you have produced to me!"
Hoping to allay his anguish by a written recantation, he had it prepared, signed it, and saw it witnessed. But it was all unavailing. For two months he was tortured with such an agony it led him at times to gnash his teeth in impotent rage against God and man. At other times, in plaintive accents, he would plead, "O Christ! O Lord Jesus!" Then, turning his face, he would cry out, "I must die -- abandoned of God and of men!"
As his end drew near, his condition became so frightful that his infidel associates were afraid to approach his bedside. Still they guarded the door, that others may not know how awfully an infidel was compelled to die. Even his nurse repeatedly said, "For all the wealth of Europe she would never see another infidel die."
It was a scene of horror that lies beyond all exaggeration. Such is the well-attested end of the one who had a natural sovereignty of intellect, excellent education, great wealth, and much earthly honor. We may all well exclaim with Balaam, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" (Num. 23:10).
 | This shocking testimony is an excerpt from a book that was written and compiled by Solomon B. Shaw in 1898, entitled, "Dying Testimonies of the Saved and Unsaved". “Not only have millions upon millions of God’s children witnessed in life and death of Jesus’ power to save, but most infidels, skeptics, and sinners of every grade are constrained to acknowledge the truth of the Christian religion before they die.” - S.B. Shaw “Multitudes, while dying, see and hear things that are not seen or heard by others.” - S.B. Shaw |
"Oh! I Have Missed It At Last!"
Some time ago, a physician called upon a young man who was ill. He sat for a little while by the bedside, examining his patient, and then he honestly told him the sad intelligence that he had but a very short time to live. The young man was astonished; he did not expect it would come to that so soon. He forgot that death comes "in such an hour as ye think not."
At length he looked up into the face of the doctor, and, with a most despairing countenance, repeated the expression, "I have missed it -- at last."
"What have you missed?" inquired the tenderhearted, sympathizing physician.
"I have missed it -- at last," again he repeated.
"Missed what?"
"Doctor, I have missed the salvation of my soul."
"Oh, say not so -- it is not so. Do you remember the thief on the cross?"
"Yes, I remember the thief on the cross. And I remember that he never said to the Holy Ghost, 'Go thy way.' But I did. And now He is saying to me, 'Go your way.'"
He lay gasping a while, and looking up with a vacant, starting eye, he said, "I was awakened and was anxious about my soul a little time ago. But I did not want to be saved then. Something seemed to say to me, 'Don't put it off, make sure of salvation.' I said to myself, 'I will postpone it.' I knew I ought not to do it. I knew I was a great sinner, and needed a Savior. I resolved, however, to dismiss the subject for the present. Yet I could not get my own consent to do it until I had promised to take it up again, at a time not remote and more favorable. I bargained away, resisted and insulted the Holy Spirit. I never thought of coming to this. I meant to have made my salvation sure, and now I have missed it -- at last."
"You remember," said the doctor, "that there were some who came at the eleventh hour."
"My eleventh hour," he rejoined, "was when I had that call of the Spirit. I have had none since -- shall not have. I am given over to be lost. Oh! I have missed it! I have sold my soul for nothing -- a feather -- a straw -- undone forever!" This was said with such indescribable despondency, that nothing was said in reply.
After lying a few moments, he raised his head, and looking all around the room as if for some desired object, he buried his face in the pillow, and again exclaimed in agony and horror, "OH! I HAVE MISSED IT AT LAST!" and died.
Reader, you need not miss your salvation, for you may have it now. What you have read is a true story. How earnestly it says to you, "Now is the accepted time!" "Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts" (Heb. 3: 7, 8).
At length he looked up into the face of the doctor, and, with a most despairing countenance, repeated the expression, "I have missed it -- at last."
"What have you missed?" inquired the tenderhearted, sympathizing physician.
"I have missed it -- at last," again he repeated.
"Missed what?"
"Doctor, I have missed the salvation of my soul."
"Oh, say not so -- it is not so. Do you remember the thief on the cross?"
"Yes, I remember the thief on the cross. And I remember that he never said to the Holy Ghost, 'Go thy way.' But I did. And now He is saying to me, 'Go your way.'"
He lay gasping a while, and looking up with a vacant, starting eye, he said, "I was awakened and was anxious about my soul a little time ago. But I did not want to be saved then. Something seemed to say to me, 'Don't put it off, make sure of salvation.' I said to myself, 'I will postpone it.' I knew I ought not to do it. I knew I was a great sinner, and needed a Savior. I resolved, however, to dismiss the subject for the present. Yet I could not get my own consent to do it until I had promised to take it up again, at a time not remote and more favorable. I bargained away, resisted and insulted the Holy Spirit. I never thought of coming to this. I meant to have made my salvation sure, and now I have missed it -- at last."
"You remember," said the doctor, "that there were some who came at the eleventh hour."
"My eleventh hour," he rejoined, "was when I had that call of the Spirit. I have had none since -- shall not have. I am given over to be lost. Oh! I have missed it! I have sold my soul for nothing -- a feather -- a straw -- undone forever!" This was said with such indescribable despondency, that nothing was said in reply.
After lying a few moments, he raised his head, and looking all around the room as if for some desired object, he buried his face in the pillow, and again exclaimed in agony and horror, "OH! I HAVE MISSED IT AT LAST!" and died.
Reader, you need not miss your salvation, for you may have it now. What you have read is a true story. How earnestly it says to you, "Now is the accepted time!" "Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts" (Heb. 3: 7, 8).
"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." - Isaiah 55:6-7
| | This shocking testimony is an excerpt from a book that was written and compiled by Solomon B. Shaw in 1898, entitled, "Dying Testimonies of the Saved and Unsaved". “Not only have millions upon millions of God’s children witnessed in life and death of Jesus’ power to save, but most infidels, skeptics, and sinners of every grade are constrained to acknowledge the truth of the Christian religion before they die.” - S.B. Shaw “Multitudes, while dying, see and hear things that are not seen or heard by others.” - S.B. Shaw |
Anxiety Disorders: “An intense and excessive uneasiness, worry, nervousness, fear, & dread in your everyday life.”
Death anxiety is widely regarded by mental health professionals to be the most important underlying problem which gives rise to all other mental disorders. Illustrating the point, an Australian psychologist said that death anxiety is "the Worm at the Core of Mental Health" (Rachel E. Menzies). She borrowed this statement from the famous American philosopher, William James, and adapted it to mental health. Originally, William James was emphasizing that mankind's fear of death is "the worm at the core" of the human condition. Other psychologists, like Sheldon Solomon, have agreed with this assessment, especially when it comes to anxiety disorders.
“This idea is based on evidence that death is a significant feature across a range of anxiety-related disorders.” – Lisa Iverach PhD
Do you agree? You don't need to go through thousands of counseling sessions of psychotherapy to realize this commonality among all mental health patients. Rather, you could just read the Bible.
“…deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” – Hebrews 2:15
“…the spirit of bondage again to fear” – Romans 8:15
According to the Word of God, lost sinners are trapped in a spiritual "bondage" that makes them psychologically tormented by the "fear of death" (Heb. 2:15, Rom. 8:15). This is a spiritual problem with only one real solution! Consequentially, the LORD has authored a divine plan of salvation that liberates sinners from this terrible bondage. Read more scripture from Romans and Hebrews for the details. True Christians are no longer afraid to die because of a divinely granted assurance of eternal life ministered to the soul through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” - John 14:26-27
Suffice it to say, even the best minds of psychology cannot improve upon the message of the Bible (1 Cor. 1:21). They have a lot to learn about the worm as it pertains to the Doctrine of Mortality. No manmade coping mechanism will bring relief to this problem. Terror management tools are futile and useless when divine justice is making sinners afraid (Prov. 1:27-33, 3:25-26, 10:24-25, Ps. 9:20, Lk. 12:26, Rev. 6:15-17, 1 Thess. 5:3). The endless philosophical discussions about terror management theories are circular and self-defeating. One thing is certain! Death is coming for all of us. This is a judgment from God upon sinners.
“Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.” - Psalm 9:20
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Rom. 6:23
This whole situation needs to be reevaluated in the light of Holy Scripture. A professional diagnosis of normalcy is subjective based upon the worldview of psychology (Col. 2:8). What is a diagnosis like this worth if these people refuse to read the Bible? The end goal of your Doctor is to get you feeling better based upon a worldview that needs to be informed and corrected by the Word of God.
Sin, righteousness, spirituality, and God should be a part of the diagnosis. These factors of life have a massive impact upon your environment and the stress that can be produced by any given situation. Given the unique circumstances of your environment, some fears are reasonable. Other fears are unreasonable! Some anxiety is necessary, advantageous, and realistic. Other forms of anxiety are fantastical and absurd! The interpretation of these things will determine when peace is warranted or delusional. Who is to be the judge of these things?
Sin, righteousness, spirituality, and God should be a part of the diagnosis. These factors of life have a massive impact upon your environment and the stress that can be produced by any given situation. Given the unique circumstances of your environment, some fears are reasonable. Other fears are unreasonable! Some anxiety is necessary, advantageous, and realistic. Other forms of anxiety are fantastical and absurd! The interpretation of these things will determine when peace is warranted or delusional. Who is to be the judge of these things?
“Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his Maker?” - Job 4:17
“God forbid: Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” – Rom. 3:4
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” - Psalm 19:7-8
In reality, most people who are deemed mentally healthy are too comfortable and happy in this world (Ps. 10:6-7, 36:1, 1 Jn. 2:15-17). This is made possible through a delusional peace that suppresses the fear of death to the point where the anxieties of these people are insignificant and seemingly under control. Nevertheless, such people will quickly lose their composure when tragedy strikes. Ignorance is not bliss!
“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” - 1 Thess. 5:3
Until tragedy strikes, it is easy for proud sinners to point the finger at others (Ps. 73:5-6). They are deluded by a false peace because they are blinded to the real danger at hand (Ps. 73:17-20). Meanwhile, others who are deemed mentally ill by the system are fearful of death for good reason. Experiencing more tragedy in life often brings a needed sobriety and wisdom (Eccl. 7:2-6). Notwithstanding, an even larger company of people are deemed mentally ill and diagnosed with an anxiety disorder because their fear of death is outrageous and unreasonable. Literally, these people are harassed by many delusional fears that don’t make any sense! This brings us to three possible categories of people in this complicated situation.
- Mentally healthy people who are comfortable and fearless because of a delusional peace.
- Mentally ill people who are uncomfortable and afraid because of justifiable concerns that are supported by the Bible.
- Mentally ill people who are uncomfortable and afraid because of unjustifiable concerns that are delusional fears. (There are demons at work in this situation.)
Ultimately, we need grace to proceed in this matter by discerning the difference between rational and irrational fears according to the Bible. Firstly, our study will focus on the people in categories one and two. The bulk of the population in America should be able to relate. However, category three is unique and therefore unrelatable to most people. This situation is extraordinary because most of the delusional fear of anxiety disorders is demonic activity. Literally, the intrusive thoughts, graphic images, voices, and whispers are coming directly from the presence of a demon that is living inside the person. This news should come as a relief to those who are suffering this cruel bondage. Why? Because if you expel the demon, then the mental illness will be healed.
Health Anxiety
People struggle with anxiety out of concern for their health and physical wellbeing. Essentially, they fear becoming sick or dying. Given the frequency of random people getting horribly sick and dying through virtually inescapable diseases like the flu, this concern isn’t unfounded (Job 33:19-29). “The CDC estimates that the flu has resulted in 9.4 million – 41 million illnesses, 100,000 – 710,000 hospitalizations, and 4,900 – 52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2022.” (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention). Likewise, if the statistics of all such diseases were reckoned up and accumulated with all the other known threats to mortal life, the numbers would communicate a message that would invoke fear in people.
“Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.” - Psalm 90:3
Making things worse for some, science has graphically brought into view what used to be invisble. The fact that there could be a lingering presence of microscopic germs all around you is now something that can be visualized by the common people. The pathogens could be airborne! They could be creeping about your living quarters! Sometimes, albeit rarely, these little bugs can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, you could say that there are a lot of reasons to be afraid of “the pestilence that walketh in darkness” (Ps. 91:5-6).
Pestilence and disease have left an indelible mark upon human history. One way or another, people eventually come to realize how life is fragile and beauty is fading. Suddenly, people die! It all happens so quickly. Over 153,000 people die worldwide every day! Mortality is a force to be reckoned with (Job 4:17-21).
Pestilence and disease have left an indelible mark upon human history. One way or another, people eventually come to realize how life is fragile and beauty is fading. Suddenly, people die! It all happens so quickly. Over 153,000 people die worldwide every day! Mortality is a force to be reckoned with (Job 4:17-21).
“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” - James 4:14
Death is inescapable! While living, we are all in the process of dying. It is inevitable. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our heart unto wisdom.” (Ps. 90:12). Statistically, a staggering 56 million people worldwide die every year! This comes out to around 6,000 people every hour, 106 people every minute, and ≈2 people dying every second of the day. Immortals looking on at this situation are amazed to behold the destruction.
“They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever without any regarding it. Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom.” – Job 4:20-21
Are you ready to die? Most people are unprepared because they are deluded by a false peace (Lk. 12:16-21). Most people are far too happy and at home in this evil world (2 Cor. 4:4-7, 1 Jn. 2:15-17, James 4:4). Therefore, for many, death comes like a thief in the night! People don’t see it coming.
Agoraphobia & Claustrophobia
People spend a fortune on homes and properties because they are grasping after a sense of security, identity, stability, and peace. They depend upon it. They trust in it! In reality, they trust in themselves (Jer. 17:5). Home is an environment they imagine to be completely under their control, even though nothing at all is really under their control.
“Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.” - Psalm 49:11-12
“And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.” – Amos 3:15
Deception breeds delusion! Proud bones will be broken (Lam. 3:4). False peace is a nightmare situation (1 Thess. 5:2). When a delusional sense of security is suddenly and violently disrupted, sinners can become permanently traumatized as a result. These same people come to feel extremely vulnerable when faced with danger in other locations or places. This leads to agoraphobia and claustrophobia. Such experiences should inspire men to seek God (Ps 107:25-31)! However, only a minority of people ever come to do this (Matt. 7:13-14). Therefore, divine sovereignty arranges more bad thunderstorms, car accidents, turbulent flights, and near death experiences to get the attention of the people (Ps. 107).
“And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” – Matt. 7:26-27
This is the robbery of the undying soul from its refuge of false security. Seeking security in earthly things is like grasping after the wind, especially if the LORD intends to disrupt the harmful fantasies of carnal security. Feeling safe, sound, secure, and at peace as a sinner isn’t a good thing! “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:7). If divine wisdom acts to break the object of our trust, it is so that we will put our faith in God.
Social Anxiety & Separation Anxiety
Manifold insecurities fuel anxiety! Insecurities about your body, called health anxiety, and insecurities about your location or place, called Agoraphobia or Claustrophobia, are common because people are chiefly concerned about the protection and preservation of themselves. Coincidentally, the same could be said about the glorification of self in how it fuels social anxiety and separation anxiety.
Sinners crave attention! You can call this glorification. Everything that they do is deeply motivated by a desire to be seen and recognized by men. They are lonely and miserable without it! Therefore, they don’t ever desire to be separated from their acquaintances, friends, family, and loved ones.
Sinners crave attention! You can call this glorification. Everything that they do is deeply motivated by a desire to be seen and recognized by men. They are lonely and miserable without it! Therefore, they don’t ever desire to be separated from their acquaintances, friends, family, and loved ones.
“But all their works they do for to be seen of men…” – Matt. 23:5
“This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings.” - Psalm 49:13
Furthermore, when sinners get the attention that they so earnestly desire, if it isn’t positive and reinforcing to their self-esteem where they are receiving the honor and acceptance of their peers, it will then lead to feelings of social anxiety like embarrassment, self-consciousness, and shame. People just want to be successful and live with pride. This kind of thinking resonates with people because they all lust for the honor of men.
“How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” - John 5:44
“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” – Prov. 16:5
“…for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” - Luke 16:15
No real happiness is achieved by godless sinners (Mal. 3:15). People are secretly plagued with a tormenting sense of loneliness and anxiety as they worry about the relationships of their social life. Don’t let the sparkle and glitter of those who appear to be happy deceive you! Living for the glorification of self is hurtful, horrendous, animalistic, and deadly.
“Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.” – Psalm 49:20
Death is inevitable. It is the ultimate deglorification of self! It is inescapable. Therefore, death anxiety fuels separation anxiety for many people. Nevertheless, there is an alternative to death and condemnation. It is the Cross of Jesus Christ!
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” - Matt. 16:24-27
The Cross is an instrument of execution! The Cross will eliminate the problem of self and bring salvation to the soul. This is good news from a perfect Creator who promises everlasting life to sinners.
Anxiety Disorders with Delusional Fears, Panic Attacks, & Demonic Possession
It is foolish for mental health professionals to omit God from the national conversation about Mental Illness. Consequentially, when speaking about the stress factors of the environment, there is no discussion about sin, righteousness, condemnation, salvation, the Holy Spirit, or demons. Nevertheless, all these things will have a massive impact upon our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Think about it! What if our desires are evil? Similarly, due to ongoing sin, what if someone is experiencing a demonic attack?
Sinning will not help your sanity! Rather, sinning is a real path to insanity and demon possession. Oh, that men would taste and see that sin is bitter! Nobody gets demon possessed who doesn’t deserve it. Sin opens the door to the devil. Of course, God doesn’t want anyone to be inhabited by devils! Therefore, universally, when we sin against God, we are forced to hear about it in our conscience. This is because mankind has been endowed by God with the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17, 3:22). Therefore, when we commit sin our conscience acts as a mental reprover. The word “con-science” literally means “with-knowledge”.
Sinning will not help your sanity! Rather, sinning is a real path to insanity and demon possession. Oh, that men would taste and see that sin is bitter! Nobody gets demon possessed who doesn’t deserve it. Sin opens the door to the devil. Of course, God doesn’t want anyone to be inhabited by devils! Therefore, universally, when we sin against God, we are forced to hear about it in our conscience. This is because mankind has been endowed by God with the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17, 3:22). Therefore, when we commit sin our conscience acts as a mental reprover. The word “con-science” literally means “with-knowledge”.
“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” – Acts 24:16
“…their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another” – Rom. 2:15
Our conscience will make us know when we have done something good or evil. In other words, an offended conscience makes people feel guilty. Having a knowledge of the good and discovering that we have done evil brings guilt and shame. This is also called conviction in the Bible. The conscience brings conviction as an enforcer of guilt when sin is committed. This is a good thing.
“And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” - John 8:9
Men and women have been created in the Image of God. Consequentially, we are intrinsically conscious of morality and immorality. We are not amoral creatures, like the animals, who are oblivious to morality and exempt from divine judgment. Therefore, for us, a guilty conscience is a heavy burden! This is just the tip of the iceberg. Sin is more bitter than death! The knowledge of it being committed in our lives is a mental, emotional, and spiritual affliction. In other words, it is painful to realize the wretchedness of our sinful condition before God.
This realization makes us sorrowful and afraid (Gen. 3:8-10). However, most people try to ignore this pain as they go about their life. They don’t know that this causes the problem to fester and get worse. A lifetime of sin causes these fears to grow into ferocious and uncontrollable anxiety disorders.
This realization makes us sorrowful and afraid (Gen. 3:8-10). However, most people try to ignore this pain as they go about their life. They don’t know that this causes the problem to fester and get worse. A lifetime of sin causes these fears to grow into ferocious and uncontrollable anxiety disorders.
“The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.” - Prov. 19:3
There are a lot of anxious people in America! “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. and affect over 40 million adults, or 19.1% of the population.” (Forbes Health). Anxious sinners pay a visit to a local Doctor and are immediately prescribed benzodiazepines. Mental health professionals will tell you that these anxiety disorders are not referring to the common experience of stress and worry in your everyday life, but something much more intense. Therefore, the people go away believing that they have a chemical problem instead of a sin problem. They continue on a path of rebellion against God without even realizing that they are suffering demonic attacks as a result of ongoing sin.
There is a cause and effect to everything. The Holy Spirit uses the conscience to bring conviction to sinners (John 16:7-11). Yielding to this work will compel people to repent of sin and seek God for salvation. Contrastingly, when sinners ignore the conscience and disregard sin, this will eventually warrant demon possession. Demons will then harass and afflict these lost souls with temptations, enticements, accusations, and threats! In other words, this is a demonic attack that makes people panic through delusional fears.
Statistically, a majority of mentally ill people who are diagnosed with anxiety disorders are uncomfortable and afraid because of unjustifiable concerns that are delusional fears. Out of the 40 million Americans who are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, a staggering 36 million of them experience panic attacks every year! These panic attacks are in fact demonic attacks. Hence, in the scientific community, it is widely recognized that delusional fears are closely associated with repeated episodes of panic attacks.
Naturally, even one panic attack can be so traumatizing that it changes the trajectory of life for people and severely inflames anxiety disorders. Literally, the fear of having another panic attack can itself provoke subsequent panic attacks. It is a downward spiral. The suffering of these people is so intense that many find themselves drifting into delusional fears without even realizing it.
Have you ever experienced a panic attack? A pounding heart, a racing pulse, chest pain, sweating, chills, trembling, hyperventilation, suffocation, stomach pain, nausea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, tingly hands, and even the inability to walk, move, or speak! All this happens because you are experiencing a feeling of unexplainable dread and terror at your own impending doom. This is the fear of death! Even though you are certain that you are going to die, so it seems, you feel completely helpless about it. You feel lost! You are unable to do anything but wait until this violent storm passes by and you return to sanity.
There is a cause and effect to everything. The Holy Spirit uses the conscience to bring conviction to sinners (John 16:7-11). Yielding to this work will compel people to repent of sin and seek God for salvation. Contrastingly, when sinners ignore the conscience and disregard sin, this will eventually warrant demon possession. Demons will then harass and afflict these lost souls with temptations, enticements, accusations, and threats! In other words, this is a demonic attack that makes people panic through delusional fears.
Statistically, a majority of mentally ill people who are diagnosed with anxiety disorders are uncomfortable and afraid because of unjustifiable concerns that are delusional fears. Out of the 40 million Americans who are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, a staggering 36 million of them experience panic attacks every year! These panic attacks are in fact demonic attacks. Hence, in the scientific community, it is widely recognized that delusional fears are closely associated with repeated episodes of panic attacks.
Naturally, even one panic attack can be so traumatizing that it changes the trajectory of life for people and severely inflames anxiety disorders. Literally, the fear of having another panic attack can itself provoke subsequent panic attacks. It is a downward spiral. The suffering of these people is so intense that many find themselves drifting into delusional fears without even realizing it.
Have you ever experienced a panic attack? A pounding heart, a racing pulse, chest pain, sweating, chills, trembling, hyperventilation, suffocation, stomach pain, nausea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, tingly hands, and even the inability to walk, move, or speak! All this happens because you are experiencing a feeling of unexplainable dread and terror at your own impending doom. This is the fear of death! Even though you are certain that you are going to die, so it seems, you feel completely helpless about it. You feel lost! You are unable to do anything but wait until this violent storm passes by and you return to sanity.
“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” – Mark 4:37-41
Whatever storm you encounter in life, if Jesus Christ is with you in real time, this changes everything. The storm vexed seas fall silent and still before the Lord! Do you believe this? The most important thing about you, is what you think about Jesus Christ. The Miracle Worker of Israel often said, “…as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” (Matt. 8:13). Do you believe?
“And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.” – Luke 6:17-19
Indeed, you may be vexed by the unclean spirits of devils! Nevertheless, even though perhaps no one else can understand your situation, Jesus Christ knows exactly what you are going through. To be vexed by a demon literally means that you are teased, provoked, irritated, troubled, agitated, disquieted, and afflicted (Websters 1828). The Greek word for “vexed” (ὀχλέω) is used only two times in the New Testament, and both times it is describing how people are basically being harassed and mobbed by demons (Lk. 6:18, Acts 5:16). Sound familiar? You don’t have to keep going through this torment! You need Jesus Christ.
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;” – Isa. 61:1-2
Every time the Son of God encountered a demon possessed person in Israel, the spiritual prisoners were immediately liberated from the power of the devil. Even so, you will be treated no differently if you come into the presence of Jesus Christ. It is time for you to come! You should not delay any longer. It is time for you to seek the Lord (Jer. 29:13)! If you believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is the promise of the Gospel. Herein, you will find rest and quietness (Isa. 30:15, Php. 4:6-7). Demons cannot enter a house that is occupied by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 12:28-29, 43-45, 1 Jn. 3:8, 5:18).
Death anxiety is widely regarded by mental health professionals to be the most important underlying problem that gives rise to all other mental disorders. Illustrating the point, an Australian psychologist said that death anxiety is "the Worm at the Core of Mental Health" (Rachel E. Menzies). She borrowed this statement from the famous American philosopher, William James, and adapted it to mental health. Originally, William James was emphasizing that mankind's fear of death is "the worm at the core" of the human condition. Other psychologists, like Sheldon Solomon, have agreed with this assessment, especially when it comes to anxiety disorders.
“This idea is based on evidence that death is a significant feature across a range of anxiety-related disorders.” – Lisa Iverach PhD
Do you agree? You don't need to go through thousands of counseling sessions of psychotherapy to realize this commonality among all mental health patients. Rather, you could just read the Bible.
“…deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” – Hebrews 2:15
“…the spirit of bondage again to fear” – Romans 8:15
According to the Word of God, lost sinners are trapped in a spiritual "bondage" that makes them psychologically tormented by the "fear of death" (Heb. 2:15, Rom. 8:15). This is a spiritual problem with only one real solution! Consequentially, the LORD has authored a divine plan of salvation that liberates sinners from this terrible bondage. Read more scripture from Romans and Hebrews for the details. True Christians are no longer afraid to die because of a divinely granted assurance of eternal life ministered to the soul through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Suffice it to say, even the best minds of psychology cannot improve upon the message of the Bible (1 Cor. 1:21). They have a lot to learn about the worm as it pertains to the Doctrine of Mortality. No manmade coping mechanism will bring relief to this problem. Terror management tools are futile and useless when divine justice is making sinners afraid (Prov. 1:27-33, 3:25-26, 10:24-25, Lk. 12:26, Rev. 6:15-17, 1 Thess. 5:3)! The endless philosophical discussions about terror management theories are circular and self-defeating.
The Worm in the Doctrine of Mortality
One thing is certain! Death is coming for all of us. This is a judgment from God upon sinners. Are you prepared to face it? The worm feeds upon the dead.
"The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree." - Job 24:20 [Job 17:14, 24:20, Ps. 49:14, Isa. 14:11, 51:8, 66:24, Mk. 9:44, 46, 48]
THE WORM. It is one of the smallest of God’s creatures. It is harmless to the living and defenseless when attacked. Nevertheless, it is a fierce consumer of the dead! The dead are violated by the worm. A corpse is defenseless before the worm. And the rotten meal is sweet to the worm! These are tokens of divine wrath: “…the worm shall feed sweetly on him” (Job 24:20).
The presence of the worm is nearly indistinguishable from death. It is a minister of corruption (Job 17:14). It is as the presence of death itself (Ps. 49:14). Unless you have beheld the worm at work you couldn’t possibly understand. When the worm meets with mortal men in the end, this can only mean one thing: humiliation. “Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.” (Isaiah 14:11). Death is the deglorification of sinners. The worm defeats them. God is demonstrating divine wrath in real time through creation. He that hath an ear, let him hear.
The Creator designed creation to preach sermons to mankind. The worm sweetly feeding on the dead carcasses of wicked sinners is a process that satisfies the wrath of God. Divine justice kills sinners and removes them from the face of the earth (Heb. 9:27, Ezek. 18:4, 20). The world is made better by one less sinner. The holy heart of God is cheered at a little less sadness (Gen. 6:7, Ps. 104:35).
The presence of the worm is nearly indistinguishable from death. It is a minister of corruption (Job 17:14). It is as the presence of death itself (Ps. 49:14). Unless you have beheld the worm at work you couldn’t possibly understand. When the worm meets with mortal men in the end, this can only mean one thing: humiliation. “Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.” (Isaiah 14:11). Death is the deglorification of sinners. The worm defeats them. God is demonstrating divine wrath in real time through creation. He that hath an ear, let him hear.
The Creator designed creation to preach sermons to mankind. The worm sweetly feeding on the dead carcasses of wicked sinners is a process that satisfies the wrath of God. Divine justice kills sinners and removes them from the face of the earth (Heb. 9:27, Ezek. 18:4, 20). The world is made better by one less sinner. The holy heart of God is cheered at a little less sadness (Gen. 6:7, Ps. 104:35).
“Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.” - Psalms 104:35
Nevertheless, what about the afterlife? The same dreadful marvels accompany the 2nd Death. The tokens of divine wrath that accompany the 1st Death are harnessed by God and adapted to meet with tormented souls in Hell, or what we could call the 2nd Death (Rev. 2:11, 20:6, 14, 21:8). In retrospect, we can see that the 1st Death was teaching sinners about the horrors of the 2nd Death all along! It pleases a benevolent God to force sinners to encounter the rotting corpses of dead things as they go about their business in their earthly lives. As a medicine to the soul (Eccl. 7:2-5), it would do them good to take a long hard look at the unsightly mess of rotting death: see how it looks, imagine how it feels, and be nauseated with horror at the smell!
The worm, as an instrument of divine wrath in the 1st Death, is employed by God even after physical death – the worm will sweetly feed on the spirits and bodies of sinners in the Lake of Fire for their outrageous and unthinkable wickedness before a Holy God! Herein, God’s wrath will be forever satisfied in the destruction of transgressors (Rev. 14:10, Matt. 8:29, 2 Thess. 1:7-10). God has appointed the worm for this cause (Jonah 4:7)! Speaking of this, Jesus of Nazareth spoke about the torments of Hellfire, quoting Isaiah, saying that it is a place "where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mk. 9:44, 46, 48)! This should make mortal men and devils horribly afraid (Matt. 8:29, James 2:19).
The worm, as an instrument of divine wrath in the 1st Death, is employed by God even after physical death – the worm will sweetly feed on the spirits and bodies of sinners in the Lake of Fire for their outrageous and unthinkable wickedness before a Holy God! Herein, God’s wrath will be forever satisfied in the destruction of transgressors (Rev. 14:10, Matt. 8:29, 2 Thess. 1:7-10). God has appointed the worm for this cause (Jonah 4:7)! Speaking of this, Jesus of Nazareth spoke about the torments of Hellfire, quoting Isaiah, saying that it is a place "where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mk. 9:44, 46, 48)! This should make mortal men and devils horribly afraid (Matt. 8:29, James 2:19).
Have you ever heard the words of this song? 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed! This is God's plan for your life. Will you let divine grace teach your heart to fear? It is my prayer that divine grace would then relieve those fears by directing your heart to repent and believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Marc Soller
“Correlation does not Imply Causation”, while Psychotropic Drugs do Cause Neurochemical Imbalances and Dysfunction of Neurotransmission
Dr. Preethi David Morris
Abstract: Mental health professionals often prescribe psychotropic drugs to patients diagnosed with mental health illnesses under the premise that neurochemical imbalance is a cause of mental health disorders. In this paper we discuss reasons to believe that there is no scientific research which provides evidence that neurochemical imbalances or problems with neurotransmission in the brain are causative factors in the etiology of mental health illnesses. Behavioral and neurochemical research studies in animals show an association between mental health states and alteration of neurotransmitter signaling. However, correlation does not imply causation. To the contrary, stress paradigms in rodents show a diminishing of the activity of the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward pathway as a result of long-term stressful stimuli. Furthermore, studies in human cases of mental health disorders show that psychotropic drugs cause disturbances in neurotransmission or neurochemical homeostasis as seen in biochemical research studies, and this is manifest by the behavioral consequences experienced during withdrawal in humans and animals.
Significance: This paper presents reasons to question the safety and efficacy of the common use of psychotropic drugs in the mental health industry.
Introduction to Psychotropic Drugs
Mental health disorders are commonly believed to involve pathophysiological processes in the brain. Of note, many doctors and researchers have come to believe that imbalances and impairment of neurotransmitter signaling in the brain is the underlying cause of disorders such as depression, insomnia, somnolence, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Under this premise, the use of psychotropic drugs has greatly increased in the past several decades, and it is reported recently that over 24% of Americans are taking prescription mental health medication (Vinzant, 2022). Psychotropic drugs have several mechanisms: they either mimic the effects, block the function, or in some form change the storage, release, and uptake of neurotransmitters (Vaughan, 2024). Thus neurotransmitter signaling is the target of psychotropic drugs. The following are the neurotransmitters that are commonly targeted: dopamine, GABA, Serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate, adrenaline (epinephrine), and oxytocin.
As of 2017, there were 108 psychotropic drugs available according to Neuroscience-based Nomenclature (Sathyanarayana, 2016). Psychotropic drugs fall into these categories: antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. However, these drugs often have multiple effects on neurotransmitter signaling. For example, quetiapine, a drug taken for schizophrenia and major depressive order, is a dopamine, serotonin, as well as an alpha-2 noradrenergic receptor antagonist. The drug clozapine also has multiple targets of action. (Sathyanarayana. 2016). Furthermore, with all the psychotropic drugs, there are 1 or more of 10 modes of action: 1) receptor agonist, 2) receptor partial agonist, 3) receptor antagonist, 4) reuptake inhibitor, 5) reuptake inhibitor and releaser, 6) reuptake inhibitor and receptor antagonist, 7) an enzyme inhibitor, 8) ion channel blocker, 9) positive allosteric modulator, 10) enzyme modulator (Sathyanarayana, 2016).
As of 2017, there were 108 psychotropic drugs available according to Neuroscience-based Nomenclature (Sathyanarayana, 2016). Psychotropic drugs fall into these categories: antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. However, these drugs often have multiple effects on neurotransmitter signaling. For example, quetiapine, a drug taken for schizophrenia and major depressive order, is a dopamine, serotonin, as well as an alpha-2 noradrenergic receptor antagonist. The drug clozapine also has multiple targets of action. (Sathyanarayana. 2016). Furthermore, with all the psychotropic drugs, there are 1 or more of 10 modes of action: 1) receptor agonist, 2) receptor partial agonist, 3) receptor antagonist, 4) reuptake inhibitor, 5) reuptake inhibitor and releaser, 6) reuptake inhibitor and receptor antagonist, 7) an enzyme inhibitor, 8) ion channel blocker, 9) positive allosteric modulator, 10) enzyme modulator (Sathyanarayana, 2016).
Proposed Cause of Mental Health Illnesses
Many research scientists and doctors believe that mental illnesses are a result of “problems” in communication within the brain. This is an inference based on research studies which reveal neurochemical abnormalities in individuals with mental health disorders. For example, in individuals with depression, a low level of serotonin is a common finding (NIH, 2007). This finding led to the use of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which reduce the amount of serotonin taken back into the presynaptic neuron leaving more serotonin in the synaptic space nearby the postsynaptic neuron. This in turn increases serotonin levels and signaling. However, it is important to note that mental health disorders are diagnosed based on symptoms rather than with blood tests, pathogen culture, urinalysis, x-ray, etc. Family doctors and pediatricians will often refer suspect individuals to mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists) who will closely examine the mental health symptoms in conjunction with general health status, and prescribe psychotropic drugs accordingly (NIH, 2007). Thus, this leaves the diagnosis of mental health disorders highly subjective.
Of interest, the neurotransmitter dopamine, and its signaling pathways are implicated in the pathophysiology of many mental health disorders. Dopamine neurotransmitter signaling occurs in three common pathways. The nigrostriatal pathway involves dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta that project to the dorsal striatum. This pathway is involved in locomotion and movement. The mesocorticolimbic pathway involves dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area that project to the nucleus accumbens and limbic systems (mesolimbic pathway), which is also called the dopaminergic reward pathway, and the prefrontal cortex (mesocortical pathway) (Luo, 2016). The tuberoinfundular pathway projects from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus to the median eminence and regulates the secretion of prolactin in the anterior pituitary gland.
Of interest, the neurotransmitter dopamine, and its signaling pathways are implicated in the pathophysiology of many mental health disorders. Dopamine neurotransmitter signaling occurs in three common pathways. The nigrostriatal pathway involves dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta that project to the dorsal striatum. This pathway is involved in locomotion and movement. The mesocorticolimbic pathway involves dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area that project to the nucleus accumbens and limbic systems (mesolimbic pathway), which is also called the dopaminergic reward pathway, and the prefrontal cortex (mesocortical pathway) (Luo, 2016). The tuberoinfundular pathway projects from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus to the median eminence and regulates the secretion of prolactin in the anterior pituitary gland.
The Four Dopaminergic Pathways in the Brain: Mesocortical, Nigrostriatal, Tuberoinfundibular, Mesolimbic
Researchers have for decades been looking at the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway as relates to the etiology of major depressive disorders and other mental health disorders. They believe that dysfunction of the dopaminergic system is “hallmark” in the pathology of Parkinson’s disease, drug addiction, depression, and schizophrenia (Baik, 2020). The dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway is also known as the dopaminergic reward system because of many behavioral studies in rodents which have examined the effects of both reward and stress on neurotransmission within this pathway which extends from the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) to the Nucleus accumbens and amygdala. Of interest, it is observed that both reward and short-term stress excite the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway (Baik, 2020). Whereas long term stressful aversive events can depress the dopaminergic reward system by decreasing sensitivity to reward while subjects are in the state of anhedonia.
The effects of stress on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system as observed in rodents shows an increase in dopaminergic activity in the VTA following short term stressful events, such as chronic restraint for 1 hour a day for 10 consecutive days, or chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) which involves introducing a single male intruder for 5-10 minutes a day, leaving sensory exposure for the remainder of the day for 10 consecutive days. In the case of CSDS, two categories of rodents were observed to respond differently (resilent and susceptible rodents). Whereas another stress paradigm in which rodents are subjected to a variety of stressful events administered randomly over the course of 4-6 weeks called Chronic Mild Stress (CUMS) showed a decrease in activity in the dopaminergic nerurons of the VTA and in D2 receptor binding in the nucleus accumbens (Baik, 2020). Thus, researchers hypothesize that repeated exposure to stressful stimuli over the course of a prolonged period of time may lead to impairment of neurotransmission as well as behavioral phenotypes of depression and anhedonia (lack of responsiveness to reward or failure to fight to survive). However, the discrepancies of results in various studies and circumstances have left scientists uncertain how exactly this stress and reward system works and how directly applicable it is to human cases of major depressive disorder. What is important to consider in light of these studies is that regardless of the differing effects based on the time scale and the manner of experimentation, stressful stimuli were upstream to any observed changes in dopamine signaling in the dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway.
The effects of stress on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system as observed in rodents shows an increase in dopaminergic activity in the VTA following short term stressful events, such as chronic restraint for 1 hour a day for 10 consecutive days, or chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) which involves introducing a single male intruder for 5-10 minutes a day, leaving sensory exposure for the remainder of the day for 10 consecutive days. In the case of CSDS, two categories of rodents were observed to respond differently (resilent and susceptible rodents). Whereas another stress paradigm in which rodents are subjected to a variety of stressful events administered randomly over the course of 4-6 weeks called Chronic Mild Stress (CUMS) showed a decrease in activity in the dopaminergic nerurons of the VTA and in D2 receptor binding in the nucleus accumbens (Baik, 2020). Thus, researchers hypothesize that repeated exposure to stressful stimuli over the course of a prolonged period of time may lead to impairment of neurotransmission as well as behavioral phenotypes of depression and anhedonia (lack of responsiveness to reward or failure to fight to survive). However, the discrepancies of results in various studies and circumstances have left scientists uncertain how exactly this stress and reward system works and how directly applicable it is to human cases of major depressive disorder. What is important to consider in light of these studies is that regardless of the differing effects based on the time scale and the manner of experimentation, stressful stimuli were upstream to any observed changes in dopamine signaling in the dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway.
Flaws in the Theory of Neurochemical Imbalance/Problems with Neurotransmission as the Cause of Mental Health Illness
The above research is a primary example of behavioral studies that are often performed in which abnormal neurotransmission is observed in the brain in conjunction with the behavioral phenotype of major depressive disorder or another mental health illness. In rodent studies, stress paradigms are employed. Whereas in human studies which examine neurotransmission through measuring levels of neurotransmitters and their signaling, the subjects are already indicated for mental health illness. For example, it is observed that GABA and glutamate levels as well as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine homeostasis are altered in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Teleanu, 2022). Similarly, depression in humans is associated with atrophy of neurons in the cortical and limbic brain regions and general decrease in concentration of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine (Teleanu, 2022). Furthermore, therapeutic strategies to offset these abnormalities (“finetuning brain NT homeostasis”) through administration of psychotropic drugs has proven to mitigate symptoms in affected individuals both in animal and clinical studies. Nevertheless, the entire premise that mental health illnesses are caused by or a result of problems in neurotransmission is based on flawed science.
All young and upcoming research scientists are taught the fundamental principle of science theory and research practice: “Correlation does not imply causation!” To the contrary, as we discussed, rodent studies of the dopaminergic reward pathway from the VTA to the nucleus accumbens shows that prolonged states of “stress” resulted in perturbations in dopamine signaling, and not the other way around! Furthermore, the term “stress” is ambiguous as in some studies there were both resilient and susceptible types of rodents, all of which were subjected to stressful stimuli. In fact, even within mental health research it is reported: "Indeed, the term stress has been used to indicate both a response (or a set of responses) and the stimuli that promote the response” (Cabib, 2012).
Doctors are treating the associated abnormalities in neurotransmitter signaling without ever determining the true cause of mental health disorders. The major health associations of the United States can only hypothesize what are the causes of these disorders, and often note the difficulty of biochemical assessment of diagnosed individuals due to the presence of the blood brain barrier. Genetics (due to the fact that mental health illnesses tend to run in families with similar behavioral and neurochemical manifestations), environmental factors such as traumatic events and “stress”, as well as “chemical imbalances” in the brain are proposed as likely causes of mental health illnesses. Yet there are tremendous differences among the human population observed in the coexistence of these potential causes and mental health disorders, and no clear research-based evidence that chemical imbalances in the brain (abnormalities in neurotransmission) is a causative factor. Thus, mental health professionals are subjectively diagnosing a condition with no objective means of testing by biochemical assay, and then treating these conditions which have no clear biochemical causes. They are seeking to correct a supposed perturbation of neurotransmitter homeostasis with a seemingly effective therapeutic approach, albeit, a dangerous one! What is the result? Withdrawal symptoms, dependence, and addiction!
All young and upcoming research scientists are taught the fundamental principle of science theory and research practice: “Correlation does not imply causation!” To the contrary, as we discussed, rodent studies of the dopaminergic reward pathway from the VTA to the nucleus accumbens shows that prolonged states of “stress” resulted in perturbations in dopamine signaling, and not the other way around! Furthermore, the term “stress” is ambiguous as in some studies there were both resilient and susceptible types of rodents, all of which were subjected to stressful stimuli. In fact, even within mental health research it is reported: "Indeed, the term stress has been used to indicate both a response (or a set of responses) and the stimuli that promote the response” (Cabib, 2012).
Doctors are treating the associated abnormalities in neurotransmitter signaling without ever determining the true cause of mental health disorders. The major health associations of the United States can only hypothesize what are the causes of these disorders, and often note the difficulty of biochemical assessment of diagnosed individuals due to the presence of the blood brain barrier. Genetics (due to the fact that mental health illnesses tend to run in families with similar behavioral and neurochemical manifestations), environmental factors such as traumatic events and “stress”, as well as “chemical imbalances” in the brain are proposed as likely causes of mental health illnesses. Yet there are tremendous differences among the human population observed in the coexistence of these potential causes and mental health disorders, and no clear research-based evidence that chemical imbalances in the brain (abnormalities in neurotransmission) is a causative factor. Thus, mental health professionals are subjectively diagnosing a condition with no objective means of testing by biochemical assay, and then treating these conditions which have no clear biochemical causes. They are seeking to correct a supposed perturbation of neurotransmitter homeostasis with a seemingly effective therapeutic approach, albeit, a dangerous one! What is the result? Withdrawal symptoms, dependence, and addiction!
A Dangerous Therapeutic Approach!
Withdrawal symptoms in discontinuing, switching, or attenuating psychotropic drug medication are the most dreaded aspect of patients and mental health professionals who treat these patients. A recent review article which examined conventional and new withdrawal symptoms (related to the drug use), rebound symptoms (related to original mental health illness), and persistent withdrawal effects found that all of the following drugs may induce withdrawal symptoms, and rebound effects, even with a slow tapering off of use: benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists, antidepressants, ketamine, antipsychotics, lithium, mood stabilizers (Flammetta, 2020). The authors of the study gave warning about the introduction of new psychotropic drugs into the market, while the long-term persistent withdrawal effects have not yet been catalogued and taken into account.
If we are going to speak about problems in brain neurotransmission, we need to speak about problems in brain transmission that occur as a result of the introduction of new psychoactive substances into the brain. The brain is known to consistently, and often quickly and dramatically, respond to the primary effects of any psychoactive substance. This can occur through impaired neurotransmitter receptor function or sensitivity, decrease in the number of receptors, decreased neurotransmitter production, impaired neurogenesis, increased stress hormones, decreased stress response, and brain cell death (neurotoxicity) (Renoir, 2012). For example, SSRIs, which are administered in hopes of increasing the amount of serotonin available to the postsynaptic cell, cause the brain to respond with biochemical mechanisms which reduce or even completely reverse the effect of the drug (Breggin, 2012). Similarly, the potency of anti-anxiety drugs which increase GABA signaling can be weakened and reversed through compensatory mechanisms in the brain. Withdrawal and dependence in the case of psychoactive drugs are shown to occur through decrease of activity of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system and decreased activity in the nucleus accumbens and amygdala (Lerner, 2019). Thus, when patients decrease or discontinue use of drugs, withdrawal symptoms often appear with devastating effects. A recent study of 585 users of anti-psychotic drugs who stopped taking their drugs found that 72% of users reported experiencing classic withdrawal symptoms associated with other types of psychotropic drugs (Read, 2022). Of these, 52% categorized the symptoms as severe. Psychosis was reported by 18% of the participants. While we do not have evidence to say that neurochemical imbalances cause mental health illnesses, we do have substantial evidence through behavioral and neurochemical research studies of withdrawal that psychotropic drugs themselves cause neurochemical imbalances and impairment. And when individuals have been on psychotropic drugs for months at a time, withdrawal can feature immediate as well as prolonged serious effects not only on the brain, but on body weight (promoting obesity), metabolism, cardiovascular function, sleep, menstruation, alertness, bowel health, and many others (Mazareel, 2020. Furthermore, a study found that from 1999 to 2019, 51,446 psychotropic-drug-implicated deaths occurred with a dramatic increase over time due to the rise in prevalence of these drugs among the US population (Vuolo, 2021).
The real effectiveness of psychotropic drugs for improving the symptoms of psychotropic drugs also needs to be closely examined. Dr. Peter Gøtzsche explains that most studies looking at the efficacy of psychotropic drugs are looking at a short time scale, and the effectiveness often drops within days beyond the latter end of the study duration, while adverse effects increase. He also points out that many of the study participants in notable studies were originally taking a psychotropic drug and are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms upon starting the placebo course, thus leading to an overly optimistic view of the efficacy of the drug tested. He also notes that studies looking at withdrawal effects and suicide are also flawed because of too short of a timespan of observation. For example, he reports based on his research that there were 14 suicides among 9956 patients in study trials of fluoxetine and paroxetine, whereas the FDA only reports 5 suicides among 52 960 patients. He attributes this to the 24-hr time span of observation by the FDA for suicide after discontinuing the drug (Gøtzsche, 2015).
If we are going to speak about problems in brain neurotransmission, we need to speak about problems in brain transmission that occur as a result of the introduction of new psychoactive substances into the brain. The brain is known to consistently, and often quickly and dramatically, respond to the primary effects of any psychoactive substance. This can occur through impaired neurotransmitter receptor function or sensitivity, decrease in the number of receptors, decreased neurotransmitter production, impaired neurogenesis, increased stress hormones, decreased stress response, and brain cell death (neurotoxicity) (Renoir, 2012). For example, SSRIs, which are administered in hopes of increasing the amount of serotonin available to the postsynaptic cell, cause the brain to respond with biochemical mechanisms which reduce or even completely reverse the effect of the drug (Breggin, 2012). Similarly, the potency of anti-anxiety drugs which increase GABA signaling can be weakened and reversed through compensatory mechanisms in the brain. Withdrawal and dependence in the case of psychoactive drugs are shown to occur through decrease of activity of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system and decreased activity in the nucleus accumbens and amygdala (Lerner, 2019). Thus, when patients decrease or discontinue use of drugs, withdrawal symptoms often appear with devastating effects. A recent study of 585 users of anti-psychotic drugs who stopped taking their drugs found that 72% of users reported experiencing classic withdrawal symptoms associated with other types of psychotropic drugs (Read, 2022). Of these, 52% categorized the symptoms as severe. Psychosis was reported by 18% of the participants. While we do not have evidence to say that neurochemical imbalances cause mental health illnesses, we do have substantial evidence through behavioral and neurochemical research studies of withdrawal that psychotropic drugs themselves cause neurochemical imbalances and impairment. And when individuals have been on psychotropic drugs for months at a time, withdrawal can feature immediate as well as prolonged serious effects not only on the brain, but on body weight (promoting obesity), metabolism, cardiovascular function, sleep, menstruation, alertness, bowel health, and many others (Mazareel, 2020. Furthermore, a study found that from 1999 to 2019, 51,446 psychotropic-drug-implicated deaths occurred with a dramatic increase over time due to the rise in prevalence of these drugs among the US population (Vuolo, 2021).
The real effectiveness of psychotropic drugs for improving the symptoms of psychotropic drugs also needs to be closely examined. Dr. Peter Gøtzsche explains that most studies looking at the efficacy of psychotropic drugs are looking at a short time scale, and the effectiveness often drops within days beyond the latter end of the study duration, while adverse effects increase. He also points out that many of the study participants in notable studies were originally taking a psychotropic drug and are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms upon starting the placebo course, thus leading to an overly optimistic view of the efficacy of the drug tested. He also notes that studies looking at withdrawal effects and suicide are also flawed because of too short of a timespan of observation. For example, he reports based on his research that there were 14 suicides among 9956 patients in study trials of fluoxetine and paroxetine, whereas the FDA only reports 5 suicides among 52 960 patients. He attributes this to the 24-hr time span of observation by the FDA for suicide after discontinuing the drug (Gøtzsche, 2015).
“Psychiatric drugs are responsible for the deaths of more than half a million people aged 65 and older each year in the Western world, as I show below.1 Their benefits would need to be colossal to justify this, but they are minimal... Given their lack of benefit, I estimate we could stop almost all psychotropic drugs without causing harm—by dropping all antidepressants, ADHD drugs, and dementia drugs (as the small effects are probably the result of unblinding bias)1 24 and using only a fraction of the antipsychotics and benzodiazepines we currently use.1 This would lead to healthier and more long lived populations…..1 22” (Dr. Peter Gøtzsche)
Conclusion
In summary, there is no scientific research which provides evidence that neurochemical imbalances or problems with neurotransmission in the brain are causative factors in the etiology of mental health illnesses. Behavioral and neurochemical research studies in animals show an association between mental health states and alteration of neurotransmitter signaling. However, correlation does not imply causation. To the contrary, stress paradigms in rodents show a diminishing of the activity of the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward pathway as a result of long-term stressful stimuli. Furthermore, studies in human cases of mental health disorders show that psychotropic drugs cause disturbances in neurotransmission or neurochemical homeostasis as seen in biochemical research studies, and this is manifest by the behavioral consequences experienced during withdrawal in humans and animals.
References
- Baik, JH. Stress and the dopaminergic reward system. Exp Mol Med 52, 1879–1890 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-020-00532-4
- Breggin, Peter R. Psychiatric drug withdrawal: A guide for prescribers, therapists, patients and their families. Springer Publishing Company, 2012.
- Cabib, Simona, and Stefano Puglisi-Allegra. "The mesoaccumbens dopamine in coping with stress." Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 36.1 (2012): 79-89.
- Fiammetta Cosci, Guy Chouinard; Acute and Persistent Withdrawal Syndromes Following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications. Psychother Psychosom 26 August 2020; 89 (5): 283–306.
- Gøtzsche, Peter C et al. “Does long term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 350 h2435. 12 May. 2015, doi:10.1136/bmj.h2435
- Lerner, Alicja, and Michael Klein. "Dependence, withdrawal and rebound of CNS drugs: an update and regulatory considerations for new drugs development." Brain Communications 1.1 (2019): fcz025.
- Luo, Sarah X, and Eric J Huang. “Dopaminergic Neurons and Brain Reward Pathways: From Neurogenesis to Circuit Assembly.” The American Journal of Pathology vol. 186,3 (2016): 478-88. doi:10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.09.023
- Mazereel, Victor, et al. "Impact of psychotropic medication effects on obesity and the metabolic syndrome in people with serious mental illness." Frontiers in endocrinology 11 (2020): 573479.
- National Institutes of Health (US); Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. NIH Curriculum Supplement Series [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of Health (US); 2007. Information about Mental Illness and the Brain.
- Read, John. “The experiences of 585 people when they tried to withdraw from antipsychotic drugs.” Addictive behaviors reports vol. 15 100421. 17 Mar. 2022, doi:10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100421
- Renoir, Thibault, Terence Y. Pang, and Laurence Lanfumey. "Drug withdrawal-induced depression: serotonergic and plasticity changes in animal models." Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 36.1 (2012): 696-726.
- Sathyanarayana Rao, T S, and Chittaranjan Andrade. “Classification of psychotropic drugs: Problems, solutions, and more problems.” Indian journal of psychiatry vol. 58,2 (2016): 111-3. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.183771
- Teleanu, R.I.; Niculescu, A.-G.; Roza, E.; Vladâcenco, O.; Grumezescu, A.M.; Teleanu, D.M. Neurotransmitters—Key Factors in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Central Nervous System. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 5954. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23115954
- Vaughan, Don. "psychotropic drug". Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Jan. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/science/psychotropic-drug. Accessed 27 January 2024.
- Vinzant, Nick (2022) https://quotewizard.com/news/mental-health-prescriptions
- Vuolo, Mike et al. “Trends in psychotropic-drug-implicated mortality: Psychotropic drugs as a contributing but non-underlying cause of death.” Drug and alcohol dependence vol. 226 (2021): 108843. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108843
Pharmakeia in the Mental Health Industry
Modern medicine has dramatically improved the quality of life for mankind in providing cures for infectious diseases that have plagued the world for thousands of years. Life expectancy has skyrocketed! A staggering number of hospitalized people are regularly saved from death and given another chance at life through the hard work of medical professionals. Nevertheless, the power of modern medicine is limited in scope. It can heal the body but not the soul! Only Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, can heal the souls of hurting sinners.
“They that are whole need not a Physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Jesus Christ (Luke 5:31-32)
Many of the problems that plague mankind are strictly spiritual in nature, and spiritual problems require spiritual solutions. However, the spiritual realm is totally ignored by the philosophies of modern science. Literally, the Word of God has no place in Medical School. Are you surprised? These are secular institutions that pride themselves in being unbiased and irreligious. Therefore, medical professionals are capable of diagnosing and healing physical problems, but their science is incapable of doing the same for spiritual problems. It is our responsibility to consult the Bible to discern the difference between these two problems (2 Chron. 16:12).
Doctors do their best to help people. However, despite their good intentions, they are not trained or qualified to diagnose and treat people in the area of Mental Health. Why? Sin has massive consequences when it comes to the mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of people, and mental health professionals will not dare to speak about sin. This is nothing new! Academics began rejecting the teachings of the Bible a long time ago. They shut God out of the conversation ever since the Enlightenment in the 1700’s. Historically, this is also called the Age of Reason because a revolutionary change of opinion took place in society through which people tried to diagnose and solve their own problems without regard for the teachings of Scripture. This is called rebellion in the Bible! It was then that Psychology was born.
Doctors do their best to help people. However, despite their good intentions, they are not trained or qualified to diagnose and treat people in the area of Mental Health. Why? Sin has massive consequences when it comes to the mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of people, and mental health professionals will not dare to speak about sin. This is nothing new! Academics began rejecting the teachings of the Bible a long time ago. They shut God out of the conversation ever since the Enlightenment in the 1700’s. Historically, this is also called the Age of Reason because a revolutionary change of opinion took place in society through which people tried to diagnose and solve their own problems without regard for the teachings of Scripture. This is called rebellion in the Bible! It was then that Psychology was born.
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Prov. 26:12
“Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” - Isa 5:21
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” - Prov. 3:7
Psychology is the brainchild of the Enlightenment. It was all very primitive in the beginning. Learned men embarked upon a journey to study mankind to define what is right and wrong about them. The goal was to identify the problems and provide solutions. Eventually, they managed to present to mankind the character and personality of a person who is deemed to be mentally healthy. Any deviation from this is deemed to be mental illness. Another common term for mental illness is mental disorder. This philosophy then became a competing alternative to religion when therapists and counselors were trained and sent to every sector of society to spread the message. Naturally, sinners found psychological therapy to be a more comfortable path to becoming a “good person”.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Prov. 14:12
“There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” – Rom. 3:12
The primitive form of Psychology was then transformed into a sophisticated monster of influence due to advancements in modern technology which brought about the rise of Neuroscience. This only intensified the battle for truth in our generation! For, while the Word of God directs sinners to behold their need for the salvation of the soul in a spiritual new birth, many famous academics and intellectuals are causing everyone to admire the brain instead (Jn. 3:3).
Neuroscientists discovered chemical imbalances in the brain that are associated with human behavior and mental illness. Then they created a host of synthetic drugs to manipulate signaling in the brain to bring about behavior modifications. Hereby, Neuroscience armed Psychology with weapons making it much more dangerous to mankind. Psychologists are now using an arsenal of mind-altering drugs to bewitch the nations! Furthermore, the diagnosis and administration of drugs to patients is highly incentivized for the profit of filthy lucre. This is why prescription drugs in the USA are so expensive. Big Pharma has turned Mental Illness into a money-making enterprise.
Physicians are not immune to corruption. “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). Accountability for them is virtually nonexistent! Rogue doctors are able to give some bogus diagnosis without fearing any retribution. They are ruining the lives of countless sinners as people feel forced to take these drugs! Sadly, it isn’t likely that these people will ever get off these drugs either. They are fearmongered by their doctors to stay on the drugs! Can you believe it? The doctors do this by telling their patients about all the terrible things that have happened to people when they tried to get off the drugs. Nobody wants to be the next horror story in the record books of Psychiatry.
The class of drugs that alter the mind in this way are known as psychotropic drugs. Around 80 million hurting sinners in America are regularly consuming these drugs! Meanwhile, the global mental health market has grown to be worth 400 billion dollars; and the cost of these drugs alone brings in around 60 billion dollars annually. Conflicts of interest in the Medical System are never a good thing (1 Tim. 6:10, Matt. 6:24).
Are you depressed? They will give you antidepressants. Are you having difficulty sleeping? Do you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)? They will give you sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Are you so tired that you find yourself sleeping too much (somnolence)? They will give you antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Are you disinterested, distracted, and unable to focus (ADHD)? They will give you stimulants.
Are you experiencing PTSD from a traumatic experience? They will give you mood stabilizers. Do you suffer from anxiety? They will give you benzodiazepines. Do you experience fits of anger and sorrow in sudden changes of mood (bipolar)? They will give you antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Are you tempted to commit suicide? They will give you antidepressants. Do you experience sudden and uncontrollable changes in your personality (schizophrenia)? They will give you antipsychotics.
You will have to pick up these prescription drugs from your local Pharmacy. Consume it regularly and your mind will be altered through a synthetic manmade solution to a sin problem. There is a biblical word that describes this medical practice: “Pharmakeia” (Gal. 5:20, Rev. 9:21, 18:23). Sound familiar? Essentially, the Doctors are telling you that your brain is the problem, and their drugs are the solution to mental and emotional behaviors that are categorically called sin in the Bible. There is a biblical word that describes these Doctors: “Pharmakeus” (Rev. 21:8). Sound familiar? Doing this will condemn your soul to hell.
Neuroscientists discovered chemical imbalances in the brain that are associated with human behavior and mental illness. Then they created a host of synthetic drugs to manipulate signaling in the brain to bring about behavior modifications. Hereby, Neuroscience armed Psychology with weapons making it much more dangerous to mankind. Psychologists are now using an arsenal of mind-altering drugs to bewitch the nations! Furthermore, the diagnosis and administration of drugs to patients is highly incentivized for the profit of filthy lucre. This is why prescription drugs in the USA are so expensive. Big Pharma has turned Mental Illness into a money-making enterprise.
Physicians are not immune to corruption. “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). Accountability for them is virtually nonexistent! Rogue doctors are able to give some bogus diagnosis without fearing any retribution. They are ruining the lives of countless sinners as people feel forced to take these drugs! Sadly, it isn’t likely that these people will ever get off these drugs either. They are fearmongered by their doctors to stay on the drugs! Can you believe it? The doctors do this by telling their patients about all the terrible things that have happened to people when they tried to get off the drugs. Nobody wants to be the next horror story in the record books of Psychiatry.
The class of drugs that alter the mind in this way are known as psychotropic drugs. Around 80 million hurting sinners in America are regularly consuming these drugs! Meanwhile, the global mental health market has grown to be worth 400 billion dollars; and the cost of these drugs alone brings in around 60 billion dollars annually. Conflicts of interest in the Medical System are never a good thing (1 Tim. 6:10, Matt. 6:24).
Are you depressed? They will give you antidepressants. Are you having difficulty sleeping? Do you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)? They will give you sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Are you so tired that you find yourself sleeping too much (somnolence)? They will give you antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Are you disinterested, distracted, and unable to focus (ADHD)? They will give you stimulants.
Are you experiencing PTSD from a traumatic experience? They will give you mood stabilizers. Do you suffer from anxiety? They will give you benzodiazepines. Do you experience fits of anger and sorrow in sudden changes of mood (bipolar)? They will give you antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Are you tempted to commit suicide? They will give you antidepressants. Do you experience sudden and uncontrollable changes in your personality (schizophrenia)? They will give you antipsychotics.
You will have to pick up these prescription drugs from your local Pharmacy. Consume it regularly and your mind will be altered through a synthetic manmade solution to a sin problem. There is a biblical word that describes this medical practice: “Pharmakeia” (Gal. 5:20, Rev. 9:21, 18:23). Sound familiar? Essentially, the Doctors are telling you that your brain is the problem, and their drugs are the solution to mental and emotional behaviors that are categorically called sin in the Bible. There is a biblical word that describes these Doctors: “Pharmakeus” (Rev. 21:8). Sound familiar? Doing this will condemn your soul to hell.
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, Pharmakeia (witchcraft), hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Gal. 5:19-21
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and Pharmakeus (sorcerers), and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” – Rev. 21:8
Did you read Galatians 5:19-21 and Revelation 21:8? This is a warning from God. The word, Pharmacy, is an English word that comes from the Latin word, Pharmacia, which was derived from the Greek word, Pharmakeia. Obviously, this means that people are committing the damning sin of Pharmakeia through a seemingly innocent trip to the Pharmacy! However, not all drugs at the Pharmacy fall into the biblical category of Pharmakeia. This is why the Greek word, Pharmakeia, was translated into “witchcraft” in Galatians 5:19-21. This is why the Greek word, Pharmakeus, was translated into “sorcerers” in Revelation 21:8.
Holy Scripture has employed this word to identify and forbid a very specific kind of drugs. Most of the drugs found at the Pharmacy do not fall into this category. Therefore, in general, there is nothing wrong with the preparation, administration, and use of drugs from a Pharmacy, unless in doing so people are committing the damning sin of Pharmakeia. The mind-altering drugs are the problem.
The mind, heart, & soul of mankind belongs to God. The mental, emotional, and moral functions of the heart and soul are sacred. This is what makes us different than the animals (Gen. 1:26-27). Mankind was endowed with the dignity of these functions by our Creator to enable us to find righteousness and life in a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:5-10). Satan has devised a plan to invade into this holy place! The dark force of mind-altering drugs is being used by the Devil to trespass into this sacred place where a redeeming God meets with sinful Man in the Temple of the human body (1 Cor. 6:19-20). An invasion into this sacred arena is a violation that usurps the role of a Savior and replaces the work of salvation.
Historically, the witches, wizards, and sorcerers of the occult are known to harness the power of mind-altering drugs in their spells, powders, herbs, and potions. If there was no power in the punch of these forbidden arts, then the people would be much less enchanted by them as they eat, drink, and inhale things at the hand of sorcerers. Getting sedated, stoned, or high is a fast way to make contact with the invisible world of demons! The unsuspecting public is now getting the same stuff from mainstream medicine at the Pharmacy without any warning signs of “hocus pocus”.
Even if no one is getting sedated, stoned, or high in the process, sorcery and witchcraft is still being done anytime people are being deceived to put their faith in something or someone to resolve a spiritual problem of sin and its consequences. Beware! Salvation is the only solution to sin. We are living in a new era of healthcare that is fraught with spiritual danger. Serpents are covertly hiding in the Garden of Medicine.
Holy Scripture has employed this word to identify and forbid a very specific kind of drugs. Most of the drugs found at the Pharmacy do not fall into this category. Therefore, in general, there is nothing wrong with the preparation, administration, and use of drugs from a Pharmacy, unless in doing so people are committing the damning sin of Pharmakeia. The mind-altering drugs are the problem.
The mind, heart, & soul of mankind belongs to God. The mental, emotional, and moral functions of the heart and soul are sacred. This is what makes us different than the animals (Gen. 1:26-27). Mankind was endowed with the dignity of these functions by our Creator to enable us to find righteousness and life in a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:5-10). Satan has devised a plan to invade into this holy place! The dark force of mind-altering drugs is being used by the Devil to trespass into this sacred place where a redeeming God meets with sinful Man in the Temple of the human body (1 Cor. 6:19-20). An invasion into this sacred arena is a violation that usurps the role of a Savior and replaces the work of salvation.
Historically, the witches, wizards, and sorcerers of the occult are known to harness the power of mind-altering drugs in their spells, powders, herbs, and potions. If there was no power in the punch of these forbidden arts, then the people would be much less enchanted by them as they eat, drink, and inhale things at the hand of sorcerers. Getting sedated, stoned, or high is a fast way to make contact with the invisible world of demons! The unsuspecting public is now getting the same stuff from mainstream medicine at the Pharmacy without any warning signs of “hocus pocus”.
Even if no one is getting sedated, stoned, or high in the process, sorcery and witchcraft is still being done anytime people are being deceived to put their faith in something or someone to resolve a spiritual problem of sin and its consequences. Beware! Salvation is the only solution to sin. We are living in a new era of healthcare that is fraught with spiritual danger. Serpents are covertly hiding in the Garden of Medicine.
Which Mental Illness Do You Have?
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Is there something wrong with your brain? No. But your local Psychiatrist will tell you that you have a Mental Illness because you have brain problems in the area of neurochemicals and neurotransmission. Hopefully, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about how stress from your environment has contributed to this condition, but now that you have arrived at this point mentally – “where your brain is malfunctioning” – they are going to tell you that you need mind-altering drugs.
Do you need the drugs? No. The real source of the problem at hand is stress. Science proves it! If the stress of your environment is reduced, then the brain abnormalities will also be corrected. Most Doctors will not share the details of this matter because they have skin in the game. Nevertheless, divine providence has raised up at least one dissenting voice among the Doctors of Neuroscience, Dr. Preethi David Morris, and she is making this point exactly in a recent article.
Do you need the drugs? No. The real source of the problem at hand is stress. Science proves it! If the stress of your environment is reduced, then the brain abnormalities will also be corrected. Most Doctors will not share the details of this matter because they have skin in the game. Nevertheless, divine providence has raised up at least one dissenting voice among the Doctors of Neuroscience, Dr. Preethi David Morris, and she is making this point exactly in a recent article.
“Mental health professionals universally prescribe psychotropic drugs to patients which are diagnosed with mental illnesses such as depression, sleep disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and so on. This is based on the theory that mental illnesses are caused not only by environmental factors, but inherent neurochemical imbalance and dysfunction of neurotransmission within the brain. However, the latter remains unproven by modern day scientific research.
Numerous human and animal studies show an association between the behavioral states of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety and abnormal neurophysiology. Yet, correlation or association does not imply causation. Furthermore, animal studies show that stressful stimuli are upstream to observed changes in neurochemical imbalance, and similarly human studies often examine abnormalities in neurophysiology in patients already presenting with one or more mental health illnesses while exemplifying the field’s definition of “stress” as relates to humans. In other words, various forms of “stress”, or what the American Psychological Association defines as “an emotional response to an external trigger”, is treated with one main remedy in modern medical practice: mind altering drugs. Yet, again, there is no evidence in medical research literature that inherent abnormalities in the brain are the source of mental health illnesses.” – Dr. Preethi David Morris (“Correlation does not Imply Causation”, while Psychotropic Drugs do Cause Neurochemical Imbalances and Dysfunction of Neurotransmission) |  |
The stress of your environment should be evaluated in the light of Holy Scripture. Why? Sin causes stress! Stress is manifested in the presence of sorrow and fear and the absence of joy, peace, & comfort in your daily life. Accordingly, salvation relieves stress! Are you saved? The Bible has a lot to say about joy, peace, and comfort (Isa. 26:3, Rom. 14:17, Php. 4:7, 2 Tim. 1:7). Realistically, if stress is going to be reduced or removed from your life, the problem of sin is going to have to be addressed. Moreover, all the major questions of life need to be asked and answered with the truth of the Bible in full view.
Is something wrong with your mind? Yes. According to the Bible, the mind of sinners is spiritually dead and at enmity against God because of sin (Rom. 8:6-7). Literally, it is alienated from God and defiled by sin (Col. 1:21, Eph. 4:17-19, Titus 1:15). It is unsound in its motivations, emotions, and desires (Eph. 2:3). Only God can renew, restore, and make the mind sound in its moral function (Rom. 8:6, 2 Tim. 1:7, 1 Cor. 2:16, Php. 2:5, Heb. 8:10). The gift of the Holy Spirit will perform the needed transformation (Acts 2:38).
Is something wrong with your mind? Yes. According to the Bible, the mind of sinners is spiritually dead and at enmity against God because of sin (Rom. 8:6-7). Literally, it is alienated from God and defiled by sin (Col. 1:21, Eph. 4:17-19, Titus 1:15). It is unsound in its motivations, emotions, and desires (Eph. 2:3). Only God can renew, restore, and make the mind sound in its moral function (Rom. 8:6, 2 Tim. 1:7, 1 Cor. 2:16, Php. 2:5, Heb. 8:10). The gift of the Holy Spirit will perform the needed transformation (Acts 2:38).
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” - John 14:26-27
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” – Rom. 8:5-6
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Gal. 5:22-23
Is something wrong with your heart? Yes. According to the Bible, the heart of sinners is wicked to the core and desperate to commit sin (Jer. 17:9, Job 15:15-16, Matt. 13:15, Acts 28:27). Literally, every thought, desire, and imagination of the heart is only evil continually (Rom. 8:7, Gen. 6:5, Ps. 10:3, Eph. 4:18). Only God can make it clean and pure from sin (Ps. 51:10, 24:4, 1 Pet. 1:22, 2 Tim. 2:22). Salvation in Christ restores the moral function of the heart to make it righteous by nature (Heb. 8:10, Jer. 31:33).
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” - Jesus Christ (John 3:3)
If you don’t experience it for yourself, then you will never know what is on the other side. We are all born sinners! A radical change must take place. Not the betterment of your current life. A new life! Not the improvement of sinners. Morality will only mask the problem. Psychological programs of rehabilitation or reeducation will not work.
“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” - John 3:7
A miraculous new birth will change your world! This is not something that we can do for God. This is something that God does for us (Eph. 2:8-10). We cannot save ourselves! We cannot change ourselves! Sin is a hereditary problem that has infected the entire human race. We inherited a sinful nature from Adam & Eve (Rom. 5:12-14). The whole family tree of mankind is fallen! A divine intervention must take place (2 Pet. 1:2-4). God, the Creator, is the only one who has the power to make all things become new.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” - 2 Cor. 5:17
The sin problem at conception can be remedied by the new creation. God can remake and reform those who have been “shapen in iniquity” (Ps. 51:5). The Potter has power over the clay (Jer. 18:1-6). Those who are born in sin can be reborn in righteousness! The generations of men can be regenerated (Titus 3:3-7). Hereby, the Children of the Devil become Children of God (1 Jn. 3:7-10). The miraculous difference will be felt “as soon as they be born” (Ps. 58:3, Rom. 5:21). Can you believe it? Believe in the Gospel. This is true freedom (Jn. 8:31-36)! Literally, the Gospel is good tidings to hurting sinners.
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach Good Tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” - Isaiah 61:1-3 This good news is powerful enough to make everyone feel better. Tell your friends and family about it! Let the prisoners of Mental Illness come out of the Garden of Medicine and ascend the hill of Calvary. God wants you to see something! Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins. This revelation will bring the needed healing. |  |
“Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” – Isa. 53:4-5
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): “A mental disorder that is characterized by an overly active mind, impulsive decisions, and disinterested behavior where individuals experience difficulty focusing for sustained periods of time.”
Children in recent generations are notoriously distracted, undisciplined, and detached from reality. “ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders of childhood.” (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention). A staggering 129 million children and adolescents worldwide are on ADHD mind-altering medication! This is a tragedy. We are witnessing the disintegration of the nuclear family, and the children are suffering the most.
“…a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” – Prov. 29:15
Parents need to own their guilt in this matter. Generations of children have been practically orphaned in a culture of abandonment. The feminist movement has slandered and deglorified the role of biblical womanhood. Women have left the home and gone to work by the droves for decades! Consequentially, the children are left to themselves in daycare, with babysitters, at school, and other secular programs. Considering the signs of the times, this is a dangerous situation: anything is possible in schools that have eradicated the Bible from the curriculum. Remember, the schools in former generations freely distributed Bibles, and now they proudly distribute condoms.
“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” – Jer. 6:16
Society belittles the honorable vocation of “childbearing” (1 Tim. 2:15). Women find identity and worth in their careers rather than in marrying, bearing children, and guiding the house (1 Tim. 5:14). The peer pressure upon young ladies to do the same is overwhelming. Can you hear the voices of strange women loudly mocking at the thought of showing “piety at home” (1 Tim. 5:4)? Scoffers think that the teachings of the Bible are ancient, irrelevant, and outdated.
“…teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” – Tit. 2:4-5
Parents, if you abandon your God-given responsibilities, then you will suffer the consequences. You will find that even when your family is at home, their hearts are somewhere else. In the evenings or on the weekends, even when everyone is together, your children are enslaved to the addictions of entertainment. Parents, what about you? Your children prefer the fantasy world of television, movies, videogames, and toys more than reality. The formative years of vulnerable children are spent in this vanity, and parents wonder why they have difficulty sustaining the attention of their children.
“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” – Prov. 4:25-27
Distracted, undisciplined, and hyperactive children pay a visit to a local Doctor and are immediately prescribed stimulants. They are told that the chemical problem will be solved by these mind-altering drugs. No lectures are given to the parents about how absorbing information as a primary form of entertainment makes the children feel that thinking productively and accomplishing tasks is unpleasant, unreasonable, and burdensome. Why? Follow the money. The drug business is booming with filthy lucre. Constructive criticism might offend the parents, and this is bad for business.
Most parents are not being role models for their children. Instead, the fictional characters of the entertainment business are their role models. Have you ever observed the behavior of these cartoon characters? It isn’t good. Don’t be surprised if your little ones emulate and copy their character traits. Hyperactivity and impulsivity in cartoon characters is something that attracts and sustains the attention of the children.
Most parents are not being role models for their children. Instead, the fictional characters of the entertainment business are their role models. Have you ever observed the behavior of these cartoon characters? It isn’t good. Don’t be surprised if your little ones emulate and copy their character traits. Hyperactivity and impulsivity in cartoon characters is something that attracts and sustains the attention of the children.
“There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.” – Prov. 30:11
The children then grow up and repay their parents in kind. When mom and dad grow old, instead of taking care of them, they put them up in Old Folks Homes and other available programs. The cycle of abandonment continues without repentance. Tragically, the adults of modern times are equally plagued by ADHD! A staggering 366 million adults worldwide have been diagnosed with ADHD and are regularly consuming mind-altering drugs.
“Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.” – Eccl. 6:9
This is not a chemical problem! This is a sin problem. The city of the soul is broken down and without walls. Any fleeting lust can come and occupy the city. There is no rule over the spirit (Prov. 25:28). Sinners are distracted with the pleasure of wanderlust in cyberspace (1 Tim. 5:6). The hellish sin of covetousness burns with unquenchable fire (Prov. 27:20, Hab. 2:5, Rom. 3:16-17, Matt. 6:22-23)! Sinners are distracted and dissatisfied and feel no danger.
“Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.” – James 5:5
The only remedy to a sin problem is salvation! Upon repenting and believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and this will produce life and peace in your mind, heart, & soul. The wandering of human desire will then be at rest when the soul is anchored by divine love.
“But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” – Isa. 57:20-21
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” – Rom. 8:6
“For God hath not given us the Spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Tim. 1:7
This is good news. The presence of God will change your presence of mind. There is power in the Gospel! Jesus Christ taking up residence in your heart will empower you by giving you the temperance, discipline, and self-control of a “sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). Sanity and soundness are not a problem for those who have “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16).
Somnolence: “A mental disorder characterized by drowsiness, weariness, or excessive sleepiness.”
We are born sinners (Rom. 5:12-14). We live in a cursed world of hardship and difficulty. The thorns and thistles of life make sinners sorrowful and weighed down, but most people just try to ignore it (Gen. 3:17-19, Ps. 107:12). People try to stay positive and make the best of things! Meanwhile, God is trying to get everyone’s attention. Divine providence has caused this message to fall into your hands for a reason. You need God’s help! A divine finger is pointing at all the problems on earth so that you might seek heaven for answers.
Sin is an inconvenient leech upon your life that you cannot ignore! Do you feel it? I’m speaking about all the “evil” (Eccl. 2:21), “grief” (Eccl. 1:18, 2:17, 23), “vexation” (Eccl. 1:14, 17, 2:17, 22, 26), “travail” (Eccl. 1:13, 2:23, 26), “sorrow” (Eccl. 1:18, 2:23), “despair” (Eccl. 2:20), dissatisfaction (Eccl. 1:8), and restlessness of sinners in a fallen world (Eccl. 2:23). How do you cope with it? Honestly, for most people, the daily grind isn’t making them feel alive, awake, alert, and energized.
Sin is an inconvenient leech upon your life that you cannot ignore! Do you feel it? I’m speaking about all the “evil” (Eccl. 2:21), “grief” (Eccl. 1:18, 2:17, 23), “vexation” (Eccl. 1:14, 17, 2:17, 22, 26), “travail” (Eccl. 1:13, 2:23, 26), “sorrow” (Eccl. 1:18, 2:23), “despair” (Eccl. 2:20), dissatisfaction (Eccl. 1:8), and restlessness of sinners in a fallen world (Eccl. 2:23). How do you cope with it? Honestly, for most people, the daily grind isn’t making them feel alive, awake, alert, and energized.
“All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.” – Eccl. 1:8
Many people feel that the daily workweek is a prison of meaningless repetition. They feel worn out and fatigued in both body and soul. They want to do something else! They want to be someone else! They feel trapped in their present circumstances and can’t foresee any way out for many years to come.
“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” - Ecclesiastes 1:2
“What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?” – Eccl. 1:3
“What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?” – Eccl. 3:9
Pleasure seekers and dreamers feel the vanity of life in the obligation to work. The grumbling of dissatisfied workers comes from deep within! The inaudible complaining is constant! The people feel that they can’t go anywhere or do anything that they want to do. Therefore, a dark cloud of melancholy hangs over the soul. The Bible teaches that melancholy and worldly sorrow can have an intoxicating effect of tiredness, weariness, and sleepiness (Lk. 22:45, Jonah 1:5-6).
“And when He…was come to His disciples, He found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” - Luke 22:45-46
People try to escape the confines of their own reality by television and movies. There is little thought about turning to God in prayer because nobody is telling them that they have a sin problem. Meanwhile, the thrill of fiction and fantasy allows for a semblance of freedom to live a different life. Living rooms are furnished with couches and recliners to indulge in the mad indifference of idle entertainment. Feeling no real purpose in life, or the power to do anything about it, people become slothful, sluggish, and lazy.
“Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” – Prov. 19:15
“The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.” – Prov. 26:15-16
The sin of slothfulness brings the body under a spell of sleepiness. For one reason or another, it is common for people to come to hate life itself (often because of the hardships that accompany work), so when they get off work they resort to the same private getaway at home in the Living Room.
“Therefore I hated life because the work…” – Eccl. 2:17
“Yea, I hated all my labour…” – Eccl. 2:18
What is life? Mostly, it is a bunch of eating, sleeping, and going to work! When people get off work, they come home and sluggishly expire the evening in the Living Room. Some people call it rest and relaxation, but if they were honest, they would admit that they are tired and hurting on the inside. They mourn the fact that they have to wake up tomorrow and do the same thing all over again! Considering the circumstances, if the scenery in the Living Room is one that invites slothfulness, the people are probably going to come under a spell of sleepiness. Lost souls are void of real purpose and feel enslaved to the workweek; therefore, they are plagued with slothfulness, sluggishness, and sleepiness.
“Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.” – Prov. 6:4
“How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:” – Prov. 6:9-10
Eventually, many people come to feel that they have nothing better to do than relax. They indulge in sleep! They take a vacation! Modern enthusiasts tell them that they owe it to themselves. Nevertheless, one way or another, somehow, they begin to feel tired all the time. Tired and drowsy sinners pay a visit to the Doctor and are immediately prescribed antidepressants or benzodiazepines depending on the circumstances. They leave having come to believe that they have a chemical problem. Now these people will not let anyone tell them that they have a sin problem! This is how the souls of sinners sink deeper into the mire. People are coming under the power of mind-altering drugs for a lifetime of addiction! Meanwhile, those who are getting saved from sin are experiencing an awakening of heavenly power in a real encounter with the person of Jesus Christ.
“Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee Light.” – Eph. 5:14
Reconciliation to God is a miraculous experience of spiritual regeneration. Everything is made new (2 Cor. 5:17)! Credit should be given to the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:1-7). The empty tomb is a good testimony. There is power in the Gospel! The power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead can get any sinner out of bed and on his feet - feeling good: alert, alive, focused, energized, sober, meditative, watchful, circumspect, & resolved (Ps. 57:8, 63:6). Can you relate? “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thess. 5:6). When your eyes are clear and your priorities are heavenly, then staying awake, energized, and alert isn’t a problem (Matt. 6:19-24, Ps. 132:3-5). Meanwhile, the souls of condemned sinners are haunted by a phantom ghost of sleepiness that seems inescapable (Isa. 29:10, Rom. 11:8).
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