The Problem For Mankind
What if most of what people believe about the Bible is wrong? This is a bold assertion, and it might even seem a bit ‘cult-like,’ but bear with me as we delve into a few scriptures that might challenge your perspective. I’m not here to solicit donations for my church or persuade you to adopt my beliefs. Frankly, I’m not concerned with what you believe—shocking as that may sound. My only concern is my own convictions because I know who I will ultimately answer to when my time on Earth concludes.
You’ve been endowed with free will by the God of the Universe, your Creator, to whom you must answer for your actions. Consider Cain, who infamously declared, ‘I am not my brother’s keeper’ after murdering his brother—an act God did not prevent. His words were technically correct, but he was still a murderer. That’s where our discussion must start.
I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior at the age of 13 during a service at The Chapel in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. That day marked a monumental change in my life; my spirit, once dormant, was awakened to God. Suddenly, the Bible became comprehensible to me. Now, over 44 years later, I can attest to God’s steadfast promise to never leave nor forsake me, as His Word declares. Throughout these nearly four and a half decades since being ‘born again’—a transformation where God revived my human spirit to become receptive to His Holy Spirit, and I was adopted into His kingdom as both a servant and a future son—I’ve encountered numerous unusual theological teachings.
Such experiences are to be expected, as Jesus himself illustrated in the Parable of the Wheat and Tares:
The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30)
“24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
Jesus later explains that this parable symbolizes the coexistence of good (the wheat) and evil (the tares) within the world, revealing the roles of Satan, believers, unbelievers, angels, and the end times. The challenge with today’s theological teachings lies not in the foundational truth that ‘while we were yet sinners Christ died for us,’ but in a comprehensive understanding of God’s overarching plan for His creation.
Let’s delve into Romans Chapter 8, which speaks profoundly about creation itself ‘groaning’ in ‘earnest expectation’ as it awaits liberation from the bondage that has engulfed our universe. I recall a preacher from New Zealand who once shared that if he weren’t a preacher, he would have been a ‘tree hugger’ because of his love for God’s creation. I resonate deeply with his sentiment. Yet, what sets us apart from a typical ‘tree hugger’ is our understanding that all of creation is in anticipation, yearning for a pivotal event—the ‘manifestation of the sons of God.’
Here’s what Paul writes:
Romans 8:18-23 ’18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.’
These verses are rich with meaning and deserve thorough exploration. They reveal that God’s plan transcends human salvation; it includes the redemption of His entire creation. This cosmic-scale redemption is what all of creation is groaning for—a liberation that will culminate in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
If God intends to redeem all of Creation, this is indeed profound knowledge. Yet, tragically, most people will never grasp this truth—they have been deceived. How can we be sure? Jesus Himself provided a stark illustration in Matthew Chapter 13 with the famous Parable of the Sower, which He explained to His disciples. This parable not only shows the different responses people have to God’s word but also highlights that only a select few are receptive to the fullness of God’s plans.
Jesus elaborated on the significance of this teaching:
Matthew 13:17-23 ’17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them; 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.’
Through this parable, Jesus teaches that while the message of the Kingdom is available to all, various distractions and deceptions of life prevent most from truly understanding and embracing it. The ‘good ground’ represents those few who not only embrace the word but also allow it to transform them, bearing fruit in accordance with the divine plan. It is a stark reminder of the selective receptivity in our world, and a call to cultivate ourselves as fertile ground for truth.”
Why is this significant? The disciples themselves were perplexed by Jesus’ use of parables. They struggled to grasp His teachings without explanations and realized that the crowds were equally baffled. Why didn’t Jesus simply tell people what they wanted to hear? Why wasn’t He delivering a modern-day TED Talk, as so many preachers seem to have perfected? Having spent my entire life in sales, I recognize a polished pitch when I see one, and the Gospel can easily be manipulated into a mere promotional tool. But clearly, Jesus was not interested in catering to popular desires.
Matthew 10-16 ’10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.’
This tells me that much of what I say on the Wicked Darkness YouTube Channel and this Wicked Darkness blog may not be received by most. This sounds harsh, but it’s the reality—I can’t save you. I can only point you to the Savior, but you must choose to save yourself. You must actively open your eyes to see, your ears to hear, and your heart to understand. Contrary to the beliefs of some, God will not override your free will with a magic wand. The Holy Spirit, gentle as a dove, respects your freedom. The notion that ‘if God doesn’t choose you, you’re simply out of the club’ is a misinterpretation. The good news of the Gospel is freely available to everyone! It’s about active choice, not passive reception.
God’s pattern is clear: He did not stop Cain from killing Abel, nor did He prevent Adam and Eve from eating the forbidden fruit. He didn’t stop Moses or David from committing murder, but He did offer them both forgiveness and received them as His servants. Similarly, Jesus does not stop people from ignoring His words. Instead, He uses parables because listeners must desire to understand. His disciples, though often confused, sought Him out for explanations, showing their willingness to learn and understand. They were open to receiving what He had to say, a crucial attitude for anyone following His teachings.
The Serpent
Let’s shift gears now from the Creation and the world of men and dive deeper into a profound question. What is the Bible really about? As I stated at the beginning, “What if most of what you believe about the Bible is wrong?” Let me share with you a few things that we know about Jesus while He was here on Earth before being crucified, resurrecting from the dead and ascending back into Heaven.
“In Matthew Chapter 4, we witness a profound and direct encounter between Jesus and the devil, emphasizing the devil’s existence as a real being, not merely a metaphor for evil. This chapter details Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness, where He was specifically led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. The narrative is clear and detailed, describing not just spiritual or abstract temptation but a series of personal and direct confrontations.
Matthew 4:1-11 ‘1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He shall command His angels concerning you,’ and, ‘In their hands, they shall bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “It is also written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.’
This passage not only affirms the devil as a literal figure but also showcases the nature of temptation that Jesus faced—real, personal, and strategic. The devil’s dialogue with Jesus reveals his awareness and cunning, attempting to exploit Jesus’ physical needs and spiritual mission. Each temptation builds in intensity, culminating in an offer of worldly power in exchange for worship, starkly illustrating the devil’s role as the adversary.
The significance of this account extends beyond the historical and spiritual narrative of Jesus’ temptation. It confronts us with the reality of spiritual opposition in our own lives. It challenges contemporary views that may dilute or dismiss the devil’s existence as merely symbolic. Understanding this encounter in its full biblical context encourages us to recognize the personal and present nature of spiritual battles, highlighting the need for vigilance, spiritual awareness, and adherence to scripture as demonstrated by Jesus Himself.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus vividly describes the action of the ‘wicked one’—the devil—who actively seeks to prevent people from grasping the truth of God’s Word. This is not a metaphorical or abstract evil; it is a direct, personal assault on spiritual understanding. Jesus says, ‘When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart’ (Matthew 13:19). This underscores the urgency of being vigilant and prepared, for our adversary does not passively wait but actively seeks to thwart spiritual growth and understanding.
This theme is further explored in the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, where Jesus continues to delineate the role of the ‘wicked one’ in the cosmic battle between good and evil. After dismissing the crowd, Jesus provides a private explanation to His disciples:
Matthew 13:36-43 ’36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.’
In this explanation, the devil is identified as the one who sows the tares among the wheat—deliberately planting agents of disruption and corruption amidst the good. This stark imagery conveys not only the reality of the devil’s work but also the eventual triumph of good over evil. The final harvest, where the righteous shine and the wicked face judgment, serves as a potent reminder of the ultimate justice that awaits.
“Understanding the ‘wicked one’ as a real entity with a significant role in the spiritual realm is crucial for every believer. It’s not merely about acknowledging the existence of evil but recognizing the active opposition that seeks to undermine the work of God in our lives and in the world. By fully grasping these teachings, we are better equipped to engage in the spiritual warfare that defines much of the Christian walk, armed with the knowledge and the faith that the victory is already secured through Christ.
Jesus’ message was unambiguous: the wicked darkness in this world is real, not merely a concept or an idea, but a literal being. The Serpent of Genesis, the Dragon of Revelation, and the adversary in Job represent the same continuous presence of evil throughout the Bible. While I won’t detail all these passages here, I encourage you to explore these texts to see the truth of this portrayal for yourself.
The Bible narrates a cosmic rebellion within God’s Creation and illustrates God’s endeavor to make a point to His Creation. This point is articulated throughout both the Old and New Testaments and is succinctly explained by Jesus Himself during a nocturnal conversation with a Pharisee, Nicodemus, in John Chapter 3. This discussion encompasses the famous verse of John 3:16 but to truly understand it, one must consider the full context of Jesus’ explanation about darkness and light.
John 3:13-21 ’13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 And this is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.’
Jesus explains that His coming into the world serves as a divine intervention to reclaim what has been lost, stolen, or taken by the wicked one. He contrasts the allure of darkness with the salvific light He brings, emphasizing that the choice to embrace this light is an open invitation to all, yet many choose darkness due to their deeds.
This comprehensive message highlights the profound purpose of Jesus’ mission: not just to oppose the wicked one but to offer a pathway back to the light—a restoration of the relationship between Creator and creation, fundamentally altered by sin but redeemable through faith in Christ.
Have you ever considered that what you believe about the Bible could be incomplete or misunderstood? As we delve deeper into the narrative, it becomes clear that the ‘wicked one’—the Devil, Satan, the Serpent, the Dragon—is not just a minor player but a central figure from Genesis to Revelation.
Genesis 1:1-5 tells us, ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep…And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.’ Notice that the text begins with the Earth already in existence, shrouded in darkness, before God introduces light. This pre-existing darkness hints at a backstory not fully explained within the creation account. The Earth and the cosmos are ancient, their existence marked by eons before the events described in Genesis. The narrative doesn’t detail when ‘In the beginning’ occurred or explain the origin of the ‘darkness’ that was present.
Into this setting, a third party—the Serpent—appears in the Garden of Eden, seemingly out of nowhere. This being is already present on Earth, suggesting his existence and fall predate the human story. Satan himself claims dominion over the kingdoms of the world during his temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4), a claim Jesus does not dispute. This interaction implies that Earth, at least for a time, falls under Satan’s influence.
Why would God create mankind and place them directly in the enemy’s territory? The Bible’s narrative suggests a deeper purpose than simply the salvation of mankind; it positions humanity in a cosmic conflict, potentially as a demonstration against Satan’s rebellion. Consider the setting of the Garden of Eden—a paradise akin to the splendor Satan might have enjoyed, yet given to humanity, possibly to incite jealousy or to prove a point about obedience and loyalty.
Satan’s actions throughout the Bible—marked by anger, jealousy, and deception—reflect a response to God’s judgments and the introduction of humanity into what he considers his domain. This is vividly portrayed in the Book of Job:
Job 1:6-12 outlines a celestial gathering where Satan presents himself before God. Here, God points out Job’s righteousness, essentially using Job as evidence against Satan’s rebellion, showcasing that a human, despite being weaker and mortal, can remain faithful and obedient to God under severe trials.
This narrative suggests that humanity is not just a bystander but an active participant in a divine drama, serving as a counter to Satan’s rebellion. In essence, mankind is portrayed as the nail in Satan’s coffin—a definitive rebuttal to his excuses for rebelling against God’s authority.
This interpretation invites us to view the biblical narrative through a broader lens, seeing it as a detailed exposition of a cosmic battle over loyalty, authority, and righteousness, with humanity at its core.”
This post may be lengthy, but I want to conclude with a final thought and some scriptures that encapsulate the message. If the insights I’ve shared hold true, which I firmly believe they do, consider how this might transform your understanding of your own purpose. You are not merely some product of evolution as so many believe that has no more purpose than a snake or a worm; you are crafted in the image of the Creator, destined for a purpose far greater than you might realize. You are here to pass judgment on a rebellious entity, an evil presence whose territory we have invaded. In essence, we are the aliens on this planet, not the residents. Prepare to have your perspective fundamentally challenged.
2 Peter 2:9-11 ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.’
These verses illuminate our true status: once strangers to divine truth, now bearers of light in a realm of darkness. Our presence here is not coincidental; it is purposeful, transformative.
Luke 15:10 ‘Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.’
Why is there such celestial rejoicing over one repentant sinner? It goes beyond personal salvation. Each conversion is a reaffirmation of divine authority—a submission to the Creator that the ‘rebellious one’ refused. The angels rejoice not just for the salvation of a soul, but because each repentant sinner acknowledges and upholds the cosmic order that Satan defied.
Finally, consider the words of Jesus after witnessing the return of the 70 disciples, empowered and exuberant:
Luke 10:17-24 ‘The seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven…’
Jesus’ observation of Satan’s fall and His empowering of His followers underscore His authority over all creation, including the dominions claimed by Satan. The triumph isn’t just in subjugating demons but in the acknowledgment that our names are inscribed in heaven—our true home and destiny.
In this broader narrative, the Bible doesn’t just recount the history of humanity; it reveals a profound drama of divine justice, authority, and the ultimate sovereignty of God. As you reflect on these truths, ask yourself about the implications for your life and faith. Are you ready to embrace your role in this grand, divine saga?
As we contemplate the profound responsibilities that accompany our spiritual identity, consider also what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:2-3: ‘Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?’
This scripture crystallizes the immense role entrusted to humanity. Not only are we involved in a cosmic struggle, but we are also destined to judge the world and even angels. This elevates our purpose beyond mere participants in the divine drama to being arbiters in the unfolding of divine justice. It challenges us to live lives worthy of this high calling, equipping ourselves with wisdom and righteousness to fulfill these roles effectively.
This broader narrative and our role within it should inspire a reevaluation of our daily lives and our broader spiritual mission. If we are to judge angels, how diligently should we approach the challenges and decisions of this life? Our involvement in God’s plan is not passive; it is active and crucial, tasked with upholding and manifesting divine justice and order.
Reflecting on these truths, let us step forward with a renewed understanding of our place in God’s creation. Embrace the responsibilities that come with being made in the image of the Creator, and prepare to fulfill your role not just on Earth, but in the grand judgment of the world and beyond.”
