Welcome to WickedDarkness.com. If you’re here, it’s important for me to share not just what I believe, but why these beliefs hold such significance in my life. My faith in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the authority of the Bible isn’t based merely on tradition or second-hand knowledge. It’s the result of a deliberate journey of discovery and conviction.
In the following sections, I’ll break down these core beliefs and explain why I am convinced of their truth. My aim is to offer transparency about my faith journey and to provide insights that might resonate with your own spiritual explorations.
THE JEWS, THE ARABS AND THE BIBLE
It is essential to begin our exploration of the major truths by addressing three pivotal subjects: the Jews, the Arabs, and the Bible itself. The Bible, a profound anthology of 66 books, was composed over millennia by various authors—from Moses, who penned the first five books, to John the Apostle, who wrote Revelation during his exile on the island of Patmos. These texts are not just religious artifacts; they are historical documents that trace back to the descendants of Abraham, making them foundational to understanding both Jewish and Arab heritage.
The religious landscape of our world is vast and varied, encompassing major religions such as Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, alongside countless cults led by charismatic leaders or devoted to specific deities. This diversity of worship, which has persisted throughout human history, challenges the secular viewpoint and suggests a deep-rooted inclination toward reverence and devotion. The existence of multiple deities in various cultures introduces a complex panorama of faith, yet it underscores a fundamental truth: there exists a supreme God, distinct from lesser “gods,” whose presence and influence are central to the narratives of both the Jewish and Arab peoples.
The Distinctiveness of the God of the Bible
One fundamental question arises when considering the diverse panorama of world religions: what sets the God of the Bible apart from other deities worshipped throughout history? Several aspects clearly demonstrate, both spiritually and logically, that the God of the Bible is unique and that Jesus is indeed the Jewish Messiah. A particularly compelling evidence of this is the intertwined stories of the Jews and the Arabs, which highlight the profound nature of God’s interactions with humanity.
According to the biblical narrative in Genesis, Abraham, a key patriarch who lived around 2000 years before Christ in the land of Ur, was called by God to follow Him in a life of faith. Abraham had two sons, Isaac with his wife Sarah, and Ishmael with Hagar, Sarah’s handmaid. Isaac, born against all odds due to Sarah’s old age, was considered the child of promise, whereas Ishmael was born through more natural circumstances. Despite their different paths, both sons were integral to God’s plan, showcasing God’s fairness and mercy.
The departure of Hagar and Ishmael from Abraham’s household is a poignant story of family and divine promise. Despite the heartbreak of sending away his firstborn, Abraham received God’s assurance of blessing over Ishmael’s lineage. Contrary to omitting potentially contentious details, the scriptures candidly recount their story, including the lineage of Ishmael as documented in I Chronicles 1:29-33, where it is noted that Ishmael fathered 12 tribes, mirroring Isaac’s descendant Jacob, who also had 12 tribes. This symmetry is more than historical; it’s theological, emphasizing God’s impartiality and faithfulness.
The Historical Blessings and Trials of Their Descendants
Throughout history, both the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac have experienced profound blessings and significant challenges. The Middle East, largely inhabited by Ishmael’s descendants, plays a crucial role in global economics, particularly through oil production. Meanwhile, the Jews, descendants of Isaac, have faced both remarkable prosperity and intense persecution. Their history of enslavement in Egypt, liberation by Moses, and subsequent trials and exiles illustrate a recurring theme of suffering and redemption that pervades Jewish history.
This historical and biblical examination not only highlights the unique characteristics of the God of the Bible but also underscores a broader narrative of redemption, promise, and the fulfillment of God’s word. The factual recounting of these events in the Bible, unfiltered and honest, reinforces the authenticity of the scriptures and the reliability of God’s promises.
The Resilience and Trials of the Jewish People
The biblical narrative does not shy away from the flaws and failures of its people. Far from concealing their mistakes, the Bible openly depicts the Jews’ repeated failings in their covenant with God. This honesty is vividly illustrated in their history of exiles and captivities, starting when they were taken as slaves to Babylon—a period marked by divine judgment but also by profound prophetic insights.
Consider the Book of Daniel, where Daniel, a Jewish prophet in Babylonian captivity, interprets a dream for Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The dream featured a statue with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay, symbolizing the succession of empires from Babylon to the Roman Empire. From our vantage point in 2024, this prophecy not only recounts history but also provides a framework for understanding the continuity and influence of these powers into modern times, where elements of these ancient empires can be seen in the structures of the Roman Catholic Church, the United States, the United Nations, and broader European influences.
The resilience of the Jewish people, in contrast to many other historical civilizations, is nothing short of miraculous. Despite enduring successive dominions under Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, and facing near annihilation during the Holocaust, the Jewish people have not only survived but maintained their cultural and religious identity. In places like New Mexico, where Native American tribes strive to preserve their heritage, and in the United States, where African Americans seek recognition and justice for past grievances, the story of the Jews stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a people defined by their faith and history.
Where are the great civilizations that once enslaved them—the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans? Many have dissolved into the annals of history, yet the Jews, like the Arabs, descendants of Ishmael, continue to thrive, grounded by a faith and identity that has weathered the storms of history. This endurance is a powerful testimony to the fidelity of the God of the Bible, who has preserved His people through the ages, fulfilling His promises and prophetic words through centuries of upheaval.
JESUS WAS A JEW
The narrative of Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah, deepens in intrigue when we consider the circumstances of His crucifixion. Approximately 2,000 years ago, Jesus was crucified between a murderer and a thief during Passover, an event orchestrated under Roman supervision but deeply entwined with Jewish prophecy and ritual. Above His head, the Romans placed a sign, “King of the Jews,” not merely as a mocking gesture but as a profound declaration of His identity. This title, recognized by both the Romans and the Jewish authorities, highlights the paradox of His rejection.
Jesus was largely despised and rejected by His own people, not because He failed as a savior but because He did not fulfill their expectations of liberation from Roman rule. This rejection is crucial for understanding the Messianic prophecy: the true Messiah was not to be a temporal earthly king but a spiritual savior. The fact that Jesus did not align with the anticipated ‘warrior king’ role made His acceptance improbable in contemporary Jewish society. Had the Jewish leaders embraced Him as the Messiah, it might have seemed too aligned with prevailing expectations—like a neatly fitting piece in their socio-political puzzle.
John the Baptist recognized Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, 36), linking Jesus directly with the Passover lamb, a central symbol of Jewish deliverance from Egypt. This identification is not only symbolic but also prophetic, fulfilling the deepest spiritual needs of humanity rather than the immediate political desires of a nation. Jesus’ crucifixion during Passover underlines this connection, marking Him as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, transcending the physical liberation celebrated during Passover with a far greater spiritual liberation.
The specifics of Jesus’ crucifixion further underscore His fulfillment of prophecy. The Jewish authorities, aware of the sanctity of the approaching Sabbath, requested that the Romans hasten the death of the crucified by breaking their legs. Yet, when they came to Jesus, finding Him already deceased, His legs were left unbroken, fulfilling the scripture that “Not one of his bones will be broken” (Psalm 34:20). Furthermore, the piercing of His side, from which blood and water flowed, fulfilled another scripture: “They will look on the one they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10).
These meticulously detailed fulfillments of prophecy validate the divine nature of the Biblical narrative and the identity of Jesus as the Messiah. As we delve into these profound truths, we are called to consider what these events mean for our faith and understanding of Scripture. This isn’t just a historical recount; it’s a living testament to the faithfulness and precision of God’s plan, as recorded in the Bible. Isn’t this depth of consistency, prophecy, and fulfillment worth our deepest contemplation and belief?
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
During an online debate years ago, a Jewish Rabbi challenged my faith, suggesting I abandon worship of Jesus and solely worship God. My response highlighted the cultural and religious disparities that shape our beliefs: “I am not a Jew. I am an American of Scottish and Irish descent, and my ancestors were pagans. Without Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, what connection do I have to a Jewish God? Moreover, without a temple to fulfill the law or atone for sins, how do you, adhering to the law of Moses, atone for your own sins in the absence of a temple?” His reply was simply, “God understands.” This exchange underscores a crucial point: without Jesus, there is no logical reason for me, as a Gentile, to worship the God of the Bible.
But if Jesus is indeed the Son of God, the Savior of the World, and God incarnate, then everything changes. This confirms that the Jews are indeed God’s chosen people, that Abraham’s seed has blossomed into a multitude as vast as the stars, and that salvation is accessible to all through a Jewish God and His Jewish Son. This truth doesn’t just connect me to the Jewish God; it extends to all descendants of Abraham, including the Arabs. Through Christ, both Jews and Arabs, as well as all of humanity, are invited into a restored relationship with God. This is not merely remarkable; it is the essence of the Gospel—the good news that salvation and reconciliation with God are available to everyone, transcending cultural and historical divides.
Explore More Major Truths
Intrigued by these insights? I hope I’ve given you some food for thought on your spiritual journey, underscoring that things aren’t always as they seem unless you dig deeper. Remember, you have to seek to find, knock for the door to open, and sometimes, step back to see the big picture. I will be expanding this discussion with twelve major truths that further elaborate on the grand narrative of Christianity and my beliefs. This additional page will address common questions including:
- God: Understanding the divine nature and character.
- The Eternal Plan (Economy) of God: Unpacking God’s overarching purposes.
- The Incarnation of God: The profound mystery of God becoming man.
- Christ: The life and ministry of Jesus.
- The Death of Christ: The significance of the crucifixion.
- The Resurrection of Christ: The victory over death and its implications.
- The Eternal Life: The promise of everlasting life with God.
- The Spirit: The role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.
- Christ’s Redemption and God’s Salvation: The mechanisms of our redemption.
- The Believers: The identity and journey of those who follow Christ.
- The Church: The purpose and function of the global body of Christ.
- The New Jerusalem: The ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise.
I will put a link here once I finish this additional page, so stay tuned.
