Now for those persons of faith who hold on to their beliefs and say that: “I am not of this world or said Greek culture by virtue of what I believe!” … Hold on just one minute. That would be a conclusion that is thoroughly Hellenistic since such an immediate response would be the by-product of a self-determinant rationalization! Let this sink in as well for a moment. Please understand that the delusion of individual determination has infiltrated ALL sectors of thought, understanding, living and yes … sad to say religion.
It is all too true … this world is dominated by an under pinning of a such devious, seductive and seemingly common sense approach to understanding the big picture that the vast majority of people are even unaware that it exists. For the sake of argument one might think that this author is discussing Hellenism and its effects on our culture but not so! You see Hellenism … a movement of rational and individual centric based understanding of knowledge, existence and purpose is nothing more than a popular doctrine of … satan first exposed in the Garden of Eden!
He is also called "the dragon," "the old serpent" (Rev. 12:9; 20:2); "the prince of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30); "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2); "the god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4); "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2); "Beelzebub, the prince of the devils" (12:24).
He is "the constant enemy of G_D, of Mashiach, of the divine kingdom, of the followers of Yeshua, and of all truth; full of falsehood and all malice, and exciting and seducing to evil in every possible way."
His power is very great in the world. He is a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). Men are said to be "taken captive by him" (2 Tim. 2:26). Believers are warned against his "devices" (2 Cor. 2:11), and called on to "resist" him (James 4:7).
This under pinning is not presented by its architect in such a manner as to show its true face … that being to destroy G_D’s plan and purpose … to destroy G_D’s chosen people … to destroy G_D’s eternal covenant … no … this would be far to overt. Instead this movement of relative self-determinism has covertly and dare we say brilliantly been interwoven into the very fabric of this world in such a manner as to not threaten us and even more so to confuse and convince us that we are not even under its control. Its purpose is to permeate our entire fabric of existence to lead us away from truth while convincing us that we are actually on the path of real truth and enlightenment … the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing! Hmmm … sounds like the fall of our first parents in the Garden of Eden … yes?
The real matrix that represents the fabric of “this world”… the “Olam Hazeh which people of faith should know as the following as described in Holy Scriptures:
Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Matthew: 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
John: 1:6-14 There was a man sent from G_D, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light that all men through him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light, which lights every man that comes into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of G_D, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of G_D. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 9:39 And Yeshua said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not, might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
John: 12:23-32 And Yeshua answered them, saying, the hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Amen, amen, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. 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. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said an angel spoke to him. Yeshua answered and said, this voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
John: 13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover, when Yeshua knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
John: 14:29-31 And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and has nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Romans: 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of G_D, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto G_D, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of G_D.
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:12 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of G_D. 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? Has not G_D made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of G_D the world by wisdom knew not G_D, it pleased G_D 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 Messiah crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Messiah the power of G_D, and the wisdom of G_D. Because the foolishness of G_D is wiser than men; and the weakness of G_D 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 G_D has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and G_D has 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, has G_D chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Messiah Yeshua, who of G_D is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, he that glories, let him glory in the LORD. …
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of G_D. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught: But we speak the wisdom of G_D in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which G_D ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the LORD of glory. But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which G_D has prepared for them that love him. But G_D has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of G_D. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of G_D are known by no man, but the Spirit of G_D. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of G_D; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of G_D.
1 Corinthians 3:18-21 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with G_D. For it is written, he takes the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
2 Corinthians 4:2-6 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of G_D deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of G_D. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Messiah, who is the image of G_D, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Messiah Yeshua the LORD; and ourselves your servants for Yeshua’s sake. For G_D, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of G_D in the face of Yeshua Messiah.
Ephesians: 2:1-2 And you has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: … 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of G_D that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Commentary:
So you should hopefully agree dear reader that Biblically we are told that “this world” is indeed controlled by the adversary … that this world is something that believers must not conform to … that there is a spiritual battle that is taking place … a battle of life and death! And we should also agree that it is the wisdom of this world which is the evil that permeates within the original creation and decays what was glorious and good!
But you still don't buy into the idea of a real life matrix … that it simply can't exist? That a delusion of this magnitude would be impossible not to recognize! … Hmmm!
Isaiah: 30, 7-13 For Egypt helps in vain, and to no purpose; therefore have I called her arrogancy that sits still. Now go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book that it may be for the time to come forever and ever. For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children that refuse to hear the teaching of the LORD; That say to the seers: 'See not,' and to the prophets: 'Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy delusions; Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.' Wherefore thus says the Holy One of Israel: because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon; therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.
Jeremiah: 10:14-16 Every man is proved to be brutish, without knowledge … They are vanity, a work of delusion; in the time of their visitation they shall perish. Not like these is the portion of Jacob; for he is the former of all things, and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance; the LORD of hosts is his name.
2 Thessalonians: 2:10-12 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause G_D shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Matthew: 24:22-27 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Messiah, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Messiahs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect! Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Commentary:
Certainly G_D’s word reveals this delusion … this trap!
Dear reader! Are you still sure that the delusion is readily recognizable?
Do you believe this does not exist because of your senses … because of your Spirit?
Or do you believe in the literal reality and truth of G_D’s word?
G_D's word is crystal clear and points to an undeniable truth that many so called believers are held tightly within the grasp of a delusion!
* * * * * * *