Abstaining from an appearance of evil

[pinacled]

I imagine most readers here are aware of the 4 abstainate instructions given by the talmidim(disciples).
}blood
}meat strangled
}food offered to idol(ie. elihu/Satan)
}sexual immorality

In the hebrew connotation of talmud relative to talmidim to witness an oral tradition I find an important instruction to abstain from appearance of evil.

A fifth level of PaRDeS beyond the sod of exegesis.

Question:
What then does it mean to abstain from the 5th?

 

[Michael]

Abstain from every appearance of evil (Response to Pinacled)

Having been banned from posting or even responding in the "Christian (Lutheran) Theology" section on this forum, I will give my understanding to pinacled's question there, here -

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1Thess 5:22 KJV

Literally in the Greek - "from every appearance of evil keep back."

"Appearance" is what others see of you. And as well what God sees you do. A misunderstanding circulating in some assemblies today is that God cannot see what we do anymore if we've "accepted Christ", because He now 'sees us through the Blood', or some other non-Biblical teaching.

I've taught much on this over the years, and received much heat for it, from the sect of our modern Christian Religion that is unable to accept that we will all be held accountable for our behavior one Day, and particually "Christians" who have not truly walked the road of repentance: "striving against sin to the shedding of their own blood"), truly "not loving their own lives even unto death." (Heb 12:4, Rev 12:11)

There is much to be said on this topic, but I'll share the first portion of Truth the Lord brought to my mind when I read pinacled's question -

The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle, warned us who name the Name of Christ -
"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them." - Eph 5:1-7

The continual warnings to the "believers" throughout all of Paul's letters, tell us that if we do not "by the Spirit, put to death the deeds of our flesh", and "sow to the Spirit" we will not have "any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God." This Eternal Truth has become near impossible for many to accept today.

The witness we are giving by our behavior, our actions, our words and deeds, is our "appearance" before God and man. Is evil (the behavior of our "old man") evident in what we say and do? We could go into Romans 14 where Paul addresses even the things which we do that may not be "sin" but cause a weak brother to stumble, and speaking even of eating meat, says, "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak." (Rom 14:21). Or Peter's letters to the churches, where he admonishes, again, not those in the world, but "believers" to "abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." - 1Pet 2:11-12

I know there is a veil over much of the churches today, and the True "Blessed Hope"of the First Century disciples has been replaced by fables which pale in comparison to what God has predestined for His Elect, for those who will be Christ's "co-heirs", the counterpart for the Lamb, "seated with Him on this Throne, ruling the nations" into Eternity. So my earnest prayer has been as that of the Apostle -

"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come." - Eph 1:17-21

Amen.


.

 

[Lamb]

This thread has been moved from Christian theology to World Religion & Speculative Theology and I'm merging Michael's reply here as well.

 

[pinacled]

This thread has been moved from Christian theology to World Religion & Speculative Theology and I'm merging Michael's reply here as well.

I ask that you return this thread back to christian theology.
The entire point of abstaining from evil is avoidance of friendship with the world.

 

[pinacled]

Having been banned from posting or even responding in the "Christian (Lutheran) Theology" section on this forum, I will give my understanding to pinacled's question there, here -

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1Thess 5:22 KJV

Literally in the Greek - "from every appearance of evil keep back."

"Appearance" is what others see of you. And as well what God sees you do. A misunderstanding circulating in some assemblies today is that God cannot see what we do anymore if we've "accepted Christ", because He now 'sees us through the Blood', or some other non-Biblical teaching.

I've taught much on this over the years, and received much heat for it, from the sect of our modern Christian Religion that is unable to accept that we will all be held accountable for our behavior one Day, and particually "Christians" who have not truly walked the road of repentance: "striving against sin to the shedding of their own blood"), truly "not loving their own lives even unto death." (Heb 12:4, Rev 12:11)

There is much to be said on this topic, but I'll share the first portion of Truth the Lord brought to my mind when I read pinacled's question -

The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle, warned us who name the Name of Christ -
"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them." - Eph 5:1-7

The continual warnings to the "believers" throughout all of Paul's letters, tell us that if we do not "by the Spirit, put to death the deeds of our flesh", and "sow to the Spirit" we will not have "any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God." This Eternal Truth has become near impossible for many to accept today.

The witness we are giving by our behavior, our actions, our words and deeds, is our "appearance" before God and man. Is evil (the behavior of our "old man") evident in what we say and do? We could go into Romans 14 where Paul addresses even the things which we do that may not be "sin" but cause a weak brother to stumble, and speaking even of eating meat, says, "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak." (Rom 14:21). Or Peter's letters to the churches, where he admonishes, again, not those in the world, but "believers" to "abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." - 1Pet 2:11-12

I know there is a veil over much of the churches today, and the True "Blessed Hope"of the First Century disciples has been replaced by fables which pale in comparison to what God has predestined for His Elect, for those who will be Christ's "co-heirs", the counterpart for the Lamb, "seated with Him on this Throne, ruling the nations" into Eternity. So my earnest prayer has been as that of the Apostle -

"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come." - Eph 1:17-21

Amen.


.

Thankyou Michael,

I would add the letter to Romans ch 12

 

[Michael]

Amen.

One of the misunderstandings I encounter often from church-goers today, is in to whom all the epistles of the New Testament were written. We mistakenly apply most of the admonitions to the "unsaved" while embracing all the promises for ourselves. We fail to realize that ALL the promises and warnings are given directly to the "believer."

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Rom 12:1-2

And after the Holy Spirit of God, through the Apostle, tells us who are following Jesus to serve God faithfully in the gifts He has given us, He explains what a True Christian will look like; which is determined by their behavior and conduct, by what we actually DO -

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
- Rom 12:10-21

An old time pastor (now 94 years-old) and personal friend of mine wrote, among his many books, a short booklet entitled "But What If We Don't"; in which he addresses what the Scripture says of those who have been "saved" yet do not walk in the Way that the Scripture clearly states a "believer" MUST walk if they are to inherit the promises of God to "those who overcome."

One of the biggest stumbling blocks in Christendom at large today, is the conflict between the Truth of the Scripture and the modern teachings on “salvation.”
Many doctrines have arisen from this misunderstanding of “salvation” that are foreign to the written Word of God.
I won’t go into that here. Got a lot on my website along those lines.


.

 

[pinacled]

Amen.

One of the misunderstandings I encounter often from church-goers today, is in to whom all the epistles of the New Testament were written. We mistakenly apply most of the admonitions to the "unsaved" while embracing all the promises for ourselves. We fail to realize that ALL the promises and warnings are given directly to the "believer."

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Rom 12:1-2

And after the Holy Spirit of God, through the Apostle, tells us who are following Jesus to serve God faithfully in the gifts He has given us, He explains what a True Christian will look like; which is determined by their behavior and conduct, by what we actually DO -

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
- Rom 12:10-21

An old time pastor (now 94 years-old) and personal friend of mine wrote, among his many books, a short booklet entitled "But What If We Don't"; in which he addresses what the Scripture says of those who have been "saved" yet do not walk in the Way that the Scripture clearly states a "believer" MUST walk if they are to inherit the promises of God to "those who overcome."

One of the biggest stumbling blocks in Christendom at large today, is the conflict between the Truth of the Scripture and the modern teachings on “salvation.”
Many doctrines have arisen from this misunderstanding of “salvation” that are foreign to the written Word of God.
I won’t go into that here. Got a lot on my website along those lines. ��


.

Amen

And Thankyou for contributing to a conversation in oil Michael.

While being renewed in spirit and soul I was reminded of The Lord Yeshua's Word concerning the least of the kingdom and also what matit'yahu (Matthew shared in the 24th chapter of the letter of witness given.

Blessings Always

 

[pinacled]

Amen

And Thankyou for contributing to a conversation in oil Michael.

While being renewed in spirit and soul I was reminded of The Lord Yeshua's Word concerning the least of the kingdom and also what matit'yahu (Matthew shared in the 24th chapter of the letter of witness given.

Blessings Always

1 yochanon(john ch: 2

Do not love the world or the things of the world. If someone loves the world, then love for the Father is not in him; 16 because all the things of the world — the desires of the old nature, the desires of the eyes, and the pretensions of life — are not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world is passing away, along with its desires. But whoever does God’s will remains forever.

 

[Michael]

1 yochanon(john ch: 2

Do not love the world or the things of the world. If someone loves the world, then love for the Father is not in him; 16 because all the things of the world — the desires of the old nature, the desires of the eyes, and the pretensions of life — are not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world is passing away, along with its desires. But whoever does God’s will remains forever.

Amen, brother.

The further I travel along the Way, the more I discover how little the churches at large really understand what God has destined for "those who overcome."

The more the Lord unveils of His Eternal plan & purpose, the more I despise the temporal things that are "passing away."

"Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4)

This Truth in Malachi is increasingly coming to mind -

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another,
And the Lord listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the Lord
And who meditate on His name.

17 “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,
“On the day that I make them My jewels.
And I will spare them
As a man spares his own son who serves him.”
18 Then you shall again discern
Between the righteous and the wicked,
Between one who serves God
And one who does not serve Him."
- Mal 3:16-18

I pray our names are in that Book.

Peace & Blessings, Wisdom & Strength to you.

 

[pinacled]

Amen, brother.

The further I travel along the Way, the more I discover how little the churches at large really understand what God has destined for "those who overcome."

The more the Lord unveils of His Eternal plan & purpose, the more I despise the temporal things that are "passing away."

"Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4)

This Truth in Malachi is increasingly coming to mind -

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another,
And the Lord listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the Lord
And who meditate on His name.

17 “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,
“On the day that I make them My jewels.
And I will spare them
As a man spares his own son who serves him.”
18 Then you shall again discern
Between the righteous and the wicked,
Between one who serves God
And one who does not serve Him."
- Mal 3:16-18

I pray our names are in that Book.

Peace & Blessings, Wisdom & Strength to you.

Thankyou for such a noble thought to walk in prayer and blessings.

During sukkot I imagine an unsealed scroll will reveal much upon the eyes of the heart.

Blessed be The Holy One

 

[pinacled]

https://hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/parashah.html#Readings

 

[Michael]

Thankyou for such a noble thought to walk in prayer and blessings.

During sukkot I imagine an unsealed scroll will reveal much upon the eyes of the heart.

Blessed be The Holy One

Amen.

Indeed, during this time of the celebration which signifies the gathering of God's own to Himself, the Lord has indeed been ministering to my heart, calling me to a place of surrender and humbleness.

The Church is passing from Pentecost into Trumpets. So few seem to understand that there are the three Feasts still remaining which we must go through. I pray those God has chosen will keep our eyes on the end Goal: Tabernacles.

The Inheritance of Creation and to minister Life to the nations are incredible, wonderful promises indeed, but Union with the Son and the Father is my ultimate desire.

I believe you know of what I speak.

May He be your portion each day.

 

[pinacled]

Listen, children, to a father’s instruction;
pay attention, in order to gain insight;
2 for I am giving you good advice;
so don’t abandon my teaching.
3 For I too was once a child to my father;
and my mother, too, thought of me as her special darling.
4 He too taught me; he said to me,
“Let your heart treasure my words;
keep my commands, and live;
5 gain wisdom, gain insight;
don’t forget or turn from the words I am saying.
6 Don’t abandon [wisdom]; then she will preserve you;
love her, and she will protect you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom!
And along with all your getting, get insight!
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will bring you honor;
9 she will give your head a garland of grace,
bestow on you a crown of glory.”

10 Listen, my son, receive what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I’m directing you on the way of wisdom,
guiding you in paths of uprightness;
12 when you walk, your step won’t be hindered;
and if you run, you won’t stumble.
13 Hold fast to discipline, don’t let it go;
guard it, for it is your life.

14 Don’t follow the path of the wicked
or walk on the way of evildoers.
15 Avoid it, don’t go on it,
turn away from it, and pass on.
16 For they can’t sleep if they haven’t done evil,
they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
shining ever brighter until full daylight.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
they don’t even know what makes them stumble.

20 My son, pay attention to what I am saying;
incline your ear to my words.
21 Don’t let them out of your sight,
keep them deep in your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to their whole being.

23 Above everything else, guard your heart;
for it is the source of life’s consequences.
24 Keep crooked speech out of your mouth,
banish deceit from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze on what lies in front of you.
26 Level the path for your feet,
let all your ways be properly prepared;
27 then deviate neither right nor left;
and keep your foot far from evil.

 

[pinacled]

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Avoiding-Evil

 

[pinacled]

Don’t be envious of evil people,
and don’t desire to be with them.
2 For their minds are occupied with violence,
and their lips speak of making trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built,
by understanding it is made secure,
4 and by knowledge its rooms are filled
with all kinds of costly and pleasant possessions.

5 A wise man is strong;
yes, a man of knowledge grows in strength.
6 For with clever strategy you wage your war,
and victory comes from having many advisers.

7 Wisdom is too lofty for a fool;
he keeps his mouth shut at the city gate.

8 He who plans to do evil
people call a schemer.

9 The evil plans of the foolish are sin,
and people detest a scorner.

10 If you slack off on a day of distress,
your strength is small indeed.
11 Yes, rescue those being dragged off to death —
won’t you save those about to be killed?
12 If you say, “We knew nothing about it,”
won’t he who weighs hearts discern it?
Yes, he who guards you will know it
and repay each one as his deeds deserve.

13 My son, eat honey, for it is good;
honeycomb drippings are sweet to your taste.
14 Know that wisdom is similar[ly sweet] to your soul;
if you find it, then you will have a future,
what you hope for will not be cut off.

15 Don’t lurk like an outlaw near the home of the righteous,
don’t raid the place where he lives.
16 For though he falls seven times, he will get up again;
it’s the wicked who fail under stress.

17 Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls;
don’t let your heart be glad when he stumbles.
18 For Adonai might see it, and it would displease him;
he might withdraw his anger from your foe.

19 Don’t get upset because of evildoers;
don’t be envious of the wicked.
20 For the evil person has no future —
the lamp of the wicked will go out.
21 My son, don’t get involved with revolutionaries,
but fear Adonai and the king.
22 For disaster from them will suddenly appear,
and who knows what ruin they both can cause?

23 These also are sayings of the wise:

Showing partiality in judgment is not good.
24 He who tells the guilty, “You are innocent,”
will be cursed by peoples, reviled by nations;
25 but with those who condemn him, things will go well,
and a good blessing will come upon them.

26 Giving an honest answer
is like giving a kiss.

27 Prepare your outside work,
and get things ready for yourself on the land;
after that, build your house.

28 Don’t be a witness against your neighbor for no reason —
would you use your lips to deceive?

29 Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me,
I’ll pay him back what his deeds deserve.”

30 I passed by the field of the lazy man
and the vineyard of the man lacking sense.
31 There it was, overgrown with thistles;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
32 I looked, and I thought about it;
I saw, and I learned this lesson:
33 “I’ll just lie here a bit, rest a little longer,
just fold my hands for a little more sleep” —
34 and poverty comes marching in on you,
scarcity hits you like an invading soldier.

 

[pinacled]

Don’t be envious of evil people,
and don’t desire to be with them.
2 For their minds are occupied with violence,
and their lips speak of making trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built,
by understanding it is made secure,
4 and by knowledge its rooms are filled
with all kinds of costly and pleasant possessions.

5 A wise man is strong;
yes, a man of knowledge grows in strength.
6 For with clever strategy you wage your war,
and victory comes from having many advisers.

7 Wisdom is too lofty for a fool;
he keeps his mouth shut at the city gate.

8 He who plans to do evil
people call a schemer.

9 The evil plans of the foolish are sin,
and people detest a scorner.

10 If you slack off on a day of distress,
your strength is small indeed.
11 Yes, rescue those being dragged off to death —
won’t you save those about to be killed?
12 If you say, “We knew nothing about it,”
won’t he who weighs hearts discern it?
Yes, he who guards you will know it
and repay each one as his deeds deserve.

13 My son, eat honey, for it is good;
honeycomb drippings are sweet to your taste.
14 Know that wisdom is similar[ly sweet] to your soul;
if you find it, then you will have a future,
what you hope for will not be cut off.

15 Don’t lurk like an outlaw near the home of the righteous,
don’t raid the place where he lives.
16 For though he falls seven times, he will get up again;
it’s the wicked who fail under stress.

17 Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls;
don’t let your heart be glad when he stumbles.
18 For Adonai might see it, and it would displease him;
he might withdraw his anger from your foe.

19 Don’t get upset because of evildoers;
don’t be envious of the wicked.
20 For the evil person has no future —
the lamp of the wicked will go out.
21 My son, don’t get involved with revolutionaries,
but fear Adonai and the king.
22 For disaster from them will suddenly appear,
and who knows what ruin they both can cause?

23 These also are sayings of the wise:

Showing partiality in judgment is not good.
24 He who tells the guilty, “You are innocent,”
will be cursed by peoples, reviled by nations;
25 but with those who condemn him, things will go well,
and a good blessing will come upon them.

26 Giving an honest answer
is like giving a kiss.

27 Prepare your outside work,
and get things ready for yourself on the land;
after that, build your house.

28 Don’t be a witness against your neighbor for no reason —
would you use your lips to deceive?

29 Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me,
I’ll pay him back what his deeds deserve.”

30 I passed by the field of the lazy man
and the vineyard of the man lacking sense.
31 There it was, overgrown with thistles;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
32 I looked, and I thought about it;
I saw, and I learned this lesson:
33 “I’ll just lie here a bit, rest a little longer,
just fold my hands for a little more sleep” —
34 and poverty comes marching in on you,
scarcity hits you like an invading soldier.

For those walking in prayer with a strength of forgiveness during these 7 sukkot wonderful Yoms(days). And like wise hear and see verse 15,16 in with the eyes of the heart.

Thankyou for being a blessed lit lamp to show The Way of Lord Yeshua.

Blessed be The Holy One

 

[pinacled]

1{}2 corinthians ch:6

 

[pinacled]

I wonder if anyone here recalls what content was in the ark during ole Shlomo(Solomon's reign

If not for the prophets speaking of the cherub angels in likeness to two olive trees

I wonder if any here would of ever had Noble thoughts of hope in Yeshua( salvation.

 

[hedrick]

The OP refers to a non-Scriptural source. I would have some concerns about it. There are dangers to an appearance of evil, in that they might imply to people that you think actual evil is OK. But God judges by reality, not appearance, and getting too caught up in appearances can lead to a legalistic approach to ethics.

 

[Michael]

The OP refers to a non-Scriptural source. I would have some concerns about it. There are dangers to an appearance of evil, in that they might imply to people that you think actual evil is OK. But God judges by reality, not appearance, and getting too caught up in appearances can lead to a legalistic approach to ethics.

Being that the title of the thread topic is an exact quote from the canon of Scripture, we do well to heed the Word.

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1Thess 5:22 KJV

And honestly, if striving to faithfully obey the commandments of God given through Christ Jesus and His Apostles, is "legalism", then I want to be the best "legalist" around!! :ange06:

"The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men."
- Psalm 11:4