All Shades Between

By D.F. Spiritu

Embark on a mystical journey through the veil between the material world and the spiritual. Discover the living testimony of those who have lived on the earth throughout history and have had a very real encounter with the Spirit of a living God. Discover the reason for life in a world maze of deceitful teachings and road signs designed to keep us lost in the wilderness of despair and hopelessness. Learn the knowledge that will arm us against the onslaught of disinformation, allowing one to break free from the chains of fear itself. Get answers to questions about life and death, truth and fiction left behind for us in ancient manuscripts. Writings detailing the prophetic words of human vessels chosen to spread a message of fate and the future of our destiny as a human race. Step from this world into eternity!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781646547227

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Prologue

Testimonial

Chapter 1: Words of Wisdom

Chapter 2: The Law

Chapter 3: The Greatest Law

Chapter 4: Who Is God?

Chapter 5: God Says Who He Is

Chapter 6: Who Is Jesus?

Chapter 7: Spiritual Heritage

Chapter 8: Mythology, Giants, and Extraterrestrials

Chapter 9: ETs and UFOs

Chapter 10: God, Gods, and Goddesses

Chapter 11: Virgins

Chapter 12: Visions, Prophecy, and the Future

Chapter 13: Visions, Prophecy, and Your Future

Chapter 14: Angels versus Demons

Chapter 15: Satanism

Chapter 16: On Human Sacrifice

Chapter 17: Witchcraft: Filling the Void with Pleasure

Epilogue: Eden

Part I: The Journey

Part II: The Angel

Part III: The Throne

Part IV: The Thousand Years

Part V: The Reckoning

Part VI: The Holy City

Part VII: The Tree of Life

Bibliography

About the Author

Index

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All Shades Between

D.F. Spiritu

Copyright © 2022 D. F. Spiritu

All rights reserved

Second Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

ISBN 978-1-64654-721-0 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64654-722-7 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Then I said, I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name. But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I was weary of holding in; and I could not prevail.

—Jeremiah 20:9

Prologue

There have been many false assumptions regarding sexual discrimination on behalf of the many different authors of the books of the Bible. The answer to these accusations lies in language transliteration and not in the supposed prejudices of a male-dominated society. It is true that there were prejudices and injustices toward women in the ancient cultures of Eastern civilization. They were treated on the same level as slaves. Women really had no more rights than those of a slave.

Because of the present-day knowledge of this ancient past, it has been assumed that these practices were carried through in the Judaic tradition as well as in Christianity. In reality, these assumptions only hold true in the unorthodox practices of self-righteous bigots within society. Not all the practitioners of orthodox Judaism held to such beliefs. Unfortunately, it was the common practice of many to hold to such archaic discrimination even through the advent of Christianity. Sixth-century Arabia is a perfect example of this phenomenon. To the present day, Islam reflects this suppression of the female in its practices, holding to sixth-century views in a modern society.

On the other hand, it is Christianity that has liberated women and actually placed them on the same level as the man. There are those who have postulated a very different scenario that they have termed as Pauline Christianity. The accusations fly as outraged feminists point an accusing finger at the Pharisee known as Paul. The main problem with such reasoning is that due to their own blind prejudices, these same individuals have failed to really do their homework. They have fallen into the same trap as the male-chauvinist bigots who rely on someone else's interpretation of the ancient texts. As a result, history has shown us many instances of male-dominated societies that have taken the liberty of butchering the language terms of the original writer's intent.

The problem is not the fault of either sex, but instead, the fault lies in the translation of the original languages. The real problem is that our English language is oftentimes inadequate in its expression of the true nature of foreign-language terms. For instance, when the English Bible uses the word man, it could mean woman as well. This would have been immediately recognized if it were translated as mankind instead. The Hebrew and Greek texts actually use words that mean mankind or human being in many instances. An example of this is the word Adam. This could be a name for the first man as well as a term meaning a human being, a person, or even the species of mankind. At other times, so as to distinguish that it is talking about a man, the Hebrew uses the word iysh. To designate this same idea, the Greek uses the word aner. There are many cases in which Paul used the word Anthropos, which can also mean a human being, as the species of mankind. This, of course, would include women as well as men. Unfortunately, the English translation may not reflect this idea. Therefore, it stands to reason that the real fault lies in the ignorance of the original language and not with the authorship of the books that make up the Bible.

This is just a minute example of the many problems that exist in translating languages. This by no means is an attempt to cover them all! It only takes a willingness to examine the facts in order to realize the truth. As Paul speaks about habits and restrictions upon the women, many times these same things apply to the men as well. So before one is so quick to judge another's intent, whether they are male or female, they should go directly to the original language by consulting an exhaustive concordance for the definition of terms. In doing so, one will find that their ignorance of these terms has caused them to fall into the trap of pointing an accusing finger at an innocent human being, thereby discounting the very faith that could ultimately become their life preserver in this sea of confusion we call the world.

Testimonial

Who am I that I should write concerning such things, and what authority have I that one should heed my sayings? I am an ex-witch and occult practitioner of the self-initiated order of witches. I was a magical practitioner of the art of High Magick and witchcraft. As some might define a witch from youth, I did that which was natural according to my natural instincts. Since I did that which came naturally, the voice of self guided my every footstep. As a child, I was attracted to the Indians and their tribal ways. Even the attempts of my parental upbringing to urge me toward the cowboys' lifestyle was of no avail to my psyche. Like Tarzan of the jungle, I was drawn toward a nature-boy lifestyle. This brought problems into my homelife. Society had mapped out a lifestyle of urban development that conflicted with what I actually valued and wanted in my own life. I would sit in school and dream about going to the Hawaiian islands to live life in a jungle atmosphere.

When I was a youth, I was a Bewitched fanatic and always fantasized about what it would be like to be a witch with the powers that Samantha, the good witch, had. It was my desire to become a witch, and sometimes I actually believed that such power of sorts surrounded me. I felt that I just needed to learn to develop it somehow. I always felt that since I was an adopted child, I was born for some special purposes and that to be a witch was one such purpose. I thought that perhaps my real parents were rich and important and that somehow I got separated from royalty in order to fulfill some ancient mystical prophecy.

At fifteen years of age, I lay in bed and imagined what it would be like to start some sort of new religion, becoming wealthy in the process. This new religion would allow a person to believe in God and to be free to do whatever came natural, as long as the violence and harm I experienced in my own personal world could be eliminated. Sexual freedom was imperative, and marriage optional. To be free from oppression, law, school, and rules was of utmost importance. Rock and roll, long hair, and free dress were to be what separated us from the rest of society. There was a belief in heaven, but no belief in a hell. Gee, what a religion that would be! Total freedom! Well, little did I know that my new, imaginary religion would parallel witchcraft ethics almost to a tee. The only thing missing from the formula was some sort of doctrinal basis, but what does one expect from a fifteen-year-old? These thoughts came to me from what I would term as the natural man. These things were not from books or some sort of theological rationale; they were simply the natural desires that one has in their heart as a young teen. It is quite possible that many young people have similar thoughts as they begin to exercise their minds. This is the time in life that no one seems to understand us except our peers who are experiencing the very same things as we are.

It was at this time in my life that I met my first Jesus person. Living across the street, he would come over and read verses to me from a little red book. It was at this time that I first heard about being born again. Since I was on a quest for freedom and personal power in my life, I listened to what this friend had to say. But in truth, I really thought that he was a freak. Yet I felt that by giving in and absorbing these words of life, I would further my quest by becoming more complete. So I prayed a prayer with him to become born again. I figured that maybe he wouldn't bug me any more afterward. I assumed that this was a good choice, until I walked into the house and told my parents. They exploded with such heavy, negative input that even my father backhanded me in the mouth for my profession of faith. So from that point on, I kept quiet about Jesus. This continued until I met a guy at school who dared to read the Bible to us at our school break. After all my friends laughed him to scorn and then left, I stayed to ask him questions. He was hurt by their rejection and couldn't understand why I stayed. After we talked for a while, he invited me to a Christian rock concert to see some bands that sang about Jesus. I really wanted to go, but I wasn't sure how my parents would react. I finally built up enough courage to ask permission, only to be shot down and told that I could not go. After much pleading with my mother, however, I got a maybe. Although my father was very much against it, they finally submitted to letting me go at the last minute due to my mother's encouragement.

Since my friends and family gave me no support in this area of my life, the Christian ethics soon gave way to the constant pull of the world. The lure of getting stoned was desirable since it kept my mind off my strict parental homelife, even if just for a moment. To have friends was important to me since they helped me to see that not all the world was as I was led to believe. Perhaps I kept my sanity due to the hope that someday I would be old enough to leave home and be free to pursue life as I had always wished, without restrictions, without oppression, and without fear.

At the time of my high school graduation, I had two part-time jobs. As is the case with many young people, I thought that all I needed now was to find my own apartment and get away from my parents. At a time in my life when I needed to save money the most, my parents began charging me room and board. At the age of seventeen, and fresh out of high school, I finally felt that it was time to move away from my parents. One afternoon, I packed my van with all my possessions and drove away, with the intent of never returning as a resident under my parents' roof again. But my destiny was not quite as I had planned. That week, as if out of the blue, I was fired from one job and laid off from the other. With less than $100 cash in my pocket (life savings), I headed for the beach to sun and surf my brains out. This was finally my chance at becoming a self-sufficient human being.

I was living out of my van when I met another guy who had a van and was doing the same. Contrary to what my parents would have thought, he wasn't a bum. He was very intelligent, he had style, and his van was really nice. So I hung around with him! We both parked our vans together in the Huntington Beach parking lot and flirted with girls all day long. We stayed at the beach until the cops eventually chased us away. Every day was a new adventure, as we would creep back and go through the motions all over again.

It was at this point that I was wandering out onto the Huntington Pier in order to find someone with weed so I could get stoned. Since my newfound friend didn't indulge in such things, I was on a solo mission. I was constantly approached by the Jesus freaks and would amuse myself by getting into conversations with them. I would ask them questions of circular reasoning, such as Did Eve have a belly button? or If God can do anything, can He make a rock so big that He can't pick it up? Well, one can clearly see that these questions lead nowhere. They were simply humorous attempts at poking fun at the Jesus freaks. This was when I met a curious, bearded gent named Jeff. He was cool, calm, and very natural. For some reason, I felt at ease talking to him. We were kicking back and watching all the people interacting with the Jesus freaks. It was just as humorous as sitting home and watching sitcoms on TV.

Somehow, Jeff and I got on the subject of Do you believe in God? I quickly answered, Sure, I'm an American, aren't I? or something to that effect. But I was quick to express my displeasure with all the Jesus freaks. They were walking around with loudspeakers and signs while cramming literature into everyone's hands. It seemed like a contest to hand out the most and be the winner. I said that I thought they were very impersonal and superficial. Jeff just smiled and said something like, Yeah, sometimes people have about as much tact as a bull in a China shop. I laughed and expressed that maybe they should try to get to know people before pushing Jesus on them. So while we were on the subject of God and people, he asked me how my life was going and what my plans for the future were. I took a long sigh and thought about it before answering. I then truthfully expressed that my life wasn't doing so well and that my plan was to get a job, to find an apartment, and to surf my brains out. Suddenly, just out of the blue, he offered me some dinner and a place to stay just two blocks away from the pier. Needless to say, I took him up on his offer. As we walked to his house, I thought to myself, I'll just go along with the gag and stay at his house till I get a job and enough money to move out on my own. I figured that a little church couldn't be that bad, but I was not about to become a religious fanatic.

While at his house, I ate and talked with his roommates. I then thought to myself, What's with all these smiling faces and all this niceness? Are these guys homosexuals or something? Then they began to share with me about the Bible and Jesus. I was overwhelmed by their kindness and decided to listen to what they had to say. For the first time in my life, I was able to understand the message as they spoke and explained. Before long they convinced me to pray and accept Jesus into my heart and be filled with the Holy Spirit. It was during this prayer that I felt what was meant by being born again. I felt as if a million pounds of worry, hate, depression, and burdens were lifted from off me. A warm sensation washed over me, and inside of me, from head to toe. At that moment, I knew that something had changed in my life and that I now had a new purpose for living. In the days to follow, I attended church with my newfound family of brothers. I received the shock of my life when I realized that this church was the very same church that I had attended years before to hear the rock-and-roll Jesus bands. Coincidence or destiny?

It was about a year or so before my lack of Bible reading finally caught up with me. As a result of my rebellion, I was once again out on the street, looking for a new place to live. I fell in with the young in crowd and quickly scored a cute, long-blond-haired, blue-eyed girlfriend. I was a virgin when we met, but not for long. The night we had our first sexual encounter was a night to remember. It was then that I literally felt the Holy Spirit leave my body. I felt so cold and naked inside, yet the experience of sex for the first time was like an intoxicating drug that took me over. From that point on, sex was my obsession. I shied away from all Christians and became a Huntington Beach local-boy surf rat. I lived for the fulfillment of pleasure, lust, and the satisfaction of all carnal desires. While growing up, I went through many experiences that caused me to bounce between Christianity and my carnal flesh desire. They are too numerous to expound on, and there is really no need. Instead, it would suffice to say that my self-nature led me to live as a native pursuing carnal desires to the fulfillment of the flesh. Those things came naturally, and I had no need for book knowledge to learn them.

It wasn't long before the music scene did a major shift. It seemed that rock music had dominated moods, fashions, and fads for so long that everyone almost took it for granted. The youth wanted a change, and punk rock provided it for them. This music had power, as the natural tendency toward rebellion attracted those who were disenchanted with society. The slam pit provided an outlet for all the pent-up frustrations of youth. It was at this time that music became my obsession, for I realized that it had power and I wanted it. Since the punk scene was built upon anarchy and violence, it was doomed from the beginning. Before long, it had a rival known as heavy metal. Soon to be overrun by motley hairdos and spandex, the latter of which was followed by guys with makeup who in some instances were prettier than the girls. At that time, almost as if to set them apart from this feminine quality, many of the punkers grew their hair out and then merged the power of punk music with a new look and power of hard metal. The outcome was speed metal, which provided the mosh pit for the release of pent-up energy. One underlying aspect of the music scene was the occult. Contrary to popular belief, it was in all the music and not just heavy metal. It was the occultic content of the lyrics, games such as Dungeons and Dragons, and the in crowd of friends that I had attracted that swept me away by a desire to learn more. Eventually, I came across a guy who had been a witch, then a Christian, and then back to being a witch again. Since we had a lot in common, we became friends. It wasn't long before my need for a place to live and his need for a roommate brought us under the same roof together. This was when I read my first books on witchcraft. I reasoned that I couldn't knock witchcraft or witches until I actually learned what it was that they believed. In all fairness, I read on with an open mind in search of truth. Deep down inside I was looking for something to fill a spiritual void in my life. Lo and behold, I began to get answers to questions that I had for years. I had a decent understanding of the Bible and of Christianity, yet I felt that witchcraft had substantial substance that required my further understanding. I found that witches spoke more about God than most Christians. Could it be that what I had always been told about witches was a pack of lies? After much research and many books on the subject, I felt that it was time to put witchcraft to the test. I then formulated my own personal approach to the art of witchcraft and then later was attracted to High Magick. I went through the ritual of self-initiation and became empowered to work magic. Whenever I desired to enforce my will, I tapped power from the universal force and directed it toward the work. I started my own private and personal grimoire and kept an accurate account of all my spells, rituals, and the planetary aspects.

Now and again people have asked me if witchcraft and magic are for real, and does it actually work? In response, I can only say yes. As I look back at all the things that I desired to take place, a chill goes up and down my spine to realize that every request was fulfilled, with the exception of only one. It was this private, unfulfilled request that was to become my stumbling block and an unanswered question for which I demanded a reason. I could have no peace until I searched out the answer. For in witchcraft it is taught that when you put all your strongest emotions and feelings behind the goal of your desire, and if you believe with all your heart, it will take place in the manifestation of your will. This had not taken place as I was taught!

It was at this point that I began to question the source of power that I had undoubtedly tapped into. Could it be that this force had limitations or restrictions? Could it be that the entities that I had encountered were in submission to a higher and more powerful force than I had tapped into? Was I in control, or was this power controlling me? Were the angels, with whom I had communicated my will to, actually representing me correctly before God as requested, or was I being toyed with? Just what was this higher power? Was it the devil, or was it God? I felt that I needed answers to these questions.

This was when I had my encounter with the dark spirit. I was still a practicing witch despite my questions. It was just before twilight in the morning hours when my peaceful sleep was interrupted by a strong physical force that had attached itself to my back. Being a wrestler from my youth, I instinctively tried to shake this entity from off my back. I attempted to turn and face it, pushing it away from me. Thinking that I was dreaming (my eyes being shut), I could see and feel it in my mind's eye. It was a short muscular dark-blue-and-black spirit. Sort of a dark shadow, as close as I can describe it. It had strong power and nearly overpowered me, until I opened my eyes. It suddenly left from hurting me, and for a moment I thought I was just having a bad dream. I closed my eyes and had begun to doze off when it returned, attached itself to my back, and started its pursuit all over again. When I tried to shake it off this time, it put its knee or something into my back and hit me so hard it knocked my back out and displaced my rib. It literally knocked my breath away, and I could only give in to its force. I knew then that it wasn't my imagination, because bad dreams don't knock the air out of people in bed. This was when I cried out verbally. From deep within my subconscious, out came the name of Jesus. Calling out His name, I asked for Him to save me from this encounter. Instantly, the dark spirit left from hurting me and vanished. It was at this time that I actually experienced how the spirits submitted to Jesus. Needless to say, this impressed me very much, yet I still practiced the art. I guess I was simply addicted to it.

I called a witch friend of mine and related the experience, and they gave me counsel on how to deal with dark spirits. I was told that I needed to do the banishing pentagram ritual in each of the four quadrants at night before retiring. I was to visualize the dark spirit and physically push it out of my space with the verbal instruction not to return. I must admit, the spirit never returned to do me harm. But now I had a problem of a different nature. In fear that perhaps the spirit might return, I wondered, was it necessary for me to get up and go through the banishing ritual every night before I could actually go to sleep? Was I now bound to do this every night for the rest of my life in order to guarantee myself a peaceful night's rest?

Remembering how such a simple task it was just to call upon the name of Jesus continued to stick in my mind. Searching for answers to those questions, I reasoned in my mind that if I had been dealing with gods, goddesses, and spirits, who were lesser in rank than this Jesus, then I was only settling for second best. I soon realized that my quest for power had led me to a greater power than I, but less than Jesus. I felt that wherever it was that Jesus got His power from was where I needed to go to receive mine. This brought me to the conclusion that power proceeded forth from the throne of God and that I needed to go directly to Him to receive this power. But I could never approach God's throne! Moses was the only human I knew of who ever even came close. In a dialogue between God and Moses, it is written, Now, if I have found favor in Your eyes, please make me see Your ways, and let me know You, so that I may find favor in Your eyes…and he said, I pray let me see Your glory. But God responds, And He said, you are not able to see My face, for no man [human] sees Me and lives.¹

Knowing this, I realized that any attempt was futile, for God is unapproachable by carnal mankind. Somehow this fleshly body keeps one from any pronounced attempt at obtaining such a union, yet the desire remains. As I pondered the thought, this realization led to one conclusion. Since God is really beyond the reach of any attempt to become united with human flesh, then while I yet live I am doomed to a life of separation. This especially becomes significant as it relates to the teaching of finding God within oneself. Even if this teaching were to be true, one would have to die to their carnal flesh nature in order to find God. In reality, what mankind needs is a mediator between themselves and God in order to solve the problem. This flies in the face of finding God within oneself. Could it be that this very Jesus whom I had pushed out of my life was actually the one whom I needed to go through in order to approach the throne of God and receive His power? Could the answer really be that simple?

While pondering these thoughts, I came to the understanding that within everyone's search there are three basic things that we humans eventually seek. One is a direction or path in life, which could be termed as the Way. Since there are many different paths to choose from, we must sift through all the philosophies and teachings known. This could take a lifetime of experiences, and we all know that life is too short. The majority never really have enough time to accomplish the task before dying. Hopefully, through a direction of fate and destiny, we can come across the pathway that leads us to a conclusion that captures the Truth. Lastly, we all have to eventually face what is every human being's ultimate destiny, a date with death. The issue of death is perhaps the most elusive and mysterious subject that mankind has had to face. As a result, the relentless pursuit for answers has been fueled by our tendency to hold tenaciously on to our precious lives. In essence, this behavior reveals the human desire for the Life rather than death. Not just the life here on earth, but also the afterlife. Egypt built an entire civilization around a religious culture that was obsessed with death. No known human being has within their own power the ability to escape this inevitable demise. It would be like trying to hide from the IRS; eventually it will catch up to you. There are only a few documented cases in the Bible where humans have escaped death's grasp: Enoch, Elijah, and Jesus.

Could it be that fulfillment in life is directly linked to whether or not one has a personal relationship with Jesus? There is the strange reality that nothing in this world truly satisfies one's heart permanently. Is it possible that humans were created with a void in their hearts for the very purpose of establishing a need to reach beyond the material realm? And by doing so, we are led to grasp onto something of an ethereal nature, perhaps even God Himself? Our dilemma is that it is impossible to reach out and grasp onto God unless it is true that Jesus is the great "mystery of godliness: God was manifested in flesh, was justified in Spirit, and seen by angels, was proclaimed among nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."² This would mean that He was able to approach the throne of God on His own accord. Therefore, those who grasp onto Him and His teachings are, in turn, grasping onto God. What a concept! Unfortunately, it is this same Jesus that our world has pushed out of every aspect of life. He has been eliminated from Christmas and replaced by an X, as well as superseded by some guy in a red-and-white suit. He has been forgotten on the day of His resurrection, as the world celebrates Easter with the rites of Ishtar/Ashtaroth, the goddess of fertility.

Why is it that we automatically shun Jesus and yet find no problem clinging to the pagan practices of the world? Why is He an enemy to us and a taboo subject matter? Why do we not listen to His entire message before we file and categorize Him as just some good man who lived long ago and had some interesting things to say? Things haven't changed much in the last two thousand years! Oh, sure, we live in an age of increased technology, but the human heart has remained basically the same as it was back in Jesus's day. If that is a bit too presumptuous, there is a good test to see if it is true. Who does mankind say that Jesus is? There are undoubtedly many conflicting answers to this question. Reality sets in when one compares modern-day answers to those that were spoken by those who lived in Jesus's day. "Jesus questioned His disciples, saying, ‘Whom do men [mankind] say Me to be, the Son of Man?' And they said, Some say John the Baptist; and others Elijah, and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."³ One can get a better picture by examining what is really being said here:

John the Baptist was the forerunner of Christ.

Elijah was the prophet of fire.

Jeremiah's name means exalted of God.

One of the prophets could easily be interpreted as a great teacher, a seer of the future, or a good man of God.

In our modern age of enlightenment, it is interesting that people are still saying the same things. Some claim that He was a forerunner to the coming Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of the modern world. Others claim that He was a fire-and-brimstone prophet. There are even those who say that He was an exalted man of God, a great teacher, an initiate, a good man of God. Few claim that He was God! His disciples answered in this way: But whom do you say Me to be? And Simon Peter said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Unfortunately, there is a dark side to this rhetorical coin of answers. There are those of the persuasion of the Prince of Darkness who would fanatically proclaim with a loud voice that Jesus was a liar and a lunatic, that He wants to put us in bondage to self-righteousness and self-deceit. These are they who proclaim that freedom exists only in one's free will to do as the flesh chooses, without the boundaries of limitations, to do that which comes natural and that without the restraint of rules and regulations, fearing nothing and nobody but rather causing others to fear you. And in doing so, creating respect for one's human right for indulgence instead of abstinence. These boldly proclaim that anyone who, without retaliation or vengeance, would give love in return for an enemy's hate is a fool. They claim that such a one is weak and cowardly, not fit to live in a world where only the strong survive. These believe that anyone who would willingly die for such weak and pitiful creatures must be deranged of their senses. One can only conclude that Jesus must be either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. For anyone who would feel compassion on such vicious, ravenous, animalistic creatures and willingly die as a sacrifice in their place can only be the greatest example of love toward us that has ever existed on this planet. This book is only written in order to bring to light the Truth. It is a testimony of love to every witch, sorcerer, magician, satanist, and all those who have ever dabbled in the spirit realm of the occult and of magick.

*****

Warning: Only the truly brave in heart dare to read on. Only those who are the called will receive the truth, and only the truth-seekers will read from cover to cover. Therefore, read on and learn the law of the only true living God!

Chapter 1

Words of Wisdom

What is wisdom? How does one know to discern wisdom from folly? Is there a rule of thumb to go by, or perhaps some sort of standard of measure? The dictionary defines wisdom⁴ as the power of true and right discernment…good practical judgment; common sense…a high degree of knowledge; learning…a wise saying.

It would appear that by such a definition, one would need to actually possess wisdom in order to tell the difference between wisdom and folly. When someone says something that is profound, those hearing it usually respond by categorizing the statement. It either has relevance in their lives or doesn't. This relevance factor becomes sort of a barometer by which human beings measure what they hear. So if the words spoken do not have relevance in the lives of those having heard them, does this mean that the words spoken are not really words of wisdom? Of course not! Wisdom cannot always be measured by human standards of reasoning, but rather by the long-term application of its statutes. If the result becomes disastrous, then future generations know to disregard such ideas. But if the result becomes beneficial toward the betterment of that society, it then would be wise to adopt such ideas and integrate them into one's thought. This would directly influence teachings, morality, and society.

So the real question is, Just where does one get this wisdom? This becomes the crossroad by which many have been stumped. Some take the right path, while many others take the wrong path. Still, others never pass to either direction, staying in a state of limbo, allowing others to choose the direction for them, dragging them along reluctantly. It is commonly acknowledged that Solomon was perhaps the wisest man to have ever lived on our planet. He himself claimed that this wisdom comes from Jehovah [Yod-He-Vau-He] God. In response to Solomon's request, Jehovah also speaks of the origin of wisdom: Behold, I have given to you a wise and understanding heart, so that there was none like you before you, and after you none shall rise up like you.⁵

It is said that the Queen of Sheba traveled a great distance just to witness the wisdom of Solomon in person. People through the centuries have sought the wisdom of Solomon and have ventured to walk in his footsteps. This in an attempt to possibly receive some of wisdom's treasures!

It is said that when Solomon grew older, his many wives turned his faith away from Jehovah God. He then got involved in idolatry, sacrifice, and service to other gods. This being the case, those walking in his footsteps have also gone in this direction. Perhaps it was at this time that Solomon authored works on the occult. It is presumed that he authored the Lemegeton, containing the mysteries of Goetia. This is considered as the Lesser Key of Solomon and is instruction on how to conjure demonic forces—black magic. He is also thought to have authored the Key of Solomon, which is instruction on invoking angelic forces—white magic. On the other side of the fence, he is attributed with the authorship of the Song of Solomon, and possibly (even though there is some doubt) even the book of Ecclesiastes. The most famous of his contributions is the book of Proverbs. It is supposed that he did most of this work prior to his turn from Jehovah. So we will examine this latter work to find some fascinating treasures of wisdom. Therefore, it would be wise to read on and learn.

"To receive instruction in wisdom, justice, and judgment, and uprightness. To give sense to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man [and woman]. The wise hears and increases learning; and the understanding ones will get wise counsel. To understand a proverb and an enigma; the words of the wise, and their riddles. The fear [reverence] of Jehovah [YHVH] [Yod-He-Vau-He] is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."⁶

Wisdom cries aloud outside; she gives her voice in the streets: at the head of gathering places she calls; in the opening of the gates; in the city she speaks her words; how long will you love simplicity, you simple ones? And will scorners desire scorn for themselves? And fools will hate knowledge? Turn back at my warning; Behold, I will pour out to you my Spirit. I will make known my words to you. Because I have called and you refused, I extend a hand yet none inclines; and you ignored all my advice; and my warning you did not want. I also will laugh in your calamity, I will mock when your dread comes; when your dread comes like a storm; and your calamity arrives like a tempest [hurricane]; when distress and constraint comes upon you. Then they shall call on me and I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but shall not find me. Instead they hated knowledge and chose not the fear of Jehovah.⁷

One who listens to me shall dwell securely and shall be at ease from the terror of evil.⁸

"My son [or daughter] if you will receive my words and treasure up my commands with you, so that you attend to wisdom your ear, you shall extend your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lifting up your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as hidden treasures; then you shall understand the fear of Jehovah, and find the knowledge of Elohiym [God]. For Jehovah gives wisdom; out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He lays up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to the ones who walk in integrity, to guard the paths of judgment, and He protects the way of His saints. Then you shall understand righteousness and judgment and honesty; every good path. When wisdom enters into your heart; and knowledge is pleasing to your soul; discretion shall keep you; to deliver you from the evil way."⁹

But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth and the transgressors shall be rooted up from it.¹⁰

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Jehovah and depart from evil.¹¹

"Blessed is the man [human being] who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding. For its gain is better than the gain from silver; and its produce more than fine gold; she is more precious than rubies; and all the things you can desire are not to be compared with her. Length of days is in her right hand. Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths peace. She is a tree of life to the ones who lay hold on her; and happy are the ones holding her fast. Jehovah founded the earth by wisdom; He founded the heavens by understanding; the depths were broken up by His knowledge; and the clouds dropped down the dew. My son [or daughter] do not let them depart from your eyes; keep sound wisdom and judgment; and they shall be life to your soul, and grace to your neck; then you shall walk in your way safely; and your foot shall not stumble. When you lie down you shall not dread [or be afraid]; you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of the destruction of the wicked, when it comes. For Jehovah shall be at your side; and shall keep your foot from being caught."¹²

"Does not wisdom call? And understanding gives her voice. She stands in the head of heights, by the roadside, between the houses of the paths. She cries besides the gates; in the entrance of the city; at the doors. I call to you O men [could also mean: mortals], and my voice is to the sons [or daughters] of men [human beings]. Understand wisdom, simple ones; and be of an understanding heart, fools. Hear, for I will speak of excellent things; and from the opening of my lids shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak of truth; and wickedness is hateful to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; nothing twisted or perverse is in them; they are all plain to the understanding one; and right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than jewels; and all delights cannot be compared to it."

"I wisdom, dwell with sense, and search out knowledge of wise actions. The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; I hate pride and loftiness [pomp or arrogance], and the evil way, and the perverse mouth. Counsel and sound wisdom are Mine; I am understanding; I have strength. By Me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness. Rulers and nobles rule by Me, and all the judges of the earth. I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me early find Me. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and My increase is better than the best silver. I walk in the path of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice; I cause those who love Me to inherit wealth; and I will fill up their treasures."

"Jehovah possessed Me in the beginning of His way, from then, before His works. I was set up from everlasting; from the beginning, before the earth ever was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no springs heavy with water. Before the mountains were settled; before the hills, I was brought forth; before He had made the earth, and the fields, or the highest part of the dust of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He set a circle on the face of the deep; when He set the clouds above; when He made the strong fountains of the deep; when He gave to the sea its limit, that the waters should not go beyond His commands; when He decreed the foundations of the earth; then I was at His side, like a master workman; and I was His delights day by day, rejoicing before Him at every time; rejoicing in the world, His earth; and My delights were with the sons of men."

"And now listen to Me O sons; for blessed are those who keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and do not refuse it. Blessed is the man [or human being] listening to Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors. For whoever finds Me finds life; and he [or she] shall obtain favor from Jehovah. But he who sins against Me does violence to his own soul; all who hate Me love death."¹³

"Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars; she has slaughtered her slaughter; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her maidens; she cries on the highest places of the city; the simple one, turn in here; and to one lacking heart, she says to him: Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding."¹⁴

"The fear [or reverence] of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy ones is understanding. For by Me your days shall be multiplied; and the years of your life shall be increased."¹⁵

"She carved out her seven pillars… And a shoot goes out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch will bear fruit out of his roots. And shall rest on Him

"the Spirit of Jehovah;

"the spirit of wisdom

"and understanding,

"the spirit of counsel

"and power,

"the spirit of knowledge and

"of the fear of Jehovah."¹⁶

This could be termed as the sevenfold Spirit of Jehovah [Yod-He-Vau-He].

As the searching soul wanders through the endless pages of literary compositions that are designed to satisfy the questioning heart of the reader, one will find that the true words of wisdom will always lead them to God. It is here that true fulfillment rests, and as long as one resists this truth, they will never truly attain nirvana (in the sense of enlightenment). One will find that the pursuit of fleshly desire and earthly achievement will always keep one chained to this earth, thereby prohibiting one from transcending into heaven, so to speak. One will find that within their consciousness there is a warfare being waged between the desires of the flesh nature and those of the spiritual nature. This warfare is a constant struggle within our conscience that manifests itself in the form of decisions driven by suppressed feelings and guilt. Many times the flesh nature wins out, thereby driving the guilt deeper into a sea of false security, hoping that it drowns and never resurfaces. Meanwhile, our starving spirit grows weak as our flesh grows stronger. We many times supplement this weakness with the attainment of knowledge. Unfortunately, knowledge without true wisdom can become ultimately destructive and very dangerous (i.e., nuclear warfare). But true knowledge always uncovers our weaknesses. In a sense, the more we learn, the more we find that we really know very little, having all that much more to learn (i.e., physics defined). Since mankind hasn't really enough time to accomplish total knowledge, it makes much more sense to start from an established point of reference. Only the wise will start from a point they know to be divinely inspired (i.e., Jehovah Elohiym).

Chapter 2

The Law

We know Solomon to have been inspired by Jehovah God, from whom came also his wisdom. This wisdom has never been matched, or rivaled, still to this day. Therefore, one should take very seriously his claims and hear his words as they pertain to Jehovah and His laws. To not do so would only be the beginning of unwisdom.

"Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law strive with them…he who keeps the law is a wise son [or daughter]…whoever turns aside his ear from hearing the law, even his [or her] prayer is an abomination…he trusting in his own heart is a fool but he walking in wisdom, he [or she] will be delivered."¹⁷

Where there is no vision, the people are let loose [or perish]; but blessed is he [or she], the keeper of the law.¹⁸ This was Solomon's testimony to the seriousness of the law. But knowing that mankind is not perfect and is prone to sin against God and His law, Solomon spoke of a path back to God in his prayer to Jehovah on behalf of the people. When they sin against You—for there is no man [human being] who does not sin—and you be angry with them and give them up before an enemy…and they have turned their heart back…and have repented, and made supplication to You…saying we have sinned and done perversely; we have done wickedly; and they have turned back to You with all their heart, and with all their soul…and have prayed to You…then You shall hear their prayer and their supplication in Heaven Your dwelling-place, and shall maintain their cause, and shall forgive your people who have sinned against You, even all their transgressions which they have transgressed against You, and shall give them mercy.¹⁹

Moses was the inspired man of God who is responsible for imparting to us the law of God. Moses's credentials are proven for us historically. It is he who spoke with God personally, then delivered His people from Egyptian bondage. It was because of the hardness of their hearts that they needed forty years of schooling in the wilderness, and even then they were not permitted to go into the promised land due to their lack of faith in God. Moses himself was not permitted to enter into the promised land due to an incident in which his anger caused him to abuse the power that was given to him. Had he been obedient to God's word to him, the event would have been of prophetic significance. Back in Egypt, Moses performed many magical feats by the power of God, which were far superior to those of the Egyptian magicians and sorcerers. God used Moses as His instrument by which He brought plagues upon the land of Egypt and its inhabitants for their failure to take heed to God's requests. Even the angel of death was brought forth to show the Egyptians who it was that was actually in control. This being an important exhibition of power in a culture that was obsessed with the subject of death, each of these plagues was aimed directly at one of their objects of religious worship, namely their gods. Since it was Moses who was chosen to teach them that Jehovah God was in control, would it not be very wise to take heed to the words of God as spoken through him?

The Ten Commandments

"And God spoke all these words, saying: I am Jehovah your God, who has brought you out from the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

"You shall not have any other gods beside Me.

"You shall not make a graven image for yourself, or any likeness which is in the heavens above, or which is in the earth beneath, or which is in the waters under the earth; you shall not bow to them, and you shall not serve them for I am Jehovah your God, a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on children, on the third and on the fourth generation, to those that hate Me; and doing kindness to thousands, to those loving Me, and to those keeping My commandments.

"You shall not take the name of Jehovah your God in vain; for Jehovah will not leave unpunished the one who takes His name in vain.

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy; six days you shall labor and do all your work; and the seventh day is a Sabbath to Jehovah your God; you shall not do any work, and your son, and your daughter, your male slave and your slave-girl, and your livestock, and your stranger who is in your gates. For in six days Jehovah made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all which is in them. And He rested on the seventh day; on account of this Jehovah blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it."²⁰ (This is the first part of the law. It deals directly with mankind's relationship with Jehovah God. The second part of the law deals directly with mankind's relationship with one another.)

"Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long on the land which Jehovah your God is giving to you.

"You shall not murder.

"You shall not commit adultery.

"You shall not steal.

"You shall not testify a witness of falsehood against your neighbor.

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male slave, or his slave-girl, or his ox, or his ass, or anything which belongs to your neighbor."²¹

There are many books being written on the law of God that attempt to bring an esoteric view to their readers. In doing so, they have distracted the readers from its pure content and purpose. This is done in the guise of higher learning and, quite frankly, leads one astray while putting false concepts into the minds of the readers. This in turn triggers a curiosity toward a separate esoteric view while it deviates from the original exoteric meaning. This creates an imbalance, thereby tipping the scales of our reasoning power. It would be much wiser to extract our definitions and meanings from the straightforward implications of Scripture itself. So that is exactly what we will do here!

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all thechildren of God by faith in Christ Jesus."²²

The true meaning and purpose of the law is to show us a guideline of comparison to our preconceived notions of right and wrong. It therefore shows us right and wrong, not as mankind sees it, but rather as God sees it. Being swayed for years by the tide of society can get one off the track. We have the tendency to accept right and wrong as it is defined by our peers and those who are in charge of the institution of laws. In a democratic society, things are voted into law by what society commonly agrees upon. But not so with the law of God. It is interesting that most of the problems of society are hinged directly upon our disobedience to the law of God. The newspaper's front page is a pretty accurate barometer of the condition of society: corruption, murder, theft, violence, sex crimes, and drug abuse. All these are commonplace experiences in our day and age, and they are in direct connection with society's failure to teach and obey the law of God, thereby leaving generations of lawlessness behind.

In view of reality, one will find that we are a people who cannot keep the whole law and therefore are receiving the penalties for our many transgressions. This reality is a reflection from the law of God straight into the laws of mankind, society, and nature. As we transgress the laws of the land, we must pay our debt to society through pre-set penalties. As a result of our transgressions against the laws of nature, we also must pay the penalties. Our many earthly global problems are simply a testimony to this natural order. This natural cause and effect is the echo of reality as it was originally dictated to us in the law of God. Just as the natural laws have become our schooling, pointing us to our shortcomings, so also does the law of God become our schoolteacher, pointing out our failures. No human being on earth is perfect in light of the law, and therefore all come up short. The only thing God can accept in His presence is perfection. This is a sad epicrisis on behalf of the human race, spelling out doom. No human being on earth is able to achieve perfection in light of the law, therefore coming up short. There is no way for mankind to become perfect on their own merit or to even attain to their higher self. Even if this were possible, one's higher self always comes short of the glory of God, thereby preventing union with God. So there is no hope for us in the law. But it does become our teacher, directing us to the only perfect human being to have ever existed, namely Jesus Christ. Although it seems to rub against the grain of human reasoning, the law will ultimately bring one to the cross of Jesus Christ. It would then be an exercise of wisdom to examine His teachings and find out what it was that brought Him to the cross in the first place. It is within this great mystery that lies the answer to the ultimate question of life after death. This is the pathway of salvation and true redemption from our sinful dilemma, from which there is no other way of escape.

Chapter 3

The Greatest Law

As we take a careful look at our news headlines, it is quite obvious that mankind has a few problems getting along with one another. More and more, as time marches forward, our society is becoming increasingly hardened against civil moral statutes. The love of many is beginning to wax cold. It would seem that while the human race is busy trying to create a world in which everyone has common interests, the earth itself has been busy rebelling against the human race. Never in history has there been such catastrophic disaster on a worldwide scale as in this century. It is evident that everything is winding up for some sort of climax. More biblical prophecies are being fulfilled concerning the end of the age than at any other time in history. The two basic questions come to mind: What does it all mean? And where did we go wrong? There are