Let us test our Basic Instinct first.
When you walk on the streets around your neighborhood, or in the mall and looking at the faces of people you see. Can you remember? What do you see? Do you see evil? Do you see good? Do this and observe yourself as well, observe yourself. What you feel. How you feel. Note the intensity. Note your thoughts.
Next try this: look at every faces you see briefly and squarely walking opposite towards you coming closer to you, but long enough for you to see and recognize their feelings. What do you see? Do you see their sadness, sorrow, grief, fear, worries, pain, anxiety, hurts, and more?
One will see mostly their sadness, grief, and pain. And one will soon realize that one feel kinder towards them and towards oneself, and then forgetting one's own problems and headache.
If one feels bad, in pain, or even some headache, these will soon ease up just by doing this simple exercise. This is a good medicine, if one do this for at least an hour, walking around one's neighborhood, one will be relieved of the emotional pain, and of the headache. It's what I do and teach to relieve stress, headache, emotional pain or minor trauma. Rather than taking pills for headache. Try it.
But this writing is not about how to relieve one's stress, trauma, emotional pain, or headache.
Do we recognize evil? Can we recognize evil? I believe the Majority of us do. If 20% percent of any given circle is anti-social (Pareto principle), probably 20% percent of 20% percent of it may no longer recognize evil. This is a very small group of people. But this is going to change, because the Bible also said Lawlessness will abound or increase (Mat 24:11,12). So this number is going to increase.
(Mat 24:11 HRB) And many false prophets will be raised and will deceive many.
(Mat 24:12 HRB) And because lawlessness shall have been multiplied, the love of the many will grow cold.
Since we can recognize evil, with the exercise above, where do we see it? Where is it coming from? Well, of course, all around us, don't we? And we can deduced that these evil are actually done by us. Then again, if this is our own doing, why do we feel kinder towards another being (not limited to human beings) with the simple exercise above?
Based on this simple exercise, we can deduce by common sense that man is basically good.
What Do Christendom Teach?
I shared a post in one of the groups in fb groups where I mentioned that I believe man is basically, intrinsically good. Then I get this:
**I must say this. I knew there was a fundamental problem. A Bible believing christian could see the honest in brother S--- but not think he is a Christian. A Christian is not someone who assents to any perticular intelectual truth. A christian is one who accepts Christ as the Savior of man and a personal Savior. And to say that you believe that man is intrinsically good is antithetical to the Bible you say you believe. LOOK -The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 AND They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:12** ~ E--- [names withheld]
**I am not trying to be adversarial with you honestly...but you are not very biblical.** ~ ibid
Wow!!! It speaks much, doesn't it? In Christendom, this belief is not isolated. And this is not the first time I get bumped like this. Although it is very ambiguous. I believe the majority do not see the ambiguity. There are several reasons why we fall trap on this kind of deceit, one is because of the insinuation of the message (commentary), next is the class of an authority that teach this. And the ambiguity is deceptively buried. And a person who will not divide the word properly will thereby be deceived. And I am inspired to share you the truth that I have learned from the Bible. But first let us examine this.
I once ask this question to the church I used to belong, a couple of the members directly -- If they believe to be so that man is NOT basically good; they cannot answer squarely. Then I ask them this question -- Is man basically evil? They cannot say so squarely either, but pointed to the Bible and with raised eyebrows look at me as if rhetorically asking me -- see? But I can see deep in there eyes they don't even believe what they are preaching. By reacting in this manner they give away their true colors -- the Scripture call these kinds hypocrites! (Mat 15:7,9) Why? If a person believed on something, he would declare it so; even without the knowledge of the Scripture and even without quoting the Scripture.
(Mat 15:7 HRB) Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy concerning you, saying
(Mat 15:8 HRB) "This people draws near to Me with their mouth, and with their lips honor Me; but their heart holds far off from Me.
(Mat 15:9 HRB) But in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Isa. 29:13,14-16)
You can try it. If you meet a person that do not believe that man is basically good, ask them if they believe so? Then ask them if they believe that man is basically evil? And see what you get. And take note of the instinctive answer.
In Christendom, based on my experience, (your experience may differ) their position is confused. Their leaders can not readily admit that man is basically evil -- these are the bible study enthusiasts, church leaders (pastors or ministers, administrators), teachers and elders. And yet they can not admit either that man is basically good. I have yet to meet one of these kinds who agrees with me on this one. But they would want you to believe that man is evil by pointing you to the Bible. Many church members however is just silent about this -- meaning -- they are not really sure.
Let us consider the word evil for a moment.
e·vil
/ˈēvəl/
Adjective
Profoundly immoral and malevolent.
Noun
Profound immorality, wickedness, and depravity, esp. when regarded as a supernatural force.
And profound means -- originating in or penetrating to the depths of one's being;
From this definition alone, I do not think man even qualifies.
Is Man Basically Evil?
Now, let us clear the Scriptures, those two passages quoted by E--- (name withheld)
(Jer 17:9 The Scriptures 1998+) “The heart is crooked1 above all, and desperately sick – who shall know it?
Footnote 1: See Jer 7:24, 16:12, 18:12, 23:17.
Please note the "heart". Is not this, the same class as "money is the root of all evil"? Instead of "the Love of money is the root of all evil" -- (1Ti 6:10).
(1Ti 6:10 HRB) For the love of money is a root of all evils, by means of which some having lusted after it were seduced from the faith, and they themselves pierced through by many pains.
Now, let us dig a little bit more. Let us look at the following cross-reference footnote of "The heart is crooked" to get us the context: Jer 7:24, 16:12, 18:12, 23:17.
(Jer 7:24 The Scriptures 1998+) “But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in the counsels, in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward.
Please note again the word "heart".
Also note the word "they", this means it is referring to a certain group of people. So it does not apply to All peoples.
(Jer 16:12 The Scriptures 1998+) ‘And you have done more evil than your fathers, for look, each one walks according to the stubbornness of his own evil heart, without listening to Me.
Again, "heart" and Please note the words "And you" is also talking to us, believers, directly. This is YHWH talking to His people.
Apparently, they and their fathers "have done evil" and "they have done more evil" than their fathers. Please note the word "have" which means at some point in their lives they "have not" done evil.
And note the phrase "each one walks according to the stubbornness of his own evil heart," means one exercises one's free will to be stubborn. And the word "according" alludes to the varying degrees of one's stubbornness. So it can be said that one is slightly stubborn, or extremely stubborn and the like.
And finally note the phrase "without listening to Me" alludes that if one listen to YHWH, might one overcome the stubbornness of one's evil heart? They had a choice (so do we) and it is in their power to overcome the stubbornness of their evil heart.
We will touch on these as we go on.
(Jer 18:12 The Scriptures 1998+) But they shall say, “It is no use! For we walk according to our own plans, and we do each one the stubbornness of his evil heart.”1 Footnote: 1 See Jer 7:24, 16:12, 17:9, 23:17.
Note that when one commits an error, one begins to go on a 'downward spiral', one becomes so blinded by the error that one cannot see his trapped on the current of a downward spiral. And one could continue on this way, note the phrase -- "It is no use!" At this point they have recognize their deficiencies but their power to fight has already diminished because the current of the spiral has got a gripped on them already and pulling them towards the middle of the spiral to pull them downward further. And as they continue on like this as if they are riding the spiral, not aware they are being pulled downward slowly until it is hard to pull back.
If we continue to verse 15:
(Jer 18:15 KJV) Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;
We get the reason why this people, believers, which also applies to us today, can get into this condition -- the 'downward spiral' -- because they have "forgotten" their Elohim. It is worth noting what cause them to "forget" ... "their ways from the ancient paths", bear in mind there is a third party. There is YHWH and His people and a third party in their midst.
The phrase "cast up" in ("a way not cast up") is an archaic or obsolete expression no longer used today. We find these in KJV or related and old poems.
In the Hebrew Roots Bible it says:
(Jer 18:15 HRB) But My people have forgotten Me. They have burned incense to vain idols; and they have caused them to stumble in their ways, from the old paths, to walk in bypaths, not on the highway;
The last of the footnotes above is Jer 23:17 it says:
(Jer 23:17 The Scriptures 1998+) “They keep on saying to those who despise Me, ‘יהוה has said you shall have peace.’ And to all who walk according to the stubbornness of their own heart they say, ‘No evil comes upon you.’ ”
Let us find out who are "they" who are "saying to those who despise Me (YHWH)". Note there are two kinds of people here now, (1) those who are saying "you shall have peace" and (2) those being addressed in "who despised Me".
Let's back up one verse, verse 16, Jer 23:16 to find out who these people are ~
(Jer 23:16 The Scriptures 1998+) Thus said יהוה of hosts, “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, they lead you astray. They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of יהוה.
In this verse the third party is identified as "the prophets" who "lead you astray", in other words this third party are false prophets.
And this message from YHWH is addressed to His people, which also applies to us, today, believers of YHWH and His Messiah. As we have noted these people have "forgotten" "the old paths". Now note the word "forgotten" -- fail to remember, or inadvertently neglect to.
Please note, if one takes a single verse such as this one verse (Jer 17:9) by itself, out of context to drive one's own philosophy or commentary, it may sound truthful for one thing, but actually untruth (twisted truth) in another. This is the anatomy of a deceit -- Lies buried in truth. And sometimes the context is taken out of the verse like the untruth concept of "the love of money is the root of all evil".
I am hoping that this simple exercise I demonstrated here in rightly dividing the words and phrases, using common study sense or rules have shown you how false doctrine (untruth) finds its way as "truth".
Does the context above alludes that man is basically evil? No, it does not. Does it allude that man is Not basically good? No, it does not either, but one might think so and hence believe so. Does it allude that man is basically good? Yes, it does. If man is not basically evil then man is basically good, but this verse do not describe a man like this, but instead the heart of a man is crooked and desperately sick (Jer 17:9). So if the heart of a man is not sick or crooked what is he? And what makes the heart of a man sick and crooked? Does a sick man lose his manhood entirely? NO, but he does lose to some degree, but not entirely, and if he does not heal, he is bound to lose entirely and die eventually. Such is man, man does not lose he's basic goodness entirely. But even then, man is still short against the standard of heaven (1Jn 3:4).
(1Jn 3:4 HRB) Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is the breaking of the Torah.
Now, let us move on the the next verse quoted by E---.
(Rom 3:12 The Scriptures 1998+) “They all have turned aside, they have together become worthless. There is none who does good, no, not one.”
Again, I must warn you, my dear readers, that if we take one verse alone or even all these verses we just covered out of its context to drive home a point such as "man is basically evil" or "man is Not basically good" then it is worth noting that it does not really cut through. Just these verses or similar verses like these and conclude that "man is basically evil" or "man is Not basically good" has many holes in it. It is ambiguous.
What if I tell you this verse actually proves that man is basically good? And so far, All the verses we have covered proves that man is basically good. In a moment.
There are many concepts we have to clear here, you will have to read the whole chapter to find these concepts. And I cannot possibly demonstrate clearing every single one of them in this writing. But I will only try to point out the most obvious and significant to our faith which would apply to our walk in "The Way". And I trust that you would clear these for yourselves.
And I trust that you already know how to rightly divide the word or how to clear concepts -- "How To Build Stable Data". But just so we are in the same wavelength, please review these posts and please share them -- "Learning How To Learn" -- with application to Bible Study -- effectively, "Barriers To Learning" -- it is very important to recognize these in order to handle them accordingly, to be able to clear ambiguities in concepts, "How To Clear A Word", and "How To Build Stable Data".
In Romans chapter three, Paul is talking about these concepts: the Jews (the Jewish ways, customs, traditions, circumcision, Judaism); the nations (or commonly translated as gentiles) specifically the new converts, the ways these converts should get started in "The Way" which is the point of contention between the Jewish Elders and Paul; the elders (who are they, their ways, methods, customs, traditions, and what they teach and what are the differences between "The Way); "The Way" which Paul identified to them as "the sect" as was commonly known to them; the "works" of the law (Torah is often times translated as Law in the Bible); and the concept of "save by faith and not of works" and "righteousness by faith" and many more you will uncover as you begin to clear each one of these.
Notice that if we start clearing one concept, it brings in yet another concepts for us to clear such as I have pointed out some above -- Judaism, the ways of the elders, "The Way", Torah, and "save by faith and not of works" -- notice "works" -- it does not mean Torah/Law, but the works of it.
Please also note that Paul is a Pharisee, he is a student of Gamaliel, he knows the Torah in and out by heart. And Peter warns us that to understand Paul, we must also learn the Torah. Or else we wont understand and might be lead by the wicked interpretation. (2Pe 3:15-17)
(2Pe 3:15 HRB) And consider the long-suffering of our Master as salvation, as also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given to him;
(2Pe 3:16 HRB) as also in all his epistles, speaking in them concerning these things, in which some things are hard to understand, which those that are ignorant and unstable pervert there meaning, as also they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
(2Pe 3:17 HRB) Therefore beloved, since you know these things beforehand, guard yourself, lest being led away by the error of the lawless you fall from your own steadfastness.
Now, let us look at the verse (Rom 3:12) again. Notice again the word "They" at the beginning of the verse. This means Paul is talking about certain people -- it does not mean All peoples, but this certain people may include himself (Rom 3:5,7) as well, and may include All (Rom 3:4) as well. But All in this context are only those who believe on YHWH, Jews and Gentiles. Depending on the context it is used.
In Romans 3:3 it says clearly that some did not believe. Meaning that there were also some who believe.
In Romans 3:7 it alludes that Paul is aware certain people calls him a liar, and he is saying [ok I'm a liar but if I teach more truth of Elohim will I be judge as a sinner?] Paul alludes also that sinners will be judge differently, and will he be judge like that? He alludes that he will not be.
But in saying that, he does not mean he and his followers are better than those that call him a liar (Rom 3:9). Also in this verse the "Jews and Gentiles" are the only people who have come to know and believe on YHWH. These people who have and claim to have the truth "are all under sin" according to the Torah (Law) -- Romans 3:20 . The context is about this people, and includes you and I who believe on the Bible. Among us we call a brother a liar according to the "works" of the Torah (Law) and according to the Torah. As it happens in Paul's time. And for this reason we commit a sin -- as it is written do not bear false witness (Ex 20:16).
(Exo 20:16 HRB) You shall not testify a witness of falsehood against your neighbor.
In Romans 3:10 Paul says: ... “There is none righteous, no, not one!
Paul here is quoting
(Eccl 7:20 The Scriptures 1998+) For there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and does not sin.
Please note that "righteous" is a legal term. Merriam-Webster's define it as "acting in accord with divine or moral law" ~ http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/righteous
So, let us take the verse into context. A "righteous man on earth who does good", is "acting in accord with divine or moral law" -- the instructions of YHWH, the Torah (Law). So anyone who is following the Torah (instructions of YHWH) is called "righteous".
This clearly confines to the people who knows YHWH and among these peoples, some are called righteous. And what this verse is saying is Even the righteous one commits a sin. So Paul is saying "There is none righteous [who follow the instructions of YHWH--Torah]," that do not sin. And this verse alludes that he is addressing this to All people who follow the Torah (Law -- the instructions of YHWH) yet call him a liar.
How can this be? Because some do not believe, Romans 3:3. This alludes, for us today also, that truth and untruth is among all Bible believing peoples, but not all doctrines that all believe are really true.
Does this mean man is basically evil? No, it does not. Does this mean man is Not basically good? No, it does not, either, but here the ambiguity lies, for one might be inclined to think so, and hence believe so. Does this mean man is basically good? Yes, it does.
If man is not basically evil, then man is basically good. And this verse Romans 3:10 prove it to be so. How? If man is not basically good, why would man [even try to] follow the instructions of YHWH -- the Torah/Law -- to try to be righteous? Why would man try to be righteous?
Because there is not [one who follows the instructions of YHWH -- the Torah/Law --] a righteous man and does not sin. In other words even if man is basically good and is righteous man still commits a sin. What this verse is saying is -- A righteous man still falls short against the standard of heaven. So there is none righteous, not one. And it does not mean man is not basically good. It is Because man is basically good is the reason why man wants and strives to be righteous.
My objective is to bring you to the point where the ambiguity is and that is being used today to drive a philosophy home suggesting that man is basically evil, but not really, and if one know better, it is then suggested that man is not basically good -- which sounded alright or acceptable, but it is really not so.
Other References to Romans 3:12:
(Psa 53:1 HRB) [To the Chief musician on Mahalath. A Contemplation; A Psalm of David.] The fool has said in his heart, There is no Elohim! They have done corruptly; they have committed abominable wickedness; there is none doing good!
(Psa 53:3 RNKJV) Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
(Psa 14:1 RNKJV) The fool hath said in his heart, There is no Elohim. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
(Psa 14:3 RNKJV) They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
(Psa 53:1 RNKJV) The fool hath said in his heart, There is no Elohim. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
(Psa 53:3 RNKJV) Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
(Eccl 7:20 RNKJV) For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Works of Torah
Let us touch on this very briefly, but mind you, this is another big concept to be cleared. So please clear this properly yourselves. But here I will give allusions to what I have cleared myself, very briefly.
Now Paul is qualifying his statements here in saying by "works of Torah" and he is also saying "by the Torah is the knowledge of sin" -- meaning -- by the Torah one will know if one is righteous or not.
(Rom 3:20 The Scriptures 1998+) Therefore by works of Torah no flesh shall be declared right before Him, for by the Torah is the knowledge of sin.1 Footnote: 1 Ex. 20:20, Rom. 4:15, Rom. 7:7.
Understand the "works of Torah" does not mean the "Torah". The "works of Torah" are the fence that the elders have put in placed around the Torah so that the nations, and strangers will find it hard to follow and therefore cannot share the blessings promised to Abraham. Now, please clear this concept yourselves, specially the fence.
And in Romans 3:10 says that even the righteous (the one who follows the Torah) commits sin, so Paul concludes by asking is the Torah null and void?
(Rom 3:31 The Scriptures 1998+) Do we then nullify the Torah through the belief? Let it not be! On the contrary, we establish the Torah.1 Footnote: 1 See Rom 7:12.
In other words, Paul is saying, even if no one is righteous, we set up the Torah on a permanent basis so we can be righteous (following the Torah) by faith.
Is Man Basically Good?
It is interesting to note that I learned this concept that "man is basically good" outside of the churchianity. And after I cleared the Bible, I also set out to clear other data I have come to know, and this is one of these data -- that Man is basically good, intrinsically good, Biblically, according to the Torah. Will get to this in a moment.
In the beginning of this writing I have demonstrated in the first few paragraphs how one might uncover the basic goodness we have in us just by taking a walk around and looking at the faces of the people walking opposite us. If you have not done this yet, please do so, immediately when you get the chance.
We are familiar with the saying "truth will set you free" ~
(John 8:32 HRB) And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Now, try doing that little exercise and observe how you feel and taking in the context that man is basically good, intrinsically good. How do you feel?
Let us begin.
(Mark 10:14 The Scriptures 1998+) And when יהושע saw it, He was much displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the reign of Elohim.
(Luk 18:16 The Scriptures 1998+) But יהושע called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the reign of Elohim.
These two verses alone already tells us that man is basically good. So from childhood to manhood is where man is lost.
Man is created by Elohim and Elohim declared after seeing everything that he had made, including man, that everything was good
(Gen 1:27 HRB) And Elohim created the man in His own image; in the image of Elohim He created him. He created them male and female.
(Gen 1:31 HRB) And Elohim saw everything that He had made and behold, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning, the sixth day.
(Gen 2:7 The Scriptures 1998+) And יהוה Elohim formed the man out of dust from the ground, and breathed5301 into his nostrils breath5397 of life. And the man became a living being.
The "*breath* of life" here in Hebrew is "neshâmâh" which means a puff of wind, divine inspiration, intellect, soul, spirit.
H5301
nâphach
naw-fakh'
A primitive root; to puff, in various applications (literally, to inflate, blow hard, scatter, kindle, expire; figuratively, to disesteem): - blow, breath, give up, cause to lose [life], seething, snuff.
H5397
neshâmâh
nesh-aw-maw'
From H5395; a puff, that is, wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect or (concretely) an animal: - blast, (that) breath (-eth), inspiration, soul, spirit.
NT Acts 17:25, Acts 2:2
G4157
πνοή
pnoē
pno-ay'
From G4154; respiration, a breeze: - breath, wind.
G4154
πνέω
pneōpneh'-o
A primary word; to breathe hard, that is, breeze: - blow. Compare G5594.
John 20:22 "breathed on"
G1720
ἐμφυσάω
emphusaō
em-foo-sah'-o
From G1722 and φυσάω phusaō (to puff; compare G5453); to blow at or on: - breathe on.
Please note "puff" means emission of air, and emission means discharge or release. And note also that this wind, breath that is released from Elohim is also defined as divine inspiration, intellect, soul and spirit.
Let us compare this with the Spirit of Elohim in Gen 1:2. The word here is "rûach", which also means wind (H7307) and breath/wind (G4151). Please note the semi-colon in the Strong's definition in Hebrew H7307 "wind;" and also in Greek G4151 after "breeze;".
Please Note: after the semi-colon are commentaries to help us understand this kind of "wind", "breath", "breeze", "current of air" because there is no equivalent word in English. It is commonly translated as "Spirit" which is really not accurate.
Now compare the two definition of "neshâmâh" and "rûach" -- "wind, breath" -- they are both the same -- wind, breath -- but they also differ. Do not compare the commentaries after the semi-colon in "wind;" just yet.
Now, notice the difference -- in "neshâmâh" is wind with the stuff of divine inspiration, intellect, soul and spirit that is part of its main definition. Which also means this is its limits or delimiter. And "neshâmâh" is a puffed of wind which is complete in itself but delimited. A wind that is emitted or released from its source which is Elohim.
Whereas "rûach" is "wind" without delimitters, that is still with the source, it is not puffed, emitted or released from its source which is Elohim. The commentaries after the semi-colon are to help us understand further what it is, but it is not to suggest that it is it.
In the Bible "rûach" is commonly translated as "Spirit" which is today, commonly understood as another being, whereas Strong's note -- "by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being" -- meaning it is not another being and we should use the word spirit only of a rational being. So Spirit of Elohim is the correct usage, But Spirit IS elohim is not, and misleading, and it is already being proliferated in the doctrine of Trinity, Godhead, Unity, and the like. Just remember the devil wants to divert our worship.
In Greek Strong's definition however, we get, and I quote: "by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind."
I believe this is where most of the Bible teachers pick up the idea of "spirit" as another being as can be noted in this commentary "Holy spirit", "Christ's spirit", "the rational soul", "an angel", "daemon", "God". With utter disregard of the phrase "by analogy or figuratively" in the beginning of the commentary of the definition.
Look again and compare closely the definitions in Hebrew H7307 and in Greek G4151. Just pick up the definition delimitted by the semi-colon. Both definitions are the same: H7307 "wind", G4151 "a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze". They only differ on the commentaries after the semi-colon.
What this means is the Hebrew mindset and the Greek mindset are very different. The roots of All Bible based faith is Hebrew, Israel and the Jews. The good way is in the old paths (Jer 6:16). And the old paths certainly can be traced back to the Hebrew roots of our faith. Jer 18:15 mentions how the believers forgetting the "old paths" or "ancient paths". In this, our ancient paths is Hebrew.
H7307
rûach
roo'-akh
From H7306; wind; by resemblance breath, that is, a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions): - air, anger, blast, breath, X cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit ([-ual]), tempest, X vain, ([whirl-]) wind (-y).
NT
Rev 11:11 = "a spiritG4151 of life from Elohim" ...;
Rev 13:15 = "And he had power to give lifeG4151" ...;
2 Th 2:8 = "spiritG4151 of his mouth" ...; Note KJV has "spirit" other versions (RV, ASV, BBE, ISV, CEV, GNB,) has "breath"
John 20:22 = "And when he had said this, he breathed onG1720 them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:G4151"
G4151
πνεῦμα
pneuma
pnyoo'-mah
From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare G5590.
Because man lives by the Spirit (wind, breath) of YHWH, our One True Elohim of Israel. Therefore man is basically good, intrinsically good.
But man is in the world of sin, where the prince of darkness is the ruler, who has the power of death. -- (Isa 14:12, Eph 6:12, Rev 12:9,12) So man, from childhood to manhood along the way is carried away by the delusions of the world of sin. This is because our fore-fathers have already lost the truth, we do not know what truth is, so we have to relearn the truth and hold on to it. In the process man is deceived to holding lies as truth and vice versa.
(Isa 14:12 The Scriptures 1998+) “How you have fallen from the heavens, O Hĕlĕl, son of the morning! You have been cut down to the ground, you who laid low the gentiles!
(Eph 6:12 The Scriptures 1998+) Because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against authorities, against the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual matters of wickedness in the heavenlies.
(Rev 12:9 The Scriptures 1998+) And the great dragon was thrown out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who leads all the world astray. He was thrown to the earth, and his messengers were thrown out with him.
(Rev 12:12 The Scriptures 1998+) “Because of this rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has little time.”
When Adam and Eve sinned, they lost immortality and the robe of righteousness, and man fell into the 'downward spiral', man began to age and die (Gen 2:17, 3:5,22). But Elohim is Love (1Jn 4:8,16), and the Spirit with which animates man, He did not withdraw at that instant, and yet strive with man or gives man probation of 120 (Jubilee) years (Gen 6:3) or 70 - 80 (Sabbatical) years (Psa 90:10) or in clear language 6000 years for man to choose to walk in righteousness with His Creator and a chance to redeem oneself or be destroyed forever after the probationary years are over. Meaning man still got a chance by choice. And this 6000 years is coming to an end.
(Heb 2:14 The Scriptures 1998+) Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself similarly shared in the same, so that by means of His death He might destroy him having the power of death, that is, the devil,
The basic good of man is still in man, but man is now in the downward spiral. Man needs to swim hard, with all his might against the current that is pulling him downward. (Deut 6:5, Heb 2:14) If man gets tired, the pull of the current will get him further down. The condition of man seems hopeless just by looking at it. And this is what most of Christendom is seeing. This is what makes them believe that man is basically evil, but could not admit it because man is actually looking helpless. This is what makes them believe that man is not basically good, but could not admit it because man can actually try to swim. Because there is that basic instinct in man to try to be saved. Unless man has totally fallen into apathy and lost all striving and no longer want to be saved, there is still hope for man. Because there is that basic good in man.
Elohim already had a plan to help man in this situation. So man is not totally helpless. But Elohim do not want to force help on man. He wants man to choose. So this plan of saving man -- aka: Plan of Salvation or Redemption -- involves two parties. YHWH, Elohim and man. Elohim created a vehicle for man, and all man needs to do is to get in and get it started. See Enter Into His Rest.
Howbeit the "heart" of man is inclined to do evil because of the fault of man, and the grip of the current of the downward spiral has taken hold already. That is by choice of man in his heart. Man was not created to do evil basically. Man commits to do evil because man was deceived that evil was good (Gen 3:4,5). It does not mean that man is no longer basically good. Man is just blinded and overwhelmed by the power of the darkness.
If man is Not basically good, then there is no more hope for a (man) sinner to be saved. Just as there is no hope of change for the devil (Rev 20:2,10). And the only option is to destroy man (Gen 6:5,7, 2Th 2:9,10,11,12 -- even in this, there is a few good men). And the redemption that the Christendom preach is but a lie. But we know this is not so. We also know that Christendom teaches that man is basically evil but this is the doctrine of the devil, because the devil has the power of death. He wants all to die and perish with him. He wants you to believe man is worthless like him. But the scripture that was quoted (Rom 3:12) do not really say so as we have already seen.
And one can and may discuss and conjure it to be so and already many are convinced and lead to believe. Even then it does not say so. And for this reason I challenge you dear readers to clear not only this one but every doctrine your church teaches you. For ALL churches have already been conquered by the devil's agents. (Restoration Of All Truths) (Truth In The Age Of Deceit)
Even Yahushua sees that basic good in man that He is reminding all in saying "be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Mat 5:48). And all his followers echo the same -- (Eph 6:11, Jas 4:7, 1Pe 5:8, Rev 2:10).
(Mat 5:48 The Scriptures 1998+) “Therefore, be perfect,1 as your Father in the heavens is perfect. Footnote: 1 Ex. 17:1, Ps. 119:1, 1 John 2:5, Heb. 6:1.
(Eph 6:11 The Scriptures 1998+) Put on the complete armour of Elohim, for you to have power to stand against the schemes of the devil.
(Jas 4:7 The Scriptures 1998+) So then subject yourselves to Elohim. Resist the devil1 and he shall flee from you. Footnote: 1Or adversary.
(1Pe 5:8 The Scriptures 1998+) Be sober, watch, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
(Rev 2:10 The Scriptures 1998+) “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. See, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, in order to try you, and you shall have pressure ten days. Be trustworthy until death, and I shall give you the crown of life.
If man is Not basically good, and if man is not capable of doing good, there is no point in reminding man to strive to be righteous. And there is no point in saving man.
Because man was created perfect, when man commits a mistake or wrongdoing man becomes blinded by his own perfection (the lie that the devil told man - Gen 3:3,4,5) that man cannot accept or cannot see readily his own deficiencies By justifying it that he is just human and not perfect, and human makes mistakes, to boost his own esteem of (im)perfection and so continues in his downward spiral -- lawlessness and sinning. In this state man is basically in the dark. And burying himself further in the darkness in this way (Gen 6:5).
(Gen 3:3 The Scriptures 1998+) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, Elohim has said, ‘Do not eat of it, nor touch it, lest you die.’ ”
(Gen 3:4 The Scriptures 1998+) And the serpent said to the woman, “You shall certainly not die.
(Gen 3:5 The Scriptures 1998+) “For Elohim knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be like Elohim, knowing good and evil.”
(Gen 6:5 The Scriptures 1998+) And יהוה saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
This is why the very first step to stop this downward spiral is a "confession of sin" and "repentance" is just a natural thing that follows because of the perfection of your Father in Heaven which is already For man (Yahushua's righteousness) basically kicks in you (See Enter Into His Rest).
When you look at each person you meet in their faces, what do you see? Do you see evil? Are you driven to do evil? Are you touched by your own kindness towards the person?
When a man recognizes his own deficiencies (confession - Lev 5:5, 26:40, 2Ch 7:14 Jas 5:16, 1Jn 1:9), it is only then that he begins to reverse (repentance) his downward spiral. And by his own (will)volition meets the provision of the Father and man begins his upward spiral unto perfection of righteousness of the Father (Psa 81:13, See Enter Into His Rest).
(Lev 5:5 The Scriptures 1998+) ‘And it shall be, when he is guilty of one of these, that he shall confess that in which he has sinned,
(Lev 26:40 The Scriptures 1998+) ‘But if they confess their crookedness and the crookedness of their fathers, with their trespass in which they trespassed against Me, and that they also have walked contrary to Me,
(2Ch 7:14 ASV) if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
(Jas 5:16 ASV) Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.
(1Jn 1:9 HRB) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous that He may forgive us the sins, and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(Psa 81:13 HRB) Oh if My people were hearing me! If Israel would walk in My ways,
When a man continues to justify his deficiencies, man continues in his downward spiral into the darkness until man becomes so callus in his evil "perfection". (Dan 7:25, Mat 7:23, 13:41, 23:28, 24:12, 2Th 2:3,7 1Jn 3:4)
(Dan 7:25 HRB) And he shall speak commands against the Most High, and he shall wear out the saints of the Most High. And he intends to change times and law. And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and one half time.
(Mat 7:23 HRB) And then I will declare to them, from everlasting, I never knew you; "depart from Me, those working lawlessness!" (Psa. 6:8)
(Mat 13:41 ASV) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity,
(Mat 23:28 ASV) Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
(Mat 24:12 ASV) And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold.
(2Th 2:3 HRB) Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, because that Day will not come unless first there comes a great rebellion, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
(2Th 2:7 HRB) For the mystery of lawlessness is already working, until He who is now the obstacle, is taken out of the way.
(1Jn 3:4 HRB) Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is the breaking of the Torah.
It is for this reason that salvation involves two parties. Elohim and man. YHWH, Elohim by grace through His Son Yahushua (the Living Torah) made available to man salvation. Through the Living Torah, man will be able to see his own deficiencies, and by his own will or volition can choose to redeem himself by meeting the provision of the Father. For YHWH does not force anyone to be saved, even though He wants ALL to be saved.
And this means not everyone will be saved. For not everyone will listen to that still small voice calling one to find and walk in the Way, the Truth and the Life.
If man do not exercise his goodness through his own volition and free will, will a man be saved? Therefore man is basically good, until man loses all his goodness in the darkness of this world. Even if man's goodness by the standard of heaven is not sufficient, man's goodness is worth redeeming.
YHWH Bless you!
Shalom! Shalom!
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