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The future is not written on stone, as prayer can change things for good
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Science is good. But it would be naive to think that science will always be completely objective, and never be biased by powerful external forces (big pharmaceuticals companies; banking and monetary interests; social, cultural, and political agendas; etc). Besides, we must keep in mind that “Too much East, is West”. In other words, abstract science has to be guided by both common sense, as well as objective reality [“the cart must follow the horses! ”]. Believe in science, but keep in mind that “reality is reality”, while science can only be [at best] an approximation of such reality. Don’t make the mistake of becoming so enthusiastic with science, that you end up trying to force objective [observable] reality to conform to abstract science, instead of trying to make abstract science conform to objective [observable] reality.
The future is not written on stone, as prayer can change things for good
Hebrew Scripture teaches that prayer can change things for good. And the proof? King Hezekiah, who was told he would never arise from his sickbed, but actually did, after pouring his heart before God: «In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, “Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live”.. Then he [Hezekiah] turned his face to the wall and prayed to Adonai…. [and then answered to him saying] Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, “I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord”» - 2 Kings 20: 1, 2 & 5. Thus, the death decree upon king Hezekiah was torn apart by his sincere prayer.
“If we tell you a lie, the responsibility is on us; but if we tell you the truth, the responsibility is on you”
Hebrew Scripture teaches that deliverance and salvation arrive when we embrace sincere repentance. And that’s the reason why sincere repentance is God’s true Redeemer (Messiah). As it is written: “But a Redeemer will come to Zion, and [to whom in Zion will the Redeemer come? …] to those in Jacob who turn from transgression [in sincere repentance]”- Isaiah 59: 20. And it goes without saying that, anyone who would preach sincere repentance [Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, etc] is [by association] a manifestation of such Messiah. In this regard, it must be said that, although himself a good man, the apostle Paul [who authored most of the books comprising the New Testament] never seems to have properly understood that God didn’t need any animal [nor human] sacrifice, in order to be able to forgive our sins. Why? Simply Because the sacrifice He wants is a broken (penitent) heart. As it is written: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, o God, thou wilt not despise [denying it forgiveness]”- Psalm 51: 17
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Let’s not deceive ourselves; God’s own faith is results oriented!
We have to beware, as the sin self deception can do great harm to our soul, preventing it from enjoying peace. And that’s why Bible says: “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked”- Isaiah 57: 21. We can choose to deceive ourselves, twisting the word of God and forcing it to say whatever is convenient to our preconceived religious ideas. But by so doing, we only damage our souls, and risk ending up suffering from severe depression, as well as grave mental diseases.
The point we are trying to make is the following: the Bible teaches God’s true faith has little to do with the “having the right theology” type of religion that is so often sold unto us. Neither is it an abstract, esoteric belief. Rather, it is the “down to earth” commitment with justice, mercy, and humility. In other words, He who fears God, and is just, merciful, humble, and honest, already has the right religion (Micah 6: 8), regardless of the name we choose for it.
For example, consider the fact that Bible never mentions Persian King Cyrus ever embracing the Hebrew faith. In fact, most likely Cyrus remained a committed Zoroastrian (who worshiped the God called Ahura Mazda) his entire life. Yet, foretelling his coming [150 years in advance], prophet Isaiah called Cyrus “God’s anointed” (or “Messiah”, as per the Hebrew text of Isaiah 45: 1). Why? Because Cyrus would do the incredible act of helping exiled Jews rebuild their ruined Temple (thereby restoring their service to God). So, the Creator cared much more for Cyrus deeds, than for his imperfect Zoroastrian theology.
Notice the supreme importance of the fact that God is far more interested in the things we do, than in the things we claim to believe. And even the Christian gospel bears witness to the same truth, when it goes on to exalt the three “Magi” that came from the East, looking for the king of the Jews (Matthew 2: 1). What was a Magi? It was a Zoroastrian priest!
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