Spiritual Advice and Guidance Blog: Urantia Book: January 2009

A: Thank you for this timely and interesting question. The Urantia Book has the following to say about reincarnation:

The primitive doctrine of survival after death was not necessarily a belief in immortality. Beings who could not count over twenty could hardly conceive of infinity and eternity; they rather thought of recurring incarnations. href=" p953:4(86:4.5)

This idea of reincarnation originated in the observance of hereditary and trait resemblance of offspring to ancestors. The custom of naming children after grandparents and other ancestors was due to belief in reincarnation. Some later-day races believed that man died from three to seven times. p953:5(86:4.6)

The undue concentration on self led certainly to a fear of the nonevolutionary perpetuation of self in an endless round of successive incarnations as man, beast, or weeds. And of all the contaminating beliefs which could have become fastened upon what may have been an emerging monotheism, none was so stultifying as this belief in transmigrationâ€”the doctrine of the reincarnation of soulsâ€”which came from the Dravidian Deccan. This belief in the weary and monotonous round of repeated transmigrations robbed struggling mortals of their long-cherished hope of finding that deliverance and spiritual advancement in death which had been a part of the earlier Vedic faith.p1029:1(94:2.3)

The older Jewish teachers, together with Plato, Philo, and many of the Essenes, tolerated the theory that men may reap in one incarnation what they have sown in a previous existence; thus in one life they were believed to be expiating the sins committed in preceding lives. The Master found it difficult to make men believe that their souls had not had previous existences.p1811:5(164:3.4)

You can see from these quotes that reincarnation is not a belief that is fostered in the teachings of The Urantia Book, nor in the teachings of Jesus. However, it is a theory that many seeking souls adopt as a way of explaining survival of the self, as well as karma, the idea of reaping what we sow.

I was a believer in reincarnation at one point in my life, but I now much prefer the idea of "resurrection" of the immortal soul as presented in The Urantia Book:

On mansion world number one (or another in case of advanced status) you will resume your intellectual training and spiritual development at the exact level whereon they were interrupted by death. Between the time of planetary death or translation and resurrection on the mansion world, mortal man gains absolutely nothing aside from experiencing the fact of survival. You begin over there right where you leave off down here.p533:5(47:3.7)

This teaching relieves any fears I may have had about having to return to this planet over and over again as the result of some past sins - which to me, is a very depressing thought. Having to endure, all over again, a complete mortal life until I "get it right," seems terribly unappealing to me.

Given the sheer size and magnitude of the inhabited universe presented in The Urantia Book, it seems highly unlikely to me that we would be doomed to such a circular existence focused on only this little ball of dirt in space. Rather, we can look forward to resurrection on new worlds, with new challenges, and new opportunities for atoning for our shortcomings. The watchword of the universe is "progress." Personally, I see nothing progressive about reincarnation.

I am however, interested in the phenomena of the intuitives that you mention, and I notice that many people seem to gain a great deal of comfort from these "readings." I am sure that they believe in what they are doing, as well as do the people who seek them out, but to me, it is only a curiosity, and nowhere near reality. I don't consider it sinful or bad, just pointless. I know that good and sincere people can have a desire to know everything they can in order to help them through this present life we are living, but the surest way to handle life on a day-to-day basis is to stay present, ask God to guide you, and do the best you can with every situation that comes up in your life. From the Urantia Book:

Love of adventure, curiosity, and dread of monotonyâ€”these traits inherent in evolving human natureâ€”were not put there just to aggravate and annoy you during your short sojourn on earth, but rather to suggest to you that death is only the beginning of an endless career of adventure, an everlasting life of anticipation, an eternal voyage of discovery.p159:6(14:5.10)

Finally, as to the karmic idea, The Urantia Book has an interesting quote about reaping and sowing:

When you finish your earthly career, your body remains on this planet...You "sow a mortal body" in the grave; you "reap a morontia form" on the mansion worlds.p431:2(39:2.13)

(NB: "Morontia" is a term designating a stage of existence which is between material and spiritual - a transition state between being entirely mortal, and entirely spiritual: ed)

The Urantia Book teaches us that this new life vehicle will be a faithful reflection of the true inner person, so that the spiritual progress, or lack thereof, will be reflected in this new form. This is an intriguing concept, and to me, is a good reason continue to do all I can to progress spiritually right here and now...hey, I want to look good in my resurrected life!!!

I would like to invite you to take a look at our dedicated page called Life After Death. You'll find many things of interest there that will give you even more information about The Urantia Book's teachings on the subject of eternal life.

And if you have not done so, please susbscribe to Quote of the Day - a free service of Truthbook.com. You'll receive a daily quote from The Urantia Book to uplift and inspire you.

Labels: eternal life, intuitives, life after death, reincarnation, The Urantia Book

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Why do so many people feelingly experience re-incarnation as a spiritual reality?

A: Buddhists and Hindus experience reincarnation as a spiritual reality because it is an integral part to their view of the life and death cycle and most believers in any one particular religion tend to accept all the doctrines of that religion. Others accept reincarnation as valid because it seems to provide a logical answer to the age-old questions of why do some people seem to be blessed while others face lives of struggle. And still others accept reincarnation because they believe they've been given proof through past life regression, deja-vu, or psychic experiences that appear to point to its validity as a belief system.

Perhaps one of the main reasons people accept the theory of reincarnation is because deep down they realize that there's more to existence than this one short life can provide and because they have not been given another satisfying or more complete explanation of the breadth and scope of the adventure that awaits upon departure from this life in the flesh while a belief in reincarnation seems to answer that call.

As you may be aware, The Urantia Book makes it clear that this is the first and only physical experience required to cause the soul to be born and that from this point onward our existence will be one of increasing spiritual awareness and development. The Urantia Book describes in exquisite detail the universe career we embark upon after physical death, what we will experience as heaven and beyond. This ascension plan is so full and all-encompassing that what the theory of reincarnation offers pales and seems dull and tedious in its wake. So until the time comes that there's a more complete understanding of God's plan for us the theory of reincarnation will continue to hold a place in the beliefs of many.

Please see our web page dedicated to the study of Life After Death as taught in The Urantia Book.

Labels: Buddhism, Hinduism, life after death, reincarnation, spirituality, The Urantia Book

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"Joseph of Nazareth" - A story you made up?

Q: I am much surprised to read so many details about Joseph of Nazareth on your website. Where would you find sources to claim things e.g. "Joseph was employed by Maryâ€™s father", "Mary brought him a cup of waterâ€¦" "Joseph had 8 brothers and sistersâ€¦." Many more claims about specifics that I have not encountered in biblical publications. Could you enlighten me as to your actual source or are you just creating a story?

A: Thank you for stopping at our site and for asking your question. Truthbook.com is a site dedicated to the teachings of The Urantia Book, a book which claims to be a revelation. Is it? The only reliable way to accept or refute its claim is to read the book and decide for oneself. I expect that nearly everyone comes to the book with some measure of skepticism -- it's a pretty audacious claim isn't it, especially at this time when there are so many books claiming to be conversing with God and all manner of spirit entities. There is, however, no other book like The Urantia Book.

You asked about the details given regarding Jesus' life. The Urantia Book consists of four parts, the fourth part being devoted exclusively to the life and teachings of Jesus. This is the caveat given at the beginning of Part Four:

PART IV

THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS

This group of papers was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia Midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek Revelatory Director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary Midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.

Basically, what this is saying is the 76 chapters in Part Four that detail Jesus' life from before conception through resurrection and ascension are taken from the angelic records that were recorded as these events transpired. This record is not based on the Bible although there are of course a lot of similarities and we did not just create a story. All told, there are just a few more than 70 pages in the Bible that chronicle Jesus' life and teachings -- enough material to have changed the course of history. The Urantia Book depiction of his life is over 700 pages in length -- there are no missing years.

If you have an interest in Jesus spend a bit more time with our site and with The Urantia Book. The links on the left side of our home page offer such great topics as "Joseph of Nazareth" which may be what caused your initial question. Take a look at our short videos. You can go directly to Part IV if you wish with this link to begin reading.

Feel free to ask questions... that's what we're here for. We're not trying to sell anything or to convert or coerce anyone -- we'd just like to encourage you to read (and listen... each paper has a "Listen" button at the top so you can listen as you read along).

Labels: Jesus, Joseph, The Urantia Book

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I am concerned about the use of the term 'surviving mortal.'

Q: I am concerned about the use of the term 'surviving mortal.' How do I know if I am destined to survive, and is there any chance I will not survive between my planet of origin and the first Mansion world?

A: I guess there is always a chance, but it seems to me that the overwhelming feeling that one gets from reading the Revelation is that the vast majority of human beings WILL survive in eternity. And that includes you.

My understanding is that one must simply CHOOSE to survive, and then have FAITH that that survival is inevitable. Doubt is the one thing that the believer has to resist, and so Jesus always exhorted us to develop a living faith - one that leaves no room for doubt. Unless you deliberately choose otherwise, your survival is assured.

"The door of eternal life is wide open to all; "whosoever will may come"; there are no restrictions or qualifications save the faith of the one who comes."139:12.7

Even if you may fear that your own faith might be somewhat lacking, The Urantia Book says this:

... it is the nature of the Sons of God to give every created being a full and equal chance for salvation and survival. Jesus wanted not only the mortals of this world but the onlookers of innumerable other worlds to know that, when doubts exist as to the sincerity and wholeheartedness of a creature's devotion to the kingdom, it is the invariable practice of the Judges of men fully to receive the doubtful candidate. p1566:6 139:12.7

The Master looked upon men as the sons of God and foresaw a magnificent and eternal future for those who chose survival. He was not a moral skeptic; he viewed man positively, not negatively. He saw most men as weak rather than wicked, more distraught than depraved. But no matter what their status, they were all God's children and his brethren. p2093:3 196:2.9

I think you can rest assured that you will also be given every opportunity to survive, if that is your desire. Your faith and your own choice in this matter are the keys to eternal life.

I hope you will take a look at two of our short flash presentations regarding this issue. One is: You Can Live Forever and the other one is After You Die. Both of these presentation are beautiful condensations of Urantia Book truth regarding the surety of survival, and eternal life.

Labels: eternal life, faith, Jesus, Mansion Worlds, survival

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Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Jesus in The Urantia Book, the whole story

Readers of The Urantia Book describe why these teachings stand unique, packed with new Jesus stories, his lost years, and fresh insights. This detailed portrayal of Jesus emphasizes the religion of Jesus rather than the religion about Jesus. If you love Jesus as portrayed in the Bible, you will gain an even greater admiration and understanding of his life and teachings from Part IV of The Urantia Book.

Labels: Bible, enlightenment, God, inspiration, Jesus, lost years, new insight, religion, religious experience, spiritual, spirituality, truth, urantia book

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Are Reptilians real?

Q: Are Reptilians real?

A: Have you personally had contact with Reptilians? Our human nature contains not only the vestiges of our long evolutionary origin, up through ghost fear, worship of plants, stones and nature, the concepts of chance, good and bad luck, ancestor worship, fetishes, totems, charms, magic, shamans, medicine men, and primitive forms of prayer but also higher forms of logical thinking, genuine prayer, communion and worship; we've carried a lot of baggage in our minds to reach this point in our long evolutionary struggle.

Just as there are those who delight in fear and fearful thoughts, there are those who delight in digging into the inexplicable and the seemingly strange and weird happenings reported about the globe; they make careers of it. We still hang onto notions that there's an underpinning of magic in reality and that "anything's possible." And for those who seek out strangeness, it's there.

Do you understand who Jesus was, why he came, what he did, what he taught, who he is now? If so then the fear of the unknown will have little influence on your thoughts and behavior. The retelling of Jesus' life and teachings, devoid of religious doctrines, is one of the purposes of the gift to humanity of The Urantia Book, a book that sets straight the troubled history of our world and reestablishes a logical and meaningful foundation to reality.

Jesus' watchword was "Fear not." He said: "I am absolutely assured that the entire universe is friendly to me--this all-powerful truth I insist on believing with a wholehearted trust in spite of all appearances to the contrary." and "Happy are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Genuine meekness has no relation to fear. It is rather an attitude of man co-operating with God--"Your will be done." Only the spirit-indwelt mind can comprehend that the universe is friendly to the individual.

The religious impulse does serve a necessary function for human well being; among other benefits it offers peace and release from unfounded fear.

May I recommend that if you're not already signed up that you consider subscribing to the Quote of the Day. It's a free service from our site that offers a daily quote from the incomparable teachings of this marvelous book with an audio clip and a beautiful and inspiring image, a great way to start one's day as well as to begin to understand the teachings of The Urantia Book. To subscribe click on the Quote of the Day link on the left side of our home page and follow the instructions.

Labels: fear, Jesus, Reptilians, The Urantia Book

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If A police officer kills someone is s/he judged by the Ancients of Days?

Q: If someone works as a police officer, and sometimes has to resort to killing criminals, how would the Ancients of Days evaluate such a personality?

A: I certainly cannot speak for the Ancients of Days, but I do know that the state has the right to protect its citizens; that is why we have laws and law-enforcement, such as the police force. If, in the execution of their duties, a "criminal" is killed by a police officer, it is often a case of perceived defense against harm to the individual officer, or to society-at-large. Until society has evolved to such a degree that its citizenry is governed by individual self-control, such unfortunate occurrences are inevitable.

In his Discourse on Sonship and Citizenship, Jesus said:

"The kingdoms of this world, being material, may often find it necessary to employ physical force in the execution of their laws and for the maintenance of order."

In our society, much scrutiny is usually attached to street killings by police officers - investigations are made, and judgments rendered right here on earth as to the guilt or innocence of the officer. As for the eternal consequences, that is impossible for any of us to rightly determine.

Thank you for this question...

Labels: citizenship, Jesus, police, protection, self-control, state, The Urantia Book

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What does The Urantia Book say about Judgment?

Q: Regarding dispensational resurrection, what does it mean when it refers to sleeping souls "who had not already gone onto judgment"? What does the Urantia Book say about judgment - what exactly does that mean? What happens? And does the short life of a Urantian constitute spiritual judgment?

A: The quote that you referenced is from a section titled The Dispensational Resurrection, which describes the mass resurrection that took place following Jesus' resurrection from the tomb. The specific quote is here:

The circuit of the archangels then operated for the first time from Urantia. Gabriel and the archangel hosts moved to the place of the spiritual polarity of the planet; and when Gabriel gave the signal, there flashed to the first of the system mansion worlds the voice of Gabriel, saying: "By the mandate of Michael, let the dead of a Urantia dispensation rise!" Then all the survivors of the human races of Urantia who had fallen asleep since the days of Adam, and who had not already gone on to judgment, appeared in the resurrection halls of mansonia in readiness for morontia investiture. p2024:4(189:3.2)

When Gabriel referred to "the dead of a Urantia dispensation," he was referring to these very souls who were now being resurrected - those who had died, but who had been asleep since the days of Adam - a long time for some of them - over 35,000 years. When some people die, they are not resurrected in three days' time, but instead, they stay peacefully asleep, awaiting just such a time as this one described, a dispensational resurrection, in order to move forward.

You can read more about sleeping survivors HERE

Whether a person was resurrected in three days, or whether they may sleep for thousands of years, they still eventually are resurrected on Mansonia, there to begin their "real life, the ascending life."

As for "judgment," here are a couple of quotes from Jesus:

"... Do you not perceive that, when each of you is called to lay down his life struggle and pass through the portal of death, you stand in the immediate presence of judgment, and that you are face to face with the facts of a new dispensation of service in the eternal plan of the infinite Father? What the whole world must face as a literal fact at the end of an age, you, as individuals, must each most certainly face as a personal experience when you reach the end of your natural life and thereby pass on to be confronted with the conditions and demands inherent in the next revelation of the eternal progression of the Father's kingdom." p1915:4(176:2.7)

"Mankind can appropriately be divided into many classes in accordance with differing qualifications, as they may be viewed physically, mentally, socially, vocationally, or morally, but as these different classes of mortals appear before the judgment bar of God, they stand on an equal footing; God is truly no respecter of persons." p1468:3 (133:0.3)

I am not aware of any place in The Urantia Book that describes an actual process by which mortals are judged. Perhaps the judgment is inherent in the fact of survival itself. The Urantia Book says that we gain nothing from resurrection, save the experience of survival...

It could be that your idea of this mortal life being itself a "judgment," is on the right track. One can, in this life, decide to survive. One can have only a "faint flicker of faith" in such a resurrection, and we are told that this is the only requirement for survival after death. "All who will may come."

There may possibly be circumstances where a resurrected mortal may be in conflict about survival, or perhaps their dedication is lacking, or for some other reason, their life is reviewed and judgment is made as to whether they are fit to continue. But I would imagine that the majority of mortals are adjudged to be "fit," to survive the death experience.

We have such a limited understanding of the meaning of life and what's in store for us during the Paradise adventure while we're here that it seems unlikely that we are able to make a knowledgeable decision whether to continue or not, so that decision will most likely occur on the mansion worlds. But, if during this earth life, the person has not exhibited even the smallest flicker of faith and has not produced a soul that can be resurrected then there is no "person" to be resurrected and their existence would cease at mortal death.

Thanks for this really good question ...

Labels: dispensational resurrection, Jesus, judgment, mortal life, resurrection, The Urantia Book

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How do I know if I am destined to survive...?

I am concerned about the use of the term 'surviving mortal.' How do I know if I am destined to survive, and is there any chance I will not survive between my planet of origin and the first Mansion world?

I guess there is always a chance, but it seems to me that the overwhelming feeling that one gets from reading the Revelation is that the vast majority of human beings WILL survive in eternity. And that includes you.

My understanding is that one must simply CHOOSE to survive, and then have FAITH that that survival is inevitable. Doubt is the one thing that the believer has to resist, and so Jesus always exhorted us to develop a living faith - one that leaves no room for doubt. Unless you deliberately choose otherwise, your survival is assured.

"The door of eternal life is wide open to all; "whosoever will may come"; there are no restrictions or qualifications save the faith of the one who comes."(139:12.7)

Even if you may fear that your own faith might be somewhat lacking, The Urantia Book says this:

... it is the nature of the Sons of God to give every created being a full and equal chance for salvation and survival. Jesus wanted not only the mortals of this world but the onlookers of innumerable other worlds to know that, when doubts exist as to the sincerity and wholeheartedness of a creature's devotion to the kingdom, it is the invariable practice of the Judges of men fully to receive the doubtful candidate. p1566:6 (139:12.7)

The Master looked upon men as the sons of God and foresaw a magnificent and eternal future for those who chose survival. He was not a moral skeptic; he viewed man positively, not negatively. He saw most men as weak rather than wicked, more distraught than depraved. But no matter what their status, they were all God's children and his brethren. p2093:3 (196:2.9)

I think you can rest assured that you will also be given every opportunity to survive, if that is your desire. Your faith and your own choice in this matter are the keys to eternal life.

I hope you will take a look at two of our short flash presentations regarding this issue. One is: You Can Live Forever and the other one is After You Die. Both of these presentation are beautiful condensations of Urantia Book truth regarding the surety of survival, and eternal life.

Labels: choice, death, faith, God, Jesus, survival, The Urantia Book

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As a woman, I am sensitive about the use of "Son" and "man" throughout The Urantia Book.

Q: As a woman, I am sensitive to the use of 'Son' and 'man' throughout The Urantia Book. Do these terms pertain to both male and female humans?

A: Readers of The Urantia Book initially come to the book from a myriad of backgrounds, trainings and predispositions. If readers initially give the book more than a cursory look and begin to actually pay attention to its presentation, logic, and the fragrance of truth it emits they change from readers to become students of the revelation, a self-appointed designation that frequently lasts a lifetime. Through study, students of the book have had their initial doubts put to rest and accept the book at face value, that it is what it claims to be, the fifth epochal revelation of truth to the world; backgrounds, trainings, and predispositions becoming less meaningful as perception is augmented through this study. Students believe that the authors of the Urantia revelation are who they represent themselves to be: "celestial beings," non-humans who were presented the task of conferring lost or "unearned" knowledge to the human race in a way that could be accepted by a suspicious and skeptical humanity; that the authors know more than we do.

You began your question with the caveat of "As a woman" which implies that your question might not be a sensitivity issue to men as well. The concern for the use of language has long been a part of the Urantia community and in the process much has been learned about the revelatory process as well as about ourselves as mortal beings and how we think. Some of the use of gender specific language in The Urantia Book is the product of the times in which it was written, the early 1900s; most of it however is intentional and specific; the use of language is part and parcel to the revelation. God the Father has qualities we associate with father-likeness; individualistic, assertive. God the Spirit has qualities we associate with mother-likeness; unity, enfolding. Descending deity originating in the Father is termed "Sons;" deity originating in the Spirit is termed "Daughters." Ascenders are termed "Sons" whether masculine or feminine in nature. Non-ascenders are termed "Daughters" whether masculine or feminine in nature.

Iâ€™ve known readers whoâ€™ve crossed out gender specific words in their book, substituting gender neutral terms in their place as well as those who have pressed to have an "unbiased" reprinting of the book that changes the wording to be more politically correct and acceptable to feminists. Theyâ€™ve missed the clarifications that a fundamental aspect of creation is duality and even trinity â€” positive/negative, controller/controlled, assertive/unassertive, masculine/feminine â€” different and complementary; one not better than the other but both required for a complete expression. We are not created equal nor were we intended to be, notwithstanding that we all stand as equals in the Father's sight, and in opportunity for eternal life and advancement. Our masculine/feminine traits are carried with us through the Paradise ascent.

The teachings of The Urantia Book do not perpetuate paternalism; paternalism is a primitive but evolutionarily necessary part of cultural evolution. The teachings of TUB do more to set the record straight and to elevate the concept of the status and value of women to human progress than any other religious document has or can do.

One of the problems we and future generations have to overcome is the tendency to see things from our own limited moment in history. Sixty years ago, when The Urantia Book was first published, there would have been few if any women taking exception with the masculine/feminine language of the book â€” it was just generally accepted. Since then weâ€™ve become more sensitive to usage and to issues of equality of the sexes; itâ€™s the tendency now to become hyper-sensitive to any perceived expression of inequality. However, we are not created equal; differences purposefully exist.

On the spiritual ascent, once we leave this earth life, we will all be considered ascending Sons of God, whether male or female. Here on earth males can consider themselves sons of God and females can consider themselves daughters of God. All angels, whether masculine/feminine, assertive/retiring, are considered to be Daughters of the Divine Minister, the Creative Mother Spirit of the local universe.

While it is our tendency and in our nature to try to conform ideas to our own perceptions, in order to leave parochial thinking and to better understand our true place in the cosmos, our origin, history, and destiny, it is necessary for us to conform our thinking and thought processes to those provided through this epochal revelation, a new light to the world, and not the other way around.

Best wishes and thank you for your question.

Labels: father, female, gender, male, mother, The Urantia Book

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How liberal can we be with sexual activity?

Q: How liberal can one be with one`s sexual activity, and when does sexual activity become sinful, or even iniquitous?

A: In sexual activity, as in all other forms of human interaction, LOVE must be the rule of living, as Jesus has said. Jesus exhorted us to always do nothing to others that we would not want done to us, and more positively, to do unto others that which you desire others to do to you. In the sexual union, one would want to have mutuality of consent, and loving intentions above all. As long as there is that bond of love (ideally that of marriage or commitment), and a mutual desire, then there would certainly be room for a good bit of "liberality." What that might mean would have to be determined by the parties involved.

It seems to me that any activity, including sexual activity, becomes sinful only when it violates this rule - when it is purely selfish, or when it is harmful to another, either mentally, physically, or spiritually. And of course, if one persists in selfish or hurtful ways, then such activity would eventually meet the requirements of iniquity.

Read more about The Rule of Living

Thanks for this important question.

Labels: gospel of Jesus, iniquity, love, rule of living, sex, sin

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