Well I never ascertained this from these verses, but I think you may be right... back to reading the Bible, is there any end to its wisdom and knowledge
Bottom line, it's exceedingly difficult to sort out truth and fiction online, but beyond that, why bother. I once had a friend that lied constantly. I started off believing quite a bit of what he said, then over time it was oh that's what "Pete" said. No correlation to truth. Might be, but not worth the energy to try and decide. Things he said just became a background hum. Sad.
With over forty-five years in martial arts, I’ve learned that true mastery transcends physical skill; it’s a path to self-mastery, integrity, and truth. Influenced by great martial arts masters, both real and mythical, this journey has shown me that strength lies not merely in power but in relentless clarity and discipline. This pursuit of truth has become my life’s foundation, informing how I see the world and how I strive to live each day.
Reflecting on Revelation 3:18 through a contrarian lens rooted in commitment to truth and alignment with Christ’s teachings, I see a profound challenge here—one that resonates deeply with the path of a warrior philosopher. The verse’s call to “buy gold refined in the fire” speaks of an intentional, active exchange: surrendering something comfortable or familiar, perhaps even dearly held beliefs, to gain an unadulterated truth. For those of us determined to live authentically, this is an invitation to strip away illusions, confront our blind spots, and transcend the half-truths that obscure real clarity.
In today’s world, where information often mingles with noise, propaganda, and distortion, our minds face a constant risk of becoming misguided. The “King of the Bottomless Pit” imagery resonates here—a dark cloud of deception attempting to seize our focus, much like an untrained martial artist can be lost in chaotic movements without discipline or mastery. Yet Jesus’s call to “anoint our eyes with eye salve” encourages us to sharpen our perception, seeing past the smoke to discern reality.
This message is more than an invitation for spiritual awakening; it’s a blueprint for living with integrity. In martial arts, as in life, clarity arises through discipline, self-mastery, and a commitment to face the truth head-on. We are asked to guard our attention, the true currency of this age, and to wield it with purpose. Just as a warrior strikes only when necessary, we must question, evaluate, and challenge every belief that doesn’t align with Christ’s truth. This pursuit of truth becomes an act of spiritual resistance, an endeavor to keep our “temple”—our heart and mind—undefiled by illusions crafted by those who seek control rather than enlightenment.
In my Substack article, The Warrior Philosopher: “Truth,” I explore how embracing this path is a lifelong endeavor, a commitment to see things as they truly are rather than as we might wish them to be. The white garments of Revelation symbolize purity and internal alignment—an unbreakable commitment to transparency. Those who walk this path may find themselves misunderstood, even isolated, yet they remain anchored in a reality untouched by deception.
Answering Jesus’s counsel is to engage in a relentless pursuit of clarity, abandoning the “comfortable illusions” of half-truths for an authentic life. It’s a journey that demands courage and integrity—qualities at the core of being a warrior philosopher. To live in alignment with truth is to walk a challenging yet deeply rewarding path, rooted not only in truth itself but in unity with God.
PS deciding not to make binary judgements is also a binary judgement. In life the truth is often nuanced -- Jesus promises us "you (plural) will know the truth and the truth will set you free" -- this means, enough truth, enough wisdom (gold) to follow Jesus today. God bless
In the end we must rely on the righteousness Jesus won for us on the cross: self righteousness, even if it is the self-righteous rejection of making self-righteous binary choices, is still self-righteousness. As you say Lao-dikea = people's righteousness, or 'a righteous people'; Jesus' righteousness is different: it proceeds from a relationship with Him.
Gold refined in fire is a metaphor in the Buddha's teaching too.
These are the two concluding verses of chapter 15 of the epic Sanskrit poem Saundarananda by the 12th patriarch in India Asvaghosa -- probably writing shortly after the time of Jesus.
krameṇādbhiḥ śuddhaṁ kanakam iha pāṁsu-vyavahitaṁ
yathāgnau karmāraḥ pacati bhṛśam āvartayati ca
tathā yogācāro nipuṇam iha doṣa-vyavahitaṁ
viśodhya kleśebhyaḥ śamayati manaḥ saṁkṣipati ca
[Saundarananda 15.68]
Gold here and now, gold separated from dirt softly softly, washed little by little by the waters, step by step the goldsmith melts; and just as the smith, in the fire, methodically, melts the gold and then turns the gold over and over again, / So, skilfully, does a practitioner cause to melt away mind as object to be cleansed of afflictions; he causes the mind here and now, separated with delicacy and accuracy from harm, to melt, and then he collects it.//
yathā ca sva-cchandād upanayati karmāśraya-sukhaṁ
suvarṇaṁ karmāro bahu-vidham alaṁkāra-vidhiṣu
manaḥ-śuddho bhikṣur vaśagatam abhijñāsv api tathā
yathecchaṁ yatrecchaṁ śamayati manaḥ prerayati ca
[Saundarananda 15.69]
And as the smith guides gold with easy workability as freely as he likes, into a wide choice of beautiful designs, / So does the mind-cleansed bhikkhu cause to melt, and then direct the softened mind as he wishes wherever he wishes, among the powers of knowing. //
Interesting exegesis. Not wholly sold, because the emphasis of Jesus response in v18 is "from me" (in Greek it uses the emphatic pronoun par' emou, rather than the regular genitive para mou).
However we interpret the items of gold, raiment and salve, we must be acquiring them from The King Himself, not the world; that is the solution to the boasting in v.17 ("You say... but you don't realise...therefore buy FROM ME"). I think overall the point remains, though!
God asks adam " did you eat of the tree i told you not to eat of ? adam says " the wombman you made gave it to me to eat " ,,,adam doesnt answer Gods question but perfidiously blames God for making the wombman and then blames eve... adam refuses to admit his part , blames others etc we all daily repeat what adam did .... thats why he got kiked out of eden... good God enlighten our darkness
Interesting article. However from the inspired word LAODICEA ( 1844 - End of time ) means "people under the judgement". It represents the true church between the period of 1844 till the End of time, the second coming of Christ, which is yet to come. The Laodicean message is given to the people at the time when the investigative judgment is in progress in heaven. The investigative judgement started in 1844. Like the churches of the past, it has disappointed the one that is walking among the seven candlesticks, and Christ sorrowfully says of them, I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot." Laodicea is full of spiritual pride. It is the worst of evils and hardest to reach. However, it is not any church, but God's true church on earth, one that will perfectly reflect his name and character till his second coming, not the one of the enemy.
Rev 3:15 " Buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich." Faith and love is the wealth offered by Christ, and with these the possessor can purchase the treasures of heaven. " Buy of Me, white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." The raiment offered is the righteousness'of Christ. It is a garment of light, which will attract the world to Christ.
This will clothe all the redeemed who are living on the earth when Christ appears. It is a reflection of the holiness of God, and comes to him only, who lives in constant communication with the Lord of Life. The life of him who is in touch with heaven, is like the glow of the incandescent light.
As everything is being done in commerce the principals of Common Law including Law Merchant apply. Not the corrupted Legal System version of Common Law but the universal Common Law that is above ALL (wo)man made law.
The first principal is that any Claim has no merit until or unless it is supported by independently verifiable evidence.
Second principal is that there must be full disclosure or no agreement can exist or be forced as none is possible.
When you have the evidence for your claim, make the claim and require rebuttal. No need to give all your evidence, none at all.
Require the rebuttal be point by point on each of your claims and that all rebuttal be made within a reasonable time period OR
Your claims stand as truth. Make your claims in the form of a sworn Affidavit witnessed by two independent people and all signed and Notarised.
Keep ALL original signed documents and send only copies stating this fact and send by secure process that independently guarantees delivery.
No response or an insufficiency of reply such as a blanket denial of your claims or claims without independently verifiable evidence to support each and every claim, then..
Send a second correspondence offering ‘Grace’ allowing a further period to respond or your truth stands.
No or insufficient response by your second deadline seals the contract, your truth is the truth, your claims stand as truth accepted.
Send a third notice stating that unless within a set period the recipient can provide a higher claim with independently verifiable evidence for each and every claim, then your truth, your claims stand as truth in all matters addressed.
Follow the rules of contract, strictly, always with two witnesses to everything signed and given up for delivery. Keep all original documents and the proof of delivery.
This is the process being used in our society by all those who know it and we can use it too. This is your power.
To be alive and adult means to accept responsibility and be accountable for all that we do and say. To do less is to be a child or a criminal.
Great insight presented here: your argument is compelling. I pray that many can make use of this to make it to the Kingdom when the time comes.
I pray that I can also do this!
Timely reminder!
Well I never ascertained this from these verses, but I think you may be right... back to reading the Bible, is there any end to its wisdom and knowledge
Bottom line, it's exceedingly difficult to sort out truth and fiction online, but beyond that, why bother. I once had a friend that lied constantly. I started off believing quite a bit of what he said, then over time it was oh that's what "Pete" said. No correlation to truth. Might be, but not worth the energy to try and decide. Things he said just became a background hum. Sad.
With over forty-five years in martial arts, I’ve learned that true mastery transcends physical skill; it’s a path to self-mastery, integrity, and truth. Influenced by great martial arts masters, both real and mythical, this journey has shown me that strength lies not merely in power but in relentless clarity and discipline. This pursuit of truth has become my life’s foundation, informing how I see the world and how I strive to live each day.
Reflecting on Revelation 3:18 through a contrarian lens rooted in commitment to truth and alignment with Christ’s teachings, I see a profound challenge here—one that resonates deeply with the path of a warrior philosopher. The verse’s call to “buy gold refined in the fire” speaks of an intentional, active exchange: surrendering something comfortable or familiar, perhaps even dearly held beliefs, to gain an unadulterated truth. For those of us determined to live authentically, this is an invitation to strip away illusions, confront our blind spots, and transcend the half-truths that obscure real clarity.
In today’s world, where information often mingles with noise, propaganda, and distortion, our minds face a constant risk of becoming misguided. The “King of the Bottomless Pit” imagery resonates here—a dark cloud of deception attempting to seize our focus, much like an untrained martial artist can be lost in chaotic movements without discipline or mastery. Yet Jesus’s call to “anoint our eyes with eye salve” encourages us to sharpen our perception, seeing past the smoke to discern reality.
This message is more than an invitation for spiritual awakening; it’s a blueprint for living with integrity. In martial arts, as in life, clarity arises through discipline, self-mastery, and a commitment to face the truth head-on. We are asked to guard our attention, the true currency of this age, and to wield it with purpose. Just as a warrior strikes only when necessary, we must question, evaluate, and challenge every belief that doesn’t align with Christ’s truth. This pursuit of truth becomes an act of spiritual resistance, an endeavor to keep our “temple”—our heart and mind—undefiled by illusions crafted by those who seek control rather than enlightenment.
In my Substack article, The Warrior Philosopher: “Truth,” I explore how embracing this path is a lifelong endeavor, a commitment to see things as they truly are rather than as we might wish them to be. The white garments of Revelation symbolize purity and internal alignment—an unbreakable commitment to transparency. Those who walk this path may find themselves misunderstood, even isolated, yet they remain anchored in a reality untouched by deception.
Answering Jesus’s counsel is to engage in a relentless pursuit of clarity, abandoning the “comfortable illusions” of half-truths for an authentic life. It’s a journey that demands courage and integrity—qualities at the core of being a warrior philosopher. To live in alignment with truth is to walk a challenging yet deeply rewarding path, rooted not only in truth itself but in unity with God.
thanks for sharing my friend!
PS deciding not to make binary judgements is also a binary judgement. In life the truth is often nuanced -- Jesus promises us "you (plural) will know the truth and the truth will set you free" -- this means, enough truth, enough wisdom (gold) to follow Jesus today. God bless
Thank you - you prompted me to look at this passage anew - which is a wonderfully helpful passage - as the whole scripture is.
https://firstfactcheck.substack.com/p/looking-at-laodicea-in-revelation
In the end we must rely on the righteousness Jesus won for us on the cross: self righteousness, even if it is the self-righteous rejection of making self-righteous binary choices, is still self-righteousness. As you say Lao-dikea = people's righteousness, or 'a righteous people'; Jesus' righteousness is different: it proceeds from a relationship with Him.
Refreshing insights!
Gold refined in fire is a metaphor in the Buddha's teaching too.
These are the two concluding verses of chapter 15 of the epic Sanskrit poem Saundarananda by the 12th patriarch in India Asvaghosa -- probably writing shortly after the time of Jesus.
krameṇādbhiḥ śuddhaṁ kanakam iha pāṁsu-vyavahitaṁ
yathāgnau karmāraḥ pacati bhṛśam āvartayati ca
tathā yogācāro nipuṇam iha doṣa-vyavahitaṁ
viśodhya kleśebhyaḥ śamayati manaḥ saṁkṣipati ca
[Saundarananda 15.68]
Gold here and now, gold separated from dirt softly softly, washed little by little by the waters, step by step the goldsmith melts; and just as the smith, in the fire, methodically, melts the gold and then turns the gold over and over again, / So, skilfully, does a practitioner cause to melt away mind as object to be cleansed of afflictions; he causes the mind here and now, separated with delicacy and accuracy from harm, to melt, and then he collects it.//
yathā ca sva-cchandād upanayati karmāśraya-sukhaṁ
suvarṇaṁ karmāro bahu-vidham alaṁkāra-vidhiṣu
manaḥ-śuddho bhikṣur vaśagatam abhijñāsv api tathā
yathecchaṁ yatrecchaṁ śamayati manaḥ prerayati ca
[Saundarananda 15.69]
And as the smith guides gold with easy workability as freely as he likes, into a wide choice of beautiful designs, / So does the mind-cleansed bhikkhu cause to melt, and then direct the softened mind as he wishes wherever he wishes, among the powers of knowing. //
Interesting exegesis. Not wholly sold, because the emphasis of Jesus response in v18 is "from me" (in Greek it uses the emphatic pronoun par' emou, rather than the regular genitive para mou).
However we interpret the items of gold, raiment and salve, we must be acquiring them from The King Himself, not the world; that is the solution to the boasting in v.17 ("You say... but you don't realise...therefore buy FROM ME"). I think overall the point remains, though!
God asks adam " did you eat of the tree i told you not to eat of ? adam says " the wombman you made gave it to me to eat " ,,,adam doesnt answer Gods question but perfidiously blames God for making the wombman and then blames eve... adam refuses to admit his part , blames others etc we all daily repeat what adam did .... thats why he got kiked out of eden... good God enlighten our darkness
Neither Eve or Adam took responsibility for their actions, nor did they express remorse. They both blamed others.
Contrast that to King David, completely flawed, yet immediately understood his disobedience when 'found out' and repented.
Humbling.
Interesting article. However from the inspired word LAODICEA ( 1844 - End of time ) means "people under the judgement". It represents the true church between the period of 1844 till the End of time, the second coming of Christ, which is yet to come. The Laodicean message is given to the people at the time when the investigative judgment is in progress in heaven. The investigative judgement started in 1844. Like the churches of the past, it has disappointed the one that is walking among the seven candlesticks, and Christ sorrowfully says of them, I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot." Laodicea is full of spiritual pride. It is the worst of evils and hardest to reach. However, it is not any church, but God's true church on earth, one that will perfectly reflect his name and character till his second coming, not the one of the enemy.
Rev 3:15 " Buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich." Faith and love is the wealth offered by Christ, and with these the possessor can purchase the treasures of heaven. " Buy of Me, white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." The raiment offered is the righteousness'of Christ. It is a garment of light, which will attract the world to Christ.
This will clothe all the redeemed who are living on the earth when Christ appears. It is a reflection of the holiness of God, and comes to him only, who lives in constant communication with the Lord of Life. The life of him who is in touch with heaven, is like the glow of the incandescent light.
Hi Aussie17,
HOLDING THEM TO ACCOUNT.
As everything is being done in commerce the principals of Common Law including Law Merchant apply. Not the corrupted Legal System version of Common Law but the universal Common Law that is above ALL (wo)man made law.
The first principal is that any Claim has no merit until or unless it is supported by independently verifiable evidence.
Second principal is that there must be full disclosure or no agreement can exist or be forced as none is possible.
When you have the evidence for your claim, make the claim and require rebuttal. No need to give all your evidence, none at all.
Require the rebuttal be point by point on each of your claims and that all rebuttal be made within a reasonable time period OR
Your claims stand as truth. Make your claims in the form of a sworn Affidavit witnessed by two independent people and all signed and Notarised.
Keep ALL original signed documents and send only copies stating this fact and send by secure process that independently guarantees delivery.
No response or an insufficiency of reply such as a blanket denial of your claims or claims without independently verifiable evidence to support each and every claim, then..
Send a second correspondence offering ‘Grace’ allowing a further period to respond or your truth stands.
No or insufficient response by your second deadline seals the contract, your truth is the truth, your claims stand as truth accepted.
Send a third notice stating that unless within a set period the recipient can provide a higher claim with independently verifiable evidence for each and every claim, then your truth, your claims stand as truth in all matters addressed.
Follow the rules of contract, strictly, always with two witnesses to everything signed and given up for delivery. Keep all original documents and the proof of delivery.
This is the process being used in our society by all those who know it and we can use it too. This is your power.
To be alive and adult means to accept responsibility and be accountable for all that we do and say. To do less is to be a child or a criminal.
joseph
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