I embarked on this exploration some time ago, contemplating the relationship between belief and faith. In the first two chapters of Romans, Paul articulates belief as a prerequisite for faith as he examines humanity's grievous actions and inherent conditions. He addresses our moral misconduct and ontological state. Nevertheless, I had already been engaging with Merton's conception of human ontology, thus it served as a reminder of the dire nature of our barbaric species. Paul asserts, “because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, and the righteous will live by faith,” (Romans 1: 16-17).

It was a year of great significance for me—spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. I learned a lot about myself and the human race. Humanity became clearer to me —specifically, the ontological problem we all share—a challenge we've faced since the beginning of time, but it has become much clearer. An understanding of my fallen nature became much clearer, and I believe God granted me the revelations I experienced because I have asked for clarity for years now.

Lately, I've been thinking that many of us, for generations now, have been living in a state of “crisis of belief.” I challenged myself to genuinely believe in what I am about to share with you, and I feel my life would be in a much better place if I truly did. As I read these words to myself, I constantly ask whether I genuinely believe what I just read. This is my way of personally addressing my crisis of faith and encouraging you to do the same.

Despite our departure from the garden due to disobedience, God's love for us has never wavered. His efforts to engage with us and show us how much we mean to Him are a constant and unwavering presence in our lives, a source of security and cherished love.

What is the problem with the giant narrative during the antediluvian period, before the flood? For one thing, contemporary theologians have been able to circumvent the story by explaining that it was descendants of Seth mating with human women, giving birth to men of renown. They don't want to have to tackle the Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels, for one thing. Why, you may ask, do they not want to go there?

The reason why the psalmist wrote these words is just as relevant now as it was back then. We must take this psalm seriously and find a quiet space to contemplate the words. We should ask God to teach us the true meaning of the words and what they are trying to convey.

The Salvation Paradox

Our Messiah, Yeshua, whose name in Hebrew means to restore, clearly stated in the Temple at the beginning of his ministry that his mission was to save and restore as many of us as possible and preach salvation. His salvation message clearly stated that he would heal and restore us to health, bring us to an abundant life, and restore our relationship with God.

“I have come to bring a message of good news to the poor; He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captive and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty (set free) those who are oppressed and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”