Antithesis

This fancy word is one of my favorites, it means to be opposed to something, or to contrast with something or to be the direct opposite.  Religion is the antithesis of Jesus.  The Ten Commandments are the antithesis of The Beatitudes.  We are familiar with the rules of the Ten Commandments, these are the beatitudes.  This is the only way, a bottom up way but the only way to please God in this world. .

The Beatitudes of Matthew 5 : 3-12  (Today’s New International Version Bible)
  1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
  3. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
  4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.
  5. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
  6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
  7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
  8. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  9. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me, for great is your reward in heaven.
10. Rejoice and be glad, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Beatitudes of Matthew 5: 3-12   (The Message Bible, Peterson)   ( Goslaw amplification)
  1. Happy are those who are unworthy of God, for they have a future with him.
  2. Happy are those who grieve over their failures, for they will find the strength to try again.
  3. Happy are the powerless in their own circumstance, for God will provide powerful results.
  4. Happy are those who chase after the way of God, for that way is never ending.
  5. Happy are those who care about others, for they will find that same care.
  6. Happy are those who take the inward journey toward a right heart, for they will reflect God outwardly.
  7. Happy are those who do not demand their own way, for we then become a part of the God gathering.
  8. Happy are those who upset the normal folk by chasing after the way of God, for then you are sure of your destination.
  9. Happy are those who are attacked with insults, persecution and evil lies because of their faith in Jesus, for God’s gathering process is it’s own reward.
10. Happy are those who are attacked because they listen and speak for the Voice, for then you are in the good company of the prophets.

G.Goslaw
Landers, Ca