The statement “I say you are gods, sons of the most high, all of you. Nevertheless, you will die like men” from Psalm 82 poses a seeming paradox. Bishop Ramzi, in his lecture, uses this verse to highlight the dual nature of humanity and the purpose of our earthly existence.
- Ramzi emphasizes that individuals are not inherently men, despite experiencing mortality. The phrase “you will die like men” is significant precisely because it suggests a distinction between the true nature of “you” and the temporary human form.
- This concept is further elaborated by drawing parallels with Christ, who, despite being in the form of God, emptied himself and took on the form of a slave, ultimately experiencing death. This act of self-emptying and experiencing death serves a higher purpose.
- Ramzi emphasizes that the human form is a “cross” or a “mask,” a temporary state adopted for the divine purpose of experiencing mortality. This form allows the immortal self to understand and experience death, which would otherwise remain unknowable.
- The true form of an individual is described as luminous and perfect, capable of transforming imperfections into perfection.
- This transformation occurs through the process of descent (into mortality) and ascent (into regeneration). The descent is characterized by death and decay, while the ascent leads to everlasting life, enriched by the experience of the descent.
- Ramzi suggests that this journey of descent and ascent is a predetermined plan for the “fullness of time”.
- The ultimate goal of this journey is to return to unity with God, a unity achieved by experiencing fragmentation and ultimately returning to the wholeness that is God the Father.
- Therefore, the statement from Psalm 82 underscores the divine essence within each person, who, despite experiencing the limitations of the human form, are ultimately destined for a higher state of being. The statement is not a contradiction but rather a reminder of the transformative journey that awaits each individual.
Death, The Cross, and Our Transformation
The experience of death and the “cross,” are crucial elements of our ultimate purpose and transformation. Bishop Ramzi utilizes Christian imagery and concepts to explain spiritual transformation.
- The “cross” symbolizes the human form, which we, as sons of God, chose to take on. This form is a “slave” and represents our descent into death and decay.
- We emptied ourselves of our divine form, becoming mortal to experience death. This experience was necessary for our growth because as immortal beings, we couldn’t comprehend death’s true nature.
- Through enduring the challenges and limitations of human life (“bearing the cross”), we ultimately gain a deeper understanding of life and death.
- This understanding allows us to achieve regeneration and attain everlasting life.
- The process culminates in a symbolic death of our human form, represented by the splitting of the cross, which liberates our true, radiant form. This form is described as a “fiery serpent” ascending to heaven.
- This ascension marks our return to unity with God, the Father. We began as sons of God, fragmented ourselves to experience life and death, and return as a unified whole, God the Father.
- Our transformation is not a loss of identity but a return to our true, glorious selves.
- This process is preordained and will unfold in each person, leading to a complete understanding of our divine nature.
- Bishop Ramzi emphasizes that the events described in scripture are not merely historical but are unfolding within each individual.
- Ultimately, our purpose is to experience the fullness of life and death, leading to our transformation and return to God.
The figure of Jesus Christ serves as a blueprint for this transformative journey. His experience of death and resurrection symbolizes the path that we all must follow.