The Autistic Child

based on graphic produced by, for or associated with "autism puzzles" and "halcyon", source unknown

Compare the clinical or parental viewpoint on the left, used to diagnose a child with a particular disorder, with the right side which represents the innate characteristics of the child, as seen from the inside. There is great value in early diagnosis. Treatment is an essential element of care and improves the lives of many autistic children, but that doesn’t change who they are.

We can cope and adopt to life in a human world, but we are different, and ever so. I have been autistic since birth and will die autistic. In some ways being autistic is an advantage: there are things we can do that humans can’t. It can also be a hardship to be autistic, especially considering that the social environment around us was not constructed with us in mind.

I appreciate the purpose of the original document. There are many children who will benefit from early identification of their nature. There are many adults—such as me—that have endured great difficulties in life that might have been lessened if such tools had been available during our youth. The graphic is reproduced here under the principle of fair use, to provide commentary and criticism of a singular viewpoint that doesn’t capture the way many autistic people view themselves. I count myself in that group. I live amongst humans. Humans have a lot to learn, as do we all.

70 Responses to The Autistic Child

  1. LizzieT July 31, 2015 at 9:12 pm #

    This poster is wonderful! Everyone needs to see this.

    • Jim July 31, 2015 at 9:16 pm #

      I’m glad you think so. Feel free to share it so they can!

      • SVANHILDUR KRISTJANSSON June 21, 2020 at 1:13 pm #

        Hi I love this – may I share it ?

      • Gabriela Estavillo August 18, 2020 at 6:35 am #

        I am a mother of 2 adults with Autism

  2. Beth Freeman August 1, 2015 at 7:56 pm #

    Thank you for putting into words, the reality of our intentions, that our kids go through and how we get ‘re-interpreted’ by those who label us as somehow less than others. I’ve shared this.

    • Jim August 1, 2015 at 8:07 pm #

      I’m glad you have shared it. There’s a lot communicated on autism from the outside. The more we can spread the word about what life is like AS an autistic person, the better off everyone will be. It isn’t either-or. It’s both. Both viewpoints are needed.

      • anthony May 9, 2018 at 9:16 am #

        hi i’m anthony i’m autistic i was diagnosed late with autism and everyone needs to look out for the sighs of autism

  3. Del Harries August 2, 2015 at 4:03 pm #

    Great stuff – highlights our arrogance in assuming that we own the concept of appropriate / normal etc

    • Jim August 2, 2015 at 4:06 pm #

      I’m not sure if it is arrogance or ignorance. If the latter, then it is susceptible to education, which is what this poster is all about.

      • AspieLogical August 17, 2015 at 5:23 pm #

        Assumption=Ignorance Jim. Thank You for this.

        • Jim August 17, 2015 at 5:30 pm #

          It only takes exposure to a new concept to start changing (most) minds.

  4. Ash August 4, 2015 at 8:27 am #

    This is wonderful! I have two kids on the spectrum (so is their dad), and this would have been SUCH a blessing when they were smaller. Sharing everywhere!

    • Jim August 4, 2015 at 8:34 am #

      Thank you, Ash. It is people like you spreading the word that I am counting on. Feel free to stay engaged.

  5. Kimberly Kjellberg August 4, 2015 at 6:50 pm #

    It’s wonderful it provides the same information but in a positive way. The first one has always bugged me a bit extra, I mean as long as you don’t harm yourself or others how can you use a toy inappropriately? It’s a toy! Have fun, isn’t neurotypical the ones that think we are inflexible in our thinking, yet they fret over if a toy is used “the right way”?

    • Jim August 4, 2015 at 6:54 pm #

      Exactly so, Kimberly. That’s why I say it is all a matter of perspective. We just need more balance, so people see both sides.

  6. Mike Marston August 5, 2015 at 1:49 pm #

    I eagerly look for anything that can help me understand what our grandson might feel or think. Since he does not speak, he cannot tell us directly much more than his ipad apps allow. One can infer some things, but it would be nice if I could put myself inside his head and see what he sees. I’m sure it is frustrating for him when we don’t understand.

    Anything that could help teach him to be more aware of danger would also be useful. He has learned from experience not to do some things, but I’d like him to stay alive!

    • Jim August 10, 2015 at 9:29 pm #

      He is lucky to have a grandfather that cares as you do. I hope that this helps you understand at least a little bit. I’m sure there are people out there that can help further. That’s something I am learning, and only recently so: how many people there are who are willing to help.

  7. Anonymous August 11, 2015 at 4:15 am #

    Michelle mc i found this wonderful i have grandson wit autism his only 2 and half and its given me some idea of wot is goin tru his head thank you

    • Jim August 11, 2015 at 5:21 am #

      I’m glad it helps, Michelle. That’s exactly what it is for.

  8. Anonymous August 12, 2015 at 4:59 am #

    I prefer to say a Child with Autism rather than an autisc child. If you know the person, then you always say their name first, for example, John who has Autism.

    • Jim August 12, 2015 at 6:12 am #

      If you know John personally, I suspect most people would simply call him “John.” If you also want to talk about his autistic nature, the best bet is to ask John what he prefers. I understand that it might not always be easy, or even possible, under some circumstances (e.g. he isn’t there, or doesn’t express a preference).

      This is not just about autism. In general, it is best to use terms for people that match their own choice. I’ll grant you that it is makes communication more complex. Often it is worth considering the best way to discuss any topic, rather than just making assumptions. I happen to like words myself (see, for example, the copyright notice at the bottom of this page).

      You’ll find that many autistic people who express a preference go with “autistic” rather than the person-first approach. You can see more on this topic in my piece Tune That Name, or a very well written discussion in Identity-First Language by Lydia Brown.

      Thanks for raising this important topic, Anonymous.

    • Anonymous August 21, 2015 at 11:52 pm #

      Most autistics I know don’t like” person first” language . I don’t, i am an aspie, not person with aspergers.
      It implies our neural difference is somehow not integral to who we are, like it’s a disease . Plf ispotentially offensiv.

  9. Cody {has Aspergers} August 12, 2015 at 9:33 am #

    i think your opinion is valid, I myself got diagnosed with aspergers at 17, when other medical problems brought it into the light. I cant help but wonder if i would be in a better position if i had gotten diagnosed at a younger age.

    • Jim August 12, 2015 at 1:21 pm #

      Cody, I was nearly 50. Life certainly was harder without knowing why.

  10. Camila Leffel August 18, 2015 at 2:25 pm #

    So Instructive and point well made.

    • Jim August 18, 2015 at 2:31 pm #

      Thank you, Camila. Please don’t hesitate to share the message that perspective is important.

  11. Jill Finch August 18, 2015 at 8:14 pm #

    Amazing. Says so much in such a simple way. Sharing as widely as I can xx

    • Jim August 18, 2015 at 10:00 pm #

      I’m glad you appreciate the message, Jill. Thank you for sharing it.

  12. Anonymous September 5, 2015 at 8:52 am #

    Thank you for giving us the view from the other side.

  13. Lisa Steadman September 8, 2015 at 8:24 pm #

    Interesting… I just posted this on another post, but find it equally applicable for this post as well:

    Lisa Steadman

    Today 7:09 pm

    It’s interesting how strong the debate is on a cause and cure for ASD. I remember kids in my elementary school (in the 70s), and kids that my Dad has described from his elementary class in the 50s, who would have definitely met the ASD criteria today. So yes, it has been around a long time. As far as an epidemic…I have to wonder. While awareness, new testing methods and peoper diagnosis have certainly boosted the number of cases being reported, I wonder whether there are actually more people with this condition. To rule out statistics, I’d have to ask: if I tested 100 kids from the 70s compared to a group of 100 elementary kids today, would there be on average the same number of kids diagnosed with ASD? Hard to tell, since the 70s kids are now middle aged adults, so it will never be apples to apples.

    I do have to wonder if vaccinations havent played some part in any of this, considering the correlation between the introduction of thimersoral (?sp) and the gross increase in the number of vaccines we give children as infants. My 30 year old child received his first vaccine at 3 months old. My 13 yo daughter received her first at 1 week old, with several grouped together. I think we give too many vaccinnes too soon, and that some children are predisposed to an adverse reaction. It doesnt seem like too much of a stretch for the medical community to cut back on the number and timing of vaccines, along with a study to see if theres any correlation. Parents in the meantime should know to monitor and limit when their children are vaccinated (as opposed to no vaccines at all, which also has consequences of its own).

    As far as a cure: some “treatments” being offered (ie special diets to treat leaky gut syndrome, yeast, behavioral therapies, etc) will have positive effects for some individuals regardless of their condition. A healthy diet and a reduction in yeast is a good thing for anybody, with positive results expected. On the other hand, there’s too much variance in the so-called ‘treatments’ being offered. Take the example of two children with the same type of cancer.who will react differently to the same treatment. Adherence to the treatment, consistency, and environmental factors will all affect outcome. Without strict scientific measures to study how ‘treatments’ are administered, there’s no sure way to measure efficacy. And certainly without dispute is the fact that there is no “cure” when it doesn’t work for everyone all the time.

    Besides, how do you “cure” a spectrum disorder? It’s not like this is a disease, with a fix that makes it all go away. So to the Anonymous Guest with the ‘recovered’ daughter – show a little kindness, be grateful for any improvements your daughter has shown (which you so conveniently failed to share), and know that the rest of us are still searching for understanding in all of this.

    My daughter was recently diagnosed ‘high functioning Aspergers’. I do not see her as flawed, or ill or diseased. I see her for who she is. Beautiful, funny, unique, one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and yes, a bit awkward at times. Her diagnosis is not a testament of who she is. It’s simply a tool to help us along her journey. It will not define or limit her, or the way I see her. If anything, it just adds one more layer to an already interesting and unique individual. I would never want to ‘cure’ that.

    Perhaps the only thing we have to ‘recover’ from is the narrow shortsightedness of others….

    • Jim September 8, 2015 at 8:38 pm #

      I won’t repeat my response here, but you can see Lisa’s original comment and my reply underneath the infographic What Causes Autism?

  14. Rina March 19, 2016 at 3:43 pm #

    Thank you for this wonderful article. Especially, this poster is simple, but it tells us the important view. From the view of non-ASD people, ASD’s actions look inappropriate. It’s true, but we should think and understand the meanings of actions. I’m Japanese and I feel Japanese are sensitive… how they’re looked by other people. It throw the abilities and possibilities of ASDs, I think.

    • Jim March 20, 2016 at 6:23 pm #

      I’m glad you appreciated it, Rina.

  15. Anonymous March 27, 2016 at 10:56 am #

    I have autuisum

    • Jim March 27, 2016 at 10:58 am #

      Welcome.

  16. Chase Mishio April 22, 2016 at 10:26 am #

    Thank you for showing the world what it’s like to have autism! I, too, am autistic, and it warms me up to see that other people understand what it’s like. This could completely change the way people look at autism. God bless you.

    • Jim April 24, 2016 at 10:08 pm #

      Well, Chase, if what I’ve written results in just one person with a new — and i would hope, improved — view of some aspect of the world around us, this world full of humans of all types, then I consider myself lucky.

  17. Anonymous April 28, 2016 at 8:46 am #

    joihoi

  18. Anonymous August 6, 2016 at 1:28 pm #

    Shared it a year ago! And again this year! People need awareness to different behaviours. My son fits in every aspect .. he’s almost 7 now and was diagnosed when he was 2! He has improved a lot over the years thou!

  19. Anonymous August 6, 2016 at 1:29 pm #

    Sorry for the anonymosity.. l’m Helena from Portugal

    • Jim August 6, 2016 at 1:35 pm #

      Thank you for sharing it, Helena. Again. I wish the best for your son and you. I’ve received so much positive feedback about the message in this graphic. Keep spreading the word.

  20. Lisa Hollett November 17, 2016 at 4:32 am #

    Jim,
    Thank you for sharing you! I refer to your site as I teach Kindergarten through grade 3 students with Autism. I simply love how you relate to everyone!

    • Jim November 24, 2016 at 11:12 am #

      Hi Lisa.
      I’m glad you appreciate what I have done here. If it helps as you teach, that’s gravy. I say this on Thanksgiving (in the United States), mind you.

  21. Mark Huntsman December 23, 2016 at 8:24 am #

    As a high functioning spectrum dweller for whom only some of these applied as a child, this is awesome. I roll my eyes and mutter snarky comments at 75% of the autism memes out there, but this is one of the best I have seen.

    • Jim December 23, 2016 at 8:31 am #

      Thanks for the unsnarky response, Mark. I hope your eyes remained relatively stable (saccades aside).

  22. Anonymous February 2, 2017 at 2:35 pm #

    I love this. I think it really explains the world from the perspective of an autistic child.

    • Jim February 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm #

      Thank you. That’s exactly the intent.

  23. Tess March 12, 2017 at 2:33 pm #

    Awesome graphic. Thank you. Will be sharing this 🙂

    • Jim March 12, 2017 at 3:38 pm #

      Thank you, Tess. Please do share it. That’s what makes it all worthwhile for me.

  24. Matthew March 27, 2017 at 12:18 pm #

    My son is autistic and I can say the one on the right is denial ridden thing I’ve ever seen. It’s a shining example of refusing acceptance

    • Jim March 27, 2017 at 12:24 pm #

      Thanks for your comment, Matthew. All I have offered is another viewpoint. I understand that it might not be easy for you to see, given your experience. I’m not denying either viewpoint. It depends upon, well, one’s point of view. But what I’m suggesting is that you may not have the complete picture.

      I wish the best possible future for your son and for you.

  25. Jessica April 4, 2017 at 12:03 am #

    I appreciate the change in perspective from the left side to the right. As my daughter was being evaluated for autism, these clinical questions on the left drove me crazy. I found myself rephrasing them to emphasize the positive aspects of these traits. However, it’s hard to know for sure what my toddler is thinking. Your first hand experience is reassuring. I will be sharing this graphic for autism awareness month. Thank you!!!!

    • Jim April 4, 2017 at 5:54 am #

      Jessica, I’m glad to have offered a perspective that you felt was helpful. Thank you for sharing this. Both of those responses are exactly what I hope for most when people read this page/infographic.

  26. Anonymous April 24, 2017 at 6:15 pm #

    I was diagnosed with ASD when I was only six years old. Too young to know what I had, and to understand myself. Probably when I was around the age of eleven or twelve was when my autism hit me the most. The classroom made me uncomfortable. The teachers noticed I was behaving “unusual and strange” I knew the teachers started looking at me different. They did not do or say anything. But I knew it was going to affect my grades and well being. My mother noticed my anxiety and got me a counsellor. My parents finally decided to tell me what I needed to know. I understood myself and who I am. I knew I was going to get through school. But what bothered me the most was that nobody knew or understood. My classmates would just gossip about my “strange” behaviour! I knew because my friends would tell me. I felt alone, misunderstood. I just wish they knew, understood, accepted. Before you say anything about anyone, think, what could be going on in that person’s life? If I say this, will this person feel worse? And this poster means a lot. To me this poster is something to live by. I know if I was put to it, I will get through it. Don’t think of autism as a disease! Don’t worry about curing it, worry about accepting it. This is my story. I hope you take it to heart in everything you say and do.

    • Jim April 26, 2017 at 6:50 pm #

      I take your story to heart. There are as many stories as there are autistic people (for starters). I try to learn from each I come across. As for my story, I’m happy to make people think. If I can create — as you say — “something to live by” then that’s pure gravy.

  27. Anonymous May 3, 2017 at 5:48 pm #

    Amazing. Thank you for helping us understand so easily

    • Jim May 4, 2017 at 7:09 am #

      You are welcome.

  28. Leah November 14, 2017 at 9:40 pm #

    May I download this picture? And I want to add Chinese translations, then share to Chinese readers. Do you agree?

    • Jim November 26, 2017 at 7:09 pm #

      Leah, I’m sorry to have taken such a long time to reply. I’m always happy to share. If you don’t mind, I will contact you by email about your proposal.

  29. Anonymous December 2, 2017 at 3:05 pm #

    Hi autism

  30. Anonymous February 14, 2018 at 12:26 pm #

    this is great at giving perspective

  31. Anonymous February 23, 2018 at 11:10 am #

    i have all the symptoms severely but havent been diagnosed why do u think that

  32. Anonymous February 26, 2018 at 2:00 pm #

    NO

  33. anthony May 9, 2018 at 9:16 am #

    hi i’m anthony i’m autistic i was diagnosed late with autism and everyone needs to look out for the sighs of autism

  34. Anonymous May 22, 2018 at 10:29 am #

    Autism is a mental illness

  35. DOUGLAS j WALKER November 20, 2018 at 7:33 pm #

    I need to site this for MLA Style 8th edition Research paper please Reply where the original source came from

  36. Anonymous May 9, 2019 at 7:33 pm #

    Hey, I’m autistic, and I really don’t like the autistic child illustration. It’s kind of offensive. I’m not trying to be rude, but that’s what I feel. Have a good day!

    • Jim March 22, 2020 at 4:23 pm #

      Anonymous, I agree it is offensive. That is why I created this critique of it. The original illustration assumes that all of the identified characteristics of the autistic child are defects rather than differences.

  37. Andy July 29, 2020 at 7:49 am #

    This is brilliant! I’d just been image searching and found the first image. I was already starting to growl through gritted teeth, when I saw your critique of it. You absolutely nailed it.

  38. Sarahsmam April 5, 2023 at 1:23 pm #

    Whether you believe in God or not, this is a “must-read” message!!!

    All throughout time, we can see how we have been strategically conditioned coming to this point where we are on the verge of a cashless society. Did you know that the Bible foretold of this event almost 2,000 years ago?

    In the last book of the Bible, Revelation 13:16-18, we will read,

    “He (the false prophet who deceives many by his miracles–Revelation 19:20) causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

    Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.”

    Speaking to the last generation, this could only be speaking of a cashless society. Why’s that? Revelation 13:17 tells us that we cannot buy or sell unless we receive the mark of the beast. If physical money was still in use, we could buy or sell with one another without receiving the mark. This would contradict scripture that states we need the mark to buy or sell!

    These verses could not be referring to something purely spiritual as scripture references two physical locations (our right hand or forehead) stating the mark will be on one “OR” the other. If this mark was purely spiritual, it would indicate both places, or one–not one OR the other!

    This is where it comes together. It is shocking how accurate the Bible is concerning the implantable RFID microchip. These are notes from someone named Carl Sanders who worked with a team of engineers to help develop this RFID chip:

    “Carl Sanders sat in seventeen New World Order meetings with heads-of-state officials such as Henry Kissinger and Bob Gates of the C.I.A. to discuss plans on how to bring about this one-world system. The government commissioned Carl Sanders to design a microchip for identifying and controlling the peoples of the world—a microchip that could be inserted under the skin with a hypodermic needle (a quick, convenient method that would be gradually accepted by society).

    Carl Sanders, with a team of engineers behind him, with U.S. grant monies supplied by tax dollars, took on this project and designed a microchip that is powered by a lithium battery, rechargeable through the temperature changes in our skin. Without the knowledge of the Bible (Brother Sanders was not a Christian at the time), these engineers spent one-and-a-half-million dollars doing research on the best and most convenient place to have the microchip inserted.

    Guess what? These researchers found that the forehead and the back of the hand (the two places the Bible says the mark will go) are not just the most convenient places, but are also the only viable places for rapid, consistent temperature changes in the skin to recharge the lithium battery. The microchip is approximately seven millimeters in length, .75 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a grain of rice. It is capable of storing pages upon pages of information about you. All your general history, work history, criminal record, health history, and financial data can be stored on this chip.

    Brother Sanders believes that this microchip, which he regretfully helped design, is the “mark” spoken about in Revelation 13:16–18. The original Greek word for “mark” is “charagma,” which means a “scratch or etching.” It is also interesting to note that the number 666 is actually a word in the original Greek. The word is “chi xi stigma,” with the last part, “stigma,” also meaning “to stick or prick.” Carl believes this is referring to a hypodermic needle when they poke into the skin to inject the microchip.”

    Mr. Sanders asked a doctor what would happen if the lithium contained within the RFID microchip leaked into the body. The doctor replied by saying a terrible sore would appear in that location. This is what the book of Revelation says:

    “And the first (angel) went, and poured out his vial on the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore on the men which had the mark of the beast, and on them which worshipped his image” (Revelation 16:2).

    You can read more about it here–and to also understand the mystery behind the number 666: https://2RUTH.ORG

    The third angel’s warning in Revelation 14:9-11 states,

    “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.'”

    Great hope is in our midst, and is coming in a mighty way–the greatest revival for Jesus in the history of the world where we will see the most souls come to Him of all tribes, tongues, nations, and peoples (Rev. 7:9-10); for we have this promise in God’s Word in the midst of these dark times:

    “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years (not literal–rather a spiritual label for time spent in eternity); and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while (when the Antichrist and false prophet will rise up and God will test the world).” (Revelation 20:1-3)

    “The coming of the lawless one (the Antichrist) is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)”

    Who is Barack Obama, and why is he still involved in politics?

    So what’s in the name? The meaning of someone’s name can say a lot about a person. God throughout history has given names to people that have a specific meaning tied to their lives. How about the name Barack Obama? Let us take a look at what may be hiding beneath the surface.

    Jesus says in Luke 10:18, “…I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”

    The Hebrew Strongs word (H1299) for “lightning”: “bârâq” (baw-rawk)

    In Isaiah chapter 14, verse 14, we read about Lucifer (Satan) saying in his heart:

    “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.”

    In the verses in Isaiah that refer directly to Lucifer, several times it mentions him falling from the heights or the heavens. The Hebrew word for the heights or heavens used here is Hebrew Strongs 1116: “bamah”–Pronounced (bam-maw’)

    In Hebrew, the letter “Waw” or “Vav” is often transliterated as a “U” or “O,” and it is primarily used as a conjunction to join concepts together. So to join in Hebrew poetry the concept of lightning (Baraq) and a high place like heaven or the heights of heaven (Bam-Maw), the letter “U” or “O” would be used. So, Baraq “O” Bam-Maw or Baraq “U” Bam-Maw in Hebrew poetry similar to the style written in Isaiah, would translate literally to “Lightning from the heights.” The word “Satan” in Hebrew is a direct translation, therefore “Satan.”

    So when Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:18 that He beheld Satan fall like lightning from heaven, if this were to be declared by a Jewish Rabbi today influenced by the poetry in the book of Isaiah, he would say these words in Hebrew–the words of Jesus in Luke 10:18 as, and I saw Satan as Baraq O Bam-Maw.

    Malie and Natasha are the names of Obama’s daughters. If we were to write those names backward (the devil does things in reverse) it would be “ailam ahsatan”. If we remove the letters that spell “Alah” (Allah being the false god of Islam), we would get “I am Satan”. Mere chance? I don’t think so!

    Obama’s campaign logo when he ran as President in 2008 was a sun over the horizon in the west, with the landscape as the flag of the United States. In the Isalmic religion, they have their own messiah that they are awaiting called the 12th Imam, or the Mahdi (the Antichrist of the Bible), and one prophecy concerning this man’s appearance is the sun rising in the west.

    “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.'” (Revelation 14:6-7)

    Why have the words of Jesus in His Gospel accounts regarding His death, burial, and resurrection, been translated into over 3,000 languages, and nothing comes close (the Quran about 110 languages)? Because the same Spirit of God (YHVH) who created all people likewise transcends all people; therefore the power of His Word is not limited by people; while all other religions are man-made, therefore they tend to primarily stay within their own culture. The same God who speaks to all people through His creation of the heavens and earth that draws all people around the world likewise has sent His Word to the ends of the earth so that we may come to personally know Him to be saved in spirit and in truth through His Son Jesus Christ.

    Jesus stands alone among the other religions that say to rightly weigh the scales of good and evil and to make sure you have done more good than bad in this life. Is this how we conduct ourselves justly in a court of law? Bearing the image of God, is this how we project this image into reality?

    Our good works cannot save us. If we step before a judge, being guilty of a crime, the judge will not judge us by the good we have done, but rather by the crimes we have committed. If we as fallen humanity, created in God’s image, pose this type of justice, how much more a perfect, righteous, and Holy God?

    God has brought down His moral laws through the 10 commandments given to Moses at Mt. Siani. These laws were not given so we may be justified, but rather that we may see the need for a savior. They are the mirror of God’s character of what He has written in our hearts, with our conscious bearing witness that we know that it is wrong to steal, lie, dishonor our parents, murder, and so forth.

    We can try and follow the moral laws of the 10 commandments, but we will never catch up to them to be justified before a Holy God. That same word of the law given to Moses became flesh about 2,000 years ago in the body of Jesus Christ. He came to be our justification by fulfilling the law, living a sinless perfect life that only God could fulfill.

    The gap between us and the law can never be reconciled by our own merit, but the arm of Jesus is stretched out by the grace and mercy of God. And if we are to grab on, through faith in Him, He will pull us up being the one to justify us. As in the court of law, if someone steps in and pays our fine, even though we are guilty, the judge can do what is legal and just and let us go free. That is what Jesus did almost 2,000 years ago on the cross. It was a legal transaction being fulfilled in the spiritual realm by the shedding of His blood with His last word’s on the cross crying out, “It is finished!” (John 19:30).

    For God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23). This is why in Isaiah chapter 53, where it speaks of the coming Messiah and His soul being a sacrifice for our sins, why it says it pleased God to crush His only begotten Son.

    This is because the wrath that we deserve was justified by being poured out upon His Son. If that wrath was poured out on us, we would all perish to hell forever. God created a way of escape by pouring it out on His Son whose soul could not be left in Hades but was raised and seated at the right hand of God in power.

    So now when we put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14), where God no longer sees the person who deserves His wrath, but rather the glorious image of His perfect Son dwelling in us, justifying us as if we received the wrath we deserve, making a way of escape from the curse of death; now being conformed into the image of the heavenly man walking in a new nature, and no longer in the image of the fallen man Adam.

    Now what we must do is repent and put our trust and faith in the savior, confessing and forsaking our sins, and to receive His Holy Spirit that we may be born again (for Jesus says we must be born again to see and enter the Kingdom of God in John chapter 3). This is not just head knowledge of believing in Jesus, but rather receiving His words, taking them to heart, so that we may truly be transformed into the image of God. Where we no longer live to practice sin, but rather turn from our sins and practice righteousness through faith in Him in obedience to His Word by reading the Bible.

    Our works cannot save us, but they can condemn us; it is not that we earn our way into everlasting life, but that we obey our Lord Jesus Christ:

    Jesus says,

    “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

    “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:9)

    “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’

    Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’

    And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.'” (Revelation 21:1-8)

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