The Avatar Of Truth

merican movie audiences are presently enthralled with an outstanding motion picture project entitled Avatar. Although the movie has yet to be seen by vast numbers of people, those who have seen the film are aware the project embodies several technical breakthroughs which provide the viewer of the movie with a sensory perception that is unprecedented. To put it bluntly, Avatar is nothing short of spectacular.

What is of particular interest is how the story-teller, in this case mega film producer James Cameron, has brought together extraordinarily vivid visual processes (including a superb 3D system replete with special viewing glasses), and paired them with the admittedly Eastern religious concept of an Avatar in a science fiction setting. The result is an artistic endeavor that communicates some extremely profound Spiritual concepts.

Unfortunately, it is the Producer/Director’s world view that lurks behind the mesmerizing effects seen in the film. After all, it is his movie.

Although religious critics are already decrying the use of the Hindu related term Avatar in a science fiction environment (I fully expect to be lambasted for using the term in a Christian context after this work is published), the truth is, this film presents believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with an unusual opportunity to relate a rather deep Spiritual concept, and that is the scriptural truth seen in the term the Image Of God.

A Sanskrit Word

The actual word Avatar means an emissary, or a mediator dispatched from another reality. It is derived from a word in the ancient Indian dialect called Sanskrit that speaks of an embodiment of another, higher intellect. It could accurately be said an Avatar is a projection of God that manifests Him into a dimension where others may interact with Him.

Webster’s New International Dictionary tells us the following:

Avatar: [Sanskrit avatara, descent, from avatarati - he descends, from ava, down + tarati he passes across or over (akin to Latin trans across, over). The descent and incarnation of a deity in earthly form.

Although we find the concept that is tied to the word Avatar is associated with the Hindu religious mythic accounts, it does not necessarily follow that the word has no value in enhancing our perceptions of the underlying Spiritual precepts being relayed through this particular term. In fact, in prior studies, we’ve shown how language is fluid in the sense that meanings of words tend to transition towards any given culture that has the ability to absorb external linguistic terminology.

To be certain my point is understood, because we <>reject the foundational doctrines found in the Hindu system, does not necessitate a repudiation of every concept (or word) that originates within that system. For instance, simply because the Hindus believe in God in a way that Christians find to be in error, does not require us to abandon our belief in the supreme being.

The Image Of God

In previous prophetic analyses, we have examined the Image of the Beast seen in the end times. In those efforts, it became crucial to recognize the Image of the Beast was associated with a counterfeit version of the Image of God. After a bit of study on the subject, it became clear a full understanding of the Image of the Beast could never be grasped if we fail to understand the truth concerning the Image of God.

To put it another way, how can we possibly understand the counterfeit if we don’t even know the truth of the original?

The Bible tells us that Satan has generated counterfeit versions of God which have blinded the minds of men and women, so that most of the world cannot see the true LORD, because He is hidden from them:

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (II Corinthians 4:3)

In this verse, we learn that Jesus Christ is the image of God, who is capable of “shining” the Gospel, also called the Good News, that

“God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Here we see that God has sent Jesus into this dimensional reality, in order to represent Himself to collective mankind, in order to redeem us. Further Scriptural inquiry clearly establishes that Jesus came directly from the Father, and pre-existed with the Father. Thus, Christ is not a created Avatar, but is God Himself, who has shed His deity in order to interact with us. The Apostle Paul tells us that, although Jesus took upon Himself the form of a man, He actually existed

“…before all things…for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17, 16,17)

I submit these verses demonstrate that Jesus Christ is the very essence of the term Avatar, in that He is the only one truly sent by God for the profound work He achieved here on the earth.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Many Roads To Redemption?

The multitude of religious traditions honoured by so many throughout the ages has made the idea of parallel paths to salvation very appealing. After all, we reason, why would God allow only a chosen few, following something called the narrow way, to be received into His presence? The answer is in the concept of absolute truth.

Because God is truth, and His word declares the entire world lies in wickedness, in order for Christ to actually be who He said He is, we should have expected His statements to conflict with just about every reasonable sentiment imaginable. And that is precisely what occurred:

“All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:8,11)

Studies in the Scriptures demonstrate that where the redeemer is concerned, we always find an exclusive term used. He is not a good shepherd, He is the good shepherd. He is not a saviour, He is the Saviour. He is not any Avatar, He is the only true Avatar sent from God.

“Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.” (John 8:23,26)

The Apostles Paul and John both tell us there are other gospels, other avatars, and other christs, but there is only one who is truly sent from God, only ONE who has the power to pour His eternal life into us. Using the Greek term anti, which actually means “another,” John tells us there are many other avatars:

“…even now are there many antichrists…Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is THE Christ? He is antichrist…And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist…” (I John 2:18, 22; 4:3)

These words pointedly tell us that Jesus of Nazareth is the only Christ, and that the very definition of antichrist is anyone who teaches otherwise. Thus, there are many avatars, there are many messiahs, and there are many antichrists, but there is only one Avatar of Truth, and He is Jesus Christ.

“I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

In this role, we see that Jesus is the one whom God has sent from above to reveal His divine nature to our fallen world below. In this unique position, He is the mediator of the new covenant between God and man:

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” (I Timothy 2:25)

Consistent with the previous statements, we expect to find many mediators, avatars, christs, prophets, ambassadors, and other similar terms – however, as the only true God is, by His very nature, holy and righteous, all but one avatar must be of the “thieves and robbers” variety (John 10:8).

“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Colossians 1:19, Philippians 2:10)

In this glorious position as the Saviour of all who will receive Him, and allow Him to be the LORD of their lives, He Is The Avatar Of Truth.

- James Lloyd