COGR – Ray Meets the Apostle John
February 19, 2024
Good day! I am writing a series of short reviews of abbreviated COGR video clips. I am looking for input and comments. If it makes it easier, I will gladly supply a Word document so comments can be put in the document, and we can communicate directly. My email address is lattema@icloud.com. I hope you find these reviews helpful.
Transcript:
We see the writings of John in his first, second, and third epistles. I can imagine John is contemplating, amidst his weeping and burdensome reflections, looking back over the past sixty years of his ministry, which is a considerable span of time. They are aware of the battle won at Ephesus and the accomplishments in binding the dragon. However, suddenly, grievous wolves begin to creep in. Paul and Peter are already deceased, and John himself is likely old as he observes these events.
While he’s observing, possibly due to his old age, a voice behind him interrupts his gaze, prompting him to look in a different direction. I emphasize this for a purpose, considering the chart’s layout. He is looking one way, then the voice compels him to turn around. Upon turning, he experiences a revelation that instantly transports him to the end. From this vantage point at the end of the event, he is able to write about what has occurred. He traveled to the end of the event through revelation before it took place. He encountered us, known as the church, and commenced writing about the events that transpired from the time he was physically present until the time revealed to him by these visions.
Commentary:
The transcript reveals a myth that Ray has recounted several times. According to Ray, the apostle John received the book of Revelation from Ray and the “seventh trumpet ministry” after John had moved forward in time and met them in the “spirit.” In this fantastical scenario the apostle John supposedly receives a revelation from an angel who is Ray Tinsman. Ray guides him to the end of time and instructs him on what he is to write in the Book of Revelation.
This mythological narrative lacks biblical support and contradicts the established understanding of divine revelation as recorded in Scripture. From a conservative theological standpoint, the Bible is the authoritative and inspired Word of God, with its truths revealed through prophets and apostles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The notion that an obscure figure like Ray would hold authority over John, a prominent apostle chosen by Jesus himself, undermines the integrity of biblical authority and diminishes the significance of John’s role in transmitting divine revelation.
The unlikely account diminishes John’s stature as an apostle, fails to point people to Jesus, and fails to advance the gospel. Notably, the myth diminishes John’s stature as an apostle while elevating Ray to a position of authority and prestige. By attributing divine revelation to Ray rather than to God, the myth shifts the focus away from Christ and promotes a human-centered interpretation of Scripture.
The primary beneficiary of this myth is Ray himself. Ray gains prestige and authority as the supposed conduit of divine revelation. This elevation of an individual to a superhuman status not only detracts from the humility and servanthood exemplified by Jesus but also fosters an unhealthy dependence on human intermediaries for spiritual guidance.
The fantastical nature of the transcript and the benefits received by the person recounting this myth provide compelling reasons to doubt the authenticity of the myth and suggest that it developed as a result of human embellishment or manipulation. It is a fraud.
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