From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is an interconnected story of Jesus past, present, and future. Like the best-designed games, the Bible teaches its world, lore, and gameplay through mechanics built into the text. **Good games and good stories are both well-designed, and learning to recognize intentional design in games can help us spot God’s intentional design in Scripture. # Intro The _Dark Souls_ series is FromSoftware’s iconic action-RPG, set in the dark, decaying world of Lordran—a kingdom in decline where gods, humans, and other beings struggle against the inevitable rise of darkness. Its ingenious world design and brutal difficulty spawned an entire genre, known as “Soulslikes.” What truly set _Dark Souls_ apart, though, was its storytelling. Instead of giving players a straight narrative, the game scattered lore through item descriptions, cryptic dialogue, and hidden areas. The result was a world that felt ancient and mysterious, where every discovery raised new questions and earlier encounters could take on entirely new meaning. It's creator Hidetaka Miyazaki wanted to recreate the experience he’d had when reading books as a child, when large portions of the plot were beyond his understanding because of a language barrier. When I joined the _Dark Souls_ community, two of the three games had already been released. That meant I didn’t get to be part of the original hunt for answers, but I did get to watch many long-standing fan theories proven true in real time as I played through. Among the longest-running mysteries was the story of **Gwyn’s firstborn son**—a god erased from history, whose identity would only be revealed years later in _Dark Souls 3_. His existence was teased in _Dark Souls 1 and 2_, debated for years, and finally revealed in _Dark Souls 3_. Today I am going to make you all like a Dark Souls player, we are going to solve a mystery and then use those skills for learning about the ANGEL Of The LORD. # Solving A Mystery ## The Lord of Cinder In the mythology of _Dark Souls_, few figures are as pivotal as **Gwyn, Lord of Cinder**. Gwyn is one of the four beings who claimed fragments of the First Flame, and with his lightning, he led the war that drove the eternal Dragons, ushering in the **Age of Fire**. But when the Flame began to fade, Gwyn became obsessed with trying to preserve his age, which leads to all events of the series. This Item describes what happens when Gwen leaves to preserves his age of fire ## Three Children Players would meet **three children** in the games: **Gwynevere, Princess of Sunlight**, **Dark Sun Gwyndolin**, and **Filianore**. ![[Pasted image 20250927164949.png]] Each of these children plays a significant role in the events of the Dark Souls universe. Understanding Gwyn’s children provides crucial insights into the political, religious, and personal conflicts that drive the narrative. ![[Pasted image 20251001153219.png]] However players were quick to see that there was a missing child the **firstborn** son should be remembered, the likeness is **smashed and defaced**, the features reduced to rubble. Every instance of the statue shows the same deliberate erasure throughout the game. In the game players would find the following items and spells ### GREAT LORD GREATSWORD  _Greatsword born from the soul of Gwyn, Lord of Cinder._ _As bearer of the ultimate soul, Gwyn wielded the bolts of the sun, but before linking the fire, divided that power amongst his children, and set off with only this great sword as his companion._ ### Lightning Spear [ _Miracle passed down to those bound by the Warrior of Sunlight covenant. Hurl Lightning spear._ _Lightning spears inflict rare lightning damage, and are very effective against magic, fire, and most of all, dragons._ ### Dragon Slayer Ornstein [ Ornstein is one of the knights at the service of Lord of Sunlight, and one of those who took part in his Lord's war against the Dragons.[1] He wore a golden armor made to resemble a lion,[2] and wielded a great cross spear which, combined with its wielder's great strength, could bury itself deep within a dragon's hide, piercing their stone scales; [1][3] Both his armor and his weapon were imbued with the power of lightning to be effective against dragons.[1][2] ## The Nameless King Check List - Gwyn’s Power of the Sun was related to _________ - The Power of Lightning was used against the ___ in His war - Gwyn’s children inherited his ___ power - Dragon Slayers were associated with __ armor and used ___ ### Great Lightning Spear In-Game Description [ _Miracle passed down by those bound to the Warrior of Sunlight covenant. Hurl giant lightning spear._ _The weapon of the God of War, who inherited the sunlight of Lord Gwyn, but had respect only for arms, and nothing else ## The Nameless King Check List - [ ] The God of war only respected ___ - [ ] The ___ _ Also Got this power ![[Pasted image 20250927165318.png]] And yet, in the game itself, this child is never seen. No one ever mention the Firstborn. No guardian protects his legacy, no NPC recounts his story. The silence is so complete it becomes suspicious. It is as if a god’s very memory has been purged from history. There is even evidence that one statue that was defaced was guarded by a dragon and honored by the Warriors of Sunlight. ![[Pasted image 20250927165303.png]] ![[Pasted image 20250927165331.png]] ## The Nameless King Check List - A statue of Gwyn’s family is ___ - One smashed statue is the altar of _ ___ __ - This statue is guarded by a _ ___ ## The Sunlight Covenant ### Sacred Oath [](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/darksouls/images/5/56/Sacred_Oath.png/revision/latest?cb=20140514062527 "Sacred Oath") In-Game Description _An ancient miracle said to have been devised by warriors who once served the God of Sun._ ### Ring Of The Sun's FirstBorn [ In-Game Description _Lord Gwyn's firstborn, who inherited the sunlight, once wore this ancient ring. Boosts the strength of miracles._ _Lord Gwyn's firstborn was a god of war, but his foolishness led to a loss of the annals, and rescinding of his deific status. Today, even his name is not known._ The Japanese translation is even sharper than the English: it names him as **“a god whose name has been struck from every record.”** ### Sunlight Medal [ In-Game Description _This faintly warm medal engraved with the symbol of the Sun, is the ultimate honor, awarded to those who summon the Warrior of Sunlight and complete a goal._ _The symbol represents Lord Gwyn's firstborn_ ### Sunlight Blade [ _Miracle wielded by Lord Gwyn's firstborn. Boost right weapon with rays of Sun._ _The power of sunlight, manifested as lightning, is very effective against dragons._ _When the eldest son was stripped of his deific status, he left this on his father's coffin, perhaps as a final farewell._ ## The Nameless King Check List - The God of War was Gwyn’s ___ - The Firstborn was also a God of the ___ - He lost his __ - No one knows his ___ - He is served by the _______ - He was purged from ___ - He was __ after Gwyn left When fans tried to ask director Hidetaka Miyazaki about this, he avoided giving straightforward answers, his interviews hinted that the pantheon of gods was incomplete. Fans began to suspect that someone significant had been deliberately cut from the story. The suspicions only grew stronger with the PC release, _Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition_ (2012). Dataminers uncovered traces of unused content buried in the game’s files—miracles tied to sunlight, covenant data, even scraps of dialogue—all pointing to a missing figure deeply connected to the **Warriors of Sunlight**. ## The Knights Kings Of Forossa ### Name-engraved Ring [](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/darksouls/images/a/ad/Ring_Name-engraved_Ring.png/revision/latest?cb=20200810084649 "Ring Name-engraved Ring") In-Game Description _A special ring that can be engraved with the name of a god. Becomes easier to connect to worlds of players who chose the same god._ _There are countless vestiges of long-lost gods in the ruins of Drangleic. Or perhaps they are the very same gods as ours, only known by different names._ ### Faraam Set ![[Faraam%27s_Set.webp]] In-Game Description _Worn by the Forossa Lion Knights._ _The mighty Lion Knights, worshippers of the war god Faraam, wore heavy armor and were feared for their nimble two-handed swordplay._ _But their legacy was cut short with the fall of Forossa._ ![[Pasted image 20250929161828.png]] ### Vengarl of Forossa Dialog ![[Vengral_Head.webp]] _"I was born in Forossa. It's a land in the distant east. When I was born, we were already mired in prolonged conflict with our neighbours. Eventually, our kingdom fell, and our people scattered. I've been a sellsword ever since. All I ever knew was war, and I can imagine no other way to live. What a fool I was."_ ### Wargod Wooden Shield  _Wooden shield reinforced with metal. The largest of the wooden medium shields._ _The bizarre pattern featured on the shield is the mark of a mad god, revered as a god of war in remote regions._ _Skill: Weapon Skill Equipping this shield in the left hand allows one to perform the Skill of the right hand weapon._ #### The Nameless King Check List - Other lands remember the names of __ gods - Dragon-slaying ___ knights served the God of War - This God of War was called __ - The land Forossa was known for ___ way of life - The knights wore the armor of __ - The helmet depicts a ___ - The war god’s name was __ , which can mean “sacred name” or “anonymous” # The Angel Of The LORD Just as the _Dark Souls_ community pieced together fragments from _Dark Souls I_ and _II_, waiting for the full revelation in _III_, readers of the Old Testament encounter shadows and hints that only come into full light in the New Testament. The Old Testament is rich with prophecies, types, and foreshadowings that fueled centuries of anticipation — much like players debated the mystery of Gwyn’s missing son. For this lesson, we’ll stay in the Old Testament. One mistake many Christians make is reading the New Testament **back into** the Old, rather than letting the Old Testament lay the foundation first. God gave us Scripture in a deliberate order — and when we follow that, His design becomes far clearer. Among the greatest of these biblical mysteries is the **Angel of the LORD**. At first, he seems to be nothing more than a messenger—just one among many angels God might send. But the more closely you follow his appearances, the stranger he becomes. Yet the Angel blurs the line between God and Angels, leaving us with the question: Who exactly is this mysterious figure, and what is His Name? We will explore Him throughout the OT and then next time we meet we will use the NT to figure out His name. ## The Angel of Yahweh: Clues Collected Check out [[The Revealed Identity Of The Angel Of The Lord]] for some more information. - Appears in many forms: as a **man** ([Genesis 32:24](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/GEN.32.24); [Joshua 5:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JOS.5.13); Judges 13:2-14), as **fire** in the burning bush ([Exodus 3:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/EXO.3.2)), and in the **pillar of cloud and fire** ([Exodus 14:19](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/EXO.14.19)). As **Commander of Yahweh’s army** ([Joshua 5:14](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JOS.5.14)) and is seen with a **drawn sword** before Joshua (Joshua 5:14), **David** (1 Chronicles 21:16), **Balaam** (Numbers 22:23) and Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:35). Where He stands is declared **holy** ground ([Exodus 3:5](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/EXO.3.5); Joshua 5:15), and under His feet is **sapphire stone** (Exodus 24:9-10). - His **name** is unique: called the **God of Seeing** ([Genesis 16:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/GEN.16.13)), His name is **Wonderful** ([Judges 13:18](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JDG.13.18)), the same name as the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6), and Hosea calls Him the **Yahweh of hosts**(Hosea 12:5), Gideion calls Him **Yahweh of Peace** ([Judges 6:24](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JDG.6.24)). He is the Angel of the **Covenant** ([Malachi 3:1](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/MAL.3.1)) He is directly called Yahweh ([Exodus 3:2-6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/EXO.3.2-6); [Genesis 19:24](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/GEN.19.24); [Joshua 6:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JOS.6.2).[Judges 6:24](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JDG.6.24)) - Called and recognized as **God** by many: - Gideon ([Judges 6:22](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JDG.6.22)), Manoah (Judges 13:22), Hagar (Genesis 16:13-14), Jacob (Genesis 31:13; 32:28), Joseph ([Genesis 48:16](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/GEN.48.16)), and the elders of Israel (Exodus 24:9-10) and even **Balaam** (Numbers 22:23). - Those who see Him fear death, believing they have seen **God** (Genesis 32:30; [Judges 6:22](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JDG.6.22); Judges 13:22). - Accepts **worship** that other angels reject: Joshua bowed down ([Joshua 5:14](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JOS.5.14)), Manoah was told to offer a **burnt offering** to Yahweh ([Judges 13:16](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JDG.13.16); [Judges 13:20](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JDG.13.20); ), and Jacob made a **vow** to Him ([Genesis 31:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/GEN.31.13)). Gideon Builds Him An Alter ([Judges 6:22-24](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/JDG.6.22-24)) - Jacob **Prays** to Him ([Genesis 48:16](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/GEN.48.16)), David **Praises** Him (Psalm 34:7; 35:5–6) - Bears Yahweh’s exclusive authority: - He bears Gods presence: In the OT, God’s ‘Name’ represents His very presence (Deut 12:5; Isa 30:27–28; Ps 20:1,7). The Angel uniquely bears this Name ([Exodus 23:21](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/EXO.23.21)) and is even called the ‘Angel of His Presence’ (Isa 63:9). He is inside the Cloud of Glory that is in the Temple ([Exodus 40:34-38](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/EXO.40.34-38)). He does only what God can do: He **forgives sins** (Exodus 23:21; Zechariah 3:4), He **redeems** from evil ([Genesis 48:16](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/GEN.48.16)), Putting on them **Clean Robes** ( Zechariah 3:4). He grants **life** and descendants ([Genesis 16:10](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/GEN.16.10),[Genesis 22:17](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/GEN.22.17); Judges 13:3). - Speaks in the first person as God: “I **brought you up** from Egypt” and “I will never break My **covenant**” (Judges 2:1-2), “You have not withheld your son from **me**” (Genesis 22:12). Uses the divine **“I AM”** identity (Exodus 3:6, 14) and calls Himself the **God of Bethel** (Genesis 31:13; [Hosea 12:4](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/HOS.12.4)). He intercedes for Israel ([Zechariah 1:11-12](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/ZEC.1.11-12)). - When God say He will do something, it is the Angel that does it ([2 Kings 19:35](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/2KI.19.35))). Such as the case of the exodus God claimed (Leviticus 11:45;Deuteronomy 4:35–38;Joshua 24:17), but the Angel is given credit (Judges 2:1;Exodus 23:20–22). God was in the Pillar of __ (Exodus 13:21) and so was the Angel (Exodus 14:19) # Collection Of Verses About The Angel - [Genesis 16:7](https://ref.ly/Gen%2016.7;nasb95?t=biblia), [9](https://ref.ly/Genesis%2016.9;nasb95?t=biblia), [10](https://ref.ly/Genesis%2016.10;nasb95?t=biblia), [11](https://ref.ly/Genesis%2016.11;nasb95?t=biblia),[21:17](https://ref.ly/Genesis%2021.17;nasb95?t=biblia), [22:11](https://ref.ly/Genesis%2022.11;nasb95?t=biblia),[15](https://ref.ly/Genesis%2022.15;nasb95?t=biblia),[31:11](https://ref.ly/Genesis%2031.11;nasb95?t=biblia) - [Exodus 3:2](https://ref.ly/Exod%203.2;nasb95?t=biblia), [14:19](https://ref.ly/Exodus%2014.19;nasb95?t=biblia) - [Numbers 22:22](https://ref.ly/Num%2022.22;nasb95?t=biblia), [23](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.23;nasb95?t=biblia), [24](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.24;nasb95?t=biblia), [25](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.25;nasb95?t=biblia), [26](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.26;nasb95?t=biblia), [27](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.27;nasb95?t=biblia), [22:31](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.31;nasb95?t=biblia), [32](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.32;nasb95?t=biblia), [33](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.33;nasb95?t=biblia), [34](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.34;nasb95?t=biblia), [35](https://ref.ly/Numbers%2022.35;nasb95?t=biblia) - [Judges 2:1](https://ref.ly/Judg%202.1;nasb95?t=biblia),[4](https://ref.ly/Judges%202.4;nasb95?t=biblia); [5:23](https://ref.ly/Judges%205.23;nasb95?t=biblia); [6:11](https://ref.ly/Judges%206.11;nasb95?t=biblia),[12](https://ref.ly/Judges%206.12;nasb95?t=biblia), [20-22](https://ref.ly/Judges%206.20-22;nasb95?t=biblia); [13:3](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.3;nasb95?t=biblia),[6](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.6;nasb95?t=biblia),[9](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.9;nasb95?t=biblia),[13](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.13;nasb95?t=biblia),[15](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.15;nasb95?t=biblia), [16](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.16;nasb95?t=biblia), [17](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.17;nasb95?t=biblia), [18](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.18;nasb95?t=biblia), [20](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.20;nasb95?t=biblia), [21](https://ref.ly/Judges%2013.21;nasb95?t=biblia) - [1Samuel 29:9](https://ref.ly/1%20Sam%2029.9;nasb95?t=biblia) - [2Samuel 14:17](https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2014.17;nasb95?t=biblia); [14:20](https://ref.ly/2Samuel%2014.20;nasb95?t=biblia); [19:27](https://ref.ly/2Samuel%2019.27;nasb95?t=biblia); [24:16](https://ref.ly/2Samuel%2024.16;nasb95?t=biblia), - [1Kings 19:7](https://ref.ly/1%20Kings%2019.7;nasb95?t=biblia); - [2Kings 1:3](https://ref.ly/2%20Kings%201.3;nasb95?t=biblia); [1:15](https://ref.ly/2Kings%201.15;nasb95?t=biblia); [19:35](https://ref.ly/2Kings%2019.35;nasb95?t=biblia); - [1Chronicles 21:12](https://ref.ly/1%20Chron%2021.12;nasb95?t=biblia); [21:15](https://ref.ly/1Chronicles%2021.15;nasb95?t=biblia), [16](https://ref.ly/1Chronicles%2021.16;nasb95?t=biblia); [21:18](https://ref.ly/1Chronicles%2021.18;nasb95?t=biblia); [21:30](https://ref.ly/1Chronicles%2021.30;nasb95?t=biblia) - [Psalms 34:7](https://ref.ly/Ps%2034.7;nasb95?t=biblia); [35:5](https://ref.ly/Psalms%2035.5;nasb95?t=biblia); [35:6](https://ref.ly/Psalms%2035.6;nasb95?t=biblia) - [Isaiah 37:36](https://ref.ly/Isa%2037.36;nasb95?t=biblia) - [Zechariah 1:11](https://ref.ly/Zech%201.11;nasb95?t=biblia), [12](https://ref.ly/Zechariah%201.12;nasb95?t=biblia); [3:1](https://ref.ly/Zechariah%203.1;nasb95?t=biblia), [5](https://ref.ly/Zechariah%203.5;nasb95?t=biblia), [6](https://ref.ly/Zechariah%203.6;nasb95?t=biblia);[12:8](https://ref.ly/Zechariah%2012.8;nasb95?t=biblia) Just as _Dark Souls_ rewards players who pay attention to scattered clues, Scripture rewards readers who pay attention to God’s patterns and self-revelation. He is both _sent by_ Yahweh and _speaks as_ Yahweh. He is distinct from God, yet identified as God — a divine messenger who bears the very Name of God. # End of Part 1 Last week, we talked about how _Dark Souls_ tells its story — not through cutscenes, but through hidden clues. Players piece together bits of truth from **item descriptions, scattered dialogue, and the environment**, uncovering mysteries that were there all along. In the same way, when we read the Old Testament carefully, we discover that God has been revealing Himself through patterns and appearances that point to something greater. We looked at the **Angel of the LORD**, tracing His appearances from Genesis through the Exodus. Using just the facts from Scripture, we saw that this figure **speaks as God, acts as God, and is called the LORD (Yahweh) Himself** — yet He is also **distinct from the Father**. This Angel — the very presence who led Israel as the **pillar of fire and cloud** — sets the stage for what we see in the New Testament: In **Dark Souls I and II**, players noticed the story kept pointing toward a missing figure connected to the sun and light. These fragments led to two major fan theories: some believed the mysterious figure was **Solaire**, the faithful warrior who longed for the sun that players encountered in came, while others thought it pointed to a **new character yet to be revealed** — someone greater who would bring clarity in _Dark Souls III_. In the same way, the Old Testament left believers looking ahead, for an answer that that would only come together fully when **Jesus** stepped onto the scene. # **The Nameless King: The True Firstborn** Last time we talked about _Dark Souls_, FromSoftware’s iconic action-RPG. It's famous for brutal difficulty and it's game mechanics spawned an new entire genre, known as “Soulslikes.” WHowever I chose to focus on what I think truly set _Dark Souls_ apart, which was its storytelling. Instead of giving players a straight narrative, the game scattered lore through item descriptions, cryptic dialogue, and hidden areas. Hundreds of player completed the game without understanding the story. When I joined the _Dark Souls_ community, two of the three games had already been released. I did got to watch many long-standing fan theories proven true in real time as I played through. The lore was so vague, and hard to uncover that when DS3 was about to be released, there was a $10,000 contest for which fan could summarize the lore the best for new players coming in. Among the longest-running mysteries was the story of **Gwyn’s firstborn son**. His existence was teased in _Dark Souls 1 and 2_, debated for years, and finally revealed in _Dark Souls 3_.Last time I showed you what a Dark Souls player did to gather clues and craft a lore theory. Then I should how this same method was used by those that studied the text of the OT. Both DS and theologians found a mystery in the texts and wondered what it all could mean, for DS players, it was this nameless king, for the OT it was the mystery the ANGEL Of The LORD. Lets recap what players learned last time. *Gwyn’s children inherited his sunlight power of lightning after a war with the dragons. A statue of Gwyn’s firstborn son is missing. After the war, he lost his status and was erased from the records sometime after Gwyn left. In most places, he was remembered only as mad.* *The lighting-wielding warriors of sunlight and knights of Forossa bore lion armor and spears. Their God of War was one who only respected arms. Smashed statues showed him as another dragon slayer.* *His name is remembered only in a faraway land:  Faraam* Player made many theories on who the person was, there was two theories that emerged. Some believed the mysterious figure was **Solaire**, the sun warrior that players encountered in came, while others thought it pointed to a **new character yet to be revealed** — someone greater who would bring clarity in _Dark Souls III_. In the same way, the Old Testament left believers looking ahead, for an answer that that would only come together fully when **Jesus** stepped onto the scene. When DS3 came out game, players discover a new character who seems to fit the clues we’ve already found. Let’s look at what _Dark Souls III_ tells us about him, and then compare those details with what we learned earlier to see how they line up. ![[Pasted image 20250927165043.png]] In the game, there was a hidden area that took fans about 2 weeks to figure out how to get to. When they learned how to find this secret area they discovered Archdragon Peak. At its summit, stood an optional boss—the Nameless King. ![[Pasted image 20250927165010.png]] - He first descends astride a massive **storm-dragon**. - He wields a **great lightning spear**, the unmistakable weapon of Gwyn’s bloodline. - Some music notes of the Nameless King's theme sound identical to Gwyn's theme, implying the theory that he is Gwyn's son. The following clues was discovered from the items below - He is called a **former dragonslayer**—and yet now stands as their ally. - His **Soul** describes him as a god who betrayed his kin to join the dragons. - His **Storm Curved Sword**, forged from that soul, names him outright: **Gwyn’s firstborn.** - Dragoon Slayer Ornstein Was His Lion Knight ### Dragonslayer Swordspear _[ ](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/darksouls/images/a/a7/Dragonslayer_Swordspear.png/revision/latest?cb=20160612060914 "Dragonslayer Swordspear")A dragon hunting weapon from the age of the gods. The earliest form of the cross spear, serving as both sword and spear._ _Its owner was the Nameless King and deific hunter of dragons. The swordspear is imbued with lightning, of which he was the heir._ _Skill: Falling Bolt Hold swordspear high in the air to summon fierce lightning that descends upon distant foes._ ### Storm Curved Sword [ In-Game Description _Curved sword imbued with the strength of the Stormdrake._ _The Nameless King, ally of the ancient dragons, fought beside the Stormdrake in countless battles. When the great beast fell, the king claimed his soul, as was the custom in the age of the gods._ _Skill: Tornado Imbue blade with the wrath of storm in a spinning motion, and follow with a strong attack to bear that wrath upon foes._ ### Great Lightning Spear (Dark Souls III) In-Game Description _Primal account of Lightning Spear, which tells of an ancestral dragonslayer._ _Hurls a giant lightning spear._ _Gwyn, the First Lord, slew dragons with his sunlight spear, a tradition upheld by his firstborn and the greatspear he wielded._ _Much of this resplendent tale of father and son, while epic, remains tragically untold.__ ### Soul of the Nameless King In-Game Description [ ](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/darksouls/images/7/7b/Soul_of_the_Nameless_King.png/revision/latest?cb=20160625060019 "Soul of the Nameless King") _Soul of the Nameless King. One of the twisted souls, steeped in strength._ _Use to acquire many souls, or transpose to extract its true strength._ _The Nameless King was once a dragon-slaying god of war, before he sacrificed everything to ally himself with the ancient dragons._ ### Lightning Storm [ In-Game Description _Miracle of the Nameless King, ally to the ancient dragons._ _Calls forth furious bolts of lightning._ _Once a slayer of dragons, the former king and wargod tamed a Stormdrake, on which he led a lifetime of battle. This miracle is likely a tale of their bond._ ### Golden Crown _Crown of a nameless [ ](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/darksouls/images/4/4e/Golden_Crown.png/revision/latest?cb=20160614212117 "Golden Crown")king who was ally to the ancient dragons._ _This golden crown, buried amidst long strands of bristling ash, is said to closely resemble that of the First Lord._ ### Golden Bracelets [ In-Game Description _Bracelets of a nameless king who was ally to the ancient dragons._ _These golden bracelets, together with the golden breastplate and crown, are said to closely resemble those of the First Lord._ So players took these revealed clues and facts and compared them to what they had from the last two game and look at this table | Earlier Clues (_Dark Souls I–II_) | Revelation in _Dark Souls III_ | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Gwyn’s children inherited his lightning power after the war with the dragons. | The Nameless King wields a **great lightning spear**, showing the same sunlight power. | | A statue of Gwyn’s firstborn was missing, and his name was erased from history. | The **Storm Curved Sword**, made from his soul, **names him as Gwyn’s firstborn**. | | After the war, he lost his status and was erased from records, remembered only as mad. | His **Soul** reveals he **betrayed his kin** to join the dragons — the reason for his erasure. | | He was remembered as a **dragon slayer**. | He is called a **former dragonslayer**, now allied with the dragons. He uses weapons of one | | His name was remembered only in a faraway land: **Faraam**. | Simply called the Nameless King | | The knights of Forossa, linked to the God of War, wore **lion armor** and used **spears**. | **Dragon Slayer Ornstein**, who wore lion-themed armor, is said to be **his lion knight**. | Everything the players had discovered came true, with even more details revealed! For the fans who had spent years piecing the story together, this was the ultimate reward — their careful study and attention to detail had paid off. In the same way, those who study Scripture find that the pieces fit together far more perfectly than they first appear. Just as the DS3 brought clarity to a mystery that had been hidden since the beginning of the series, the NT reveals the true identity of the One who appeared to Hagar, Jacob, and Moses . Lets see dive into scripture. ## Jesus As The Angel Of The Lord I understand that many of you already figured that the Angel is Jesus in the OT, but in the same way I took the DS1/2 Theory and double checked it against later revelation, we will do the same thing with the OT and NT, Here is what we learned last week: The Angel appears as a *MAN*, *FIRE*, and was in the *Pillar of Fire And Cloud*, He was the one that *lead Israel out of Egypt* and where He walks is *HOLY GROUND*. Ever since His first Appearance in the OT, He was always seen as *GOD*, *Prayed To, Bowed To, and worshiped with Offerings and Alters.* He controls the *Armies of Heaven*, He *redeems his people, forgives their sins*, He is the Angel of *The Covenant to Abraham* and if you still had any doubt on who He is, Hosea calls him *YAHWEH of HOSTS.* So we came up with three of our own theories on the this figure "He was either God the Father made manifest, another 2nd person of the God head, or a high ranking Angel." I used these three because we are already used to the idea of the Trinity. Well we weren't the only ones to come up with ideas. Alan F. Segal is a Jewish scholor that looked over Babylonian Talmud, **Midrashim**, **Tosefta and Mekhilta** (early rabbinic legal commentaries), Philo of Alexandria, Apocalyptic literature: and the DSS. Their theories mirrored ours, but they rejected that this Angel was just God the Father. The first theory that the Jews made was that there was two powers in heaven, God and His chief representative share heavenly rule. The first is split into two subsections, - Some envisioned a principal angelic being (_Metatron_, *Yahoel*, Micheal, Gabriel) or even a divine man (Adam, Moses, Enoch) as this "the lesser YHWH” enthroned beside God. - Some Rabbis claimed heretics taught there were _two separate gods_ — one of mercy, one of judgment. Those familiar with church history will know this came back up again in the early **Gnostics** that **Christians** condemned. However the main idea that was being taught before Christianity was this. - Israel once believed in 2 powers of heaven, that there was God above all that created the world, and then a second figure that was His power, his wisdom and the agent of creation that would appear to us as a messenger between us and God. They were separate, but the same. Thinkers like **Philo** saw the “second power” as **God’s Logos/Word or Reason/Logic**. - This idea drew from **Scripture itself**, where God appears alongside or through another divine figure. We already went over a lot of passages in our last study I left out many passages such the **three men who visit Abraham** (Genesis 18) are all called _YHWH_; the **two _YHWH_ that destroy Sodom** (Genesis 19:24); **Isaiah’s and Zechariahs vision's** of Three divine figures (Isa. 48,61,63; Zechariah 2,12,14); and **Daniel’s vision** reveals the _Son of Man_ sharing _the Ancient of Days’ throne_ (Dan. 7). After Christianity came, the theory was also condemned by the Jews saying that “Anyone who says there are two powers in heaven is a heretic” (b. Hagigah 15a). So, as you can see, the Jews of the Second Temple period and we Christians today were often wrestling with the same mystery — how the God of Israel could appear as both transcendent _and_ personally present. Both groups were reading the same Scriptures and seeing two divine figures: one unseen and enthroned in heaven, and another who acts, speaks, and saves on His behalf. The prophets themselves _looked forward to a day when this mystery would be revealed more fully_ — when the One who appeared as the “Messenger of the LORD” would at last make Himself known. Now that we’ve traced the idea through Israel’s Scriptures, let’s turn to the New Testament and see how that revelation unfolds. ## The New Testament So Lets take what we gathered and compare it to what we find in the NT. It's interesting the "The Angel Of The LORD" is never again used in the NT ## Comparison of Jesus and the Angel of the LORD While I don't have time today to take you though each passage, I've compiled this tabled to show you that Jesus fulfills the role of a messenger. | **Attribute** | **Angel of the LORD (Old Testament)** | **Jesus (New Testament)** | | :------------------ | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Name** | Bears and speaks in the very **Name of God**, meaning He carries God’s full authority and essence. In **Exodus 23:21**, God says, “My Name is in Him,”. Passages blue his name with Gods repeatably and Hosea directly calls him "Yahweh of Hosts" | John 1:1 identifies Him as the eternal Word who _was God_. John even says that Jesus is the Yahweh that Isaiah saw. <br><br>Jesus claims the title "I AM" seven times in Johns Gospel and says he manifested God's Name to His followers. Paul declares that God exalted Him and gave Him _the Name above every name_, before whom every knee will bow. Many Passages say the name of the LORD is Jesus | | **Accepts Worship** | The Angel of the LORD receives worship and sacrifices that belong only to God. He is prayed and bowed to. | Jesus likewise accepts worship, prayer. **Revelations** depicts all creation worshiping “the Lamb” alongside the Father, proclaiming Him worthy of all honor and praise. Paul explains that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord, echoing Isaiah’s words about Yahweh Himself. | | **Appearance** | The Angel of the LORD appears in visible, human-like form, emitting holy ground where he stands. He also appears as fire that led Israel through the wilderness (**Exodus 13:21; 14:19**). This glory filled the tabernacle (**Exodus 40:34–38**) and later the temple (**1 Kings 8:10–11**), but departed in **Ezekiel 10–11**, f | Was a human, and at His **transfiguration** His face shines like the sun and His clothes become dazzling white. In Revelation Jesus appears in unmatched brightness and power, with eyes like flame and voice like thunder, not unlike descriptions from the book of Daniel | | **Mediator Role** | The Angel of the LORD appears throughout the Old Testament as the one who stands **between God and humanity**, interceding, representing on behalf of Jerusalem. | Paul declares, “There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” **Hebrews**, describes Him as the mediator of a better covenant, bridging the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. Jesus is seen praying for His disciple's many times and is our great High Priest | | **God Manifested** | The Angel of the LORD consistently appears **as the visible manifestation of Yahweh**. Claiming to be the I am and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” The Angel appears in the burning bush and pillar of fire and cloud. Moses and the 70 elders of Israel see him as God Manifested | God Himself entered creation becoming flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us,” Jesus affirms that He came down from heaven to reveal and glorify the Father, manifesting His name to His followers. **John** says that Isaiah saw Jesus’ as God's. Paul proclaims that in Him “the image of the invisible God,” and states that “in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”- “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being” that was equal with God | | **Led the Exodus** | The Angel of the LORD served as the **visible, divine leader of Israel** during the Exodus, guiding, protecting, and judging on behalf of Yahweh. Manifesting as the pillar of cloud and fire that led them by day and night. Isaiah recalls that “the Angel of His Presence saved them,” during the exodus. | Paul explicitly states, “They drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ,” and warns believers not to test Christ, “as some of them did,” referencing the wilderness generation. **Jude 1:5** further confirms this: “Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.” | | **Forgives Sins** | In **Zechariah 3:1–6**, the Angel stands before the LORD and Satan, rebukes the accuser, and commands Joshua’s filthy garments to be removed, declaring, “See, I have taken away your iniquity.” Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons, invoking “the God who has been my shepherd all my life… the Angel who has redeemed me from all evil,” equating the Angel with God as his Redeemer. | Jesus directly forgives sins with the same divine authority. He tells the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven,” and proves His authority by healing him. His death on the cross redeems. | | **Sent By God** | The Angel of the LORD is repeatedly depicted as **sent by God** yet speaking _as_ God. God explicitly says, “Behold, I send an Angel before you,” and he promises to send the Angel to the Temple once again | Jesus says His food is to do the will of Him who sent Him, that He came down from heaven not to do His own will but the Father’s. He states that He was sent from the Father and will return to Him, declaring that He has glorified the Father on earth, completed His work, and manifested His Name | | **Attribute** | **Jesus** | **Angel of the LORD** | | :------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Name** | John 1:1, 6:38, 8:56, 12:41, 17:4–6; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 6:1–5; Hebrews 1:3; Numbers 12:8; Philippians 2:9–11; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13; Galatians 3:16 | Exodus 23:21; Judges 13:3–21; Genesis 16:7–11 | | **Accepts Worship** | Matthew 2:10–12, 28:9–10; Revelation 5:12–14; Philippians 2:9–11 | Joshua 5:14; Judges 6:22–24; 13:15–21; Genesis 31:13; 48:16 | | **Appearance** | Matthew 17:1–8;Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36; John 1:14; Colossians 1:15, 2:9; Revelation 1:12–16, 19:11–16; Hebrews 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Peter 1:16–18 | Judges 13:3–21,6:11–12; Exodus 3:2, 14:19 | | **God Manifested** | John 1:1, 6:38,17:4–6; 12:41; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3; Philippians 2:5–8 | Genesis 16:7–11, 21:17, 22:11,15, 31:11; Exodus 3:2 | | **Forgives Sins** | Mark 2:5, 10–11; Luke 7:48–49 | Zechariah 3:1,5–6; Genesis 48:15–16 | | **Led the Exodus** | 1 Corinthians 10:4, 10:9; Jude 1:5 | Exodus 14:19, 23:20–21 | | **Claims God’s Authority** | John 8:58, 10:30; Matthew 28:18,11:27; Hebrews 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Joel 2:32 | Exodus 23:21; Judges 13:22; Genesis 22:11,15; Numbers 22:22–35 | | **Origin** | Micah 5:2; John 1:1, 8:58; Hebrews 1:3, 13:8; Philippians 2:5–8 | Judges 6:24; 13:3–21; Malachi 3:1; Exodus 3:2; Hosea 12:5 | | **Mediator Role** | 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6, 9:15, 12:24; Galatians 3:16; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13 | Zechariah 1:11–12, 3:1,5–6; Genesis 22:11–15 | | **Sent By God** | John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:26; 16:28; 17:4; 1 Corinthians 10:4, 10:9 | Exodus 3:2, 23:20; Judges 6:11–12; Numbers 22:22–35; Exodus 14:19; 1 Chronicles 21:12–16 | Throughout the New Testament, many passages become clearer when we recognize Jesus as the **Angel of the Covenant**—the visible presence of God who accompanied Israel. Revelations shows Jesus in the same form Joshua saw, holding a sword and leading the armies of heaven. Paul explicitly states that it was **Christ whom Israel tested in the wilderness** (_1 Corinthians 10:9_), identifying Him as the One who walked with them, provided water from the rock, and sustained them with manna. _Hebrews 1:3_ affirms that **the Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature**, matching _Numbers 12:8_, where Moses sees **the form of Yahweh**—a form later revealed as Christ, who **was in the form of God**. _1 Thessalonians 4:16_ portrays the returning Christ descending **with the voice of the archangel** and the **trumpet of God**. _Philippians 2:9–11_ declares that **God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name**, so that **every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord**. In John 17, He prays that His followers be kept in **name**, sharing in the unity and fellowship of God Himself. ## Not New I also just want to quickly note that this is not new theology, the early church fathers like Polycarp and Justin Marytr used the word angel to describe a role of Christ in connection to passages like [Isaiah 9:6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.9.6). [[noauthor_undated-lg|Irenaeus]] and [[Schaff2017-yc|Tertullian]] believed that all the OT Theophanies (Appearance of God in a bodily form) were appearances of Christ. It was Christ, “the Word of God,” who walked with Adam in the Garden of Eden, who appeared to Abraham as God and Lord in [Genesis 18:80](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/GEN.18.80), who appeared to Jacob in [Genesis 28:81](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/GEN.28.81) and to Moses in [Exodus 3:82](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/EXO.3.82). Hippolytus, Clement, Origen, Cyprian, Novatian, Victorinus, Eusebius, Athanasius, Hilary, and Epiphanius, all referred to Christ by the title Angel as well ([[Juncker_undated-ol|Günther Juncker]]) Here is a promise God made that we read last time. > [!bible]+ [Malachi 3:1-3 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/39/3/) > ^**1**'Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,' says the LORD of hosts. ^**2**'But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. ^**3**'He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness. %% #Malachi #Malachi3 %% It's curious to note that the Angel of the Lord never appears in the New Testament. Did God break his promise, or was He their the whole time? Lets compare this to the opening of the Gospel in Mark > [!bible]+ [Mark 1:1-15 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/41/1/) > ^**1**The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ^**2**As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; ^**3**THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'' ^**4**John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins...^**7**And he was preaching, and saying, 'After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. ^**8**'I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.' ^**9**In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ^**10**Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; ^**11**and a voice came out of the heavens: 'You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.' .... ^**14**Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, ^**15**and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.' %% #Mark #Mark1 %% In this passage, John the Baptist is revealed as the **messenger** promised in _Malachi 3:1_—the one sent to **prepare the way** for the coming of the Lord. His call to repentance readies the people for the arrival of the **“messenger of the covenant”**, who will refine and purify them. Jesus then appears as the fulfillment of that promise: the Lord who comes to His people, not only to cleanse them from sin but to **baptize them with the Holy Spirit**, bringing the refining fire of God’s presence foretold by Malachi. Jesus also directly makes this claim in [Luke 7:24-27](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.7.24-27) that He was the God they were awaiting. # Final Jesus repeatedly identifies Himself as the One sent from heaven. He declares that He has **“come forth from the Father”** (John 16:28), and that His **“witness is true”** because He speaks only what He has seen with the Father (John 3:11, 8:14, 8:26). Jesus shared in God's glory and presence ([John 17:4-6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.17.4-6)) came down from heaven ([John 6:38](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.6.38)) to do God's will ([John 5:30](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.5.30)), manifested God's name to his people ([John 17:4-6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.17.4-6)), and his work ([John 4:34](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.4.34)). Jesus goes on to make the claim that > [!bible]+ [John 6:46 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/43/6/) > ^**46**'Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father. %% #John #John6 %% Yet Jesus’ statement that **“no one has seen the Father”** except Himself (John 6:46) creates tension with the Old Testament, where many are said to have **seen God**—Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and others. Throughout those accounts, however, the One they encountered is identified as **the Angel of the LORD**, who speaks and acts with divine authority and is called God by those who see Him. When Jesus claims exclusive sight of the Father. He is revealing that **He Himself was the One they saw**—the visible manifestation of the invisible God. > [!bible]+ [Exodus 3:13-14 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/2/3/) > ^**13**Then Moses said to God, 'Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' Now they may say to me, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?' ^**14**God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'; and He said, 'Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'' %% #Exodus #Exodus3 %% Look at this statement that Jesus would go on to claim during an argument with religious readers that Abraham was glad to see "HIS" day. > [!bible]+ [John 8:51-60 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/43/8/) > ^**51**'Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.' ^**52**The Jews said to Him, 'Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets [also]; and You say, 'If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.' ^**53**'Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out [to be]?' ^**54**Jesus answered, 'If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, 'He is our God'; ^**55**and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. ^**56**'Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw [it] and was glad.' ^**57**So the Jews said to Him, 'You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?' ^**58**Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.' ^**59**Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. %% #John #John8 %% This passage is often noted for Jesus’ use of the divine name **“I AM”** (John 8:58), but just as significant is His claim that **Abraham rejoiced to see His day** (John 8:56). The religious leaders were shocked because Jesus was asserting more than preexistence—He was identifying Himself as the One who had **personally known Abraham**. In [Genesis 22:11-18](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/GEN.22.11-18), The Angel of the LORD calls to Abraham from heaven and swears the covenant by Himself. By saying that Abraham “saw My day and was glad,” Jesus reveals that He was the very **divine messenger** who appeared to Abraham under the oaks of Mamre (_Genesis 18:1–3_), who intervened on Mount Moriah (_Genesis 22:11–18_), and who bound the covenant oath in His own name (_Genesis 15:17–18_). In other words, the same One who was **sent from God** in the Old Testament to establish the covenant is now **come in the flesh** to fulfill it (_John 6:38; Galatians 3:16_). This is why they picked up stones to kill him. Throughout Scripture, the glory of God is His visible, manifest presence among His people—We know the Angel of the Lord was this visible Glory and bore the divine name (Exodus 23:20–21. Jesus shares the same divine name  In the wilderness, His glory appeared as fire and cloud to lead Israel by day and night (Exodus 13:21–22), and later filled the tabernacle so powerfully that even Moses could not enter (Exodus 40:34–35). When Solomon dedicated the temple, that same glory filled the house of the Lord (1 Kings 8:10–11). God would stay with his people for many generations, yet because of Israel’s persistent sin, the prophet Ezekiel saw the heartbreaking vision of the glory departing from the temple and the city (Ezekiel 10:18–19; 11:23) But what seemed lost is restored in the opening of the Gospels: “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us, and we have seen His glory” (John 1:14). Jesus humbled Himself to take on flesh (Philippians 2:5–8). In Jesus, God’s presence returned, not in cloud or fire or building, but in human form as the son of God. In Him, God’s glory once again dwells with humanity (Hebrews 1:3). God made a promise in **Joel 2:32**, _“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered.”_ In its original context, Joel speaks of **the day of the Lord**, a time when God Himself intervenes to rescue His people. The Gospels show us that the day was fulfilled in Christ, > [!bible]+ [John 1:1-5 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/43/1/) > ^**1**In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ^**2**He was in the beginning with God. ^**3**All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. ^**4**In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. ^**5**The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. %% #John #John1 %% > [!bible]+ [John 1:10-13 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/43/1/) > ^**10**He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. ^**11**He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. ^**12**But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, [even] to those who believe in His name, ^**13**who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. %% #John #John1 %% > [!bible]+ [John 3:13-21 - NASB](https://bolls.life/NASB/43/3/) > **13** </sup>'No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. ^**14**'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; ^**15**so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. ^**16**'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ^**17**'For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. ^**18**'He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. %% #John #John3 %% If you have not yet called on the name of Jesus now is the time. The same LORD who once walked with Abraham now walked the streets of Galilee proclaiming the good news. When Israel failed to keep covenant, **God Himself stepped in to restore His presence with humanity**. Because Jesus embodies the fullness of God’s presence, the promise extends to all who **call on His name**. _Acts 2:21_ declares, _“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,”_ and Paul reiterates in _Romans 10:13_ that this promise applies to all who believe.