October 24, 2021 – End Times Prophecy Report

The Diminishing Marginal Utility of Sin

FIRST, a few words about marginal utility, diminishing marginal utility and what that all is.

In the context of cardinal utility, economists postulate a law of diminishing marginal utility, which describes how the first unit of consumption of a particular good or service yields more utility than the second and subsequent units, with a continuing reduction for greater amounts. Therefore, the fall in marginal utility as consumption increases is known as diminishing marginal utility. This concept is used by economists to determine how much of a good a consumer is willing to purchase.

diminishing marginal utility

Diminishing marginal utility refers to the phenomenon that each additional unit of gain leads to an ever-smaller increase in subjective value. For example, three bites of candy are better than two bites, but the twentieth bite does not add much to the experience beyond the nineteenth (and could even make it worse). This effect is so well established that it is referred to as the “law of diminishing marginal utility” in economics (Gossen, 1854/1983), and is reflected in the convex shape of most subjective utility functions. This refers to the increase in utility an individual gains from increasing their consumption of a particular good.

SECOND, a bit of a FURTHER explanation of those definitions.

The law of diminishing marginal utility can be illustrated in the following manner.

Suppose the reader REALLY, REALLY likes to eat cupcakes. In fact, cupcakes are his favorite thing to eat in the whole, wide world.

NOW, one day the reader is walking along and says to himself, “I really, REALLY love to eat cupcakes. And I haven’t had a cupcake to eat in MONTHS. I have a little extra cash and some time to kill, I think I’ll head down to the grocery store and buy some cupcakes to eat!”

AND SO, the reader heads to the nearest grocery store, and after looking over what the store has to offer, he selects a BOX of cupcakes which, from the picture on the box, look DELICIOUS.

The reader purchases the BOX of cupcakes and heads outside to try them out.

After opening the box, the reader rips the wrapper off of the cupcake and tears into it.

It is DELICIOUS.

He eats that first cupcake and thinks, “THAT was a good cupcake! It was everything I remembered and a little more.”

In fact, the cupcake tastes so delicious, the reader decides to have another.

Then, the reader looks around and decides he has the time to eat a THIRD cupcake.

The third cupcake tastes good–but not as good as that first one tasted.

Before he knows it, the ENTIRE BOX of cupcakes has been eaten.

And, NONE of the cupcakes tasted as good as that first one.

This is the law of diminishing utility in a nutshell.

The FIRST of anything will taste GREAT or will provide a great comfort and joy.

The SECOND will taste good–but not as GREAT as the first one.

The THIRD (and subsequent ones) will taste good, but not as good as the first or second ones and not as good as the one which came before it.

And so on.

And FINALLY: is the law of diminishing marginal utility a Satanic concept?

(It is right about now that the reader is most likely thinking, “Oh, here we go again: linking a semi-obscure economic term to the end times…”)

The pleasures of SIN suffer from a VERY HIGH ‘law of diminishing utility.’

Someone may engage in sinful behavior–say fornication–and think, “That felt VERY good!”

Some time afterwards, that person may have occasion to REMEMBER the sinful experience and think, “Wow! That felt good, but I’ll never do that again!”

Time passes and that person may have another occasion to remember the sinful experience and think, “I remember thinking that felt good–but I wonder, did it feel as good as all that?”

MORE time passes and that person thinks, “That felt so good, I think I’ may try it again sometime! What could it hurt?”

AND SO, that person tries and tries again to recapture that one good feeling he remembered from the first time.

BUT, he never does.

No matter how many times that person revisits that sin, the good feeling he remembered is ONLY a memory.

A FADING memory.

This is one reason, some people will pursue things–and people! (boyfriends, girlfriends)–which are CLEARLY not good for them: many times they are chasing that one good time they once had AND trying to ‘recapture the moment.’

BUT, the ‘moment’ never seems to be recaptured.

It is only a fading memory held out in front of them as a carrot in order to persuade them to SIN again.

It does NOT matter how many times one sins, it will NEVER be as pleasurable as the memory of that first time.

So, in this manner of speaking, the law of diminishing marginal utility is one which fallen men of the world should have NO trouble in understanding.

HAS the reader EVER attempted to ‘recapture the moment’?

HOW successful was that attempt?

It is not YET too late: there is still a little time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

A Reminder: The Gospel is Simple

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: October 18, 2021.]

RELATED ARTICLES

by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Photo by NEOSiAM 2021 from Pexels.com

© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-21. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP 2007-2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Link Disclaimer: inclusion of links to other blogs/websites is not necessarily an endorsement of all content posted in those blogs/websites.

Where Does It Stop?

Recently, an acquaintance–who is largely likable–stopped by.

Although the stated purpose of the visit (of a person NOT seen in over three years) was ostensibly ‘because I was in the area and wanted to see how you were,” almost the entire discussion focused on a plea for rebellion.

[And this is one sure way a follower of Jesus Christ can tell a pretender: the pretender does NOT obey the Word of God; the pretender advocates rebellion–and God’s Word is CRYSTAL CLEAR about where God stands on the subject of rebellion.

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”
–1SAMUEL 15:23

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
–Romans 13:1-2, 6-7

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”
—1 Peter 2:13-16

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government [authority]. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”
—2 Peter 2:9-10

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
–1 Timothy 3:1-2

MORE: DISOBEDIENCE and REBELLION: The Wisdom of Man OR the Word of God?]

Most of the discussion (as has been stated) centered around joining a (what the man claimed was a ‘coming’) rebellion against the civil authorities.

The discussion was not very clever.

One would 1SAMUEL 15:23, the other would answer with the words of man.

“But the Bible says that rebellion is the same as witchcraft.”

“Yeah, but are you a man or a measly mouse?”

“Well, God’s Word says rebellion is the same as witchcraft.”

“But it’s not really rebellion if the leaders are worthless.”

And so it went for perhaps fifteen minutes or so.

FINALLY, 1SAMUEL 15:23 was answered by what was apparently considered the crown jewel of arguments on this topic.

“Rebellion is the same as witchcraft.”

“Yeah, but where does it stop? At some point, you have quit talking and take some action!”

“Where does it stop?”

BUT–as was pointed out that day (and which FINALLY ended that topic of conversation)–“Where does it stop?” ALSO can be asked of those who advocate rebellion.

“Rebellion: where does it stop?”

The ULTIMATE rebellion is against God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

MORE: End Times Apostasy is Rebellion Against God Almighty and Jesus Christ

Does the rebel acquire a taste for rebellion once he starts?

THE MORAL OF THIS ENCOUNTER?

One can either be a follower of Jesus and OBEY and SUBMIT to the civil authorities.

OR, one can be a follower of men (and Satan) and preach revolt and rebellion.

One cannot be both.

MORE: American Rebel or Child of God: Make Your Choice

To warn the reader: God is VERY clear about how he treats the rebellious man.

“An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.”
–Proverbs 17:11

DOES the reader wonder how to be a more effective rebel?

IS the reader ‘prepared’ for the future by believing rebellion will cure the ills of the world?

It is not YET too late: there is still a little time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

A Reminder: The Gospel is Simple

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: October 22-24, 2021.]

RELATED ARTICLES

by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Photo by Linda Eller-Shein from Pexels.com

Link Disclaimer: inclusion of links to other blogs/websites is not necessarily an endorsement of all content posted in those blogs/websites.

Our Father, Who Art In Heaven

A significant portion of God’s Word is devoted to assuring men that, as the CREATOR of ALL men, God considers Himself as Our Father.

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
–Matthew 23:9

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.”
–Psalm 103:13

“And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
–Luke 11:2

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.”
–Proverbs 14:26

“Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?”
–Malachi 2:10

“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
–Matthew 7:9-11

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
–Matthew 6:9

As God considers Himself to be Father of ALL Men, God LOVES His children–ALL of His children–right up until the moment He is required to be the PERFECT JUDGE and assign them their eternal destinations according to His Word.

In fact, right up until the moment they pass from this life, God considers evil and wicked men to be FOOLISH CHILDREN.

His foolish children.

“For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.”
–Jeremiah 4:22

And like the loving Father He is, God will attempt to correct His children, NOT condemn them.

But, MOST men will not abide correction from God.

“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is< brutish.”
–Proverbs 12:1

IS the reader a respectful child?

OR, is the reader one who insists, “I don’t believe all of that Bible stuff.”

It is not YET too late: there is still a little time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

A Reminder: The Gospel is Simple

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: October 18, 2021.]

RELATED ARTICLES

by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Photo by Johaer on Unsplash.com

Link Disclaimer: inclusion of links to other blogs/websites is not necessarily an endorsement of all content posted in those blogs/websites.

Reminiscence

Man has a memory, which helps him recall information from the past.

MOST men have a SELECTIVE memory, which helps them recall information from the past AS THEY REMEMBER IT.

When a man begins talking about his past, he most usually is referring to the past AS HE REMEMBERS IT.

When men selectively remember the past, they usually recall the GOOD times and (conveniently) forget the BAD.

Therefore, this imaginary time period is called “the good old days.”

Whenever a couple or more men get together to discuss days gone by, it is said that these men are REMINISCING.

: the enjoyable recollection of past events.

: to indulge in reminiscence

:a story told about a past event remembered by the narrator.

Though the past is over and done with, many men cannot resist talking about the past THAT THEY REMEMBER or, AS THEY REMEMBER THE PAST.

The past–as many men remember it–wasn’t ever so bad.

BUT, God’s Word declares that man should focus on his present, not his past–and especially the past as man remembers it to be.

One reason for this is that many men do NOT remember the past as it was, but as they desire it to be.

This allows many men with selective memories to correct their mistakes, to talk in a witty manner they are not otherwise known to talk OR to make better decisions back then than they made OR to change the present (based on what they supposedly did in the past they remember).

“Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.”
—George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four

Which is a primary reason the past is so FONDLY remembered by so many.

“Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.”
–Ecclesiastes 7:10

Which is one reason so many men LOVE to reminiscence.

Even if what they remember bears little resemblance to what actually occurred.

Whenever God judges men, he will have PERFECT records from which to refer, NOT the fallible, malleable memories of the men He is judging.

“A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”
–Daniel 7:10

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
–Revelation 20:12

It is commonly believed that the “books” to which Daniel and Revelation refer are the memories of the man being judged.

The complete, whole and true account of what actually took place, NOT what happened in that man’s happy REMINISCING.

WHAT does the reader’s book say?

It is not YET too late: there is still a little time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

A Reminder: The Gospel is Simple

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: October 20 2021.]