Guest: Bill Gragg

Summary:

In this episode, we explore a central biblical pattern that runs from Genesis to Revelation — the Two Trees as the structural axis of choice between Relationship and Autonomy. Rather than spinning doctrine or debating religious systems, we root the discussion in Scripture’s own ordering of reality, showing how humanity is repeatedly confronted with the same fundamental choice: trust in God or self-rule.

We unpack:

• Why Scripture presents two trees instead of many paths
• How the choice between life and autonomy shows up in Eden, the wilderness, and the temptation of Jesus
• The relevance of this pattern for discipleship today
• How the axis of choice impacts personal faith and daily obedience
• What it means to stand at the crossroads still today

Along the way, we explore themes of:

• Relational obedience versus autonomy
• How true freedom is found in surrender
• The inevitability of choice in every moment of life
• The consistent voice of Christ calling us to life, not merely avoidance of destruction

This episode is a reflective, faithful dive into how Scripture orders reality and invites us into relationship with God, not just religious performance.

Listen in as we follow the path of choice — from Messiah or Serpent, from Life or Autonomy, and ultimately to the living way Christ offers us every day.

In this episode, we explore one of the most common and subtle patterns in Christian theology: when a framework is mostly right, deeply sincere, heavily supported by Scripture… and yet slightly misaligned at the foundation.

Not false theology.

Not heresy.

But good theology that is just a few degrees off — enough to shift the center of gravity away from Christ without even realizing it.

Using real conversations from the Vault community, we examine how complex covenant systems, Torah frameworks, Hebrew studies, and layered interpretations can sometimes relocate authority from Jesus Himself to the structures built around Him.

This episode is not about tearing down depth. It’s about testing orientation.

We look at:

• How Scripture can become the destination instead of the witness
• How systems can become the center instead of the Savior
• How coherence across the whole Bible reveals whether Christ is truly the foundation, or just the mediator of a larger framework

The question is not: Is this theology biblical?

The deeper question is: Does this theology terminate in Christ… or does Christ serve it?

This is a diagnostic episode — a compass for discernment — designed to help believers recognize when theology is sincere, intelligent, and impressive… but slightly off its true axis.

Because in Scripture, Jesus is not the doorway to something else.

He is the destination.

Episode 12 | Pillar 6: Human Purpose

The Vault: Absolute Truth Podcast

Why do you exist?

In this episode, we open Pillar 6 of The Vault: Human Purpose, examining what Scripture reveals about why humanity was created, how purpose is rooted in design, and why meaning cannot be invented without collapsing into confusion. We walk through Genesis, the Image of God, the fracture caused by sin, and the restoration of purpose through covenant and alignment with God.

Purpose is not found in success, identity construction, or self-expression. It is revealed through design, restored through relationship, and lived out through obedience. When humanity disconnects from its Creator, purpose fractures. When alignment is restored, clarity returns.

You were not made by accident.

You were not created without intention.

You were designed to reflect God, steward creation, and live in relationship with Him.

This episode challenges modern assumptions about meaning and re-centers human purpose where Scripture always places it: from God, through God, and for God.