How To Apply God’s Awesome Principle of Rest Right Now

God’s Awesome Principle of Rest

Some time earlier this week, Archangel Michael taught me about the Principle of Spiritual and Physical Rest. We will learn:

• the importance that  God placed on rest by example
• FIVE key words related to the rest of God
• benefits of rest
• how to enjoy rest for the spirit and body

The importance that  God placed on rest by example

God instituted Rest or Sabbaths from the  Creation and gave the blessing of rest to His children.  Rest is so important that God highlighted the concept FOUR times in Genesis 2: 2 & 3. We learn that rest means to end work and to set time aside from labor:

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made (Genesis 2: 2 & 3).

so the people rested on the seventh day (Exodus 16: 30).

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it (Exodus 20: 11)

It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed (Exodus 31: 17).

FIVE Key words related to the rest of God

We need to understand the meaning of FIVE important words before progressing. They are:

• seven
• rested
• sanctified
• hallowed
• refreshed

Seven

• refers to rest in the scripture.
• 7th day was a rest day.
• every 7th year was a year of rest or shemittah and a time of debt forgiveness during the 7th month. No work was done.
• God promised to abundantly increase the harvest in the sixth year to allow for provision up to the eight.
• every 49th year was a year of restoration of possessions and an entire year of rest.
• Israelis had two years off when there was a Year of Jubile

Rested

• shabath
• to cease
• rest from burdens
• put away
• celebrate

Sanctified

• qadash in the Hebrew.
• means to dedicate or set apart.

Hallowed – same as qadash

Refreshed – Exodus 31: 17

• naphash
• God made the sabbath day for humans to be refreshed (Exodus 23: 12).
• scientific research confirms that rest is beneficial for renewal of the brain.

How to work smart not hard

The earliest human activity was gardening, known to be beneficial in exercise and stress reduction. This was not really work, because the earth was well irrigated and there were no adverse conditions. After the fall, work became laborious to the point where our ancestors would sweat and would be pricked by thorns and thistles.We  can learn to work smart by following God’s example:

• schedule activities – there are six days in the week.
• conceptualize what you want to do and the easiest way to get it done. God constructed a design for humans before creating them – “let us make man in our image and likeness” (Genesis 1: 26).
• cluster activities – God made everything after its kind (Genesis 1: 24 & 25). He grouped the creation of body systems and  created animals and plants by species.
• enlist the help of others
  • God said “let us”
  • angels were enlisted – the morning stars shouted for joy at the Creation – Job 38: 7
• take breaks – God did all creation work between sunrise to sunset and not 24 hours. 

How to rest

Spiritual rest

• fellowship with God, worship, read and listen to the scriptures
• learn the scriptures which will then enlighten our lives and guide us into rest – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119: 105).
• meditate on the Word of God – One of the Hebrew words show that meditate means to speak, utter,  mutter, study the Word of God.
• believe and apply the Word of God because this is the key to entering into the rest of God (Hebrews 4). The Jews who rebelled against the command to enter into Canaan or Rest, died in the wilderness. God prevented them from enjoying His Rest. In the same way, believers living in every era of time must believe and apply what God says about finances, health, morals, relationships, justice and other issues in order to enjoy the Rest of God.
• Prayer brings rest – God reveals His will or desire when the believer prays. That knowledge of the will of the Father brings relief or rest from anxiety, so that is becomes easier to accept the will or rest of God:

And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray (Matthew 14: 32).

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles (Luke 6: 12 & 13)

Jesus set the example by setting time aside to pray, even in the earliest hours of the day. It is through prayer that the heavens are opened, spiritual transformation takes place and the love of the Father is affirmed. This is a state of spiritual rest:

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed (Mark 1: 35).

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering  (Luke 9: 28 & 29)

Physical rest

Jesus set the example in His ministry

• He escaped from the crowds when the ministry became too demanding and exhausting:

when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone (Matthew 14: 23)

• Lord Jesus spent time with friends and took time off for social events – e.g. dinners, weddings

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat… (Mark 14: 3)

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there

And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage (John 2: 1 & 2)

• the Jews had a day of preparation for the sabbath so they were free from cooking and labor

There is a rest for the people of God

Jesus promised that He would give rest to those who come to Him (Matthew 11: 28).  He wants to relieve us from heavy burdens. The only way is to believe and apply the Word. For example, freedom from frustration comes by giving thanks in everything:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5: 18)

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus

I pray that we will apply the Word of God and enjoy His rest and peace.

 

Link Between The Feast Of Tabernacles And The Garden Of Eden

How I got the revelation about the link between the Feast of Tabernacles and the  Garden of Eden

On Monday 28th September, 2015, Archangel Michael taught me about the Principle of Rest which I will write about later. It was Day 1 of the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot 1. As I meditated on the Rest of God, I began to think about how God, in His loving-kindness, gave many days and years of rest or sabbaths to the Earth.  I believe that God instituted His Feasts in order to give the human race periods of rejuvenating rest and fellowship.

The Feast of Tabernacles is God’s way of calling us back to Eden where our fore parents loved God and enjoyed the reward of eternal life before they rebelled.

Since the Feast of Tabernacles is not celebrated in the West, I am not able to observe its rest fully. However, I wondered where I would find branches to make a booth and where I would erect this booth. As I wondered, I got a flashback of my sister Karen saying that she had to recommence her walks in the Botanical Gardens. I immediately saw the tall, canopy like trees in the spirit and heard the words ‘Garden of Eden.”

The revelation is that the Feast of Tabernacles is a memorial of the Garden of Eden where the trees were tall and arranged into canopies or booths and where humans lived in joy and peace

Features of the trees of the Garden of Eden transposed to the Feast of Tabernacles

I’ve written extensively about the The Garden of Eden on this blog. The Hebrew word gan shows the following descriptions of Eden:

• the  trees were beautiful and edible (Genesis 2: 9)
• the tree of life also in the midst of the garden
• It was well watered (Genesis 2: 10; Isaiah 58: 11).
• the trees had a “multitude of branches” (Ezekiel 31: 9).
  
• Its trees were glorious and great (Ezekiel 31: 18).
• herbs and spices grew there (Deuteronomy 11: 10; 1 Kings 21: 2)
• It was the King’s Garden and referred to in scripture as the Garden of the Lord, as is Israel (Genesis 2: 8; Ezekiel 28: 13).
• three types of  trees are cited in relation to Eden – cedars … fir trees … chestnut trees (Ezekiel 31: 8).
• Ezekiel 31 reveals by comparison that the trees of Eden were tall, with thick boughs, a haven for birds

The variety of the trees of Eden are illustrated in the booths in which the Jews dwell during the feast. Archangel Michael told me that the nation of Israel figuratively resembled a Garden during the celebration of Tabernacles. With the Tree of Life located in the center of the Garden of Eden, there is a Tree of Life called Jesus available to all who would feast on His Words during the Feast.

The poor booths of Sukkot cannot compare:

 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth (Genesis 33: 17).

Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths

That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God (Leviticus 23: 42 & 43).

And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month (Nehemiah 8: 14).

Structure of the booths

The booths were made of trees whose deeper symbolism that could be derived from examination of the Hebrew word:

And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days (Leviticus 23: 40).

And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying,Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written (Nehemiah 8: 15).

For example, the palm tree flourishes and is associated with the blessings of righteousness (Exodus 15: 27; Psalm 92: 12).   Cities of palm trees were mentioned four times in scripture and speak of righteous nations which are exalted rather than cursed by the Lord who loves righteousness (Psalm 11: 7).

Willows grow next to water and represent the tree planted by the rivers of water, fruitfulness, evergreen and prosperity (Psalm 1: 3). They speak also of the individual who is well watered by the Word of God and who is in dwelt by the Living Water of The Spirit  of God.

The houses of Eden were nestled among the trees and show us how cities should be built.

Parallels between the joy of Eden and that of Sukkot

The Creator loves joy and gladness. According to Isaiah 51: 3, the Garden was a place of joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and singing. This is the reason for the joy and feasting that are key features of the Feast of Tabernacles:

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody

And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days (Leviticus 23: 40).

 

The rest of God in the Garden of Eden revisited in Sukkot

a. The timing of the Feast of Tabernacle parallels the 7th Day of Rest

Archangel Michael told me, “with tongue in cheek, God matched the timing of the Feast of Tabernacles with the 7th Day of Rest.”  It is celebrated during month 7 and not month 1 or 3.  In fact, rest is so important to God that He emphasized it FOUR times in Genesis:

 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made (Genesis 2: 2 & 3).

Six days thou shalt work, ^H5647 but on the seventh day thou shalt rest (Exodus 34: 21)

The  Creator reveals that He ends work and sets aside time to rest. He also gave us the same blessing and we will prosper if we obey. Archangel Michael also told me that rest from labor also applies to people working in full and part-time ministry.  Under the law, the priests ministered in the temple for one month of the year. Overworked and addicted ministers need to make that consideration, since “…the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!” (2 Corinthians 3: 11).

b. Rest from Labor is embedded into the Feast of Tabernacles and all of God’s Feasts

God enjoys and prefers rest and amplifies it during all of the feasts. In the day of Moses, Israel enjoyed 10 official days of rest during the Feast of Tabernacles in addition to the regular sabbaths that were celebrated on Saturdays.  Apostle Paul declared that there is a rest for the people of God and that we enter in by believing the Word (Hebrews 4).

c. Tabernacles point us back to the stress free lifestyle of Eden

Lebanon Cedar

It seems to me that God uses the Feast of Sukkot to point a way back to a renewal of the agricultural system of Eden, when there were no weeds and pesticides. The Creator also takes the opportunity to remind humans about the basic requirement and principles for stress-free living.

In Eden, Adam and Eve were expected to dress (`abad) or till (`abad) the ground.  They were horticulturists and did not sweat, spending part of their days manicuring trees and keeping them in shape.

They lived stress free because there were no weeds, thorns and thistles. Additionally,  earth was irrigated by a mist that arose from its surface, so that the soil was extremely malleable. This system existed up to 1654 when rain fell from the sky for the first time, after which clouds needed vapor from the earth:

And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till ^H5647 the ground (Genesis 2: 5).

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress ^H5647 it and to keep it (Genesis 2: 15).

Humans began to labor after they rebelled against God and were banished from Eden

Severely aggravated by Adam and Eve’s disobedience to His instructions and submission to satan, God pronounced a sentence in which they would till (`abad) by the sweat of their brow. They would also contend with thorns and thistles which would aggravate them:

… cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life

Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread… (Genesis 3: 17 – 19).

Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till ^H5647 the ground from whence he was taken (Genesis 3: 23)

In spite of this sentence, the earth was still extremely productive. In 2668, thereabouts, two men were forced to carry one bunch of grapes on their shoulders due to the extreme size and weight:

Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol, and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole … (Numbers 13: 23)

However, as time passed, tilling or dressing the ground became more severe and the earth itself became resistant in places where rain refused to fall. After the expulsion from Eden, tilling or dressing the ground was associated with:

• painful,  hard labor due to thorns and thistles and the effects of the sun – Genesis  3: 17 – 19
• resistance of the earth to humans, as in the case of Cain  – Genesis 4: 12
• bondage to work for or serve another – Genesis 4: 12; 14: 4

Can we escape from the bondage of labour? Yes. God has information that He will reveal to those who seek His knowledge. Contrarily, armed with demonic knowledge, humans:

• place each other in bondage of all kinds
• add pesticides, harmful toxins and genes to food
• war and fight with each other
• pollute the environment with resulting climate changes
• to name a few

There will be rest for those who believe the Word of God and seek His way of doing things. Who will believe and respond? The Feast of Tabernacles points us to God’s plan for:

• green spaces on the planet
• stress – free living
• joy and gladness
• rest
• celebrations
• Jesus the Tabernacle of God who dwelt with us
• Eternal life

Angelic blessings and happy Sukkot from Father God.

RELATED POSTS

Garden of Eden

Booths in the scripture

The True Meaning Of The Feast Of Tabernacles

The Feast Of Tabernacles Is A Fore Shadow Of The Individual Believer

The Feast Of Tabernacles Illustrates The Mystery Of The Heavenly Tabernacle

Comparison Between The Worship In The Feast Of Tabernacles And The Heavenly Tabernacle

Further Explanations Of The Feast Of Tabernacles For Non – Jews

 

God’s Eternal Will Or Desire Is For Humans To Rule As Kings In The Earth

1. Introduction

We began to discuss the authority that humans possess over the Kingdom of Darkness by asking, “What Did God Mean When He Sentenced Satan To Eat Dust, Eat Dirt Or Bite The Dust?”  As citizens of the Kingdom of God, the believer has been elevated to an equal position of authority with the Lord Jesus who rules eternally as King and Lord of all.

To recap, we also learnt that the words King and Kings encapsulate the meaning of Kingdom in the Greek language.  This is exciting, because God the Father is King. As heirs of God, we have been given the inheritance of  KINGSHIP. Thus the believer rules with God over all of the Kingdom of Darkness.

The authority of the Kingdom of God is twinned with priesthood, which represents separation from sin, dedication to the service of God and true worship.

When we compare the New Testament texts with God’s mandate to Israel in Exodus 19: 5 & 6, we see that God remains FIRM in His eternal Will or desire for humans to simultaneously RULE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TO WORSHIP in the earth:

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Revelation 1: 6).

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:and we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5: 10).

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation (Exodus 19: 5 & 6).

2. God’s eternal will or desire is for humans to rule as Kings in the earth

How is this revealed in the scriptures?

1. God created Adam and Eve to be rulers in the earth. However, Adam and Eve gave over the Keys of their kingdom or authority torule  unto satan and allowed him to rule them instead.

2. In generations to come, following the example of Adam and Eve, humans further collaborated with satan and his demons to the point of destruction and great rebellion against God. They permitted satan to infiltrate and rule in the earth through the principles of his ungodly and demonic kingdom/rule, teachings and lifestyle practices.

3. Meantime, God would establish His Kingdom through those who would live according to His righteous ways. These included the seven prophets born after Adam and Noah, who was the eight, according to revelation given to us by  our beloved Apostle Jude  (Jude 1: 14)

4. God was forced to wipe out the planet in the Flood of Noah’s day in order to remove traces of evil from the earth.

5. After the flood, citizens of the earth continued to collaborate with the Kingdom of Satan/Darkness. God was forced to disperse the nations at the Tower of Babel due to their rebellion against Him

6. Centuries later, Father God established the nation of Israel through Abraham, then called out his descendants to become a nation of Kings and Priests. His desire was for Israel to reestablish His rule and worship in righteousness and power in the territory of earth to which He had assigned them:

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation (Exodus 19: 5 & 6).

7. Through our Lord Jesus, God reestablished His Kingdom in the Church. We see the similarity between the New Testament Text and the mandate given in Exodus 19: 5 & 6 to the Nation of Israel:

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2: 9).

3. Scriptures reveal that the rule of God is manifested by Righteousness, Peace, Joy and Power

It is the Father’s desire or will for the principles and ways of His Kingdom to permeate the earth (Matthew 6: 10).   Righteousness, Peace, Joy and Power are FOUR KEY HALLMARKS  of  His Rule or Kingdom.  This is why it was so easy for the Apostles, especially Paul, to show the marked contrast between the lifestyles of the citizens of the Kingdom system of Darkness and the Kingdom System of God, which is Light.

We see a clear delineation between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan.  For example, since many of their rulers are controlled by the Kingdom of Darkness,  earth systems propagate and legislate the principles of the system of Darkness. These principles include but are not limited to abortion, homosexuality and lesbianism, lying, injustice, greed, extortion, wars and demonic power (manifested through Lodges, Witchcraft, The Illuminati etc).

In contrast, each believer, as a member of the Church or Kingdom of God in the Earth, preaches and lives out the gospel of righteousness, peace and joy and the demonstration of the Power of God:

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea  (Isaiah 11: 9)

 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea (Habukkuh 2: 14)

I speak blessings, health, peace and Angelic Protection over you. More to come.

RELATED POSTS

Keys of  the Kingdom 

Babylon

//

 

Christ Rules In The Earth Through The Church

1. Introduction

We began in the post “What Did God Mean When He Sentenced Satan To Eat Dust, Eat Dirt Or Bite The Dust?” to discuss the authority that humans were given over satan and the hosts of darkness. We know from the scriptures that believers in the Lord Jesus enjoy this privileged position of authority because they have a spiritual inheritance of equal authority and power with the Lord Jesus who rose from the dead.

Using the New International Version for simplicity, we see from the text of Ephesians 1: 17 – 23, that Lord Jesus rules over all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked.  Apostle Paul teaches that King Jesus is head over  all things for the benefit of the Church.

¹⁷ I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people

¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength

²⁰ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms

²¹ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come

²² And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church

²² God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church (NLT)

²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way (Ephesians 1: 17 – 23).

2. How does Christ rule in the earth through His Church?

Lord Jesus taught us that we must pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”  (Matthew 6: 10).  Let us examine the meaning of Matthew 6: 10 in order to determine how Christ would rule in the earth through His church:

a.  The KINGDOM/basileia of God comes from a root word which means KING and KINGS. We saw from Ephesians 1: 21 that Jesus has all power over all “rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked.” However, Lord Jesus depends on His body the church to rule in the earth realm.

b. God desires that His  will/thelēma  or His PLEASURE be manifested in Earth (Revelation 4: 11).  Thelō /G2309  which is the root word for Thelēma,  further shows us that the will of God is His DESIRE.  Father God  desires that citizens of the earth realm practice and live out the Constitution of His Kingdom.

God reveals His  desire or pleasure through His Word:

Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed ^G2309(Mark 9: 13)

they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would ^G2309 not that any man should know it  (Mark 9: 30)

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire ^G2309 to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all (Mark 9: 35)

he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love ^G2309 to go in long clothing  (Mark 12: 38)

Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring ^G2309 to see thee (Luke 8: 20)

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. ^G2309

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. ^G2309 (1 Corinthians 12: 18)

3. What are FOUR key hallmarks of the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God is the rule of God the King in heaven and earth. Righteousness, peace, joy and power are four key characteristics of the Kingdom of God:

For the kingdom of God is … but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14: 7)

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Corinthians 4: 7)

4. The Kingdom of God is a place and a system

The Kingdom of God is a place called heaven, which is the dwelling place of the Father:

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption (1 Corinthians 15: 50)

The system of the Kingdom of God that of righteousness, peace, joy and power. The Kingdom of God is marked by the gospel or GOOD NEWS which Jesus preached during His Ministry in Earth.

Therefore we can conclude that Christ rules in the earth through His righteous, peaceful, joyful, powerful Church which lives out the righteous mandate of His Kingdom.

RELATED POSTS

The Key Which Explains The Mystery Of The Believer’s Equal Position Of Authority With Christ

Satan Bowed To Lord Jesus And Confessed That He Is Lord

Jesus Rose From The Grave, Then Ascended Into Heaven And Resumed His Heavenly Place Of Authority

GOD SENTENCED SATAN TO BOW DOWN AND COWER TO HUMANS

What Did God Mean When He Sentenced Satan To Eat Dust, Eat Dirt Or Bite The Dust?

Satan Tempted Jesus To Worship In Exchange For Kingdoms, Glory And Power

 

What Are The Characteristics Of This New Man Who Rules Over Satan?

1. Introduction

I began this series by asking “What Did God Mean When He Sentenced Satan To Eat Dust, Eat Dirt Or Bite The Dust?” I discovered that God meant that He had sentenced satan to being ruled by humans. 

However, the sinful human spirit, or old man, which is similar in nature to Adam, cannot rule Satan.  This Old Man Must Be Spiritually Processed Into A New Man In Order To Exercise Authority Over The Forces Of Darkness

Therefore, we will proceed by examining the Characteristics Of This New Man Who Rules Over Satan.  The scriptures exhort us to:

“… put on the new/G2537/kainos , which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4: 24).

“put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

“and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

2. The meaning of “the new” man

Kainos (G2537/adjective)  is the Greek word used in Ephesians 4: 24 in reference to the new man.  As an adjective, the word “new” is used in the English Language to mean:

• never before existing
• changed, especially for the better
• recently made or brought into being
• markedly different from what was before
• having just or recently become, for example a new bride (Collins Online Dictionary 2014).

New or kainos is used in the scriptures to mean:

a. Fresh, unused, never before existing, markedly different from what previously existed

The new man in Christ is remarkably different from the old. One example is Apostle Paul, whose conversion produced such an incredible transformation that the believers did not receive him into fellowship immediately

 And laid it in his own new ^G2537 tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock (Matthew 27: 60).

For this is my blood of the new ^G2537 testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins (Matthew 26: 28).

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new ^G2537 doctrine is this?

In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new ^G2537 tongues (Mark 16: 17).

A new ^G2537 commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you  (John 13: 34).

 

b. Something brought into existence that cannot coexist with a previous version

The old man and the new man cannot coexist:

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new ^G2537 bottles, and both are preserved (Matthew 9: 17).

No man putteth a piece of a new ^G2537 garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new ^G2537 maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new ^G2537 agreeth not with the old (Luke 5: 36).

But new wine must be put into new ^G2537 bottles; and both are preserved  (Luke 5: 38).

c. A changed, transformed life

The old man, or previous, sinful spirit was guilty of sins such as “fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, covetousness, which is idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy and filthy communication” (Colossians 3: 5, 8 & 9).

However, the new man in Christ is a changed, transformed spirit that no longer lives out the old, sinful existence. All things – the way of thinking, lifestyle, habits etcetera have become new. This new spirit is risen with Christ, is seated with Him in the Heavenly places and has been given the authority to rule over satan and to trample him in the dust:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new ^G2537 creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new ^G2537  (2 Corinthians 5: 17).

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new ^G2537 creature (Galatians 6: 15).

I conclude with the words of the beloved Apostle Paul:

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2: 1, 5 & 6).

RELATED POSTS

The Old Man Must Be Spiritually Processed Into A New Man In Order To Exercise Authority Over The Forces Of Darkness

The Old Man Is The Human Spirit That Is Dead In Trespasses And Sins

//

 

The Old Man Is The Human Spirit That Is Dead In Trespasses And Sins

1. INTRODUCTION

We began to explore the doctrine of the “old man” in post titled, The Old Man Is Not A Physical Being Of Flesh And Blood .  Based on the imagery and comparisons used, I believe that Apostle Paul referred to an invisible element of  the human being when he wrote about the “old man.”

I also wrote that “The Old Man Must Be Spiritually Processed Into A New Man In Order To Exercise Authority Over The Forces Of Darkness.  Apostle Paul used the imagery of death to sins to paint a picture of the spiritual processing that the believer must undergo in order to become a new man in Christ.

2.  THE  CRUCIFIXION OF THE OLD MAN RESULTS IN THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BODY OF SIN

Apostle Paul then continued the imagery of death of the old man by teaching that the old man must be crucified with Christ in order for the body of sin to be destroyed.

What does the Apostle mean when he speaks of the body of sin? Is he speaking of the death of  a physical body? Does he mean that the believer must do penances for sin?

In order to solve the puzzle of the body of sin, we must explore the context in which Apostle Paul wrote. One KEY truth to remember is that  The Old Man Is Not A Physical Being Of Flesh And Blood:

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection

“the  old man is crucified with Him that the body/sōma/G4983 of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin”

For he that is dead is freed from sin  (Romans 6: 4 – 7).

3.  THE USAGE OF THE WORD “BODY” IN THE PHRASE “BODY OF SIN”

Sōma/G4983  is  the Greek word used for Body in the text of Romans 6: 6. Cross references in related scriptures show that it is used to refer to the:

a. physical structure of flesh and blood or mortal body. 

b. physical structure as the vehicle or house of  the human spirit.

Apostle Paul compared being In the body with being out of the body. In this out of body experience, the Apostle was caught up into the third heaven and saw things which he felt he could not speak about (2 Corinthians 12: 3).  Coninuing the imagery of the body as a house, the Apostle also spoke of  his spirit being “at home in the body … absent from the Lord” and absent from the body and present with the Lord  (2 Corinthians 5: 6 & 8).

When we explore the scriptures further, we see that Apostle Paul further referred to the physical body structure as the “outward man,” and to  the invisible spirit as “the inward man” and “inner man” His comparisons serve to remind me that the human spirit is not a vague, ghostly cloud, but a real, invisible being with a form similar to that of the outward man.

We also see from the Apostle’s writings that the human spirit or inner/inward man is a living organism with the characteristics of strength and renewal or growth through the power of the indwelling Spirit of God:

for I delight in the law of God after the inward man: ^G444     (Romans 7: 22)

          That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be  strengthened with might by his Spirit in the   inner man; ^G444 (Eph 3: 16)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man ^G444  perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day (2 Cor 4: 16)

Our dear Apostle Peter synonymously referred to the inner human spirit as the hidden man ^G444 of the heart.  The Apostle wrote about the virtues that God values in believing women and therefore exhorted women of faith to decorate themselves with the ornaments of  meekness and quietness: 

 But let it be the hidden man ^G444 of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3: 4)

c. spiritual or heavenly, incorruptible body

The spiritual body is the heavenly, eternal body  of God, Angels and Saints living in heaven.  Apostle Paul taught us that the spiritual body is celestial, spiritual, glorious, from heaven, immortal and incorruptible.

He then heightened our understanding by compared celestial bodies with the terrestrial, the natural body with the spiritual, the vile body with the glorious, the earthy and that which is from heaven, the mortal with the immortal body and the incorruptible resurrected body with the corruptible body of flesh. Again we see that the heavenly body has a structure similar to that of the human shape. Did not the scriptures teach that we are made in the image and likeness of God?  (1 Corinthians 15: 40 & 44 & 52 – 54;  Philipians 3: 21).

d. body of the Lord which was broken for us, to the body of Christ and to illustrate the unity of its parts and importance of the individual members, even though they appear to be menial.

4. CONCLUSION

After reviewing the scriptures, I believe that the body of sin to which Apostle Paul referred is the sinful old man or sinful human spirit. It seems to me that the Apostle  interchanged the phrases “old man” and “body of sin” in the text in much the same way that Apostle Peter interchanged the phrases “hidden man ^G444 of the heart” and meek and quiet spirit.  Apostle Paul knew that the “old man”  was the sinful human spirit  which is a synonym for the sinful, inner, inward man.

The human spirit, which the Apostles refer to as the inward man in both males and females, has a form or body like structure. It is this old, sinful spirit, which was born in sin and shaped in iniquity, that must be crucified or put to death on the cross with Christ destroyed so that the spiritual process of burial and resurrection can take place. The new man or new resurrected spirit is no longer a slave to sin, but becomes a servant of Christ:

… our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

RELATED READINGS

The Precept Or Doctrine Of Triune God

God is a spiritual being

Did you know that God is a spiritual being?

God is a Spiritual Being – not flesh and blood

Characteristics of  the spiritual body

God appeared as “The Angel of God” in scripture

What is the image and likeness of God?

What does Apostle Paul mean when he said that Jesus was in the “form of God?”

Jesus is the express image of God

Abraham saw God live and direct

The Human Spirit

//

 

The Old Man Is Not A Physical Being Of Flesh And Blood

1. THE FIRST TRUTH IS THAT THE OLD MAN IS SINFUL, A SERVANT OF SIN, CORRUPT, FULL OF LUST, A LIAR AND FULL OF EVIL DEEDS

I have been revisiting the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden and recommenced with an explanation on What Did God Mean When He Sentenced Satan To Eat Dust, Eat Dirt Or Bite The Dust?  We learnt that when God commanded satan to eat the dust, He meant that the devil or serpent must bow down to, must fear and must be ruled by the human race.

Our study therefore progressed naturally to the spiritual authority that is deeded to believers in Christ. In the post titled  “The Old Man Must Be Spiritually Processed Into A New Man In Order To Exercise Authority Over The Forces Of Darkness,”  I wrote that:

“Apostle Paul clearly shows in two parallel letters that there is an old man who must be processed spiritually in order to inherit the blessings of authority with Christ.”

I  began in the previous post “The Old Man Must Be Spiritually Processed Into A New Man In Order To Exercise Authority Over The Forces Of Darkness, to explore the meaning of the Greek word anthrōpos or old man (G444).  The first truth I discovered is that  the old man is sinful, a servant of sin, corrupt, full of lust, a liar and full of evil deeds:

Knowing this, that our old man/anthrōpos ^G444   is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin – Romans 6: ⁶

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man/anthrōpos ^G444 which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts – Ephesians 4: 22.

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man/anthrōpos ^G444 with his deeds – Colossians 3: 9.

2. The old man IS NOT A PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FLESH AND BLOOD.

The second truth I discover is that The old man IS NOT A PHYSICAL STRUCTURE  OF FLESH AND BLOOD.  I believe that our beloved Apostle Paul wrote in a PARABLE when he said that

“the  old man is crucified with Him that the body of sin might be destroyed.”

Apostle Paul must certainly be writing in a parable because:

• Jesus would have to be crucified anew in order for someone to receive salvation by faith through His finished work on the Cross.
• Furthermore,  we would have to physically join our Lord on the cross in order for our body of sin to be destroyed. 
• Apostle Paul continued the parable when he spoke of himself being  “… crucified ^G4957 with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Galatians 2: 20)
• In his discourse about the “old man,” and his deeds, Apostle Paul obviously refers to an invisible element of the human being that cannot be seen
• We can compare this discussion on the old man with the Apostle’s writings about the resurrection of the bodies of the believing dead or those who died in Christ. Here he refers to the human body as  a natural body, earthy, corruptible, mortal,  terrestrial and flesh and blood.  The Apostle made no attempt to refer to this pre – resurrected human physical structure as the “old man”   (1 Corinthians 15).
• As I explored further, I discovered that the scriptures use earthly, earthly things, earthly house and things in earth as synonyms for the terrestrial body (epigeios.G1919). 
• There is certainly no attempt to equate this old physical body with the doctrine of the “old man.”

More to come. Blessings, peace, angelic prosperity and protection.

RELATED POSTS

What Did God Mean When He Sentenced Satan To Eat Dust, Eat Dirt Or Bite The Dust?

Bite The Dust Satan

GOD SENTENCED SATAN TO BOW DOWN AND COWER TO HUMANS

Satan Bowed To Lord Jesus And Confessed That He Is Lord

Jesus Rose From The Grave, Then Ascended Into Heaven And Resumed His Heavenly Place Of Authority

The Key Which Explains The Mystery Of The Believer’s Equal Position Of Authority With Christ

//

 

The Old Man Must Be Spiritually Processed Into A New Man In Order To Exercise Authority Over The Forces Of Darkness

1. Introduction to the “old man” and the spiritual processing from death, burial, resurrection and ascension to a new life of spiritual authority with Christ

I wrote in the previous post about “The Key Which Explains The Mystery Of The Believer’s Equal Position Of Authority With Christ.” While it is a spiritual mystery, Apostle Paul  taught us that the only prelude to this great spiritual authority is a spiritual processing through sharing in the death, burial,  resurrection and ascension of  our Lord Jesus.

Apostle Paul clearly shows in two parallel letters that there is an old man who must be processed spiritually in order to inherit the blessings of authority with Christ. This spiritual processing begins with being buried with Christ in order to become dead to sin. The old man, being dead to sin, is then spiritually resurrected like Christ to become a new man. The spiritually resurrected new man can no longer practice sin and ascends spiritually to this new life of authority with Christ:

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

… we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection

…  our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin

For he that is dead is freed from sin (Romans 6: 1 – 6)

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2: 5 & 6).

2. Who then is this “old man?”

Apostle Paul said that “…  our old (g3820/palaios) man (g444/anthrōposis) crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” (Romans 6: 5).  Palaios, the Greek word for “old,” is used in reference to the old man in the following texts:

the old man

• the old, corrupt man – Ephesians 4: 22
• the old man with his deeds. Apostle Paul clarified that the deeds of the old man included fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, covetousness, which is idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy and filthy communication  – Colossians 3: 5, 8 & 9).

Two other usages of Palaios give additional imagery of the old man:

something that was formerly used – we MUST put off the old man

• the vail which covered the eyes of the Jews in the old testament – 2 Corinthians 3: 14
• the old leaven – 1 Corinthians 5: 7 & 8

extremely used and worn old bottles and clothing

• using a new piece of cloth to darn an old garment – Matthew 9: 16; Mark 2: 21; Luke 5: 36
• putting new wine into old bottles since they will break – Matthew 9: 17; Mark 2: 22; Luke 5: 37

3. Conclusion

This old man has to be crucified so that the believer can rise to the place of spiritual authority in  Christ.  The believer who is seated together with Christ in the heavenly places is no longer the old man who was  dead in trespasses and sins.

We will further examine the concept of  “old man” in upcoming posts in the will of the Lord.  Blessings, peace, angelic prosperity and protection.

RELATED READINGS

A model for spiritual cleansing and renewal: based on the SEVEN days of creation

//

 

The Key Which Explains The Mystery Of The Believer’s Equal Position Of Authority With Christ

1. Introduction to the mystery of the believer’s equal authority with Christ

In the previous post titled, “Jesus Rose From The Grave, Then Ascended Into Heaven And Resumed His Heavenly Place Of Authority,”  I wrote that believers inherited equivalent authority with Christ.  We were given this spiritual position of authority because God quickened us while we were dead in sins, then raised us up together with Christ:

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins…

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2: 1, 5 & 6).

This is a mystery which is hard for the natural mind to understand. However,  those who receive and act on the truth will walk in the same authority that Christ possesses and gave to all believers as our spiritual inheritance.

In the text, Apostle Paul painted a picture of the believer, formerly dead in sins, being made alive with Christ, raised from the dead with Christ and ascending into the heavenly places with Christ. However, there is one key  difference, Christ died for our sins while we were sinners who were dead in sin.

2.  The believer associates with Christ’s authority by being baptized into His death, burial, resurrection and ascension

How could a person who was once dead in sins be elevated to such a position of power with God?

Our dear Apostle Paul explained the foundation of  this mystery in Romans  6.  He taught us that the believer in Jesus symbolically shares the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of through BAPTISM or Baptizō/G 907, which is the Greek word used in the text of Romans 6.

Baptō (G911)    is the root word for  Baptizō/G 907  and it means  DIP (Luke 16: 24) and DIPPED  (John 13: 26, Revelation 19: 13). In other words, baptism means to be dipped into water, not sprinkled with water, as some commonly practice.

When I read the text of Romans 6, it seems to me that Apostle Paul refers to a spiritual act of baptism rather than to a physical dipping of the believer in water for baptism. However, the physical dipping paints a picture of what actually happens in the invisible realm when a person turns from sin to righteousness.

The key point is that an individual cannot experience the authority that he/she possesses through Christ until all of the foundation requirements are met

SPIRITUAL MYSTERY OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE BELIEVER AND CHRIST’S DEATH, BURIAL, RESURRECTION AND ASCENCION

CHRIST	THE BELIEVER (NEW MAN/FORMERLY OLD MAN)
Christ  died by crucifixion	The believer shares in the death of Christ, being buried with Christ and is now dead to sin. Since the believer  is now dead to sin he/she should no longer practice sin (Romans 6: 2)  Those who were baptized into Jesus Christ are baptized into His death (Romans 6: 3)  … our old man is crucified with him, that the body G4983 of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin (Romans 6: 6)  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body G4983, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof  (Romans 6: 12)
Christ was buried in the grave	The believer is buried under water in the natural, but the spiritual meaning is that  he/she is now  dead to sin:  Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  (Romans 6: 3)
Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God   Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him (Rom 6: 9)	The believer is raised with Christ and lives a new life in which sin no longer is his/her master:  Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6: 4)  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord  (Romans 6: 11)  Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts (Romans 6: 12)  And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God (Romans 6: 13)  For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace (Romans 6: 14)
Christ ascended to Heaven and resumed His position of authority	The believer was raised with Christ, and ascended with Him into  the heavenly places from which he/she rules with the Lord:  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved;  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus  (Ephesians 2: 5 & 6)

 Blessings, peace and angelic prosperity

//

 

Jesus Rose From The Grave, Then Ascended Into Heaven And Resumed His Heavenly Place Of Authority

1. Jesus Rose From The Grave Then Ascended Into Heaven

In  a previous post titled, “Satan Bowed To Lord Jesus And Confessed That He Is Lord”, we learnt that Jesus descended into hell and stripped satan of his power and authority over believers.  Apostle Paul taught us that the Lord then ascended  ^G305  to Heaven with the Captives that He took away from satan:

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended ^G305 up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

(Now that he ascended, ^G305 what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?.

He that descended is the same also that ascended up ^G305 far above all heavens, that he might fill all things)  – (Ephesians 4: 8).

Prior to His Ascension, Lord Jesus visited the place where He had been buried and appeared to Mary Magdalene, who did not recognize Him immediately because He had appeared in another form:

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended ^G305  to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend ^G305  unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God (John 20: 17).

The Lord spoke about His Ascension during His Ministry and the words in the following text prophesy the astonishment that the disciples would experience as they would see Him go back to His home:

What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up ^G305 where he was before?  (John 6: 62).

Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!  (NIV).

2. Jesus resumed His heavenly position of authority

I love the scriptures in which beloved Apostle Paul wrote about the exceeding greatness of the power that God revealed when He raised Lord Jesus from the dead:

…  and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1: 20 – 22).

We see that Apostle Paul used some descriptive language in order to paint a picture of the Lord’s position in heaven. For example, he said that Lord Jesus is at the Father’s “own right hand,”   that  all principality, power, might, dominion and name are “under His feet” and that the Lord is “head of all things.”

These words may appear to be puzzling and contradictory to some people since we know that Lord Jesus is Eternally God and Ruler of Heaven and Earth. However, during His life on earth, Jesus submitted Himself to the authority of His parents and to some degree to human systems such as taxation. He also submitted to the authority of the Roman system, allowing Himself to be crucified as a substitute for our sins. Halelujah.

The Lord’s sojourn in the earth realm did not change His Position and Character. However, Lord Jesus set an example for all believers to follow. If we suffer in this earth for His sake, we will be exalted or rewarded in Eternal Life. Furthermore, when our Lord ascended on High, He gave gifts to men.  Through Jesus, redeemed human beings can now claim the spiritual inheritance of authority over satan that Adam gave up.

3. Best of all, believers are risen together with Christ and are seated with Him in the same position of authority

Continuing from Ephesians 1: 20 – 22, Brother Paul then gave the revelation about the inheritance and position of  the believer.   It is so amazing and wonderful to know that as a believer, I have inherited the same position and authority of my Lord and Christ.

Since Jesus is at the Father’s own right hand, this too is my position of favor and authority. Since all things are under His feet, then all principality, power, might, dominion and name are also under MY feet:

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins…

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2: 1, 5 & 6).

I just do not have the space here to write about the implications of our inheritance, but pray that you will meditate on the Word of God, take hold of it by faith and begin to cash in on your spiritual inheritance.

Blessings, peace and angelic prosperity.

RELATED READINGS

Did you know that God is a spiritual being?

God is a spiritual being

The Precept Or Doctrine Of Triune God

Characteristics of  God’s spiritual body

//