Tag: Christianity

DESECRATION and Grace: The HOLY TRIAD of God’s Reign

The Bible unveils a “holy place”—first the tabernacle, then the temple, shadows of a deeper reality (Hebrews 8:5). I see it now as a triad, three pillars where God’s kingdom stakes its claim: the political sphere, pulsing through the White House, mightiest office reigning over earthly kings; the Church, America’s charge to bear the gospel’s light, whose fall imperils Christendom; and the individual soul, a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Daniel declares, “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44), and I’m convinced it reigns today—not in triumph, but in contention, desecrated by Satan’s claw yet upheld by a grace I’ve tasted. This isn’t whimsy; it’s a lens to pierce our lawless age of April 2025, a truth to make us wise and evade the “man of lawlessness” rising (2 Thessalonians 2:3). I lay it bare—credible, urgent, a call to see the snake’s bore and the line that holds the world from his sway.

The Political Sphere: The White House

The White House stands as more than stone—it’s the nerve center of worldly might, the most powerful office on earth, its decrees bending kings and nations like a shepherd’s rod sways the flock. Scripture affirms God “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21), and I see His hand wrestling here, in this holy sphere—not divine in essence, but set apart by its dominion. For years, I watched desecration take root: pride flags raised as idols on its lawn each June, a rainbow banner supplanting the cross; policies bent to appease abortion’s altar—millions of lives lost since Roe v. Wade, a stain unwashed even after its fall. Lawlessness poured forth—open borders bled chaos, cities burned in riots, unchecked by a spirit not of God but of Babylon’s daughter, “mother of harlots and abominations” (Revelation 17:5).

The 2024 election was a war of kingdoms, lawlessness against order, Godlessness against grace. I saw anarchy rise—human trafficking surged through shadowed routes, cartels grew rich with blood money, streets drowned in fentanyl’s tide—until a new tenant swore the oath in January 2025. Flawed—his tongue cuts, his past stumbles—but orders shifted ground: border patrols doubled in Texas, trafficking rings raided from Ohio to California, a grace on the world, frail yet a lifeline cast across the waves. Daniel 4:26 says, “The heavens do rule.” I’ve wrestled—can law hold this dark? The White House shines when its edicts bow to justice—shielding the weak, binding the lawless—not man’s whims. Yet Revelation 18’s merchants, drunk on her wine, claw back—lobbyists weave agendas through April’s halls, ideologues twist truth into shadows. It teeters, a linchpin or a fall—I watch with breath held.

The Church: The Ecclesia

The Church, Christ’s body, is the second pillar—“salt of the earth,” “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14), restraining evil until He returns (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). America once stood as its head in the West, tasked to blaze the gospel across the earth, a charge to anchor God’s order. If she falls, the West crumbles; if that goes, Christianity’s husk is razed, and Israel’s walls fall—the snake bores deep, seeking to unravel all. I see apostasy breaking her: prosperity preachers hawk gold over the cross, megachurch scandals bare greed masked as faith—millions gained while truth fades—while drag queens bless pulpits, rainbow robes mocking the sacred in St. James Episcopal. Worship turns theater—Jesus flipped tables for less, naming it a “den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13); Paul warned of Satan’s ministers cloaked as righteous (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). This is desecration—a pest piercing Christendom’s shell, a rot spreading wide.

Yet grace holds—the ecclesia restrains the lawless one, thwarting Satan’s sway. In the last presidency, the enemy struck—politics warped, pulpits twisted, hearts poisoned—but it failed, the remnant firm. I’ve seen it stand: in Georgia’s pews, they reject rainbow banners; across Asia’s rice fields, South America’s slums, Africa’s sun-scorched plains, they pray, casting out lies with scripture’s steel. A preacher’s flock grew from 50 to 200, dozens baptized in a muddy creek, hymns rising against the wind’s chants. Cocooned by the Holy Ghost, led by Christ, this core endures—the gates of hell batter but won’t breach God’s shield. I’ve seen the Spirit’s fire there, a warmth pulsing through cracked walls, defying the cold beyond. The husk breaks—lawlessness tests—but the remnant reigns, its light fierce across the earth.

The Individual: The Soul

The individual soul—you, me—is the third holy place, God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), where the battle cuts personal. Our age mirrors Noah’s—“every intention was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5)—a flood reborn. Rebellion runs wild; Godlessness spreads. Babylon’s wine of wrath (Revelation 18:3) pours from screens—porn streams flood views, TikTok peddles self-worship to kids, minds molded before prayer. Lawlessness grows—anger festers, perversion twists love, pride chokes humility. I’ve seen it—a child parroting filth from a phone in a grocery aisle; a teen lost to fentanyl, his temple broken in a ditch off the road. Satan defiles these temples, cracking what’s holy, staining the innocent.

But grace breaks through—I’ve tasted it. A soul says “No,” sparked by a laugh or a verse: “He who began a good work in you will complete it” (Philippians 1:6). It’s surrender—turning from filth, step by step. A young man turned from his phone’s poison to prayer after a sermon pierced his heart; his eyes cleared by Easter, a light kindled anew in his gaze. I’ve seen that shift—a spark against the flood, growing to a flame through nights of wrestling. One redeemed soul lifts the Church—picture a mother in a small congregation, weeping as she returned from years lost; a steadfast Church guides the state—her voice ringing strength to steady a faltering land. This fight’s ours—lawlessness tempts, Babylon beckons—yet grace sparks what’s cracked, a hope enduring.

The Triad’s Truth

Here’s the revelation I stake: God’s kingdom reigns—through the White House, mightiest among kings, when it bows to His law; through the Church, America’s torch, whose remnant restrains the lawless one; through the soul when it spurns Babylon’s cup. If the U.S. falls, the West collapses; if Christianity’s razed, Israel’s fate hangs by a thread—the snake bores to topple God’s order. In the last presidency, the enemy swung—lawlessness flooded—but it failed, the ecclesia holding fast in muddy creeks and shadowed slums, a grit forged in prayer and steel. Yet should the rapture snatch this remnant, the safety pod breaches—all hell breaks loose, a recoil shattering resistance, “darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people” (Isaiah 60:2), sleeper cells artfully infused into the West’s architecture springing alive by the tiger spirit of antichrist, kicking off the great tribulation, a trouble unlike anything seen. With the ecclesia at the helm, the dark world’s rage chants death to Israel and Christendom—the end crashing in like a storm long held at bay. One can only imagine when the kernel is plucked from the husk, that which restrains all darkness, its fallout unleashed. Daniel 7’s beasts rage; Revelation 18’s harlot seduces with her wine; yet grace rides the flood, as Noah’s ark endured. April 2025 echoes Matthew 24:12—“Lawlessness will abound”—but the gospel presses on, a lifeline in chaos.

The White House teeters—will it hold? The Church’s husk fractures—America falters, yet the remnant digs in, unbowed under Christ. Souls drown—do we rise? Satan desecrates all three, coiling through power, pews, hearts, but grace redeems—not fully, not now. “The kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15)—present in this triad, a truth to discern. See the desecration, the lies; see the snake’s aim, the line he can’t break till the trumpet sounds; cling to the grace—for the Lord reigns, His holy places endure, a beacon in the twilight.

FAITH Is NOT Belief—Are You Living the Real Thing?

“Faith is not belief, is it?” The question stings more than most can handle. You hear it everywhere—celebrities flaunting “faith” on talk shows while their lives mirror the world’s playbook, neighbors nodding to Jesus but never budging from their comfort, churchgoers claiming Christ like it’s a sticker they slap on and call it done. They think mere belief in the Son of Man makes them devotees. But scripture shuts that down hard. James 2:19 hits like a freight train: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” If devils can believe and tremble, what’s your belief worth without a changed heart? Without obedience? It’s a truth that should shatter the shallow Christianity flooding our world.

Look around. Sound teaching’s rare. The word’s undefended. Watered-down sermons slide by, soothing but never slicing. It’s a trend—maybe a sly move by evil forces slipping into Christendom to mock and devalue what faith really means. True faith isn’t a head-nod you fake to feel safe. It’s not man-made, not a DIY project. Christ is “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Before faith came, we were locked out of grace (Galatians 3:23). Then it arrived—a “precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1), God-given, ignited by the Spirit’s regeneration. Anything less is a masquerade, gnawing at the church from within.

Take Abraham. He didn’t stagger at God’s promise (Romans 4:20). That imputed faith—dropped into him when he was a heathen—called him out of Ur to walk with God. It held him through trials, tests, and impossibilities. His obedience, the fruit of that faith, was “counted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:22)—faith made perfect. We’re his kids, aren’t we? “We ought to walk in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham” (Romans 4:12). Like Abraham, we’re called from our own Ur—our own cozy idols—into a faith that moves, not sits. Faith and obedience aren’t solo acts—they’re a team. James nails it: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). It’s a “work of faith with power” (1 Thessalonians 1:11), bringing “fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:8).

But here’s the meat: true faith has legs. It moves. It obeys. Romans 6:16 lays out the stakes: “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” Christ’s imputed righteousness gets you in the door—justified by His blood. That’s the start. But the climb to holiness, the daily sanctification that appropriates God’s own nature? That’s obedience to “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:2), breaking the chains of sin and death. It’s choosing prayer over scrolling, serving the broken over chasing status, standing firm when the world tempts you to bend. Only faith—the real kind, God-given—keeps you steady when the comfort zone fades and following Jesus gets costly.

Mere belief doesn’t cut it. It’s a flimsy illusion, a pat on the back saying you’re hell-proof while you cling to this world. Jesus flips that: “The one who loves their life will lose it, while the one who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25). Those coasting on belief to save their cozy life here? They’re defying Christ’s call. True faith—God’s faith—is the line showing you’ve hit *“Mount Zion, the city of the living God” (Hebrews 12:22), regenerated by the Spirit, walking in “newness of life” (Romans 6:4)—not finished, but chasing.

The church is splitting. Masquerades slink in—Jude 1:4 warned of those who “pervert the grace of God into a license for immorality.” Think prosperity preachers peddling wealth as faith’s reward, or leaders winking at sin to fill seats. They’re eroding the core, but they can’t crack it. The husk of Christendom might fray, but the meat—the true body—is guarded by the Lord who “knows His own” (John 10:28-29). So where are you? Coasting on belief, chasing this world’s glitter? Or burning with faith that obeys, costs, and pulls you to eternity? Faith isn’t belief—it’s fire from Christ, fueled by the Spirit, proven in the fight. Paul knew it: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). It’s the flame that burns through the fog of this world. Chase the real thing.

KNOWING GOD Fully: The Divine Purpose Behind Human Longing for Knowledge

As human beings, we are born with an insatiable desire to understand the world around us. This inherent hunger for knowledge often feels infinite, an endless pursuit of truth, wisdom, and understanding. But what does this longing for knowledge mean in the context of our faith, and how does it relate to God’s design for us as His image-bearers? Can the deep desire to know reflect a divine call, leading us towards our future inheritance in Christ? In this exploration, we will examine the spiritual dimensions of human curiosity and how the Bible speaks to our deepest longing for ultimate understanding.

From the moment we are born, we begin a lifelong journey of learning. Humans are curious by nature, constantly seeking to understand and make sense of the world. In fact, this pursuit of knowledge is deeply rooted in God’s design for humanity. The Bible tells us that we were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). This doesn’t mean we are identical to God, but rather that we reflect key aspects of His nature—reason, morality, creativity, and relationality.

Even though humanity’s capacity to know was marred by sin, the desire for knowledge remains. In fact, in our redemption through Christ, this desire is not only restored but also given a deeper spiritual purpose. The Bible speaks of the believer being created “after God, in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). This points to a divine calling—the capacity to reflect God’s nature, which includes the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom that aligns with His will.

For those who follow Christ, the ultimate fulfilment of this longing for knowledge lies in the future. The apostle Paul writes, “Now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). This verse beautifully captures the tension we experience now—our knowledge is partial, fragmented, and limited. Yet, there is a day coming when we will be transformed, when we will see God as He is, and, in that moment, we will know fully.

When we are resurrected in Christ, our bodies and minds will be glorified, no longer constrained by the limitations of the earthly body (Philippians 3:21). We will be perfectly conformed to the image of Christ, fully reflecting the knowledge and holiness of God. In that state, our insatiable hunger for truth will be fulfilled, as we will possess the fullness of understanding in perfect communion with God.

As we wait for this future perfection, the journey of knowledge is part of our sanctification. Jesus commands us to “be ye perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), a calling that at first glance might seem unattainable. But the word for “perfect” in the Greek, ‘teleios,’ doesn’t imply flawlessness but maturity and completeness. It’s a call to grow into the fullness of Christ’s likeness, reflecting His character more fully over time.

The process of becoming holy and perfect is not about reaching a final destination in this life but participating in the transformative work of the Holy Ghost. As we are conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), our capacity to understand, to reflect God’s character, and to align ourselves with His will expands. This includes growing in our knowledge—not just of facts, but of the truth of God and His Word, which leads to a life of righteousness and holiness.

In this journey of spiritual and intellectual growth, the Holy Ghost plays a vital role, being one of the greatest blessings endowed upon mankind and fulfilling the promise of God. It’s difficult to imagine a world without the Holy Ghost—the “river of life” that nourishes, guides, and sustains us in ways that are deeply transformative. Jesus promised that the Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit illuminates our understanding, helping us to grasp the deeper truths of God’s Word and the mysteries of the universe. The Spirit also stirs within us a desire for holiness, for knowledge that is aligned with God’s will, and for a life that reflects His nature. Remember that “knowledge” is essential for the renewal of our new self, as stated in Colossians 3:10. It’s not the knowledge that the world offers, but the knowledge of God’s Word that truly matters.

Here, the “knowledge” that Paul speaks of is not mere intellectual knowledge (gnosis) but a relational, spiritual, and transformative knowledge (epígnosis) that comes from an intimate understanding of God’s truth, His Word, and His will. This knowledge is the means by which the believer is renewed and conformed to the image of Christ—the “new self.” It’s the kind of knowledge that leads to spiritual growth, holiness, and a deeper relationship with God.

So, in this context, epígnosis refers to the knowledge of God’s will, His ways, and His truth, which renews and transforms believers into the likeness of Christ. This contrasts with superficial or worldly knowledge, known as gnosis (γνῶσις), in which the Gnostics took pride, ultimately falling into serious theological errors.

The Bible does address the danger of knowledge that leads to pride. In 1 Corinthians 8:1, Paul writes:

“Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” (1 Corinthians 8:1, NKJV)

This verse highlights the idea that knowledge, when divorced from humility and love, can lead to pride and arrogance rather than spiritual growth. It’s a caution against intellectual pride that makes one feel superior, especially when it’s disconnected from the love and wisdom that should guide our actions and relationships.

In contrast to the kind of gnosis that puffs up with pride, epígnosis (the deeper, fuller knowledge of God) is what Christians are encouraged to seek. While gnosis can lead to spiritual elitism and division, epígnosis is a knowledge that brings humility, transformation, and greater intimacy with God. It’s not just intellectual knowledge but relational and experiential knowledge—knowing God’s will, His ways, and His truth in a way that changes the heart and mind, leading to spiritual growth and maturity.

In fact, Paul often contrasts superficial knowledge (gnosis) with the more profound, transformative knowledge of God (epígnosis), which is a hallmark of Christian discipleship. In Colossians 1:9-10, for example, Paul prays for believers to be filled with the epígnosis of God’s will:

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge (epígnosis) of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge (epígnosis) of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10, NKJV)

Epígnosis is the kind of knowledge that leads to living a life that reflects God’s character, bringing honour to Him through our actions and decisions. It is a knowledge that transforms, humbles, and empowers, unlike the prideful, divisive knowledge that the Gnostics sought.

In a way, Paul is telling us that the epígnosis of God—this deeper, Christ-centred knowledge—is what we should seek, as it leads to spiritual maturity, love, and unity in Christ.

The journey from gnosis to epígnosis is a progressive transformation, requiring not only the pursuit of knowledge but also the cultivation of patience—a virtue forged through the trials and tribulations that we endure in Christ – Romans 5:3. These experiences refine our faith, deepen our understanding, and lead us closer to the fullness of divine truth.

Let’s break it down to better understand it, as this is vital to prevent people from wasting precious time and energy investing their time in using gnosis instead of epígnosis, which is often seen in circles of Christians today. “Epígnosis” refers to a deeper, more precise, and experiential knowledge, often used in the New Testament to describe the knowledge of God, His will, and His truth—something that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding. To possess such knowledge, you must walk the walk of faith in total submission and obedience. True Christianity cannot be inherited by merely reading books or earning a PhD. It is a call to be transformed from within, to possess the mind of Christ, and to partake in His divine nature and holiness. Christianity is meant to be transformational—it is a journey of growing into the full stature of Jesus Christ. If you thought otherwise, it’s time to renew your mind. One must walk and live in the Spirit, being supplanted by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which is to get the spirit of the mind renewed. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23). When it speaks of the spirit of the mind, it points to a deeper dimension—not just the surface-level thoughts, but the core of the mind, its inner realm. Thus, gnosis alone cannot suffice; it is epignosis that truly fulfils the transformative call.

In John 17:3, Jesus said, And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. It implies a relational, intimate understanding that leads to transformation, particularly in the context of spiritual renewal. It is an experiential knowledge that comes from following Christ through His Word. We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord—2 Corinthians 3:18. As we look into the mirror of God’s Word, we are transformed—not merely hearers, but doers of the Word. Being sanctified and cleansed with the washing of water by the word—Ephesians 5:26. Epígnosis (ἐπίγνωσις) is indeed therefore different from gnosis (γνῶσις). While gnosis refers to general knowledge or understanding, it can also have a more neutral or even secular connotation, often indicating intellectual or theoretical knowledge. In many contexts, gnosis simply refers to knowing something, whether it’s knowledge of facts or concepts.

On the other hand, epígnosis (from the prefix epi- meaning “upon” or “full” and gnosis meaning “knowledge”) signifies a deeper, fuller, and more intimate understanding—particularly in a spiritual or relational sense. It’s a knowledge that is more than just factual; it involves a profound personal experience or insight, especially about God and His will. In the New Testament, epígnosis often refers to the knowledge that leads to spiritual growth, transformation, and renewal, as seen in passages like Colossians 3:10, where it’s tied to the renewal of the new self in Christ.

Proverbs 9:10 says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NKJV)

The Hebrew word “daat” (דַּעַת), which generally means “knowledge,” “understanding,” or “awareness.” It’s often used to refer to a deep, intimate knowledge, particularly in relation to God. While epígnosis is a Greek term used in the New Testament to convey a fuller, more complete knowledge of God and His ways, the Hebrew concept of “daat” in Proverbs 9:10 also points to this deeper, relational understanding that leads to wisdom and spiritual growth.

Now, when we connect this with Proverbs 9:10 (“The knowledge of the Holy is understanding”), we see a profound link: true understanding comes from knowing God. Not just knowing about God, but knowing Him intimately and relationally. The knowledge of the Holy One—His will, His ways, and His nature—forms the foundation of all spiritual understanding. The application of God’s Word is what brings this understanding to life and produces results. Moreover, this is not a one-time event but an ongoing process, a continual work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds, shaping us more into the likeness of Christ. It opens our spiritual eyes to see things clearly and to live in a way that aligns with God’s truth.

This deep, experiential knowledge (epignosis or daat) can only be attained through being born of God, as Jesus stated, “Unless you are born of the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.” The kingdom of God is essentially the INHERITANCE of that spiritual kingdom (Matthew 25:34; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10), and its virtues—righteousness, peace, and joy, as described in Romans 14:17—are signs of having possessed it. You can clearly see how distinct this is from GNOSIS, which is intellectual in nature, while the other is experiential, being IMPUTED when you come to Christ. Keep in check the specific words used, as they are intentionally chosen to convey the deeper meaning that the writer is receiving from the Spirit of God.

Matthew 4:16 does speak about the coming of the light in a way that can be understood as the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. It says, ‘The people, who sat in darkness, saw great light, and to them, who sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up.’ Isn’t this ‘light’ referring to the knowledge of God, which is revealed through the face of Jesus? This understanding aligns with what the apostle Paul later says in 2 Corinthians 4:6: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. The light that is described in both Matthew 4:16 and 2 Corinthians 4:6 can indeed be understood as epignosis—a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God. So, when the Bible speaks of God shining light into our hearts, it is not just about gaining intellectual facts; it’s about a profound revelation of God’s glory through Jesus Christ that transforms us at a deep, personal level. Thus, the “light” in these passages isn’t just about illumination in the abstract sense, but about the epignosis—an intimate, life-changing encounter with God, made possible through the face of Jesus. This revelation is what draws believers into a deeper relationship with God, not just through intellectual awareness but through the experience of His glory, love, and truth. It is through the coming of the Spirit of God upon mankind that this knowledge is imparted, both on the day of Pentecost and in every personal encounter with Christ, where the Spirit bestows the saving grace of God.

So, while epígnosis isn’t used in Proverbs 9:10 specifically (because it’s a Hebrew Old Testament passage), the idea it conveys aligns closely with what epígnosis represents in the New Testament: “daat” (דַּעַת), a knowledge that transforms, humbles, and brings understanding. This is what Ephesians 1:18 refers to as “the eyes of our understanding being enlightened.”

“The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” In short, the “knowledge of the Holy” (whether daat in Hebrew or epígnosis in Greek) opens up your spiritual eyes, helping you see things from God’s perspective. This kind of knowledge isn’t just intellectual but transformative. It brings understanding—it helps you grasp divine truth, deepens your relationship with God, and promotes spiritual growth. This knowledge aligns your heart and mind with God’s will, leading to wisdom, maturity, and a Christlike character. It’s the kind of knowledge that not only informs but also changes you from the inside out. Though it is received once, it is a knowledge that progresses over time.

Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding.” This verse emphasises that understanding—the ability to truly comprehend, discern, and apply God’s wisdom—is foundational to a Christian life. And it is with a person that we align ourselves or become one in regeneration—Christ, who is the power of God and the wisdom of God, as 1 Corinthians 1:24 says.

Though the virtues of God are displayed for us to inherit, it is actually the second person of the Godhead, with whom we become one in the new birth, who embodies all these virtues, in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily—Colossians 1:19; 2:9.

Didn’t He say, ‘I am the resurrection and the life (ζωή),’ ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life (ζωή),’ ‘I am that I am,’ ‘The wisdom and the power of God,’ the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, and so on? He is everything that creation longs for and is deficient in.

(ζωή) Zoē refers not just to biological life (the mere existence of living beings) but more specifically to a divine, spiritual life. It denotes a life that is full, abundant, and eternal—the life that comes only from knowing God through the new birth. It is the life found in Christ, a reflection of God’s own nature, and it comes bundled with the experiential knowledge, or epignosis, that unites us with Him. He that hath the Son hath life (ζωή); and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (ζωή),” period. (1 John 5:12)

Proverbs 2:10, which says, “When wisdom ENTERS into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul,” the word “knowledge” here is indeed “da’at” (דַּעַת) in Hebrew. In summary, when da’at ENTERS the soul, it brings a rich, life-changing understanding that impacts the whole person—mind, heart, and will—and fills the soul with peace, joy, and the ability to live according to God’s wisdom. In regeneration, God’s life enters and quickens us spiritually. However, to sustain that life, we must continually nourish the inner man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. This RENEWAL is accomplished through the knowledge of God, which is nourished by the word of God—Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 4:16.

In a nutshell, entering into a union with this source of life, which is Christ, is what it truly means. When you are TRANSLATED into the kingdom of Christ by the Spirit—Colossians 1:13—it represents a transformation of culture. When you come to Christ and are conformed to His death through baptism, you are declared dead to the world, to Egypt and its ruler, and to your own self. Gradually, yet steadily, you begin to allow the life of Christ to reign over you, transforming you into a new creation—Galatians 2:20. As you yield to His Spirit—Romans 6:13,16—your mind, heart, and actions are progressively aligned with His will, reflecting the fullness of His life in you. It’s a progressive journey, not a one-time event sealed by the new birth, which marks only the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Just as a child must grow, so too must we mature in our fellowship with the Father, becoming fruitful and strong, in order to inherit all that He has prepared for us.

Many are content with having been justified by faith, believing that this alone is the culmination of the Christian journey and that nothing more is required. The Apostle Paul did not consider himself to have already attained the fullness of his salvation, did he? He said, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12) In another verse, he adds, “But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

This demonstrates Paul’s recognition that despite his calling and efforts, the race was not yet finished. Even though he had been apprehended by Christ, he understood the need to continually strive, to live in submission, and to maintain a disciplined life so as not to be disqualified from the prize. Salvation is not a static state; it is a continuous journey that requires perseverance and faithfulness.

One might argue that this is promoting salvation by works, but isn’t it true that there should be works befitting repentance? Without such outward expressions revealing the condition of your inner self, how can you truly judge what you are made of? As Romans 7:5 says, “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.” If this is the case, and we have been delivered from sin, as many proclaim, shouldn’t we now bring forth fruit that confirms and validates our claim?

Romans 5:18 says justification unto life is a free gift—note the word “unto,” which indicates that it is not a static state but an entry point into the life of salvation. It’s a beginning, not the final destination, setting the believer on a journey toward full transformation and eternal life in Christ.

The word “UNTO” (Greek: eis) is indeed significant because it indicates movement toward a goal or purpose. It shows that justification is not merely a state but a dynamic process leading to something—life in this case. So, when the verse speaks of justification unto life, it means that justification is the beginning or entrance into the broader experience of eternal life. It’s not a static, completed state but the starting point of a journey, which aligns with the ongoing process of salvation. In this context, “unto” emphasises that justification leads to life and sets the believer on a path toward its full realisation.

If there are tests for evaluating your competency in the natural world, there are also tests in the spiritual realm, meant to evaluate your devotion and the substance of your faith. These spiritual tests refine and strengthen your character, revealing whether your commitment to Christ is genuine and enduring. Just as in the natural world, where trials and assessments lead to growth, so in the spiritual life, God allows challenges to purify and perfect us, preparing us for His eternal purpose.

If you want to join a communist party, your adherence to its political bureau and its edicts is crucial, isn’t it? Will the party validate your entry as genuine if you do not conform to its laws? Likewise, conformity to Christ comes with its own tests and trials. The tests and trials of faith are the way to God, as the Scriptures teach. God tests all men; He tested and tried everyone who came to Him; even Christ, the Son of Man, wasn’t spared from it.

Why does the Lord test? From the beginning of time, we can see the tests and trials of the godly. Jeremiah 17:9 says, ‘The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart; I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.’ (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

Now, why would someone believe that being justified is the culmination of the work of salvation? Being saved or justified by faith is not the end—it is only the entry point into a journey with the Spirit of God. Justification is the beginning of a lifelong process, where the believer is progressively conformed to the image of Christ, continually transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The fullness of salvation includes sanctification and glorification, not just the initial act of being justified.

This journey of growth involves a continual deepening of our relationship with Him through His Word, prayer, and obedience. It requires an ongoing transformation of our hearts and minds, where we become more like Christ in character and conduct. The new birth initiates this process, but it is through sanctification that we are shaped into the image of the Son, pressing forward toward the fullness of the life He offers. As we mature in this union, we discover the depths of His love, the richness of His grace, and the inheritance reserved for those who endure and grow in faith.

It takes spiritual maturity to become skilful in the word of righteousness and to partake of His holiness and the divine nature, as Hebrews 5:13-14 and 12:5-11 teach us. These verses reveal that the mature believer, one who has learnt through experience and discipline, is able to discern good from evil and partake of the divine nature. The word used there is ἐμπειρος (empires)—it is derived from the combination of ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and πειρα (peira), meaning “trial” or “experience.” Literally, it means “one who is in experience”—a person who has gained skill and proficiency through ongoing exposure to challenges and practical experiences. Many are the afflictions of the righteous—Psalm 34:19. If the Captain of our salvation had to be made perfect through sufferings, and, being made perfect, became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 2:10, 11; 5:8, 9), how much more must we?

Hebrews 6:15; 11:27; and 12:2, 3, 7 all speak of enduring faith, highlighting the perseverance of those who trusted God despite trials. In Hebrews 6:15, we see Abraham’s patience and faith leading to the fulfilment of God’s promise. Hebrews 11:27 speaks of Moses enduring, as he chose the reproach of Christ over the pleasures of Egypt. Joseph: ‘Until the time that his word came, the word of the LORD tried him.’ (Psalm 105:19) Hebrews 12:2, 3, and 7 urge believers to look to Jesus as the ultimate example of endurance through suffering, encouraging us to persevere in our own trials.

On the other hand, a babe in Christ, described here as ἀπειρος (apeiros), refers to one who is spiritually immature and unskillful in the word of righteousness (yet carnal—1 Corinthians 3:1-3). This term indicates someone who has not yet matured in their faith (being weaned on the milk—1 Peter 2:2). The idea of being “weaned on milk” typically refers to a person who has only had basic, introductory exposure to spiritual things. They lack the ability to rightly apply or fully understand the “word of righteousness”—God’s truth regarding how to live righteously. They are unskilled or inept in the “word of righteousness,” meaning they lack the ability to rightly apply or understand God’s Word, particularly when it comes to living a righteous life. Essentially, they are still in the early stages of spiritual development, unable to handle the deeper aspects of the Christian walk, remaining confined to the basics of the faith, and being under the sway of the innate corruption, yielding to unrighteousness, and, as children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine—Ephesians 4:14.

The spiritually immature lack the inner strength to bear all things for righteousness’ sake. However, the spiritual person, in whom the love of God is perfected, stands firm and unshaken when trials and testing come. This person remains steadfast in the Lord, refusing to fight fleshly battles—even in the face of family conflicts—and endures with unwavering faith. By resisting the devil, they ultimately secure victory in their circumstances. Whether they succeed outwardly or not, the fruit of righteousness is cultivated within them, proving their trustworthiness before God. Such a person is a true Jew, one who is inwardly transformed.

This is the difference: Whoso keeps his word (doer of the word—James 1:22); in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked—1 John 2:5, 6. This is the state of a spiritual man. He is steadfast and staggers not. Let’s examine ourselves to see whether we have grown to this point and whether we possess or have developed this love: Charity ἀγάπη (agapé) suffers long and is kind; charity envies not; charity vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own (seeks the betterment of the other person), is not easily provoked, thinks no evil (renders not evil for evil unto any man); Rejoices not in iniquity (he is vexed and grieved by his own and the world’s sinful state) but rejoices in the truth (his heart delights in the word of God—Psalm 1:2); bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Paul said, When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man (spiritually mature), I PUT AWAY childish things. —1 Corinthians 13:11 Galatians 4:3 says: Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.”

This verse is part of Paul’s argument in the book of Galatians, where he contrasts the former life under the law (as a system of bondage) with the new life in Christ. Paul speaks about the time before believers came to the knowledge of the gospel, when they were “children” (spiritually immature), living under the dominion of “the elements of the world.” In the context of spiritual immaturity, these “elements” might refer to the basic principles of the world—law, rituals, and earthly wisdom—that keep people in bondage, unable to access the deeper spiritual truths of the gospel.

“The “bondage to the elements” represents a state of spiritual infancy—a time before the believer is freed from the elementary teachings of the world. These elements could be rules, rituals, or worldly wisdom that do not lead to spiritual freedom. A spiritually immature person, like a child, remains trapped in the basic elements of the faith and is unable to experience the freedom that comes from the fullness of Christ.

Let us LAY ASIDE every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us—Hebrews 12:1—in the context of iniquity or even a specific, recurring sin that entangles believers, hindering their spiritual progress. The phrase “beset” is translated from the Greek word “euperistaton” (εὐπερίστατον), meaning something that is easily surrounding or entangling. It conveys the image of sin as something that easily encircles or entangles a believer, preventing them from advancing in their faith and spiritual maturity.

Besetting sin is often seen as a recurring, habitual sin—a pattern or inclination that continually trips up the believer. It might be something like pride, anger, lust, covetousness, unforgiveness, pleasure-seeking, or dishonesty—sins that seem to persistently ensnare the believer’s thoughts, actions, and attitudes, which the Bible instructs us to put off—Colossians 3:8. And these are not occasional lapses, but rather persistent struggles that hold a believer back. This is why the throne of grace is made available to OBTAIN mercy—for by mercy and truth alone iniquity gets purged—Proverbs 16:6. Remember the cliché: ye shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free—John 8:32. You can’t simply put it off just because it says so; it requires time and a reliance on God and His Spirit, along with the continual washing of the Word and the trials that work toward it. The Spirit of God, through His word, shall sit as a refiner and purify us—Malachi 3.

Sowing is a process in both the natural and spiritual realms, where the seeds we plant in our hearts and lives determine the harvest we reap. Be not deceived; God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap—Galatians 6:7. The field of the slothful, a man without understanding, is grown over with thorns, and the nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down (Proverbs 24:30,31). A slothful man refers to one who fails to take the time to care for his inner man, neglecting his spiritual growth and relationship with God, doesn’t he? The thorns and thistles represent cares, riches, and pleasures of this life bringing no fruit to perfection. Luke 8:14 The stone wall, however, could represent the protective boundaries or strength of character that are compromised when we neglect spiritual discipline. When the wall is broken down, it opens the door to vulnerability, allowing worldly distractions and spiritual decay to take root.

Matthew 13:6 – And when the sun rose—representing the trials of life—they were scorched, having no root. Because they had no root, they withered. Such shall only serve to fuel the fire of hell. Now you understand the gravity of why Paul instructed us: ‘Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12

The Bible warns that “he who sows to the flesh will reap corruption”—a corruption that leads to depravity, iniquity upon iniquity, and ultimately, the sin that leads to death, spiralling from bad to worse. This decay cannot be ignored. Unless we bring our inner depravity—our spiritual rottenness—before Christ in utter remorse, it will continue to consume us. There comes a point when the weight of our corruption should distress us so deeply that it drives us to seek the Lord earnestly, inviting His Spirit to cleanse and transform us so that we may be freed from the misery of our inherent sinfulness.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:8-10; Romans 7:14-24.

Iniquity (Lawlessness):
The concept of besetting sin aligns with the biblical idea of iniquity—a deeply entrenched moral perversity that is not merely a one-time act of sin but a persistent condition. Iniquity speaks to lawlessness or rebellion against God, and it manifests in habits or attitudes that entangle the believer in sinful behaviour. This sin may be so deeply ingrained in the believer’s nature that it keeps them from growing spiritually, often because they have not fully submitted to Christ’s transformative work. One could trace the iniquity back to their ancestors and parents, which might seem like a cursed life. However, in reality, it is the deeply ingrained iniquity that has not been dealt with by God that is making one’s life miserable. It is only when we bring this iniquity before the Lord in prayer and through a genuine confession of the heart, recognising our own corruption, that we can experience true healing and freedom. Without this surrender, the cycle of sin and misery continues, often mistaken for a generational curse, when it is in fact the unresolved iniquity that has yet to be brought under the redemptive power of God’s grace.

It took me at least 25 years to recognise the depth of my own rottenness—the iniquity that so easily besets me. This realisation has compelled me to share the truth about our real condition. One day, during a Spirit-led fast, the Lord revealed something to me that I could hardly believe—a vice that was just one of many deeply rooted in my heart, hidden for years and controlling me in ways I never realised. He not only exposed it but, in His mercy, He also expelled it from me. I could literally feel a spirit departing from within me, a deep, hidden hatred toward God that I hadn’t even known was there.

Deep down, I longed for the righteousness of God, feeling the weight of my need for it as my utter rottenness stared me in the face every day. The sting of it sought to torment me and take me captive. I was weary of this old self, constantly trying to pull me back into its grip. I began seeking His nature and holiness, and that’s when I started to see the entanglements of iniquity deeply ingrained in me—revelations that came through the Spirit of God. Until then, I didn’t understand why I kept circling around the same point, never making progress. It was this sin, which so easily besets us, that needed to be dealt with first before any true progress in life could be made.

One must take time to sit with the Lord in prayer and fasting when the Spirit directs, allowing space to examine one’s inner life and standing in Christ in the light of the holy Scriptures. But in reality, we often find ourselves consumed with building a life for ourselves and our families—caught up in the demands of daily responsibilities, peer pressures, work, and worldly pursuits. With all these distractions, the question arises: when do we truly carve out time for the things of God, especially the state of our spiritual lives? It’s easy to overlook or postpone this vital work, but it’s precisely in these moments of stillness and reflection with the Lord that we can hear His voice and address what’s been buried within us.

As Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?’ He is asking all of us the same question. And as He also said, ‘If anyone loves his father, mother, son, daughter, or family more than me, he is not worthy of me.’ In this context, ‘worthy of me’ means that such a person is not in a position to truly receive Jesus and His life. It’s not about personal merit, but about the devotion required to fully embrace Christ. When our love for others, even our closest family, outweighs our love for Him, we are not prepared to receive the fullness of His life and purpose. And he that taketh not his cross (the cost of discipleship, the trials in life that may arise due to following Christ and His word) and follows after me is not worthy of me—Matthew 10:37, 38. He that loves his life shall lose it (as they waste precious time neglecting their spiritual growth in Christ, prioritising the things of this present world instead), and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal—John 12:25. Jesus said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

In Philippians 3:7-11, the Apostle Paul explains that to follow Christ, he considers everything he once valued—his heritage, status, and achievements—as loss for the sake of Christ. He goes further, counting all things as dung in comparison to the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. This radical revaluation leads Paul to lose all things in order to win Christ and be found in Him, not with his own righteousness based on the law, but with the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Paul’s deepest desire is to know Christ intimately, experiencing the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and being conformed to His death. In doing so, Paul aims to attain the resurrection of the dead, the ultimate reward of eternal life in Christ. Following Christ, therefore, requires a complete surrender of all worldly attachments, embracing a life of sacrificial devotion to Him, with the goal of being fully united with Christ in both His sufferings and His victory.

Is this what is being taught today? Isn’t it high time to examine ourselves, to see if we’ve been deceived, and return to the Lord? Apostasy is rampant, and as Jesus asked, ‘Will He find faith on the earth when He comes?’ Luke 18:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:3 This question seems clearer now more than ever. Can we honestly believe that we might not be among those who fall away? Some are content with their luxurious, retired life in a cosy cottage, believing they are ready to be received by God. But are you sure? Or will He say, “I never knew you; depart from me? Matthew 7:23 Shouldn’t we secure our destiny by being at the feet of Jesus, enquiring of the Scriptures, for in them is eternal life? John 5:39

Some become so engrossed in ministry that they place it above their own spiritual growth. In the end, I wonder what they’ve truly gained. It’s a frightening thought. A Christian’s primary focus should be to walk closely with the Lord, and ministry should naturally flow from that deep, personal relationship in wholehearted devotion to Christ.

You may attempt to please God with superficial worship, like what is often seen in many church gatherings today. But if you refuse to come to the feet of Jesus and immerse yourself in His Word to align your life with God’s ways, you may be heading down an uncertain path, one that ultimately leads to a lost position. If an aircraft deviates from its course, can it still reach its intended destination? Wouldn’t it risk running out of fuel and ultimately crashing? Likewise, we must stay on course—abiding in Christ and following sound doctrine. As 1 Timothy 4:16 says, “Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.” Just as a plane must stay on its flight path to reach its destination, we must stay faithful to the truth in Christ to reach the goal of salvation.

Many people choose mere rituals and empty worship because it doesn’t require their full devotion or commitment to His Word. However, consider the layout of the tabernacle: those who worship with only their lips are standing in the outer courts, far from the Holy and Most Holy places. Is that where you want to remain, or do you desire to draw near to the presence of God, in full surrender to Him?

In the Old Testament tabernacle, worship occurred in three distinct areas, each with its own mode of worship, reflecting different levels of access to God’s presence and the roles of the people involved. The Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place.                                                                              

The Outer Court, where the general congregation worshipped, represents superficial worship—rituals and songs that are outward and lack true devotion or alignment with God’s will. Here, the people’s feet are still in the world, engaged in external acts of worship without full separation from worldly influences. It is only when entering the Holy Place that one must go through a process of cleansing, symbolising the need to be set apart and cut off from the worldly system in order to draw closer to God in true devotion. In other words, this was where the general congregation, or the everyday worshippers, could enter. It was open to all and represented the initial step of approaching God, but it was still far from the most sacred areas. This corresponds to worship that is outward or superficial, such as offering prayers or songs that lack personal devotion or alignment with God’s will.                                                                                                                                                           

The Holy Place symbolises a deeper level of worship, where personal sacrifice, obedience, and intimacy with God are cultivated. This was the second, more sacred area, where only the priests could enter (we are called to be priests unto God—1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10). It symbolised a deeper relationship with God, involving personal sacrifice, intercession, and dedication to His service. Worship here would imply a more intimate, obedient life with true commitment to God’s Word.                       

The Most Holy Place, the innermost sanctum, represents the highest level of worship, characterised by absolute surrender and intimate communion with God (enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus—Hebrews 10:19). As one approaches the Holy of Holies, words grow fewer, for the presence of God becomes so overwhelming that it shifts from speaking to simply receiving from Him. Those who enter into this sacred place of prayer and devotion and receive from God are the ones truly equipped to go out and serve others. They alone have something of eternal value to offer. Sadly, many who remain in the outer court—caught up in ritual and external worship—have taken on the role of ministers today, but without the depth of encounter that only those who draw near to God in the holy place can truly impart.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Many today remain in the ‘Outer Court’ of superficial worship, attending services without true transformation. There is no sacrifice required on their part, and they stand outside, performing rituals or singing songs without being willing to separate from the world. They believe that simply going through the motions—without a change of heart or a willingness to give up worldly attachments—will be enough to please God. But true worship requires more than external actions; it demands a transformation that comes from the inside out, where one must be willing to lay down their worldly desires and draw closer to God’s will. True discipleship calls for entering into deeper intimacy with God, where worship is not just external but marked by obedience, surrender, and a heart fully aligned with His Word.

Let me be clear: I’m not against worship or spiritual songs. They are vital, and God delights in melodies from the heart and songs that uplift and edify His people. When truly heartfelt, worship can draw us closer to God. But what I’m urging is that worship doesn’t end with just the songs or the rituals. These expressions should be stepping stones that lead us deeper into God’s presence. And we must be able to discern the spirit behind a song, as many songs today are not inspired by the Spirit of God. Not all music that is called ‘worship’ reflects His truth or leads us into genuine communion with Him.

Jesus, foreseeing this generation, said, ‘Many will call me “Lord, Lord,” and worship me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, and they do not truly love me.’ And on that day, I will say to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me.’ Despite their protests, saying, ‘Lord, we did this in your name and that in your name—we were regular churchgoers; we followed the traditions,’ He will turn them away, for their worship was mere formality, and their hearts were not truly surrendered to Him. As the Bible says, they deceived themselves, being hearers of the word only and not doers, relying on outward acts instead of living in obedience to God’s truth—James 1:22. They chose the fleeting comforts and pleasures of this world over suffering alongside God’s people. They prioritised their own worldly life over living in the Spirit. They dedicate their entire lives to a worldly system that ensures their needs are met, where their faith isn’t challenged by the daily struggle for food or providing for their family. They’ve found security in the world, but at what price?

The writer believes that work is holy, but dedicating your entire life to a company is not what the Bible teaches—that’s what I stand against. God equips each of us with gifts for labour to provide for ourselves and our families, but our work should never consume us at the expense of our faith, family, or calling. True fulfilment comes from balancing our duties with our higher purpose in God’s kingdom, not from chasing worldly success or corporate gain.

Would someone be willing to spend as much time learning God’s Word as they would invest in establishing themselves in a worldly career, which often takes 3 to 10 years? While work and career are important, the Bible teaches that spiritual growth and knowledge of God should take precedence. Just as individuals dedicate years to mastering a profession, they should also invest time in seeking God’s kingdom and growing in His Word, which has eternal value. Spiritual maturity shapes our eternal destiny, and the time we spend developing a relationship with God is the most significant investment we can make. The rewards of knowing Christ far exceed any earthly achievement.

There is the perfect will of God, and then there’s His permissive will. Yet, many people often choose the permissive will instead of seeking God’s perfect plan. I wonder why that is. Perhaps it’s because God’s perfect will often requires sacrifice, surrender, and trust in His timing, while the permissive will can feel easier, more comfortable, and aligned with our own desires. But just because God permits something doesn’t mean it’s the best for us. The perfect will of God leads to true fulfilment and eternal purpose, while the permissive will might offer temporary satisfaction but ultimately falls short of His best for our lives.

So ask yourself: Where are you in your worship journey? Are you standing in the outer court, caught up in ritual and melody without depth? Or are you pressing deeper into God’s presence, moving beyond outward expressions to true communion with Him? Worship is vital, but it is meant to draw us near—not a place to remain. The invitation is there, but only you can choose to enter into the Holy Place.

When you compare these areas to the way people worship today, you could say that many are still in the “outer court” of worship—performing external rituals, singing songs, or attending services—but not truly coming to the feet of Jesus to be transformed or to align themselves fully with His Word. The “Holy Place” would then represent those who have a deeper relationship with God, following His Word more earnestly, being tried and tested. The “Most Holy Place” symbolises a life lived in absolute surrender, where the worshipper is fully immersed in God’s presence and obedient to His will, having become one with Christ.

It serves as a powerful reminder that true worship is not just external or ritualistic—it requires an inner transformation, a heart surrendered fully to God’s ways. This goes beyond intellectual knowledge (gnosis) to a deeper, personal understanding (epignosis) that results in true devotion and alignment with God’s will.

Many people assume there’s a quick path to wholeness, but that’s not how it works. God is close to those who are broken and humble in spirit. Before He can fill you, He must first break you. The question is, how many of us are truly willing to go through that refining process? Many would sing ‘Break me, mold me,’ but few are willing to take the necessary steps in the process. It’s easy to sing those words, but true transformation requires surrender and going through the refining fire that often isn’t comfortable or immediate.

People are being deceived into believing that the careers they choose to establish themselves in according to the world are from God. However, the Bible says the opposite—‘the pride of life is not from the Father, but from the world’ (1 John 2:16). In fact, those who love the world are called ‘adulterers and adulteresses’ in James 4:4-5: ‘Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.’ The Scripture warns that the spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy, pointing to the deep spiritual conflict of aligning ourselves with the world. To do so is spiritual fornication or whoredom, as it betrays our true allegiance to God.

When you are well-founded according to the world’s standards—whether through career success, wealth, or status—you gain the approval and honour of the world. The world loves its own, and those who align with its values are often given the best positions, respect, and privileges. You’re more likely to be picked above others for marriage, given a prominent seat, or even offered a good dowry in some cultures, because the world rewards success and conformity to its system.

Sadly, even within the church, many have lost their vision and now honour those who are well-founded in the ways of the world—those with wealth, status, or influence—over those who are godly at heart. The ones who may not be as financially established but who walk in humility, love, and reverence for God are often overlooked. The church, instead of honouring the heart that seeks God above all, can sometimes elevate the external success and worldly achievement that the world values.

Out of deep remorse and sorrow, I must admit that one of the most corrupt individuals I have encountered was within the Christian world—those who profess to know God but live as though they were heathens, with no fear of God or reverence for His Word, having no remorse whatsoever. It grieves me to see individuals who claim Christ with their lips but deny Him through their actions, living in stark contrast to the holiness and obedience that the faith calls for. Their lives often reflect a disconnection from the truth of the gospel, and it is a heartbreaking reminder of how easily one can be deceived into thinking that outward profession is enough while inward transformation is neglected.

But beyond the big issues, what truly takes me aback is the glaring absence of the love of God in their hearts—an absence of the very virtue that should characterise those who have been born again. The love of God is meant to be the foundation of our new life in Christ, yet it is often absent in those who claim to know Him. This is our calling as followers of God, as beloved children: to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us—an offering and a sacrifice to God, a fragrant aroma. (Ephesians 5:1) This lack of love for God and others leaves me deeply troubled and even leads me to doubt the authenticity of their rebirth. The Bible tells us that the love of God is poured out in our hearts through the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5), and it is this love that should radically transform our lives. When this love is missing, it raises serious questions about whether the new birth has truly occurred and whether the faith they profess is genuine.

As followers of God, beloved children, our mandate is clear: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour” (Ephesians 5:1). This love is not just an abstract concept but a practical reality that must shape our interactions. We cannot try, pretend, or assume to love God without loving the person whom we can see. Jesus made it clear that if we claim to love God but fail to love others, we are deceiving ourselves (1 John 4:20). Love for God is demonstrated in how we love those around us, especially those who are close to us. Love for God is always reflected in love for people—our brothers and sisters in Christ, and even those outside the household of faith.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be PUT AWAY from you, with all malice (Ephesians 4:31). Instead, we are called to be KIND to one another, TENDERHEARTED, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). When we walk in these virtues, we reflect Christ’s love. However, when we harbour malice, anger, or unforgiveness, we grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), hindering His work in our lives. It is clear that our love for others should be as selfless and sacrificial as Christ’s love for us, for it is “Christ who gave Himself up for us” as the ultimate offering to God, a model of love that demands a response from us in how we treat others.

Therefore, to honour God’s love for us, we must lay aside all forms of negativity and extend the same grace and mercy that He has shown to us. As the elect of God, holy and beloved, we are called to PUT ON bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering; forbearing one another and forgiving one another (Colossians 3:12-13). If any man has a quarrel against another, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye (Colossians 3:13). And above all, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness (Colossians 3:14). This charity, or love, is the ultimate expression of Christ in us, binding all virtues together in perfect unity. Love is the “fulfilment of the law” and the sign that we truly belong to Christ. It is through this love that the world will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35).

In everything we do, we are called to reflect “Christ’s love,” not as a mere sentiment but as a living, active force in our lives, expressed through kindness, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice. When we live this way, we are not only honouring God but also allowing His Spirit to work freely in us, transforming our hearts and relationships into a testimony of His grace and goodness.

Knowing God carries a deeper significance than merely possessing intellectual knowledge.

On the surface, we can put on a facade, but deep within the recesses of our hearts, there are sinful dispositions that silently consume us. This is what Scripture refers to as our innate or inherent sinful nature, as described in Romans 7. For some, these vices may manifest in areas like sexual immorality, sensuality, lust of the eyes, theft, or fornication. For others, it could be uncontrolled anger, envy, hatred, or even gossip and lying, often justified as harmless “white lies.” These sinful tendencies, though varied, are all expressions of the innate or inherent sinful nature that holds us captive if left unchecked.

Jesus said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness: All these evil things come from within and defile the man—Matthew 7:20-23. It defiles us!

What else could defile us? Hebrews 12:14-17 speaks powerfully about the dangers of spiritual defilement and the importance of pursuing peace and holiness. The passage warns us that a root of bitterness can spring up within us, defiling not just ourselves but many others. It emphasises that without peace with all men and holiness, no one will see the Lord.

The Spirit of God urges us to be diligent in ensuring that we do not fall short of God’s grace, warning that bitterness, when left unchecked, can trouble us and spread, causing others to stumble as well. This bitterness can lead to the rise of other vices, such as fornication or a profane spirit, exemplified in the story of Esau. For a single moment of fleshly desire, Esau sold his birthright, trading something eternal for the temporary satisfaction of his hunger. Later, when he sought the blessing, he was rejected, unable to find a place of repentance, despite his tears. This passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring the call to holiness and peace and the need to deal with the roots of bitterness that can defile our hearts and hinder our relationship with God.

This isn’t a call to change yourself but a call to walk closely with Christ, allowing Him to cleanse and purify you. He will enable you to live in true obedience, not just through outward adherence to the law but by living a Spirit-filled life. Our responsibility is to be as Christ was to the Father—submissive to Him in every area of our lives.

In fact, it is not your duty to make yourselves holy by adherence to any laws. For if there had been a law given that could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law—Galatians 3:21. The righteousness of God gets imputed to us. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Christ living in us is the hope of glory—Colossians 1:27. Holiness is the work of God in you, enabling you to partake in His holiness and divine nature. It is only by His grace that we can be transformed. As the Scripture says, ‘No one can receive anything unless it has been given him from heaven’ (John 3:27). The ability to walk in holiness and the divine nature is not of ourselves but is a gift from God. And the law of the Spirit in life in Christ Jesus washes us thoroughly and prepares us as vessels unto honour, sanctified and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

Relying on our own efforts to attain holiness puts us in a dangerous cycle, just like Israel and the Galatians, who fell from grace by trying to be holy through their own works after beginning in the Spirit. This is the essence of legalism—starting in grace but then shifting to human effort, attempting to achieve righteousness through the law instead of through the Spirit. It’s like adding rules such as ‘Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle’ (Colossians 2:21), which only lead us further from the true life in the Spirit.

As Paul warns in Galatians 5:1, we are not to be entangled again in the yoke of bondage—legalism, with its false humility and outward rituals. Unfortunately, modern-day Protestants too often fall into this same trap, practicing legalistic behaviors under the guise of piety, focusing on outward appearances and man-made rules rather than on the inward transformation through the Spirit. These rituals and rules can take many forms, from strict observances of traditions to an emphasis on external morality, all of which can lead us away from the true freedom and life we have in Christ. And like in the first century, those who go against these traditions are often ostracized, marked as defectors and sinners, creating division within the body of Christ and missing the heart of the gospel.

Such man-made regulations only bring us back into slavery, whereas Christ has called us to freedom through the Spirit. The false brethren, as seen in Galatians 2:4, couldn’t bear this liberty and sought to impose these rules, but following such practices only distances us from the true freedom and life we have in Christ.

For those caught in legalism, everything becomes sin—some wear only white clothes, believing it sinful to wear anything coloured or what they deem ‘good’ clothing. Others focus solely on what goes into the stomach, much like the Pharisees—Matthew 15:17-20. They ignore the sinfulness of the heart while condemning external things, missing the true essence of righteousness. In contrast, the apostles in Acts 15:28-29 gave only a few commands to the Gentiles, such as abstaining from food offered to idols, blood, things strangled, and fornication, and explicitly stated, ‘We should not burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements.’ Legalism adds countless unnecessary rules, but true holiness is not found in outward rituals but in a heart surrendered to Christ.

Israel, despite having the law, missed the righteousness of God because they sought it through works instead of faith. As Paul warns the Galatians, ‘Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?’ (Galatians 3:3). This legalistic mindset only leads to frustration and failure, because true holiness comes through God’s grace, not through human effort. And in the end, such people find themselves devoid of true joy and life, having either failed the grace of God or fallen from grace itself.

We are indeed called to be the temple of the Holy Ghost. But do we truly desire to possess His fullness without first undergoing the internal cleansing and transformation that comes through Christ our Lord? The grace of God makes it possible for Christ to dwell in our hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:17). But putting on Christ is a different thing altogether—something we must aim toward, for it requires a daily commitment to live out His character and nature in our lives. After all, you cannot live out what you do not possess within, nor can you reap what you haven’t sown (Galatians 6:7). But before He can fully dwell in us, He must cleanse us thoroughly. He will only dwell in a holy place. The Spirit of Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of sonship, but for the Holy Ghost to come and dwell in us in His full glory, the temple must first be purified and in order. It is through the work of Christ that we are made a suitable dwelling place for the fullness of God. That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God – Ephesians 3:19.

James 4:8 tells us, Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded; put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts”—Ephesians 4:22; let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God—2 Corinthians 7:1.

The discipline and training that come through God’s loving correction lead us to a deeper holiness, refining us to share in His nature and righteousness. The process of sanctification is not just about obeying laws but about a deeper alignment with the heart of God (according to the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus—Romans 8), becoming more like Christ as we walk in His truth.

This is what it means to suffer as a Christian for the sake of righteousness’ cause. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together—Romans 8:17 “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us.” — 2 Timothy 2:12; 1 Peter 4:13

Understand that you are integrated into “one new man” as living stones (Ephesians 2:15; 1 Peter 2:5). Just as the natural body is made up of many parts, so is Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:16). If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26). Didn’t the head of this body suffer for us? If so, how can the pain not be felt throughout the entire body? Each member shares in the pain—unless, of course, you are not truly part of it. That’s why, as a member of this body, it is inseparable from our experience to share in the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:13; Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12).

What does it mean that He will deny us? Yes, it is true. Just as God did not spare the natural branches of Israel, neither will He spare us if we deny Him—Romans 11:21—by rejecting His way of life and failing to remain connected to the Vine. If we rebel, murmuring through unbelief, as the Israelites did, we are walking the same dangerous path; we risk separation from Him. Hebrews 3:12 warns that to harbour or continue in an evil heart of unbelief is to turn away from the living God. This departure is often subtle—it’s more about the condition of the heart than any outward, drastic action. It’s a matter of turning away from God and seeking hope in something else, like turning back to Egypt rather than trusting the Lord who delivered us from it. It’s a refusal to trust God when things aren’t going well, choosing to doubt His word and His guidance instead of holding fast to His promises. It’s as if we think He is failing us by not providing for us when times are rough. But then, what does the testing of our faith mean? Is it not through trials that our faith is refined, proving its genuineness? These things happened to them as examples for us, and they are written for our admonition, as 1 Corinthians 10:10-11 reminds us—”upon whom the ends of the world have come.” Their failures serve as warnings, urging us to stay vigilant and faithful so we don’t fall into the same patterns of disobedience and unbelief. The consequences they faced should stir us to examine our own hearts and remain steadfast in the faith.

To deny Him, then, is not just to speak against Him—it’s to doubt His goodness, to question His provision, and to walk as though He has abandoned us when in reality, He is working in ways we may not immediately understand. The testing of our faith is not a sign of His failure but a process to purify and strengthen us. Just as the Israelites’ rebellion in the wilderness was a failure to trust God’s promises, so too can our murmuring and unbelief keep us from experiencing the fullness of His grace. Let us, instead, hold fast to His word, trusting that He will not fail to provide even in the hardest of times.

A true Christian can experience seasons of want, lack, and seemingly unanswered prayers, which can make it feel as though God has left them or is not mindful of their needs. However, these times often have a deeper purpose. Just as God humbled and tested the Israelites in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2-3), He sometimes allows His people to face difficulty to refine their faith and teach them to rely on Him. While it may seem like God is absent, these periods of testing can draw us closer to Him, strengthening our trust in His provision rather than our own understanding. As Romans 8:17-18 reminds us, suffering is part of the Christian walk, but it is temporary and leads to eternal glory. James 1:2-4 further teaches that trials develop perseverance and refine our character. So, while difficult, these times of apparent “lack” are not signs that God has forgotten us; they are part of His refining process to deepen our faith and dependence on Him.

I am writing to you in a time of deep desperation, when we can barely afford the basic necessities for our daily sustenance, and the needs of my immediate family are overwhelming. Both of my hands feel tied, and I am unable to help in the ways I want to. The natural tendency is for my mind to wander into disbelief, but in this moment, I am reminding myself to stand firm, recalling the trials endured by the holy men of the past. This path we walk is unlike the comfortable Western Christianity many are used to, isn’t it? The weight of this burden feels heavy, especially when we see others preach a message of prosperity, and we feel so far removed from it. It can make us feel out of place or even as if we’re in error. But in this moment of obscurity, I have no choice but to trust in God’s word, knowing that even in the hardest times, He is faithful.

Otherwise, what is faith for? What purpose does it serve? Is it just to work miracles? Surely, that can’t be the whole point. Faith is given to help us live and walk the path that leads to life. Without exercising faith, it’s impossible to please God—Hebrews 11:6. The fear of being separated from God through our disbelief should drive us back to Him, always.

The history of Israel serves as a sobering warning to us. 1 Corinthians 10:9-10 reminds us that God did not spare them when they rebelled but destroyed them for their disobedience and disbelief. Jude 1:5 also recalls, “Though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.” Israel struggled to believe in the ways of Christ, often clinging to their outward possession of the law and their claim to Moses. They thought that by simply having the law, they were right with God, but in reality, they missed the fullness of what God had intended through Christ. Just as they professed adherence to the law, they often denied the true spirit of it, rejecting the very fulfilment of the law in Christ. This disconnect between their profession and their actions mirrors the warning in Titus 1:16, where mere outward declarations of faith are insufficient without true obedience and transformation.

In Psalm 78:40-41, the psalmist reflects on how the Israelites repeatedly provoked God in the wilderness, grieving Him in the desert. Despite witnessing His mighty works, they turned back, tested God, and limited the Holy One of Israel through their unbelief and disobedience. This provocation is further echoed in Hebrews 3:8, where we are warned not to harden our hearts “as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.” The Israelites’ failure to trust God during their time of trial led them to test His patience and grieve His Spirit, serving as a powerful reminder for us today not to follow the same path of rebellion and disbelief.

Well, because of unbelief, they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also shall be cut off—Romans 11:19-22.

Likewise, we too might face our own wilderness testing—moments when our faith is challenged, and we are tempted to doubt God’s provision and goodness. Just as the Israelites did, we might struggle to trust God in the midst of hardship. But their story serves as a cautionary tale for us: we must not harden our hearts or turn away in disbelief when faced with trials. Instead, we are called to trust God, knowing that, just as He was with the Israelites in their wilderness, He remains with us through our own tests, refining and strengthening our faith. What a comfort it is to know that the Lord will never leave us alone to walk this path but has given us His Spirit. The same Spirit that empowered the saints of old now dwells in us, guiding, comforting, and strengthening us in our trials. In our moments of weakness, He is our constant companion, reminding us that we are never truly alone, even when the road is hard.

In Acts 7:39, Stephen recounts how the Israelites, despite experiencing God’s deliverance, “would not obey but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt.” This reflects a deeper spiritual rebellion, where their hearts longed for the security of their past in Egypt, rather than trusting in the God who was leading them to freedom. Likewise, we too are prone to “thrust the Lord from us” through disbelief. In moments of trial or hardship, when God’s ways don’t align with our expectations, it’s easy to turn our hearts back to the comfort of the familiar, much like the Israelites did. This warning, then, is not just a historical lesson but a caution directed toward us as well: if we harden our hearts in disbelief, we risk turning away from the very God who calls us to trust Him, even when the way forward is uncertain. The same caution given to the Israelites applies to us today, urging us to remain steadfast in faith, even when faced with trials that challenge our understanding.

Many Christians, without realising it, have already turned back in their hearts, deceiving themselves and unaware of their true stance with the Lord. Their regular church attendance leads them to believe that all is well, assuming that the Lord is pleased with their outward rituals, not recognising that true devotion goes beyond mere acts and requires a heart that is fully surrendered to Him.

Titus 1:16 says, “They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (KJV) This highlights the truth that it’s not enough to merely profess knowledge about God—knowing His principles, commandments, and doctrines—without truly applying them to one’s life or having a deep, relational understanding of Him. Gnosis refers to this kind of superficial knowledge. On the other hand, epignosis is intimate, experiential knowledge that goes beyond just intellectual assent. It’s about knowing God in a relational, heart-transforming way through His Word, and it leads to spiritual maturity.

So, to deny His ways—His commandments, His teachings, His character—is to deny Him in practice. When we refuse to follow His ways, we effectively reject His authority in our lives. This aligns with the biblical principle that true faith is demonstrated through obedience, and without it, our profession of knowing God is hollow. And as Jesus said, in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9).

The phrase “believed not” carries a profound meaning, linking it not only to a lack of intellectual belief but also to disobedience and a lack of trust in God’s ways. For in their hearts, they turned back to Egypt. As Acts 7:39 says, “To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt.”

This serves as a clear reminder that true belief cannot be separated from obedience, and rejecting God’s ways brings us back into spiritual bondage. Isn’t it time to examine whether we truly possess this kind of knowledge—epignosis?

Isn’t it a question we all must ask ourselves: Will we trust the Lord our God when times are tough and we are in need?

When times are tough and challenges feel overwhelming, that’s when I feel a deep excitement rise in my spirit. Instead of complaining or grieving God’s heart, I learnt to choose to thank Him for the trials. Though my flesh may be burning, my spirit rejoices—this also I’ve learnt should be the true posture of a Christian. If our inner stance is one of gloom and despair, it’s a sign we need to check our spiritual foundation. Are we truly rooted and grounded in Christ and His Word?

I can’t boast that I’ve always been steady and steadfast, but the goodness of God has kept me and led me to be planted in His Word. This is what it means to be founded upon the rock. When the tide rises and the storm hits, the house built on that foundation will stand the test of time, for it is anchored on the solid, unshakeable rock of Christ.

Come to Christ and bring all your sorrows, needs, petitions, and everything you lack to Him—He is more than enough for you. What you lack, He will supply through His eternal Spirit. He longs for a deep and intimate fellowship with you. If you feel unworthy of Him, you may be right in acknowledging your shortcomings, but know this: you are still worthy to receive Christ, the Lord and King, as your partner. Just stay true to His Word, and He will meet you where you are.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up—James 4:10. Be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you—1 Peter 5:5-7.

The Word of God tells us to “leap for joy” in the midst of trials—Luke 6:22-23 says, “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.” James 5:11 reminds us, “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy.” Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him—Psalm 1033:13. Look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God—Hebrews 12:1,2. If we endure, God deals with us as with sons—Hebrews 12:7. The just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back (in times of trials and faith are tried), my soul shall have no pleasure in him – Hebrews 10:38. Abraham did not waver in unbelief but remained strong in faith, giving glory to God. We, too, are called to follow in those same steps of faith—Romans 4:12, 29. And in James 1:2, we are instructed, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” These verses remind us that our trials are not in vain but are opportunities to grow in faith and trust, with the promise of a great reward in heaven and God’s tender mercy guiding us through.

The word “temptations” in James 1:2 (where it says, “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”) is the Greek word “peirasmos” (πειρασμός).“Peirasmos” refers to trials or tests that challenge our faith. These can be difficult circumstances or situations that test our patience, endurance, and trust in God. The verse encourages believers to count it as joy, not because of the difficulty itself, but because of the opportunity to grow spiritually and rely on God’s strength through those trials.

Can you find one person in the Scriptures whose faith was never tested or tried? For it is through sufferings that we are shaped, as suffering builds perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character leads to hope (Romans 5:3-4). Moreover, as Hebrews 12:5-11 and 2 Peter 1:4 remind us, though it is grievous, suffering refines us, helping us partake in the divine nature and share in His holiness. And there are no shortcuts—this is the process that leads to true transformation.

These days, many talk about fellowship with the Lord, but do they emphasise that true fellowship is not merely superficial? Fellowship with Christ also means sharing in His sufferings. We are called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9). This is exactly what the Apostle Paul sought after: “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11). True fellowship with Christ involves both the power of His resurrection and the intimacy of His sufferings.

When we let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, in all wisdom, we come to possess this experiential knowledge—Colossians 3:16. 1 John 2:13-14 states that those who are born of God and in whom the love of God dwells have known Him. Similarly, 1 John 4:12 says that if we love one another, God dwells in us, and this indwelling of God through His eternal Spirit is what imparts that knowledge of the Holy One.

We often know how to sidestep such a life, opting for a more comfortable version of Christianity. Yet, we must understand that the outcomes of these two paths are starkly different in the end. Can we truly neglect so great a salvation and expect to escape the consequences? Ministers of Satan, disguised as ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15), have infiltrated to teach a different way from what has been established. This is the path the majority prefer, as they seek to satisfy their itching ears and reject sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3).

Just as children naturally know their father because of the blood connection, those who are born of God come to know God through the spiritual rebirth and the intimate, relational knowledge that results from that connection—da’at or epignosis.

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus is addressing those who claimed to have done works in His name—prophesying, casting out demons, and performing miracles—and yet, despite all their outward religious activities, Jesus declares, ‘I never knew you, workers of iniquity.’ This statement goes beyond merely not being acquainted with them. It highlights the reality that they never had an intimate, relational connection with Jesus and failed to purge themselves from inherent corruption. As Scripture commands, we are to ‘cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God’ (2 Corinthians 7:1). They also neglected to ‘put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts’ (Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:8,9). For ‘the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness‘ (Romans 1:18). So the “knowing” Jesus refers to here is not intellectual knowledge or even surface-level acknowledgement but da’at, the deep, relational knowledge that comes through a genuine spiritual connection that comes through living out His word. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that we should abstain from fornication: that every one of us should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor—1 Timothy 4:3, 4.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, “knowing” often speaks of intimacy—as when the Bible says “Adam knew Eve” (Genesis 4:1), which signifies a deep, personal, and intimate relationship, not just awareness or recognition. This same idea applies when Jesus speaks about knowing His followers. In John 10:14, He says, “I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep and am known of mine.” This knowing is the deep relational connection between Christ and His followers, built on the new birth and ongoing communion with Him in everything.

When Jesus says, “I never knew you,” He is declaring that those people never entered into this kind of intimate relationship with Him. Though they might have done religious works, they did not possess da’at, the experiential, relational knowledge that comes through being born of the Spirit and being united with Christ in His sufferings. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if you are without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then you are bastards and not sons—Hebrews 12:7, 8.

This knowing is a sign of intimacy with Christ—those who are genuinely born again are brought into a real, transformative relationship with Him. But those who do not know Him in this way, despite their outward religious appearances, are estranged from Him.

  • “I never knew you” highlights that the relationship with Jesus is not about religious actions or even professed belief; it’s about being united with Him through the new birth, where we receive the life of God (zoē) and come to know Him in the most intimate, experiential way.
  • The da’at that comes through the new birth is what enables us to know God as our Father and Jesus as our Saviour. If this personal connection is missing, then, despite outward appearances or religious works, the relationship is not genuine, and Jesus will say, “I never knew you.”

In sum, the “I never knew you” statement is deeply tied to the idea of da’at—a spiritual, intimate knowledge that is rooted in being born of God. Without this relationship, no amount of religious activity or outward obedience can bring one into true communion with Christ.

In the case of Jesus’ statement, ‘I never knew you, workers of iniquity‘ (Matthew 7:23), He’s referring to those who profess faith but have not been transformed by it. They continue in sin, without a true, repentant relationship with Him, remaining spiritually immature and carnally oriented—‘still babes in Christ’ (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

Psalm 69:27 warns, ‘Add iniquity unto their iniquity, and let them not come into thy righteousness.’ In parallel, Romans 6:19 says, ‘I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh; for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.’ This is a clear statement of judgement upon those who persist in their corruption and do not continuously yield their members to righteousness or come to the throne of grace to deal with their inner corruption through the Spirit and His Word.

One could now ask, can a person exercise spiritual gifts without having da’at, the intimate, relational knowledge of God? Yes, a person can, as evidenced in Matthew 7:21-23, where individuals who prophesy, cast out demons, and perform miracles in Jesus’ name are still rejected because they never truly knew Him. While the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29), meaning God can use people for His purposes even without a personal relationship with Him or perfecting holiness or without the righteousness of God upon them, spiritual gifts do not guarantee salvation or intimacy with God.

The parable of the labourers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) highlights God’s sovereignty in distributing His grace, where even those who labour for only a short time receive the same reward, but it doesn’t imply they have a deep, eternal relationship with the master. Similarly, spiritual gifts can be exercised without a personal connection to Christ. However, while these gifts are meant for God’s service, they are intended to point to something deeper—the da’at of God, the transformative knowledge that comes through being born again. Spiritual gifts, though powerful, should not be confused with the eternal, life-giving relationship that comes from truly knowing God.

I want to bring in a few more verses that tie together beautifully, revealing the profound process of spiritual transformation and enlightenment that happens through the Holy Spirit. This process, at its core, is deeply connected to epígnosis—the intimate, transformative knowledge of God that shapes and matures the believer.

1. Revelation 3:18—The Call to Seek the Word and Spiritual Clarity

In Revelation 3:18, Jesus offers a call to the church to “buy of me gold tried in the fire” and “anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” The gold tried in the fire represents the refined truth of God’s Word (as silver tried in a furnace of earth (the body of Jesus), purified seven times—Psalm 12:6), which is purifying and valuable. The eye salve, on the other hand, symbolises the spiritual clarity that only comes when we truly understand and apply God’s Word. This epígnosis (the deep, relational knowledge of God) is not merely about intellectual knowledge but about an intimate understanding of God’s will and ways through the Word.

Jesus is urging us to seek out the deeper truths of His Word, which can only be truly seen and understood through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, opening our eyes to see and apply God’s truth in our lives.

The phrase “buy of me gold tried in the fire” (Revelation 3:18) can be understood as a call to engage in a spiritual transaction or trade, not involving literal money or material wealth, but rather symbolising spiritual value that demands sacrifice and commitment. The “gold tried in the fire” represents refined, purified faith—faith and the word of God that have been tested through trials and tribulations, emerging stronger and more genuine. The act of “buying” suggests that in order to receive this purified faith and true riches, one must surrender something of lesser value. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:7-9, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yes, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness.” This is the trade: exchanging the worldly for the eternal, where you surrender your life, desires, and self-reliance for the righteousness of God and a deeper relationship with Him. The call is to continuously trade the temporary for the eternal, sacrificing the things of this world in exchange for spiritual riches that cannot be taken away. It is not a one-time transaction but a lifelong commitment to follow Christ and allow Him to refine you.

How can we expect to gain what is above without first letting go of what we cling to here below? What does the Bible say to us? Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth—Colossians 3:2. To grasp the eternal, we must release the temporal. The things we hold tightly—our comfort, security, and earthly attachments—are often the very things that prevent us from reaching for the higher, lasting riches in Christ. Until we are willing to surrender what we hold secure under our arms, we cannot fully embrace the fullness of what God offers us above. It’s a call to let go in faith, trusting that what God has in store is far greater than anything we could hold onto in this world.

To “set your affection” means to intentionally direct your heart, mind, and desires toward something or someone—particularly aligning them with God and His Kingdom. In Colossians 3:2, when we are told to “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth,” it’s not just about emotional attachment but about where we focus our priorities and energy. It’s a deliberate choice to prioritize God’s Kingdom and His will over the temporary things of this world.

Setting your affection on things above doesn’t necessarily mean engaging in traditional ministry; rather, it means aligning your life with Christ and His Word, allowing them to shape every decision and action. It’s about becoming more like Christ—letting Him be the central focus of your life and shaping everything from relationships to goals according to His values. This involves being intentional with your time, energy, and resources in a way that reflects your true identity as a child of God, rather than chasing fleeting worldly pleasures.

It also means not letting the pursuit of possessions, career success, or worldly comforts define you. Instead, seeking God’s Kingdom first, finding satisfaction in His eternal promises, and living in a way that reflects your identity in Christ. In every pursuit—whether family, career, or personal ambitions—your relationship with Christ should be the driving force, ensuring that you aren’t consumed by the temporary things of this world.

In fact, Jesus made it clear that following Him requires a careful consideration of the cost. As He said in Luke 14:28-33, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first and counts the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, sits not down first and consults whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an embassage and desires conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Following Christ means being willing to forsake all we hold dear in this world and counting the cost of that surrender. It’s a radical call to let go of the temporary in order to gain the eternal.

To win Christ, we must let go of our own life. This is what we profess—that we are crucified with Him, no longer living for ourselves, but allowing Christ to live in us. But are we truly meaning what we profess? Do we fully live out this surrender, or is it just words we speak without the depth of true transformation? John 12:25, He that loves his life shall lose it, and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. For no man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.

You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). James 4:4 warns that anyone who pursues their own desires above God’s will is considered an adulterer or an adulteress, and even an enemy of God. This speaks to spiritual whoredom, where one coalesces with the spirit of the world rather than being faithful to God. 1 John 2:15-16 further admonishes, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father, but is of the world.” This is a clear warning against aligning with the world’s values, which stand in opposition to God’s.

Can you imagine modern Christianity, where many openly disregard these principles, yet unabashedly display such worship on stage, all while calling Jesus ‘Lord, Lord’? As the Lord says, ‘In vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men’ (Matthew 15:9). Yet, Jesus clearly states, ‘He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him and make Our abode with him. He that loves Me not keeps not My sayings; and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me’ (John 14:21-24).

Let me make this clear: setting your affection on things above doesn’t mean disregarding important responsibilities like caring for your family. It’s about finding the right balance—prioritising Christ and His Kingdom while still fulfilling your duties in the world, including loving and providing for your family. Balancing both is key. The focus is on ensuring that your relationship with Christ shapes how you approach everything, including family, work, and other commitments, rather than allowing worldly concerns to take the place of your spiritual priorities. It’s about integrating your faith into every aspect of life, giving Christ the central place without neglecting your God-given responsibilities.

In fact, the Bible makes it clear that neglecting our family or failing to provide for them is a serious matter. 1 Timothy 5:8 warns, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.” This underscores that caring for our family is not only a duty but also an essential part of living out our faith. So, while our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, this should never lead to neglecting our responsibilities to those closest to us. True spiritual devotion doesn’t disregard the practical aspects of life; instead, it shapes how we fulfil our roles as spouses, parents, and providers, ensuring that both our love for God and our love for our families are given their rightful place.

However, it’s important to recognise that God understands the challenges people face, and His heart is compassionate toward those who are genuinely unable to meet their needs due to circumstances like illness, job loss, or other hardships. The verse in 1 Timothy 5:8 speaks primarily to those who have the means to provide but deliberately withhold support or fail to take responsibility for their families. It’s about wilful neglect, not the inability to provide because of external factors. Our Heavenly Father sees our hearts and knows our struggles, and His grace covers those who genuinely desire to provide but are hindered by their circumstances. And as a community of believers, we are called to support one another in times of need, fulfilling the law of love by caring for those who are struggling (Galatians 6:10).

Modern Christianity, especially in certain circles, often promotes a mindset of balancing both worlds—keeping one foot in the world and one in Christendom. This approach tends to encourage people to pursue their earthly passions, careers, comforts, desires, and securities while also claiming the benefits of a relationship with Christ. It’s a convenient path that allows for the best of both worlds: worldly pleasures and spiritual promises.

However, the Scriptures make it clear that such a divided commitment is not what Christ calls His followers to. Jesus Himself said, “No man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). Trying to hold on to both earthly attachments and a full surrender to God creates a spiritual imbalance. It’s like trying to build a tower without counting the cost or attempting to fight a battle without being fully prepared. As we’ve seen in Luke 14:28-33, Jesus encourages us to carefully consider what it means to follow Him, emphasising that true discipleship requires wholehearted commitment. In the Kingdom of God, there’s no room for divided loyalty.

The truth is, when we try to keep one foot in the world and one in Christ, we risk losing both. The world’s security, comforts, and attachments will always hold us back from fully embracing the eternal, transforming riches that are only found in Christ. True discipleship requires a complete surrender—a willingness to let go of the temporary in exchange for the eternal.

The passage from Hebrews 11:6, “God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” highlights the importance of diligence in our pursuit of God. Diligence, in this context, means actively and intentionally seeking God with a focused, consistent effort. It’s not a passive or occasional pursuit, but a wholehearted commitment to growing closer to Him through prayer, scripture, and living out our faith. This diligent seeking requires prioritizing God, making time to engage with Him, and doing so with a heart full of faith, trusting that He rewards those who earnestly pursue Him. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to be persistent in our pursuit of God, knowing that while His rewards may not always be earthly, they come in the form of spiritual blessings, divine guidance, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

2. Ephesians 1:18—Enlightenment of the Understanding

In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays that the ‘eyes of your understanding be enlightened,’ highlighting the need for spiritual insight. This echoes the imagery in Revelation 3:18, where Christ offers to anoint the believer’s eyes with eye salve so they can see clearly. It’s not a matter of self-anointing but of humbly seeking Christ, who opens our eyes to the deeper truths of His Word and Kingdom.

Yes, our spiritual eyes are opened at the new birth, but the vision is often limited for a babe in Christ. As a result, such individuals are unskilled in the word of righteousness, as Hebrews 5:13-14 states. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 also serves as a prime example of this, where Paul addresses the Corinthians as infants in Christ, unable to handle deeper spiritual truths because they are still carnal and immature in their faith. This spiritual immaturity led to division and jealousy among them, even though such behaviours were “not even heard among the heathens” (1 Corinthians 5:1), revealing the depth of their fallen condition despite their new birth.

It is a progressive journey toward maturity; it involves replacing the law of sin and death, which is in our members, with the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8). It is the putting off of the corrupt self through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit and by the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 4:22; 5:26; Colossians 3:8; James 4). It is the replacement of earthly, sensual, and devilish wisdom with the wisdom that comes from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy (James 3:17). Only a person who has transitioned from being a babe in Christ to a spiritually mature believer can acquire this wisdom, as such a person possesses the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).

James 3 speaks of the unbridled tongue as a sign of spiritual immaturity, highlighting the difficulty of controlling our speech and its potential to lead us astray. The tongue, when uncontrolled, can be like a fire, ‘foaming out hellfire,’ capable of causing great destruction (James 3:6). Such a person has no rule over their spirit, and Proverbs 25:28 says, ‘He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.’ One can only imagine the state of ‘a city that is broken down’ and its vulnerability to enemy invasion. This reveals how the lack of self-control, especially in speech, reflects deeper spiritual instability. A spiritually mature person, however, has learnt to govern their words and emotions, showcasing the power of the Holy Spirit working within them to bring true transformation and control. As they mature in Christ, they develop the ability to tame their tongue and exercise self-control, demonstrating growth in wisdom, stability, and Christlikeness.”

James 1:26 also says, “If any man among you seems to be religious and bridles not his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” Isn’t that related to James 1:22, which says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves“? This emphasises that a lack of control over the tongue is a serious issue, revealing that a person’s outward religious expression can be hollow if it is not accompanied by a transformed life. Such a one is a mere hearer of the Word and not a doer. James compares this person to a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror: ‘For he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was.’ In other words, though he sees the truth, he doesn’t act on it and soon forgets what he has seen. However, ‘whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.’ This is the difference between just hearing the Word and allowing it to transform your life by putting it into practice. The blessing comes to those who actively live out God’s Word, demonstrating true spiritual maturity as they progressively develop the mind of Christ. And this transformation can only be achieved by acquiring epignosis or da’at.

This process involves more than just knowing the Scriptures; it’s about applying them to every area of life, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our thoughts, actions, and desires. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we begin to reflect His character, wisdom, and love. The more we live out God’s Word, the more we align our thoughts and actions with the mind of Christ, which is the ultimate goal of spiritual maturity.

James 3:2 may sound intimidating as it exposes the truth about our imperfections, but it also offers hope. It says, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man”—a person who is mature in the Word of righteousness, unlike a babe in Christ (as described in Hebrews 5:13-14). Such a person is able to bridle the whole body, demonstrating spiritual maturity and self-control. Here, James acknowledges the challenge of perfect speech but assures us that mastering the tongue is one of the signs of spiritual maturity and self-control, and it is through this control that one becomes more aligned with God’s will, able to govern the entire body and life in righteousness.

James 3:2 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 offer a powerful parallel on spiritual maturity. James highlights that the person who can control their speech is considered “perfect,” or mature, capable of controlling their whole body. This connects with 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where Scripture is described as essential for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. The purpose of Scripture is to equip the believer, making them “perfect” or fully mature, thoroughly prepared for every good work.

Just as controlling the tongue is a sign of spiritual maturity in James, the application of God’s Word in our lives perfects us, shaping us to reflect Christ in all areas, including our speech. Both verses point to the transformative power of God’s Word in leading us to true spiritual maturity. The control of our words, much like our overall growth in Christ, requires ongoing learning, application, and the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about the inner transformation that manifests in our outward actions.

As we allow God’s Word to dwell richly in us, we are gradually conformed to His image, and our speech becomes one of the clearest signs of that spiritual maturity, reflecting not only self-discipline but also the character of Christ and our inner man’s stance. If any man can control his tongue, he is identified as a ‘perfect’ man—one who can bridle the whole body.

This is the display of the spirit man, created after God in righteousness and true holiness. It reveals his true identity, the prowess and might he has come to possess—Ephesians 3:16—even the ability to control the doors of hell, as James 3 describes: ‘The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison and a world of iniquity that defiles the person.’

Achieving control over our spirit, or allowing the spirit to govern the entire being, is something supernatural and life-altering. The perfected man, as the same chapter explains, brings forth good fruit, and clean water flows from within. Hebrews 12:23 identifies such individuals as the spirits of just men made perfect. Mark 7:20-23 presents a stark contrast to this, revealing the defilement that comes from within when the spirit is not governed. And one can only imagine the liberation this would bring to the soul, which is at the heart of the abundant life Jesus spoke of. You cannot truly claim to possess this life unless you confront and overcome the inner chaos within.

We must replace the law of sin and death, which is deeply embedded in our flesh, with the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, as Paul explains in Romans 7:16-23 and 8:2. This is not a passive process but requires an active effort to submit our will to the Holy Spirit. It takes intentional labour according to the Spirit to experience this transformation. As John 6:27 reminds us, ‘Labour not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.’ The work of replacing the old nature with the life of Christ demands effort—an ongoing commitment to seek after what lasts forever, rather than what is fleeting. It is a spiritual pursuit that requires diligence, surrender, and the constant application of God’s Word to bring about real change, moving us from death to life.

How are we going to undertake this task if we are so engrossed in the affairs of life until the day we leave this earth? If our attention is consumed by the fleeting pleasures and distractions of this world, how can we expect to experience the transformation that Christ calls us to? The constant pursuit of temporal things, such as career, wealth, and personal desires, can easily overshadow the eternal work the Holy Spirit wants to do in us. In order to replace the law of sin and death with the law of the Spirit of life, we must shift our focus, prioritise what is lasting, and be intentional in cultivating a life that is rooted in the Word of God. This requires time, effort, and a shift in priorities—a conscious decision to allow God’s will to take precedence over the noise of everyday life. Only then will we be able to walk in the fullness of what God has for us, moving from spiritual infancy to maturity in Christ.

It is only through the ongoing application of the Word of Christ, allowing it to dwell in us richly in all wisdom, that the eyes of our understanding are fully illuminated to see the things of God clearly. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role here, bringing epígnosis—a deep, experiential understanding of the Word of God, which results in spiritual enlightenment.

The Christian life is a serious endeavour—it’s much deeper than just attending church, engaging in church activities, experiencing emotional highs during worship, or even exercising the gifts of the Spirit.

A Timeline of CHRISTENDOM: From the Roman Empire to Democratic Governance

This article stems from a thought that struck me deeply during my studies of church history, world history, and the development of other religions. In a world often ignorant of its origins and governance, I was struck by the profound truth of Christendom’s journey—a mustard seed, as described in the Bible, that grew into a mighty tree, overshadowing everything else. This metaphor encapsulates how Christendom has profoundly shaped the modern world, bringing both blessings and liberation, and influencing even those unaware of its roots. This revelation underpins the exploration that follows.

The story of Christendom, from the rise of Christianity within the Roman Empire to its transition into modern democratic governance, is one of profound transformation. Christianity, beginning as a persecuted faith in the first century, gradually became a dominant force that shaped the cultural, political, and social fabric of Europe and beyond. This article will explore key milestones in this history, focusing on how the Church evolved from a fledgling movement in the Roman Empire to an institution that influenced the birth of modern democracies.

1. Establishment of Christianity in the Roman Empire

– c. 4 BC – 30 AD: Life, Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Christianity begins with the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, whose message of love, redemption, and the Kingdom of God challenges the prevailing religious and political systems of the Roman Empire. His crucifixion and resurrection, events central to Christian faith, occur in Jerusalem during the governance of the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate. Jesus’ death and reported resurrection lay the foundation for the Christian Church.

– 33 AD: Pentecost and the Birth of the Christian Church in Jerusalem
The ascension of Jesus into heaven marks the beginning of the Church’s expansion. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the gospel in various languages. The Christian Church is formally born in Jerusalem, where the apostles, led by Peter, start converting Jews and gentiles to the Christian faith.

– c. 34-67 AD: Missionary Journeys of Paul
The apostle Paul’s missionary journeys spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, from Asia Minor to Greece and eventually to Rome. His letters to early Christian communities become foundational texts in Christian doctrine and help establish Christian theology.

– Pax Romana (27 BC – 180 AD): The Era of Relative Peace and Stability
The peace and stability of the Roman Empire (Pax Romana) allow for the safe travel of missionaries across the vast road network, facilitating the spread of Christianity. The use of Koine Greek as the lingua franca and the wide-reaching Roman infrastructure make it easier for early Christians to communicate and travel.

– 64 AD: Emperor Nero’s Persecution
The first major imperial persecution of Christians occurs under Emperor Nero, who blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome. This event marks the beginning of a series of sporadic persecutions that will characterize the Roman Empire’s relationship with Christianity for centuries to come.

– 70 AD: Destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem
The Romans destroy the Second Temple in Jerusalem, marking a pivotal moment in Jewish history. Christianity, which had initially emerged as a Jewish sect, begins to spread more broadly across gentile populations, increasingly distinguishing itself from Judaism.

– 313 AD: Edict of Milan
Emperor Constantine and Licinius issue the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance to Christians. This marks a dramatic shift in the Roman Empire’s attitude toward Christianity, which had previously been viewed as a subversive movement. This legal tolerance, alongside Constantine’s personal conversion to Christianity, leads to the eventual growth and state sponsorship of Christianity within the empire.

– 325 AD: First Council of Nicaea
Constantine convenes the First Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council, to address theological disputes, including the Arian controversy. The council produces the Nicene Creed, establishing core Christian doctrines, including the nature of Christ as consubstantial with the Father.

– 380 AD: Edict of Thessalonica
Emperor Theodosius I issues the Edict of Thessalonica, declaring Christianity (specifically Nicene Christianity) the official state religion of the Roman Empire. This marks the consolidation of Christian power within the Roman governance structure.

– Roman Infrastructure and Christianization of Roman Culture
As Christianity spreads, the Roman Empire’s infrastructure, such as roads and maritime routes, helps to establish a network of Christian communities across Europe and the Mediterranean. Over time, Christian values permeate Roman laws, institutions, and social practices, laying the foundation for Christendom in the West.

 2. Transition to Christendom

– 410 AD: Sack of Rome by the Visigoths
The sacking of Rome by the Visigoths marks the decline of the Western Roman Empire. While the empire crumbles, the Christian Church strengthens as a stabilizing force, increasingly assuming political and social roles in Europe.

– 476 AD: Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The formal collapse of the Western Roman Empire marks the beginning of the Middle Ages, with the Christian Church emerging as the central institution in Europe. The Church plays a pivotal role in governance, education, and cultural preservation as the political structures of Rome disintegrate.

– 496 AD: King Clovis Converts to Christianity
Clovis, King of the Franks, converts to Christianity, marking the start of the Christianization of the Germanic tribes. His conversion unites the Frankish kingdom with the Christian Church and establishes the foundation for what will become medieval Christendom in Western Europe.

– 590-604 AD: Papacy of Gregory the Great
Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) plays a key role in consolidating the power of the papacy. His reforms strengthen the spiritual and temporal authority of the papacy, which becomes central to the governance of Europe during the Middle Ages. Gregory also sends missionaries, such as Augustine of Canterbury, to convert the Anglo-Saxons in Britain.

– 800 AD: Coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor
Charlemagne, King of the Franks, is crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III. This event solidifies the relationship between the papacy and European rulers, creating the Holy Roman Empire and marking the start of the medieval symbiosis between the Church and secular rulers.

– 1054 AD: The Great Schism
The Great Schism splits Christendom into the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East. This division marks a long-standing separation in both theology and ecclesiastical authority, with the Pope emerging as the supreme religious figure in the West and the Patriarchs of Constantinople leading the Eastern Church.

3. Exploration, Cultural Milestones, and the Renaissance

– 1254-1324 AD: Marco Polo’s Travels
Marco Polo’s travels to Asia and his writings, *The Travels of Marco Polo*, inspire Europeans to explore the wider world. Polo’s experiences, coupled with his Christian faith, help spark curiosity about non-Christian cultures while highlighting the potential for missionary work.

– 14th-17th Centuries: The Renaissance
The Renaissance, beginning in Italy in the 14th century, marks a major cultural shift that combines Christian thought with the rediscovery of classical humanism. It fosters advancements in art, science, literature, and philosophy. While many Renaissance thinkers remained deeply religious, their works helped lay the foundation for the Enlightenment by emphasizing reason, individualism, and human potential.

– Humanism and Christianity: Renaissance humanists, such as Petrarch and Erasmus, emphasized the value of human reason and individual experience while maintaining a Christian worldview. They promoted the study of classical texts, many of which had been forgotten during the medieval period, thereby creating a fusion of classical Greek and Roman thought with Christian doctrine.

– Art and Architecture: The Renaissance produced some of the most iconic art and architecture in Western history, with figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael creating works that explored humanism, divine creation, and biblical themes. This blend of religious and classical ideals was central to Renaissance culture, leading to both a deepening of Christian spirituality and a renewed focus on human dignity and creativity.

– Theological Shifts: The Renaissance also prompted some early theological shifts that would later influence the Protestant Reformation. While some thinkers advocated for a return to the pure teachings of Scripture, others questioned the role of the Church in interpreting divine truth. The Renaissance period set the stage for a more critical examination of the Church’s power and its relationship with secular authorities.

– 1492 AD: Christopher Columbus’s Voyages
Christopher Columbus’s voyages initiate European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Columbus’s journeys not only expand the reach of Christendom but also pave the way for European colonization and the spread of Christianity throughout the New World.

4. Medieval Christendom

– 1096-1291 AD: The Crusades
The Crusades, launched to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule, become a defining feature of medieval Christendom. While motivated by religious zeal, the Crusades also had strong economic and political motivations and had significant consequences for European society, such as increased trade with the Middle East.

– 1215 AD: Fourth Lateran Council
The Fourth Lateran Council solidifies key aspects of Catholic doctrine, including transubstantiation, and reinforces the papacy’s authority over Christian life. The council also addresses issues like clerical corruption, the status of Jews, and the growing power of the Inquisition.

– 1302 AD: Papal Bull “Unam Sanctam”
Pope Boniface VIII’s papal bull *Unam Sanctam* asserts papal supremacy over secular rulers, claiming that “every human creature is subject to the Roman Pontiff.” This reflects the height of papal power in medieval Europe, although it also sets the stage for later conflicts between Church and state.

– 1347-1351 AD: The Black Death
The Black Death ravages Europe, killing a significant portion of the population and leading to both social and religious upheaval. The Church is called into question, as it is unable to protect or explain the plague’s devastation. This marks a turning point in the weakening of feudal structures and the rise of new economic and political orders.

5. Reformation and Enlightenment

– 1517 AD: Martin Luther’s 95 Theses
Martin Luther’s challenge to the sale of indulgences sparks the Protestant Reformation. Luther’s 95 Theses, nailed to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, set off a series of religious conflicts and debates over doctrine, leading to the fragmentation of the Catholic Church and the rise of Protestant denominations.

– 1618-1648 AD: The Thirty Years’ War
The Thirty Years’ War, initially a religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants, eventually evolves into a broader struggle for political and territorial control across Europe. The war leads to significant changes in the balance of power in Europe and the decline of the papacy’s influence in political affairs.

– Philosophical Influence
Enlightenment thinkers such as Montesquieu and Rousseau challenge traditional political structures, advocating for the separation of powers and popular sovereignty. These ideas, which emphasize reason, individual rights, and democratic governance, would later influence the development of modern democratic ideals.

6. The Enlightenment and the Rise of Secularism

– 17th-18th Centuries: The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment promotes reason, scientific inquiry, and skepticism of religious authority. Thinkers such as Voltaire, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant argue for a world governed by reason rather than religious dogma. These ideas contribute to the rise of secularism and challenge the Church’s authority in both political and intellectual spheres.

– Philosophical Influence
Montesquieu’s theory of the separation of powers and Rousseau’s concept of the general will shape democratic thought. These ideas advocate for the structure of governance that underpins modern democratic states and challenge the long-standing political dominance of monarchs and the Church.

7. Transition to Modern Democracy (1776 AD – Present)

– 1776 AD: Declaration of Independence
The American Revolution is heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who champion the idea of natural rights and the social contract. The Declaration of Independence and the eventual Constitution of the United States enshrine religious freedom, reflecting the growing importance of secular governance in the Western world.

– 19th-20th Centuries: Expansion of Democratic Ideals
The spread of democracy in the 19th and 20th centuries is marked by the abolition of slavery, the rise of suffrage movements, and the collapse of colonial empires. Key events like the fall of the Soviet Union and the decolonization of Africa and Asia lead to the spread of democratic ideals across the globe.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Christendom

While Christendom’s political dominance has waned, its influence remains deeply embedded in modern Western institutions and cultures. The Christian legacy continues to shape democratic ideals, legal frameworks, and moral discourses, even in secularized societies. From the early spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire to its role in the rise of democracy, Christendom has profoundly impacted the course of human history.

Final Thoughts
The evolution of Christianity from a persecuted sect within the Roman Empire to a central force in shaping modern democratic governance is both remarkable and complex. As Christendom transitions from religious to secular institutions, its ideas continue to echo in today’s political and moral discussions.

In reflecting on the journey of Christendom, one cannot ignore the fulfillment of the divine promise: ‘Through thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed’ (Genesis 22:18). From its humble beginnings as a persecuted faith to its profound influence on the modern world, Christendom has brought blessings in the form of moral frameworks, societal progress, and the liberation of countless individuals. It is through this lens that we can view the enduring legacy of Christendom as a testament to the faithfulness of God’s promise and its transformative power throughout history.

Despite fierce opposition in its tender beginnings, Christendom has triumphed as Jesus foretold: ‘The gates of hell shall not prevail against it’ (Matthew 16:18). Far from being extinguished, the Word of God has flushed out the governance of darkness, displacing it with the light of truth and righteousness. It is the invisible hand of the living God that restrains evil, preventing it from gaining total sway over the earth. This divine governance, though unseen, has been the force behind the blessings and liberation that have shaped the modern world. Christendom’s legacy thus stands as a testament to the faithfulness of God’s promises and His enduring authority over history.

Redeemed but NOT PERFECT: Navigating SIN and Grace in the Christian Journey

Redeemed but NOT PERFECT: Navigating SIN and Grace in the Christian Journey

Reflections on the Christian Life

Awareness of Incompleteness

Since my early years, as I began to comprehend the world around me, I became aware that something within me was not quite right. I experienced a sense of emptiness and disorder within myself, like a shapeless existence. I struggled to find a sense of identity and who I am. As has been the case from the beginning of time, Chaos and Void have always been at my side.

Encountering the Gospel Light

It was only after the radiant light of the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ had entered my heart, that I began to realize the existence of a diabolical realm that sought to destroy my soul. It’s no surprise that the Apostle Paul refers to the “Gospel of Christ” as the power of God unto salvation – Romans 1:16. Its ability to transform even the most wicked wrongdoer into a holy individual is truly remarkable.

Sinful Disposition and Spiritual Regeneration

I wouldn’t claim that my new life in Christ has made me completely free from sin. Certainly, in my sin-laden condemned state, God’s grace entered, severed the ties of wickedness, and connected me to the holy lineage, bringing forth His life within me, and making me the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Despite spiritual regeneration, my sinful disposition was not completely eradicated. When I reflect on the past, I notice a subtle pattern of corruption that has always been there in my life. Doesn’t that imply there is something dark within each of us?

Living as Christians in Reality

How can we claim to live a Christian life while ignoring the fact that we are sinners saved by grace? Although we no longer identify as sinners, our underlying nature still tends toward sin. The benefit we currently possess in Christ is that we have been given a spirit from God that enables us to live in a renewed way. Christians ought to imply the opposite. Rather than escaping reality, we approach it head-on, eliminating and demolishing anything that is not allowed while simultaneously rebuilding and restoring things. Is it foolish to act as though nothing is wrong and then allow sin to ambush you with a fierce surprise attack?

The Need for Spiritual Guidance

Giving your heart full range while you pretend everything is fine might have terrible consequences. Your heart has the potential to mislead you. The only way that the Lord has set for us to follow is to be led by the Spirit of God. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding – Proverbs 3:5.

If we say that we have no sin (hamartia), we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us – 1 John 1:8.

The term hamartia means “to miss the mark” or “to err“. The term is often said to depict the flaws or defects of a character and portray these as the reason for a potential downfall. This indicates that even after experiencing a spiritual transformation, it is essential for the grace of God to sustain an individual, as without it, we are unable to resist the power of our sinful nature. “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it” as the hymn says.

May the God of peace Himself sanctify us completely, and may our whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why is it necessary for God to protect us if we assert that we are without sin? Wherefore let him that thinketh he stands take heed lest he fall – 1 Corinthians 10:12.

  • The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever – 2 Timothy 4:18.
  • They are sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ – Jude 1:1.
  • The only wise God our Saviour who can keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy – Jude 1:24,25.

Understanding Human Nature in Light of Scripture

Understanding Our Nature

Does the word of God corroborate what I postulate? We often tend to attribute all our sinful tendencies to the devil without fully understanding our nature. While we have been freed from the control of sin and the condemnation of our past and original sin, we still carry a natural inclination towards sin. This is simply a reality of human existence.

Dual Nature: Heavenly and Human

Just as Jesus Christ (the begotten of God) has two natures, one fully divine and one fully human, known as the Hypostatic union, we too, as those born of His Spirit, come to possess the same. We now possess both heavenly and human natures. Our spirit is created after God in righteousness and true holiness – Ephesians 4:24; we come to partake of His divine nature and His holiness – 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 12:10. Being born of God entitles us to become like Christ – 1 John 3:9,10; 1Peter 1:4,23; 1 Corinthians 15:52; Hebrews 2:10; Ephesians 4:13.

Scriptural Insights on Temptation

The Scripture says, every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed – James 1:14,15; Jesus says, from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil – Mark 7:20-23; out of the evil treasure of his heart men brings forth that which is evil – Luke 6:45; for the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked – Jeremiah 17:9.

The Reality of Sin in Human Hearts

Where do envy, strife, division, evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, blasphemy, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, pride, and foolishness come from if we are without sin? What is the purpose of sanctification if our hearts are already perfect?

The Call to Sanctification

“Abstain, “Mortify” “Subjugate” “Flee” “Put Off” “Lay Aside” “Lay Apart” and “Cleanse Ourselves” are the terms coined in the New Testament in dealing with our unrighteousness – Acts 15:20,28,29; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5,8,9; 1 Corinthians 6:18/ 9:27; Ephesians 4:22; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Timothy 6:11; James 1:21; 2 Corinthians 7:1 – KJV.

 Understanding the Human Condition in Light of Scripture

 Acknowledging the Dark Aspect Within

Am I suggesting that there is a dark aspect within us? That’s the conclusion I’ve come to after examining the Scriptures, which states that “In my flesh dwells no good thing” and “evil is present with me” – Romans 7:14-25. That is what the Adamic transgression has brought us. Even though we have turned to Christ, we will still have to deal with two conflicting natures and authorities within ourselves until the day the Lord changes our sinful bodies. According to the apostle Paul, “evil is present with us”, in our flesh – Acts 7:14-21; Galatians 5:17.

The apostle Paul undoubtedly refers to himself, not as a Pharisee but as a genuine Christian, when he laments that despite his desire to do good, evil is always present, opposing and resisting his intentions and actions. This inner struggle prevents him from achieving the perfection he desires as a new man, with sin dwelling within him but not having dominion over him.

This is the “mind of the flesh,” (be renewed in the spirit of your mind – Ephesians 4:23) as some interpret it as the wisdom, sensuality, affectation, or desire of the flesh. This aspect remains even in those who are regenerated. However, its dominant power is eradicated in every soul that is genuinely born of God. It is gradually weakened as the believer grows in grace, and the Spirit of God gains greater ascendancy in the heart.

Conflict of Natures and Authorities

Some may argue against it because they have a biased interpretation of the Bible, selecting what aligns with their beliefs and disregarding what contradicts their rationality or because they don’t understand it well. But for how much longer will you overlook your weakness and tendency to sin? If you were perfect in that sense, you wouldn’t require the assistance of the Holy Ghost or the Savior Jesus Christ to intercede for you – Romans 8:26,27; Hebrews 7:25; not to mention, keep you from falling, and to present you faultless – Jude 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Biased Interpretations of Scripture

The devil wants you to focus on him rather than the source of the problem. Why? Because he knows, that if you diagnose and identify the problem, you will be able to repair or mitigate it. Ignorance renders numerous Christians inept, unproductive, and powerless.

Overcoming Ignorance Through Understanding

Understanding Ignorance

What exactly is ignorance? This indicates a failure to understand or a lack of comprehension regarding their position, their authority, the new covenant, and the doctrines of Christ. Hence, the scripture encourages us: Allow the teachings of Christ to reside abundantly within you, filled with all wisdom – Colossians 3:16.

Roots of Ignorance: Persistent Rejection of Truth

Will a person become ignorant in a day? No, it is his persistent rejection of the truth of the Word of God that leads to ignorance. He is preoccupied with life’s affairs rather than working for the spiritual meat – John 6:27/12:25; 1 Corinthians 10:3; 2 Timothy 2:4; Luke 8:14; Mark 4:19.

Investing in Labour: A Reflection on Passion and Priorities

Labour requires the investment of time and life. One would only invest time and energy in what they love; One would dedicate time and effort to pursue only the things that they are passionate about. And Jesus said, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also – Luke 12:34. But man would labour for the meat which perishes – John 6:27; 1 Corinthians 10:3; because he loves his life in this world that he would do anything to save it; He cherishes his life in this world so much that he is willing to go to any lengths to preserve it – John 12:25; Matthew 10:37.

Choosing Immaturity Over Spiritual Growth

He relies on his flesh instead of the Spirit. “He chooses to stay as a baby (immature) and be nourished with milk rather than solid food, which makes him inexperienced in understanding the principles of righteousness. He remains immature and focused on worldly desires” – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2. “The heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant” – Galatians 4:1,2; Romans 8:17. Growing to maturity in Christ requires taking on responsibility and enduring hardness, unlike remaining a babe in Christ which comes at no cost. And the servant abides not in the house forever: but the Son abides ever – John 8:35. Sons are individuals who have grown and developed to be guided by the Spirit, who hath crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, one who is skilful in the word of righteousness – Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:24; Hebrews 5:13,14.

The Dangers of Spiritual Sloth

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster – Proverbs 18:9; they are slothful in business; and not fervent in spirit – Romans 12:11. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down –  Proverbs 24:30,31. The double-minded (two-spirited) man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, as he is unstable in all his ways – James 1:7,8.

Legal Authority of the Evil Realm

Does the evil realm hold any legal authority over us? Yes, to a certain degree, it does. During the process of renewal, only the spirit is brought back to life – John 3:6, and our conscience is purified – Hebrews 9:14/10:2; we are changed into a new being in that we are now made alive in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13.

Introduction to Spiritual Regeneration: First Resurrection Experienced at New Birth

Understanding Regeneration as Spiritual Resurrection

The work of regeneration is the resurrection of the dead. Through His eternal Spirit, God in Christ brings the dead soul to life. Raising the dead is synonymous with resurrection; the two are inextricably linked. It is the act of resuscitating someone who has died. Weren’t we all spiritually dead when God saved us through Christ? This is mentioned in Ephesians 2:1,5 and Colossians 2:13.

The Link Between Raising the Dead and Spiritual Resurrection

 Why would God save or revive us if we were not dead? For since by man (Adam) came death, by man (Jesus) also came the resurrection of the dead. This is not referring to the physical resurrection of the body, but rather the spiritual awakening that Christ came to bring about. Just as everyone dies because of Adam, everyone will be made alive in Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:21,22; Romans 5:12-21. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead; and we being dead, hath God quickened together with Christ – Colossians 2:12,13.

The Concept of Spiritual Death and Revival in Scripture

During the time of Jesus, raising the dead was considered remarkable. The focus on the bodily resurrection over the soul’s resurrection perplexes me; why would we give the bodily resurrection precedence over the soul’s resurrection? The people that Jesus raised from the dead were merely given their deteriorating bodies back; they did not obtain a glorious new body or undergo spiritual rejuvenation.

 The Essence of Spiritual Resurrection in Christ

 The Timing and Nature of the New Testament

This was because Jesus (the Testator) was still alive, and therefore the New Testament had not yet been established – Hebrews 9:16,17.

The First Resurrection and its Significance

The first resurrection of the saints’ bodies happened after Jesus Christ’s resurrection – Matthew 27:53. Jesus Christ is the first begotten of the dead – Revelation 1:5.

The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Rebirth

It was only after the arrival of the Spirit of God on the day of Pentecost that the apostles of the Lamb received the power to bring dead souls back to life. After receiving the Holy Ghost, the Apostles had great authority and power to open eyes, turn people from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God – Acts 26:18. The Spirit of Truth was not given to them until the day of Pentecost because Jesus had not yet been glorified – John 7:39; John 14:17.

Our Identity in Christ and the Reality of Spiritual Renewal

In contrast to those in the time of Jesus, God has raised us and seated us together with Christ in heavenly places in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:6. Not only did Christ’s resurrection signify his resurrection, but it also signified our own. The dead were being raised to life by God via Christ. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we are no longer in the state of death but rather in life; passed from death unto life – John 5:24. We were likewise raised from the dead and are no longer subject to death when Christ rose from the grave. It is already inherited rather than something we must wait for.

The Priority of Spiritual Resurrection Over Bodily Resurrection

Understand that it was through the gospel that they proclaimed that we were established – Romans 6:25; they didn’t even have the New Testament as we are now fortunate to have. Following the reception of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles of the Lamb began writing the New Testament; and the seven churches were established thereafter. The result of this is that we have been transformed into new beings in Christ; and we no longer know anyone according to the flesh in that sense – 2 Corinthians 5:16,17; Galatians 6:15. We have transformed into spiritual beings like Jesus Christ. As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly – 1 Corinthians 15:45-48. We are not going to Mount Zion but have already arrived and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and the spirits of just men made perfect – Hebrews 12:22,23.

Having the understanding that Christ, who has been raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has power over him – Romans 6:9. This also applies to those of us who are in Christ, as we have transitioned from death to life – John 5:24; 1 John 3:14. The former things are passed away – Revelation 21:4. Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new – 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Why have a glorified body without a glorified soul? The glorified body is a gift from God to the faithful on earth, a result of being united with Christ – Colossians 2:11; Philippians 3:21. It is a state attained through abiding in Christ. The spiritual renewal comes before the renewal of the body. Therefore, when we talk about “resurrection,” it primarily refers to spiritual rebirth.

The Greater Works and Impact of Spiritual Revival 

While he was on earth, The Lord stated that “raising the dead” should not be considered as something more significant than what they are going to accomplish, although it does hold some significance in demonstrating His power to the sinful world. He said, “Greater works than these shall ye do” – John 14:12. What could he have meant by “Greater Works”? There is only one task that I consider to be greater than what Jesus did. It is the act of bringing forth spiritual offspring through the power of the Holy Spirit, which essentially means reviving souls from spiritual death. Prior to the revelation of the path to the holiest place and the bestowal of the Holy Ghost, they symbolically raised mortal bodies, signifying the forthcoming spiritual rebirth – Hebrews 9:8; John 7:39. Following the day of Pentecost, when Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled – Acts 2:16, the once feeble disciples transformed into spiritual powerhouses, causing a significant impact on the world.

Conquering Sin and the Reality of Spiritual Deception

Witnessing Jesus raise a dead body was impactful, but they truly revolutionized the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ. They transformed hearts, leading to a transformation of the world and the dismantling of the enemy’s works.

We were previously devoid of spiritual life because of sin, but now we have been purified by the atoning blood of Jesus and have been brought back into a right relationship with God – Romans 5:1,10; 2 Corinthians 5:18.

It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that our physical bodies still possess the sinful characteristics that were passed down from our parents. The good news is that we can now conquer sin by living by the Spirit because Jesus’ death took away its sting – Galatians 5:16; Romans 6:14/8:3.

The Bible cautions against self-deception by believing that there is no sin within us, as stated in 1 John 1:8, and warns that this can lead to a heart empty of truth. According to Romans 7:17,20, sin is deeply rooted within us, giving the forces of darkness leverage. The dark world operates on lawlessness and is governed by sin, with no truth in its ruler, as mentioned in John 8:44.

The Imperative of Humility and Wisdom in Christ

Satan is capable of planting deceptive thoughts that may appear to be godly, but contradict the truth. If you allow these thoughts to take hold, they can influence your life and turn you into a hypocrite who believes they are morally superior. This is why we are encouraged to let the teachings of Christ be deeply rooted in us, guiding us with wisdom. Being humble (to be clothed with humility) is the only thing that can keep your life from being wrecked – 1 Peter 5:5.

The Ongoing Battle Against Sin and the Power of Obedience

Even though the influence of sin has been defeated for those who belong to Christ, it doesn’t mean that sin will not affect them. The important thing is that sin will not have control over them. However, it all comes down to who is in control. According to the word of God, whoever you choose to obey will determine the result “sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness” – Romans 6:16.

The Transience of the Physical Body and the Promise of Transformation

What happens to our physical body? It is now seen as a temporary dwelling on earth (a tabernacle), which will either be changed or dissolved. This outcome is determined by how we depart from this world – 1 Corinthians 15:51,52; Philippians 3:21; 2 Corinthians 5:1,4. Either we put it off or be transfigured – 2 Peter 1:13,14.

The Path of Obedience and the Price of Complacency

Obedience then involves walking in opposition to the desires of the flesh and the values of the world. It is like swimming against the current. “And there will be a price to pay in life; otherwise, it’s not genuine life that you’re seeking, but rather complacency.”

The Law of the Spirit of Life and the Choice of Allegiance

Wouldn’t it be prudent to take a moment to carefully consider the paths you are taking? The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus alone sets you free from the law of sin and death – Romans 8:2, and applying one alone replaces the other. You will either loathe one and adore the other, or you will adhere to one while despising the other. “Consider the repercussions of trying to navigate your life with both legs in two different boats. This is similar to what happens when you attempt to be a carnal Christian, trying to combine two conflicting domains.”

“The Redemptive Work of Christ”

Then you could wonder, what is the importance of Jesus bearing our sins or eliminating our sins? What does it signify that he removed our sins?

Significance of Jesus Bearing Our Sins

Jesus carrying our sins and removing our sins is significant because it symbolizes the act of taking on the burden of our sins and offering forgiveness and redemption. It means that through his sacrifice, he has taken away the guilt and consequence of the Adamic sin, allowing us to be reconciled with God. He removed our past sins – Romans 3:25; Acts 17:30; He destroyed sin’s power and removed its dominion – Romans 6:14/8:3; but that did not remove our natural inclination towards sin, did it?

Continued Significance of Jesus Removing Our Sins

Why does God still view our bodies as corrupt if it had been different? Philippians 3:1 Why does God declare our hearts as deceitful and desperately wicked? Jeremiah 17:9 Why does God tell us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds? Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23 What is the reason for purifying ourselves from all impurities of the flesh and spirit, striving for complete holiness? 2 Corinthians 7:1 What is the reason for being told to abstain from fleshly lusts, flee from all forms of unrighteousness, and put off the old man which is corrupt?

Distinguishing Between Sin and Works of the Flesh

Human Nature and Inclination Towards Sin

What about the wrongdoings that we engage in after accepting Christ? Can we label it as sin or works of the flesh? Firstly, according to the Spirit of Truth, anyone who continues to sin belongs to the devil – 1 John 3:8. Whoever is born of God does not continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them, and they cannot sin because they are born of God – 1 John 3:9. Is that a fact? This raises the question of whether sin is a collection of morally opposing traits within humans or the nature itself that Apostle John is referring to. Verse 10 highlights two characteristics of the new nature that differentiate the child of God from the children of the devil. It states that anyone who does not practice righteousness and anyone who does not love their brother is not of God – 1 John 3:10. This behaviour is the basis by which a person will be identified as belonging to one group or the other. One has the divine seed within them while the other does not, and that is what sets them apart.

Understanding the New Nature

One has a proclivity towards sin, that harbours hatred and is murderous as its founder – John 8:44; 1 John 2:9,11/3:15/4:20; the other, which is born of God, possesses a benevolent spirit that forgives and bears. The one born of God does possess both natures, so to speak; but the unregenerate is incapable or is dispossessed of working any righteousness at all. For sin dominates such.

The Struggle Between Spirit and Flesh

As a believer, I find joy in the law of God within my inner being – Romans 7:22. With my mind and spirit, I am devoted to serving the law of God; however, with my flesh, I am subject to the law of sin – Romans 7:25. The unrighteous are not so, they are dead to sin and at variance with God and the wrath of God abides in them as they are rooted in wickedness. But the righteous despite their frailty are rooted in the righteousness of God, as His seed remains in them.

Freedom from the Law

When we allow the Spirit to guide us (be led by Him), we are not bound by the law – Galatians 5:18; Romans 8:14; sin is not relevant in this context. Why? The law is the only thing that makes us aware of what sin is – Romans 7 We can only be considered to have sinned when there is a law in place. Since the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus liberates us from the law of sin and death, and when we are led by the Spirit, we are not bound by the law – Galatians 5:18; Romans 8:2, we cannot say we sin as sin has lost its power over us by the dismantling of the law.

Law and Sin

Law and sin are inextricably linked; they complement one another. One without the other does not exist. The law had a specific period of reign. It was instituted because of transgressions (the transgressions that were under the first Testament – Hebrews 9:15), TILL the seed should come to whom the promise was made – Galatians 3:19. The law was assigned as a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ, that they might be justified by faith – Galatians 3:24. But because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law, they stumbled at that stumbling stone – Romans 9:32.

The Law’s Purpose and Fulfilment

The law was given to Israel and does not concern Gentiles, so there is no need to even talk about it within the Gentile community. Why are we even bringing it up when it has no relevance to us as Gentiles? The Jews too who are part of the body of Christ should not be concerned, as they are now married to another since their first husband (the Law) has died – Romans 7:1-4. Anyone who seeks to uphold the law is obligated to follow the entire law. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all – James 2:10. Those who try to revive it are no longer benefiting from Christ, and by doing so, they fall from grace and are separated from his life – Galatians 5:4,5.

The Transition from Law to Grace

The Israelites: to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came – Romans 9:4,5. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse – Galatians 3:10. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness – Romans 9:31. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? Galatians 4:21

The Role of Love in Fulfilling the Law

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself – Galatians 5:13-14. We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren (the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost – Romans 5:5). He that loveth not his brother abides in death – 1 John 3:14. Hence, love is the complete embodiment of the law – Romans 13:10. Use love as the standard by which you assess your life. Why would you subject yourself to any kind of condemnation when love can satisfy the entire law? Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of him that calls you – Galatians 5:7-8.

Living in Righteousness Through Faith

Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all of them that believe – Romans 3:21,22. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes – Romans 10:4.

Maintaining Righteousness Through the Spirit

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit – Romans 8:3,4.

Imputed Righteousness and Freedom from the Law

Even David also describes the blessedness of the man, unto whom God IMPUTES RIGHTEOUSNESS without works – Romans 4:6-13. What is this righteousness? It is a blissful state free of the law. Do you now understand why it says, “Whoever is born of God does not sin” “for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God”? – 1 John 3:9 Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another – Romans 2:14,15.

The New Covenant and Cleansing from Sin

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Let us draw near (to God – having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus) with a true heart in full assurance of faith. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works – Hebrews 10:15-24. “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more”.

Living in the Spirit and Overcoming Sin

The question now is: How are we cleansed and justified when we sin or fall according to the flesh or stumble in our human nature? In Christ, everything is automated. Simply put, live and walk in the Spirit. What is considered a sin at this point? All unrighteousness is sin – 1 John 5:17.

Forgiveness and Cleansing through Confession

  1. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness – 1 John 1:9.
  2. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin – 1 John 1:7.
  3. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the propitiation for our sins – 1 John 2:1,2.

Freedom from Condemnation and Transformation into Righteousness

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit – Romans 8:1.

Through our birth in God, we are transformed into the righteousness of God in Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21. As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly – 1 Corinthians 15:48. As “the righteousness of God,” we are not subject to judgment by the law, which is allotted for the wicked, the lawless, the disobedient, the ungodly, and sinners, for unholy, and profane – 1 Timothy 1:9.

Distinguishing Between the Children of God and the Children of the Devil

How do we distinguish or how can we tell the difference between the children of the devil and the children of God? Whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother – 1 John 3:10. I recall a story that supports my point. By faith, Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous – Hebrews 11:4; Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous – 1 John 3:12.

Righteousness Based on Heart Alignment

They were all deemed righteous in the sight of God, not because they followed specific rules or regulations, but because their hearts aligned with God’s standards; the disposition of their hearts was consistent with God’s standards. One was driven by hate, while the other was motivated by love.

The Importance of Love and Self-Examination

Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him – 1 John 3:15. Do not pretend to follow Christianity and deceive yourselves, but instead, take the time to examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Test and evaluate yourselves – 2 Corinthians 13:5. Know ye, not yourselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5 Beloved if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another – 1 John 4:11. He that loveth not his brother abides in death – 1 John 3:14.

Characteristics of Love and Wisdom

Love suffers long and is kind; it envies not; it vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and hypocrisy – James 3:17.

Birth of the Spirit and Righteousness

To work righteousness, one must be born of God. Jesus said, “Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, HE CANNOT ENTER into the kingdom of God” – John 3:5. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but RIGHTEOUSNESS, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost – Romans 14:17. When we are born of the Spirit of God, as mentioned in John 3:6, we receive the characteristics of God – 2Peter 1:4; Hebrews 12:10,11. Our spirit that is born of God is created after God in RIGHTEOUSNESS and true holiness – Ephesians 4:24.

Righteousness by Faith, Not Works

To him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace (for God imputes righteousness without works). But to him that works not, but believeth on him that justifies the ungodly, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS – Romans 4:4-6. Because Israel sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law, they stumbled – Romans 9:32.

Living Out Righteousness

As we nurture the spirit within us – 1 Peter 2:2; Philippians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 13:9, we begin to live out the teachings of the Bible (doers of the word) – James 1:21,22, and develop expertise in understanding and applying righteous principles (become skilful in the word of righteousness) – Hebrews 5:13,14. This leads us to live in obedience to righteousness – Romans 6:16,17 – and strive for the perfection exemplified by our heavenly Father – Matthew 5:48.

The Futility of Law in Achieving Righteousness

Remember that there isn’t a single law that can help you achieve righteousness. Only God can be the source of righteousness, and it is obtained by faith. Your assumption that keeping the law will make you holy will only result in you being cast away.

Freedom from Condemnation and the Law

Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin – Romans 4:7-9. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace – Galatians 5:4.

Sin is only acknowledged when there is a set law in place – Romans 7. However, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death, and when we are guided by the Spirit, we are not under the obligation of the law – Galatians 5:18; Romans 8:2. Hence, we are unable to assert that we sin, since sin no longer holds power over us as a result of the abolishment of the law. Additionally, it is important to note that God condemned sin in the flesh of His Son, Jesus – Romans 8:3.

Wrath and Transgression

The law worketh wrath (For God hath not appointed us to wrath – 1 Thessalonians 5:9): for where no law is, THERE IS NO TRANSGRESSION – Romans 4:15. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace – Romans 6:14. If so, I don’t understand why preachers emphasize condemning believers for their sins (carnal disposition) instead of reminding them of their susceptibility (works of the flesh, which everyone is inclined towards) and the grace they receive to overcome it.

Unity in the Body of Christ

When a believer is “in Christ” (gets baptized into one body by one Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:13) he or she ceases to be an independent entity and will no longer be regarded as such; they are now an integral part of the unified body.

Brotherly Love and Compassion

Condemning a single part equates to condemning the whole body, which not only discredits Christ’s advocacy but also creates a division in the body, impeding its growth – 1 Corinthians 1:10/3:3/11:18.

Avoiding Judgment and Condemnation

Are we not one bread and members of the same body? Whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, or one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it – 1 Corinthians 12:26. This represents the profound interconnectedness present within the structure of this living organism, called Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:12.

Freedom in Christ

He who loveth God love his brother also – 1 John 4:20,21. Love does no evil, nor does it take pleasure in a brother’s misfortune. Godliness, brotherly kindness, and love go hand in hand – 2 Peter 1:7.

Discerning Legalism and False Doctrines

We all must strive towards putting off the corrupt self to partake of the divine nature – Ephesians 4:22; 2 Peter 1:4, which is crucial to the effectual working of this body – Ephesians 4:16. No one is exempt from it.

Spiritual Maturity and Growth

Do Not Speak Evil of One Another

Do not speak evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who can save and destroy: who art thou that judges another? – James 4:11,12

Honouring All Men

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood – 1 Peter 2:17.

Rejoicing in Humility

Let the brother of low degree (humiliated, in circumstances or disposition) rejoice in that he is exalted – James 1:9.

Admonishing as a Brother

Count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother – 2 Thessalonians 3:15.

Despising the Brethren

He therefore that despises the brethren, despises not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit – 1 Thessalonians 4:8.

Forgiving One Another

We ought to forbear one another, and forgive one another, even as Christ forgave us – Colossians 3:13. Before you point fingers at others, remember that you are ultimately dependent on the mercy of God.

And if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted – Galatians 6:1. Know that for his name’s sake, we are forgiven – 1 John 2:12; we all appropriate the blood of Christ to cleanse us regularly, don’t we? 1 John 1:7,9 Do we not know who accuses the brethren? Revelation 12:10

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye – Colossians 3:12,13.

Bearing One Another’s Burdens

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ – Galatians 6:2.

Being Gentle and Instructive

We (who are spiritual – 1 Corinthians 2:15; Galatians 6:1) must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves (in the spirit of meekness – Galatians 6:1); if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will – 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

Freedom from the Law through Christ

When we criticize (discriminate), we nullify the mediating roles of both the Holy Spirit and Christ. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ – Romans 7:4. Being then MADE FREE FROM SIN, ye became the servants of righteousness – Romans 6:18.

I am not saying that we cannot rebuke a person when the Holy Ghost convict sin. Rebukes are a legitimate part of God’s work, but when they emerge from self-conceitedness and Pharisaic attitude, that’s when it becomes incongruous. I am simply trying to convey that the sins represented here are no longer seen as breaking the law, but as the works of the flesh, which is our inherent sinful nature.

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death (we are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit – Romans 8:9). But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter – Romans 7:5,6.

We needed to be freed from the law not because it was evil—Romans 7:12–16 says that the law is spiritual, holy, and the commandments are good, just, and holy—but rather because we are carnal and the law wraths against such people – Romans 4:15.

Standing Fast in Liberty

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage – Galatians 5:1.

The Jewish members of the early church struggled to transition from their law-cantered way of life to the new life in Christ. They were so familiar with the Torah that it became ingrained in them. Some attempted to reintroduce or merge the laws of the old covenant into the body of Christ, which posed a threat to the growing Church. This is where the Apostle Paul intervened.

Some Christian denominations are trying to make a similar move. They aim to bring back or incorporate the old covenant laws into the Christian community, putting new believers at risk of losing the freedom found in Christ. Their commandments and regulations now serve as the criteria for accepting or excluding a believer. We are tolerated if we share their beliefs; nevertheless, those who do not are persecuted and condemned. If we conform, we are accepted; if not, we are ostracized and condemned.

Warning Against False Humility

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh? – Colossians 2:18-23

Challenges to Unity

Some Christians believe that wearing any type of jewellery, or colourful clothing, using expensive items, or indulging in eating and drinking is sinful and will harm their relationship with Christ. It is unfortunate how uninformed and misguided they are. Their baleful reaction to someone embracing such things in life can be quite intense. You can only imagine the level of hatred they may muster up when they witness someone accepting such things in life.

Avoiding Legalism

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye ABSTAIN FROM meats offered to idols, and from blood, and things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well – Acts 15:28-29.

Assurance in Christ

Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifies – Romans 8:33. Who is he that condemns? Romans 8:34 Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? – Romans 8:35. Didn’t Christ die while we were yet sinners? Are we so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:3

Maintaining Spiritual Focus

You are effectively snatching fellow believers from the grace of God and returning them to a state of bondage when you try to scrutinize human weaknesses and judge them based on their frailties, or dispositions. When the Holy Ghost is warning us: Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility – Colossians 2:18–why are we then subject to ordinances, like “touch not; taste not; handle not; which are nothing but the commandments and doctrines of men; which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh – Colossians 2:21-23. With the mind/spirit I serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin – Romans 7:25.

Striving for Spiritual Growth

Regardless of whether we agree with it or not, the truth is that I am committed to serving the law of God with my mind/spirit, but I am also subject to the law of sin with my flesh (if we say that we have no unrighteousness, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us – 1 John 1:8). If there is sin in us, we are destined to serve it in some way; we are obligated to address it in some way. That is why, in His benevolence, God has assigned an advocate to intercede/ plead on our behalf – Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:27,34; 1 John 2:1. What is the purpose of Christ continuing forever and having an unchangeable priesthood if not? Hebrews 7:24,25

Struggle Between Flesh and Spirit

I wouldn’t say that both agree with each other; in fact, they are in opposition – Galatians 5:17, which is why a believer is constantly in a state of struggle. And as long as we are cocooned in an earthly tabernacle and have to deal with its dominion of corruption, we cannot pretend that it does not exist, nor can we starve it in any manner, until the Lord transforms our vileness to match His body – Philippians 3:21. It takes time and spiritual maturity to bring the flesh into subjection. To control our bodies, we must mature in the spirit and be led by God’s Spirit. If we remain spiritually immature, we are still focused on worldly desires. The heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant – Galatians 4:1; and the servant abides not in the house forever: but the Son abides ever – John 8:35.

The Path to Spiritual Maturity

We can only bring our bodies under control if we mature according to the spirit and allow ourselves to be guided by the Spirit of God. Otherwise, to whom we yield ourselves, servants to obey, his servants we are to whom we obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness – Romans 6:16.

Maturing in Spirit

The power of a new believer in Christ is derived solely from the strength that is already accessible to them, which is their human nature. They are full of emotional energy during this time. Their spiritual maturity is still developing. Certainly, their soul was rejuvenated and their spirit was revived by the Holy Ghost, but there is still a considerable journey ahead to achieve full maturity. Such a one lacks spiritual strength (he/she is unskilful in the word of righteousness – Hebrews 5:13,14), but his or her flesh is strong, and it is only the available strength that we choose to rely on. Only when the spirit becomes stronger can the flesh be weakened.

Prayer for Strength

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16.

Overcoming Worldly Desires

How else are we going to subject our bodies? If we continue to remain immature in our spirit like the church in Corinth – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, we will still be focused on worldly desires and embrace earthly wisdom, driven by our senses, and influenced by the devil. This leads to discord, confusion, and the presence of every kind of evil – James 3:9-18.

Holiness Through Connection to God

As a result, our flaws or dispositions do not serve as criteria for evaluating holiness. God attributes holiness. It must originate from God and not from simply following a rule. We become holy because the source to which we are connected is holy; we become holy because His seed remains in us – 1 John 3:9; Ephesians 4:24. As we stay connected to Christ, we gradually become more like him in all aspects through the Spirit. The distinction between New Testament believers and the old is that they adhered to the law and failed – Hebrews 7:18,19/12:20; Romans 8:3; 1 Corinthians 10:3,4; John 6:48-50, while we now follow Christ and are transformed into his likeness, from one degree of glory to another, by the Spirit of the Lord – 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Value of Spiritual Criteria Over Fleshly Judgment

Churches have even elevated “the weakness of the flesh” to the level of divine prohibitions, employing them to pass judgment and discriminate against believers. However, the Holy Ghost reminds us that these things hold no true value, as they are not the criteria by which a believer is justified before God.

Acknowledging Trials in Life

Jesus declared, “In this world, you will have troubles” – John 16:33. Difficulties can manifest in various ways such as Family conflicts, broken families, divorces, unruly kids, illness, promiscuity, gluttony, mishaps, adultery, fornication, financial crises, covetousness, disasters, epidemics, premature deaths, and other situations can all be sources of trouble. No one can confidently claim immunity from such trials. It would be foolish to boast about being unaffected. A fool would just claim to be immune to it. Without the grace of God protecting us, no one can navigate this world without being affected in some way.

Equality in God’s Eyes

While some people have succumbed to their depravity (moral corruption), others, such as the modern-day Sadducees and Pharisees, can conceal their depravity, project an image of being above it, and win the favour of the public. However, in God’s eyes, we are all the same; our righteousness is like soiled clothes – Isaiah 64:6. You cannot convince God that your frail brother is unholy and you are a saint. If God were to examine our hearts, the person who appears to be righteous before others would fall shorter than the one who seems to be weak in the eyes of others.

Warning Against Hypocrisy

God abhors hypocrisy, as He has cautioned believers about it in Matthew 16:6. He likened hypocrisy to leaven – Luke 12:1, warning that if left unchecked, it can contaminate our entire being – Galatians 5:9.

Spiritual Standards of Behaviour

Who among men can claim they have never lusted in their hearts? Is there anyone among humanity who can honestly claim that they have never felt lust in their hearts? According to God, if you have lusted even once, you have committed adultery in your heart. Similarly, if you have harboured hatred even once, you have committed murder in the eyes of God. And if you have coveted or succumbed to any unrighteous act even once, you have committed idolatry. These principles are outlined in Matthew 5:28, 1 John 3:15, and Colossians 3:5.

Warning Against Gluttony and Hypocrisy

If you have a passion for food and indulge in eating excessively, it may indicate an idolatrous heart. I am aware of many preachers who criticize believers in other areas, yet they struggle with overeating (gluttonous), holding grudges against fellow believers, and loving Mammon. How do you make sense of that?

The Law of Christ and Sinful Thoughts

“When the law condemns someone for breaking a command, the law of Christ declares that even the moment a person’s heart entertains sinful thoughts, it is considered as a sin. Jesus ensured that no one could be considered righteous by their actions in front of God.”

None Righteous, No, Not One

As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one – Romans 3:10.

The Pharisee and the Publican Parable

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her – John 8:7.

Let’s understand the significance of the parable of Jesus, which reinforces the point I am presenting here.

Jesus spoke this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and DESPISED OTHERS:

Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you; this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; he that humbles himself shall be exalted – Luke 18:9-14.

Misconceptions in Church Judgment

Once, I remember a situation where I visited a megachurch pastor seeking guidance and support. Upon learning about a mistake, I had made in my life that they considered serious, the young pastor told me that I could stay with them for a while but was not allowed to take part in the Lord’s supper or serve others in matters related to the Lord.

I learned that Christ died for sinners, but now I see that some people believe Christ only belongs to those who are righteous and that the Lord detests anyone who falters in life; that the Lord would disapprove if someone made a mistake in life. That’s what their approach conveyed to me. It seems like you can only approach the throne of grace if your life is going well like theirs. How do they understand the passage “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”? Hebrews 4:16 And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous – 1 John 2:1.

I comprehended the message they were trying to convey. They were implying that my past actions had tainted me and made me unworthy of the Lord. It was clear that they saw themselves as holier than me, believing themselves to be faultless men chosen and anointed by the Lord. I can’t fathom the extent of their misconceptions and their ignorance of the principles of the New Testament life.

Jesus stated that those who are healthy do not require a physician, but those who are sick do – Luke 5:31 However, preachers claim that only the righteous can approach the Lord. What a contradiction!

Self-Deception and Spiritual Maturity

For if a man thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself – Galatians 6:3.

Living in Sanctification and Honour

Every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour – 1 Thessalonians 4:4.

Called Unto Holiness

God hath not called us unto uncleanness but unto holiness – 1 Thessalonians 4:7.

Understanding Spiritual Growth

This is a set of instructions that communicates the level of maturity that God wants us to reach, rather than just a set of rules to read and instantly be changed by.

As a new believer, it’s normal to behave childishly, but as you mature in faith or grow spiritually, you put away childish ways. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, growth leads to leaving sinful behaviours behind. For a babe in Christ is unskilful in the word of righteousness – Hebrews 5:13,14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.

The Refining Process

Looking back, I can see how foolishly I lived in the past, indulging in corruption even though I knew it was wrong. Sin had a grip on me until the Holy Spirit guided me through a refining process and sanctified me. The Bible teaches that suffering in the flesh leads to freedom from sin – 1 Peter 4:1. Our earthly parents verily for a few days chastened us after their pleasure; but God for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterwards (if we endure), it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby – Hebrews 12:5-11.

Compassion and Understanding

It’s concerning to think about how this might anger the Lord and how they will have to answer to Him eventually. Why do they fail to comprehend the compassion of Jesus, and when they claim to have the mindset of Christ, they display the mindset of the devil?

Jesus said, “Allow the little children (Paidion – figuratively, an immature Christian), and don’t forbid them to come to me: for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these” – Matthew 19:14. The Lord’s work involves healing those with broken hearts and tending to their wounds – Psalms 147:3; Luke 4:18. The Lord has a grievance against the leaders of the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them – Ezekiel 34:4.

The Transformative Power of the Word

The word of God reveals to us the qualities our spirits should exhibit. It reminds us of the nature we should partake of, corresponding to the word of God. It is not just a list of rules, but a guide that directs us towards the kind of people we should strive to be. It is through aligning with the nature of God that we come to embody the principles of the word of God.

If a woman or man is not showing the nature portrayed in the Scriptures, it is not a sign of disobedience to the law but spiritual immaturity. One hasn’t grown according to the spirit. Humility or any other virtues are not the effect of following a precept but the fruit of the Spirit, which we yield when become doers of the word of God. We obey because we are. What we are within or what we ought to be is what the word reveals. The word of God shows us the real us and transforms us to its virtue.

If a person does not exhibit the nature portrayed in the Scriptures, it is a sign of spiritual immaturity, not disobedience to the law. Humility and other virtues are not the result of following a rule, but of yielding to the Spirit and becoming doers of the word of God. We obey because of who we are. The word of God reveals our true selves and transforms us to reflect its virtues.

If a woman or man does not exhibit the character depicted in the Scriptures, it is not an indication of disobedience to the law but rather a sign of spiritual immaturity. One has not matured according to the spirit. Humility or any other virtues are not the result of following a rule but the outcome of the Spirit, which we demonstrate when we become practitioners of the word of God. We obey because of who we are according to the spirit. The Word reveals what we are within or what we are meant to be. The word of God reveals our true selves and changes us to reflect its virtues. We receive life, freedom, and authority through the knowledge breathed into us by the Spirit of God, which reveals our true identity and position.

The Example of Christ

Jesus KNOWING (became aware – as he grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him – Luke 2:40) that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God, and went to God; He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself – John 13:3,4. As we mature in the spirit, the Spirit of God imparts knowledge to us through the word of God, enlightening our minds to understand. Christ left us an example, that we should follow his steps – 1 Peter 2:21; and as he is, so are we in this world – 1 John 4:17.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple – Psalm 119:130.

Holiness and Authority

Simply being adept at following some of the New Testament commands doesn’t elevate a pastor or believer above others in terms of holiness; nor does obtaining a college degree automatically place you at the pinnacle of authority (it is the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered – Colossians 2:19 – if the root be holy, so are the branches – Romans 11:16 – we partake of the divine nature and His holiness by abiding in Christ. His word and the Spirit are what cleanse us). For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? – Luke 22:27.

The Reality of Spiritual Position

Regardless of your spiritual position, can you honestly say that your flesh has any goodness? How dare many of us then bring accusations against the brethren? Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord – 2 Peter 2:11. But you believe that just because you have a degree and serve in the Church, you are immune to judging God’s elect?

The Ministry of Equipping and Perfecting

Certainly, as we grow in spiritual maturity, God may appoint some to judge those within the faith community in order to equip and perfect the believers. This is why the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers is provided – Ephesians 4:11. We are given authority to address disobedience once our own obedience is fulfilled – 2 Corinthians 10:6. I am not opposed to this, but speaking ill of others from a self-righteous attitude is what leads to evil.

Walking in the Spirit and Fulfilling the Law

By following the Spirit, we fulfil the righteousness of the law within us – Romans 8:4; it’s as simple as that. How do we address our flesh’s tendency to engage in sin and unrighteous works? The answer is in the holy Scriptures. According to 1 John 1:7, if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. It is essentially an automated process. God expects us to move and live in the Spirit, appropriating the merits of Christ Jesus.

Maturing in the Spirit

Walking as he is in the light can involve labouring in the Spirit, praying in the Holy Ghost, actively following the word of God, doing his will, living in the Spirit, and walking in love, among other things. Achieving this state requires a level of spiritual maturity. The young lamb can only rely on the scent of its mother sheep because its vision is not fully developed, while the adult sheep recognizes the voice of its shepherd and obediently follows him. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me – John 10:27.

Understanding "They Cannot Sin"

The statement “They cannot sin” does not imply that a born-again person would never sin. It does not mean that in that sense. Rather, it means that since the seed of God remains in them, they are rooted in the love of God, in which all the law is fulfilled – as stated in Galatians 5:14 and Romans 13:8-10.

The Nature of Sin and Law

There can be no sin if there is no law. Sin is the transgression of the law – 1 John 3:4; and where no law is, there is no transgression – Romans 4:15. Sin became a sin with the bringing of the law – Romans 5:13/7:5,7,9. If no law is enacted, does a court have the authority to condemn anyone? No, a person can only be deemed a transgressor based on a law that has been passed. If not, what offence has he or she committed? How would you convict someone of a crime if you are unable to identify the specific legislation that they broke? A court cannot exist without legislation being enacted. It is known as “the court of law” for this reason.

Understanding Righteousness

Similarly, when you read in the gospels a feature being conferred to few that says, “They both were righteous” Luke 1:6 was not discussing their inner disposition, but rather their reaction to the set of laws to which they are subject. Those who obeyed the law of Moses were considered righteous.

Righteousness Through Regeneration

A person who upholds or obeys God’s law is said to be righteous. However, members of the body of Christ are not made righteous by observing the law, but rather by regeneration, as they receive the Spirit of Sonship, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness – 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 10:10; Ephesians 4:24. At regeneration we awake to righteousness – 1 Corinthians 1:30/15:34. A person receives a new identity at the new birth; they are now a different creature – 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15—more specifically, they are the righteousness of God. What sets them apart is the incorruptible seed that they contain. If the root is holy, so are the branches – Romans 11:16.

The Impact of Sin

Is sin still a significant force to be considered? If God had condemned sin in the flesh of Jesus and declared that it should not have dominion over those born of God to the extent that the word of God states that we cannot sin, then does sin still hold any value or power as we often emphasise or amplify it?

“The Law, Grace, and Christian Identity” 

The Nullification of Sin's Power

If the law revealed sin, and the power of sin is the law, does sin still have any worth, or can it gloat over us now that the law has been repealed; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances? – Ephesians 2:15; Hebrews 7:18,19; Galatians 5:18 The law made sin apparent and gave strength to sin – 1 Corinthians 15:56; then by annulling the law, sin no longer holds merit or can crow over us. Thereby, our covenant with death and our agreement with hell got disannulled – Isaiah 28:18; 1 Corinthians 15:55.

The New Covenant and Grace

Hadn’t God cancelled the old covenant because he found it to be faulty? He built a new covenant based on better promises – Hebrews 8:6-10. The law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound – Romans 5:20; which grace, came by Jesus Christ – John 1:17. We are become dead to the law by the body of Christ – Romans 7:4. And sin is not imputed when there is no law – Romans 5:13.

The Purpose of the Law

The law was merely a supplement—it was added in response to violations – Galatians 3:19; The law was introduced as a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ – Galatians 3:24,25; the law was not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons – 1 Timothy 1:9,10; and the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression – Romans 4:15.

The Superiority of the Promise

However, the covenant that God established with Abraham existed before the law was even introduced, and it was validated before God in Christ. As a result, even though the law was created 430 years later, it cannot invalidate and render the promise of no effect – Galatians 3:17.

The New Way of Righteousness

Now how are the unrighteous deeds being considered? It has been reduced to mere “works of the flesh” and the righteous deeds as the fruit of the Spirit. The law is incapable of imparting God’s righteousness, so it was stripped of its power, so to speak. Now a new and living way, hath been consecrated for us – Hebrews 10:20; by which we can bring forth fruit unto God – Romans 7:4. By following this path, we not only receive the righteousness of God credited to us, but we also fulfil the righteousness of the law within ourselves – Romans 4:6,11-24/ 8:4. Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested – Romans 3:21. Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness; to whom the Lord will not impute sin – Romans 4:6,8. Hasn’t another law been implemented? Yes, the law of the life-giving Spirit in Jesus Christ. It is a law of the heart that the Holy Spirit has inscribed – Hebrews 10:16. By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified – Hebrews 10:14; the spirits of just men made perfect – Hebrews 12:23.

The Practical Outworking of Salvation”

The Battle Against Fleshly Lusts

Is it possible for us to break and overcome that law of the heart? Indeed, we certainly could, if we don’t refrain from giving in to our sensual cravings (fleshly lusts) that war against our souls – 1 Peter 2:11; which war against the law of our minds, to bring us into captivity again – Romans 7:23. If we deviate from the path and follow the desires of the flesh, we will be considered to have sinned against Christ –1 Corinthians 8:12. It’s a violation that affects the entire body.

Living Beyond the Flesh

In the New Testament, when you encounter the phrase “sin not” as found in 1 John 2:1, it does not simply mean to avoid breaking the law, but rather to refrain from living according to fleshly lusts. For if we live after the flesh, we shall die – Romans 8:13. “Abstain, “Mortify” “Subjugate” “Flee” “Put Off” “Lay Aside” “Lay Apart” “Cleanse Ourselves” are the terms coined in the New Testament in dealing with unrighteousness – Acts 15:20,28,29; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5,8,9; 1 Corinthians 6:18/ 9:27; Ephesians 4:22; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Timothy 6:11; James 1:21; 2 Corinthians 7:1 – KJV.

Guarding the Heart

For this reason, before partaking in the Lord’s Supper, we are instructed to think about recognising the body of Christ into which we are infused – 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body – 1 Corinthians 12:13. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread – 1 Corinthians 10:17. “Since life’s challenges stem from the heart – Mark 7:20-23; Luke 6:45, it is crucial to protect it with great care – Proverbs 4:23.” You risk corrupting yourself if you choose to ignore it or lower your guard – Mark 7:20-23; Hebrews 12:15; James 3.

Living in Righteousness

If we ignore it, we could bring condemnation upon us in the form of infirmities, sickness and even death – 1 Corinthians 11:27-30. Sin is no longer just breaking the law, but rather the result of human nature. We need to control or counter it by walking in the Spirit and partaking in divine nature and holiness; Righteousness is no longer achieved by obeying the law; instead, we are made righteous through the process of regeneration. The presence of the incorruptible seed within us leads us to live a holy life –1 John 3:9; 1Peter 1:23. We are begotten into an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled – 1 Peter 1:4; God hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light – Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:18.

Unity and Responsibility in the Body

Committing sins (or carnal living) after accepting Christ is viewed as a transgression against Him, as we are no longer seen as separate individuals but as integral parts of the body of Christ – 1Corinthians 12:12. The whole body is now fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies; holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together – Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19; ye are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit – Ephesians 2:22; fitly framed together as a holy temple in the Lord – Ephesians 2:21. If we harbour hatred towards our fellow believers, even though it may not result in physical harm, it is still equivalent to killing them in the eyes of God. It shows that we have not truly embraced the life of Christ and are merely pretending to be part of the Christian community – 1 John 2:9,11/ 3:15/4:20. Jesus said, for every tree is known by his fruit – Luke 6:44.

Sinning within this living organism (the ecclesia of God) is a sin against the entire body. When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or when one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it – 1 Corinthians 12:26; Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular – 1 Corinthians 12:27. It is crucial to strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, as stated in Ephesians 4:3. This is because there is only one body and one Spirit, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:4. Additionally, sinning against fellow believers is considered as sinning against Christ, according to 1 Corinthians 8:12. The efficient functioning of each part is anticipated – Ephesians 4:16, and this can only be accomplished by remaining connected to the vine, which is Christ, and allowing His word to dwell in us abundantly with all wisdom – John 15:5; Colossians 3:16; James 1:21,22. Perfecting of the saints is what the Holy Ghost does to make it grow unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ – Ephesians 4:12,13; Philippians 3:15; James 1:4; Hebrews 6:1; 2 Corinthians 13:9; Matthew 5:48 – KJV

What exactly does a law represent? Or What does a law signify?

The Authority of the Law

It has the authority to either bestow life or death. No one is exempt, yet everyone within its jurisdiction must follow the law. Now we’re talking about a legislation that affects the members of our body – Romans 7:23. Unlike the law of the Spirit of Life, which empowers you to work righteousness and leads to eternal life, the other one coerces you into sinful passions and unrighteousness, resulting in death. “Obedience to life or sin to death”. The outcome is determined by whom we submit ourselves as servants – Romans 6:16.

Works of Righteousness and the Spirit

Works of Righteousness are not simply good behaviour, but rather a state of being. If it were merely good traits, then that would imply that the unregenerate, who receive common grace, are also righteous, but this is not the case. Righteousness comes only from being born of God. It is the presence of the spirit of God within a person that makes them righteous – 1 Corinthians 2:12. No one can be justified by their actions or deeds of the flesh.

The Power of Sin and Obedience

“It is a power that one must constantly struggle against, especially if it resides in our body, making the struggle all the more difficult” – Romans 7:3 Non-believers are bound by sin (enslaved to sin); therefore, they do not resist it but instead take pleasure in it; whereas believers are repulsed by it and must confront it as its purpose is to bring them back into the bondage of sin – Romans 7:23. The righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds – 2 Peter 2:8.

The positive aspect is that Jesus, understanding the weakness of humanity, requested from the Father, and bestowed upon us His eternal Spirit to dwell within us. Therefore, a believer is inhabited by the Spirit of God and has the Spirit of Sonship, enabling us to call out to God as our loving Father. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift a standard against him to give us victory – Isaiah 59:19. If we walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh – Galatians 5:16.

The Battle Within

In every believer, there are two opposing laws at work. The flesh desires against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. One law supports the desires of the flesh, while the other supports the Spirit. One seeks to harm you, while the other seeks to save you.

The Influence of the Heart

Jesus taught that the streams flow from within the heart; and that what comes out of the heart is what truly matters. Whatever we labour and maintain within the heart is what will ultimately flow out from our hearts. “The tongue has the power to bring both death and life” – Proverbs 18:21. Can the tongue speak without the influence of the heart? The words spoken by the mouth reflect the content of the heart or the character and wisdom of the spirit within a person. A change of heart or a spiritual transformation is the only way to set things on the right path. If the heart is filled with darkness, it will affect the entire being, and the words spoken will reflect that darkness. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks – Luke 6:45. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting – Galatians 6:7,8.

Transformation Through the Heart

Do you understand the importance of Jesus’s statement “You must be born again”? In saying this, Jesus was implying that the only way for a person to truly change their ways is by making their heart right, and this can only be achieved through God’s intervention. The influence of the law or any other external factor can only go so far, but true transformation comes from the touch of the divine on the heart.

The Consequence of Ignoring the Heart

We are advised to guard our hearts diligently because it is the source of our life. This caution is necessary due to the dual nature that a person experiences after being born again. The outcome is determined by what we sow inside, and plant within. The Sower must sow the Word to bring its bounty – Mark 4:14; to him that sow’s righteousness shall be a sure reward – Proverbs 11:18,19. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit – Matthew 7:16-18. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit – Matthew 12:33.

I went by the field of the slothful (one who refused to sow the word of God into his spirit), and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down; and bring no fruit to perfection – Proverbs 24:30,3; Mark 4:7,18,19.

The Two Streams

See why the Holy Ghost forbids us from pursuing fleshly lusts? Since it battles the soul – 1 Peter 2:11. The stream that emerges from within gets murkier the longer you allow it to run wild. On the other hand, rivers of living water will gradually but surely start to emanate from within us if we mortify the works of the flesh (put to death the actions driven by worldly desires, the sinful passions) and live by the Spirit, or the law of the Spirit of life (the principles that Christ hath set forth).

Cultivating Spiritual Growth

Fruit cannot be expected to develop while the plant is still tender and young. To watch it develop into a high-yielding fruit-bearing plant, we must give it the necessary conditions and nourishment. Before it can produce much fruit, it needs to undergo some pruning and purging when the time is right – John 15:2. Because this plant underwent grafting, in contrast to other plants – Romans 11:17,24, it will go wild if left unchecked; care must be taken to stop the old shoots from emerging.

Guarding Against Spiritual Corruption

Are old shoots a representation of the wild nature? Isn’t it written in the Bible to “Put off” the corrupt old man? Doesn’t the Bible tell us to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit”? Isn’t it also written to “abstain from fleshly lusts”? And doesn’t the Bible instruct us to put away our wicked traits? Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:8; 2 Corinthians 7:1 These are the superfluous shoots that have the potential to proliferate and destroy the plant. Let’s see what the master gardener says. Jesus said, if we let the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, pleasures of this life and the lusts of other things enter in or infiltrate our hearts, it chokes the word we received in the heart, and makes us unfruitful – Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14.

The Essence of Eternal Life

Can you now say that simply believing in Jesus Christ is enough to bring about life, or is there a way of life that Jesus has introduced that must be followed to enter into life? I’m not discussing the justification of life that we receive through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. I’m referring to life beyond the initial point of being justified by faith; being freed from the condemnation of Adam and being made right with God. I am referring to the concept of “moving beyond the basic teachings about Christ and advancing toward maturity,” “and” perfecting holiness” as stated in Hebrews 6:1; and 2 Corinthians 7:1.

The Gift of Eternal Life

Many people assume that eternal life is something we receive after we die, but in reality, it is a gift that we receive at the moment of our spiritual rebirth, and it is experienced in the present age. We come to know that we have eternal life when we believe in the name of the Son of God – John 10:10/20:31; 1 John 5:13. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son; He that hath the Son hath life – 1 John 5:11,12. In simple terms, if you have the Son, you possess eternal life. How can you possess Christ? Through the work of the Spirit’s regeneration, you partake in His life. When you acquire God’s love, it signifies eternal life within you – 1 John 3:15; Romans 5:5. “Incorruptible seed” refers to a life-giving and eternal force that brings about a new birth – 1 Peter 1:23 Your renewed spirit is the key to eternal life, and the spirit you receive from God is both incorruptible and eternal. It is God’s seed, and when the incorruptible seed is infused into you, you may say that death has been swallowed up in victory; the corruptible has put on incorruption; and we have passed from death to life. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive – 1 Corinthians 15:22. That is why we are urged to put on the new self, created after God in righteousness and true holiness – Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3;10. Your election by God makes it possible. It is the entrance into God’s kingdom – John 3:3-6 – through which the Holy Spirit pours out His love in our hearts – Romans 5:5. Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more; death has no more dominion over him – Romans 6:9; therefore, how can we, who are dead and have been raised with him, die anymore? Colossians 2:12,13; Ephesians 2:4-6; Romans 6:4 Doesn’t that imply that possessing eternal life makes us immune to death?

The Transformation of the Body

Putting on Incorruption

When it is said, there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defiles, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, nor makes a lie – Revelation 21:27; flesh and blood cannot inherit; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption – 1 Corinthians 15:50, it means, that we must put on incorruption– this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality—this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:53,54. When do we get to put it on? At new birth – 1 Peter 1:23. “Putting on” immortality also means being “clothed upon” with a heavenly body – 2 Corinthians 5:2,4.

Transformation Through Eternal Life

What I am trying to convey is that without eternal life dwelling within a person, the body won’t transform. The body’s transformation is contingent upon the presence of eternal life within. The unification of the divine spirit and the renewed body culminates in a state of magnificent liberation of the children of God upon the fulfilment of salvation (the glory which shall be revealed in us – Romans 8:18-25). This is when the process of salvation is finished. We eagerly await the redemption of our bodies.

The Power of Resurrection

Jesus said that only as a child can one enter the kingdom of God – John 3:3-6, and that it is only through the regeneration of the Spirit that we can become like little children – Matthew 18:3. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory – 1 Corinthians 15:54. By the new birth we have passed from death unto life – John 5:24; 1 John 3:14. Death has no more hold on a person who is risen with Christ – Colossians 2:12,13; Ephesians 2:6; Romans 6:5. If we’ve been raised with Christ how can we say that he will resurrect us again. Only our vile bodies require a transmutation – Philippians 3:21. We have experienced the power of the resurrection at the new birth; we’ve been raised to life according to the spirit by the resurrection of Christ.

Christ's Achievement for Us

Know this truth: what Christ achieved; he did not achieve for himself. Being the life, he did not require any of these things, but he did all this so that we might come to possess all that he has. Therefore, when he achieves this, it is as if we have achieved it. His triumph and overcoming are seen as ours. His triumph and accomplishments are regarded as a shared collective honour. When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it – 1 Corinthians 12:26. That’s why we get to share in His sufferings – 1 Peter 4:13; Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Corinthians 1:5. The only difference is that he did it for us, as we were unable to accomplish anything. Just as the transgression of Adam was attributed to us and all died as a result, in the same way, through the righteousness of one, life has been attributed to those who believe – 1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5.

Quickened and Raised with Christ

When we were dead in sins, God hath quickened us together with Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:5,6. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins – Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13.

Completion of Salvation and Resurrection Power

I’m not claiming that salvation is complete and that we’ve attained it; we can’t say that because our bodies must also experience the resurrection power, or the victory will be incomplete. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect but I follow after to attain – Philippians 3:12; I keep under my body and bring it into subjection – 1 Corinthians 9:27; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead (the amalgamation of the revived spirit and the transformed body) – Philippians 3:11.

Spiritual Awakening and Physical Transformation

The concept of “resurrection of the dead” has two aspects: spiritual awakening and physical transformation. People that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined – Isaiah 9:2; For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:6. And this knowledge of God is life eternal – John 17:3. This is the spiritual awakening that occurs to those who are born of God. The quickening of God is the new birth, awakening a soul to righteousness. Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light – Ephesians 5:14. Arise, shine; for thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee – Isaiah 60:1. The Psalmist prayed, let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live – Psalm 119:77; Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned – Lamentations 5:21; And through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light (of the knowledge of the glory of God) to them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death – Luke 1:78,79.

“Oh Glory to God He has lifted me up,

He has lifted me up I know.

He stretched out His hand and He lifted me up.

And that’s why I love Him so

I love Him more and more (2)
And when I stand upon the other shore
I’ll praise Him more and more.”

Resurrection of the Body

Without undergoing the initial phase, you cannot undergo the second. The awakening of the spirit, or the work of regeneration, precedes the resurrection of the body. Both the wicked and the righteous will experience the resurrection of their bodies, but the distinction lies in one being unto life (glory and honour and immortality, eternal life – Romans 2:7) and the other unto damnation – John 5:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Romans 2:8,9/9:22.

Presence of Love as Evidence of Eternal Life

Passing from death to life is known by the presence of love (of God) within you. If love is absent, it is a sign that you are in a state of death and do not have eternal life within you – 1 John 3:14,15/4:20,21 Eternal life is to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ – John 17:3; now, after that, ye have known God, or rather are known of God – Galatians 4:9; 1 John 2:13,14; every one that loveth is born of God, and knows God – 1 John 4:7; He that loveth not knows not God; for God is love – 1 John 4:8. When you are born again of the incorruptible word seed – 1 Peter 1:23 – that is how you get begotten unto a lively hope, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled – 1 Peter 1:3,4. And the evidence is the love of God in your heart – as stated in 1 John 3:14,15. The outcome is also determined by the type of wisdom you choose to embrace. The “law of sin and death” is draped with a wisdom which is earthly, sensual and devilish; but the wisdom from above is pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and hypocrisy – James 3:14-17.

Need for Regular Self-Reflection Guided by the Holy Spirit

Is it not essential to regularly self-reflect? And can we accomplish it on our own? No, we require the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It requires time to become familiar with the ways of the Spirit, and it is only by the sanctification of the Spirit and the washing of water by the Word that we shall achieve perfect alignment with God.

I can assure you that you cannot develop a profound and authentic relationship with God overnight. I have been striving to follow the guidance of the Spirit for nearly 37 years, and I can attest that God will test every step you take towards Him. He will evaluate the motivations of your heart through His Word before fully entrusting Himself to you – Hebrews 4:12; Psalms 7:9/ 105:19; Proverbs 17:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Deuteronomy 8:2.

The Potency of Christ's Blood

The blood of Jesus renders the power of sin ineffective in a believer, but it causes chaos in the heart of a sinner as it holds such control over them. Are you aware of the seriousness of this situation? I am because I was the worst of sinners saved by God’s grace. I understand the burden of sin and how it has affected me. I know its cruelty and its deceitfulness. But I also understand the strength of God’s saving grace in Christ Jesus.

Yes, it is real and I have tasted it in my life. God’s grace reached out to the most miserable and found me. O taste and see that the Lord is good – Psalm 34:8. Have you experienced the joy of the Holy Ghost and the Love of God?

Authenticity of Conversion and Transformative Power

Have you truly encountered the essence of life, which is found in Christ, or are you merely a believer in name only, having joined the community of believers because your family are Christians? Do you witness the transformative power of Christ working within you? Have you experienced the Holy Ghost’s transformational power? Have you ever felt convicted by the Holy Ghost of your sinfulness? Have you felt the joy of the Holy Ghost and the love of God? Do you sense Christ’s power transforming you from the inside? Are you hungry for God’s word? These are the conditions that a true conversion must meet.

The potency of Christ’s blood is such that it dispossessed the enemy of our soul of his power and control. Sin was the weapon of the choice of the wicked, but God condemned sin in the flesh of His Son Jesus, rendering the kingdom of the wicked powerless. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:2

Contrasting Wisdom

The book of James discusses the contrast between two types of wisdom that every believer must navigate – James 3. One realm follows the “law of sin and death” while the other follows “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus”– Romans 6:22/7:5/8:2,13. However, for the unregenerate, sin reigns supreme.

Sanctification and Spiritual Warfare

Our struggle against sin starts the day we come into Christ’s life. Only believers, as opposed to the wicked, face an opponent. Given that sin is his master, why would a sinner engage in combat? However, once he or she is set free from the power of sin, a born-again believer faces opposition. The kingdom of the dark world desires to reclaim its captives, and it will pursue them until the body of sin is put off. Sanctification is therefore essential to living a successful life –1 Thessalonians 4:3/5:21-23.

Consequences of Good and Evil

“Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul that does evil; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good” – Romans 2:9,10. This statement seems to reflect a contrast between the consequences for those who do evil and those who do good. It suggests that tribulation and anguish will befall those who engage in wrongdoing, particularly those who live according to their base desires and are spiritually immature. On the other hand, glory, honour, and peace are promised to those who engage in good deeds. This dichotomy implies a moral framework where actions have corresponding outcomes, with negative consequences for evil deeds and positive rewards for good actions.

Putting on the New Man

We must always put on the Lord Jesus Christ (that is, to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness), making no provision for the body to fulfil its lusts – Romans 13:14; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; abstaining from fleshly lusts that war against the soul – 1 Peter 2:11; and thus, giving no place to the devil – Ephesians 4:27. The process of sanctification is just the replacement of the old corrupt nature with the divine nature and holiness – Hebrews 12:10; 2 Peter 1:4.

Purification through Trials

Corruption is not entirely eradicated but rather diminished or desensitized by subjecting individuals to challenging experiences or trials. It mentions a metaphorical “baptism with fire” that serves as a sanctification process, allowing the spirit to operate more freely by reducing resistance. This concept suggests that facing difficulties or hardships can purify individuals and facilitate spiritual growth. For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God – 1 Peter 4:1,2; Hebrews 12:5-11.

If you see previous inclinations coming back, don’t be surprised; they may even seem to be present. Though it could give the impression that it is still alive, it has ended and is lifeless. It may fool us into thinking it’s still powerful, but that’s not the case. Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord; and yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead – Romans 6:11,13.

Participation in Christ's Death and Resurrection

Through the crucifixion of Christ, we are called to recognize that our old selves were also crucified alongside him. The Bible confirms that we have been made alive with Christ, sharing in his death and resurrection, which is symbolically represented in the act of baptism. Ephesians 2:1,5,6; Colossians 2:12,13; and Romans 6:3,4 all convey the message that God has brought us back to life with Christ, enabling us to participate in his death and resurrection, a significance that is deeply ingrained in the ritual of water baptism.

We are instructed to discard the corrupt old nature, as there is no reason to carry something dead. It is akin to shedding old skin. The old sinful nature, which was crucified with Christ, must be removed to avoid becoming unpleasant.

The Genesis Analogy

The book of Genesis reflects the condition of the human heart. Just as a baby’s soul is surrounded by the womb’s water, so is the soul of man. When God says, “Let there be light,” the soul breaks forth from the dark watery realm into the world’s light. Jesus Christ is the light that shines in darkness; the true Light, which lights every man that cometh into the world – John 1:5,9. God must speak for something to come forth into being—for He upholds all things by the word of his power (before and after) – John 6:44; Hebrews 1:3.

The Human Condition and God’s Sustenance

If God doesn’t uphold all things, nothing can remain intact. Even the very breath that sustains all living creatures comes from God. The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life – Job 33:4. God Yahweh, created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it – Isaiah 42:5. David, the Psalmist, and the prophets all grasped this concept, as David expressed it when he said, “the earth is abundant with the goodness of the Lord” – Psalms 33:4,5.

Raising the earth from the watery depths can be compared to the emergence of a soul. The soul originates from its maker – Job 12:10; Ecclesiastes 12:7. While the body is earthly, it is also formed and supported by the divine creator – Psalms 139. Despite man’s innate nature to hate the Creator – Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21; God loves the human beings He has created, as they are His children – Acts 17:26-29. No wonder the Lord God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust – Matthew 5:45. The Lord God does not delight in the death of the wicked; rather, He desires that the wicked renounce their ways and live – Ezekiel 33:11. For the Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works – Psalm 145:17.

Divine Care and Justice

The Lord executes judgment for the oppressed: which gives food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind: the Lord raises them that are bowed down. For He loves righteousness. He preserves the strangers; he relieves the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turns upside down – Psalm 146:7-9.

The Mystery of the Soul

It’s still unclear how a soul is generated, and man simply wishes to deny the existence of a creator God. Tell me where the soul goes after death, you who consider yourself intelligent. Since you are unable to respond to that question, and since the Bible is the only source of doctrine that is acknowledged as inspired by God, I will quote from it instead. It states that no one has the authority to control the spirit or to hold onto it after death since the spirit will ultimately return to the Almighty – Ecclesiastes 8:8/12:7.

Divine Imprint in Human Creation

All that man designs, and uses is the product of human creativity, but he is unaware that in making things, he is embodying the quality of his heavenly father. Man cannot attest that it is God that gives to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though He is not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your poets have said, For we are also his offspring – Acts 17:25-28.

Redemption Through Christ

But sin, which paved the way for ignorance to set in, blinded him and led him to believe that the Godhead is like gold, silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device – Acts 17:29,30, which God has come to remove through Christ. Through the destruction of sin in his flesh – Romans 6:14/8:3; Colossians 1:22, Christ made it possible for anyone who believes in him to have that life and walk in it. There is no need for a pilgrimage or sacrifices to receive this spiritual emancipation; because anyone calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved, that is the offer – Romans 10:13. And as many as received him, to them, He gave power (freedom, authority, strength) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name – John 1:12. For those He picked, He took away the scales from their eyes, enabling them to see and be amazed at God. The eyes of their understanding were enlightened, and they could see not only the reality of God but their nakedness as well – Ephesians 1:18.

The Struggle with Sin and Identity 

The Soul's Emergence from Sin

The soul then must break forth out of the watery grave, which represents the sinful realm. Didn’t the Psalmist recite, Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me? Psalm 51:5 That’s what the watery grave represents. Every child born into the world, because of the Adamic sin, must come through the realm of sin. No other way can you come. Even Jesus the Messiah had to take that route. This is going to shock many who claim that the body that Jesus Christ possessed was unlike ours. Wouldn’t that imply that the body of Mary too would thus be realized? It was from this that the immaculate conception doctrine originated. And if that be true, wouldn’t that make all her lineage sinless? But the truth is far from it.

Mary's Lineage and Jesus's Humanity

Tell me, did Mary not come from the Adamic line and was she not born in sin, as mentioned in Psalm 51:5? If we look at the lineage of Jesus according to the flesh, it is the worst lineage that he came from. It ranges from murderers, adulterers, wicked kings, prostitutes etc.

Humanity and Christ's Incarnation

What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Job 15:14 Jesus too was made of a woman, made under the law – Galatians 4:4. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same – Hebrews 2:14/4:15. His body was taken from man, which man, you might ask? King David to be precise. Was he not dead and buried ages back? But is there anything too hard for the Lord? People are willing to believe the declarations of scientists, who are only mortals, but they are reluctant to believe what God says. Whose report would you believe? If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is God’s testimony which he has testified concerning his Son – 1 John 5:9.

The Sacrificial Role of Christ

The Incarnation and Davidic Lineage

I believe in the word of God. For it says, Jesus Christ was born of the seed of David according to the flesh – Romans 1:3; David being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise Christ to sit on his throne – Acts 2:30; Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David – 2 Timothy 2:8. Here we see the Holy Ghost speaks through three holy men about its validity. Isn’t that enough to convey that the body that Jesus Christ took upon was vulnerable to all sinfulness and weakness as we also are? Yes, the Bible confirms it – Hebrews 2:10,14,18/ 4:15/ 5:8,9; Romans 8:3.

The Necessity of Christ's Humanity

Death would not have affected his body if Jesus did not partake of the same, which would jeopardize God’s purpose; not to mention, that he would be unable to prove that he is a high priest capable of understanding us – Hebrews 2:14,18/4:15. Death is the result of sin. The last Adam also took upon him the sin of the world. The Messianic Psalms tell us the cry of the Messiah pleading for forgiveness of his sins. Isaiah 53 says, thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back – Isaiah 38:17; Job 33:24. He became the scapegoat and absorbed all the wrath of God, which was due toward us. He thus condemned sin in the flesh – Romans 8:3. The recorded declaration that he condemned sin in the flesh would therefore be unacceptable if he had chosen a different body. So how are you going to accept it?

Christ’s Example and Our Spiritual Journey

Jesus' Victory Over Sin

How did he survive the pull and tug of the body of sin? His total reliance upon the Father helped him succeed, leaving us an example, that we should follow his step – John 5:19,30. Through the eternal Spirit, he offered himself without blemish to God – Hebrews 9:14.

Exaltation Through Humility

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name – Philippians 2:8,9. Just like any of us, Jesus too had to grow in spirit – Luke 2:40, to realise his identity and his purpose. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God – John 13:3 – KJV.

The Divine Intervention in Creation

The Spirit's Role in Birth

The soul comes out breaking the sin barrier with the help of the unseen hand of the Spirit of God, which moves upon the face of the deep or darkness. Psalm 139 clearly states the work of God in the birth of every child. To Jeremiah God says, before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee – Jeremiah 1:5.

Meaning of "Come Forth"

Come forth is the same word that is used throughout the Bible when God commanded something that was held back to come forth, to issue, causatively, to bring out, to draw out.

The phrase “to come forth” means to appear or make an appearance, often in response to a call or invitation. “To issue” refers to the act of making something public or available, such as a statement or order. “Causatively” is an adverb that means in a way that produces a cause or effect. “To bring out meaning” means to reveal or make clear the significance of something.

God's Creative Work in Womb

Psalm 139:13-16 says it is God who creates our inmost being; He knit us together in our mother’s womb; my frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Why would he say, “when I was woven together in the depths of the earth“? Isn’t he relating or drawing a parallel between the birth of humans and the verses in Genesis 1?

God as the Sole Creator

Isaiah 44:24 says, “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: ‘I am the Lord, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.'”

The Breath of Life and the Light of Christ

The phrase “God breathed life into man” refers to the biblical creation story found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 2:7. In this verse, it is written: “Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” The phrase “breathed life” is often interpreted symbolically, representing the idea that God gave Adam a soul or spirit, making him a living and conscious being. In the context of the Hebrew language, the word “breath” is “neshamah,” which carries a deeper meaning beyond mere physical respiration. It refers to the vital force or spirit that animates a person, often translated as “soul” or “spirit of life.”

Christ: The Life and Light of Men

I am going to shock you with this. Do you know what was that breath? It was the life of man, which was Christ. Hard to digest? In him (the Word) was life, and the life was the light of men – John 1:4. Of course you knew it. But wait, there’s more. He is the true Light, which lights every man that cometh into the world – John 1:9. He lights up every man that comes into the world! Recall the verse in Genesis when God commanded the light to shine out of darkness in verse 3 before creating man! It doesn’t exactly say in Genesis that God commanded the light to shine out of the darkness but when the mystery was revealed in the New Testament, apostle Paul understood it and he said, For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:6.

The Pre-Creation Light

Do you see the parallel? The cosmic light that we see created on the fourth day is not the same as this light, that was brought forth before God began creation itself. It not only came forth but also God divided the light from darkness in verses 4 and 5. Unlike the cosmic lights He created on the fourth day; this one is unique.

Jesus Christ: The Breath of Our Nostrils

Who is the breath of our nostrils? The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord (mashiyach) – Lamentations 4:20; who is the Mashiyach or Messiah? Jesus Christ is the Christos – John 6:69/20:31. And he is before all things, and by him, all things consist – Colossians 1:17. This light, which lights up every man, came first, then the creation. He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end – Revelation 1:11,17/ 22:13. He is the firstborn of every creature – Colossians 1:15. Keep in mind that unlike us, the Word of God is not a created being but came forth from God Himself. Now you know why man is nothing without Jesus Christ. God brought forth the Word of God first and through and by and for Him created everything. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made – John 1:3. And man was created after His image and likeness. He is the exact representation of the invisible God. For, he who hath seen Him hath seen God – John 1:18/14:9; 1 Timothy 6:14-16.

This is the life that Adam was cut off from. His name is called the Word of God – Revelation 19:13; and it isn’t just in him that the life is, but He is the very life of man – John 1:4; 1 John 5:11,12. He upholds all things by the word of His power – Hebrews 1:3.

The Dual Nature of Man 

So, darkness was upon the face of the deep, which means, not only was I shaped in iniquity but in sin did my mother conceive me – Psalm 51:5. And because God divided the light from darkness, man is now endowed with two spiritual realms. One is his spirit, and the other is his carnality. The spirit realm can be seen as the tree of life and the fleshly realm as the tree of good and evil. Since the fall, the tree of life has been withheld from man as sin became the dominant force. Until the Son of God comes and destroys sin, he won’t have access to the Tree of Life.

The Tree of Life and the Overcomer

The Promise of Overcoming

I want you to carefully glean the revelation that God has given me through the scripture verse I am giving you. If you can see it, it will blow your world and will transform your life.

The Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God – Revelation 2:7.

Revelation's Relevance

We have learned that this overcoming and everything else and because the book of Revelation is attached to the end of the Bible, we deem it not only as an eschatological order of life but written for people of that times. On the contrary, it is written about us. I will show you.

Wisdom as the Tree of Life

The Scripture tells us in the book of Proverbs 3:18, that the Wisdom is a tree of life; The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life – Proverbs 11:30; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations – Revelation 22:2; Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates (pulon) into the city – Revelation 22:14.

Understanding "Pulon" and the Entrance

“Pulon” is the doorway of a building or city. Who is the door, a portal or entrance? Jesus said I am the door: by me, if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out (of the heavenly city) – John 10:9. Have we not come in yet? Indeed, we have come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem – Hebrews 12:22.

The Concept of Overcoming

Overcomes is “Nikao”. The Greek word “nikaomai”, means “to be victorious” or “to win”. This word is derived from the Greek root “nikē”, which means “victory”. It means “to win the game”, and the phrase “nikao ti zōi” means “to overcome life’s challenges”. Overall, while the word “nikao” itself is not a Greek word, it is likely related to the Greek word “nikaomai” and shares its meaning of “to win” or “to be victorious”. To be victorious, to conquer, to triumph.

Victory Through Faith

Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5. For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith – 1 John 5:4.

The Reality of Overcoming

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them (overcome the spirit of antichrist, the world and the wicked one – the world is that great whore, the Mystery Babylon): because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world – 1 John 4:3,4 (he hath delivered us from this present evil world – Galatians 1:4); the word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one – 1 John 2:13,14; To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne – Revelation 3:21; God hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:6. He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son – Revelation 21:7.

Victory through Christ

Before the founding of the New Testament with His blood – Hebrews 9:15-22; Jesus said to his disciples, be of good cheer; I have overcome the world – John 16:33. But after the inception of the Spirit of God upon all flesh on the day of Pentecost, which is the promise of the Father; the Lord says, all who are born of God are overcomers like Jesus is. Because as he is, so are we in this world – 1 John 4:17.

Zion: The Ecclesia of God

The Promise of Comfort

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 – Isaiah 51:3.

Transformation of Desolation

And they shall say, This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced and are inhabited – Ezekiel 36:35. Didn’t the Lord build all the ruined places and plant that that was desolate? Indeed, he did.

Zion as the Ecclesia of God

Zion is where the ecclesia of God is; it is the heavenly Jerusalem, the spiritual body of Christ. God has made her like the garden of Eden and the tree of life in the midst of it, whose leaves were for the healing of the nations. Where the nations of the world were like this before the inception of the kingdom of Christ?

Transformation of the World

The world has been transformed by the triune entities of God that are in the world, which are the Spirit, the Word, and the Ecclesia. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manners of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations – Revelation 22:2. Are we waiting for this to transpire? Listen, people of God, we are in it. Don’t you see?

Present Reality

The saving health (yshuw`ah = salvation) among all nations is already made known – Psalm 67:2; 1 Chronicles 16:23,24; Psalms 22:27; Jeremiah 3:17; Isaiah 35:5-8. The Gentile world or the nations of the world has come to possess the “Tabernacle of Witness” – Acts 7:44,45; Romans 9:25,26; Hosea 1:10. The “Tabernacle of Witness” also known as the “Temple” or “Home of the Lord.” The city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem – Hebrews 12:22.

The Future Manifestation

It is inevitable that the Church of Jesus Christ, a living entity that exists presently in a spiritual state, will descend from heaven to manifest on Earth, where she will be visible to everyone and establish her dominion as the exclusive possessor of all that God possesses – Revelation 21:2.

The New Humanity in Christ

The Consequence of Adam's Choice

After eating from the forbidden tree, Adam ought to have acquired two distinct fruit-bearing trees, but God barred him from accessing the tree of life. Moreover, a soul only becomes dual-identity capable when it undergoes spirit regeneration. Although that is not how God meant for man to exist, he must put up with it until the Lord grants him a new body.

The Neutralization of the Tree of Life

By embracing the domain of darkness, which is what eating from the forbidden tree represents, Adam neutralized the tree of life, so to speak. By coalescing with the dark world, Adam rescinded the godly order. He was cut off from life and his spirit, which was the tree of life had become defunct. That is what Jesus Christ came and restored.

The Restoration by Jesus Christ

That which is born of the Spirit is spirit – John 3:6; which is the candle of the Lord – Proverbs 20:27. The light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon us – Isaiah 60:1; For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:6.

The New Humanity in Christ

Unlike Adam, who was made a living soul – Genesis 2:7, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. That was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterwards that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly – 1 Corinthians 15:45-48. God hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – 1 Peter 1:3.

The Revelation of Salvation

God created a superior species of humanity in Christ, one that is composed of both flesh and Spirit. Even the Old Testament believers could only look through the prophets’ eyes but couldn’t experience it. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come – 1 Peter 1:10. They were shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed – Galatians 3:23.

The Heart Transformed by Spirit

Now, the voidness and formless heart have become functioning—as the spirit of man is revived or quickened by the Spirit of God. Darkness, which was upon the face of the deep in Hebrew is “Choshek”, which is the antonym of “Shalom”. The word “darkness” in Hebrew is “Choshek,” and it means darkness, misery, destruction, death, sorrow, and wickedness. It can refer to physical darkness or metaphorical darkness, such as spiritual or moral confusion. In the Bible, the concept of “Choshek” is often associated with the punishment of sin and the need for repentance.

The Departure from Darkness

The darkness is past (ignorance is past – Acts 17:30), and the true light now shines – 1 John 2:8. That thou mayest say to the prisoners, go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves (the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light – Isaiah 9:2). They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and the west; and these from the land of Sinim. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful O earth, and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people and will have mercy upon his afflicted – Isaiah 49:9-13.

The Dual Nature of Man

So now, as new creatures – 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15, we must contend with two opposing forces; the spirit and the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other – Galatians 5:17; Romans 8:13.

Man is now endowed with two traits, so to speak. He through Christ is granted access to the tree of life but the effects of eating from the tree of good and evil are still stuck in his teeth that he cannot get it out, that it is so ingrained in himself that God must transform his vile body to get rid of the sinful nature – Philippians 3:21.

Personal Testimony of Inner Struggle 

Recognizing a Void

Coming back to me: As I said in the beginning, ever since I have grown to understand things, I realized that something was off in me; I felt a void in me, and chaos ensued. I didn’t have the slightest idea what it was. I thought it was me. It was miserable and utterly hopeless and chaotic I wanted to end my life somehow.

Exploring Masochism

I would say, I was kind of a masochist. Masochism, or the pursuit of personal anguish or seeking pain for oneself, is another phenomenon that affects not only confused teenagers but adults as well. These customs were also observed by ancient civilizations or groups.

Understanding Masochism

A masochist is a person who derives gratification from their pain or humiliation; a person who enjoys an activity that appears to be painful or soul-destroying. I now realize that both sadism and masochism are fueled by a craving for atonement.

Redemption through Christ

It is the effect of the original sin in humans, which the Savior of the world has come and taken away. One must only believe in the shed blood of Jesus Christ to appropriate the merits of the redemptive work on the cross of Calvary.

The Descent into Despair and Discovery of Faith

Because of the lack of Spirit-inspired teaching in the body of Christ, and the lack of the demonstration of the power of the Holy Ghost within the local churches, people are not seeing the life of God percolating in their lives. It took me years of learning, and the grace and mercy of God to realize what was it that I was wrestling with. Though my conversion was a radical one, and I was filled with the Holy Spirit multiple times and have experienced the joy of salvation; as I grew in the spirit, when I began walking on my feet, as a child would grow and walk on his strength—The reality strikes and the comfort of the parents’ nurturing now missing—our face droops to all of life’s struggles. The Holy Spirit of God is the one who was with me nurturing me and giving me all the comforts that I needed—and suddenly, I felt I could no longer enjoy His pampering.

The Dark Night of the Soul

It wasn’t that He left me, the truth was that I had grown and that I must now begin to walk on my own. And the pressures of the world and the lusts of the flesh and the deceitfulness of riches began dragging me again back presumably to a failed life. I started to see my life falling apart and I couldn’t achieve anything. I was a total failure according to the world’s standards. My father said, you are accursed and good for nothing and there was none left in my family that did not reject me and disowned me. Even my friends, whom I thought were friends mocked and left my life. I was left alone starting to experience the old haunting depression and oppression and hopelessness trying to drag me back to my old life.

Renewal through the Word

It wasn’t until the day that I found a Gideon pocket Bible, which I treasured and began to eat from it like a ravenous wolf—I realized how impoverished I was in the spirit, and that was the cause of my voidness. I would sit on a chair and read like I would die if I didn’t. As I read through its pages, I felt a sweetness, which I cannot describe spreading all over my mouth. As the apostle John described in Revelation 10:10; it was in his mouth sweet as honey; it was in mine too. But I wasn’t aware that it had another side. As soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter – Revelation 10:10.

The Struggle and Triumph of Faith

When you receive something in the spirit, your flesh will enter into a struggle. After ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions – Hebrews 10:32. Yeah, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12. By activating your spirit man, you are now working against all that the devil has built in you. There will be a battle that one would have to endure. Paul charged Timothy to war a good warfare – 1 Timothy 1:18. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ – 2 Timothy 2:3. What else would wage war on us? Other than the demonic spirits, the fleshly lusts, war against the soul – 1 Peter 2:11. Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh, but we use our mighty spiritual weapon to thwart the work of the enemy and subdue the flesh – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

The Lifelong Battle with Darkness

The battle did not end there. I had to contend with the devil and flesh for many years. It’s been thirty-two years now having come to the Lord, and I’ve had innumerable heavenly spiritual experiences. I have seen God change people’s lives through my ministry; I have seen lives transformed by the power of the Holy Ghost; I have seen people delivered from the power of the enemy when I would lay hands; I have seen barren wombs blessed when I prayed; I have seen God heal many when I prayed; I have experienced the saving work of angels multiple times; I have experienced the touch of the Master countless times in my life; yet I could not pray in the Holy Ghost, which is praying in tongues. Something deep down prevented me from experiencing it.

Healing through Partnership and Prayer

God started another profound work in me just a few years ago after I met my wife, who is from Kyrgyzstan. I didn’t know that I had deep wounds of rejection and childhood abuse and the spirit of failure had its sway in me, despite my spiritual stance.

Victory and Liberation in Spiritual Warfare

When all hell broke loose in my life and all my family disowned me, I felt the same harrowing hopelessness haunting my life once again. Even after coming to Christ, its hold was deep down in me waiting to pounce when the time comes. This time it emerged and showed a suicidal intent. It wanted to kill me. The Lord placed a burden on my wife’s heart regarding me. She believed that I was her ministry. I recall her attempting to persuade me that I am a king’s child and that she is come to assist me break away from my routine. She would declare, “We will defeat the adversary and reclaim what is rightfully yours—that which the devil has taken.” Was it that simple? I will tell you that my wife had to go through a lot of pain trying to fix my life. The devil was enraged at her, but God’s mercy was with us. I can’t thank God enough for my wife, whom He has blessed me with, who prayed and prayed and fought until I was healed in many areas. I am still a work in progress, and she has borne the brunt of it. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” – 1 John 3:16. How effective it would be if all Christians heeded this amazing idea to act as their brethren’s protectors and defenders in times of need.

The Power of Speaking in Tongues

Embracing the Gift of Tongues and Divine Rest

 My spirit, which was throttled, is finally starting to speak in heavenly language after all these years of struggling and warfare; having been cleansed from numerous interior scars and traumas.

I sensed the formlessness or emptiness that was trailing my existence disappearing as soon as the Lord opened my mouth to speak in tongues. It could no longer plague me as I employed the gift of tongues. To keep our spirits steady and avoid getting throttled once more, we must fight this war every day. It takes a constant effort to keep our flesh, through which the evil spirits operate, under check.

A Testimony to the Power of the Spirit

Speaking Mysteries in the Spirit

By the spirit, I was speaking to God, mysteries. Every time, I would feel emptiness come, the spirit would begin to speak, which my mind could not understand. But the word of God says, for he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries – 1 Corinthians 14:2.

Edification through Speaking in Tongues

He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself – 1 Corinthians 14:4. I wonder how “the Cessationists” edify themselves, and how they would counsel those who are oppressed by the devils due to deep traumas.

The Role of Spiritual Development

While the presbytery’s laying on of hands is important, it is not sufficient in and of itself to finish a person’s healing process. Certain healings can be received from God’s prepared ministers, but others can be achieved only via the use of our spirit man. Because our flesh works in opposition, we cannot win the struggle unless we employ our spirit. That is why the word of God enjoins us: As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby – 1 Peter 2:2; let us go on unto perfection – Hebrews 6:1. That is why spiritual development is so important. Every time I would experience heaviness, my spirit would spring into action speaking mysteries and I would see darkness dissipating when I prayed in tongues.

Refreshing and Healing

Not only do I see and experience darkness fleeing, but I have also felt refreshed and light on the inside and light/life permeating through me. This is what prophet Isaiah was saying: with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak. This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing – Isaiah 28:11,12.

Entering into God’s Rest:

Labouring to Enter Rest

Let us labour therefore to enter that rest – Hebrews 4:11. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his works, as God did from his – Hebrews 4:9,10.

The Promised Rest

Let us, therefore, fear, lest a promise being left us of entering his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it – Hebrews 4:1. This is the promised rest that Jesus was telling about; he said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest – Matthew 11:28. It is Jesus Christ that will baptize you with the Holy Ghost – Luke 3:16. And one must come to him, the source of all life to obtain that rest. Not only should one come to him, but they must also speak forth what the Spirit prompts them to say for life to flow from inside. They must approach him in a childlike manner and accept without question what he has to offer them. There’s a good chance that one would be sceptical since what Jesus would offer would not make sense to a rational mind. A person who harbours subtle pride may find it difficult to receive anything from the Lord.

The Importance of Speaking in Tongues

Preachers who fail to explain to believers the importance of this rest that comes from speaking the heavenly language are preventing them from fulfilling God’s greatest promises.

This is the rest multitudes including “the Cessationists” have come short of and are guilty of.

Surviving Spiritual Taint

The gift of speaking in tongues may not have seemed all that important in the Western world, where the spiritual atmosphere is not as tainted as it is in Asian countries with their abundance of temples and idol worship; however, a Christian would realize that he or she is helpless without the gift of tongues if they wanted to survive in any of those nations where voodooism, occultism, sacrilege, and similar practices are common. One might just be able to survive but at what cost?

Prayer and the Gift of Tongues

People have survived without exercising this gift, but they have also been plundered by the devil in many areas. Given that the Bible itself says that we are ignorant of what to pray for, how are you going to pray? Likewise, the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought – Romans 8:26. If not for this gift, how do we even follow the command “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17?

The Unseen Battle: A Testimony of Spiritual Warfare and Victory

An Encounter with Earthly Challenge

I would like to end this discussion by telling you another incident. When my wife and I tried to rent a house, the owner told us that we could avoid paying rent each month if we gave him a certain amount right away since he required a big sum of money. We felt it was fantastic as it would benefit us as well. He agreed to return the money at the conclusion of the contract when it was signed. When the time came, he was reluctant to give us any money and instead tried to evict us from the residence. Numerous horrors befell us, and we were at a loss for what to do. We were powerless and could only talk to God about this and that, but our prayers were ineffective. It was a meaningless exchange of sentimental words.

The Breakthrough of Spiritual Tongues

Thank God for this trauma; it was during this period that I began speaking in tongues and received my victory. A barrage of stupid phrases came shooting out of my throat, and I had no choice but to spit them out. My natural thought claimed that it was dumb since it was so illogical. I started to clear it out, though, because what is there for me to lose? I’ve chosen specific terms on purpose to convey what I went through. I had no idea at the time that it was the start of a stream that came from deep within.

Embracing Childlike Faith

I now know what 1 Thessalonians 5:19—”Quench not the Spirit”—means. Oh, how many people stifle His presence by refusing to accept His gifts? With our conceited and arrogant attitude, how often do we grieve the Holy Spirit of God – Ephesians 4:30? Didn’t Jesus say, Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein – Luke 18:17.

The Power of Spiritual Language

Like a child, I began to speak all of the inexplicable words aloud, and that’s when I started singing in tongues. Mysteries and songs that I had never heard before began to emerge from me. When I talked in tongues, I felt a surge of energy that I had never experienced before. I understood that my spirit was binding and destroying the enemy’s works. In short, everything transpired so quickly that the entire amount of money was transferred to our bank account within a few days. I can promise that we would have lost everything if God hadn’t given us the ability to speak or pray in unfamiliar tongues.

Conclusion: 

The Victory of Faith

In the vast landscape of life’s trials, this story stands as a powerful testament to the triumph of faith over adversity. Our challenges and moments of despair served as a crucible, revealing the might of God’s power in our lives. Through the unexpected gift of speaking in tongues, we tapped into a divine strength that propelled us beyond our limited understanding and into a realm of spiritual breakthroughs.

Our experience underscores the enduring truth that our struggles are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces that aim to weaken our faith and determination. It is in our weakest moments that God’s strength shines brightest, manifesting in mysterious and profound ways, such as the language of the Spirit.

Now, as we reflect on our victory, our hearts overflow with gratitude, and our spirits resonate with the deeper cadences of God’s grace. We are reminded that our spiritual weapons are mighty through God for the demolition of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). The once seemingly foolish words and melodies were, in reality, expressions of liberation, a sacred vocabulary of the Spirit that transcended human languages and situations.

Our journey from despair to deliverance is not just our own, but an invitation to all who walk the path of faith. It urges us to seek God with a childlike heart, to embrace the spiritual gifts He provides, and to stand firm in the knowledge that our spiritual language is key to unlocking the chains of our trials.

May this testimony inspire bravery in the face of life’s storms, encouraging believers to cling to their faith, to trust in God’s invisible hand, and to declare, with unwavering conviction, the dominance of His power in every facet of life. For in Him, we are more than victors, and through Him, we can bring light to the dark corners of our journey, filling them with the unquenchable light of His everlasting love.