

### THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD

### Jack Marshall

### THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD

### Jack Marshall

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2020 Grain of Wheat Publishing

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this eBook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author. This free eBook may be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared, provided it appears in its entirety without alteration, and the reader is not charged to access it.

This study is dedicated to my brother, Allen, his wife, Monica, and my nephew, Paul. Your love, consideration, and help over the years are so deeply appreciated.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: Seven

Chapter Two: The Seven Spirits of God

Chapter Three: The Lampstand and the Seven Spirits of God

Chapter Four: Left and Right

Chapter Five: More on the Lampstand

Chapter Six: His Invisible Attributes

Chapter Seven: The First Day: Wisdom

Chapter Eight: The Second Day: Understanding

Chapter Nine: The Third Day: Counsel

Chapter Ten: More on Sowing and Reaping

Chapter Eleven: The Fourth Day: Might: Two Great Lights

Chapter Twelve: The Foundation of the World

Chapter Thirteen: The Spirit of Knowledge

Chapter Fourteen: The Fear of the Lord

Chapter Fifteen: Righteous Judgment

Chapter Sixteen: Scarcely Saved

Chapter Seventeen: Forgiveness

Bibliography

Introduction

By no means is this the first time I have considered the "seven Spirits of God" in my studies, however, when this new understanding rose to the surface, I immediately wanted to share it with everyone and felt the best way to do so was to put it in an eBook. This also prompted me to dig a little deeper into the creation story in Genesis, for it is there where we first find the "seven Spirits of God."

In Malachi 3:6 we read, "For I am the LORD, _I change not_." This being true, the "seven Spirits of God" are an _eternal_ testimony of His wondrous power and grace, so it comes as no surprise that we find them _first_ in Genesis and _last_ in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:4; 3:1; 4:5, 5:6), the revelation of the " _Alpha_ and the _Omega_ " (Rev. 1:8; ESV), "the _beginning_ and the _end"_ (Rev. 21:6; ESV).

There are mistakes in this presentation, not by intention, but out of ignorance. I am still and always will be learning. It has been difficult to put aside what I have inherited in order to see from a fresh perspective.

In His Grace,

Jack Marshall

### Revelation 1:4 (NASB95)  
John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

### Grace to you and peace, from Him who is

### and who was and who is to come, and from the

seven Spirits who are before His throne...

# Chapter One

# SEVEN

Since this study concerns the "seven Spirits of God," we would do well to consider the spiritual meaning of seven. In his book, The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty, Dr. Stephen E. Jones wrote the following.

**Zayin** is a weapon in Hebrew. The perfect weapon is the Sword of the Spirit, by which spiritual warfare is accomplished, for " _the weapons of our warfare are not carnal_ " (2 Cor. 10:4).

**Seven is the biblical number of completion and spiritual perfection**. As such, Psalm 7 speaks of the two floods by which the earth is cleansed and brought to the perfect order of the Kingdom.

Seven days completes a Sabbath cycle. In Rev. 10:7 the mystery of God is finished when the seventh angel blows his trumpet. In Rev. 16:7 "it is done" when the seventh angel pours out the seventh vial into the air. It took seven days to consecrate Aaron and his sons to the priesthood (Lev. 8:31-35) before emerging from the tabernacle on the eighth day. Joshua and the Israelite army had to march around Jericho seven days (Joshua 6:15) before the city fell.

In his book, Biblical Mathematics, here's what Ed F. Vallowe wrote (bolding mine).

When man began to analyze and combine numbers, he developed other interesting symbols. He took the perfect world number _four_ and added to it the perfect divine number, _three_ , and got _seven_ , the most sacred number to the Hebrews. It was earth crowned with heaven—the four-square earth plus the _divine completeness of God_. **So we have** _seven_ **expressing** _completeness_ **through union of earth with heaven**. This number is used more than all other numbers in the Word of God, save the number _one_.

"Completion," "spiritual perfection," the "union of earth with heaven"; that's the spiritual meaning of seven. We can also say that it represents "fullness" or "maturity," for an excellent example of seven is the ripened fruit of a tree. When a fruit tree reaches maturity, it has reached its "seven," able to produce fruit for consumption and much more seed for further planting. No wonder Jesus likened us to "trees" which bear "fruit" (Matt. 7:17).

In his book, Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance, E.W. Bullinger wrote the following.

It is _seven_ , therefore, that stamps with _perfection_ and _completeness_ that in connection with which it is used. Of _time_ , it tells of the Sabbath, and marks off the week of seven days, which, artificial as it may seem to be, is universal and immemorial in its observance amongst all nations and in all times. It tells of that eternal Sabbath-keeping which remains for the people of God in all its everlasting perfection.

In the creative works of God, _seven_ completes the colors of the spectrum and rainbow, and satisfies in music the notes of the scale. In each of these the _eighth_ is only a repetition of the _first_.

"Fullness," agrees with "completion." Google defines "fullness" as, "The state of being filled to capacity." We can also use the word "fulfilled" which simply means "filled to the full," agreeing with the definition of "fullness." In scripture, prophecy regards a future event, but once a prophecy comes to pass or is "fulfilled," it has reached its "seven."

The number seven saturates the scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. It is especially prominent in the book of the Revelation. The Greek transliteration for seven is hepta, used 88 times in the King James New Testament, 55 of those in Revelation. Five just happens to signify "grace" while two speaks of "a double witness" (Jones), so in our number 55, we have a "double witness" of God's "grace" in all of the sevens recorded in this remarkable book.

As a matter of study, there are six important sevens found in Revelation. They are the "seven stars" and "seven lampstands," symbolic of the "angels of the seven churches" and "the seven churches" respectively (Rev. 1:20; NKJV). We then find seven prophecies to the seven churches in Revelation, Chapters Two and Three, followed by a "scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals" (Rev. 5:1; NKJV). Finally, we have "seven trumpets" (Rev. 8:2; NKJV) and "seven bowls" (Rev. 15:1, 7-8; NKJV). I believe these six important sevens connect with the following from the book of Matthew.

Matthew 1:1, 17 (NKJV)  
1 **The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ** , the Son of David, the Son of Abraham... 17 So all the generations from **Abraham to David** _are_ **fourteen** generations, from **David until the captivity in Babylon** _are_ **fourteen** generations, and from the **captivity in Babylon until the Christ** _are_ **fourteen** generations.

In the "genealogy of Jesus Christ," we find three segments of "fourteen generations." Three is the number of "a complete witness" (Jones) while fourteen means "deliverance or release" (Jones). Coincidence? I think not! In our "genealogy," we find a pattern, one that correlates with Revelation 17:14.

Revelation 17:14 (KJV)  
14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him _are_ **called** , and **chosen** , and **faithful**.

Abraham to David [Called]

David until the Captivity in Babylon [Chosen]

Captivity in Babylon until the Christ [Faithful]

Three times fourteen equals 42 while six times seven also equals 42. Another coincidence? Not at all! Please consider.

Revelation 11:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And **they will tread the holy city underfoot** _for_ forty-two months **(forty** _and_ **two months; KJV)**.

Revelation 13:5 (NKJV)  
5 And he was given **a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies** , and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months **(forty** _and_ **two months; KJV)**.

At his website, biblenumbersforlife.com, Mark Lane cites the spiritual meaning of 42 as "evil man." When we consider this in light of the context of our preceding passages, we have a match.

It's also appropriate to consider 42 as "forty and two" as it's rendered in the King James. Dr. Jones tells us that "forty is the number of trial or probation" while again, "two signifies either division or a double witness." Again, in light of our preceding passages, we have a match.

Our passages from Revelation 11 and 13 seem to reflect a negative connotation, do they not? However, because we have a particular length of time, we can see our 42 as being positive, signifying the end of "evil man" and our "trial" and "probation." Since our two is prominent in our "forty and two months" (KJV), it suggests that all of this ends with a "double witness" of Christ to the world (see the Parable of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew, Chapter 25). This makes perfect sense when we understand that the tribulation of God's people is a necessary thing, instituted by our gracious heavenly Father to bring us to the fullness (7) of Christ (John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Heb. 12:1-13).

# Chapter Two

# THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD

Revelation 1:4 (KJV)  
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace _be_ unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the **seven Spirits which are before his throne**...

Revelation 3:1 (NKJV)  
1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says **He who has the seven Spirits of God** and the seven stars: "I know your works...

Revelation 4:5 (NKJV)  
5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. **Seven lamps of fire** _were_ burning **before the** **throne** , which are **the seven Spirits of God**.

Revelation 5:6 (NKJV)  
6 And I looked, and behold, **in the midst of the throne** and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having **seven horns and seven eyes** , which are **the seven Spirits of God** sent out into all the earth.

Four different times we find mention of the "seven Spirits of God" in Revelation. We know in Revelation 1:4 that the "seven Spirits which are before his throne" refer to the same "seven Spirits of God" in Revelation 4:5 and 5:6 due to our word "throne."

In Revelation 3:1 we read, "He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars." Note the word "and" and how it suggests that "the seven Spirits of God" are separate from "the seven stars" or "angels" of the seven churches (Rev. 1:20). The Greek transliteration used for "and" is kai. In an article titled "The Kai Explicative Principle" by Otis Q. Sellers, we find the following information.

Ask anyone who has knowledge and they will tell you that the Greek word kai means and. However, if they should insist that it means and and never anything but and (as one who professed to have knowledge did) then you can rest assured that they do not know what they are talking about.

The reader might be pleasantly surprised if he looked up the word in Webster's Unabridged Dictionary and found out how many things we can do and say with our word and. Its most common usages are to add something, or to connect words, clauses, and statements; such as: "I will need hammer and nails;" or, "John and George made the journey together, and this arrangement was beneficial to both." This is called the conjunctive use of the word and, and while it has many other uses, it is somewhat limited.

However, the Greeks could make use of their word kai in ways that we cannot use our word and. They could use it to annex a word, phrase, or sentence for the purpose of defining, explaining or interpreting that which has been said. In such usages, where the word kai is used to attach the explanation that follows, it is called the kai explicative principle. This is a principle of interpretation which needs to be recognized by all who study and interpret the New Testament.

The employment of kai in this manner by the Greeks was a most valuable grammatical form. They used it to emphasize identity between two things, and to establish apposition. Apposition is the placing of one noun beside another so that it explains and defines. The explicative kai was used to lock in the truth so that if it were misunderstood, it would have to be willful. This could well be one of the reasons why God selected the koine Greek to be the language used by the Spirit in inspiring the writers of the New Testament. The explicative kai was a favorite literary device of the Apostle Paul.

A pertinent example of the kai explicative principle can be seen in 1 Cor. 15:24 where the Greek reads "to Theo kai Patria". This translated literally would say "the God and Father," but if we render it this way in the context where it is found, it would make God to be one being and the Father another. The KJV translators did well here to translate this: "Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father," although I believe it would have been more explicit to say instead of even, "that is to say," or "in other words."

Based on the understanding of the kai explicative principle, I believe Revelation 3:1 would be more accurately rendered, "He who has the seven Spirits of God, _even_ the seven stars." Interestingly enough, the Strong's Concordance shows that _kai_ is translated as "even" 108 times. Perhaps I'm wrong, but seeing the "seven angels" of Revelation 1:20 as the "seven Spirits of God" makes sense to me, especially in light of the fact that the Lord tells John to "write" to each of the angels of the seven churches. Why would John be told to write to an "angel" when the messages are intended for his "servants"? (Rev. 1:1).

Hebrews 1:7 tells us that God "makes his angels _spirits_ " (as in "seven _Spirits_ of God"). Our word "angel" means, "To _bring tidings_ ; a _messenger_ " (Strong's), so it's appropriate to recognize that both "spirit" and "word" are incorporated into the idea of an "angel." Since "spirit" and "word" lead to _manifestation_ or _deeds_ , we could then say that when used in the context of the messages to the churches, the "angel" of each church signifies the "works" (deeds) of the _Spirit_ and _Word_ of God in each (Heb. 6:13-14). Isn't it true that the appearance of an angel in the Old and New Testaments always exemplifies a _message_ and _work_ of God? No wonder Jesus began each of his declarations to the churches with "I _know_ your _works_ " (deeds) (Rev. 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15). So what are the "seven Spirits of God"? They are described for us in the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah 11:1-5 (ESV)  
1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of **Jesse** , and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And **the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him** , the **Spirit of wisdom (1)** and **understanding (2)** , the **Spirit of counsel (3)** and **might (4)** , the **Spirit of knowledge (5)** and **the fear of the Lord (6)**. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, 4 but **with righteousness he shall judge (7)** the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

This prophecy regards the coming of Jesus Christ to the Jews and the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matt. 10:6; 15:24), Jesse being the father of King David and an integral part of the "genealogy of Jesus Christ" (Matt. 1:1-17). Notice that we read "and the _Spirit of the Lord_ shall rest upon him," i.e. ONE Spirit but seven different _characteristics_ given as _wisdom_ (1), _understanding_ (2), _counsel_ (3), _might_ (4), _knowledge_ (5), _fear of the Lord_ (6), and _righteous judgment_ (7).

The Seven Spirits of God

1. Wisdom

2. Understanding

3. Counsel

4. Might

5. Knowledge

6. Fear of the Lord

7. Righteous Judgment

Revelation 1:4-5 (NKJV)  
4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, **and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne** , 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood...

Very early in Revelation, reference is made to our "seven Spirits of God," which establishes a certain principle concerning the visions which John recorded throughout this book. As I've already mentioned, I believe these are the "seven stars" or "angels" in the "right hand" of Christ (Rev. 1:16, 20), but there's more to consider.

Revelation 8:1-2 (ESV)  
1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 **Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God** , and **seven trumpets** were given to them.

Revelation 15:1, 5-8 (ESV)  
1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, **seven angels with seven plagues** , which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished... 5 After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, 6 and out of the sanctuary came **the seven angels with the seven plagues** , clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the **seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God** who lives forever and ever, 8 and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the **seven plagues of the seven angels** were finished.

In our passages from Revelation 8, we see "seven angels who stand before God" and "seven trumpets were given to them," while in Revelation 15, we see "seven angels with seven plagues" or "golden bowls full of the wrath of God." Are these two groups of angels different from the "seven stars" or "angels of the seven churches," i.e. our "seven Spirits of God"? I don't believe they are, after all, the "trumpets" and "bowls" are not literal. Once we understand what the "trumpets" and "bowls" symbolize, it makes perfect sense that, like the prophecies to the churches, the "trumpets" and "bowls" issue from the "seven Spirits" of the Father through Christ. Do we not read concerning Christ, " _He who has_ the seven Spirits of God"? When viewed in this fashion we see more clearly what is meant by the "living" and "active" Word of God as manifested through His Son (Heb. 4:12; ESV). "Living" defines the _Word of God_ or prophecies to the churches while "active" defines the "angel" or "Spirit" of each church. Again, this alludes to the "works" or "deeds" of the Lord in the "midst of the lampstands" or churches (Rev. 1:13; 2:26; ESV).

The "trumpets" in Revelation represent the "voice" or _words_ of Christ (Rev. 1:10-12) while the "bowls" symbolize what is _poured out_ from His divine Spirit (Acts 2:17-18; Rev. 16:1-4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 17). Since the _one_ Spirit of the Lord is _sevenfold_ , then the "trumpets" and "bowls" are the _manifestation_ of those things which issue from His _wisdom_ , _understanding_ , _counsel_ , and _might_ , establishing His _knowledge_ , _fear_ , and _righteous judgment_ in His body, the church (Eph. 1:22; 3:10, 21; 5:24-29). As you see, I've divided the first _four_ "Spirits" from the last _three_. As we continue, we'll understand why.

Hebrews 1:14 (KJV)  
14 Are they not all **ministering spirits** , sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Revelation 5:6 (KJV)  
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the **midst of the throne** and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, **having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God** sent forth **into all the earth**.

In scripture, "horns" denote "power" (I Sam. 2:10; Psalms 89:24; Luke 1:69) while "eyes" represent "perception" or "understanding" (Matt. 13:14; Eph. 1:18). So it is that the power of God's immutable Word is symbolized and incorporated in the _sevenfold_ characteristics of His Divine Spirit "sent forth into all the earth." Our phrase "sent forth" in Revelation 5:6 is the same Greek word used in Hebrews 1:14, so our phrase, " _sent forth_ into all the earth," correlates with each of the "seven angels" and their "trumpets" and "bowls" (Heb. 1:14).

Finally, let it be said that I am not suggesting that there are not angels outside of these seven Spirits, but I am suggesting that the "seven angels" of the "seven churches" refer to the _sevenfold_ characteristics of the _one_ Spirit of the Lord _which is synonymous_ with the "seven angels" and their "trumpets" and "bowls."

# Chapter Three

# THE LAMPSTAND AND THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD

Allow me to share an illustration with you which will help us to better understand the "seven Spirits of God" in relation to the "seven churches" (Rev. 1:20).

This is an approximation of what the lampstand in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle of Moses (Witness) may have looked like (Exod. 25:31-40). Since it has seven branches, it works quite well, allowing us to demonstrate our "seven Spirits of God" in relation to the "seven churches." Keep in mind that _seven_ denotes "fullness" or "maturation" (fruition), indicating the _progressive work_ of the Lord which continues until "all is _fulfilled_ " ([ **7** ]; Matt. 5:17-18; John 4:34).

Note how I've placed the "seven (stars) Spirits of God" on the lampstand beginning with "the Spirit of wisdom _and_ understanding" on the _first_ and _seventh_ branch due to the conjunction "and." Note that the _first_ and _seventh_ branch are the same branch _joined_ at the central branch corresponding with our conjunction. This is followed by "the Spirit of counsel _and_ might" on the _second_ and _sixth_ branch, and "the Spirit of knowledge _and_ the fear of the Lord" on the _third_ and _fifth_ branch. As we see, the final "Spirit" of "righteous judgment" symbolizes the _central_ branch to which all the others connect. For each of our six "Spirits," each pair fall on the _left_ and _right_ side of the lampstand. Though this may seem unimportant, it isn't. Please consider.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)  
12 For the word of God is **living** (left) and **active** (right)...

As Hebrews states, the "word of God" is both "living" and "active," coinciding with the _left_ and _right_ sides of our lampstand (or cross). Since Jesus taught that "the _seed_ is the Word of God" (Luke 8:11; NKJV), then the "living" or _left side_ represents His Word _before_ it enters the "ground" of our hearts while the "active" or _right side_ represents His Word _after_ it enters the "ground" of our hearts and sets in motion the life contained therein. For understanding, see the Parable of the Sower in Matthew, Chapter 13, Mark, Chapter 4, and Luke, Chapter 8.

See our faint outline of the _cross_ in our illustration and where the _central_ branch of the lampstand coincides with the _central_ branch of the cross? As we know, Christ Jesus died on the cross as our _judgment_ for sin (John 5:22; II Cor. 5:21), hence, this represents our Lord and the "righteous judgment" or seventh characteristic or "Spirit." That being said, know that God's judgment _always_ proceeds from the _unconditional love_ exemplified by Christ.

Since there are _six_ branches, let's consider its spiritual meaning. Here's what Bullinger wrote.

Six is either 4 _plus_ 2, i.e., man's world (4) with man's enmity to God (2) brought in: or it is 5 _plus_ 1, the grace of God made of none effect by man's addition to it, or perversion, or corruption of it: or it is 7 _minus_ 1, i.e., man's coming short of spiritual perfection. In any case, therefore, it has to do with _man_ ; it is the number of imperfection; the human number; the number of MAN as destitute of God, without God, without Christ... At any rate it is certain that man was created on the sixth day, and thus he has the number six impressed upon him. Moreover, six days were appointed to him for his labor; while one day is associated in sovereignty with the Lord God, as His rest. _Six_ , therefore, is the number of _labor_ also, of man's labor as apart and distinct from God's rest. True, it marks the completion of Creation as God's work, and therefore the number is significant of _secular completeness_.

When we consider our _six_ branches and their respective "Spirits," we have the following:

Wisdom (1) _and_ Understanding (7) = 8

Counsel (2) _and_ Might (6) = 8

Knowledge (3) _and_ Fear (5) = 8

As we see, each pair of "Spirits" and their respective numbers on the lampstand bring us to _eight_. Here's Stephen Jones' explanation of its spiritual meaning.

Chet is a fence in Hebrew. It can also signify an inner room, even the heart itself.

Eight is the number of new beginning. The sons of Abraham were to be circumcised on the eighth day (Gen. 17:12), because the eighth day was the lawful time for the presentation of the firstborn (Ex. 22:29, 30). It took a full seven days to consecrate the priests (Lev. 8:33), and then they emerged from the tabernacle on the eighth day. God then manifested His presence to the people on the eighth day (Lev. 9:1, 4, 24).

In the New Testament, Jesus was raised from the dead on the eighth day to fulfill the law of the wave-sheaf offering (Lev. 23:10, 11). Likewise, Pentecost occurred seven weeks later on the fiftieth day, which was also the eighth day (Lev. 23:15-17). As we showed earlier, Jesus prophesied on the eighth day of Tabernacles (John 7:37-39) about the outpouring of the Spirit. These examples all fulfill the law of the presentation of the firstborn on the eighth day in Exodus 22:29, 30.

"Eight is the number of new beginning" while _three_ (pairs) denotes "a complete witness" (Jones), so when coupled with the idea of the "seven Spirits of God," we immediately see "a complete witness" of a "new beginning" in our lives. _Three_ times _eight_ is 24. Again, from Stephen Jones.

To write twenty-four in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: **kaph-daleth**. These signify the open palm in the act of opening a door, signifying an open hand showing and offering to us the door of priesthood and access into the Sanctuary of God.

**Twenty-four is the number of priesthood**.

Even as the number 12 is the number of governmental perfection, its multiple (24) is the number of priesthood, wherein lies the call to spiritual government. It is a heavenly government of priesthood, rather than a political government of kings.

God revealed to David the pattern of the heavenly Temple, so that he could draw the blueprints for the temple on earth that his son, Solomon, was to build. Among these patterns was a change in priesthood from 12 to 24 courses of priests (1 Chron. 24:1-18). For this reason also, we read in Rev. 4:4 of the 24 elders around the throne, after which the earthly manifestation was patterned.

In 1 Chron. 24:1-18, where David divided the priesthood into 24 courses, we find another natural division. The 24 courses are composed of 16 men of the family of Eleazar and 8 of the family of Ithamar (1 Chron. 24:4). The number 16 speaks of Love, while the number 8 speaks of New Beginnings. The number 24, then, which signifies priesthood, cannot be understood apart from the context of a new beginning (8) of spiritual rebirth and Love as the foundation of their character.

"Twenty-four is the number of priesthood." This is confirmed by the following.

Revelation 1:5-6 (ESV)  
5... and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 **and made us a kingdom** , priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

In Revelation 1:6 we see that "He," i.e. the Lord Jesus Christ, has "made us a kingdom, _priests_ to his God and Father," so when we consider all the branches joined to the central branch, we have this "kingdom" of "priests" typified, do we not? This reminds me of the Lord's teaching of the Parable of the True Vine found in John, Chapter 15:1-8.

Now, look at our illustration once more and where I've placed the number "3" on each of the branches and the number "4" on the central branch." This is due to the following description of the lampstand in Exodus.

Exodus 25:31-36 (ESV)  
31 "You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work: its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. 32 And there shall be six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it; 33 **three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand**. 34 **And on the lampstand itself there shall be four cups made like almond blossoms, with their calyxes and flowers,** 35 **and a calyx of one piece with it under each pair of the six branches going out from the lampstand.** 36 Their calyxes and their branches shall be of one piece with it, the whole of it a single piece of hammered work of pure gold.

On the central branch of the lampstand are " _four_ cups made like almond blossoms," but on each of the _six_ branches are " _three_ cups made like almond blossoms _."_ What are six threes? _Eighteen_ , or as we find in Revelation 13:18, it's "the _number_ of a _man_ , and his number is 666" (also 18). Might this indicate "man" or _humankind_ in sin, i.e. in spirit (6), soul (6), and body (6) and the corresponding work of redemption which is necessary and essential through Christ Jesus? (I Thess. 5:23; KJV) In agreement, Jones tells us that 18 is the "number of _oppression_ or _bondage_." Should this seem contradictory to our current consideration, read Romans 7:14-25 and II Corinthians 3:5-11. _Six_ being the " _number_ of a _man_ ," we have _three_ in the number 18, indicating "a complete witness" of "man" in sin and his corresponding need for grace.

When we add our "4" from the central branch to the "18" of the other six branches, we have 22. Here's what Stephen Jones wrote.

To write twenty-two in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: **kaph-beth**. These signify the open palm in the act of giving something to the house or household. It speaks of the Fruitfulness Mandate in Gen. 1:28, "be fruitful and multiply."

**Twenty-two is the number of Sonship, or the Sons of Light**.

This is the first promise of Sonship, which, along with the Dominion Mandate, formed the Birthright. This Fruitfulness Mandate was later given to Joseph when Jacob said in Gen. 49:22, " _Joseph is a fruitful bough_ " [ _ben_ , "son"], the builder of God's household.

Ed Vallowe's book, Biblical Mathematics, pages 138 and 139, says that 22 is the number of light, but Psalm 22 does not support his interpretation. Vallowe says, "TWENTY-TWO is the number that is connected with LIGHT. There were TWENTY-TWO bowls to hold oil in the candlestick in the Tabernacle. . . The purpose of the candlestick with its lamps was to give light.

"The saved are called the children of LIGHT. . .

"In the Gospel of John the word LIGHT is used TWENTY-TWO times."

Certainly, 22 includes the idea of light, because the overcomers—the sons of God—are the children of light. But the meaning of 22 is more inclusive than just light. It includes all aspects of Sonship, including authority, as we will see shortly.

As Vallowe says, there were 22 almonds on the 7 branches of the candlestick in the tabernacle (Ex. 25:31-37). The candlestick gave light to the Sanctuary and is a picture of Christ, as John 1:9 tells us,

**There was** the true light **which coming into the world, enlightens every man.**

But this is also connected to the concept of authority. In Numbers 16 we read about the Korah rebellion. Korah disputed the authority of Moses and Aaron. After God judged him, the next chapter establishes the authority of Aaron and the tribe of Levi in general. The princes of each tribe had to bring their rods of authority to the tabernacle, where they were laid up overnight in the sanctuary. Num. 17:8 says,

**Now it came about on the next day that Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms and** it bore ripe almonds **.**

In this we see that almonds have to do with divine authority. So the almonds on the candlestick speak of those God has chosen to be the light of the world and to rule in the Kingdom of God. That highest Authority is Jesus Christ, but it also speaks of those called as priests of God to rule with Him (Rev. 5:10; 20:6). Thus, the candlestick is more than light; it is authority as well. Putting them together, we see that these things characterize the sons of God. So 22 is the number of Sonship.

"Twenty-two is the number of Sonship, or the Sons of Light." When our _six threes_ (18) or "enmity with God" is dealt with through the cross of Christ (4; I Cor. 1:17; Gal. 6:12), we have "22," indicating a "new creature" _in Him_ (Matt. 16:24-28; II Cor. 5:17; KJV). For more about "sonship," see John 1:12, Romans 8:14, 19, Philippians 2:15, and I John 3:1-2.

There are seven branches on the lampstand denoting "fullness," so in the gospel of John, we read, "And from his _fullness we have all received_ , grace upon grace" (John 1:16; ESV; see also Eph. 1:22-23 and 4:13). This being the case, perhaps we could render the following passages this way:

Revelation 2:1 (ESV)  
1 "To the **angel** (Spirit of **wisdom** ) of the church in Ephesus write...

Revelation 2:8 (ESV)  
8 "And to the **angel** (Spirit of **understanding** ) of the church in Smyrna write...

Revelation 2:12 (ESV)  
12 "And to the **angel** (Spirit of **counsel** ) of the church in Pergamum write...

Revelation 2:18 (ESV)  
18 "And to the **angel** (Spirit of **might** ) of the church in Thyatira write...

Revelation 3:1 (ESV)  
1 "And to the **angel** (Spirit of **knowledge** ) of the church in Sardis write...

Revelation 3:7 (ESV)  
7 "And to the **angel** (Spirit of the **fear of the Lord** ) of the church in Philadelphia write...

Revelation 3:14 (ESV)  
14 "And to the **angel** (Spirit of **righteous judgment** ) of the church in Laodicea write...

There is certainly much more to consider in these passages, however, that's not the intent of this study. I would encourage you to think about each of these seven "angels" as it were in the light of what has been presented. Also keep in mind that "when God made [His} promise to Abraham, _He swore by Himself_ , since He had no one greater by whom to swear" (Heb. 6:13; AMP). So it is that each message or prophecy to the church was written to each of the "seven Spirits of God" found _in_ Christ in each church and _manifested through_ Christ and His _faithful_ _servants_ (Rev. 1:1; 6:9-11; 17:14).

Finally, remember what Ed Vallowe wrote concerning the spiritual meaning of seven? "He took the perfect world number _four_ and added to it the perfect divine number, _three_ , and got _seven_ , the most sacred number to the Hebrews. It was earth crowned with heaven—the _four-square earth_ plus the _divine completeness of God_. So we have _seven_ expressing _completeness_ _through union of earth with heaven_." This understanding reveals a _pattern_ in Revelation that holds true throughout this book which is _four_ and _three_. Careful study shows that the first _four_ prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls are all unique from the last _three_. This is especially clear in the first four seals which reveal the four horsemen.

In the "seven Spirits of God" which Christ possesses (Rev. 3:1) lies the "fullness" of the ONE Spirit of the Lord which manifests as His _wisdom_ , _understanding_ , _counsel_ , and _might_ out of which His _knowledge_ , _fear_ , and _righteous judgment_ proceed. Here's a summary of our concept thus far.

The Seven Spirits of God

1. Wisdom

2. Understanding

3. Counsel

4. Might

\------------------------

5. Knowledge

6. Fear of the Lord

7. Righteous Judgment

The Seven Spirits of God (Rev. 1:4) are the _seven stars_ or _angels_ of the seven churches (Rev. 1:16, 20; 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14), and the _seven angels_ with the seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2), and seven bowls (Rev. 15:1, 6-8), established by Revelation 1:4.

# Chapter Four

# LEFT AND RIGHT

In our last chapter, we considered the spiritual meaning of the numbers on the top row from left to right. Now, let's consider the numbers as they show in each of the stars. Before we do, let's delve a little deeper into the "left" and "right" theory which I advanced in the last chapter. Here's our illustration once again.

As we see, when we consider each pair of the "seven Spirits of God," we find that the _first_ and _seventh_ branches are labeled "1" and "2," while the _second_ and _sixth_ branches are labeled "3" and "4" and so on. This stays in keeping with how they're presented in Isaiah, Chapter 11.

As mentioned, each pair of "Spirits" if you will fall on the _left_ and _right_ side of the lampstand or cross, typifying the "living" (left) and "active" (right) Word of God. In keeping with "left" and "right," consider the Parable of the Sheep and Goats from Matthew, Chapter 25.

Matthew 25:31-46 (ESV)  
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 **Before him will be gathered all the nations** , and he will **separate** people one from another as a shepherd separates the **sheep** from the **goats**. 33 And he will place the **sheep** on his right, but the **goats** on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, **inherit the kingdom** prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 And the King will answer them, **'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me**.' 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, **'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.** 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' 44 Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' 45 Then he will answer them, saying, **'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.** ' 46 **And these will go away into eternal punishment** , but the **righteous** into eternal life."

When we consider our seven Spirits of God on the lampstand in light of this parable, we discover that the Lord places the " _sheep_ on the _right_ , but the _goats_ on the _left_ " (Matt. 25:33; ESV). Perhaps the most wonderful truth about this is that the "goats" are not consigned to some form of eternal torment somewhere far away from the Lord's presence. Instead, they are consigned to His "left" side or "hand" if you will, which reflects His "wisdom," "counsel," and "knowledge." Yes, I know that we read, "Depart from me, you cursed (goats), into the _eternal fire_ prepared for the devil and his angels," and again, "these (goats) will go away into _eternal punishment_ , but the _righteous_ into life eternal," however, before we leap into the idea of "hell" and "eternal torment" due to tradition, we should rethink our position in light of the following.

2 Corinthians 3:7-10 (ESV)  
7 Now if **the ministry of death** , carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not **the ministry of the Spirit** have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in **the ministry of condemnation** , **the ministry of righteousness** must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it.

Here Paul discusses the Two Covenants of God as described in Galatians, Chapter 4, verses 21 through 31, and contrasts the Old Covenant or Law of God with the New Covenant or Promise of God (Heb. 8:7-13). Note that Paul calls the Old Covenant Law of God "the ministry of _death_ " and " _condemnation_ " and the New Covenant "the ministry of the _Spirit_ " and " _righteousness_." Beloved, the "left hand" of God denotes the Old Covenant, i.e. His "living" Word, while the "right hand" of God denotes the New Covenant, i.e. His "active" Word via the Spirit (Heb. 4:12; ESV). So think about this—if the Law of God is "death" and "condemnation," might this explain what scripture really means concerning the idea of "eternal fire" and "punishment"? Please consider.

Romans 4:15 (ESV)  
15 For **the** law **brings** wrath...

"The _law_ brings wrath." Let's bring this Deuteronomy 33:2.

Deuteronomy 33:2 (KJV)  
2 And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: **from his** right hand _went_ **a** fiery law **for them**.

"From his _right hand_ went a _fiery law_ for them," not from the _left_ , but the _right_ (where the sheep are)! The New American Standard Version renders "fiery law" as "flashing lightning" which is then defined by the NASB Dictionary as, "Fire _of_ a _law_." The Strong's Concordance renders "fiery" as "a _fire-law_." So, any way you slice it, the "fire" of God is the "law" of God, so to be cast into "eternal fire" or "punishment" means to be positioned under the Old Covenant Law of God as long as it is necessary. Is this understanding not reflected by the "rule of law" in every society? After all, laws did not just suddenly appear. Are they not the result of our own conscience, our own inward "knowing" of "good and evil" which is first illustrated in the parable of Adam and Eve?

As for our word "eternal" in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? This is rendered "everlasting" in the King James. It's the Greek transliteration aiōnios which Strong's defines as, "Perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)." Our word aiōnios is taken from the root _aiōn_ which means, "An _age_." Beloved, this does not mean that God's "fire" (law) or "punishment" (discipline) never ends, rather, it means that God's "fire" (law) or "punishment" (discipline) _is always present_ and _the same in every age_ (hence eternal or everlasting) because "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34; KJV). His righteous judgment in humankind has always proceeded from the _moral essence_ of His law in every age _since the beginning_ of our existence because it reflects His "divine nature" (Rom. 1:20; ESV).

If the law of God proceeds from the "right" to the "left," then the "sheep" on the right are under the same law, are they not? If this is true, then what is the difference? The difference lies in the fact that those on the right discover the _moral essence_ or _spiritual nature_ of the law which is established in verses 35 through 40 of our parable (charity; agape love). Now, consider the following from Paul.

Romans 7:14 (KJV)  
14 For we know that **the law is spiritual**...

May I render the preceding verse like this?

Romans 7:14 (KJV)  
14 For we know that **the law** ( _left_ ) **is spiritual** ( _right_ )...

What do I mean by the _spiritual essence_ of the law? In agreement with our parable, Paul said this.

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV)  
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 **For the** whole law **is fulfilled in** one word **: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."**

Brothers and sisters, do we not see in these passages that the _spiritual essence_ of the law is "love"? And isn't this evident by what Jesus taught in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats?

# Chapter Five

# MORE ON THE LAMPSTAND

Returning to our illustration, you'll see that I've added our principle of "left" and "right." Now, let's consider the spiritual meaning of our numbers as they are in each of the "stars."

As we see, the "Spirit of wisdom and understanding" are the _first_ and _seventh_ branch but labeled as "1" and "2," respectively. Added together, we have _three_. We've already mentioned the spiritual meaning of this number, but let me share a portion from Stephen Jones' book, _The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty_ (bolding mine).

Gimel is a camel in Hebrew. It signifies to be lifted up. Pride is its negative side; being glorified or elevated to a position of authority is its positive side.

The number three is the number of divine fullness, completeness, or perfection. Whereas it takes two lines to fix a position by an x-y axis, it takes three to give shape and to enclose a geometric area—in this case, a triangle.

Because the law establishes truth on the basis of two or three witnesses (Deut. 19:15), the number three may be considered to be a complete witness. Two witnesses are enough to establish truth, but three brings completeness, clarity, and shape to it.

"Three may be considered to be _a complete witness_ ," writes Jones. This being the case, our _first_ (1) and _seventh_ (2) branches of "wisdom and understanding" _surround_ and _embrace_ all the other branches. Might this suggest that God's _wisdom_ and _understanding_ encompass everything we are considering?

Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)  
7 **Wisdom** _is_ **the principal thing** ; _therefore_ get **wisdom** : and with all thy getting get **understanding**.

Our next pair of "Spirits" are the _second_ and _sixth_ branches of "counsel and might," labeled as "3" and "4." Together, we have _seven_. Remember, "Seven is the biblical number of _completion_ and _spiritual perfection_ " (Jones), of "fullness" and "maturity." When added to our "3" of the first and seventh branch, we have _ten_. Here's a portion of what Stephen Jones wrote concerning its spiritual meaning (bolding mine).

_Ten_ **is the number of divine order being reestablished one way or another through the judgment of the law** (as pictured by the Ten Commandments). In other words, it manifests the actual sentence of the law which follows the gathering and presentation of the evidence. After the Holy Spirit has revealed the evidence to expose men's hearts (i.e., number nine), the Judge reveals the law. That is, he pronounces the sentence (i.e., number ten) according to the law.

**Ten is the number that portrays that time of judgment when men either receive reward or come under divine judgment**. One way or another, the law must be fulfilled and the divine order reestablished.

In keeping with our pattern of _four_ and _three_ , we have _ten_ in the first _four_ "Spirits," the "number of divine order being reestablished one way or another through the judgment of the law." Coincidence? Not at all, for our first segment of "four" is established in the "ten."

Our last two "Spirits" are the _third_ and _fifth_ branches, the "knowledge and the fear of the Lord," labeled "5" and "6" respectively. Added together, we have _eleven_. Again from Stephen Jones (bolding mine).

To write eleven in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: **yod** (hand) and **aleph** (strength). These signify the hand (outworking) of one's strength. **Man's works apart from God are imperfect and out of order, and so they come ultimately to disintegration**.

**Eleven is the number of imperfection, disorder, or being out of order**. Jacob had only eleven sons remaining at home after Joseph was lost and presumed dead. This portrays a measure of disorder. Only when Joseph was found and reunited with his brethren was there the order of divine government—the number 12.

Israel was rebellious against God ten times from the time they left Egypt to the day the twelve spies gave their reports (Num. 14:22). God then judged them, saying that they would have to spend 40 years in the wilderness. As we showed earlier, ten indicates the judgment of the law. But then the people refused to accept God's judgment, and this became their eleventh sin—disorder. They attempted to conquer Canaan on their own, but failed miserably (Num. 14:39-45). It does not work to do the right thing at the wrong time, nor to do the wrong thing at the right time. Both manifest disorder.

Also of note is the fact that it was an eleven-day journey from Mount Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea, where the 12 spies gave their report and where Israel committed their eleventh act of rebellion against God.

"Imperfection" and "disorder." Seem contradictory to our current thought? Not at all! Please consider.

Hosea 4:6 (KJV)  
6 My people are destroyed for lack of **knowledge** : because **thou hast rejected knowledge** , I will also reject thee, that **thou shalt be no priest to me** : seeing **thou hast forgotten the law of thy God** , I will also forget thy children.

Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5; ESV), and so it is that we see our _six_ branches, representing our _enmity_ with God, joined to the _seventh_ branch, representative of Christ and His sacrifice, our "imperfection" and "disorder" dealt with by the _cross_ of Christ (Matt. 16:24-27).

What is the seventh branch? "Righteous judgment." What does this tell us? That God's _righteous judgment_ always proceeds from the _love_ that was exemplified by His Son by giving His life for the world!

When we add all of our numbers together on the _six_ branches, we arrive at 21 (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6). This is _three sevens_ or "a complete witness" of "spiritual perfection." From Stephen Jones (bolding mine).

To write twenty-one in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: **kaph-aleph**. **These signify giving strength as well as the strength of God's grace to cover sin during our time of spiritual growth**.

When twenty-one is used in terms of time (as in a 21-year period) **it is the number of trouble or distress** ( _tsarah_ ), during which time we are in need of God's strength, offered by an open hand. When it is used as a number in itself, **it speaks of the end of the distress**. **Thus, it speaks of the blessing at the end**.

Israel entered the land of Canaan after 21 sins were recorded against them in their wilderness wandering. Yet the tabernacle had 21 coverings to cover all of Israel's sins (Ex. 26:3, 7). So we see God's provision in the midst of this distress.

Sin is always the cause of distress, because God brings distress in order to teach them the consequences of their sin. Yet 21 is also the number signifying the _end_ of distress. Jacob's times of distress ended after 21 years. At the end of this distress, he went to Bethel and " _called on the name of the Lord_."

Beloved, when we add our _seventh_ or central branch to our 21, we have 28. Here's a portion of what Stephen Jones wrote. It's lengthy, but well worth the read (bolding mine).

To write twenty-eight in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: **kaph-chet**. These signify the open palm covering the inner chamber of the heart.

**Twenty-eight is the number of the leading of the Spirit**...

... In the first chapter of Matthew, the genealogy of Christ is divided into three sections of 14 each. Matt. 1:17 says,

**Therefore all the generations from Abraham to David are** fourteen **generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon** fourteen **generations; and from the deportations to Babylon to the time of Christ** fourteen **generations.**

The number 28, then, should be viewed as having a connection with the number 14, which is the number of release, as well as the number 42. These three numbers, in a sense, represent Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Israel was released from Egypt at Passover because of events occurring on the night of Abib 14/15. The number 28 indicates the leading of the Holy Spirit, which points to Pentecost. And finally, the number 42 has to do with the full anointing of Christ, which points to Tabernacles.

The number 28 is the climax of the second period of 14 generations. After 28 generations from Abraham, the people of Judah were taken into captivity to Babylon. Because of a general lack of understanding of the nature of Pentecost, most people find this to be puzzling, because one would think that Pentecost would be a time of freedom, rather than bondage. However, when we understand that Pentecost is a leavened feast and that King Saul was a Pentecostal type, the connection becomes clearer.

Israel left Egypt at Passover and spent its Pentecostal days in the wilderness under Moses. They were supposed to enter the Promised Land at the time of the feast of Tabernacles. And so we find that after 28 generations, Judah was led into another "wilderness" type experience outside of the land, where they had to rely upon the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 we are given 28 "times" divided into 14 x 2.

1. A Time to be born; A Time to die.

2. A Time to plant; A Time to pluck

3. A Time to kill; A Time to Heal

4. A Time to break; A Time to Build

5. A Time to weep; A Time to Laugh

6. A Time to mourn; A Time to dance

7. A Time to cast stones; A Time to gather stones

8. A Time to Embrace; A Time to refrain

9. A Time to get; A Time to lose

10. A Time to keep; A Time to cast away

11. A Time to rend; A Time to sew

12. A Time to keep silence; A Time to speak

13. A Time to love; A Time to hate

14. A Time of war; A Time of peace

This is another example of how the number 28 is divided biblically into 14 x 2 and is therefore connected to the number 14. As we study this, we find that many men of the Bible were required to leave, depart, or go do something on the 28th time that their name is mentioned. It is clear that they were to do as they were led by the Holy Spirit.

The 28th time that Noah's name is mentioned is in Gen. 8:15, where God told him to " _go out of the ark_ " (vs. 16). In leaving, he was following the leading of the Spirit.

Finally, if we add our three branches on the left, we have _nine_. Stephen Jones tells us, "The number nine speaks of God's 'visitation,'" while Bullinger states, "It is the last of the digits, and thus marks the end, and is significant of the conclusion of a matter. It is akin to the number six, six being the sum of its factors (3x3=9, and 3+3=6), and is thus significant of the end of man, and the summation of all man's works. Nine is, therefore, THE NUMBER OF FINALITY OR JUDGMENT, for judgment is committed unto Jesus as "the Son of man" (John 5:27; Acts 17:31). It marks the completeness, the end and issue of all things as to man—the judgment of man and all his works."

When we add our three branches on the right, we have _twelve_ , the "number of governmental perfection and divine authority" (See Matt. 25:33-34; 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 22:69).

As you can see, I place a great deal of importance on the spiritual meaning of numbers, but I can't apologize for this. Numbers are a spiritual language that is more accurate than what words can sometimes express. As the last two chapters show, the numbers and their respective meanings reveal much more than what first meets the eye.

# Chapter Six

# HIS INVISIBLE ATTRIBUTES

The "seven Spirits of God" define the _sevenfold_ characteristics of the _one_ Spirit of the Lord which descended and remained on Christ Jesus after His baptism by John the Baptist at the Jordan River (Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34). These "seven Spirits" are first seen "before His throne" in Revelation 1:4, 16, and 20, and again in Revelation 4:5. In Revelation 5:6 we are told that these "seven Spirits of God" are "sent out into all the earth" which agrees with the _sending forth_ of the angels with the "trumpets" and "bowls."

When I consider that we are speaking of God's "attributes," I am quick to agree that they are indeed in "all the earth," for Paul said in Acts 17:28 that "in him we _live_ , and _move_ , and _have our being_ " (KJV). Paul also declared in Romans 14:7-9, "For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living" (ESV).

Strong's defines "throne" as, "A stately _seat_... by implication _power_ or (concrete) a _potentate_." Google defines "potentate" as, "A monarch or ruler, especially an autocratic one." "Autocratic" means "absolute power" (Google). Is God's power absolute? No doubt, for who of us can even begin to comprehend all that He has done and continues to do, both in the visible and invisible realms of our existence? How can we not be amazed at the birth of a child or the birth of a star? Is it not true that every discovery of science is simply the discovery of what God created and set forth in this world of form?

How many of us have ever asked someone the question, "Do you believe in God"? I have, and I know for a fact that others have too, however, let me ask you this—"What do we mean by the word 'God' when we ask this question?" Is it the "God" which has been defined to us by our religious denomination or organization, presented in such a fashion as to demand certain rituals which, without them, separates us from Him? Is it a "God" limited by the wiles of the devil or the carnal manipulations of man which hinders or prevents Him from accomplishing His will? If this is true, then we must be forced to confess that He is not omnipotent or omniscient. For this reason, I don't believe in the traditional view of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve did not "fall" by mistake but by divine intention. Adam and Eve's fall did not surprise our Creator, rather, it was part of God's divine purpose in us to advance His kingdom and purpose on earth. Beloved, it was God who "planted a garden eastward in Eden" and it was God who placed the "tree of life" and the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" in its midst. Beloved, it was God who did this so He had a purpose in mind when He did it. "The Lord is righteous in ALL his ways, and holy in ALL his works" (Psalms 145:17; KJV). "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:8-9; KJV). Apart from the Spirit of revelation (Eph. 1:17-18), how can any of us even begin to comprehend the mind of our Maker?

We have "seven Spirits of God," and again they are the sevenfold characteristics of the one Spirit of the Lord comprised of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord, summed up in His righteous judgment. Together, these attributes reflect God's "thoughts" and "ways" which are so much higher that the apostle Paul wrote, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" (Rom. 11:33; NKJV).

When God appointed Moses to deliver Israel, Moses asked, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?" How did our Creator answer? "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you'" (Exod. 3:13-14; NKJV). Beloved, God in His sevenfold attributes is truly unfathomable, so it behooves us to let this remain in our heart and mind and stay humble in light of His divine purpose and grace. Now, let us come to the creation story in the first chapter of Genesis, keeping the following in mind.

Romans 1:20 (ESV)  
20 For his **invisible attributes,** namely, his **eternal power** and **divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made**. So they are without excuse.

Do you see it? "Ever since the creation of the world" God's "invisible attributes," His "eternal power and divine nature" are "clearly perceived" in "the things that have been made." Would His "invisible attributes" be the "seven Spirits of God"? I believe they would!

I actually like the King James rendering of Romans 1:20 that reads, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." As we see, "the invisible things of him" in the King James is rendered "his invisible attributes" in the English Standard, but I don't see a problem with this based on the context of the King James, for the "invisible things of him" would certainly include his "attributes." Finally, our word "Godhead" means, "Divinity," so "divine nature" is also appropriate.

Look again at the phrase "ever since the creation of the world." Might this suggest that the creation story reveals "his invisible attributes"? Not only is this possible, but it is also the purpose of this study to show that, in conjunction with our pattern of four and three, they are reflected in the created things on the first four days of creation. Let's continue.

# Chapter Seven

# THE FIRST DAY: WISDOM

Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)  
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of **wisdom**...

Google defines "wisdom" as "the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment" and "the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment."

In Isaiah 11:2, the first "Spirit" mentioned is "wisdom," but before we continue, let's take a moment to establish a principle that remains true throughout scripture; the principle of _male_ and _female_.

Genesis 1:26-28 (NKJV)  
26 Then God said, "Let **Us** make man in **Our** image, according to **Our** likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 **So God created man in His** _own_ **image; in the image of God He created him** ; **male** and **female** He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

Beloved, who is the "Us" and "Our" in verse 26? Several perspectives could be considered but let's go with the context and our previous thought of _left_ and _right_. The "Us" and "Our" which is God's "own image" is "male" and "female," where the "male" (left) component denotes God's "Word" and the "female" (right) component denotes God's "Spirit." God's _Word_ correlates with God's "thoughts" while God's _Spirit_ denotes His "ways."

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)  
8 For my **thoughts** are not your **thoughts** , neither are your **ways** my **ways** , declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my **ways** higher than your **ways** and my **thoughts** than your **thoughts**.

Here we find a contrast between our Maker's "thoughts" and "ways" from our own. Strong's defines "ways" as, "A _road_ (as _trodden_ ); figurative a _course_ of life or _mode_ of action." When we consider "a course of life or mode of action," another word that defines "ways" is "intentions." After all, one's "course" in life is a matter of one's intention. Please consider.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)  
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the **thoughts** (mind) and **intentions** (ways) of the **heart** (spirit).

As we find, the "Word of God" is both "living and active," able to discern the "thoughts and intentions" of our minds and hearts. Such is the divine and wondrous power of our Creator's Spirit and wisdom. Remember our pattern of 4 and 3?

The Seven Spirits of God

1. Wisdom

2. Understanding

3. Counsel

4. Might

\------------------------

5. Knowledge

6. Fear of the Lord

7. Righteous Judgment

When brought to the seven Spirits, we have God's _wisdom_ , _understanding_ , _counsel_ , and _might_ , out of which flows the _knowledge_ and _fear of the Lord_ pertaining to His _righteous judgment_ in humankind (remember, this division of _four_ and _three_ is evident in the book of the Revelation with the seven prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls). In his book, _Number in Scripture_ , E.W. Bullinger wrote the following about the spiritual meaning of _four_ (bolding mine).

Now the number four is made up of three and one (3+1=4), and it denotes, therefore, and marks that which follows the revelation of God, namely, His creative works. He is known by the things that are seen. Hence the written revelation commences with the words, "In-the-beginning God CREATED." Creation is therefore the next thing—the fourth thing, and the number four always has reference to all that is created. It is emphatically the number of Creation; of man in his relation to the world as created; while six is the number of man in his opposition to and independence of God. It is the number of things that have a beginning, of things that are made, of material things, and matter itself. It is the number of material completeness. Hence it is the world number, and especially the 'city' number.

The fourth day saw the material creation finished (for on the fifth and sixth days it was only the furnishing and peopling of the earth with living creatures). The sun, moon, and stars completed the work, and they were to give light upon the earth which had been created, and to rule over the day and over the night (Gen 1:14-19).

Four is "the _world number_ , and especially the 'city' number." The idea of a "city" suggests a "foundation," for most buildings are situated on a _four-sided foundation_ (Rev. 21:16; KJV). This is further confirmed by the fact that "on the _fifth_ and _sixth_ days it was only the _furnishing_ and _peopling_ of the earth with living creatures." First, a _foundation_ , followed by _living creatures_. So it is that reflected on the first _four_ days of the _natural_ creation is a _spiritual_ _foundation_ relevant to all living creatures. As we continue, we will develop our understanding of this particular view. Now, let's consider the first day.

Genesis 1:1-5 (ESV)  
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the **Spirit of God** was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, " **Let there be light** ," and **there was light**. 4 And **God saw that the light was good**. And God **separated** the **light** from the **darkness**. 5 God called the light **Day** , and the darkness he called **Night**. And there was evening and there was morning, **the first day**.

What do we read? First, the " _Spirit of God_ " or "female" essence, "was hovering over the face of the waters," followed by, "And God _said_ ," which is His "Word" or "male" essence. So on the first day of creation, we have both "Spirit" and "Word," agreeing with our passages in Isaiah, Chapter 11. Also consider that Paul wrote, "Nevertheless, in the Lord _woman is not independent of man nor man of woman_ ; for _as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman_. And _all things_ are from God" (I Cor. 11:11-12; ESV). It should come as no surprise to us that our Creator, who is Spirit (John 4:24), is both male and female; after all, didn't woman come from man and then the man from the woman? Were they not "one" before the woman was separated from the man and destined to become one again? (Gen. 5:1-2; 2:24)

What were the first words our Maker uttered? "'Let there be _light_ ,' and there was _light_." Friends, this was _not_ the creation of natural light, for that was done on the fourth day (Gen. 1:14-19). So what was this "light"? It was the "light" of God Himself, for John wrote, "God _is_ light and in Him is no darkness at all" (I John 1:5; NKJV).

John 1:1-5 (KJV)  
1 **In the beginning was the Word** , and the **Word** was with God, and the **Word** was God. 2 **The same was in the beginning with God**. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 **In him was** life **; and the** life **was the** light **of men**. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

"In the _beginning_ was the Word." "The same," i.e. _the Word_ , "was in the _beginning_ with God" and "all things were made by _him_ (the Word); and without _him_ (the Word) was not anything made that was made. In _him_ (the Word) was _life_ , and the _life_ was the _light_ of men." As we see, the "Word" is called "him," agreeing with the "male" essence of our Creator. We also see that "light" clearly signifies "life." The natural parallel would be our sun, without which, no _life_ could exist on this planet. Now, consider the following.

Ephesians 5:23 (KJV)  
23 For the **husband** (male) is the **head** of the **wife** (female)...

Psalms 138:2 (NKJV)  
2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for **You have magnified Your word above all Your name**.

God has magnified His Word above all His name, placing His Word or "male" essence as " _head_ of the wife" or "female" component. This agrees with John 1:1 where we read, "And the Word _was_ God." The Greek transliteration of "Word" is logos, defined by Strong's as, "Something _said_ (including the _thought_ ); by implication a _topic_ (subject of discourse), also _reasoning_ (the mental faculty or _motive_ ; by extension a _computation_ ; specially (with the article in John) the Divine _Expression_ (i.e. _Christ_ )." This word is derived from lego, defined as, "To ' _lay_ ' forth, i.e. (figurative) _relate_ (in words [usually of systematic or set _discourse_ _]_." I am reminded of the passage in Numbers 23:19 which states, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. _Has He said_ , and will He not do? Or _has He spoken_ , and will He not make it good?"

As we see by our definitions, the idea of "Word" incorporates several things, not the least of which are the _thoughts_ and _intentions_ of the one who speaks, so it is not so much about one or two things said but of the _essence_ and _source_ _from which it originates_. "In the beginning was the Word" and this Word _is_ the "wisdom" of our Maker. With this in mind, consider the following from Proverbs.

Proverbs 8:22-36 (ESV)  
22 " **The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work** , the **first** of his acts of old. 23 **Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth**. 24 When there were no depths **I was brought forth** , when there were no springs abounding with water. 25 **Before** the mountains had been shaped, **before** the hills, **I was brought forth** , 26 **before** he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. 27 When he established the heavens, **I was there** ; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, 29 when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, **when he marked out the foundations of the earth** , 30 then **I was beside him** , like a master workman, and **I was daily his delight** , rejoicing before him always, 31 rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man. 32 And now, O sons, listen to me: **blessed are those who keep my ways**. 33 Hear instruction and **be wise** , and do not neglect it. 34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. 35 **For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord** , 36 but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death."

Note the bolded statements. "The Lord possessed me at the _beginning_ of his works, the _first_ of his acts of old. _Ages ago I was set up_ , at the _first_ , before the _beginning_ of the earth." What is Proverbs referring to? It refers to God's _wisdom_ , confirmed by the passages which precede those above.

Proverbs 8:1 (ESV)  
1 Does not **wisdom** call? Does not understanding raise her voice?... 11 for **wisdom** is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with **her**. 12 I, **wisdom** , dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.

God's "Word" in the _beginning_ is God's "wisdom," indicative of _all_ of our Creator's wisdom contained therein, and in Proverbs 8:1 we see "understanding" with it as it is in Isaiah 11:2. So here we find the _first_ of our "seven Spirits of God," the "Spirit of _wisdom._ " This is the "light" of the first day, for a true _understanding_ can only be gained from an established and incontestable _wisdom_ ; it will not be otherwise.

Proverbs 4:7-9 (NKJV)  
7 **Wisdom** _is_ the **principal thing** ; _therefore_ **get wisdom**. And in all your getting, get understanding. 8 Exalt **her** , and **she** will promote you; **she** will bring you honor, when you embrace **her**. 9 **She** will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory **she** will deliver to you."

Our phrase "principal thing" is defined by Strong's as, "The _first_ , in place, time, order or rank (specifically a _firstfruit_ )." Does this not agree with "beginning"? Note how Proverbs defines wisdom as a "her" or "she." Does this contradict our previous thought? Not at all, for we are speaking of the "Spirit" (female) of "wisdom" (male). Remember, "In the Lord _woman is not independent of man nor man of woman_." Consider what Paul said to the saints at Colossae.

Colossians 2:1-3 (ESV)  
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, **to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery,** which is Christ **,** 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

"All the treasures of _wisdom_ and _knowledge_ " are "hidden" in "Christ," so Paul also wrote, "But of Him," _i.e. God_ , "you are in Christ Jesus," His Son, "who became for us _wisdom_ from God..." (I Cor. 1:30-31; ESV).

1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (ESV)  
6 Yet among the mature we do impart **wisdom** , although **it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age** , who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart **a secret and hidden wisdom of God** , which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 **None of the rulers of this age understood this,** **for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory**. 9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"— 10 **these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit**. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

What does Paul tell us? If the "rulers of _this_ age" in Jesus' day had understood the "hidden wisdom," they "would not have crucified the Lord of glory." And why is this? Because, my dear friends, the _essence_ of God's _wisdom_ is based on _unconditional_ _love_ , which was never more exemplified than through His Son, Jesus Christ (I John 4:16). Consider what the Lord told Israel through Moses before they entered the Promised Land of Canaan.

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-8 (ESV)  
1 "And now, O Israel, listen to the **statutes** and the **rules** that I am teaching you, and do them, **that you may live** , and go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 **You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you**... 5 See, I have taught you **statutes** and **rules** , as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6 **Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'** 7 **For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?** 8 **And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?**

I cannot even begin to imagine what it was like to be a part of Israel during and after their deliverance from Egypt through Moses. As we see, Moses made it clear to his people that the "statutes" and "rules" which he had taught them were divinely given by the Creator Himself. Such was this wisdom that Moses said, " _Keep them_ and _do them_ , for that will be your _wisdom_ and your _understanding_ in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ' _Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people_.' For _what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him_? _And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?_ " Can we even imagine a more glorious proclamation? Ah, but consider what Moses followed with.

Deuteronomy 4:9-14 (ESV)  
9 " **Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life**. **Make them known to your children and your children's children** — 10 how on the day that you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, the Lord said to me, 'Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.'"

" _Take care_ , and _keep your soul diligently_ , lest _you forget_ the things that your eyes have seen, and lest _they depart from your heart_ all the days of your life." How appropriate these words are for our generation, for we have come to a time in this country where the moral structure of God's Law has been so severely corrupted by those in power that our country is failing on every hand.

Job 28:28 (ESV)  
28 And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is **wisdom** , and to turn away from evil is **understanding**.' "

Psalms 111:10 (ESV)  
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of **wisdom** ; all those who practice it have a good **understanding**. His praise endures forever!

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (ESV)  
13 **The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man**. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Beloved, the "light" of God's wisdom is the one true _source_ of understanding, and so we come to the _second_ day of creation.

# Chapter Eight

# THE SECOND DAY: UNDERSTANDING

Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)  
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of... **understanding**...

Genesis 1:6-8 (NKJV)  
6 Then God said, "Let there be a **firmament** in the **midst** of the **waters** , and **let it divide the waters from the waters**." 7 Thus God made the **firmament** , and **divided** the waters which _were_ **under the firmament** from the waters which _were_ **above the firmament** ; and it was so. 8 And **God called the firmament Heaven**. So the evening and the morning were **the second day**.

On the first day of creation, we have "light," symbolic of God's _wisdom_ through Christ. Now we come to the _second_ day, where we find our Creator placing a "firmament" or _expanse_ in the "midst" of the "waters" to "divide" the "waters _from_ the waters." Once this "firmament" or _expanse_ was placed, it divided the "waters which were _under_ the firmament from the waters which were _above_ the firmament."

Being the _second_ day of creation, the spiritual meaning of _two_ comes to bear. Allow me to share the following from Stephen Jones (bolding mine).

**Beth** is a house or household in Hebrew. God established the household with Adam and Eve, two people in a marriage. This provided direction, **a double witness** in the family to know the will of God. It takes two points to make a line and establish direction.

**The number two signifies either division or a double witness**. **God established two covenants in the Bible, first as a double witness of truth, but also to establish direction. Going from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant shows a progression of revelation from the lesser to the greater**.

This same principle is found with Hagar and Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac, with Jacob and Israel, with David and Saul, and (in the New Testament) in the contrast between Saul and Paul. In each case, there is division with a resulting conflict between the two characters, yet also God establishes the pattern of moving from one point to another.

Two being the number of " _division_ or a _double witness_ ," we find it emphasized on the _second_ day. First He divides the waters above from the waters below, then adds the "expanse," which places _two_ elements above the waters below.

Water is _liquid_ , one of the _four states of matter_ (solid, liquid, gas, and plasma), and though most of us take it for granted, it is a fascinating substance in itself. Most everyone knows it as "H2O," meaning that it is made of _two_ hydrogen atoms bonded to _one_ oxygen atom.

Much could be said about water, but _three_ of the most fascinating things about it is its ability to _adsorb a substance_ , _carry_ what's in its path, or simply _go around_ it. For this reason, _water_ represents "spirit" _and_ "understanding," or more appropriately the "spirit _of_ understanding" (Job 32:8; Gen. 1:2).

Job 32:8 (ESV)  
8 But it is the spirit in man, the **breath** of the Almighty, that makes him **understand**.

1 Corinthians 2:11-16 (ESV)  
11 For **who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him**? So also **no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God**. 12 Now we have received not **the spirit of the world** , but **the Spirit who is from God** , that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words **not taught by human wisdom** but **taught by the Spirit** , interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and **he is not able to** understand **them** **because they are spiritually discerned**. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Google defines "understanding" as "the ability to understand something; comprehension" and "having insight or good judgment." As we see, there's more to this than what first meets the eye, however, I believe all of us can agree that understanding must be acquired from some source of wisdom. And what is wisdom if not someone's thoughts based on true knowledge and experience? For us as believers, our passages show that our comprehension of the "thoughts of God" can only be discerned by "the Spirit who is from God." Where do these thoughts originate? Where else but from His wisdom which has been with us since the beginning. So it is that _wisdom_ and _understanding_ link together.

Jeremiah 17:13 (ESV)  
13 O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the Lord, **the fountain of living water**.

Zechariah 14:7-9 (ESV)  
7 And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. 8 **On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem** , half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. 9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.

John 7:37-39 (NASB95)  
37 Now on the last day, the great _day_ of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is **thirsty** , **let him come to Me and drink**. 38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, **'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water**.'" 39 **But this He spoke of the Spirit** , **whom those who believed in Him were to receive** ; for the Spirit was not yet _given,_ because Jesus was not yet glorified.

In Jeremiah and Zechariah, the prophets spoke of "living water(s)," while in the gospel of John, Jesus spoke of "rivers of living water" flowing out from our "innermost being." The King James renders "innermost being" as "belly" which Strong's defines as figurative of the "heart," so "heart" refers to "spirit."

Jesus said, "Out of _the abundance of the heart_ the _mouth_ speaks" (Matt. 12:34; NKJV), and is it not true that we speak about those things we understand (or think we understand)? Isn't it also true that a lack of understanding lends itself to all manner of problems in our lives?

As mentioned, water can _absorb_ many things, _carry_ what's in its path, or simply _find a path_ around them. Since we speak from the abundance of the heart (spirit), then what we say always issues from the wisdom we have acquired, i.e. from the _knowledge_ and _understanding_ formed by our experiences as we journey through this world of form. So, water in scripture is symbolic of more than just spirit; it also suggests those things we hear throughout our lives which we _absorb_ into our mind and form into understanding, or, which we _carry_ along in our minds as information for a time, or simply _bypass_ when we have no true interest or desire in it. For this reason, "water" perfectly illustrates the _understanding_ which eventually determines our _mindset_ and leads to our "ways" or _conduct_ (intentions). As all of us know, water is _essential_ to survival, and this being true, so too understanding. No wonder Paul wrote, "And be _renewed_ in the SPIRIT (ways; intentions) of your MIND (thoughts; understanding)" (Eph. 4:23; KJV).

Psalms 139:23-24 (ESV)  
23 Search me, O God, and know my **heart**! Try me and know my **thoughts**! 24 And see if there be any **grievous way** in me, and lead me in the **way** everlasting!

Isaiah 55:8-11 (ESV)  
8 For my **thoughts** are not your **thoughts** , neither are your **ways** my **ways** , declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my **ways** higher than your **ways** and my **thoughts** than your **thoughts**. 10 "For as **the rain and the snow come down from heaven** and do not return there but **water** the earth, **making it bring forth and sprout** , giving **seed** to the sower and **bread** to the eater, 11 **so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it**.

Here we see an evident distinction between God's "thoughts" and "ways" and our "thoughts" and "ways" and "as the heavens are higher than the earth," so are God's "thoughts" and "ways" higher than our own. Is this reflected in the _difference_ between the "waters which were _above_ the firmament" and the "waters which were _under_ the firmament"? On the _second_ day of creation, do we see the spiritual parallel of this _difference_ in the things which He made? Would the spiritual meaning of _two_ as "division" enhance this very thing?

But wait! There is also a "firmament" or "expanse" _between_ the waters above and below and we are told that "God called the expanse _Heaven_." Strong's defines our word "heaven" as, "Dual of an unused singular **shameh** ; from an unused root meaning to _be lofty_ ; the _sky_ (as _aloft_ ; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve)." So again, does the natural reflect that "heaven," as we think of it, exists between the waters? I will answer by saying that there is not just _one_ heaven but _three_ and that these _three heavens_ are typified by the waters above and below and the expanse in between. Consider the following from _Wonderopolis_ online and the article, "What Is Air Made Of?" (Bolding mine)

Many people assume that air is mostly made up of oxygen, since that's what our bodies need so desperately from the air we breathe. While oxygen is an important part of air, there are many other things in air other than oxygen.

Oxygen accounts for about 21% of air. However, the amount of oxygen in the air isn't the same everywhere you go. The farther you move away from sea level, the less oxygen you'll find in the air. For example, there's less oxygen in the air at the peaks of tall mountains. That's why mountain climbers often have to use oxygen tanks to ascend to the world's highest peaks, such as Mount Everest.

Around 78% of air is actually made up of another common gas called nitrogen. If you're adding up those percentages in your head, you've probably already figured out that oxygen and nitrogen only make up about 99% of air. So what's in that other 1%?

Besides oxygen and nitrogen, air also contains minute amounts of other gases, such as argon, carbon dioxide, helium, methane, and other trace gases. But that's not all! You'll also find other things in air, like dust, pollen, microbes, spores, and even water! Water vapor in air is a natural part of the water cycle. Humans feel the water vapor in the air as moisture, especially when it's humid outside. Remember those hot summer days when it felt like the air was wet but it wasn't raining? That's humidity.

Humid days can feel so unpleasant because the amount of moisture in the air interferes with your body's natural cooling process. On a hot day, your body will sweat to cool itself down. Sweat leaves your body and evaporates on your skin, which cools your body's temperature. On humid days, sweat doesn't evaporate into the air like usual, because there's already too much water vapor in the air.

Now, consider what the apostle Paul said in the following.

2 Corinthians 12:1-4 (NASB95)  
1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to **visions** and **revelations** of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows— **such a man was caught up to the** third heaven. 3 And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows— 4 **was caught up into** Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.

"Such a man (which I believe was Paul himself) was caught up to the _third_ heaven," Paul said, and followed with the word "Paradise." Evidently, there are _three_ heavens. This being the case, I am inclined to think of them as follows:

3. Third Heaven: Father (Waters _Above_ ; God's Thoughts and Ways; The Throne of God)

2. Second Heaven: Son (Expanse; Waters _Between_ ; Heaven)

1. First Heaven: Holy Spirit (Waters _Below_ )

In agreement, consider what the Lord said to the religious leaders of His time.

John 8:23 (ESV)  
23 He said to them, "You are **from below** ; I am **from above**. You are **of this world;** I am **not of this world**."

"You are from _below_ ," i.e., "You are of _this_ world." "I am from _above_ ," i.e., "I am _not of this world_." No wonder John the Baptist declared, "Repent, for the _kingdom of heaven_ is at hand" (Matt. 3:1; ESV). The "kingdom of heaven," beloved, the "second heaven" if you will, for isn't Christ Jesus the "mediator _between_ God and men"? (I Tim. 2:5; KJV) Is this typified by the "firmament" which God placed _between_ the waters? I believe it's certainly possible but it doesn't end there, for our definition of "heaven" in Genesis 1:8 reads, " _Dual_ of an unused root," indicating not _one_ but _two_ "heavens" alluded to. This is why many translations read "heavens" in Genesis 1:1. Furthermore, the scripture tells us that Christ is at the "throne" of God, at His "right hand" (Mark 12:36; Rev. 3:21). Would He not then be in both heavens, i.e. the second _and_ third?

So how does all of this relate to our "Spirit of understanding"? When we realize that "waters" represent _understanding_ which flows from the "thoughts" and "ways" (intentions) which proceed from the heart of God and Christ _above_ (second and third heaven) or the heart of man _below_ (first heaven), then it is certainly not a stretch to see that _understanding_ of any sort always originates from the _wisdom_ of _God_ or the _wisdom_ of _this_ world (Mark 6:2; Luke 2:52; Acts 6:10; I Cor. 1:19-20). Keep in mind too that the wisdom of _this_ world also originates with our Creator, for all that we know and understand is a direct result of all that God has done since the beginning of time.

Out of wisdom flows understanding which determines our "thoughts" and "ways," and so we come to the _third_ day of creation.

# Chapter Nine

# THE THIRD DAY: COUNSEL

Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)  
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him... the Spirit of **counsel**...

The Strong's Concordance defines "counsel" as, " _Advice_ ; by implication _plan_ ; also _prudence_." When one possesses wisdom and understanding, then they are certainly qualified to give advice or set forth a plan, are they not?

Psalms 33:11 (ESV)  
11 The **counsel** of the Lord stands forever, **the plans of his heart** to all generations.

Psalms 73:21-24 (ESV)  
21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. 23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 **You guide me with your counsel** , and afterward you will receive me to glory.

As the Psalmist says, "The _counsel_ of the Lord stands forever, the _plans_ of his heart to all generations." When guided by His _counsel_ or _advice_ , by His _plan_ or _purpose_ , then know that there is no higher direction we can experience in this life. Despite how things may appear on the surface, all that has transpired since our beginning has not been random. Our heavenly Father is moving us forward in accordance with His divine will and it will end as He has determined.

Genesis 1:9-13 (ESV)  
9 And God said, " **Let the waters under the heavens** be gathered together into one place, and let the **dry land** appear." And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. 11 And God said, " **Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth**." And it was so. 12 **The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind**. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, **the third day**.

Here we find our _third day_ of creation which establishes God's _counsel_. "Three is the number indicating completeness and perfection" (Jones) so when we arrive at our third day, we have this "completeness" illustrated by the fact that God gathered the "waters under the heavens" "into one place" in order for the "dry land" to appear (spirit with spirit, flesh with flesh... think about this). Once this was done we read, "'Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.' And it was so."

So what is it we are seeing on the third day of creation? "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth." Is this not the principle of sowing and reaping or seedtime and harvest? No doubt! So Paul records the following in Galatians, Chapter 6.

Galatians 6:7-10 (ESV)  
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for **whatever one sows, that will he also reap**. 8 For the one who **sows** to his own flesh will from the flesh **reap** corruption, but the one who **sows** to the Spirit will from the Spirit **reap** eternal life. 9 And **let us not grow weary of doing good** , for in due season **we will reap** , if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, **let us do good to everyone** , and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Here it is plain, the natural testifying of God's divine work in our minds and hearts. "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows that will he also reap." Beloved, know that this principle is not only divine but also universal in its scope and intent, transcending all cultural and religious boundaries and relevant to every soul on this planet; past, present, and future. And when we take time to ponder this principle, we discover that it reflects the very essence of creation itself! Didn't Jesus teach that "the seed is the Word of God" and John said that "in the beginning" was this "Word"? (Luke 8:11; John 1:1) Does this not establish the fact that everything as we know it, both visible and invisible, begins with a "seed"? And once sown, does this not begin a cycle of formation or creation from beginning to end? No wonder Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 and said, "Man," i.e. all humankind, "shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4; NKJV).

As the Psalmist says, "The _counsel_ of the Lord stands forever, the _plans_ of his heart to all generations" (Psalms 33:11; ESV). So we find in our _universal_ principle of sowing and reaping a _divine counsel_ to which we must give heed. "Do not be deceived," beloved, "God is not mocked." Out of His divine wisdom flows an immutable principle that is relevant to every single soul on this planet, for where _religious belief_ often seeks to confine, God's _truth_ transcends.

In perfect agreement with the importance of this principle, consider that following the creation of humankind God immediately " _planted_ a _garden_ in Eden" (Gen. 2:8; ESV). What is the purpose of a "garden" if not for the _express purpose_ of sowing "seed" and eventually "reaping" the harvest which follows? Immediately after this, we read, "And there _he put the man_ (humankind; both male and female) whom he had formed" (Gen. 2:8; ESV). Do we see that this was not a physical place or literal garden in which our Creator placed us? Rather, the placement of man in the garden symbolizes the institution of this divine principle in which all humankind has been positioned. Is there even one of us who can deny that we "reap" what we "sow"? (Luke 6:37-38)

Now, let's take a moment to consider the Parable of the Sower, recorded _three_ different times in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Is our "three" a coincidence, or does this stamp this concept with "a complete witness"?

Luke 8:4-8 (ESV)  
4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: 5 " **A sower went out to sow his seed**. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold." As he said these things, he called out, " **He who has ears to hear, let him hear**."

Here we have the simple but profound teaching of the Parable of the Sower, and once the Lord presented it to a great crowd of people Jesus asked His disciples, "Do you not understand _this_ parable? How then will you understand _all_ the parables?" (Mark 4:11-13; ESV) Might this suggest that this parable is _foundational_ and one of the most important to understand? Furthermore, does this parable actually define what is meant by the "garden" which God planted in "Eden"? I believe it does! In agreement, let's consider how the Lord explained it.

Luke 8:11-15 (ESV)  
11 Now the parable is this: The **seed** _is_ **the word of God**. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard. Then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

Here we go, my friends. "The _seed_ is the _Word of God_ " which John states was "in the beginning" (John 1:1), the same "seed" or Word which incorporates the seven Spirits of God. I do not doubt that the Parable of the Sower is indeed a description of the Garden of Eden (Gen. 1:8), for it is evident by the context of Genesis 2:7-17, that the creation of "man" or _humankind_ is intrinsically linked to the garden in which we were placed. And though I may be redundant in saying so, the principle of sowing and reaping is _divine_ and _universal_ , an _irrefutable_ principle or _absolute_ that could have only proceeded from the wisdom of a Higher Being than ourselves.

Think about it! The sowing of seed, natural or otherwise, _begins_ and _perpetuates_ all life on earth! And most importantly, it is this principle which reveals the understanding of _resurrection_ , the _core essence_ of the gospel of Christ. Paul confirms this in the following.

1 Corinthians 15:12-14, 35-38 (ESV)  
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But **if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised**. 14 And **if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain**... 35 But someone will ask, " **How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?"** 36 You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow **is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain**. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body.

In contemporary terms, sowing and reaping would be considered "cause and effect," defined by _Dictionary.com_ as, "Noting a relationship between actions or events such that one or more are the result of the other or others." Isn't "sowing" the "cause" and "reaping" the "effect"?

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the principle of sowing and reaping is that it demonstrates God's _counsel_ on an ongoing basis, _a constant in all that we do_. So it is that Paul went on to say, "And let us not grow weary while _doing good_ , for in due season _we shall reap_ if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, _let us do good to all_ , especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:9-10; ESV). Clearly, God's desire for our well-being is evidenced by these passages, and when we are truly guided by His _counsel_ (Psalms 73:24) we will "do good to all."

# Chapter Ten

# MORE ON SOWING AND REAPING

John 12:23-25 (NKJV)  
23 But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat **falls** into the ground and **dies** , it remains alone; but **if it dies** , it **produces much grain**. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

In John, Chapter 12, we have another simple but profound teaching which concerns sowing and reaping. "Unless a grain of wheat _falls_ ," Jesus said. Did Adam and Eve "fall"? They did, and figuratively speaking, Adam and Eve would be considered "a grain of wheat." For confirmation, consider the Parable of the Tares in Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 along with Luke 3:38.

"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground _and dies_ ," Jesus said. Did Adam and Eve die? They did, and this following God's decree to Adam (and Eve) to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17).

Now, the grain of wheat _must_ fall into the ground and _die_ or "it remains _alone_ ," so consider this—what did the LORD God say immediately after He told Adam not to eat of the tree of knowledge? "It is not good that the man _should be alone_ " (Gen. 2:18; KJV). So we find that, in order to not "be alone," and in light of our Lord's teaching in John 12, it was necessary for him to "fall" and "die." Is this not true? Might this help explain why _death_ is such an integral part of our existence as evidenced by our principle of sowing and reaping (resurrection)? Does this help explain Hebrews 9:27 where we are told, "It is _appointed_ for men to _die_ once"? Now, let me bring in another teaching concerning sowing and reaping.

Mark 4:26-29 (NKJV)  
26 And He said, "The **kingdom of God** is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should **sleep by night** and **rise by day** , and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: **first the blade** , then **the head** , after that **the full grain in the head**. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."

In keeping with the importance of our principle, we find the Lord giving us another parable. "The _kingdom of God_ is as if a man should scatter _seed_ on the _ground_ ," so He is speaking of the _work_ of God's kingdom _in us_ (Luke 17:21). As the Parable of the Sower indicates, the " _seed_ is the _Word of God_ " (Luke 8:11) while the "ground" is the " _heart_ " of man (Matt. 13:19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:12).

See our phrase "sleep by night"? Might this connect with the idea of Adam being placed in a "deep sleep" in Genesis 2:21?

See our phrase "rise by day"? Might this suggest _resurrection_ in accordance with Paul's teaching in I Corinthians, Chapter 15? After all, what does a plant or tree do once it breaks forth out of the ground? Does it not grow up toward the "light" of the sun? Is it not true that sunlight is a vital component to the growth of a plant or tree?

Note that there are _three_ stages which Jesus mentioned; "first the _blade_ , then the _head_ , after that the _full grain in the head_." Beloved, these _three_ stages of growth are all evidenced _above_ the ground, are they not? So if we consider that there must first be a "seed" to _fall_ into the ground and _die_ , then we have a _fourth_ and final stage to add to it. What is the spiritual meaning of _four_? "Material creation" (Bullinger), which reflects the spiritual realm (Rom. 1:20). Let me share the following illustration with you.

_Three_ stages define the work of the seed _above_ the ground, indicating "a complete witness." When we add our "seed" with our _three_ stages, we have _four_. Here's a portion of what Stephen Jones wrote about its spiritual meaning (bolding mine).

Daleth is a door in Hebrew.

In biblical numerology, four is the number of the earth, or the material creation of God. On the fourth day of creation the material world was finished (Gen. 1:14-19), thereby allowing God to furnish it with living creatures. The gematria of the Hebrew phrase, h'eretz, "the earth," is 296, which is 4 x 74...

... In geometry, a four-sided square represents the earth, while a circle represents heaven, eternity, and the realm of spirit.

Here again, is what E.W. Bullinger wrote concerning the number _four_ (bolding mine).

Now the number _four_ is made up of three and one (3+1=4), and it denotes, therefore, and marks that which follows the revelation of God, namely, _His creative works_. **He is known by the things that are seen**. Hence the written revelation commences with the words, "In-the-beginning God CREATED." Creation is therefore the next thing—the _fourth_ thing, and the number _four_ always has reference to all that is _created_. It is emphatically the _number of Creation_ ; of man in his relation to the world as created; while _six_ is the number of man in his opposition to and independence of God. It is the number of things that have a **beginning** , of things that are made, of material things, and matter itself. It is the number of _material completeness_. Hence it is the _world number_ , and **especially the "city" number**.

Returning to our illustration, we find the work of the "seed" or "Word of God" in the "ground" or "heart" of man. As His work progresses in our lives, we move through the "blade," the "head," and after this, the "full grain" or "fruit" in the "head." The "full grain" represents the _maturation_ of the plant defined by our number _seven_. Our _four_ stages of growth show the _creative process_ of God's living Word in our heart while our number _seven_ represents its _spiritual increase_ as we "grow up in all things into Him who is the _head_ —Christ" (Eph. 4:15; NKJV). So it is that Jesus taught, "For the _tree_ is known by his _fruit_ " (Matt. 12:33; KJV). "Tree"? As in either the "tree" of knowledge or "tree" of life? Exactly! And where is it these "trees" abide? Are they not _within_ the "ground" of our hearts where the "seed" has been sown? Would this be why Jesus said in Luke 17:21 that "the _kingdom of God_ is in the _midst_ of you"? No wonder Paul wrote," To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is _Christ in you_ , the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27; ESV).

If the "garden" of "Eden" represents the universal principle of sowing and reaping, then what does the tree of knowledge and tree of life represent? Would they correlate with the _twofold_ outcome of this principle as follows?

Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV)  
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the **one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption** (tree of knowledge of good and evil), but the **one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life** (tree of life).

Note where I added the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" and the "tree of life" in our passages, however, there is more to be considered which we will look into as we continue.

# Chapter Eleven

# THE FOURTH DAY: MIGHT: TWO GREAT LIGHTS

Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)  
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him... the Spirit of... **might**...

I find it remarkable that God created the world in such a fashion as to reflect His _wisdom, understanding,_ and _counsel_ on the first three days of creation. On the _first_ day, we have the "light" or "life" of His divine _wisdom_ (Gen. 1:1-5; John 1:1-5, 9-14). On the _second_ day, we have His _understanding_ incorporated in His "thoughts" and "ways" and typified by the "waters that were _above_ the expanse" which are separate from and far above our own "thoughts" and "ways" as typified by the "waters that were _under_ the expanse" (Gen. 1:6-8; Isa. 55:8-9). On the _third_ day, we discover His _counsel_ as expressed to humankind through His _divine_ , _universal_ and _irrefutable_ principle of sowing and reaping which was established by our Creator as the spiritual mechanism through which all of us pass during our time here on earth (Gen. 1:9-13; Gal. 6:7-10). We now arrive at the _fourth_ day of creation.

Genesis 1:14-19 (ESV)  
14 And God said, "Let there be **lights** in the expanse of the heavens **to separate the day from the night**. And let them be for **signs** and for **seasons** , and for **days** and **years** , 15 and let them be **lights** in the expanse of the heavens **to give light upon the earth**." And it was so. 16 And God made **the two great lights** — **the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars**. 17 And **God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth** , 18 to **rule over the day** and **over the night** , and **to separate the light from the darkness**. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, **the fourth day**.

In these passages our "lights" speak of the natural creation of the _sun_ , _moon_ , and _stars_ , however, as has been true throughout this study, there is a _spiritual parallel_ to be considered.

Note that God determined to place the "lights" in "the _expanse_ of the heavens." This is the same word used in Genesis 1:7 and 8, the same "expanse" which God called "Heaven." Keep this in mind.

What was the purpose of the "lights"? "To give _light_ upon the earth." Then we read, "And God made the _two great lights_ —the _greater light_ to _rule the day_ and the _lesser light_ to _rule the night_ —and the stars. And God set them in the _expanse_ of the heavens to give light on the earth, to _rule over the day_ and _over the night_ , and to _separate the light from the darkness_."

Our "two great lights" are the sun and moon. The sun would be the "greater light" and the moon the "lesser light" since the moon has no light of its own but simply reflects the light of the sun.

What does "light" symbolize? "Life" (John 1:4), after all, without the _light_ of the sun, _life_ as we know it could not exist on this planet. And what is the _spiritual parallel_ typified by our "two great lights"? Please reconsider the following.

2 Corinthians 3:5-11 (ESV)  
5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a **new covenant** , not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if **the ministry of death** , carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not **the ministry of the Spirit** have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in **the ministry of condemnation** , **the ministry of righteousness** must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.

As we have already considered, Paul compares the Old Covenant with the New Covenant in these passages. The Old Covenant was "carved in letters on stone," pointing to the Law which God delivered to Moses and Israel at Mount Sinai long ago (Exod., Chapters 19 and 20; 31:18; Deut. 9:10). The New Covenant is found in Jeremiah, Chapter 31, verses 31 through 34, quoted by the writer of Hebrews in Chapter 8, verses 7 through 13.

As noted, Paul called the Old Covenant Law of God "the ministry of death" and "condemnation" and the New Covenant Promise of God "the ministry of the Spirit" and "righteousness." Throughout these passages, he emphasizes the "glory" of both, letting us know that the "glory" of the New Covenant far surpasses that of the Old. With this idea of "glory" in mind, consider the following regarding _the resurrection of the dead_.

1 Corinthians 15:40-46 (ESV)  
40 There are **heavenly bodies** and **earthly bodies** , but **the** glory **of the heavenly** is of one kind, and **the** glory **of the earthly is of another**. 41 There is **one** glory **of the sun** , and another glory **of the moon** , and **another** glory **of the stars** ; for star differs from star in glory. 42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But **it is not the spiritual that is first** but the natural **, and** then the spiritual.

What a tremendous amount of wisdom we find within just these seven verses! What does Paul tell us? "There are _heavenly bodies_ and _earthly bodies_ , but the _glory_ of the _heavenly_ is of one kind, and the _glory_ of the _earthly_ is of another." Does our phrase "heavenly bodies" refer to the sun, moon, and stars? Of course, and so too the "glory" of each! When we bring this idea of "glory" to our passages from II Corinthians, we discover that the "greater light" of the sun typifies the greater "glory" of the New Covenant in regard to the Old! And again, what is Paul discussing in I Corinthians 15 in light of the principle of sowing and reaping? The "resurrection of the dead," the _core essence_ of the gospel of Christ (I Cor. 15:1-28), _the foundational principle of Christianity!_

Beloved, our "two great lights" typify the Two Covenants, Old _and_ New, set forth on the _fourth_ day of creation and _establishing_ God's Two Covenants as the _foundation_ (4) of the _world_ (4) characterizing the "might" of His eternal Spirit! Remember, _four_ is the number of "material creation," the " _world_ number," and "especially the ' _city_ ' number," or _foundation_ (Bullinger). What do we have when we add our two fours together? _Eight_ , the number of "new beginning"!

Now, here's another fascinating and enlightening thing about our Two Covenants. When understood properly, the _foundation_ of our covenants is _the divine principle of sowing and reaping!_

Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV)  
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For **the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption** ( _tree of knowledge of good and evil_ ; Old Covenant Law of God), but **the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life** ( _tree of life_ ; New Covenant Promise of God).

What did Paul say? "But it is not the spiritual that is first _but the natural_ , and _then the spiritual_." Doesn't the "one who sows to his _own flesh_ " typify the "natural" while the "one who sows to _the Spirit_ " typifies the "spiritual"? (See 1st Corinthians 2:14-16 for confirmation). And isn't the order in which our principle of sowing and reaping declared follow this concept of "natural," then "spiritual"? It does, so as we see, the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" represents the Old Covenant Law of God while the "tree of life" represents the New Covenant Promise of God. The first covenant or Law rules over the "night" or _darkness_ of our being while the second covenant rules over the "day" or _light_ of our being.

Now, let's take a moment to consider the following to establish the link between our Two Covenants.

Hebrews 8:7-13 (ESV)  
7 For if that **first covenant** had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a **second**. 8 For he finds fault with them when he says: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish **a new covenant** with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 9 **not like the covenant** that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. 10 For **this is the covenant** that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: **I will put** my laws **into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people**. 11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." 13 In speaking of **a new covenant** , he makes the **first one** obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Here we find the New Covenant, quoted from Jeremiah 31:31-34 (see also Jer. 31:35-36). What is this covenant? "I will put MY LAWS into their minds, and write them on their hearts." "MY LAWS," as in the Old Covenant Law of God? Absolutely, for within the Law of God is the _spiritual essence_ and _nature_ of this Law and the Giver Himself! And what is this _spiritual essence_ and _nature_? It's HIS DIVINE LOVE! As previously stated, the "light" of the moon is simply a "reflection" of the "light" of the sun, so the New Covenant Promise of God does not do away with the Law, it simply works into us its spiritual substance. Paul confirms this in the following.

Romans 7:14 (ESV)  
14 For we know that the **law** (OLD COVENANT) is **spiritual** (NEW COVENANT)...

Also reconsider what Paul said in II Corinthians, Chapter 3, concerning the Law.

2 Corinthians 3:6 (ESV)  
6... who has made us competent to be **ministers of a** **new covenant** , **not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills,** but the Spirit gives life.

"The letter" or _Law_ "kills" (... as in Adam all die...), "but the Spirit," or _Promise_ "gives life" (... even so in Christ all shall be made alive... I Cor. 15:22; KJV). Does this not clearly reflect "resurrection"? It does! And both proceed from the heart and mind of our Creator and are _intimately_ and _forever_ linked. Think about it! How can the Law become "spiritual" in our hearts if not first introduced to our minds? No wonder Jesus said in Matthew 5:17, "Do not think that I have come to _abolish_ the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to _abolish_ them but to FULFILL them," and Paul taught, "Love is the FULFILLING of the Law" (Rom. 13:10; KJV). For further study on the "two great lights," let me share the following illustration with you.

As we see, there's a bit more to this illustration than what we have discussed, however, I will leave that for your own study.

What was the purpose of the "lights" on the _fourth_ day of creation (foundation)? "To give _light_ upon the earth." So we read, "And God made the _two great lights_ —the _greater light_ to _rule the day_ and the _lesser light_ to _rule the night_ —and the stars. And God set them in the _expanse_ of the heavens to give light on the earth, to _rule over the day_ and _over the night_ , and to _separate the light from the darkness_."

When we realize that our "two great lights" typify the glory of the Two Covenants of God and that the foundation of these covenants is the principle of sowing and reaping, then we have a simple yet profound understanding that answers many of the questions which arise in our study of scripture.

Where did God place the "lights"? In the " _expanse_ of the heavens," typifying the _second_ heaven of our _mediator_ , Christ our Lord. This is certainly appropriate for we read, "For the Father judges no one, but _has committed all judgment to the Son_ " (John 5:22; NKJV), and, "He," i.e. Christ, "must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For _'He has put all things under His feet.'_ But when He says 'all things are put under Him _,'_ it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted (the exception). Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all" (I Cor. 15:25-28; NKJV).

"Two great lights," the sun and moon, symbolizing the Two Covenants, the Law and the Promise, established by and through God's _wisdom_ , _understanding_ , and _counsel_ which establishes His "might" in the earth as evidenced by our word "rule." The "greater light" _rules_ the "day" while the "lesser light" _rules_ the "night." God is truly sovereign over both. In agreement, Paul declared the following.

1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 (ESV)  
5 For you are all children of **light** , children of the day. We are not of the **night** or of the **darkness**. 6 So then **let us not sleep, as others do** , but **let us keep awake and be sober**. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

Obviously, Paul is speaking figuratively, letting us know that, as believers, we are "children of the _day_. We are _not_ of the night or of the darkness... _we belong to the day_ ," so, "let us be sober," putting on "the breastplate of _faith_ and _love_."

Finally, we read that our "two great lights" are "for _signs_ and for _seasons_ , and for _days_ and _years_." Is it not true that sowing and reaping (seedtime and harvest) requires all four? Please consider the following in light of this understanding.

Luke 21:24-28 (NKJV)  
24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the **times** of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 "And there will be **signs** in the **sun** , in the **moon** , and in the **stars** ; and **on the earth** distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, **for the powers of heaven will be shaken**. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

Based on what our Lord said, are we in the "times of the Gentiles" (nations)? I believe we are (Compare to Revelation 12:14). Furthermore, are the "signs in the _sun_ , in the _moon_ , and in the _stars_ " both literal (natural) and figurative (spiritual)? It certainly seems so, for the Lord follows with "the _powers of heaven_ will be shaken." When we bring this thought to the book of the Revelation, we discover a deeper meaning to the words of Christ in the visions of the apostle John.

Reconsider our illustration once more. What do we find on the _left side_ of our lampstand and cross? _Wisdom_ , _counsel_ , and _knowledge_. And the right? _Fear_ , _might_ , and _understanding_. As we see, the "left hand" _begins_ with _wisdom_ while the "right hand" _begins_ with _fear_. This reveals that the "left hand" of God is His "living" Word, i.e. the "letter" that "kills," while the "right hand" of God is His "active" Word via the "Spirit" that gives "life" (2nd Cor. 3:6; Heb. 4:12; ESV). No wonder we read that "the _fear of the Lord_ (right hand of God) is the _beginning of wisdom_ " (left hand of God) (Job 28:28; Psalms 111:10; Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4).

# Chapter Twelve

# THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD

John 17:24 (ESV)  
24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before **the foundation of the world**.

What did Jesus mean by "the foundation of the world"? Is this not what we have discovered in the first _four_ days of creation, our number _four_ testifying of this very thing? Please consider the following summation.

The Foundation of the World (The Seven Spirits of God)

God in Christ (Let There Be Light [Foundation])

1. Wisdom

2. Understanding

3. Counsel

4. Might

God in Christ to Humankind (Righteous Judgment; Sowing and Reaping; [7])

5. Knowledge

6. Fear of the Lord

As this illustrates, the "foundation of the world" was established by our Creator's _wisdom_ , _understanding_ , _counsel_ , and _might_ , for "in Him we _live_ , and _move_ , and have our _being_... for _we_ are also _his offspring_ " (Acts 17:28; KJV).

The fact that there are "seven" Spirits _confirms_ that there is no need for anything further. In the "one" Spirit of the Lord, we find "spiritual completeness" (Jones; Bullinger; Isa. 11:1-5), the _totality_ of His divine essence. Out of this divine essence flows the "living" Word of His divine Law and the "active" component of His unlimited love, mercy, and grace contained therein (Heb. 4:12; ESV). For those who go on to truly know Him, they come to understand that His "law" is truly "spiritual" (Rom. 7:14; ESV).

Beloved, let us not be so high-minded as to not admit that it is difficult for us to comprehend the depth of God's purpose in humankind, for we have been inundated by so many suppositions that it often exhausts our minds to even consider it. There is simply so much in His Word that we truly don't understand. We have barely scratched the surface of divine revelation because we have been blinded by countless traditions that have been handed down for almost two thousand years. We have, in our ignorance, attempted to place this _infinite_ Being into _finite_ "boxes" and sought to force them on others without considering just how _unspiritual_ we are in the process (I Cor. 1:10-13; 3:1-7). We are, for the most part, but "children" in understanding.

Jesus said that the Father loved Him "before" the "foundation of the world." If this is true, then our heavenly Father determined before He ever uttered those first words that His Son would one day be made manifest and supply the perfect sacrifice for a fallen creation.

# Chapter Thirteen

# THE SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE

Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)  
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him... the Spirit of **knowledge**...

As we have found, the first _four_ "Spirits" of the " _seven_ Spirits of God" set forth "the foundation of the world," established in the universal principle of sowing and reaping and exemplified by the "two great lights" (Gen. 1:16) indicative of the Two Covenants, Old and New.

In our illustration of the lampstand, the last two "Spirits" connected to the central branch are "knowledge" and "the fear of the Lord." Whereas the first _four_ typify the _foundation_ , the last _three_ (including righteous judgment), typify the "complete witness" of God's wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might as presented to you and me. Reconsider our summation from the last chapter.

The Foundation of the World (The Seven Spirits of God)

God in Christ (Let There Be Light [Foundation])

1. Wisdom

2. Understanding

3. Counsel

4. Might

God in Christ to Humankind (Righteous Judgment; Sowing and Reaping; [7])

5. Knowledge

6. Fear of the Lord

Now, consider what we read in the New Covenant Promise.

Hebrews 8:11 (ESV)  
11 And they shall not **teach** , each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, **'Know** the Lord,' for **they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest**.

Within this simple statement, we find a marvelous truth. "And they shall not _teach_ , each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ' _Know_ the Lord,' for _they shall all know me_ , from the least of them to the greatest." Beloved, to "know" is " _know_ -ledge."

_Wikipedia_ (online) defines "knowledge" as, "A familiarity, awareness, or understanding of _someone_ or _something_ , such as facts, information, descriptions, or skills, _which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving, discovering, or learning_." Doesn't our italicized phrase reflect our word "teach" in Hebrews 8:11? So as we see, knowledge is much more than just information, rather, it involves a certain "familiarity" or "awareness" or _intimacy_ , one which is illustrated early in scripture (as in "tree of _knowledge_ of good and evil"; Gen. 2:9; KJV).

Genesis 3:5, 7; 4:1 (NKJV)  
5 For God **knows** that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, **knowing** good and evil..." 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they **knew** that they _were_ naked... 1 Now Adam **knew** Eve his wife...

Our words "knows," "knowing," and "knew" are all variations of the same Hebrew transliteration _yāda_ , defined by the Strong's Concordance as, "A primitive root; to _know_ (properly to ascertain by _seeing_ ); used in a great variety of senses, figurative, literal, euphemism and inference (including _observation, care, recognition_ ; and causative _instruction, designation, punishment_ , etc.)." According to the Englishman's Concordance, it's used a total of 941 times in the King James Old Testament.

Not surprisingly, our word for "knowledge" in "tree of knowledge" in Genesis 2:9 is _daʿat_ , defined simply as "knowledge" (Strong's). This word is used 96 times in the King James Old Testament. The root of this word is our word _yāda_.

Many do not understand that humankind's beginning is presented in parable form in the story of Adam and Eve. Yes, I said "humankind," for even though the story of Adam and Eve is about two individuals, they are _representative_ of every person ever born; past, present, and future. This simple truth is confirmed by the word "man" in Genesis 1:26 which speaks _collectively_ of all humankind. It's the Hebrew transliteration _ʾādām_ , defined by Strong's as, " _Ruddy_ , i.e. a _human being_ (an individual or the species, _mankind_ , etc.)." This same word is used in Genesis 2:7, 8, 15, 16, and 18, however, when we reach Genesis 2:19, it's changed to "Adam"; _same_ word, _different_ rendering. This word is used a total of 552 times in the King James Old Testament.

Genesis 2:7 tells us that God formed man or "Adam" from the "dust of the ground." Now, allow me to reemphasize that the Word of God being quite specific, _immediately after_ the creation of "man," we see that the LORD God " _planted_ a _garden_ eastward in Eden; and there he put the man" or _Adam_ , "whom he had formed." The fact that our "garden" _immediately follows our creation_ and _we are put into it_ reveals the placement of all humankind into the divine and universal principle of sowing and reaping. Our passages from Galatians, Chapter 6, verses 7 through 10 clarify this quite well.

We should also note that our word "eastward" is defined by the Strong's Concordance as, "The _front_ , of place (absolute the _fore part_ , relative the _East_ ) or time ( _antiquity_ )." Consider how this same word is used in the following.

Isaiah 46:10 (KJV)  
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from **ancient times** (eastward) the things that are not yet done, saying, My **counsel** shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure...

As we see, our word "eastward" is not so much about direction; rather, it speaks of "ancient times" or our _beginning_ , one that undoubtedly started with and continues within the framework of God's "counsel" through His divine principle of sowing and reaping first recorded in Genesis.

It's in Genesis 2:8 where we find our first mention of the Garden of Eden. Then the Word of God again being quite specific tells us in Genesis 2:9 that the "tree of life" and the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" are in the "midst" or _middle_ of this "garden." That being said, let me bring in my illustration again from Chapter 11.

See our faint oval in the center of our illustration? As we see, our "Garden of Eden" is represented, including "the tree of knowledge of good and evil" which falls on the _left_ side of our illustration and "the tree of life" which falls on the _right_ (also note Galatians 6:8 further down the illustration). What do we see directly beneath our two trees? The "Old Covenant" or Law of God and the "New Covenant" or Promise of God. As our illustration indicates, the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" represents the Law of God, confirmed by Paul in Romans 3:20 where we read, "By the _law_ is the _knowledge_ of sin (good and evil)" (KJV). As for the "tree of life"? It represents the _spiritual nature_ of the Law as we have considered (Rom. 7:14). Now, let me share this illustration with you.

As this illustration shows, the _horizontal_ beam of the cross represents "the tree of knowledge of good and evil" while the _vertical_ beam represents "the tree of life." As we move from _left_ to _right_ , we must pass through "death," more specifically our "death" to _self_ (second death) as typified by the death of Christ and the vertical beam (Matt. 16:24-28). For this reason, we see "resurrection" at the top of the vertical beam, indicating our _rise_ from our _death_ to self into the _life_ of Christ (Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1-4).

As the Genesis parable illustrates, our journey in life begins with the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" representing the introduction of God's law into our minds through our conscience (Rom. 2:14-15), accomplished by the principle of sowing and reaping which works within, confirmed in Romans, Chapter 2, where we read concerning the judgment of God (Rom. 2:1-5) that " _He will render to each one according to his works_ : to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be _wrath_ and _fury_. There will be _tribulation_ and _distress_ for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality" (Rom. 2:6-11; ESV).

What do we read? "But for those _who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth_ , but obey unrighteousness, there will be _wrath_ and _fury_. There will be _tribulation_ and _distress_ for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek." Why is this true? It's due again to our principle of reaping what one sows. After all, if one does evil, they will, just as those who do good, reap the consequences of their actions. And if I may say so, where in this passage do we get the idea of endless punishment? Isn't our "wrath and fury" defined as "tribulation and distress" and NOT eternal torment?

In our illustration, the "Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord" are on the _left_ and _right_ respectively, and closer to the central beam than the other "Spirits." This reveals that as we experience His righteous judgment in our lives, we are drawn ever closer to the _cross_ of Christ, to the "knowledge" or _knowing_ of God and the "fear of the Lord" which is instrumental in helping us accomplish our death to self (Isa. 11:3; Matt. 16:24-26). Remember, unless a "grain of wheat falls into the ground and _dies_ , it remains alone; but _if it dies_ , it produces much grain" (John 12:24; NKJV). Death to self is a necessary step to our _resurrection_ as a "new creation" (2nd Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; ESV).

Do we wish to _know_ God? Then reconsider what Paul said. " _Do not be deceived_ : _God is not mocked_ , for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For _the one who sows to his own flesh_ will from the flesh reap corruption" (Gal. 6:7; ESV). To sow to our own flesh is to sow to our own self. And beloved, there are no exceptions; _everyone_ is in this process, for "God is not one to show partiality" (Acts 10:34; NASB95).

Matthew 16:24-27 (NASB95)  
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, " **If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.** 25 "For **whoever wishes to save his life will lose it** ; but **whoever loses his life for My sake will find it**. 26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and **WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS**.

In these passages, we discover that the principle of sowing and reaping is both fair and impartial. What did Jesus say? "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and _will then repay every man according to his deeds_." According to _our_ deeds? Yes! Is this not fair and just?

Despite the traditional view that Christianity has held to for so long, God has not separated the rest of the "world" from His divine purpose to be consigned to "eternal torment," for "God was in Christ, _reconciling the world_ unto himself, _not imputing their trespasses unto them_ ; and hath committed unto us _the word of reconciliation_ " (2nd Cor. 5:19; KJV).

Google defines "reconcile" as, " _Restore_ friendly relations between" and "cause to _coexist in harmony_ ; _make_ or _show to be compatible_." So think about this. Does the idea of "eternal torment" accomplish this? Of course not! The concept of "eternal torment" is groundless and completely contradictory to the idea of reconciliation!

Think long and hard about this! If your child is disobedient and rebellious, do you wish to _correct them_ or _punish them endlessly_? Do you wish to "coexist in harmony" or remain at odds with them forever? Isn't the original idea of punishment actually _rehabilitation_? And isn't rehabilitation offered to "make or show" that one can be "compatible" with another? So it is with our Creator. Beloved, Paul declared that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the _knowledge_ of the truth" (I Tim. 2:4; NKJV). Is our heavenly Father not capable of accomplishing His desire?

Yet darkness prevails. Why is this? Part of the reason is our inability to perceive and embrace what is good for us due to the weakness of our flesh (Matt. 26:41; Mark 14:38), while another reason is the _conditioning_ of our minds and hearts by the many generations of ignorance and disobedience which came before us. In other words, we are reaping what others have sown. And the final reason? "It is not for you to know _times_ or _seasons_ (results of sowing and reaping) which the Father has put in His own authority" (Acts 1:7; NKJV).

My friends, the "good message" (gospel) of the kingdom is just that, a message of _love_ and _forgiveness_ as evidenced by the fact that God no longer imputes our trespasses to us. Why? Because when Jesus gave His life in obedience to the Father, His precious sacrifice, once and for all, took away the "sin of the world" (John 1:29). This is "the word of reconciliation" that the world needs to not only hear, but see manifested in His people!

Genesis 1:20, 22-23 (NASB95)  
20 Then God said, " **Let the waters** teem with swarms of living creatures, and let **birds** fly above the earth in the **open expanse** of the **heavens** "... 22 God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the **waters** in the seas, and let **birds** multiply on the earth." 23 There was evening and there was morning, **a fifth day**.

Just as our first four "Spirits of God" are reflected in the first four days of creation, so too the last three. We see on the "fifth day" that God said, "Let the _waters_ teem with swarms of living creatures, and let _birds_ fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens."

As we found in Chapter Eight, "waters" in part represent _understanding_ , however, understanding cannot be acquired without some form of _knowledge_. Without a doubt, they are connected.

Isaiah 57:19-21 (NKJV)  
19 "I create **the fruit of the lips** : Peace, peace to _him who is_ far off and to _him who is_ near," says the Lord, "And I will heal him." 20 But **the wicked** _are_ **like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt**. 21 " _There is_ no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."

In agreement with our perspective, we read, "But the wicked are like the _troubled sea_ , when it cannot rest, whose _waters_ cast up mire and dirt." So much of the knowledge and understanding that exists today can be attributed to humankind's corrupt and selfish nature, bringing harm to all of us. I cannot help but think of Revelation 13:1, where John sees "a beast _rising up_ out of the _sea_ ," a parabolic reference to the carnality (beast) and arrogance (rising up) of man which is evident throughout the entire world (sea). Note the phrase "the fruit of the lips" which correlates with knowledge, for as Jesus said, we speak from the abundance of what's in our hearts (Matt. 12:34).

Along with the "waters" on the fifth day, we have "birds" which "fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens." Birds? Yes, and this too is appropriate. Please consider.

Matthew 13:3-4, 19 (NKJV)  
3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some _seed_ fell by the **wayside** ; and **the** birds **came and devoured them**... 19 When anyone hears **the** word **of the kingdom, and** does not understand _it_ _,_ then the **wicked** one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the **wayside**.

As we see, the Lord gives us understanding about the "birds" in the Parable of the Sower, relating it to the actions of those who fail to understand "the word (seed) of the kingdom" (knowledge) and then the "birds" or _influence_ of the "wicked" come and devour. "Birds" accurately represent _the movement of thought from one mind to another_ (just as birds fly from one _tree_ to another). Brought together with the "waters" as _knowledge_ and _understanding_ (or lack thereof), we have a perfect picture of the "Spirit of knowledge."

# Chapter Fourteen

# THE FEAR OF THE LORD

Genesis 1:24, 26, 31 (NASB95)  
24 Then God said, " **Let the earth bring forth** living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind"; and it was so... 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness... 31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the **sixth day**.

On the _fifth_ day of creation, God said, "Let the _waters_ bring forth" (Gen. 1:20; KJV). Now, on the _sixth day_ , God said, "Let the _earth_ bring forth."

See our phrase "living creatures"? This is the Hebrew transliteration hay nepesh, the same phrase rendered as "living soul" in Genesis 2:7 regarding Adam or humankind. As we see, our phrase is in the plural form which indicates many. This is another reason I believe that Adam and Eve represent the first generation of humankind.

Most everyone knows that humans are carbon-based life forms and water makes up a certain portion of our bodies. So first we have water on the fifth day followed by the earth on the sixth day. Whereas "water" denotes what's inward, "earth" denotes what's outward. After all, isn't all water on this planet held in place by the earth which surrounds it? With this in mind, consider the following.

Genesis 2:6-7 (KJV)  
6 But there went up a **mist** from the **earth** , and **watered** the **whole face of the ground**. 7 And the Lord God **formed man** _of_ **the dust of the ground** , and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became **a living soul**.

What do we see first? "There went up a mist from the earth" then "the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground."

James 4:13-17 (NKJV)  
13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what _will happen_ tomorrow. **For what** _is_ **your life? It is even a** vapor (mist) **that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.** 15 Instead you _ought_ to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." 16 **But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.** 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do _it,_ to him it is sin.

The sixth day correlates with "the fear of the Lord." At first glance, this may seem out of character, but consider what the apostle James recorded with what Bullinger wrote concerning the spiritual meaning of six (bolding mine).

Six is either 4 _plus_ 2, i.e., man's world (4) with **man's enmity** to God (2) brought in: or it is 5 _plus_ 1, **the grace of God made of none effect by man's addition to it, or perversion, or corruption of it** : or it is 7 _minus_ 1, i.e., **man's coming short of spiritual perfection**. In any case, therefore, it has to do with _man_ ; **it is the number of imperfection** ; the human number; **the number of MAN as destitute of God, without God, without Christ**... At any rate it is certain that man was created on the sixth day, and thus he has the number six impressed upon him. Moreover, six days were appointed to him for his labor; while one day is associated in sovereignty with the Lord God, as His rest. _Six_ , therefore, is the number of _labor_ also, of man's labor as apart and distinct from God's rest. True, it marks the completion of Creation as God's work, and therefore the number is significant of _secular completeness_.

Ah, here we go! Six, indicative of "man's enmity (hostility) to God," the "number of imperfection," of "man as destitute of God, without God, without Christ." Beloved, immediately following the creation of man, we are introduced to the parable of Adam and Eve. And why is this? Is it given to reveal to you and me what is true of you and me (and everyone else who enters this earthly plane)? Do we not have a perfect picture of our "coming short of spiritual perfection" based on what is recorded in Genesis 3? Would our giving into temptation be a result of our love of self which appears quite early in our young lives, especially in this day and age of technological advancement? Would an inordinate love of self not be and exhibit itself as pride and thus lead to a lack of fearing our Maker? I believe so, and evidence exists all around us if we are willing to see it for what it is.

Genesis 1:25-28 (NASB95)  
25 God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule **over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth**." 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, " **Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth,** and subdue it **; and** rule **over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth**."

Here we find the "dominion mandate," where regarding humankind our Creator says, "Let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." Ah, but what is dominion apart from the fear of our Maker? As history so readily testifies, it is tyranny (See 2nd Sam. 23:3). Again, the evidence is all around us, seen in the treatment of others and our planet.

Proverbs 2:1-5 (NASB95)  
1 My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, 2 make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; 3 for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; 4 if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 then you will discern **the fear of the LORD** and discover the **knowledge** of God.

Beloved, to "know" God is to "fear" God, not in the sense of a cruel despot who takes selfish pleasure in controlling His creation (as we do), but in the sense of awe and wonder that should be accorded a Supreme Being whose divine processes work perfectly throughout every age of humankind.

Isaiah 11:3-4 (NASB95)  
3 And **He will delight in the fear of the LORD** , and **He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor make a decision by what His ears hear** ; 4 but with **righteousness** He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; and He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.

As we see, the Lord Jesus Christ found "delight in the fear of the Lord," understanding that man's dominion is always superseded by God's sovereignty, for "the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein" (Psa. 24:1; KJV). Most of us still do not perceive or choose to ignore the fact that we are only here for a short time, that we never really own anything but are simply stewards over those things which our Creator has made. If we possess anything, whether intelligence, talent, or material things, they are a gift from our Creator which may be here today and gone tomorrow, for this fleshly life we live is but a precursor to a much higher form of life we don't yet fully understand.

Exodus 9:29 (KJV)  
29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord; _and_ the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; **that thou mayest know how that the earth** _is_ **the Lord's**.

Exodus 19:5 (KJV)  
5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: **for all the earth** _is_ **mine**...

1 Chronicles 29:11 (KJV)  
11 Thine, O Lord, _is_ the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for **all** _that is_ **in the heaven and in the earth** _is thine_ ; **thine** _is_ **the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all**.

God is sovereign; His wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might undeniable and indisputable, and because He is righteous, He desires righteousness. No doubt, it is man alone who does not fear His Maker, for we are the only creatures on earth with the same ability as our Creator. As creatures of spirit and word, we have evolved to where we are today, continuing to devise technological marvels that would astound our ancestors. Just since America was founded, we have moved from horses and carriages to automobiles, buses, trains, aircraft, and spacecraft. Much of our communications are now instantaneous due to television, computers, the internet, and cell phones. Science and medicine have exploded, so too our ability to manufacture thousands of goods in short periods of time. Never in the history of this planet has there ever been so much available to so many. Yet, we are plagued by war, violence, greed, sickness, disease, starvation, homelessness, drug addiction, domestic turmoil, and political and religious corruption on such a widespread scale as to baffle the most intelligent minds on this earth. And all of this is due to man's inflated sense of self.

Psalms 36:1-4 (GW)  
1... There is an inspired truth about the wicked person who has rebellion in the depths of his heart: **He is not terrified of God**. 2 **He flatters himself and does not hate or {even} recognize his guilt**. 3 The words from his mouth are {nothing but} trouble and deception. He has stopped doing what is **wise** and **good**. 4 He invents trouble while lying on his bed and chooses to go the wrong direction. He does not reject evil.

No doubt about it, we are in "perilous times" where we are "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2nd Tim. 3:1-5), our avenues of entertainment more numerous than they have ever been. We are constantly moving and shuffling, looking for our next "fix," our next distraction that takes us away from having to consider our plight, our fear of God lost in the noise of our busy lives. Beloved, nothing short of the Lord's intervention will turn this tide of darkness and wickedness. We cannot do it ourselves.

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 (ESV)  
12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet **I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him**. 13 But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, **because he does not fear before God**.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NASB95)  
13 The **conclusion** , when all has been heard, _is:_ **fear God** and keep His commandments, because this _applies to_ every person. 14 **For God will bring every act to judgment** , everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

Revelation 14:6-7 (KJV)  
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the **everlasting gospel** to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, **Fear God** , and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

I find it interesting that following the presentation of the "firstfruits" in Revelation, Chapter 14, we see a threefold message consisting of the "everlasting gospel," "Babylon is fallen" (Rev. 14:8), and the "second death" (Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 2:11). And what is it that the angel first declares concerning the "everlasting gospel"? "Fear God, and give glory to him."

# Chapter Fifteen

# RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT

Isaiah 11:3-5 (ESV)  
3 And **his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord**. He shall not **judge** by what his eyes see, or **decide disputes** by what his ears hear, 4 **but with righteousness he shall judge** the poor, and **decide with equity** for the meek of the earth; and **he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked**. 5 **Righteousness** shall be the belt of his waist, and **faithfulness** the belt of his loins.

We are now at the _seventh_ and _final_ "Spirit" of the "seven Spirits of God," which I call "righteous judgment," based on Isaiah 11:4. What does "seven" denote? _Spiritual completeness_ or _fullness_. In our illustration of the lampstand, we see that our other six "Spirits" _connect_ to the central branch of the lampstand labeled "Righteous Judgment," revealing that the other six "Spirits" are _summed up_ in this attribute. As the faint outline of the cross shows, the central branch of the lampstand coincides with the central branch of the cross where Christ, _who became our judgment_ , died for our sins (2nd Cor. 5:17-21).

To reiterate, the "Spirit of _knowledge_ and the _fear of the Lord_ " proceed from God to man out of the four "Spirits" of _wisdom_ , _understanding_ , _counsel_ and _might_. To put it another way, God's _wisdom_ , _understanding_ , _counsel_ , and _might_ set the _foundation_ (4) for the _witness_ (2; double witness) of His _knowledge_ and _fear_ as evidenced by His _righteous judgment_ (3; a complete witness).

As mentioned previously, Isaiah 11:3 states, "And _His delight_ shall be in _the fear of the Lord_." His delight? Really? "In the fear of the Lord"? Yes! Why would Christ or anyone delight themselves in fear? Reconsider the following in light of this understanding.

Proverbs 8:13 (ESV)  
13 **The fear of the Lord** _is_ **hatred of evil**. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Beloved, the true "fear of the Lord _is_ hatred of evil," not because we are afraid of a place of eternal torment for us or others, but because we are awakened to His divine nature and goodness. When properly understood, who would not wish to abide in the light as opposed to the darkness?

"Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate." Is not the doctrine of "eternal torment" a doctrine of "pride" and "arrogance," the result of us thinking that someone deserves such a fate?

Psalms 111:10 (KJV)  
10 The **fear of the Lord** _is_ the beginning of **wisdom**...

Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)  
7 The **fear of the Lord** _is_ the beginning of **knowledge**...

Proverbs 2:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, 2 so that you incline your ear to **wisdom** , _and_ apply your heart to **understanding** ; 3 Yes, if you cry out for **discernment** , _and_ lift up your voice for **understanding** , 4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as _for_ hidden treasures; 5 **then you will understand the fear of the Lord** , and find the **knowledge** **of God**.

Proverbs 1:28-33 (NKJV)  
28 "Then they will call on me (wisdom; Prov. 1:20), but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29 **Because they hated** knowledge **and did not choose** the fear of the Lord, 30 **they would have none of my** counsel _and_ **despised** my every rebuke. 31 **Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies** (purposes). 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But **whoever listens to me** will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil."

In Proverbs, we see the result of rejecting the wisdom, counsel, and rebuke (judgment) of God in our lives. "Therefore they shall eat the _fruit of their own way_ , and _be filled to the full with their own fancies_ (purposes)." Friends, when we reject God's counsel, He allows us to follow the pride of our own heart which _always leads to perdition_. Even a cursory glance at the world around us provides evidence of this fact on an ongoing basis.

Now, look once more at the illustration of the lampstand where "knowledge" is joined with "fear," however, as we have considered, "knowledge" falls on the _left_ side while "fear" on the _right_. Consider what Paul recorded.

Romans 3:20 (KJV)  
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: **for by the law** _is_ **the knowledge of sin**.

"By the _law_ is the _knowledge_ of sin." Beloved, this is the purpose of the Law, demonstrated by the _left side_ of our lampstand, or as I like to put it, the "left hand" of God (See the Parable of the Sheep and Goats; Matthew 25:31-46). Understand that the _knowledge_ of God's Law _exposes_ sin but as Paul states, "By the _deeds_ of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight," so His righteous principle of sowing and reaping works in our lives so we might discover the "fear of the Lord" and be turned from our self-centered ways. Remember, the working of this principle reflects both the law and its spiritual nature, i.e. the works of the flesh and the works of the Spirit.

Hosea 4:6 (KJV)  
6 **My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge** : because **thou hast rejected knowledge** , **I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me** : seeing **thou hast forgotten the law of thy God** , I will also forget thy children.

Let me emphasize again that the _wisdom_ , _understanding_ , _counsel_ , and _might_ of the Lord sets the _foundation_ for His _knowledge_ and _fear_ in our lives. Doesn't Hosea 4:6 show that it is His "law" which establishes this foundation? No, not the "black and white" of His commandments, but the _spiritual essence_ of His law as defined by the Lord in Matthew 22:35-40.

I cannot help but think about those who are offended by the Ten Commandments, so much so that they have succeeded in removing them from various places around the country. Ten simple commandments, yet, they are seen as archaic and too restrictive to those who don't comprehend their essence. Beloved, when seen through the eyes of _humility_ , the Ten Commandments are not restrictive at all. Instead, they put forth the message that " _love_ does no harm to a neighbor; therefore _love_ is the _fulfillment_ of the law" (Rom. 13:10; NKJV).

When we understand the purpose of His law and His righteous judgment in _our_ lives, then we discover His knowledge and come to delight in His fear. "Do not be deceived, _God is not mocked_ ; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7; NKJV). Brothers and sisters, _this is a good thing_ , for if there were no consequences to those things we do out of our own self-absorption, we would never find the path to love and forgiveness. Rest assured that His judgment in our lives is _abundant evidence_ of His love for you and me (Heb. 12:5-11).

I recently read the following on a church marquee that sums it up quite well. It reads, "Freedom is the right to do as one _should_ , not as one _would_." In agreement with this, Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you _free_ " (John 8:32; NKJV).

Beloved, think of sowing and reaping as a _mechanism_ , like a _well-oiled machine_ which God set in motion from the beginning of creation, allowing this mechanism to work as He designed it. This machine is so perfect in design that it reaches to the depths of everyone's being, searching our _thoughts_ and _intentions_ (Heb. 4:12; ESV). Our Creator sees beneath the surface, so Jesus taught, "Judge not, that you be not judged. _For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you_ " (Matt. 7:1; NKJV). Look at this again and discover the fear of the Lord. "For with what judgment _you_ judge, _you will be judged_ ; and with the measure _you_ use, _it will be measured back to you_." Do these statements not lend themselves to the "fear of the Lord" since it is the Lord who established this impartial process that works perfectly in every person's life?

I don't know about you, but I see in Matthew 7:1 a great need of finding the forgiveness that is so desperately needed, forgiveness so profound that it overwhelms the darkness that now resides over our world. Was this not the point of the Lord's death on the cross? Of all that the Lord God could have done before the foundation of the world, He determined to give His Son as the propitiation for our sins, pronouncing our judgment on Him and forever establishing His forgiveness to every generation. "Even so in Christ ALL shall be made alive" (I Cor. 15:22; NKJV).

I must say that it truly breaks my heart to know that so many believers still cling to the horrific teaching of "hell" as "eternal torment." When I consider the fact that even Jesus said, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God," (Matt. 19:17; NKJV), I am quickly reminded of the pride which leads us to think more highly of ourselves than we should (Rom. 12:3). Yes, I know that many are in deep darkness, so much so that it is difficult for us to comprehend how they commit the atrocious acts they commit, however, _darkness is darkness_ _regardless of degree_ , and there is not a single one of us who can boast in our righteousness. Apart from the Spirit of Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

# Chapter Sixteen

# SCARCELY SAVED

In our last chapter, we considered righteous judgment. None of us like the idea of "judgment," especially in light of scripture, but, I believe the reason for this is that it is one of the most misunderstood subjects of the Bible. It doesn't take long to see that in both the Old and New Testaments that all of His chosen embraced His judgment without reservation and I believe it was because they truly understood its source and purpose. Consider what the apostle Peter wrote in his first letter.

1 Peter 4:17-19 (ESV)  
17 **For it is time for** judgment **to begin at the household of God** ; and **if it begins with us** , what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And " **If the righteous is** scarcely saved **, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?** " 19 Therefore **let those who suffer according to God's will** entrust their souls to a faithful Creator **while doing good**.

Dear Christian, judgment begins "at the household of God." Ever wonder why this is the case? Would it be because we are called of God to be "the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14) and if that light becomes darkness due to deception, "how great is that darkness"? (Matt. 6:23; KJV) Now, look at Peter's question—"If the righteous is _scarcely saved_ , what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" If we go with the widely accepted traditional view, the "ungodly" and "sinner" are destined for "eternal torment." However, as already stated, I do not hold to this view.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NKJV)  
20 Now then, we are **ambassadors for Christ** , as though **God were pleading through us** : we implore _you_ on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For **He made Him who knew no sin** _to be_ **sin for** us **, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him**.

Beloved, who is the "us" in verse 21? Is it "believers"? I don't think so, and my answer comes from one of the most popular passages in Christianity.

John 3:16 (NKJV)  
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

"God so loved the _world_ ," my friend, not "Christians." And His love for His creation is so limitless and deep that "He _gave_ His only begotten Son." Now, consider what John wrote.

1 John 2:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 **And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins,** and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we **keep His commandments**. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and **does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him**. 5 But **whoever keeps His word** , truly **the love of God is perfected in him**. By this **we know that we are in Him**.

In agreement with II Corinthians 5:21, John tells us in no uncertain terms, "And He Himself is the _propitiation_ for our sins _, and not for ours only but also for the WHOLE WORLD_." Here we find a partial answer as to why His people are judged first, which is to be humbled to the point that we truly understand what is meant by the _unconditional_ love of the Father which was never more exemplified than through the death of His Son.

John continues, "Now _by this_ we know that we know Him, if we keep His _commandments_ " and if we do not keep them, we are "a liar, and the truth is not" in us. Like judgment, the idea of His "commandments" is also misunderstood, for they were never written in the spirit of "do this" but rather " _if_ you do this." Beloved, God's "commandments" are for our _well-being_ (Deut. 6:24; 8:16; 10:13). Remember, all of His commandments are summed up in "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:39-40; Rom. 13:10). To put it simply, to resist His "commandments" is _to resist what is good for us and others_. This may seem too simple, but it's true, and proof of this is seen all around us at any given time if we are willing to admit it.

Our word "commandments" is defined by Strong's as, " _Injunction_ , i.e. an authoritative _prescription_." Google defines "injunction" as "an authoritative warning or order" and "a judicial order that restrains a person from beginning or continuing an action threatening or invading the legal right of another, or that compels a person to carry out a certain act, e.g., to make restitution to an injured party."

So think about this. Just as a speed limit sign is posted for us to follow, we can and often break it, do we not? And oftentimes, we suffer no consequences for doing this, but on occasion, we get caught and thus ticketed for speeding. When some are caught, they respond in anger and seek to justify their actions, while others are quick to understand that they deserve the ticket due to their disobedience. In a word, they "own up to it." Beloved, this is humility, for when we accept responsibility for our actions, we realize that we have no right to be angry.

Now, look at how John continues—"But whoever _keeps His Word_ , truly _the love of God_ is _perfected_ (complete, accomplished) in him. What is "perfected"? It's not our many religious doctrines, rituals, or countless Christian "labels"; rather it's "the _love_ of _God_ ," and it is "by this" that "we _know_ that we are _in Him_."

What did John say? "Keep His commandments." Which ones? Ah, dear brother and sister, as we have considered, there are but _two_ which deserve our full attention.

Matthew 22:37-40 (KJV)  
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 **This is the first and great commandment**. 39 And the second _is_ like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. 40 **On these** two commandments **hang ALL the law and the prophets**.

Romans 13:8-10 (KJV)  
8 Owe no man any thing, **but to love one another** : for **he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law**. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if _there be_ any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. 10 **Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love** _is_ **the fulfilling of the law**.

First, love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind; second, love our neighbor as ourselves. "On these two commandments hang _all_ the _Law_ and the _Prophets_." That pretty much sums it up, does it not? And clearly, Paul echoes this understanding in his letter to the saints at Rome, showing that the keeping of God's commandments _can_ and _will only_ be accomplished through the _love of God_ abiding in our hearts! This, brothers and sisters, are where we are greatly lacking, _for love is the only force capable of changing one's will for the will of another_ (John 4:34).

So let's reconsider Peter's question—"If the righteous is _scarcely_ saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" What will become of them? Brother and sister, it won't be "eternal torment," for that _demeans_ , _devalues_ , and _nullifies_ the unconditional love of the Father and the Son, for any way you slice it, the idea of "eternal torment" _is based on conditions._ And if there is but one "condition" as we have been led to believe for so very long, then God's love is _not_ unconditional and the death and sacrifice of Christ fell far short of being a _propitiation_ for the sin of the world (See Romans, Chapter 3).

Romans 5:6-8 (NASB95)  
6 For while we were still helpless, **at the right time Christ died for the ungodly**. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 **But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us**.

For whom did Christ die? "For the ungodly" and "sinners." Was His death sufficient as our judgment? Yes! Very much so! Is this sufficiency based on our own choice or the efficacy of Christ's obedience? It is certainly not based on our choice, for if this is true then the following needs further explanation.

John 6:44 (ESV)  
44 **No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him**. And I will raise him up on the last day.

What did Jesus mean by "no one" if not "anyone"? And if this is true, then who are we to condemn to an eternity of torture those whom God hasn't drawn to Him? And let's be honest here. I get that it's much easier to condemn a serial killer or rapist or such, but isn't it true that we often condemn some of the most decent people there are simply because they haven't "accepted Christ." Now, coming back to our "great resurrection chapter," reconsider what Paul stated.

1 Corinthians 15:22 (KJV)  
22 For **as in Adam all die** , even so **in Christ shall all be made alive**.

Here we have another mystery and it's one we should endeavor to understand. "As in Adam _all_ die," Paul states, and had he left it at that, then any hope would be hard to grasp in this statement, would it not? But he didn't leave it there. He followed with, "In Christ shall _all_ be made alive." Did Paul say "all"? Yes! Yes, he did! Does "all" include everyone? Of course, it does! So think about this—were we there when Adam disobeyed and brought death into the world? No, we were not! Were we there when Christ obeyed and became our judgment on the cross? No, we were not! Does this not show that both were _predetermined_ by our heavenly Father to accomplish a purpose which we have yet to fully comprehend? So it is that Paul tells us "as in Adam" and "even so in Christ." Beloved, God's purpose through Christ runs far deeper than we have been led to understand.

Now, let me share something with you that I hope makes a very strong point concerning the error of "eternal torment." It's the time of Adam to Moses, a time when there was no "Law." Within this time frame, we find the story of Noah.

Genesis 6:5-8 (NKJV)  
5 **Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man** _was_ **great in the earth, and** _that_ **every intent of the thoughts of his heart** _was_ **only evil continually**. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them." 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Most everyone has heard the story of Noah, but not everyone has considered that this was a time when there was no law of God. As the story goes, Noah built an ark in obedience to God, brought in the animals and his family, and was spared from the destruction of the flood which God used to destroy all living things. So here's a question—what happened to all those souls who lived from Adam to Noah? The answer is found in the following.

Romans 4:15 (NKJV)  
15... because the **law** brings about wrath; for **where there is no law** _there is_ **no transgression**.

Romans 5:13 (KJV)  
13... For **until the law** sin was in the world: **but sin is not imputed when there is no law**...

"Where there is no law there is no transgression" and "sin is not imputed when there is no law." So let me ask again—what happened to all those souls who lived from Adam to Noah? If sin was not "imputed," then they were not held accountable, right? How about those souls who lived _after_ Noah and _before_ the law was given to Moses? Would the same thing apply? I believe it would. Ah, but let's take this one step further.

Isaiah 46:8-10 (ESV)  
8 "Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 **remember the former things of old** ; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 **declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done** , saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose'...

Ever wonder why Jesus referred to the "days of Noah" regarding the end of the age? (Matt. 24:37; Luke 17:26; NKJV). Might this be due to the fact that He understood that God declared "the _end_ from the _beginning_ and from _ancient times_ things _not yet done_ "? Did He not know that His death on the cross would _fulfill_ the Law and in essence do away with it as it was in Noah's time? (Matt. 5:17-20) Should you doubt what I'm saying, consider what John the Baptist said concerning the coming of the Lord to Israel and the Jews.

John 1:29 (ESV)  
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, **who takes away the sin of the world**!

See our word "sin"? It's speaking _collectively_ of _all_ the sin "of the world," _past_ , _present_ , and _future_ , of _all_ the sin from Adam to Moses, Moses to Christ, and from Christ to this present time. If this is not true, then judgment must be rendered over and over again until our Father is satisfied. Furthermore, if even one sin was not accounted for then Jesus, despite His tremendous sacrifice, did not take away the collective sin of the world. This is another reason why I see the concept of "hell" as "eternal torment" false teaching, for it renders the death of Christ as _insufficient_ before God. Here's what the writer of Hebrews said concerning the Lord's death on the cross.

Hebrews 7:26-28 (ESV)  
26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 **He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this** once for all **when he offered up himself**. 28 For the **law** appoints men in their weakness as high priests, **but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever**.

Doesn't verse 27 remove all doubt? "He did this _once for all_ when he offered up himself." All means all, does it not?

Hebrews 9:24-28 (NKJV)  
24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, _which are_ copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; 25 **not that He should offer Himself often** , as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another-- 26 **He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world** ; but now, **once at the end of the ages,** He has appeared to put away sin **by the sacrifice of Himself**. 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, **but after this the judgment** , 28 **so Christ** was offered once **to bear the sins of many**. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Beloved, "Christ was _offered once"_ at _"_ the end of the ages _"_ to "bear the sins of many," to "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." Should the idea of "many" confuse you, reconsider Hebrews 7:27, John 1:29, and I Corinthians 15:22. Also consider that "many" refers not to _believers_ , but _unbelievers_ , for those who walk in faith have accepted His sacrifice and thus have no need for Him to "bear" their sins again. The truth of the matter is, the real gospel message is that Christ died and took away the "sin of the world," "once for all," and it is this understanding which needs to be impressed upon people's minds and hearts. As Paul said, "We are _ambassadors for Christ_ , _as though God were pleading through us_ : we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For _He made Him who knew no sin_ _to be_ _sin for us_ , that _we might become the righteousness of God in Him_ (2nd Cor. 5:20; NKJV).

# Chapter Seventeen

# FORGIVENESS

Let's do a little word study. _Dictionary.com_ online defines "forgive" as, "1) to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve, 2) to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.), 3) to grant pardon to (a person), 4) to cease to feel resentment against: _to forgive one's enemies_ , 5) to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: _to forgive the interest owed on a loan_."

Dictionary.com goes on to show the origin of forgive as "before 900; for- + give; replacing Middle English foryiven, Old English forgiefan." See where it shows "for- \+ give"? This shows that our word "forgive" is a compound word, made up of the word "for" and "give."

Dictionary.com lists the origin of "for" as "before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Old Saxon for; akin to fore1, Latin per through, Greek pró before, ahead." See where it says "akin to fore1"? Dictionary.com defines "fore" as, "1) situated at or toward the front, as compared with something else, 2) first in place, time, order, rank, etc.; forward; earlier."

Now, see where it reads, "Greek pró before, ahead"? This agrees with our word "fore" and its definition. Pró is used 47 times in the King James New Testament.

Finally, we have our word "give." Dictionary.com defines it as, "To present voluntarily and without expecting compensation."

My apologies for all this information, but I want to impress upon you my idea of "forgive." Based on our definitions, origins, and the Greek pró, my understanding of this word means "to give ahead of time. With this in mind, reconsider the following from the gospel of John.

John 17:24 (KJV)  
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me **before** (pró) **the foundation of the world**.

"For thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world?" You mean the Father loved Christ before He created this planet? That's what I get from this, don't you? If we back up a few verses, we also find the following.

John 17:5 (KJV)  
5 And now, O Father, **glorify** thou me with thine own self with the **glory** which I had with thee **before** (pró) **the world was**.

Does this statement not remove all doubt that before He created this world of form, God loved His Son and possessed a "glory" with the Father "before the world was"? Look once more at the King James rendering of Hebrews 9:26 in conjunction with I Peter 1:20.

Hebrews 9:26 (KJV)  
26 **For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world** : but now **once** in the **end of the world** (ages) hath he appeared **to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself**.

1 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV)  
20 Who verily **was foreordained before** (pró ) **the foundation of the world** , but was manifest in these **last times** for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, **that raised him up from the dead** , and **gave him glory** ; **that your faith and hope might be in God**.

Christ was "foreordained before the foundation of the world." Our word "foreordained" means, "To know beforehand." It's a compound word made up of our word pró and ginōskō (which means, "To know"). Don't our passages show that before God established the foundation of the world that He fully intended to raise Christ from the dead at the "end of the ages" (last times) "to put away sin by the sacrifice" of His Son? Does this not reveal that God established forgiveness for all humankind before we even needed it? Is this the "glory" which Christ had with the Father "before the world was"? As John wrote, "In Him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4; KJV). Is God's glory not reflected in the fact that this life which Jesus possessed yet gave so unreservedly for the world would not be fully and completely sufficient for all? Would this explain what is meant by the first words our Creator ever uttered, that is, "Let there be light"? Is this the true "end" which God declared "from the beginning"?

Hebrews 8:10-12 (NKJV)  
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' **for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them**. 12 For **I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more**."

My dear brothers and sisters, as you can see, words fail to truly express that before there was an earth, before there was man, before there was sin, that God, in His divine essence and unconditional love, determined to have a full and complete propitiation for our sins through His Son, Christ the Lord! Beloved, this is what it means to truly "forgive," to give beforehand! God in His omniscience and omnipotence, established the solution before there was a problem, declaring the "end from the beginning, and from ancient times (qedem or "Eden") the things that are not yet done, saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" (Isa. 46:10; KJV). My friends, the "light" of God is the "life" of God exemplified through His divine love which radiated in all of its glory through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Forgiveness can only proceed from humility, for our perspective of others cannot be overshadowed by any idea of superiority for any reason whatsoever! As a lot of us have heard since we were children, "All men (people) are created equal." All people, all equal, no exceptions! When Peter, a Jew, was brought by God's purpose to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, Peter declared, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34; KJV). How could He be? Are we not all His "offspring"? (Acts 17:28; KJV)

Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)  
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, **how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me**? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but **seventy-seven times**.

How many times do we forgive our brother's sins against us? Jesus said "seventy-seven times." Now, not for a moment do I believe He meant just 77 times. When we consider the spiritual meaning of seven and the fact that we have two of them, I see a "double witness" (2) of "spiritual perfection" (7; spiritual maturity). Two sevens are also 14. Here's what Stephen Jones wrote concerning its spiritual meaning (bolding mine).

To write fourteen in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: yod-daleth. These signify the hand (outworking) of the door. It pictures a release or deliverance from the prison with the opening of the door.

Fourteen is the number of deliverance or release. Israel was delivered from Egypt by the Passover lamb that was killed on the 14th day of the first month (Passover). When the ship that was carrying Paul to Rome was caught in the storm, they were delivered on the 14th day (Acts 27:33, 34).

In Gen. 12:10 Abram went down to Egypt in order to deliver himself from the famine in Canaan. This was the 14th time Abram's name is mentioned in Scripture.

The 14th time that Abraham is mentioned is in Gen. 18:13, where the Lord told them that Sarah would deliver a child (Isaac) in the next year. When Sarah laughed, the Lord said, "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?"

The 14th time Israel's name is mentioned is in Gen. 45:28, when Jacob-Israel came to understand that God had delivered Joseph. This also released Jacob himself from his second 21-year "time of trouble," for Joseph had been presumed dead for 21 years.

The 14th time Joshua's name is mentioned is in Num. 27:22. It was the occasion where Moses laid hands upon him to commission him as Moses' replacement. This released Joshua into his calling and released Moses from his own calling.

The 14th time Jesus' name is mentioned in the book of Luke is in Luke 4:35. Jesus delivered a man from a demon.

When I see the number 14, I cannot help but think of the following.

Matthew 1:1, 17 (NIV)  
1 A record of **the genealogy of Jesus Christ** the son of David, the son of Abraham... 17 Thus there were **fourteen** generations in all from Abraham to David, **fourteen** from David to the exile to Babylon, and **fourteen** from the exile to the Christ.

As we see, there are three sets of "fourteen" generations from "Abraham" to "Christ," our number of "a complete witness" joined to our number of "deliverance or release." So let me ask you, "Whose 'deliverance or release' is implied here? Is it not our own? And what might affect this deliverance? Would it not be true and complete forgiveness for ourselves and others (77; 14)? As I conclude this study, allow me to share with you some wonderful quotes about forgiveness.

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you" – Lewis B. Smedes.

"There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love" – Bryant H. McGill.

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it" – Mark Twain.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong" – Mahatma Gandhi.

"I think the first step is to understand that forgiveness does not exonerate the perpetrator. Forgiveness liberates the victim. It's a gift you give yourself" – T.D. Jakes

"Without forgiveness, life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation" – Roberto Assagioli.

"And _forgive_ us our debts, as we also _have forgiven_ our debtors... For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" – Jesus Christ.

Thank you for reading my book. It is my sincere hope that it encouraged and enlightened you in your walk with Christ. If so, won't you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer? Thank you!

Jack Marshall

**About the Author** :

I was born in California in 1957 but raised in Oklahoma, where my experience with Christianity began at the age of 19. After several years of attending various denominational and non-denominational churches, my love for the Bible and desire to understand the scriptures became a vital part of my life. Ordained in my twenties, I spent several years ministering in homes, jails, and churches. Through in-depth study for the past 43 years, I have discovered that the message of scripture is truly one of hope, love, and encouragement for the entire world.

Connect With Me:

**Friend me on Facebook** : <https://www.facebook.com/GrainOfWheatPublishing>

**Grain of Wheat Publishing Website** : <http://www.grainofwheatpublishing.org/>

**Favorite me at Smashwords** : <https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Biblebooks>

Other books by Jack Marshall

The Dream – Through the Eyes of Sowing and Reaping

Times and Seasons – An Alternative View of the Day of the Lord

Hell, No! An Alternative View of Hell

The Rapture – Yes or No?

Studies in Revelation – The Beasts of Revelation – 2020 Study

The Parable of the Sower

Studies in Revelation – The Second Death

The Unpardonable Sin

Studies in Revelation – The Beast of the Earth

Eastward in Eden

Deep Sleep

The Serpent – An Alternative View of the Devil

Studies in Revelation – The Fullness of the Times

Studies in Revelation – Babylon the Great

Death, Burial, Resurrection – The Divine Process of God in Humankind

Dead Men's Bones – A Case against Eternal Torment

Studies in Revelation – The Two Witnesses

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 1

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 2

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 3

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 4

The Unclean Spirit of a Man

Sons of God – A Treatise on Genesis 6

Hiding in Plain Sight – How I Know the Bible is Truth

Studies in Revelation – The Lake of Fire

**Bibliography**

Reference:

E.W. Bullinger (1837-1913), Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance, Public Domain, 1921

Biblical Mathematics, Keys to Scripture Numerics, Evangelist Ed F. Vallowe, 1998

The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty, Dr. Stephen E. Jones, Copyright 2008, God's Kingdom Ministries, www.gods-kingdom-ministries.net

Bible Numbers for Life, Mark H. Lane, biblenumbersforlife.com

Strong's Concordance, Dr. James Strong (1822-1894), First Published 1890

Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament, Marvin R. Vincent (1834-1922), First Published 1887

Englishman's Concordance, George V. Wigram, Hendrickson Publishers, Published 1996

Google, www.google.com

Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Wonderopolis, "What is Air Made of?" www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/What-Is-Air-Made-of

Dictionary.com, www.dictionary.com, Owner: Rock Holdings, Creator: Erin McKean, Launched May 14, 1995

Bible Translations Used:

KJV, King James Version, Public Domain, 1611

NKJV, New King James Version, published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Complete Bible 1982

NIV, New International Version, Biblica, Zondervan and Hodder & Stoughton (UK) (licensed commercial rights), 1973 (NT), 1978 (OT)

ESV, English Standard Version, 2001: Crossway Bibles, a ministry of the Good News Publishers of Wheaton, Illinois, U.S.; Apocrypha 2009 by Oxford University Press

NASB95, Lockman Foundation, First Published, 1963, Copyright 1960

AMP, Amplified Bible, Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987, Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA

GW, God's Word, God's Word to the Nations Bible Society, Copyright 1995

