CARNAL UNDERSTANDING VS. SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING

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John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Mat 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

1Cor 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

As you are probably aware, Christ is the spiritual fulfillment of the physical word of God which was written on tablets of stone or scrolls of paper. Since Christ is the spiritual fulfillment of the word of God, He is the Word of God. As such, He not only teaches us through what He says but also by the things He did.

Below, I will give an example of both ways Christ communicates to us through scripture.

1). THINGS HE TAUGHT

Mat 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Does Christ really mean that if you use a sword to kill others, then you must likewise be killed with a sword? Literally, that is what He is saying. So if we are to understand it literally, then that statement can easily be proven to be false. There are countless examples of people who have used violence to kill others but then do not die from that same type of violence - it almost goes without saying. So is Christ mistaken or is His message something else?

Since His “words are spirit”, His message must be spiritually understood. Christ’s spiritual message is quite different from what He is literally saying.

In Matt 26:52 above, Christ is using a spiritual “symbol” to give us His message. Here Christ uses the symbol of a Sword. To understand what that symbol means, we must look at how it is used elsewhere in scripture.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword...

Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword...

From these examples, it is easy to understand that a Sword represents the Word of God. So Christ’s hidden spiritual point He is making in Mat 26:52 is that all who live (those being “born again”) by the Word of God, must perish (death of the carnal nature) by the Word of God.

Water baptism is another symbol which sends the same spiritual message as Matt 26:52. When an individual is baptized in water, the immersion represents the death of our carnal nature (Old Man). The ascension out of the water represents our new birth in Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven. This great work of salvation is accomplished by the Word of God (Sword, Christ).

2). THE THINGS HE DID

John 8:3-10 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

A “woman” in scripture represents God’s wife. All who are “in Adam” will be “called” to be God’s wife.

Isa 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

From the very start of Adam’s creation, his marriage relationship with God was based upon faith. However, Adam was created spiritually weak, spiritually blind & carnal. Because of these flaws, Adam soon sinned by committing adultery with Satan (believing Satan instead of God). Rather than going to God in faith and asking for forgiveness, Adam turned to the ways of Satan and tried to hide (apron of fig leaves, filthy rags) his adultery through his own “works”. If Adam would have come to God in faith and simply asked for forgiveness, he would have been forgiven and the marriage relationship would have been restored. But Adam turned to his own works and strayed from approaching God by faith alone. Because of Adam’s adultery with Satan, the marriage ended and God cast him out of the Garden. Ever since that time, God has been working to restore His marriage relationship with mankind.

In the story from John 8:3-10, the woman represents Adam (all mankind). When Christ first writes in the earth it represents the time when He writes His law in our hearts. It is the time of the Early Rain when we are “called out” by Christ to be restored to the Father by faith. However, Satan quickly comes to us and deceives us because we remain spiritually blind. Because of his deception, we fall away from faith alone and mix in our own works. This is the sin that leads to death and we remain under the Law. Because this happens, the Pharisees do not drop the stones after Christ first writes in the earth. The Law is still accusing us.

Then in verse 8, Christ stoops down again and writes His Law upon our hearts a second time (the Latter Rain). It is at this point that Christ heals our spiritual blindness and we come out from Satan’s deception. We begin to walk by faith alone and as a result, the Law can no longer accuse us. After this change from Law to faith, the Pharisees drop their stones and leave. The Law is now of no effect over the woman (mankind) and we are restored to God.

UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRITUAL LANGUAGE OF CHIRST

First of all, without the EARLY and LATTER rain of the Spirit, a person is not going to fully understand and believe the truth of Christ. But if one has been blessed by Christ to be given both measures of His Spirit then it is possible to find the knowledge of God.

Paul also understood Christ's spiritual language and even taught us in that language:

1Cor 2:13 These things we also speak, NOT IN WORDS WHICH MAN'S WISDOM TEACHES but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Scripture goes on to say this:

Isa 28: 10-12 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and ANOTHER TONGUE will he speak to this people. 12 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

When a believer cannot understand the Word of God, it will cause them to “fall backward”. So what does “to fall backward and be broken” actually mean? This is the same as to “fall away” (Heb 6:4-6) and it means to return to one’s own attempt to be acceptable to God through our own works. This is the sin that leads to death (1John 5:16).

Since God’s Truth is presented to us in bits and pieces, we must put it together to see the truth:

Psa 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

To correctly understand scripture, it must be understood spiritually. For this type of understanding to occur, we must first understand that the words used in scripture do not carry the same meaning as taught by man’s wisdom (1Cor 2:13). Christ’s words are spirit and we are told to understand their spiritual meaning by comparing them with the same spiritual words used elsewhere in scripture. We must compare spiritual with spiritual. We are to also keep in mind that “the sum of God’s Word is truth”. Trying to "literally" understand scripture will only produce confusion. Have you ever wondered why there are so many different denominational churches in the world? This is one of the reasons why.

You may be asking yourself why God made His Word so difficult to understand. I can assure you that He did not do it by mistake. God is purposely concealing Himself from this world so that He can reveal Himself to each individual at a time of His choosing.

Matt 13:10-11 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you (the Elect) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them (those not Chosen) it is not given.

In scripture, the knowledge of God (which is fully found in Christ) is symbolized by Treasure.

Prov 2:1-5 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Mat 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

For most people, Christ has not chosen to reveal Himself to them at this time. So for them, He remains “hidden” Treasure. However, that does not mean that He will forget them and forever remain hidden from their eyes. Scripture promises us that will not be the case.

1Tim 2:3-6 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1Cor 15: 22-23 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

During this present age, Christ is ONLY gathering in the First-fruits of His Harvest. The remaining harvest of mankind will come later in the final age that God established from the beginning of creation. Contrary to popular belief, Christ is NOT working to save all mankind during this present age. He is only appearing (revealing Himself) to those who have been chosen from the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8 & Eph 1:11). We are totally dependent upon Christ for our salvation, even the timing of it. We cannot “choose” ourselves to be one of His “chosen”. Christ alone is the One who calls us, chooses us and empowers us to remain faithful unto the end. It is 100% His work. To claim otherwise, only proves that one has “fallen away” and is attempting to be acceptable through their own "works". Even taking credit for one's decision to accept Christ is considered a "work" by Christ and leads to the spiritual death of the believer. Remember, Christ is spirit and His work is "within" us (between our ears so to speak). When He is ready for someone to accept Him, He prepares their heart and gives them the answer of their tongue:

Prov 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

For those who have presently been given “eyes that can see” and “ears that can hear”, Christ is appearing to them and revealing Himself. They are finding great treasure!

The book of Revelation depicts this great treasure of God. This book is the great unveiling of Jesus Christ within an individual - it is salvation. But to keep Christ concealed from those not chosen to receive its message, the book was “signified” to the apostle John. In other words, the Truth was presented in spiritual symbols. It is in no way literal. It is not a book about end-time prophecy or future coming world events. There is no literal Lake of Fire or coming Antichrist who rules the world. And for that matter, there is not even a literal throne room in heaven or a heaven with streets of gold. These are all worldly symbols which represent spiritual truths.

If there is anyone on the Forum who believes they have received the Early and Latter of the Spirit but does not think they have a full understanding of the Truth, I would be happy to share with you what the Lord has given me.
 
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Mr. M

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From these examples, it is easy to understand that a Sword represents the Word of God. So Christ’s hidden spiritual point He is making in Mat 26:52 is that all who live (those being “born again”) by the Word of God, must perish (death of the carnal nature) by the Word of God.
Amen. And He tells Peter "put away your sword", the carnal nature, that you may "take up the sword
of the Spirit".
Mat 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
The Truth is in the signature.
 
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Mr. M

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During this present age, Christ is ONLY gathering in the First-fruits of His Harvest.
The Feast of Pentecost (firstfruits) has been kept. The Gospel is preached to all Nations according
to the prophets, especially found in Isaiah 40-66.
The firstfruits unto The Lamb who have been gathered are of a unique character.

Revelation 14:
1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder.
And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.
3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from men, firstfruits to God
and to the Lamb.

5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Imagine if we needed to be virgins, without deceit, without fault to be saved. Game Over!

James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.

18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits
of His creatures.

The firstfruits were gathered from among the twelve tribes.

Revelation 7:4
And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:
 
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FaithWillDo

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Amen. And He tells Peter "put away your sword", the carnal nature, that you may "take up the sword
of the Spirit".
Mat 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
The Truth is in the signature.

Dear Minister Monardo,
Thanks for your comments.

The "sword" represents the Word of God. I know of no verses that teach it is our carnal nature. Our carnal nature is taught to be the "Old Man". Also, John the Baptist is a "type" of our Old Man". In the verse, it is teaching on salvation. Those who take the sword (Christ the Word of God) are saved by it, however, they must also perish (Old Man) by the same Sword (Christ the Word of God).

In the verse before, it says:
Mat 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

This is symbolic for those who follow the Law (servant of the High Priest). They do not have "ears that can hear" (understand) the Word of God.

Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Christ is the great healer and in time, He will heal their deaf ears so that they too can know the truth.

Joe
 
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FaithWillDo

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The Feast of Pentecost (firstfruits) has been kept. The Gospel is preached to all Nations according
to the prophets, especially found in Isaiah 40-66.
The firstfruits unto The Lamb who have been gathered are of a unique character.

Revelation 14:
1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder.
And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.
3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from men, firstfruits to God
and to the Lamb.

5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Imagine if we needed to be virgins, without deceit, without fault to be saved. Game Over!

James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.

18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits
of His creatures.

The firstfruits were gathered from among the twelve tribes.

Revelation 7:4
And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:

Dear Minister Monardo,
Yours is a literal understanding of these verses. These verses have a spiritual meaning. The First Fruits of Christ's harvest are His chosen Elect who are saved now in this age. It is still an ongoing event and is not limited to Jews only.
Joe
 
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Mr. M

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The "sword" represents the Word of God. I know of no verses that teach it is our carnal nature.
Hi Joe,
You misread my statement.
He tells Peter "put away your sword", the carnal nature, that you may "take up the sword of the Spirit".
Mat 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place:
The sword I was referring to is the one he used to cut off an ear! I am in total
agreement as to what is our "true sword".
 
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FaithWillDo

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Hi Joe,
You misread my statement.

The sword I was referring to is the one he used to cut off an ear! I am in total
agreement as to what is our "true sword".

I guess I am still not following you. The spiritual term "sword" is always the Word of God. I'm not sure why you think the sword used to cut off the man's ear is a different sword. Can you explain further?
Joe
 
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FaithWillDo

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Hi Joe,
You misread my statement.

The sword I was referring to is the one he used to cut off an ear! I am in total
agreement as to what is our "true sword".

Are you saying that Peter, who has not yet been converted and who uses the sword (Word) carnally, takes away our ability to hear (to understand) the Word. If that is what you meant, then I do agree with you.
Joe
 
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Mr. M

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These verses have a spiritual meaning. The First Fruits of Christ's harvest are His chosen Elect who are saved now in this age. It is still an ongoing event and is not limited to Jews only.
So male virgins, (undefiled), in whom was found no deceit, and no fault are also merely symbolic
language? I agree that the teachings of Christ are "Spirit and Truth". Here John is reporting
what he witnessed. The Gospel that calls sinners to repentance is not the firstfruits of the harvest.
There is no scriptural basis for this idea. You seem to have read my post with this prejudice.
One of those agree to disagree moments. Be careful of how you interpret Revelation.

Revelation 22:
18
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds
to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away
his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

The Truth that the Gospel of Salvation would be preached to all nations was prophesied many
times by Isaiah, and was included in the instructions Yeshua gave to His disciples. There is no scriptural
basis that this is connected to the gathering of Firstfruits. John's witness in Revelation 14 says
otherwise, as he clearly describes their unique character and virtue.
You can claim that the number 144,000
is symbolic, but the gathering of firstfruits does not continue
until harvest, it is only the early wheat harvest. The Ingathering is all the fruits of the land.
Are you an olive? Uh oh, an olive has to be crushed to produce the oil.
 
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Mr. M

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I guess I am still not following you. The spiritual term "sword" is always the Word of God. I'm not sure why you think the sword used to cut off the man's ear is a different sword. Can you explain further?
Joe
I am saying that the sword that Yeshua told Peter to put away is a weapon of this world that he
used to literally cut off a man's ear. He was acting out of carnal understanding to fight for Christ.
We know that the full armor of God includes the spiritual "sword of the Spirit", and that the weapons
of our warfare are not carnal, but "mighty to the pulling down of strongholds".
 
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Mr. M

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Are you saying that Peter, who has not yet been converted and who uses the sword (Word) carnally, takes away our ability to hear (to understand) the Word. If that is what you meant, then I do agree with you.
Joe
You are caught up in symbolism. Peter wielded a literal sword and removed a man's ear, so yes,
he was acting carnally, and still needed to be converted to the Truth that the our weapons are Spirit.
 
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FaithWillDo

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So male virgins, (undefiled), in whom was found no deceit, and no fault are also merely symbolic
language? I agree that the teachings of Christ are "Spirit and Truth". Here John is reporting
what he witnessed. The Gospel that calls sinners to repentance is not the firstfruits of the harvest.
There is no scriptural basis for this idea. You seem to have read my post with this prejudice.
One of those agree to disagree moments. Be careful of how you interpret Revelation.

Revelation 22:
18
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds
to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away
his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

The Truth that the Gospel of Salvation would be preached to all nations was prophesied many
times by Isaiah, and was included in the instructions Yeshua gave to His disciples. There is no scriptural
basis that this is connected to the gathering of Firstfruits. John's witness in Revelation 14 says
otherwise, as he clearly describes their unique character and virtue.
You can claim that the number 144,000
is symbolic, but the gathering of firstfruits does not continue
until harvest, it is only the early wheat harvest. The Ingathering is all the fruits of the land.
Are you an olive? Uh oh, an olive has to be crushed to produce the oil.

Dear Minister Monardo,
We all become spiritual Jews (descendants of Abraham) when we are saved. That is why the first part of Revelation 7 shows 12 tribes (each tribe has spiritual significance) and they are all First Fruits. That first group is primarily made up of Gentiles and they are all First Fruits. Most of the Nation of Israel (who were not First Fruits) will be saved after the last Gentile is saved in the final age. They will be in the second group of Rev 7 which make up the bulk of mankind. Then the covenant with Abraham will be fulfilled (as many as the stars).

Christ's harvest of mankind consists of bringing in the First Fruits in this age and then the full harvest (Feast of Tabernacles) at the end of the final age. The First Fruits is a very small group but is not literally 144,000 (12x12x1000) people.
Joe
 
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FaithWillDo

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You are caught up in symbolism. Peter wielded a literal sword and removed a man's ear, so yes,
he was acting carnally, and still needed to be converted to the Truth that the our weapons are Spirit.

Dear Minister Monardo,
The Word is spiritual, not literal. You can't mix and match the meaning of the same word. The sword is the Word of God but because it was used by a carnally minded Peter, it was misused. He misused it (taught lies instead of Truth) which resulted in the servant not being able to understand the true meaning of God's Word (no ears to hear). AND because the servant was the High Priest's, it also tells us that those who are under the Law will not be able to understand the truth of the Word. Our ability to hear is only given to us when we come out from the Law. But the sword is always symbolic of the Word of God who is Christ - that does not change.

We are told to understand the meaning of "spirit" words by comparing them with the way they are used elsewhere in scripture. The meaning will not change but the way they are used can.
Joe
 
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Mr. M

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Dear Minister Monardo,
The Word is spiritual, not literal. You can't mix and match the meaning of the same word. The sword is the Word of God but because it was used by a carnally minded Peter, it was misused. He misused it (taught lies instead of Truth) which resulted in the servant not being able to understand the true meaning of God's Word (no ears to hear). AND because the servant was the High Priest's, it also tells us that those who are under the Law will not be able to understand the truth of the Word. Our ability to hear is only given to us when we come out from the Law. But the sword is always symbolic of the Word of God who is Christ - that does not change.

We are told to understand the meaning of "spirit" words by comparing them with the way they are used elsewhere in scripture. The meaning will not change but the way they are used can.
Joe
Why does He tell Peter to put away His sword?
 
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FaithWillDo

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Why does He tell Peter to put away His sword?

Do you understand why one of the heads of the seven headed beast in Rev has a wound by the sword that was healed? It has to do with the Early and Latter Rain.
Joe
 
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Because he misused it. Once Peter is converted, Peter will then be able to use the sword properly.
Joe
So anyone who misuses the Word of God by speaking out of a carnal understanding is not speaking
"in Spirit and in Truth"?
 
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So anyone who misuses the Word of God by speaking out of a carnal understanding is not speaking
"in Spirit and in Truth."

That's right. How can anyone who is not teaching the truth of God be speaking in spirit and in truth???

After an unbeliever receives the Early Rain of the Spirit, Christ does not heal their spiritual blindness. It is only healed when they receive the Latter Rain.

After a person receives the Early Rain, they become a part of the blind leading the blind (either as a blind leader or a blind follower). They have no truth in them.

Matt 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Scripture says we live by every word that comes from the mouth of God - not just the "bread". After the Early Rain, we quickly begin eating leavened bread and it spiritually kills us. We eat it because we remain spiritually blind and cannot tell the difference between Satan's deceptions (tares) and the truth of Christ. And because we remain carnally minded, we prefer Satan's deceptions. This causes us to "fall away" back to "works".

There is only one sin that can cause us to lose our salvation (relationship with the Father) and that is to approach Him by our own "works". Once we try to do so, we lose that relationship and cannot be renewed by repentance. Christ must come to us a second time and give us the Latter Rain in order to restore our relationship. At that time, we have our spiritual blindness healed (along with other gifts) and we are born again and become a babe in Christ.

Our salvation requires two blows from the sword of Christ.

Luke 22:36-38 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. 37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. 38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

The number two in scripture represents God's witnesses (the Called and Chosen Elect). They are the First Fruits of God’s harvest of mankind. To be saved, we require two blows from the sword of Christ to slay our Old Man (our carnal nature). Upon receiving the first blow (the Early Rain), our Old Man does not die because Satan comes to us and deceives us. As a result of his deceptions, our deadly head wound delivered by Christ’s sword is healed.

Psa 68:21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

Rev 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

Rev 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

The seven headed beast in the book of Revelation (Rev 13:1) represents carnal mankind and that is why one of the beast’s heads has a deadly wound that was healed. Upon the first blow of the sword by Christ, our Old Man does not die. As a result, we remain part of the beast and are still in need of salvation. We need two blows (Early and Latter Rain) by the sword of Christ to be saved and that is why Christ said that two swords are enough.

Joe
 
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You seem to be against a literal interpretation or reading of Scripture. While there are metaphors in the Bible that believers miss, I believe you are taking the Scriptures way too far into reading them metaphorically when they should just be read plainly or literally.

Habakkuk says,
“Then the LORD answered me and said, “Write down the vision And inscribe it clearly on tablets, So that one who reads it may run.” (Habakkuk 2:2).

Paul says,
“Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:”
(2 Corinthians 3:12).

Jesus says,
Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” (John 8:43-47).

We see the reason why the Pharisees did not understand the Jesus' speech, and or that they cannot hear His word was because they were of the father the devil and they were doing the lusts of their father (i.e. sin). Jesus says he that is of God hears (obeys) God's Word.

Paul says,
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

When we over spiritualize the Scriptures there is the danger that we are turning God's Word into fables or myths.
 
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Scripture is not the Word of God – Jesus Christ is the Word of God.

You say that the Scriptures are not the Word of God.
This is untrue.

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” (Proverbs 30:5).

“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Luke 4:4).

The Bible talks about the Word of God as being in reference to Jesus, and also as in reference to the communicated Word (Scripture or the Spoken Word of God). Here is...

The Symbiotic Relationship Between
The Living Word, & the Communicated Word:


  1. Christ is good (John 10:11, John 10:14), and the word is good (1 Kings 2:42).

  2. Christ is the truth (John 14:6), and the word is the truth (John 17:17).

  3. Christ is called Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11), and the word is called faithful and true (Revelation 22:6).

  4. Christ is pure (1 John 3:3), and the word is pure (Proverbs 30:5).

  5. Christ is incorruptible (Acts of the Apostles 2:27), and the word is incorruptible (1 Peter 1:23).

  6. Christ abides forever (John 12:34), and the word abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).

  7. Christ’s name: “Jesus” is above all names (Which would include God’s name) (Philippians 2:9-10), and the word is above God’s name (Psalms 138:2).

  8. Christ has flaming eyes of fire (Revelation 19:12), and the Word is like a fire (Jeremiah 23:29).

  9. Christ can burn things like a fire (Matthew 3:12), and the word can burn things like a fire (Luke 24:32).

  10. Christ can be eaten (John 6:57), and the word can be eaten (Jeremiah 15:16).

  11. Christ is like the discovery of treasure (Matthew 13:44-46, cf. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10), and the word is like the discovery of treasure (Psalms 119:162).

  12. Christ is the light (John 8:12), and the word is light (Psalms 119:105).

  13. Christ is life (John 14:6, 1 John 5:12), and the word is life (John 6:63).

  14. Christ is the living bread (John 6:51), and the word is the living bread (Matthew 4:4).

  15. Christ is eternal life (Romans 6:23, 1 Timothy 6:16, 1 John 5:20) and the word is eternal life (John 6:68) (cf. Matthew 24:35, John 6:63).

  16. Christ quickens (makes alive) (John 5:21), and the word quickens (makes alive) (Psalms 119:50).

  17. It is by Christ which makes the gospel possible (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and it is by the word which makes the gospel possible (1 Peter 1:25).

  18. Christ is near to men (Acts of the Apostles 17:27) (Revelation 3:20) (Psalms 145:18), and the word is near to men (Romans 10:8).

  19. Christ discerns the heart (Matthew 9:4, Luke 9:47), and the word discerns the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

  20. Christ can get men through a storm (Mark 4:35-41), and the word can get men through a storm (Matthew 7:24-25).

  21. Christ sanctifies (John 17:19), and the word sanctifies (John 17:17).

  22. A person can stumble over Christ (Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:5-8), and a person can stumble over the word (1 Peter 2:8).

  23. Christ will judge men (John 5:22), and the word will judge men (John 12:48).

  24. Christ’s bones were never broken (John 19:36 cf. Psalms 34:20), and the word is never broken (John 10:35).

  25. Believers are told to seek after Christ (Matthew 28:5, Mark 16:6), and believers are told to seek after the word (Isaiah 34:16).

  26. Christ is our hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3, Colossians 1:27, 1 Timothy 1:1), and the word is our hope (Psalms 130:5).

  27. Believers are to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), and believers are to meditate (use their mind) upon the word (Psalms 119:148, 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

  28. Christ is to be heard and obeyed (Matthew 7:24), and the word is to be heard and obeyed (James 1:22).

  29. The love of God is within Christ (Romans 8:39), and keeping the word places the love of God within us (1 John 2:5) (Also see John 14:23).

  30. Christ is the way to the living waters, which is the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39), and the washing of the water of the word (Ephesians 5:25-27) (which is obedience to God) is the way to having the Spirit (Acts of the Apostles 5:32).

  31. Christ is like the foundation that is a part of a house (1 Corinthians 3:9, 1 Corinthians 3:11), and He is like a rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), and the obeying the word is like a house built upon the rock (Matthew 7:24).

  32. Believers are to follow after the steps of Christ (1 Peter 2:21), and believers are to order their steps in the word (Psalms 119:133).

  33. Christ breathed the Spirit upon his faithful chosen (John 20:22), and the word is “inspired by God” (i.e. God breathed) for the benefit of his faithful chosen (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

  34. Christ is the way to having the fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:11), and the word is the way to being instructed in righteousness so to be perfect unto all good works (fruits) (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

  35. Christ can abide in us (John 15:4-7) (Ephesians 3:17) (Philippians 4:13), and the word can abide in us (John 15:7, Psalms 119:11).

  36. Christ dwells in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17), and the word dwells in our hearts (Colossians 3:16).

  37. Believers can be hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3), and the word can be hidden in believers (Psalms 119:11).

  38. Christ is always with us (Matthew 28:20), and the word is always with us (Psalms 119:98).

  39. Christ can make our joy full (John 15:11), and the word can make our joy full (1 John 1:4).

  40. Believers’ hearts rejoice with Christ (John 16:22), and believers’ hearts rejoice with the word (Jeremiah 15:16).
..41. Christ is called a seed (Galatians 3:16), and the word is called a seed (1 Peter 1:23, Luke 8:11) (Note: See my post below here for further details).


The communicated word of God that we have today is the Bible.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11).​

Jesus (the Living Word) was sent by the commandment (mouth) of the Father. Jesus said and did everything the Father told Him to do (John 12:49) (John 14:31).

What is interesting is that the Living Word accomplished that which the Father commanded Him to do and to prosper (accomplish) that thing He sent to do (i.e. Jesus suffered on the cross, and said, “It is finished” and died for man’s sins). Jesus was risen three days later, and ascended to the Father. God’s Word (the living Word) did not return void by whom the Father sent.

The communicated Word can also be sent out and not return void, as well. For many have believed and have stayed faithful to what God’s Word says.

In the creation: The Word made flesh (John 1:1, John 1:14) (i.e. Christ) created everything. In the beginning God spoke words to bring forth the creation in six days (Genesis 1:1-31).

So in the beginning was the Living Word, and the communicated Word.

In the end of this sinful world: Christ will return (Revelation 19:11-21) and a sharp sword will proceed from His mouth. This sword could be the “sword of the Spirit,” (Which is the Word of God) or it could be symbolic of such (Ephesians 6:17).

So in the end there will be the Living Word, and the communicated Word.

For at Christ’s return: His name is called The “Word of God.” (Revelation 19:13) (Living Word).

On His thigh, and vesture is a name written (words) “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Communicated Word).

Jesus was beaten to a pulp and crucified on a tree.

The Word we have today (the Bible) is a result of pulp made from a tree.

Jesus was the Word made flesh (covered in skin).

The Word we have today (the Bible) is popular to be available covered in skin (leather).

Words on the page hang on this tree (paper) (the Bible),
 
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