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Chapter
Five WISDOM
THE HEAVENLY SPIRIT?
Who is as the wise man? and
who knoweth the interpretation of a thing?
a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his
face shall be changed. Eccl
8:1
...The excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life
(ETERNAL) to them that have it. Eccl
7:12
-The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they
have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?
Jer 8:9
He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the
world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his
understanding. Jer 51:15
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest
report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom...and they were not able to
resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake.
Acts 6:10
But unto them which are called both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God, and the wisdom of God.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us
wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 1 Cor
1:24,30
All the above texts collectively identify and place Wisdom
together with the Holy Spirit, power of God, Wisdom of God, Christ
Jesus, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.
When we talk about Wisdom, we are talking about the Holy Spirit
Himself. If the
"Word" is God and was made flesh and dwelt among us, then
"Wisdom" in the "Word" is also God.
When we read that the world was established by His Wisdom, it is
identical to saying the world was created or established by the Spirit
of God. "The Spirit of
God moved upon...." Acts
6:10 ties Wisdom and Spirit together.
In volume one we considered the Trinity as three separate
entities of one Heavenly Spirit: The Father, the embodiment of the Heavenly Spirit so He could
be seen by spiritual or celestial beings;
Jesus, the embodiment of the same Heavenly Spirit so the Spirit
could be perceived and understood by mankind; and the Holy Spirit, the
personification of Jesus given to man so each person individually could
have Him omnipresent and indwelling.
We also pointed out that we see the Holy Spirit today as Michael
as the great controversy begins to reach its climax.
It is also true that the Holy Spirit is Jesus' Spirit and also
the Father's Spirit, for all are personifications of the one Heavenly
Spirit. The Holy Spirit is
also displayed in the work of angels and as such angels are a facet of
the mind of God, the Heavenly Spirit.
Jesus made it clear that He and the Father were one.
He also said that when He left the earth He would send His
Spirit. If He and the
Father are one, then His Spirit and the Father are also one.
The Father and Jesus are all Wisdom.
Scripture uses the Spirit and Wisdom synonomously.
They must be the same. For
instance:
1 Corinthians 1:24,30 states that Christ IS "the power
and wisdom of God." Paul further states that He was "made unto us
wisdom." Furthermore
He is also our "righteousness and sanctification." It is not hard to see that Wisdom is yet another name for the
Holy Spirit.
This is supported by yet other texts.
When the 144,000 are filled with the glory of the Holy Spirit,
their faces will shine as did Moses' when he came down from Mt. Sinai.
Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 8:1 it is "wisdom that maketh
his face to shine." He
also states that it is Wisdom that gives "the interpretation of a
thing (word, matter, or saying)."
Scripture says "it is the spirit that quickeneth" us.
Is it not in fact the Holy Spirit that teaches us all things?.
The only logical conclusion that can be drawn is that BOTH WISDOM
AND THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE ONE AND THE SAME BEING, or more correctly two
forms of the same Spirit. Even
eternal life which is the gift of God is expressed by Solomon as coming
from Wisdom.
If Wisdom and the Holy Spirit are the same Spirit, and Wisdom is
the twin sister of Strange Woman, then an understanding of Wisdom has
ever so much to do with our understanding of Strange Woman.
If Wisdom is another form of the Holy Spirit, then Strange Woman
or the Spirit of Evil has to be the antithesis of the Holy Spirit and is
in fact the Spirit of Evil.
Paul, addressing himself to Wisdom, indicates that this mystery
of the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit is something that will be unto our
glory. He further states
that these deep mysteries of Wisdom and the Spirit will be revealed unto
us by that selfsame Spirit:
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the
wisdom of the world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to
nought:
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden
wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known
it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared
for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God....
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things
with spiritual.
but the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of
God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned
....he that is spiritual judgeth all things.... we have the mind
of Christ. 1 Cor
2:6-16
This quotation is believed to be directly related to the light
that has been shed on Wisdom and Strange Woman.
It has all come from Divine revelation and follows precisely what
Paul is talking about. These are "The deep things of God," things
"which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with
spiritual." The
following text also makes the same point:
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence
(UNDERSTANDING);
...That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge
of him.
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may
know what is the hope of his calling, and what is the riches of the
glory of his inheritance in the saints.
Eph
1:8,17,18
James tells us it is the anointing of the Holy Spirit that
teacheth...of all things. Is
not this the very same Spirit of Wisdom?
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you,
and ye need not that any man teach
you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth,
and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
James 2:27
James also addresses himself to Wisdom and agrees perfectly with
what the other writers have said. But
he goes farther in that he enumerates the fruits of the Spirit and
credits them to Wisdom.
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?
let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness
of wisdom.... The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then
peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good
fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace. James 3:13,17,18
In this text if we would replace The word "Wisdom" with
the word "Holy Spirit," we would see that we have some of the
very same fruits listed in Galatians 5:22:
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is
no law.
In comparing these texts there can be no question that they are
used synonomously. Are not
fruits of the Spirit also the "fruits of righteousness"?
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: And in the
hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit
within me. Cast me not away
from thy presence; and take not thy HoLy Spirit from me. Ps
51:6,10,11
David here asks the Lord to renew "a right spirit
within." It is also
stated that "in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know
wisdom." This is
talking about the work of the Holy Spirit within the Most Holy Place of
man's body temple or within man's spirit.
This is "the secret place of the Most High."
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide
under the shadow of the almighty. Ps 91:1
If any more evidence is needed to establish the validity of the
Holy Spirit and Wisdom being the same, the words of Our Lord in Luke
11:49 should be prima facia evidence.
Therefore said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and
apostles, and some of them they shall slay.
This text clearly shows Jesus Wisdom is behind prophets and
apostles, or in other words is the Spirit of Prophecy and the source of
spiritual wisdom given to the apostles. From these words of Jesus and all the above evidence from
Scripture, we have to conclude that indeed the Holy Spirit and Wisdom
are one and the same Spirit.
So what is so important about understanding this truth, you ask?
Solomon's personal experience when he asked and
received Wisdom from the Lord contains a very personal and
important lesson for us. Although
he received perhaps the largest outpouring of the Holy Spirit of Wisdom
of any man on earth, this was not a once-for-all experience.
Even filled with the Holy Spirit as he was, he eventually lost
it, replacing the Holy Spirit with another spirit, the spirit he
identified as the "Strange Woman." We too, having once tasted
of the outpouring of God's Spirit in our day, can lose that which the
Lord is so willing to give us.
Knowing that the Spirit of Evil is ever part of our lives until
we are delivered by the Holy Spirit should prompt us as never before to
seek for that continual, personal relationship with the Lord's Spirit,
to seek continually for Him to fill us, sanctify us, and make us Holy.
WISDOM AND
STRANGE WOMAN
Just as Strange Woman has depicted herself to individuals in
various womanly human forms, so too has Wisdom very recently shown
herself in human form. As
could be expected, the difference between the two is striking, although
their facial appearance is the same, for they are twins.
Wisdom, as seen, is radiantly beautiful, with a heavenly light
surrounding her. She
appears to be a young dark-haired woman
with a beautiful smile and most wholesome laugh.
The blush of perfect health is in her checks, and her eyes are
alight with the light of heaven's love and wisdom.
No trace of any self-important aires or deception can be detected
in her demeanor. It may be
that she resembles Eve as she was first brought forth from the side of
Adam.
Wisdom is referred to many times by Solomon in Proverbs.
She is many times mentioned along with her sister, Strange Woman. As we saw, Proverbs 7:1 points to them as being sisters.
The two spirits are clearly in antithesis throughout Proverbs.
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my
understanding: that thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may
keep knowledge. For the
lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother
than oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.... Remove
thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou
give thine honor unto others, and thy years unto the cruel.
Prov. 5:1-9
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments
with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine
heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice
[ASK] for understanding;...and find the knowledge of god.
For the lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding. He layeth up
sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk
uprightly. He keepeth the
paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and
equity; yea every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and
knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee,
understanding shall keep thee: to
deliver thee from the way of the evil man [Satan], from the man that
speaketh froward things;...to deliver thee from the strange woman, even
from the stranger which flattereth with her words;...For her house
inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
None that go unto her return again; neither take they hold of the
paths of life. Prov.
2:1-12,16,18,19
This last quotation is very significant to our study.
Not only does it tie Wisdom (the Holy Spirit) to Strange Woman
(Evil Spirit), but it also brings in the pathway of judgment and
righteousness. This text
directly relates all of these to our discussion of this pathway, which
is to follow in the next monograph.
As mentioned, it was the Spirit who showed the
Scriptural relationships between these two opposing spirits.
It was during this same period of time, when the aforementioned
father of Christi was studying the book of Proverbs, with no particular
ideas in mind, that the revelation was given to him about these two
spirits. During this same time Christi was also taken in spirit by an
angel and shown two dwelling places. THE HOME OF
WISDOM
The homes of both Wisdom and Strange Woman were most beautiful to
behold on the outside, pearly white with gold trim inset with jewels
most beautiful. The angel
opened the door to the first home and took her in. It was just as glorious inside as outside, with seven giant
pillars in front. These
giant pillars also were most beautiful to behold.
As Christi was looking at them, suddenly they seemed to become
alive and turned into seven angels.
In turn, these seven angels became seven doves.
The angel then revealed to her this was Wisdom's house with its
seven pillars (Prov. 9:1). The seven pillars represent seven spirits (angels who are
ministering spirits). These
seven angels in turn represent seven attributes or character faces of
the Holy Spirit. This house
was a visual representation of the heavenly dwelling place of the Holy
or Heavenly Spirit of God. But
where does the Holy Spirit reside on earth?
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding:
Prov. 14:33
The earthly dwelling place of Wisdom then is actually within man.
There are many places in Scripture where Wisdom is tied to
"understanding" and/or that "knowledge" that comes
from above. We are told to "get" or "obtain" this
understanding and knowledge. Wisdom
being a proper noun (another name for the Holy Spirit), means when we
ask for the indwelling Holy Spirit of the latter rain we receive that
Wisdom that is from above. "It
is the spirit that quickeneth" our understanding. THE HOME OF
EVIL SPIRIT
Now that we have considered Wisdom and her dwelling place, it is
time to learn about the dwelling place or heavenly home of Strange
Woman, for you will remember the angel showed the young believer two
houses. On the outside the
second was just as beautiful as Wisdom's home.
But when the angel took the girl inside, it was totally
different. Wisdom's home
was beautiful and all light and glorious, but this place was all
blackness, impenetrable darkness. The cold chill of death was everywhere
and nothing could be seen or heard.
This was the blackest black one could imagine, a three
dimensional kind of blackness that seemed to envelope her.
One is reminded of Isaiah 45:7, where God said He created
"DARKNESS." It made the girl fearful and uncomfortable for she
could not see what, if anything, lurked within this home.
She begged the angel to take her out of this place.
But the angel said that first she had to understand what this
place was, for at that time she had not yet been told.
This place seemed to be devoid of any beings.
This was later confirmed by the angel.
The angel then told her this was the home of Strange Woman who
would later be identified to others as the "Spirit of Evil."
But like Wisdom, Strange Woman's abode or place of residence here
on earth is also within the spirit of man, having replaced the Holy
Spirit, or Heavenly Ruach, at the fall.
The reason the home of the Spirit of Evil was not inhabited is
very important to our discussion. There
was a time when Strange Woman was securely locked inside her house.
But when Lucifer first entertained the idea of pride and jealousy
and sought to be like God, he began to play with the keys.
The door to the home of Strange Woman was unlocked when Lucifer's
spirit began to nurture thoughts of these evils, and "curiosity was
on the stretch." As
these ambitions began to gradually grow within him, the Spirit of Evil
changed her place of dwelling. The
two spirits were wedded, and she established a permanent residence
within Lucifer.
Since that time her habitation has been within him as well as the
rest of us. Lucifer became the means whereby she could infect and take
over the rest of the universe. When Lucifer willed to make THAT
OTHER CHOICE, sin,
the act was conceived and born. The
seeds of sin and evil were implanted into the whole universe, conceived
by the union of spirit with spirit.
As pointed out before, the Spirit of Evil was only meant to be a
test or choice, THAT OTHER CHOICE all intelligent created beings can
make. And only when sin is
totally eradicated at the destruction of the wicked along with Satan and
his angels, will Strange Woman-Spirit of Evil again take her rightful
place back in her home, never again to be released.
SHE WILL ALWAYS EXIST, FOR SHE IS THAT
OTHER CHOICE. But
after the demonstration of her workings in Satan and mankind, no one in
the universe will ever desire to release her.
The memory of her work of evil will be born in the nail prints in
the hands and feet of our Husband Jesus.
THE SEVEN
FACES OF STRANGE WOMAN
Like Wisdom's house with seven pillars, Strange Woman's house
also has the equivalent of seven pillars.
And like Wisdom's pillars, these depict Strange Woman's
characteristics and the effect she has on those whom she inhabits, which
at present is all of us. And
like Wisdom, these traits are also found in Scripture for our
understanding and enlightenment.
But these texts also serve another most important function.
Strange Woman, unlike Satan and demons, cannot be controlled by
any commands we give, or anything we can do.
She cannot be bound up, rebuked, or cast out because of her
genetic bond with us. We
cannot be rid of her anymore than we can change our genes and
chromosomes. As stated
before, only the Holy Spirit, her twin has any influence over her.
She is accountable only to her sister.
Even the Father and Jesus seem to have chosen not to exert any
direct influence over her, rather only through Their Spirit.
These texts, revealed by a heavenly messenger, are hidden and
scattered in seven separate places in the Bible.
The meanings of these texts and how they relate to Strange Woman
were also revealed. Notice
they are not only her characteristics but also provide the protection,
remedy, and antidote for this cancerlike-spirit virus.
We are told that knowing and repeating these texts when being
attacked will cause Strange Woman to be subdued for a short time. The
reason for this is not given, but it has been proven to work.
Perhaps they summon the Holy Spirit to calm her down but we have
not been specifically told. Let us consider each one separately and
bring out what is most pertinent for our understanding.
1) When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is
pleasant unto thy soul;...to deliver thee from the strange woman, even
from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
Prov.
2:10,16
This face of Strange Woman shows her guile and flattery.
Surely she is a STRANGER to those into whose HEART WISDOM
ENTERETH and who have the
KNOWLEDGE TO UNDERSTAND. Wisdom is indeed PLEASANT UNTO THE SOUL and will DELIVER us
from STRANGE WOMAN.
2) Yea, though
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Ps
23:4
This text can be applied in more than one way.
This face of Strange Woman, subtely brought out here, is tied to
Proverbs 2:18 which says, "her house inclineth unto death,
and her paths unto the dead."
Throughout Proverbs she is described as a licentious,
evil, sensuous woman who tries to deceive and seduce by her looks,
words, and actions. Accordingly,
her only goal is to drag us down into the pit or hell, for that is where
her steps ultimately lead. This
sexual and sensual face exists in the physical sense as seen in the
debased orgies of the followers of the enemy.
But it is also true in the spiritual sense as in committing
spiritual fornication. More
will be said about this in the last face.
In the familiar text above we are informed that she also is
responsible for causing us physical harm in life-threatening situations
such as illness or accident. We
may have to pass through "the valley of the shadow of
death," but we are told we are to "fear no evil" (her),
"for thou art with me." Our salvation and remedy is shown to be in the Father's rod
and staff. It is in the
power of His kingly sceptre or "rod"
and Shepherd's "staff" that we are to be delivered from
this face of Strange Woman.
3) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Eph 4:14
This is probably the most obvious face she shows today, working
through the hearts and minds of men, through organizations, television,
radio, and throughout our church organization.
Strange Woman pushes this face on us through every conceivable
means and is seen everywhere. People (spiritual children) are being "tossed to and
fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of
men, and cunning craftiness." These false shepherds and wolves are
everywhere hiding in ambush. "hereby they lie in wait to
deceive."
Spiritual "children" are those people
1) who do not have an indwelling experience with the Holy Spirit
or abide in Christ, and 2) who may have once had this experience but
have fallen away, which Paul exhorts us not to do.
We are admonished to be no more children.
We are to be weaned off of the milk of the word.
For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of
righteousness: for he is a babe. But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even
those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil. Heb
5:13-14
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,
and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the
Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the
world to come. If they
shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they
crucify to themselves the son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame. Heb 6:4-6
In order to grow up into Christ we must have His Righteousness
placed upon us. We must ask
for it, seek it. If we
don't ask, we do not receive. If
we do not receive we remain spiritual babes.
To be full of age spiritually means to receive the indwelling
Holy Spirit. Only in this
way can we "discern both (between) good (Wisdom) and evil (Strange
Woman)."
4) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse,
deceiving, and being deceived. but continue thou in the things which
thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast
learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is
in Christ Jesus. 2
Tim 3:13-15
Not only do we have to contend with Strange Woman in the form of
those in religious garb who would deceive, but also with "evil men
and seducers" who "shall (are) wax worse and worse, deceiving
and being deceived." This
face of Evil Spirit is seen everywhere trying to work against the cause
of God, trying to ruin the servants of the Lord through various schemes
and deceptions from the New Age movement to financial investment
deceptions. Great claims
are made about how well off people will be and how much success they
will have if they only trust in these merchants of evil.
Working hand in glove with Satan, the Spirit of Evil within men
is literally out to deceive the world.
For the most part she has succeeded.
Our protection against these deceptions comes from what we have
learned and ..."knowing of whom thou (we) hast learned them (from
the Holy Spirit)." Since
from the time we were a spiritual child we have had the holy Scriptures
to lead and guide us. This
is our salvation and protection, for they do "make thee (us) wise
unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. As we shall soon see, it is indeed through faith and trust
that we walk this pathway of Righteousness.
5) Thou shalt
not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by
day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the
destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, And ten thousand at thy right
hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the
wicked. because thou has
made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most high, thy habitation:
Ps 91:5-9
This face of Evil Spirit evidences the direct workings of Satan
and his evil entourage, especially after the close of probation.
He is prince of the air and ruler of affairs on earth, as far as
the Father will let him go. It
is the Evil Spirit working from within Satan that causes people to be
afraid "for the terror by night, the arrow that flieth by day...for
the pestilence that walketh in darkness: and for the destruction that
wasteth at noonday."
Here we have a most beautiful assurance that no matter what
happens within the physical world - famine, pestilence, plague, storm,
or physical harm brought on by the enemy--it shall not come nigh us.
This not only applies to us now during this little time of
trouble, but it is a prophetic promise that has its greatest fulfillment
as we enter the great time of trouble.
It is then that the full application and truth of this promise
will be experienced by the elect saints.
But this promise like all others is conditional upon our being
totally filled and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Before this time if the Christian is not totally committed to the
Lord, He will allow the enemy to work in such a way that the person will
be brought across the line. Until probation closes, this will be the way the Lord will
operate. Until that time
all promises are conditional upon keeping the commandments of God. Nowhere does this apply more than in the struggles with self
and Strange Woman. But when
probation closes, then will all these promises be fulfilled completely.
Then they will literally see
"A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right
hand; but it shall not come nigh thee." Truly it will be that
"only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the
wicked." Then shall we be living witnesses, and see and hear what
happens to the wicked world and its inhabitants; but we will not be the
participants, only the spectators.
It will not touch one who has "made the Lord, which is my
refuge, even the most high, thy habitation (within us)."
The Father through His Son Michael will truly be our refuge
during this time. He will
protect and finally deliver us from the raging storms and utter chaos
that will engulf the world at this time.
6) There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come
nigh thy dwelling. Ps 91:10
This face of evil might seem a duplication, but it is not.
In the last face the Spirit of Evil was evidenced in and through
the workings of Satan and his evil angels, externally, through nature or
man-made destruction. But
the face of evil in the above text is not an external evil that befalls
one, such as the seven last plagues, but rather it is an evil that lies
within. This face shows the
working of Evil Spirit in the form of internal disease, both physical
and spiritual.
Just as the Holy Spirit's work and character are seen in heavenly
angels, so it is with Evil Spirit.
It too is represented by evil angels working both from within and
from without.
Why is it that "there shall no evil befall thee, neither
shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling"?
Simply because during this time, after probation has closed, when
the 144,000 are sealed with the final seal and filled with the Holy
Spirit, Evil Spirit will no longer have any effect upon the saints.
They will not be affected by any virus, bacteria, disease,
illness or ailments, for the Holy Spirit will heal them of all their
infirmities.
Where the Spirit dwells in toto, nothing instigated or inspired
by the enemy can survive. There can live nothing "that defileth" or that is
propagated by the enemy. We
have no record that Jesus was ever sick for even a day. He was healthy because he had the Father's Spirit within.
As we have discussed just a few pages back, He was born that way.
What a beautiful promise this is to us who look for our Lord's
return!
Revelation 15:2 - And I saw as it were a sea of glass
mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast,
and over his image, and over his mark, and over the
number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps
of God.
Let us now compare the connection between our present day
phenomena of the beast power and his image and Evil Spirit.
It is not Satan alone who demonstrates this power but rather the
combination of Satan, his angels, humans, and institutions that have as
part and parcel of their spirits, the Spirit of Evil.
This text describes the final visible representation of this
power in our world before Evil Spirit is finally and totally subdued and
contained from her 6,000 year rampage.
The workings of evil within the hearts of men and angels as
witnessed by their external acts and rebellion against God and His
saints is seen in the culmination of the great controversy.
The victorious Christ presents the reward to "them that had
gotten victory over the beast and over his image, and over his mark and
over the number of his name." Here they are seen as they receive their reward standing
"on the sea of glass, having the harps of God." What a glorious reward awaits us! THE SEVEN
PILLARS OF WISDOM
The seven pillars of Wisdom represent seven character traits that
describe Wisdom's personality and the role she plays in the affairs of
men. As we shall see in a
little bit, because she is a twin of Wisdom, Spirit of Evil or Strange
Woman also has seven traits of character. These are described by the Lord as "faces" rather
than pillars.
The text given by inspiration that describes or defines the seven
pillars of Wisdom is found in Isaiah 11:2. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the
spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
Let us consider briefly each of these pillars and see what the
Lord would have us know about Wisdom's character and personality.
1) THE
SPIRIT OF THE LORD SHALL REST UPON HIM - This
pillar is the first of the seven and points out that Wisdom is a
representation of, or is "the Spirit of the Lord."
This is her character or what she is.
She is a form of the Heavenly Spirit and one of the Godhead.
This pillar is promised to "rest upon him."
That is, it will be given to him who asks.
The gift of the Holy Spirit to us is then one of those seven
pillars.
2) THE SPIRIT OF
WISDOM -
All who receive the
Holy Spirit can be expected to receive also the wisdom that is
from above. For as we
learned, Wisdom and the Holy Spirit are synonomous with each other, in
fact are one and the same Spirit. Heavenly
Wisdom then is the second pillar.
3) THE SPIRIT OF
UNDERSTANDING -
A person may have all Wisdom and know about all things, but if there is
no understanding or application of this Wisdom or knowledge, what good
is it? The third pillar
that holds up the dwelling place of Wisdom is then
"understanding." Wisdom plus understanding adds up to knowledge.
Many texts of Scripture associate these two pillars:
Whence then cometh wisdom: and where is the place of
understanding...And unto man he said, behold, the fear (reverence =
profound respect mingled with love and awe) of the Lord, that is
wisdom:... Job 28:20,28
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: A good
understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise
endureth forever. Ps 111:10
I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty
inventions. The fear of the
Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the
froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel
is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding; I have strength.
Prov. 8:12,13
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and
strength of salvation: The fear of the Lord is his treasure.
Isa 33:6
With the ancient (of days) is wisdom.
With him is wisdom and strength, he hath council and
understanding...Within him is strength and wisdom.
Job 12:12,13,16
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and
largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore.
And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of
the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
1
Kings 4:29,30
Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all
thy getting get understanding. Exalt
her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee honor, when thou
dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace (love in
action). A crown of glory
shall she deliver to thee. Prov.
4:7-9
4) THE SPIRIT OF
COUNSEL -
This fourth pillar of Wisdom's home is another most necessary ingredient
one receives when the Holy Spirit is dwelling within a person.
There is ever so much instruction or counsel given by Wisdom as a
person walks along the pathway.
5) THE SPIRIT OF
MIGHT - This fifth pillar of "might" means in the literal
Hebrew a "strong, valiant" person.
It is in the feminine gender, which is appropriate when
discussing Wisdom. This
character trait of Wisdom is that of strength, a strength that makes her
valiant and trustworthy. Thus
it is with all who receive of her Spirit.
6) THE SPIRIT OF
KNOWLEDGE - This character trait comes about as a result of
combining wisdom with understanding.
When wisdom and understanding are given to a person, they
automatically become knowledgeable.
This pillar is the result of the combination of pillars two and
three.
7) THE FEAR OF THE
LORD -
At first glance this last pillar seems to be out of context with the
others. But it is a most
important pillar and character trait of all those who are given the Holy
Spirit. This word
"fear" does not mean to be afraid but rather to
"reverence" or "worship" the Lord, to give praise
unto Him, to tell of one's love for Him.
There are many texts that use this word "fear," and in
each instance it means to "reverence."
Here are two of the many.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the
knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Prov. 9:10
The fear of the Lord is to hate
evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward
mouth, do I hate. Prov.
8:13
Notice closely what Solomon is saying.
He directly states this pillar of fear or reverence is a
precursor to receiving the Holy Spirit (Wisdom).
He then expands on this relationship to show fear is the
precursor for hating "evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil
way," some of the characteristics of Strange Woman.
To have reverence for God is then a necessity if we are to hate
Strange Woman and her ways. FEMALE
SPIRITS AND SHE ANGELS?
Let us consider briefly this matter of female spirit beings in
heaven. We have seen how
Solomon referred to both Wisdom and Strange Woman as a "SHE,"
and called them twin sisters. We
mentioned how both of them were seen with their robes or mantles
covering the earth.
The idea of these spirits as being all-pervading and available to
everyone should not surprise anyone.
Solomon of old is a perfect example of this.
When he asked for Wisdom he was given Wisdom (the Holy Spirit) by
"God who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth [reviles or
accuses] not" (James 1:5). Is
not God's Spirit that very fount of all heavenly knowledge and wisdom?
That these spirits are represented as angels should not be
difficult to understand. Ellen
White made it very clear that the three angels of Revelation are not
actual angels but a representation of the saints going forth with the
three angels' messages to the world.
So it appears to be with these spirits depicted as angels of
wisdom and of carnal knowledge. That
they should also be represented as
"female" should likewise cause no problems, especially
with all the references in Scripture indicating this to be true.
WISDOM THE
HEAVENLY MOTHER?
There is something else about Wisdom that is intriguing and a
most unusual concept to most. As shown, Scripture treats Wisdom and the Holy Spirit
synonomously, for they are the same Spirit.
This being so, if Wisdom is a female, the Holy Spirit would also
be a female in gender. Now
if we go back to Genesis and read what God said when He created man, we
will find something most interesting.
And God said, let us make man in our image,...so God created man
in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female
created he them. Gen
1:26,27
If the family relationship on earth is a representation of the
one in Heaven, and if God did what He said in creating man and woman in
His image, then it would follow that there would be both a male and
female representative of His image in Heaven.
Putting these thoughts together with what we have learned about
the Holy Spirit and Wisdom being female, do we not have proof of the
validity of this relationship? The
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (mother) are then truly reflected in God's
creation of man and woman in His image. Furthermore, He told them to
populate the earth. The
family unit on earth is then only a reflection of that heavenly
relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Then there is the relationship of the Father and the Son
(Michael). For the eternity
of time, before sin entered, Michael was considered the Father's Son.
Now as pointed out there is only one Heavenly Spirit, which is
manifest in the physical forms of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost. This relationship
having been in existence for eternity past, symbolically makes Wisdom or
the Holy Spirit component of this Heavenly Spirit the Mother of the Son,
whose name is Michael. The
Trinity is the heavenly family of which our relationships here on earth
are but a type.
Scripture says the Holy Spirit is the "Comforter."
And in a family, who do the children seek when they need
comforting? The mother, of course. Could
this be why the church is symbolized as a woman?
Would this not, in turn, be why we as individuals become the
Bride of Christ? For it is
only as the Holy Spirit fills the church and controls it that it is
truly the church of God. Those who are filled with the Spirit of Wisdom
are truly spiritual females and the Bride of Christ. It is the indwelling female Spirit within that makes us
spiritually a female, regardless of our physical gender.
And there is more to consider about this concept.
Is not the woman the child bearer?
Not only was Eve in the beginning told to "BE FRUITFUL AND
MULTIPLY," but also the church is told to bear in kind, to be
fruitful and grow. Any
fruit born by the Spirit-filled Bride or church will fulfill in the
spiritual realm the commission originally given to Eve.
This spiritual child bearing by the wife (the
church) will reach its peak productivity during the time of the
latter rain and loud cry. As
we will see in the last three monographs, there is far more meaning to
this relationship and commission given to Adam and Eve than we have been
aware of.
Up to this time any fruit bearing has been the work of Jesus'
Spirit in the former rain experience.
Each person was individually considered married by proxy of the
Holy Spirit, but each individual was married only as long as he lived.
When he died, the marriage relationship ceased.
But in this time of the latter rain there are two major
differences. 1) The marriage is completed in a short period of time with
many people and 2) It is to continue for eternity.
This is discussed completely in the last monograph of this
volume.
But the church as the wife is not the only relationship.
A Second relationship describes us also as the brothers and
sisters of Jesus by nature of His sacrifice on our behalf.
In this relationship the heavenly Father is our Father. That makes the Holy Spirit OUR mother. But in Jesus' conception His heavenly Father was His real
Father and Mary the human link between the human and divine. Conceived
spiritually of the Holy Spirit, Jesus at the same time inherited the
physical genetic makeup of man from his mother Mary.
While we have built a strong case in the previous paragraphs for
a female Holy Spirit, the reader must be aware that the Holy Spirit is
also male in many circumstances. The Holy Spirit is Jesus' and the Father's Spirit.
When Jesus left this earth He gave us His Spirit to be a
comforter. In this instance
the Spirit is not female but male.
It follows then, "They being of one Spirit" means their
one Spirit is also male. Just
which gender form is taken would seem to be the function and choice of
God the Heavenly Spirit, determined perhaps by the role the Spirit
plays.
This change is similar to the different roles the Son takes, i.e.
Saviour, Priest, King, Michael, etc.
The ability to change gender to match a given situation is
something only the Heavenly Spirit elects to do.
Wisdom is female, the Holy Spirit is male.
Yet they are the same Spirit.
This might give us a clue as to why homosexual perversion is so
reprehensible to God. As we learned, all sexually-oriented perversions are a
debased counterfeit of the real.
Knowledge of what gender or role the Holy Spirit plays is of
little consequence to us except that it represents the ideal family.
It shows one reason why God doesn't approve of divorce.
But what is of the utmost importance to us is that if we so
choose, we can be members of the family of God--children, sons and
daughters, brothers and sisters, or sheep and in a few cases (144,000),
the Bride. He truly is our
Father, Mother, Comforter, Counselor, God, and King, Creator, Saviour,
Redeemer, Lover, Husband, and much more.
HE IS EVERYTHING TO US!
END
OF CHAPTER FIVE
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