So, now we have a school filled with knowledge and understanding of God's ways, and
teachers to teach these ways to students who have the desire to learn them. However, a school
would be remiss without one additional feature; "tests".
Body, Soul And Spirit
Our nature is three-fold; body, soul and spirit.
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thess. 5:23)
The body is the natural man that experiences physical senses such as that of seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching.
The soul gives us identity. It contains our emotions, mind and will; our inner feelings, intellect and desires.
The spirit is our invisible makeup that does not consist of matter. It is like the wind. The Greek word for spirit is "PNEUMA", which means "wind".
The soul of a person is contained in two entities; the flesh and the spirit. When a person dies, the natural body is separated from the spiritual body.
"Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,...Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." (Eccl. 12:1,7)
An example of the spirit departing the body is shown in Luke 8 where Jesus restored life to the
daughter of the ruler.
"Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately...." (Luke 8:55)
It is assumed that the soul remains with the spiritual body. An angel is a spirit and by virtue
of his ability to think and carry out the will of God, he has a soul.
The natural man interacts with the physical world. The influences of the world will work upon the soul. These influences create the opportunity for man to sin. Upon deciding to follow
Jesus, a person should reject worldly influences that may lead to sin.
"knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." (Rom. 6:6)
The Bible speaks of crucifying the flesh. Christians are to deny the flesh.
"And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Gal. 5:24)
The influences of the spiritual realm will also work upon the soul.
"These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:13,14)
The spirit and the flesh have a tendency to contend with each other.
"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another,..." (Gal. 5:17)
The influences of the physical world and the spiritual realm become quite obvious as we attempt to fulfill that which we know to be right. The evil nature within these two forces seeks to draw our attention to wrong impulses. On the other hand, the good nature within these forces seeks to draw our attention to correct impulses. The Helper, the Holy Spirit of truth, exhorts us to draw our attention to the right impulses.
"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells;...There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit....For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace....For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Rom. 7:18;8:5,6 & 14)
We are given a free choice. We may choose between good and evil. When presented with the option of eternal life in the Kingdom of God, God's desire is that we will choose good. However, two battles must be fought to overcome sin; a spiritual battle and a fleshly battle. The good things of the world and of the spiritual realm attempt to push us towards righteousness. The converse holds as well; the evil things of the earthly and spiritual realms push us towards unrighteousness.
Tests
Tests are learning tools that are used to check the student's progress and
to provide additional skills. For example, an algebra test will not only
test for knowledge of the skills, but it will test the ability to utilize
the skills in a practical situation. Each test provides another experience
from which the student can draw on to solve future problems.
When a boxer attends a training camp, he is taught boxing skills and allowed
to test his skills in sparring matches. Both, the learned skills and the
sparring matches serve to make him a better boxer.
In the Kingdom of Heaven, tests focus on the heart and its outward activity.
The Holy Spirit will examine the light emitting from the face of the deep,
and will hover over the face of the waters and examine the outward workings.
When sinful ways draw us from the path of righteousness, the lamp of the
heart dims. In order to test the condition of the heart, God sets up test
situations. He allows situations to occur by which we may choose between
good and evil. These situations are facilitated by the presence of good and
evil spirits in the spiritual realm, and good and evil people of the world.
Thus, enters the fifth day in which God created a background that enabled
Him to test His disciples.
"Then God said, 'Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.' So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, 'Be fruitful and multiply on the earth.'" (Gen. 1:20-22)
The Sea
The sea typifies the nations of men.
"And he said to me, 'The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.'" (Rev. 17:15)
Fish
Fish are creatures that move about in the seas without direction.
"...fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler over them?" (Hab. 1:14)
The fish are symbolic of worldly men. The men of the sea are those who roam the earth without direction. These are the people Jesus wanted to catch hold of.
"Now Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" (Mt. 4:18,19)
It is the will of God that all people be saved. We are to draw the men of the sea to Christ. We
are to rule over the men of the sea and influence them instead of them ruling over us and
influencing us.
"Then God said, '...let them (men) have dominion over the fish of the sea,...'" (Gen. 1:26)
Birds
Birds are symbolic of spirits. In the Old Testament there were clean and unclean birds.
"All clean birds you may eat. But these you shall not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard,..." (Deut. 14:11,12)
There are clean and unclean spirits. In the parable of the sower, birds represented the wicked one.
"...and the birds came and devoured them....then the wicked one comes and snatches away what
was sown in his heart. (Mt. 13:4,19)
The relationship of unclean spirits to unclean birds is reinforced in Revelation.
"And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, 'Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!" (Rev. 18:2)
Temptation
Tests consist of a choice to follow the righteous ways of God or to follow the influences of unclean spirits and/or men of the world. Man is tested in order to assist him on his way towards perfection.
"My brethren, count it for joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
This perfect work is centered around our heart.
"You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (James 5:8)
The Kingdom of Heaven is a testing ground. It consists of many paths, each containing one or more obstacles. These obstacles are like rocks. Each rock represents one of the elements of the iniquitous nature that resides within a person. As the disciple encounters these rocks, he is confronted with choices. He may elect to walk around or step over the rock. The path is cleared
if the disciple removes the rock. The condition of the mind and heart improves as these rocks are
removed. If the disciple does not remove the rocks from the paths, the Lord may cause the disciple to return to the rocks until all the rocks that God wishes to be removed are removed.
"...But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, and shall inherit My holy mountain. And one shall say, 'Heap it up! Heap it up! Prepare the way, take the stumbling block out of the way of My people.'" (Isa. 57:13,14)
Life does not come to a halt if the disciple cannot remove the rock. For the Lord will not force a
disciple to remove a rock that is beyond his/her strength.
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Cor. 10:13)
A disciple who continues in the Lord will gain strength as he acquires the attributes of God. Faith increases as these attributes increase. This faith can be built up enough to not only remove a rock, but even a mountain.
"...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Mt. 17:20)
People are given the freedom of choice. The Lord does not cause people to sin. It is by their own desire that they are drawn away to sin. When tempted by evil, God does not force us to
fail or choose to sin.
"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed." (James 1:13,14)
Those who endure temptation will be blessed by God.
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)
If a disciple succumbs to temptation, that person gives birth to sin. Sin becomes full-grown when
the disciple stumbles on many stones and no longer perseveres in spiritual growth. Full-grown sin will lead to death.
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (James 1:15)
Perseverance
While wandering the paths of life in the Kingdom of Heaven, a disciple is confronted with more than just stones. As if the task at hand wasn't difficult enough, the disciple of Christ will encounter attacks from the enemy from all directions. This enemy will consist of deception from
evil spirits, lawlessness from the peoples of the earth, hate from friends and relatives and
persecution for his/her beliefs. Upon continuing in the faith and enduring to the end, the disciple
will be saved.
"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved." (Mt. 24:9-13)
"And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."
(Mt. 10:22)
While in the body of Christ, it is mandatory to persevere in order to remain there.
"But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end." (Heb. 3:6)
"For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to
the end," (Heb. 3:14)
If we don't persevere, we shall be cast out of the house. And they that are cast out shall say, "But
Lord, we served and performed many miracles in your name. How come you cast us into outer
darkness?"
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven (Father's Kingdom), but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (Mt. 7:21-23)
Some theologians will argue the point that John 3:16 declares our salvation and that once saved, always saved. John 3:16 says that those who believe shall be saved. Believing in Jesus Christ is abiding in the vine, that is, dwelling in the Kingdom of Heaven. A person practices lawlessness while in the body of Christ will be cast into outer darkness, and those who remain will be presented to the Father. Salvation comes after enduring to the end. And, yes, once in the
Father's Kingdom we are saved and because it is eternal salvation, we are "always saved".
This means that the way to salvation is quite constrained and only a few have the strength to make it. Matthew 7 speaks of the narrow way to the Kingdom of God.
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Mt. 7:13,14)
To be eternally separated from the presence of God is quite frightening. It's time for those who
call themselves Christians to be concerned about their way of life!
Spiritual Warfare
Evil spirits can dwell within the body. There are many examples found in scripture in which evil spirits were cast out of people.
"When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick," (Mt. 8:16)
The power to cast out demons was not restricted to Jesus. His disciples were given the same power when they were sent out.
"Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.'" (Luke 10:17)
The casting out of demons did not cease when Jesus departed from His disciples. Following His
ascension, the apostles demonstrated the power to cast out demons.
"And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed." (Acts 8:6,7)
It is interesting to note that those who were sick, paralyzed or lame were
healed after demons were cast out. Whenever healing and the casting out of
demons are mentioned, healings always follow the casting out of demons.
There is a direct association of various kinds of sicknesses with unclean
spirits. Not all sicknesses or physical problems are caused or accompanied
by unclean spirits. If someone falls out of a tree and breaks an arm, the
broken arm is a result of the fall, not an unclean spirit. Many theologians
will agree that spiritual conditions and sicknesses go hand-in-hand.
Christians are told to deny the flesh. What is there about the flesh that draws this attention? Demons, being spirits, will influence the soul by various means of communication. It appears that demons will use the flesh to influence our soul. The existence of demons in the flesh will cause sicknesses. In order to heal the sickness caused by demons, the demon associated with the sickness needs to be cast out first. If procedures such as the laying on of hands for healing are
set in motion prior to the demon being cast out, there probably won't be a healing.
Demons are invited in by the sin that one commits. It is better to seek the spiritual cause of the sickness, cast it out, and then follow up with a physical healing by the laying on of hands. But, the Christian and the non-Christian are not free from the danger of the evil spirits coming back in. For we must guard the gates of the city to prevent them from coming back in. Once driven away, one must not recommit the sin that has been forgiven. For if a person sins again, one's latter state will be worse than the first.
"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds
none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds
it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse that the first...."(Mt. 12:43-45)
When a person commits the sin that was forgiven him/her, that person in a sense has prepared the
way for the demon to return. The relationship of sinning and sickness is demonstrated in several
New Testament Scriptures.
"And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said
to the paralytic, 'Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.'...For which is easier, to say,
'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise and walk'?" (Mt. 9:2,5)
This verse also demonstrates that it is better to deal with the root cause of the problem, rather than the problem. The sequence of events is to recognize the root cause of the problem, seek the Lord's forgiveness, drive out the unclean spirit and then lay hands on for healing. Once the unclean spirits are driven from the flesh, the flesh becomes pure or clean. It no longer becomes naked or defiled before the eyes.
Spirits that have a strong hold on a person are difficult to remove. Since they are of the flesh, fasting and praying for forgiveness of sins is one way to dislodge them. Fasting affects the flesh and in turn affects the grip that an unclean spirit has on a person.
"Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast him out?'...'However,
this does not go out except by prayer and fasting.'" (Mt. 17:19,21)
One should always follow up with a prayer of thanksgiving upon being released from the grip of
unclean spirits. This thanksgiving should not only be in words, but in our actions with good
intentions from the heart.
In general, the power of the Holy Spirit, when used in faith, will be enough to drive out the spirit. In the same breath, Jesus said:
"'Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Mt. 17;20)
Notice the use of the mustard seed. Faith does not come instantaneously. It grows like a mustard seed. We are to continue on our path to perfection. As we grow, our faith increases. In time, we will gather enough strength to drive out even the demons that require fasting and prayer as Jesus did.
The Lord Jesus Christ forgave and continues to forgive people of their sins. However, people still have iniquitous natures within themselves which need to be dealt with. This cleansing is performed daily.
"...as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church,..."
(Eph. 5:25-27)
We become like the idols that we worship. When we come to Christ, these idols should be identified. As the idols are destroyed, our countenance begins to change. Our physical
appearance begins to reflect the light of Christ.
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor. 3:18)
In the New Testament, casting out unclean spirits was as common as healing sicknesses. It should be as common today. The churches need deliverance ministries.
The tendency of some Christians is to demand immediate correction of deformities or physical problems. While in some cases this takes place immediately and we call them miracles, other times it takes a long period of time. The Lord wants us to seek out the iniquities and deal with them. Once we have proven our sincerity by conquering the spiritual problem, then, we are left with the physical evidence of the sin. The Lord may choose to remove the physical deformity or leave it as a reminder of what the results of turning from Him will be like. Whatever the reason, it is for our own good and should not be considered a form of punishment.
The soul needs to be strengthened. Spiritual warfare needs to be waged against unclean passions of love and base wickedness, love of praise, fondness of contention, tiresome jealousy, wrath and anger. We must arm ourselves with swords which are the words of God. We must be properly trained in how to affectively use these swords to defeat the enemy. The robber needs to be cast out through the gates of the city, that is, our body.
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy...." (John 10:10)
The soldier of Christ must put on the whole armor of God.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Eph. 6:10-13)
Without proper training and weapons, the enemy will overcome you.
Men Of The Sea
Having dealt with the spirit world, let's look into the fish of the sea. As
mentioned earlier, fish move about with no direction. The sea consists of
the nations of the world. Fish are the men of the sea of nations. The
disciples of Jesus have direction. They focus on the attributes of God, grow
in Christ and pursue everlasting life in the Father's Kingdom.
It's interesting to point out that when Jonah attempted to escape from God's will, he ended up in the belly of a great fish. Where ever the fish went, he went. He became subject to the ways of the world. Many people are trapped by the ways of the world.
There is an inordinate number of preachers who for some reason or another grow weary of serving the Lord. Many can be found resting in the world, or a large fish. The way of escape
from the whale can be found in the book of Jonah.
When placed in a current, fish will tend to swim against the current. The current influences their direction. Energy is spent trying to stay with the flow. If the water is like a sport, the fish will flow with baseball games, football games, tennis, swimming, the Olympics, etc. If the water is a video game, people can be found in video arcades or fixed in front of television sets. If the flow is television, the fish becomes a "couch potatoe". Excessive engagements in these waters become false ways of living.
This is not to say that exercising is evil. Exercising is good for maintaining a healthy body. If the focus is on maintaining a healthy body, then, one may not be considered as flowing with the world. But, there is a limit as to what exercising can do for you. Over exercising may cause bodily harm.
"But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself rather to godliness. For bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." (1 Tim. 4:7,8)
The controversy that's created from these false ways of living is that the world will try to convince everyone that these ways are true enjoyment and that to take time and participate in these events is the true way of living. Anybody who does not participate are "deadbeats".
The Bible on the other hand teaches that the true way of living is to acquire God's attributes and to exercise these attributes to improve self and to set examples for others to follow. Disciples who are dedicated to God will face criticism from the world because they do not flow with the fads and philosophies of the world.
"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe." (1 Tim. 4:10)
Grumbling
Being children of God, we are taught to obey, honor and trust God without grumbling. God uses a grumble meter when He grades tests given to His disciples. Recalling Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt, the major cause for Israel's calamities was grumbling.
In Exodus 17 the children of Israel murmured against Moses because of the lack of water.
"And the people thirsted there for water, and the people murmured against Moses, and said, 'Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" (Ex. 17:3)
They didn't trust in the Lord to provide water for them. They preferred Egypt. They failed in the
area of trusting the Lord. However, in His mercy, the Lord provided water from the Rock.
In Numbers 11:1, the Lord was displeased when the people complained for having to walk three days, and He sent fire to the outskirts of the camp. In verses 11:4,33, the Lord struck the people with a plague when they complained about not having meat. In verse 14:2, the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron and didn't want to enter Canaan for fear of the sword. The result was 40 years in the wilderness.
In verses 16:1-40 (rebellion of Korah), they rebelled against the authority of Moses and Aaron. The Lord struck the rebellious with death. In verse 16:41-50, some of those who remained murmured over the death of the people, and God struck them with a plague, and 14,700 people died as a result.
Are the sons of God like the children of Israel? Will they resort to the ways of the world when they are separated from their parents? Will our children mow the lawn when told to do so;
without grumbling? Will they do it on their own without being told?
God loves His children. In this love, He protects, provides, instructs,
comforts and restores us (Psalms 23). As children we need to accept this
love and rely on it. We must actively thank the Lord and honor Him for His
love. This is worshiping Him. Psalms and Proverbs deal quite heavily in
the area of love and worship.
Our children need to be taught to accept our love (protection, provision,
instruction, comfort and restoration) with pleasure. Grumbling while mowing
the lawn is not actively thanking parents for their love. As children of
God, we need to worship God. As children of parents (as shocking as it may
sound), we need to worship our parents. The Bible teaches us to honor our
parents, that things may go well with us.
Worldly Festivities
Another way in which the world will infect the Christian Church is in the
area of festivities; many of which have their roots in ancient Babylon. One
of the main downfalls of the early Christian church was the introduction of
pagan festivities. The reason given by the Church for this practice was to
provide a compromise to the pagans in order to convert them to Christianity. However, once converted, the festivities continued within the Church with Christian names or events attached to them. These festivities are like a cancer to the Church. Some Christians will defend them as being a way to draw the world's attention to Christ. It's like fighting fire with fire. But, a true Christian should not practice the evil ways of the world. They should not use evil to destroy evil. If a Christian walks in the light of God's attributes, the ways of the world are not needed to bring the world to Christ. We must remember that the things of the world that influence us could become gods to us, and we become like the gods that we worship. Only God's attributes should be allowed to influence the true Christian.
"But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain." (Gal. 4:8-11)
The false ways of the world and the influence of unclean spirits create a dark atmosphere. The transition from the pressure of darkness to the freedom of light carries with it the pressure of
change. People living in the high pressure of falseness will become discouraged if the pressure of
change is added to it. To overcome this, the transition must be steady and at a pace adapted to
the state a person is in at the time when he/she accepted Christ.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)
The closer one gets to the end of the transition period, the less pressure one will feel and the more sensitive a person becomes to experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit.
"...Knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Rom. 5:3,4)
One must remember that adversity is a great teacher and that people who
travel on uneventful paths do not develop strength. We must fight the good
fight and become humble people of excellent character.
And so ends the fifth day concerning that which is good and that which is
evil.
"So the evening and the morning were the fifth day." (Gen. 1:23)
Copyright 1998 by Dana George Cottrell