Please note: [while editing these writings, I got some of them out of numerical order, so please try to notice the proper order when reading]
Karen
THE EIGHT STAGES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAN (Adam) Part 1 & 2
While meditating upon the development of this eighth man in this era, the Spirit began to formulate these thoughts within my mind. We present them for your consideration.
1. ADAM IN ANGELIC FORM
We have taught that sin started in the heart of Lucifer, a beautiful fallen angel, who because of his disobedience became satan. Yet the Bible states that sin entered into the world by one man, and that man is Adam! "By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin", and again we read, "In Adam all die", Romans 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22. Sin did not enter into the world by an angel, nor even by satan, but by one man. Thus we surmise that Lucifer was Adam in a higher creation vibration of light substance, in an angelic form called, The Day Star, The Light Bringer, or The Shining One. Isa. 14:12. This took place in the original creation of the heavens and the earth. "In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth." Gen. 1:1. God spoke and creation came forth in all its pristine beauty and light. Psa. 33:8-9.
Is this too incredible to believe? Is there not a resurrection of man "equal unto angels?" Luke 20:35. And is not man being set over all the works of God's hands, from which he fell? Heb. 2:7 (quoted from Psa. 8:6) The original Hebrew translates this, "For thou hast made him a little lower than the Elohim (God) and hast crowned him with glory and honour." Thus we read that Lucifer-Adam was full of wisdom and perfect in beauty, covered with glittering jewels; full of music and that he walked in Eden, the Garden of God, in the midst of the stones of fire. He was God's annointed cherub that covered, perfect in all his ways, until iniquity was found in him! Eze. 28:12
This iniquity was pride. He said, "I will be like the most High," Isa. 14:12-14. Did not Adam later in the garden fall again through this same spirit of pride? He wanted to become like God. And is not man still arrogantly (without Christ) trying to push himself into the same Godly realm? Both Isaiah and Ezekiel were given forth an adumbration against the Kings of Babylon, Tyrus and Pharoah. Adumbration means to foreshadow, overshadow, and conceal. In other words, they were speaking (by the Spirit) of something that was happening directly in their day; and also about something that was yet to take place in the future. Indirectly, they were speaking to the spirit of pride that was in them, which had orginated in the mind of Lucifer-Adam.
A lamentation is spoken against the Assyrian, likening him to a tree (trees speak of men). This tree in the Garden of Eden had exalted itself above all the other trees in the Garden. Therefore, he was driven out, and all of mankind was delivered unto death, to the "nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit (grave)." Eze. 31:1-14.
When God began to reveal THE TRIPLE FALL OF MAN, from the Spirit to the Soulish to the Carnal-Mind-Death realms, I could not harmonize it with a scripture found in 1 Cor. 15:44-46. "there is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body....Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual."
It is now becoming clear that Lucifer-Adam was first natural in a high angelic form. Angels have bodies that can be both visible and invisible. Jesus was make lower than angels for the suffering of death, but he has been crowned with glory and honor far above angels. He is dwelling in the true Spirit of God, in a light no man hath seen nor can see. 1 Tim. 6:16. So first is the natural and then comes the spiritual, unto which we are now pressing, longing for our change like unto Christ. We have had to change our opinion about the heavens, since the astronauts found the moon was made of the same natural materials as the earth. The celestials are far above the terrestials, a realm where no man or angel has ever ascended - only the Lord Jesus Christ!!!
Lucifer-Adam lifted himself in pride above the Lord, therefore God said, "I will cast thee as profane out of the Mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire." Profane means contempt for the things of God, and the Mountain of God speaks of God's government. Thus we see Lucifer-Adam cast out of his high position as the Covering Cherub, bringing DISRUPTION AND CHAOS. Gen. 1:12.
We draw your attention to the words, "Covering Cherub". We do not fully understand these terms and what they signify in the Government of God, though these thoughts have come to us. The Body of Christ, which is being formed today, his great Body of Sons, is his Covering or complement "by which all in all is being completed. " Eph. 1:23, CCV (Concordant Version) He is dwelling within us even now, "CHRIST IN YOU THE HOPE OF GLORY". This will come into reality in fullness when "He comes to be glorified in his saints." Col. 1:27; Thess. 1:10.
Praise God, one of the steps of our return back into God will be to retain this glorious position as The Covering Cherub in the Government of God! We are destined to again regaining our "Inheritance in Light". Col. 1:12, 1 Cor. 11:3.
2. ADAM IN DEGENERATED FORM
Since Lucifer-Adam was alienated from God, his mind was darkened, a veil put over his face, Eph. 2:1, Isa. 25:7-8. We read "that darkness was upon the face of the deep." Face speaks of intelligence. God would not move upon inanimate things (like water and rocks) but only upon that which could receive and understand.
Man became so degenerated in mind and deformed in body that he began to live like an animal in caves and dens. Their bones are being dug up by archeologists to this day. Death reigned before man's fall in the Garden. Throughout these long eons of time, God did not totally forsake his creation. He is the first cause and the first mover in the full restoration of man. Thus we read again, "His Spirit moved upon the face of the water," (Man's subconscious mind) "And God said let there be light, and there was light." Gen. 1:2-3. God's light began to appear in his six geological-creative-days. The earth was gradually lifted from its submerged, deformed and chaotic state. These vast periods gives plenty of time for the formation of gold and iron and jewels and "the precious things of the earth", and also the fossilizing of dinosaur bones! There is no discrepency in the Bible with true science. Thus we see God moving, even in this darkened and chaotic condition, toward his ultimate goal of full regeneration for all.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Eighth Day Man - Part 4
by Dora Van Assen
4. ADAM IN CARNAL-MIND FORM
"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress and to keep it (guard it). Gen 2:8-9, 15.
From whom was Adam to guard the garden, if he was the only man living at that time? This command to guard the garden in its self shows that there must have been other human beings ignorant and dead to the knowledge of God. It explains where Cain got his wife in the land of Nod and immediately built a city. His seed was lost among these people. It also explains how a serpent-man could converse with Eve, denying and twisting the words of God. Gen. 3:1-5, 4-16.
"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (dying thou shalt die CCV) Gen. 2:16
God gave this commandment to Adam while he was yet alone. Eve never received this commandment directly from God hiself. I'm inclined to believe that she was warned by her husband. He could have said something like this: "See that tree in the very midst of the Garden: God said we are not to eat of it lest we die, so you better not touch it!" We get this impression from the words of Eve unto the serpent. "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ye sahll not eat of it, NEITHER SHALL YE TOUCH IT, lest ye die. Gen. 3:2-3 (Eve added to the word of God) Where could this thought have come from but from Adam. How often we have warned our children not to eat the cookies in the cookie jar, and so we said, "You are not to eat any of the cookies in that jar, SO YOU BETTER NOT TOUCH IT! This actually stirred up their desire to look into it and, of course, eat some. It seems that both Adam and Eve lived in the garden some time without noticing that particular tree until God himself drew their attention to it.
All the blame cannot be placed upon Eve for the fall of Adam. She arrived upon the scene much later than Adam. Besides, as we have pointed out, she did not receive the command directly from God himself. She received it second handed. Again we read, "And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. For Adam was first formed (developed) then Eve....Notwithstanding she shall be saved in THE CHILDBEARING." 1 Tim. 2:13-15 CCV
Since Adam was not deceived; (though in the transgression, Rom 5:14), he knew what he was doing. He had his eyes open, knowing the command of God. In his pride he wanted to become like God, "knowing good and evil". Gen. 3:22. We are further told that "every man" is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed." James 1:14 Jesus said that nothing from without could defile a man, but only that which was in him could defile him. "For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts, etc", especially pride! "All these things come from within, and defile the man." Mark 7:18-23
"To be carnally minded is death." Rom. 8:6. In this stataement we have a clear definition of death. The naturally-minded man IS DEAD while he lives. All through the ages we have had men with great minds, conniving and conceiving all manner of evil, bringing death not only upon themselves, but upon all that follow them. The air is polluted with great swelling words, brain-washing the masses, raising up world systems of domination, enslaving the ignorant and poor. "the blind leading the blind, and both falling in the ditch (grave)." Matt. 15:14. Thank God this present evil age created by the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, shall be destroyed by the Manchild Company of mature sons, who are caught up in God and his throne. Rev. 12 and Eph. 1:2.
A better rendition of 1Timothy 2:15, harmonizing with other scriptures, reveals that Eve became "involved" in Adam's transgression, Rom. 5:14, "for in Adam all die", 1 Cor. 5:22 - not in Eve! Eve was forgiven because she confessed that she was beguiled. No woman wants to confess that she was seduced. This was very humiliating to her. We know that she was forgiven because God gave her the promise: "The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head. " Gen. 3:15. Eve became involved in Adam's fall by following him out of the garden into the realm of death. She loved (desired) her husband so much that she willingly of her own free will followed Adam out into a cold, cruel world to be his HELPER and COUNTERPART. Eve was not driven out of the garden, neither was it said that she would return to to the dust, for she was not taken out of the ground but out of Adam, who was dust in a higher and refined form, that can again make a still further change into the very image of Christ by the renewing of our mind...receiving the mind of Christ." Rom. 12:2, 1 Cor. 2:16.
God prophecied that Eve would bring forth her children in pain and sorrow, since Adam could only bring forth death. Death had entered his seed. Therefore death was in her children before they were born. This curse gave them the tendency to sin, which in its finality brings death. James 1:13-14. God also foretold that her very love for her husband (and being of a weaker stature) would give occasion to Adam to usurp over her, and rule her as his property. This is exactly what took place. Gen. 3:17. God was not laying down a rule that man had to rule over his wife, but he was foretelling Eve what would happen. How often we have seen women stick with their lazy, drunken, brutal, and unbelieving husbands, due to this misplaced love. It would be much better to separate from such an unholy condition and strive to make a decent Christian home for their children. In fact, the women then would have more time and privacy to really pray in faith and love for their salvation.
Adam understood this promise of the coming Redeemer given unto Eve. He gave her the name Eve, "because she is the mother of all living." Gen 3:26. She is the type of Mary who gave birth to Jesus, the promised Seed, thus fulfilling the covenant promise unto Abraham. "And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed." Acts 3:25. There is to be a greater fulfillment of this promised Seed; Eve also foreshadowed the Sunclothed-Sign-Woman, who brings forth the many SONS that will deliver all creation! Rev. 12 Therefore Paul gives her the promise that she would be saved in THE CHILDBEARING. 1 Tim. 2:15 CCV. (If this is speaking of natural child-birth, then poor old maids without children have no chance at all). Not only will Eve be delivered from the old Adamic nature of death in which she became involved, but she will be used to bring forth that glorious Manchild Company, that shall deliver the whole creation from the pangs of sin and death. These sons are the complement of Christ: "His Body, the completness of him who everywhere fills the universe with Himself." Eph. 1:23. CCV and Weymouth.
4. ADAM IN CARNAL-MIND FORM
"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress and to keep it (guard it). Gen 2:8-9, 15.
From whom was Adam to guard the garden, if he was the only man living at that time? This command to guard the garden in its self shows that there must have been other human beings ignorant and dead to the knowledge of God. It explains where Cain got his wife in the land of Nod and immediately built a city. His seed was lost among these people. It also explains how a serpent-man could converse with Eve, denying and twisting the words of God. Gen. 3:1-5, 4-16.
"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (dying thou shalt die CCV) Gen. 2:16
God gave this commandment to Adam while he was yet alone. Eve never received this commandment directly from God hiself. I'm inclined to believe that she was warned by her husband. He could have said something like this: "See that tree in the very midst of the Garden: God said we are not to eat of it lest we die, so you better not touch it!" We get this impression from the words of Eve unto the serpent. "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ye sahll not eat of it, NEITHER SHALL YE TOUCH IT, lest ye die. Gen. 3:2-3 (Eve added to the word of God) Where could this thought have come from but from Adam. How often we have warned our children not to eat the cookies in the cookie jar, and so we said, "You are not to eat any of the cookies in that jar, SO YOU BETTER NOT TOUCH IT! This actually stirred up their desire to look into it and, of course, eat some. It seems that both Adam and Eve lived in the garden some time without noticing that particular tree until God himself drew their attention to it.
All the blame cannot be placed upon Eve for the fall of Adam. She arrived upon the scene much later than Adam. Besides, as we have pointed out, she did not receive the command directly from God himself. She received it second handed. Again we read, "And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. For Adam was first formed (developed) then Eve....Notwithstanding she shall be saved in THE CHILDBEARING." 1 Tim. 2:13-15 CCV
Since Adam was not deceived; (though in the transgression, Rom 5:14), he knew what he was doing. He had his eyes open, knowing the command of God. In his pride he wanted to become like God, "knowing good and evil". Gen. 3:22. We are further told that "every man" is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed." James 1:14 Jesus said that nothing from without could defile a man, but only that which was in him could defile him. "For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts, etc", especially pride! "All these things come from within, and defile the man." Mark 7:18-23
"To be carnally minded is death." Rom. 8:6. In this stataement we have a clear definition of death. The naturally-minded man IS DEAD while he lives. All through the ages we have had men with great minds, conniving and conceiving all manner of evil, bringing death not only upon themselves, but upon all that follow them. The air is polluted with great swelling words, brain-washing the masses, raising up world systems of domination, enslaving the ignorant and poor. "the blind leading the blind, and both falling in the ditch (grave)." Matt. 15:14. Thank God this present evil age created by the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, shall be destroyed by the Manchild Company of mature sons, who are caught up in God and his throne. Rev. 12 and Eph. 1:2.
A better rendition of 1Timothy 2:15, harmonizing with other scriptures, reveals that Eve became "involved" in Adam's transgression, Rom. 5:14, "for in Adam all die", 1 Cor. 5:22 - not in Eve! Eve was forgiven because she confessed that she was beguiled. No woman wants to confess that she was seduced. This was very humiliating to her. We know that she was forgiven because God gave her the promise: "The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head. " Gen. 3:15. Eve became involved in Adam's fall by following him out of the garden into the realm of death. She loved (desired) her husband so much that she willingly of her own free will followed Adam out into a cold, cruel world to be his HELPER and COUNTERPART. Eve was not driven out of the garden, neither was it said that she would return to to the dust, for she was not taken out of the ground but out of Adam, who was dust in a higher and refined form, that can again make a still further change into the very image of Christ by the renewing of our mind...receiving the mind of Christ." Rom. 12:2, 1 Cor. 2:16.
God prophecied that Eve would bring forth her children in pain and sorrow, since Adam could only bring forth death. Death had entered his seed. Therefore death was in her children before they were born. This curse gave them the tendency to sin, which in its finality brings death. James 1:13-14. God also foretold that her very love for her husband (and being of a weaker stature) would give occasion to Adam to usurp over her, and rule her as his property. This is exactly what took place. Gen. 3:17. God was not laying down a rule that man had to rule over his wife, but he was foretelling Eve what would happen. How often we have seen women stick with their lazy, drunken, brutal, and unbelieving husbands, due to this misplaced love. It would be much better to separate from such an unholy condition and strive to make a decent Christian home for their children. In fact, the women then would have more time and privacy to really pray in faith and love for their salvation.
Adam understood this promise of the coming Redeemer given unto Eve. He gave her the name Eve, "because she is the mother of all living." Gen 3:26. She is the type of Mary who gave birth to Jesus, the promised Seed, thus fulfilling the covenant promise unto Abraham. "And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed." Acts 3:25. There is to be a greater fulfillment of this promised Seed; Eve also foreshadowed the Sunclothed-Sign-Woman, who brings forth the many SONS that will deliver all creation! Rev. 12 Therefore Paul gives her the promise that she would be saved in THE CHILDBEARING. 1 Tim. 2:15 CCV. (If this is speaking of natural child-birth, then poor old maids without children have no chance at all). Not only will Eve be delivered from the old Adamic nature of death in which she became involved, but she will be used to bring forth that glorious Manchild Company, that shall deliver the whole creation from the pangs of sin and death. These sons are the complement of Christ: "His Body, the completness of him who everywhere fills the universe with Himself." Eph. 1:23. CCV and Weymouth.
The Eighth Day Man - Part 3
by Dora Van Assen
3. ADAM IN HUMAN-SOULISH FORM
And God said, Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth....So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it....And God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was very good. Gen 1:26-28,31
In these words God is telling forth His plan and purpose of man. It is in His purpose that man will ultimately stand in His very image, being Lord over God's universe. Adam in this human-soulish realm was not made in the full image of God. He was only a "figure of Him who was to come" Rom. 5:14. Besides, women have never been allowed to stand equal with man in subduing the earth. Praise God, in Christ they have this glorious future of ruling the earth equally with man. Together they will subdue and replenish the earth with a higher order of mankind. ("for in Christ there is neither male nor female.") Lucifer-Adam was sexless, "for angels neither marry or are given in marriage." Luke 20:35. It seems angels always appear in male form. Thus we see God beginning his plan. "And the Lord God FORMED man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man BECAME A LIVING SOUL." Gen. 2:7.
In this formation of man God took the "Higher dust" of the original creation molding man in a lower order, both soulish and soilish. Prov. 8:26. Adam "became" a living soul. The word "became" denotes a change had taken place. For anything to "become" something else, it must have already existed in another form. Christ existed as the Word in the beginning with God; then the Word "became flesh", denoting a change in realm and substance. We see this same change taking place in Adam; from a high angelic (celestial) form and realm, lowered into a Human-Dust form and realm. 1 Cor. 15:45. A "living" soul seems to indicate that Adam's soul was dead and dormant to spiritual things. His fall from a high position in the government of God caused him to lose his knowledge of God. An inkling of this fall from truth is recorded in the following scriputures.
"Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath shewed it unto them...when they knew God they glorified him not as God....their foolish heart was darkened...who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator...God gave them over to a reprobate mind (without understanding)". Rom 1:19,32.
This is an accusation to those who once knew God - not to heathen or those who never even heard the name of Jesus! Lucifer-Adam surely at one time knew God, whose mind was darkened, but now being made a "living" soul, God is awakening his mind, or subconscious to become aware of Godly things, so that God can have fellowship with him - though it was in a dim soulish way.
In this formation man comes forth alone, both male and female in one body. He is placed in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard it. He has matured enough to name all the animals as they passed before him. Then we read: "But for Adam there was not found an help meet, (fit or of his own substance and realm) for him." Gen 2:20. Adam was actually alone, except for his fellowship with God. They walked together in the "cool of the day". Gen. 3:8. It is better rendered in the New English Bible as, "At the time of the evening breeze", or just at the beginning of dusk. Though sin had not as yet entered the Garden, Adam was actually living in the "twilight zone", in the evening part of the day, before the night settled in. It's really speaking prophetically of the long dark night through which all mankind would yet travel to reach the light of the glorious New Day.
It isn't long before we read that what God had declared "very good" has somehow become "not good". "And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Therefore, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam while he removed a rib (cell or female side) out of which he made or builded a woman. Gen 2:18, 21-22.
It seems as though Adam-man is still asleep while God is building this greater woman who "compasses" a man - that glorious sign-woman of Revelation 1. She is travailing to bring forth the manchild, the sons who shall rule the universe with a shepherds staff. This is the NEW THING that God is doing in this day. Jer. 31:22
Something had already happened to make it not good for Adam to be alone, before Eve was taken from his side. God took her out of Adam in order to be his HELPER (orginal Hebrew). It means "counter-part", flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. Counterparts stand equal, complementing each other, face to face. The building of Eve required both time and care. She was not a hasty production out of the soil but was the result of God's labor and skill. She was brought to her husband by the hand of God a masterpiece of his natural creation.
Eve was not made from a literal rib (which man would have never missed) but from something he once had, his female part. The fact that he was dual, both male and female, is still evident in his body to this day. For Adam there is simply the closing (seam) of the vacancy made by her removal from him. This "seam" is evident by his reproductive organs. Eve is molded and refashioned, and built up into man's counter-part, she brings back more to her husband than was taken from him. And God himself leads her by the hand to "be with" Adam as his HELPER. He never gave her "to him" to be ruled over as his property. Gen. 3:12.
This woman has never been allowed to fill her place in subduing the earth. She has always been held down to hold a subservient place. Only as she stands equal with man, in Christ, the prophetic words of God will be fulfilled. "So God created man in his own image...And God blessed them and said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth and SUBDUE IT....Male and female created he them...and called THEIR name Adam, in the DAY when they were created." Gen 1:27-28 5:2. They were not only to be MADE AND FORMED out of the dust of the ground, but also to be CREATED in God's own image and likeness, in order to replenish the earth with spiritual beings, as God is Spirit.
Adam and Eve in this human-soulish form were not clothed in garments of light, as we have been taught. Those shining garments of flashing jewels and encircling light of the Spirit were lost in his previous creation as Lucifer-Adam. Lucifer means light, or phosphorus, the Morning Star. In this second formation we are plainly told that before they disobeyed God's command by eating of the forbidden fruit, THEY WERE BOTH NAKED, "And were not ashamed." Gen. 2:25 In their innocence they were not ashamed of their nakedness. These radiant garments of inner and outer light can only be re-gained in Christ. "Christ in you", and you being found in Him. Col. 1:27, Phil. 3:8-9.
One of the steps in this restoration and regeneration is through the resurrection. "But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (age) and the resurrection from among the dead ones (a prior resurrection now) neither marry nor are given in marriage; neither can they die any more; for they are equal unto the angels....being the sons of the resurrection." Luke 20:35.
The fall of Lucifer-Adam caused the angels to lose their beautiful bodies which were transformable from the visible to the invisible. They were made "spirits" (wind) to be able to minister to the heirs of salvation. Heb. 1:7,14. That is why they are so interested in our salvation into complete sonship. When we attain our transformation into His image, receiving a responsible position in the government of God, they too will again receive their glorious bodies. Angels are now in a restricted state, as they can only appear in angelic form by the permission of God. These ministering spirits can be both good and bad, for we read of the "spirits of just men made perfect. Heb. 12:23. We deduce from this that negatively there could also be spirits of unjust men who remain in chains of darkness until the judgment.. 2 Pet. 2:4, Jude 6. Angel means "messenger", which can be both human or angelic. Rev. 19:10, 22:3-9.
The reformation of man in Human-Soulish Form was actually one step higher than he was found to be in his degenerated and darkened form in the the past eon, but we find that he fell again into sin and death through temptation and disobedience to God's command.
3. ADAM IN HUMAN-SOULISH FORM
And God said, Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth....So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it....And God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was very good. Gen 1:26-28,31
In these words God is telling forth His plan and purpose of man. It is in His purpose that man will ultimately stand in His very image, being Lord over God's universe. Adam in this human-soulish realm was not made in the full image of God. He was only a "figure of Him who was to come" Rom. 5:14. Besides, women have never been allowed to stand equal with man in subduing the earth. Praise God, in Christ they have this glorious future of ruling the earth equally with man. Together they will subdue and replenish the earth with a higher order of mankind. ("for in Christ there is neither male nor female.") Lucifer-Adam was sexless, "for angels neither marry or are given in marriage." Luke 20:35. It seems angels always appear in male form. Thus we see God beginning his plan. "And the Lord God FORMED man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man BECAME A LIVING SOUL." Gen. 2:7.
In this formation of man God took the "Higher dust" of the original creation molding man in a lower order, both soulish and soilish. Prov. 8:26. Adam "became" a living soul. The word "became" denotes a change had taken place. For anything to "become" something else, it must have already existed in another form. Christ existed as the Word in the beginning with God; then the Word "became flesh", denoting a change in realm and substance. We see this same change taking place in Adam; from a high angelic (celestial) form and realm, lowered into a Human-Dust form and realm. 1 Cor. 15:45. A "living" soul seems to indicate that Adam's soul was dead and dormant to spiritual things. His fall from a high position in the government of God caused him to lose his knowledge of God. An inkling of this fall from truth is recorded in the following scriputures.
"Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath shewed it unto them...when they knew God they glorified him not as God....their foolish heart was darkened...who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator...God gave them over to a reprobate mind (without understanding)". Rom 1:19,32.
This is an accusation to those who once knew God - not to heathen or those who never even heard the name of Jesus! Lucifer-Adam surely at one time knew God, whose mind was darkened, but now being made a "living" soul, God is awakening his mind, or subconscious to become aware of Godly things, so that God can have fellowship with him - though it was in a dim soulish way.
In this formation man comes forth alone, both male and female in one body. He is placed in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard it. He has matured enough to name all the animals as they passed before him. Then we read: "But for Adam there was not found an help meet, (fit or of his own substance and realm) for him." Gen 2:20. Adam was actually alone, except for his fellowship with God. They walked together in the "cool of the day". Gen. 3:8. It is better rendered in the New English Bible as, "At the time of the evening breeze", or just at the beginning of dusk. Though sin had not as yet entered the Garden, Adam was actually living in the "twilight zone", in the evening part of the day, before the night settled in. It's really speaking prophetically of the long dark night through which all mankind would yet travel to reach the light of the glorious New Day.
It isn't long before we read that what God had declared "very good" has somehow become "not good". "And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Therefore, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam while he removed a rib (cell or female side) out of which he made or builded a woman. Gen 2:18, 21-22.
It seems as though Adam-man is still asleep while God is building this greater woman who "compasses" a man - that glorious sign-woman of Revelation 1. She is travailing to bring forth the manchild, the sons who shall rule the universe with a shepherds staff. This is the NEW THING that God is doing in this day. Jer. 31:22
Something had already happened to make it not good for Adam to be alone, before Eve was taken from his side. God took her out of Adam in order to be his HELPER (orginal Hebrew). It means "counter-part", flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. Counterparts stand equal, complementing each other, face to face. The building of Eve required both time and care. She was not a hasty production out of the soil but was the result of God's labor and skill. She was brought to her husband by the hand of God a masterpiece of his natural creation.
Eve was not made from a literal rib (which man would have never missed) but from something he once had, his female part. The fact that he was dual, both male and female, is still evident in his body to this day. For Adam there is simply the closing (seam) of the vacancy made by her removal from him. This "seam" is evident by his reproductive organs. Eve is molded and refashioned, and built up into man's counter-part, she brings back more to her husband than was taken from him. And God himself leads her by the hand to "be with" Adam as his HELPER. He never gave her "to him" to be ruled over as his property. Gen. 3:12.
This woman has never been allowed to fill her place in subduing the earth. She has always been held down to hold a subservient place. Only as she stands equal with man, in Christ, the prophetic words of God will be fulfilled. "So God created man in his own image...And God blessed them and said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth and SUBDUE IT....Male and female created he them...and called THEIR name Adam, in the DAY when they were created." Gen 1:27-28 5:2. They were not only to be MADE AND FORMED out of the dust of the ground, but also to be CREATED in God's own image and likeness, in order to replenish the earth with spiritual beings, as God is Spirit.
Adam and Eve in this human-soulish form were not clothed in garments of light, as we have been taught. Those shining garments of flashing jewels and encircling light of the Spirit were lost in his previous creation as Lucifer-Adam. Lucifer means light, or phosphorus, the Morning Star. In this second formation we are plainly told that before they disobeyed God's command by eating of the forbidden fruit, THEY WERE BOTH NAKED, "And were not ashamed." Gen. 2:25 In their innocence they were not ashamed of their nakedness. These radiant garments of inner and outer light can only be re-gained in Christ. "Christ in you", and you being found in Him. Col. 1:27, Phil. 3:8-9.
One of the steps in this restoration and regeneration is through the resurrection. "But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (age) and the resurrection from among the dead ones (a prior resurrection now) neither marry nor are given in marriage; neither can they die any more; for they are equal unto the angels....being the sons of the resurrection." Luke 20:35.
The fall of Lucifer-Adam caused the angels to lose their beautiful bodies which were transformable from the visible to the invisible. They were made "spirits" (wind) to be able to minister to the heirs of salvation. Heb. 1:7,14. That is why they are so interested in our salvation into complete sonship. When we attain our transformation into His image, receiving a responsible position in the government of God, they too will again receive their glorious bodies. Angels are now in a restricted state, as they can only appear in angelic form by the permission of God. These ministering spirits can be both good and bad, for we read of the "spirits of just men made perfect. Heb. 12:23. We deduce from this that negatively there could also be spirits of unjust men who remain in chains of darkness until the judgment.. 2 Pet. 2:4, Jude 6. Angel means "messenger", which can be both human or angelic. Rev. 19:10, 22:3-9.
The reformation of man in Human-Soulish Form was actually one step higher than he was found to be in his degenerated and darkened form in the the past eon, but we find that he fell again into sin and death through temptation and disobedience to God's command.
The Eighth Day Man - Part 5
by Dora Van Assen
5. ADAM IN REDEMPTION FORM
"Since we, God's children, are human beings - made of flesh and blood, he became flesh and blood too by being born in human form; for only as a human being could he die and in dying break the power of the devil (adversary) who had the power of death. We all know he did not come as an angel but as a human being. And it was necessary for Jesus to be like us, his brothers, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God in dealing with the sins of the people. For since he himself has now been through suffering and temptation he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us." Heb. 2:14-18 Living Word Bible
"Let the very spirit (mind) which was in Christ Jesus be in you also. From the beginning He had the nature of God. Yet He did not regard equality with God as something at which He should grasp. Nay, He stripped Himself of His glory, and took on Him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men. And being recognized as truly a human, He humbled Himself and even stooped to die; and that too a death on the cross." Phil. 2:5-8. Weymouth. Compare John 17:15
"Sending his own Son in the FORM OF SINFUL HUMANITY to deal with sin, God pronounced sentence upon sin in human nature; in order that in our case the requirements of the law might be fully met." Rom. 8:2-3. "For the One not knowing Sin, He makes to be THE SIN OFFERING for our sakes that we may be becoming God's rightousness in Him." For God took the sinless Christ and POURED INTO HIM OUR SINS. Then, in exchange, he POURED GOD'S GOODNESS INTO US." Living Word Bible. 2 Cor. 5:21.
"In this is love, not that we love God, but that He loves us, and dispatches (sent) His Son, a PROPITIATORY SHELTER (personal atonement, remedy) concerned with our sins...yet not concerned with ours only, but concerned with the whole world also." 1 John 4:10; 2:2 CCV.
We can readily see through these different versions that Jesus was born in a human, flesh and blood form. He stripped himself of his former glory which he had with the Father, taking on human nature, becoming a man like other men. The redeemer of all men came in the FORM OF SINFUL HUMANITY! He did not come as an angel, but as a man in order to die. God made him the SIN OFFERING for the sins of the whole world. He is the Lamb of God that is taking away the sins of the world. God poured our sins into him and now he is pouring his righteousness into us. He is the only remedy for our sins; and not ours only but for the sins of the entire world.
There are many scriptures indicating that Jesus was a direct descendant of David, Abraham, and Adam: "who was the Son of God. " Luke 3:38. "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham." Matt. 1:1, 16-17. "Hath not the scriptures said, that Christ cometh of the seed of David?" John 7:42.
Many times Jesus speaks of himself as the Son of Man (mankind or humanity). Adam is a generic word, meaning all humanity male or female. In the generations of Jesus every man "begets" except Joseph who is called the husband of Mary, of whom was "born" Jesus. We read he was born of the Virgin Mary. Joseph was actually only the legal father of Jesus, for it was "supposed" that Jesus was the son of Joseph.
"And He, Jesus, when beginning was about thirty years, being a son (as to the law) of Joseph." Luke 3:23 CCV. Therefore Jesus, who is called Christ, being the Son of David is the natural heir of David's throne. "The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David." Luke 1:32
When God removed the Kingdom from King Saul, He established it with David, saying that it would be an agelasting dynasty. Through Nathan the prophet, God told David, "And when thy days be fulfilled and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his Kingdom." 2 Sam. 7:12, 16.
God made an unconditional promise unto David concerning his throne. Of Solomon, David's son, he said, "If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: but my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul." 2 Sam. 7:14. "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven." Psa. 89: 29-37. God swore in truth unto David: "Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne"..."There shall not fail (said he) a man on the throne of Israel." Psa. 132:11; 1Kings 3:4.
It suddenly occurred to me that God swore by Himself, TWICE, when he could swear by no greater:
1. He swore by himself when he made his unconditional covenant with Abraham, concerning THE SEED that would bless all the families of the earth.
2. Again He swore by Himself when He made a covenant with David, concerning the throne.
"For when God made promise to Abraham because he could swear by no greater He sware by Himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. "..."Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on His throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption." Heb. 6:13-14; Acts 2:30-31; 2 Sam. 7:12; Psa. 89:3-4; 132:11-12.
The promise of the Seed was literally fulfilled in Jesus Christ (the Son of Adam and the Son of Abraham). He actually came in the flesh, a partaker of humanity. Therefore, God's promise of David's throne and his SEED ruling on it for the eons, must also be literally fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and His great Body of Sons - the heirs of the promise. "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of the promise." Gal. 4:28; Heb. 6:17.
Paul makes it plain who Jesus was. We read: "Concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Rom. 1:3-4.
If God could preserve the seed line of Levi 430 years before he actually was born in the flesh, he could surely do it for David, a man after His own heart unto whom He confirmed His covenant with an oath.
"And as I may say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father (ancestor) when Melchizedec met him." Heb. 7:9-10. If this is possible, then we can carry it further; that all humanity was in the loins of Adam, dying in him when death entered his loins because of disobedience; then we can even extend it into the invisible realm when Jesus Christ pre-existed as the Son of Mankind. Hear him say concerning himself, "What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where he was before? John 6:62; 3:12. Adam was but a dim figure of this Son of Man "who was to come." In this pre-existent state he was known as the Angel of the Lord, who Paul called: "The Lord from heaven." Gen. 48:16; Ex. 3:2; Acts 27:23; 1Cor. 15:47.
Jesus, by partaking of humanity "was made flesh", becoming the last Adam. By overcoming the limitations of his flesh, rising triumphant over death, hell, and the grave, he "was made a life-giving spirit." 1Cor. 15:45. "He was declared the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Rom. 1:4. Three times God affirmed that Jesus Christ was his son:
1. When he fulfilled all righteousness by being baptized by John in the river Jordan.
2. When he attained unto the transformation he displayed on the mountain.
3. And when God raised him from the dead.
Paul brings forth his witness concerning this resurrection. "And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again, as it is also written in the second Psalm: "Thou art my Son THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE."...Now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise: "I will give you the sure mercies of David." Acts 13:32-34. While Jesus walked here in the flesh he walked in the realm of death, or corruption, but he has been raised into a realm of LIFE that death cannot touch. He is the first to put on immortality and life. He is the King, Eonian, Immortal, Invisible.. 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16; 2 Tim 1:10 CCV.
5. ADAM IN REDEMPTION FORM
"Since we, God's children, are human beings - made of flesh and blood, he became flesh and blood too by being born in human form; for only as a human being could he die and in dying break the power of the devil (adversary) who had the power of death. We all know he did not come as an angel but as a human being. And it was necessary for Jesus to be like us, his brothers, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God in dealing with the sins of the people. For since he himself has now been through suffering and temptation he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us." Heb. 2:14-18 Living Word Bible
"Let the very spirit (mind) which was in Christ Jesus be in you also. From the beginning He had the nature of God. Yet He did not regard equality with God as something at which He should grasp. Nay, He stripped Himself of His glory, and took on Him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men. And being recognized as truly a human, He humbled Himself and even stooped to die; and that too a death on the cross." Phil. 2:5-8. Weymouth. Compare John 17:15
"Sending his own Son in the FORM OF SINFUL HUMANITY to deal with sin, God pronounced sentence upon sin in human nature; in order that in our case the requirements of the law might be fully met." Rom. 8:2-3. "For the One not knowing Sin, He makes to be THE SIN OFFERING for our sakes that we may be becoming God's rightousness in Him." For God took the sinless Christ and POURED INTO HIM OUR SINS. Then, in exchange, he POURED GOD'S GOODNESS INTO US." Living Word Bible. 2 Cor. 5:21.
"In this is love, not that we love God, but that He loves us, and dispatches (sent) His Son, a PROPITIATORY SHELTER (personal atonement, remedy) concerned with our sins...yet not concerned with ours only, but concerned with the whole world also." 1 John 4:10; 2:2 CCV.
We can readily see through these different versions that Jesus was born in a human, flesh and blood form. He stripped himself of his former glory which he had with the Father, taking on human nature, becoming a man like other men. The redeemer of all men came in the FORM OF SINFUL HUMANITY! He did not come as an angel, but as a man in order to die. God made him the SIN OFFERING for the sins of the whole world. He is the Lamb of God that is taking away the sins of the world. God poured our sins into him and now he is pouring his righteousness into us. He is the only remedy for our sins; and not ours only but for the sins of the entire world.
There are many scriptures indicating that Jesus was a direct descendant of David, Abraham, and Adam: "who was the Son of God. " Luke 3:38. "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham." Matt. 1:1, 16-17. "Hath not the scriptures said, that Christ cometh of the seed of David?" John 7:42.
Many times Jesus speaks of himself as the Son of Man (mankind or humanity). Adam is a generic word, meaning all humanity male or female. In the generations of Jesus every man "begets" except Joseph who is called the husband of Mary, of whom was "born" Jesus. We read he was born of the Virgin Mary. Joseph was actually only the legal father of Jesus, for it was "supposed" that Jesus was the son of Joseph.
"And He, Jesus, when beginning was about thirty years, being a son (as to the law) of Joseph." Luke 3:23 CCV. Therefore Jesus, who is called Christ, being the Son of David is the natural heir of David's throne. "The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David." Luke 1:32
When God removed the Kingdom from King Saul, He established it with David, saying that it would be an agelasting dynasty. Through Nathan the prophet, God told David, "And when thy days be fulfilled and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his Kingdom." 2 Sam. 7:12, 16.
God made an unconditional promise unto David concerning his throne. Of Solomon, David's son, he said, "If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: but my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul." 2 Sam. 7:14. "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven." Psa. 89: 29-37. God swore in truth unto David: "Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne"..."There shall not fail (said he) a man on the throne of Israel." Psa. 132:11; 1Kings 3:4.
It suddenly occurred to me that God swore by Himself, TWICE, when he could swear by no greater:
1. He swore by himself when he made his unconditional covenant with Abraham, concerning THE SEED that would bless all the families of the earth.
2. Again He swore by Himself when He made a covenant with David, concerning the throne.
"For when God made promise to Abraham because he could swear by no greater He sware by Himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. "..."Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on His throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption." Heb. 6:13-14; Acts 2:30-31; 2 Sam. 7:12; Psa. 89:3-4; 132:11-12.
The promise of the Seed was literally fulfilled in Jesus Christ (the Son of Adam and the Son of Abraham). He actually came in the flesh, a partaker of humanity. Therefore, God's promise of David's throne and his SEED ruling on it for the eons, must also be literally fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and His great Body of Sons - the heirs of the promise. "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of the promise." Gal. 4:28; Heb. 6:17.
Paul makes it plain who Jesus was. We read: "Concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Rom. 1:3-4.
If God could preserve the seed line of Levi 430 years before he actually was born in the flesh, he could surely do it for David, a man after His own heart unto whom He confirmed His covenant with an oath.
"And as I may say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father (ancestor) when Melchizedec met him." Heb. 7:9-10. If this is possible, then we can carry it further; that all humanity was in the loins of Adam, dying in him when death entered his loins because of disobedience; then we can even extend it into the invisible realm when Jesus Christ pre-existed as the Son of Mankind. Hear him say concerning himself, "What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where he was before? John 6:62; 3:12. Adam was but a dim figure of this Son of Man "who was to come." In this pre-existent state he was known as the Angel of the Lord, who Paul called: "The Lord from heaven." Gen. 48:16; Ex. 3:2; Acts 27:23; 1Cor. 15:47.
Jesus, by partaking of humanity "was made flesh", becoming the last Adam. By overcoming the limitations of his flesh, rising triumphant over death, hell, and the grave, he "was made a life-giving spirit." 1Cor. 15:45. "He was declared the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Rom. 1:4. Three times God affirmed that Jesus Christ was his son:
1. When he fulfilled all righteousness by being baptized by John in the river Jordan.
2. When he attained unto the transformation he displayed on the mountain.
3. And when God raised him from the dead.
Paul brings forth his witness concerning this resurrection. "And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again, as it is also written in the second Psalm: "Thou art my Son THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE."...Now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise: "I will give you the sure mercies of David." Acts 13:32-34. While Jesus walked here in the flesh he walked in the realm of death, or corruption, but he has been raised into a realm of LIFE that death cannot touch. He is the first to put on immortality and life. He is the King, Eonian, Immortal, Invisible.. 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16; 2 Tim 1:10 CCV.
The Eighth Day Man - Part 7
by Dora Van Assen
ADAM IN THE CHRIST-SPIRIT FORM
"There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; afterward that which is spiritual." 1Cor. 15:44-46.
Only recently has this scripture become clear to me. I could not understand how the natural could be first, when Christ has the first place of preeminence in all things, Col. 1:18, and we were chosen in him before the world began. Eph. 1:4. So how could the natural be first? Now I understand that we came forth in the original creation as angelic(celestial) beings in the heavenly realm. We were form before we took on this earthly expression in the flesh. From the Lucifer-Adam realm we were lowered (with all creation) into the Human-Soulish-Adam realm. "As is the earth, such are they also that are earthly; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly", in our resurrection like unto angels.
Christ is our example: First he was in the Spirit realm as the Creative Word; then he descended to our low estate in the realm of natural flesh; and now he has ascended far above angels and all heavens - a Life-giving Spirit filling all things. "Being made much better than angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name (nature and character) than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." Heb. 1:4-6. Eph. 1:19-22; 4:10. While Jesus was in the flesh realm here on earth as a man, angels did not have to worship him. Instead they were sent to herald his birth, and to minister to him in his temptation and suffering in Gethsemene. He was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. "For though he was crucified in weakness, yet he goes on living by the power of God. And though we too are weak in him (as he was humanly weak), yet in dealing with you (we shall show ourselves) alive and strong in (fellowship with) him by the power of God." 2 Cor. 13:4, AMP.
Peter boldly declares to all the house of Israel, "That God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:36. Therefore since we have been taught to know Jesus only after the flesh, we know him that way no more; but only in the Spiritual form. 2 Cor. 5:16. The Lord is that Spirit, that returned on the Day of Pentecost to fill his people with himself, 2 Cor. 3:17-18; "Christ in you the hope of glory", Col 1:27; he did not leave us confortless, but he came to abide in us, establishing his Kingdom in his people. John 14:16-22; 16:7.
And Oh, what fellowship we have together as he sups with us and we sup with him. Rev. 3:21. It is this Christ-Spirit from that he is bringing with him. Rev. 3:21. It is in this Christ-Spirit form that he is bringing all into complete salvation, soul and body. In this AT-ONE-MENT (with him) we receive our full reconciliation. Rom. 5:10-14.
Christ will remain in these heavenly spheres until the restitution of all things, "Whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:21. He will remain as our great High Priest after the order of Melchizedec making reconciliation for our sins on the altar of our hearts until we are fully and thoroughly sanctified and cleansed; and he will remain a SON (the Head of all the Sons) till he puts all enemies under his feet. Only then does he return the Kingdom back unto the Father. "That God be all and in all." 1 Cor. 15:26-28; Heb. 2:8-9; 4:14-16; 5:10.
It is the glorious hope for all mankind that all things be put under their feet. Even the last enemy shall be destroyed. The writer of Hebrews tells this is not done yet, "But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one (Father); for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethern." Heb. 2:5-12.
In this scripture we see that all things have been put under the feet of Jesus. Even death was overcome and destroyed in himself, and now his chosen BODY OF SONS like unto himself, are experiencing the same wonderful deliverance and glory. Co-heirs with Christ, they share together. When this work is finished in all, then and only then, he ascends into the very realm of God.
ADAM IN THE CHRIST-SPIRIT FORM
"There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; afterward that which is spiritual." 1Cor. 15:44-46.
Only recently has this scripture become clear to me. I could not understand how the natural could be first, when Christ has the first place of preeminence in all things, Col. 1:18, and we were chosen in him before the world began. Eph. 1:4. So how could the natural be first? Now I understand that we came forth in the original creation as angelic(celestial) beings in the heavenly realm. We were form before we took on this earthly expression in the flesh. From the Lucifer-Adam realm we were lowered (with all creation) into the Human-Soulish-Adam realm. "As is the earth, such are they also that are earthly; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly", in our resurrection like unto angels.
Christ is our example: First he was in the Spirit realm as the Creative Word; then he descended to our low estate in the realm of natural flesh; and now he has ascended far above angels and all heavens - a Life-giving Spirit filling all things. "Being made much better than angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name (nature and character) than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." Heb. 1:4-6. Eph. 1:19-22; 4:10. While Jesus was in the flesh realm here on earth as a man, angels did not have to worship him. Instead they were sent to herald his birth, and to minister to him in his temptation and suffering in Gethsemene. He was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. "For though he was crucified in weakness, yet he goes on living by the power of God. And though we too are weak in him (as he was humanly weak), yet in dealing with you (we shall show ourselves) alive and strong in (fellowship with) him by the power of God." 2 Cor. 13:4, AMP.
Peter boldly declares to all the house of Israel, "That God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:36. Therefore since we have been taught to know Jesus only after the flesh, we know him that way no more; but only in the Spiritual form. 2 Cor. 5:16. The Lord is that Spirit, that returned on the Day of Pentecost to fill his people with himself, 2 Cor. 3:17-18; "Christ in you the hope of glory", Col 1:27; he did not leave us confortless, but he came to abide in us, establishing his Kingdom in his people. John 14:16-22; 16:7.
And Oh, what fellowship we have together as he sups with us and we sup with him. Rev. 3:21. It is this Christ-Spirit from that he is bringing with him. Rev. 3:21. It is in this Christ-Spirit form that he is bringing all into complete salvation, soul and body. In this AT-ONE-MENT (with him) we receive our full reconciliation. Rom. 5:10-14.
Christ will remain in these heavenly spheres until the restitution of all things, "Whom the heavens must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:21. He will remain as our great High Priest after the order of Melchizedec making reconciliation for our sins on the altar of our hearts until we are fully and thoroughly sanctified and cleansed; and he will remain a SON (the Head of all the Sons) till he puts all enemies under his feet. Only then does he return the Kingdom back unto the Father. "That God be all and in all." 1 Cor. 15:26-28; Heb. 2:8-9; 4:14-16; 5:10.
It is the glorious hope for all mankind that all things be put under their feet. Even the last enemy shall be destroyed. The writer of Hebrews tells this is not done yet, "But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through suffering. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one (Father); for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethern." Heb. 2:5-12.
In this scripture we see that all things have been put under the feet of Jesus. Even death was overcome and destroyed in himself, and now his chosen BODY OF SONS like unto himself, are experiencing the same wonderful deliverance and glory. Co-heirs with Christ, they share together. When this work is finished in all, then and only then, he ascends into the very realm of God.
The Eighth Day Man - Part 6
by Dora Van Assen
6. ADAM IN RESURRECTION FORM
"From the beginning he had the nature of God, being in the the form of God. Yet he did not regard equality with God as something at which he should grasp. Nay, he stripped himself of his glory, and took on him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men. And being recognized as truly human, He humbled himself and even stooped to die." Phil 2:5. Praise God! in this death and resurrection he is released from this realm, and is appearing in another and higher form. Mark 16:12
In this resurrection body he could appear in many forms. To the two men walking to Emmaus, he appeared as a fellow wayfarer. They recognized him as the Lord in the breaking of the bread, though their hearts burned within them as he opened up the word concerning his present humiliation and coming glory. Luke 24:13-35. To Mary he appeared as a gardener. She recognized him by his voice when he softly spoke her name, "Mary". John 20:16. He did not appear unto his disciples as a spirit or ghost, but in a flesh and bone angelic body when he called for a fish and a honeycomb. Luke 24:36-43. Is it so incredible to believe that in his ascension back into what he was with the Father, one of his expressions would be like unto an angel!
We read that he was made lower than angels for the suffering of death. Heb. 2:9 (he had to become a man in order to die). This lowering is seen in that angels ministered unto him during his temptation in the wilderness and his agony in Gethsemane. While on earth Jesus spoke of a resurrection equal unto angels. And those who attained unto this resurrection do not marry, neither can they die any more. They are the Sons of the Resurrection. Luke 20:35. Jesus as our head passed through this phase, appearing unto many witnesses chosen before of God to confirm the resurrection - that it was truly HE and not another! Acts 10:41.
In the Old Testament times he often appeared as a man in angelic form. Surely he could appear again in this manner in the New Testament days to verify his resurrection - that his body was not stolen and hidden away some place. The New Testament actually fulfills all the Old Testament types and shadows, confirming the promises made unto the fathers. Rom. 15:8 and Luke 1:72.
The word "angel" means messenger. These can be created, heavenly beings who never fell in Lucifer-Adam (Rev. 12:4, 9, the dragon drew only one-third with him) though they were lowered with all creatiion due to the fall, being made ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation; or they can be resurrected saints able to appear in angelic form by God's permission; or they can be merely men here in this earth realm sent with a message. There messengers can be both good or evil; Heb. 1:7,14.
The scriptures relate many incidents where angels were actually men. An outstanding example is found in the book of Revelation. "And I, John, saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, "See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them who keep the saying of this book: Worship God!" Rev. 21:10; 22:8-9.
This angel told John not to worship him because he was a prophet and his fellow servant and brother. A fellow servant had to be one living contemporary with John and having the same ministry. The angels of seven churches represented the Elders and Leader of those churches, even as the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are also called angels. Rev. 2 & 3; 21:12. Speaking of the New Jerusalem, whom we are, John said that it had a wall great and high, "and had twelve gates and at the gates twelve angels, and names of the twelve tribes of the Children of Israel." Besides, this great city itself (made up of the saints) was measured "according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." Rev. 21:17; Gal. 4:26.
We read of an angel flying in the midst of the heavens, "Having the agelasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth." Rev. 14:6. Angels are used to call out his elect. "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Matt. 24:31. A company of angels seal the 144,000 in their foreheads. "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God, saying, "Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees till WE (denoting more than one) have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Rev. 7:2,3.
Angels are used in judgment. "When the Son of Man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats...The Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity." Matt 23:31-32; 13:41. In connection with these scripturers we read of an angel "sitting on a cloud" (clouds speak of saints) who thrusts in his sickle to reap the harvest of the earth. Rev. 14:15-19.
We conclude from comparing these scriptures that these angels are men who have attained unto this ministry in the heavenlies, by coming into the power of CHRIST'S RESURRECTION, like unto angels, receiving a prior, spiritual and moral resurrection into a recovery of life and truth, while yet in these bodies. Phil 3:10-14 AMP. Paul asked, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world, and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (This judgment is going on today as God is raising up Spirit-filled leaders like unto Christ.) Know ye not that we shall judge angels, how much more things that pertain to this life?" 1 Cor. 6:2-3.
All judgment has been committed unto the Son and his great company of Sons. John 5:22. Therefore these angels must have been men at one time, partakers of flesh and blood, tasting of sin and death, but rising in Christ to overcome every temptation. Having themselves suffered they are now able to make a righteous judgment. They have reached into such holiness that their very presence brings torment to those who have compromised by taking the "mark of the beast" in their hand or forehead. Rev. 14:9-12. Stephen had this transfiguration before his death, as he was witnessing of Christ before his accusers. "All that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." They were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth in their frustration and guilty fury! Acts 6:15; 7:54. Did you know that Peter is also called an angel? Acts 12:15. Little children who have gone to be with the Lord are referred to as angels. Matt. 18:10.
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus went through a wonderful metamorphosis. His face did shine as the sun as the fashion of his face was altered. Matt. 17:2; Luke 9:29. This scence was a vision of his coming glory. How wonderful to know that it is also promised to all who follow on to really know him in the power of his resurrection. "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. Phil. 3:21. This is the change for which we are groaning. "God is faithful who called us and also will do." 1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Cor. 5:5.
No wonder angels who have not yet reached into that realm where the "spirits of just men (resurrected saints) have been made perfect, "desire to look into these things." 1 Pet. 1:12. "God has provided some better thing for us, that they without us shold not be made perfect." Heb. 11:40. Therefore, we are made a spectacle (ampi-theatre) unto the world and unto angels, and unto men. 1 Cor. 4:9. It seems as though we have been hung in space between heaven and earth and under the earth as God's exhibit of love and grace to all. Adam in angelic resurrection form is in a marvelous plane. A great ministry is going forth out of these invisible dimensions (though it is only one step in our ascension back into God.) Our guardian angels could be our own loved ones raised into this glorious realm. Jesus was made higher than angels. Hallelujah, in the ultimate plan of God we are to be made like unto him! 1 John 3:2.
6. ADAM IN RESURRECTION FORM
"From the beginning he had the nature of God, being in the the form of God. Yet he did not regard equality with God as something at which he should grasp. Nay, he stripped himself of his glory, and took on him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men. And being recognized as truly human, He humbled himself and even stooped to die." Phil 2:5. Praise God! in this death and resurrection he is released from this realm, and is appearing in another and higher form. Mark 16:12
In this resurrection body he could appear in many forms. To the two men walking to Emmaus, he appeared as a fellow wayfarer. They recognized him as the Lord in the breaking of the bread, though their hearts burned within them as he opened up the word concerning his present humiliation and coming glory. Luke 24:13-35. To Mary he appeared as a gardener. She recognized him by his voice when he softly spoke her name, "Mary". John 20:16. He did not appear unto his disciples as a spirit or ghost, but in a flesh and bone angelic body when he called for a fish and a honeycomb. Luke 24:36-43. Is it so incredible to believe that in his ascension back into what he was with the Father, one of his expressions would be like unto an angel!
We read that he was made lower than angels for the suffering of death. Heb. 2:9 (he had to become a man in order to die). This lowering is seen in that angels ministered unto him during his temptation in the wilderness and his agony in Gethsemane. While on earth Jesus spoke of a resurrection equal unto angels. And those who attained unto this resurrection do not marry, neither can they die any more. They are the Sons of the Resurrection. Luke 20:35. Jesus as our head passed through this phase, appearing unto many witnesses chosen before of God to confirm the resurrection - that it was truly HE and not another! Acts 10:41.
In the Old Testament times he often appeared as a man in angelic form. Surely he could appear again in this manner in the New Testament days to verify his resurrection - that his body was not stolen and hidden away some place. The New Testament actually fulfills all the Old Testament types and shadows, confirming the promises made unto the fathers. Rom. 15:8 and Luke 1:72.
The word "angel" means messenger. These can be created, heavenly beings who never fell in Lucifer-Adam (Rev. 12:4, 9, the dragon drew only one-third with him) though they were lowered with all creatiion due to the fall, being made ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation; or they can be resurrected saints able to appear in angelic form by God's permission; or they can be merely men here in this earth realm sent with a message. There messengers can be both good or evil; Heb. 1:7,14.
The scriptures relate many incidents where angels were actually men. An outstanding example is found in the book of Revelation. "And I, John, saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, "See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them who keep the saying of this book: Worship God!" Rev. 21:10; 22:8-9.
This angel told John not to worship him because he was a prophet and his fellow servant and brother. A fellow servant had to be one living contemporary with John and having the same ministry. The angels of seven churches represented the Elders and Leader of those churches, even as the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are also called angels. Rev. 2 & 3; 21:12. Speaking of the New Jerusalem, whom we are, John said that it had a wall great and high, "and had twelve gates and at the gates twelve angels, and names of the twelve tribes of the Children of Israel." Besides, this great city itself (made up of the saints) was measured "according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." Rev. 21:17; Gal. 4:26.
We read of an angel flying in the midst of the heavens, "Having the agelasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth." Rev. 14:6. Angels are used to call out his elect. "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Matt. 24:31. A company of angels seal the 144,000 in their foreheads. "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God, saying, "Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees till WE (denoting more than one) have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Rev. 7:2,3.
Angels are used in judgment. "When the Son of Man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats...The Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity." Matt 23:31-32; 13:41. In connection with these scripturers we read of an angel "sitting on a cloud" (clouds speak of saints) who thrusts in his sickle to reap the harvest of the earth. Rev. 14:15-19.
We conclude from comparing these scriptures that these angels are men who have attained unto this ministry in the heavenlies, by coming into the power of CHRIST'S RESURRECTION, like unto angels, receiving a prior, spiritual and moral resurrection into a recovery of life and truth, while yet in these bodies. Phil 3:10-14 AMP. Paul asked, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world, and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (This judgment is going on today as God is raising up Spirit-filled leaders like unto Christ.) Know ye not that we shall judge angels, how much more things that pertain to this life?" 1 Cor. 6:2-3.
All judgment has been committed unto the Son and his great company of Sons. John 5:22. Therefore these angels must have been men at one time, partakers of flesh and blood, tasting of sin and death, but rising in Christ to overcome every temptation. Having themselves suffered they are now able to make a righteous judgment. They have reached into such holiness that their very presence brings torment to those who have compromised by taking the "mark of the beast" in their hand or forehead. Rev. 14:9-12. Stephen had this transfiguration before his death, as he was witnessing of Christ before his accusers. "All that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." They were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth in their frustration and guilty fury! Acts 6:15; 7:54. Did you know that Peter is also called an angel? Acts 12:15. Little children who have gone to be with the Lord are referred to as angels. Matt. 18:10.
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus went through a wonderful metamorphosis. His face did shine as the sun as the fashion of his face was altered. Matt. 17:2; Luke 9:29. This scence was a vision of his coming glory. How wonderful to know that it is also promised to all who follow on to really know him in the power of his resurrection. "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. Phil. 3:21. This is the change for which we are groaning. "God is faithful who called us and also will do." 1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Cor. 5:5.
No wonder angels who have not yet reached into that realm where the "spirits of just men (resurrected saints) have been made perfect, "desire to look into these things." 1 Pet. 1:12. "God has provided some better thing for us, that they without us shold not be made perfect." Heb. 11:40. Therefore, we are made a spectacle (ampi-theatre) unto the world and unto angels, and unto men. 1 Cor. 4:9. It seems as though we have been hung in space between heaven and earth and under the earth as God's exhibit of love and grace to all. Adam in angelic resurrection form is in a marvelous plane. A great ministry is going forth out of these invisible dimensions (though it is only one step in our ascension back into God.) Our guardian angels could be our own loved ones raised into this glorious realm. Jesus was made higher than angels. Hallelujah, in the ultimate plan of God we are to be made like unto him! 1 John 3:2.
The Eighth Day Man - Part 8
by Dora Van Assen
8. ADAM IN GODLY-FORM
"I have glorifed thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the word was. " John 17:4-5. "And now, Father, do thou glorify me in thine own presence, with the glory that I had in thy presence before the world existed." Weymouth. John 17. "In the beginning was the word, and the word was toward God, and God was the word." John 1:1 CCV.
These are the words of Jesus as he was on his way to the cross. The hour of his glorification had come. "Father, the hour is come: glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee." John 17:1. "The Son always glorifies the Father. He, being the only begotten God, (Son) who is in the bosom of the Father, he unfolds him." John 1:18 CCV. Jesus came to reveal the Father. In the very beginning as the THE WORD, he was "toward" or pointing to the Father's honor and glory. "And no one fully knows the Son except the Father, nor does any one fully know the Father except the Son and all to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matt. 11:27.
We have already studied how that Christ Jesus, being in the form of God, stripped himself of this glory, taking on flesh and blood as a human being. He did this in order to die for the sins of the whole world. But now that he had finished the work God had given him to do, he was affirming his faith and trust in God to raise him out of this death realm, and restore him back into his original glory which he had with the Father before the world existed. Though he has entered into Fatherhood, he does not absorb or displace God. Rather, by overcoming, he is given the glorious privilege to sit on his Father's throne; even as he gives us the honor to sit on his throne when we have fully overcome all enemies. Rev. 3:21. We sit with him even as he sits with the Father.
He has ascended into the very realm of the Father; Emmanuel, God with man. He is the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." Col. 1:15. Being the Firstborn intimates that we also (as his many-membered body who follow their Head) shall be made in the very image and likeness of God. We, even as he did, will take our changed, immortalized and glorified humanity into the Godhead, for he is called; THE MAN CHRIST JESUS!
Isaiah (before the natural birth of Jesus) calls his name "Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Agelasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isa. 9:6. This is more accurately rendered in the New English Bible: "In purpose wonderful, in battle God-like, Father for all time, Prince of Peace."
Paul acclaims unto him, "Now unto the King eonian, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for the eons of the eons." 1 Tim. 1:17. He is the only wise God, of these ages. As the true and faithful witness he was given this honor. He rules until all kingdoms yield unto his glorious sway. "For the Kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ." Rev. 11:15. He has put on immortality and life, attaining unto a glorifed body, dwelling in a light that no man has seen nor can see; the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. 1 Tim. 6:15-16. He is the "firstborn among many brethren." Rom. 8:29-30. The Head of a totally NEW CREATION. And Praise God, we are also called and chosen unto this order and realm. Even as he broke out of this earthly sphere back into the realm of the Father, so we too are (by his life working in us) breaking out of these limitations into the wide expanse of God.
God will not subject the coming age unto spacemen or created Angelic beings, but he will put it under the feet and control of man; who was once mortal, but has put on immortality and life that can never be touched by death; through partaking of the life of Christ, their glorious Head! His glory is ever increasing as he comes to be glorified in his saints. 2 Thess. 1:10. Only Sonship brings us into Fatherhood. No one who disowns the Son has the Father. He who acknowledges the Son has also the Father." 1 John 2:23. Wey. Thus the only life we have is in the Son. Because he lives we too shall live. 1 John 5:11.
We have a wonderful assurance of this coming change, because this flesh body was once only common dust, but even in this soulish-soilish realm it has become a beautiful earthly body; which David proclaims, "fearfully and wonderfully made." Psa. 139:14. No natural man has ever been able to improve on it as they often do on other inventions. Thus if God can make us out of dust, he can again take this dust and remold it into an even higher and more glorious body. This earthly and natural body is swallowed up in the heavenly and spiritual body. This is God's intention for all creation as it passes through these extensive periods of development.
God grant that what he has inspired us to write will be a help and inspiration to all who read, to press on into him, attaining unto the high calling in Christ Jesus.
8. ADAM IN GODLY-FORM
"I have glorifed thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the word was. " John 17:4-5. "And now, Father, do thou glorify me in thine own presence, with the glory that I had in thy presence before the world existed." Weymouth. John 17. "In the beginning was the word, and the word was toward God, and God was the word." John 1:1 CCV.
These are the words of Jesus as he was on his way to the cross. The hour of his glorification had come. "Father, the hour is come: glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee." John 17:1. "The Son always glorifies the Father. He, being the only begotten God, (Son) who is in the bosom of the Father, he unfolds him." John 1:18 CCV. Jesus came to reveal the Father. In the very beginning as the THE WORD, he was "toward" or pointing to the Father's honor and glory. "And no one fully knows the Son except the Father, nor does any one fully know the Father except the Son and all to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matt. 11:27.
We have already studied how that Christ Jesus, being in the form of God, stripped himself of this glory, taking on flesh and blood as a human being. He did this in order to die for the sins of the whole world. But now that he had finished the work God had given him to do, he was affirming his faith and trust in God to raise him out of this death realm, and restore him back into his original glory which he had with the Father before the world existed. Though he has entered into Fatherhood, he does not absorb or displace God. Rather, by overcoming, he is given the glorious privilege to sit on his Father's throne; even as he gives us the honor to sit on his throne when we have fully overcome all enemies. Rev. 3:21. We sit with him even as he sits with the Father.
He has ascended into the very realm of the Father; Emmanuel, God with man. He is the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." Col. 1:15. Being the Firstborn intimates that we also (as his many-membered body who follow their Head) shall be made in the very image and likeness of God. We, even as he did, will take our changed, immortalized and glorified humanity into the Godhead, for he is called; THE MAN CHRIST JESUS!
Isaiah (before the natural birth of Jesus) calls his name "Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Agelasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isa. 9:6. This is more accurately rendered in the New English Bible: "In purpose wonderful, in battle God-like, Father for all time, Prince of Peace."
Paul acclaims unto him, "Now unto the King eonian, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for the eons of the eons." 1 Tim. 1:17. He is the only wise God, of these ages. As the true and faithful witness he was given this honor. He rules until all kingdoms yield unto his glorious sway. "For the Kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ." Rev. 11:15. He has put on immortality and life, attaining unto a glorifed body, dwelling in a light that no man has seen nor can see; the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. 1 Tim. 6:15-16. He is the "firstborn among many brethren." Rom. 8:29-30. The Head of a totally NEW CREATION. And Praise God, we are also called and chosen unto this order and realm. Even as he broke out of this earthly sphere back into the realm of the Father, so we too are (by his life working in us) breaking out of these limitations into the wide expanse of God.
God will not subject the coming age unto spacemen or created Angelic beings, but he will put it under the feet and control of man; who was once mortal, but has put on immortality and life that can never be touched by death; through partaking of the life of Christ, their glorious Head! His glory is ever increasing as he comes to be glorified in his saints. 2 Thess. 1:10. Only Sonship brings us into Fatherhood. No one who disowns the Son has the Father. He who acknowledges the Son has also the Father." 1 John 2:23. Wey. Thus the only life we have is in the Son. Because he lives we too shall live. 1 John 5:11.
We have a wonderful assurance of this coming change, because this flesh body was once only common dust, but even in this soulish-soilish realm it has become a beautiful earthly body; which David proclaims, "fearfully and wonderfully made." Psa. 139:14. No natural man has ever been able to improve on it as they often do on other inventions. Thus if God can make us out of dust, he can again take this dust and remold it into an even higher and more glorious body. This earthly and natural body is swallowed up in the heavenly and spiritual body. This is God's intention for all creation as it passes through these extensive periods of development.
God grant that what he has inspired us to write will be a help and inspiration to all who read, to press on into him, attaining unto the high calling in Christ Jesus.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Exact Image by Dora Van Assen
INTRODUCTION
For years I had trouble combining the first and second chapters of Genesis, regarding the creation of man. These two chapters seemed to portray two separate accounts of the creation of Adam. Though I began to see that this creating and making of man was progressive, I still could not make it all fit together. There were too many discrepancies in the way it was being interpreted. I even considered the thought that perhaps these two accounts were actually given in allegoric form, thus we could choose the account that we thought was the highest revelation. In fact, this interpretation is accepted in many circles of religion. I now understand that it is one account of God creating and making mankind into his own exact image.
Truth marches onward! I soon began to believe that God was actually prophesying what he intended to do, when he said: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Gen.1:26. God began to do this very thing when he formed man out of the dust of the ground, as it is recorded in Gen.2,7. I believe that this work was a process, so that man shall finally stand in the very image of God; even as God himself had prophesied. This interpretation satisfied me for a long time until many questions began to arise concerning these scriptures. For example in Gen.1;27, it states that God did CREATE MAN in his own image during the sixth day. But the formation of man in Gen.2,7 does not take place until after the long seventh day of rest which would be the eighth day. Gen.2,2. Could there be another solution to the problem of these two seemingly different accounts?
Light began to break through on the word “IMAGE.” What kind of image did God mean? Was it to be a natural or spiritual image? God is Spirit! What would his image be like? Meditating upon these questions God gave me the word “EXACT.” Therefore, we present these thoughts contained in this article entitled, “THE EXACT IMAGE,” for your consideration. May we be workers together in him, approved of God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. God’s Word is Truth. Though Truth stands alone, it stands victorious. Only Truth can set free completely from the dogmas of men. Be not fearful! Even error enhances the truth! Only making Truth brighter! “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” 11 Cor.13:8. “For we have no power to act against the truth, but only for it.” 11 Cor.13:8. NEB.
From the very beginning it was God’s intention to make man in his own image and likeness. In the first chapter of the Bible we hear him say: “Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness.” Gen.1:26. Here he is stating his divine intention. He has never changed his mind. Neither sin, nor death, nor time, nor spirit, nor any other force can alter, or stop God in fulfilling his plan. He is sovereign in all that he does. “I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever; nothing can be put to it nor anything taken from it: God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” Eccl.3:14.
The words, “Let us make” infers a process. To make anything requires time, and often different methods to reach the intended goal. There is a vast difference between “making” and “creating”. To create is to bring forth the first original idea, or thought-image into visible form. A copy of this first original idea is not created, but made. Thus we find in Gen.1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This original idea of creation came forth out of the Spirit of God by the spoken Word (Logos.) Ps.33:6 Rom.11:36 “It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God’s Word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.” Heb.11:3 GNT. “By faith we perceive that the universe was fashioned by the Word of God, so that the visible came forth from the invisible.” Heb.11:3 NEB
How can anything be made plainer than these two translations of this scripture? In the first original creation God simply spoke the Word and it was done! But from Gen.1:2, we begin to see a process. The earth was made, or “became” without form and void. The words, “was made,” or “became” denote a change. We will speak of this in detail later. Right now we want to look into the fact that in the remainder of Gen. 1:2 to Gen.2:3, we find two words used regarding the creation. They are “create” and “make”. We even find these two words used together in one verse. “Created and made” Gen.2:3.(This is rendered “Created to make” in the marginal reference.) Therefore the creation as it is today came forth through a process—and it is still a process. This behooves us not to judge anything yet, for God is not finished. He is still moving all creation unto his own ultimate and glorious goal!
In agreement with science, the bible indicates long progressive periods of development in the creating and making of mankind, into the exact image of God. With these thoughts in mind let us study in detail the profound scriptures recorded in Genesis. “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. 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. Notice that the man is both created and made. In his first creation man is both male and female in one spiritual body.
The way man is formed today out of dust he could not be two flesh bodies in ONE body. Only two or more spirits could be together in one body, occupying the same space. When we are joined to the Lord, we are ONE SPIRIT. 1 Cor.6:17. God is Spirit! Therefore, in creation God brought forth spiritual beings out of himself. The bible confirms this! “God is the FATHER of spirits.” Heb.12:9. God speaks of Adam as both “him” and “them” singular and plural. Also in Gen.5:2, “God called their name Adam.” Both male and female are called “man” or “humanity” showing their perfect unity in bringing forth creation. Furthermore God commanded that THEY were (while yet in this high spiritual state) “to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion. Gen.1:28. They were to do this while yet in their ONE SPIRITUAL BODY.
Immediately after God commanded Adam to be fruitful and to multiply, we find God resting on the seventh day. Gen.2:2. This seems very strange! At one time in my searching after truth, I thought that God was idle for at least a thousand years. Just think after pronouncing that everything was very good which God had created made during these first six days, I now had God resting, just letting everything lay idle and dormant until God again began to work toward his plan by forming man out of the dust, according to Gen.2:7. Praise God! Light is finally penetrating my subconscious mind. This rest of God was not inertia! For God never slumbers nor sleeps! He is always active! Nothing is ever halted, stagnate nor void! In majestic stages God is moving all creation, visible or invisible onward into his intended goal.
I fully believe that this Spiritual Man, Adam, in his glorious dual body of male and female began to produce after his own kind: this is, Spiritual Beings! He became fruitful and multiplied and replenished the earth. God had set his plan in motion to bring many sons to glory in his own image and likeness. After starting things off (so to speak) during the first six days of creation, we read that God rested on the seventh day from all that he had created and made. To be sure God rested from this work of creating, but Adam obeyed his command. He started to work, bringing forth myriads of Spiritual Beings, according to God’s command and plan. The word “multiply” means to increase by division. Could this be an increase in development by one cell dividing into two cells, and two cells dividing into four cells, etc? even as an embryo is formed in the womb? Let that be as it may, it was a Spiritual Multiplication in order to replenish (fill up again) the earth. Praise God, they stood integrated together in perfect unity, subduing the earth; having dominion over all the work of God’s hands. This will again be seen in greater measure in the GREAT BODY OF CHRIST: male and female swallowed up in him---many members in ONE CHRIST EXPRESSION, filling the universe with his glory.
Adam (male & female) in this Spiritual Creation did not receive his flesh body until after the seventh day in which God rested. In Gen.2:7, we read that God made an earthen vessel for this man to dwell in. “God formed man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man BECAME a living soul. Gen.2:7. The identity, personality, character and nature are found in the soul. We know each other by our spirit-soul expression. The flesh changes in appearance continually, from our pre-natal conception, through baby-hood, childhood, manhood into full age. Our flesh bodies have gone through many stages of growth, yet we know each other. This dust formation of man is marvelous to consider. He was made from the highest dust of the world. Prov.8:26. We cannot go into this aspect of this soulish formation at this time, neither can we explain in detail the meaning of the word “became”. Just hold it in mind that it means a CHANGE HAD BEEN MADE FROM ONE REALM TO ANOTHER REALM.
As soon as this soulish flesh man is formed, we find that God places him in the Garden of Eden to “till and keep (guard) it. Gen.2:15. We can readily see why God needed a fleshly material man to work in this material world; for at this point in his plan, “there was no man to till (cultivate) the ground. Gen.2:5. Only a mist arose from the earth to water the ground. Man has now become a triune being: spirit, soul, and body. In his spirit he is God-conscious; in his soul he is self-conscious; and in his body he is material-conscious. Only in this bodily aspect of his being could he till the ground, or become visible to the animal world around him; thus having fellowship with the natural creation.
Though he now had to eat food to sustain his natural body, I am sure he enjoyed cultivating the ground, as there were no noxious weeds and thorns to oppose his efforts. In this peaceful state of innocence we can see that Adam enjoyed the natural things around him. Especially the animal world! He learned all about them—their habits, character, and nature. When God paraded them before him he was able to name each one according to their nature. In his close observation of them he noticed that each had his, or her mate. Only he himself was the only one who had no visible, bodily mate. We soon read that it was “not good” for man to live alone in this state. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help MEET for him.” Gen.2:18. God did not say that he would make a HELP-MATE, but a HELP-MEET (fit-worthy) for him. An animal would not do, neither anything lower than himself. She had to be his exact counter-part, standing face to face with him, therefore had to be taken out of his own body.
Only having a wife like unto himself could he reproduce after his kind. Though Adam was both male and female in one body, he only had that one body. He could not reproduce for it requires two bodies to bring forth in this realm. To be sure the female was there evenly integrated within him, like her hormones, femininity, etc…but she was not fused in a solid body. As we have already indicated, two solid bodies cannot occupy the same space. Therefore the female part of Adam had to be separated from him before he could multiply in this bodily realm.
“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs (cells) and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man, made (builded) he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now (was once) bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man, therefore a man shall forsake his father and his mother and cling to his wife, and they two become one flesh. And coming are they two, the human and his wife to be naked yet are not shaming themselves.Gen.2: 21-25.
We want to point out a number of things indicated in this scripture.
1. While Adam lay in a deep sleep, God removed his female cell or side; called an “angular organ” in the CCV, and built a woman to be his counterpart or complement. Gen.2,20. CCV
2 The making of woman was a process. She was built with great care and fashioned in beauty. She also was foreordained of God, and not just an after thought to help out in a bad situation!
3 The evidence of this operation is confirmed by the scar or seam still seen on every male’s reproductive organs. At birth every baby boy has a seam on the underside of his pelvis and testicles.
4. When God brought her “to be with Adam” (Gen.3:12) she was to be his companion, not his possession. Adam named her Woman, because she was taken out of man. We find further that woman also means, “The man with the womb.” She was given the glorious privilege to bear the precious seed.
5. Again we find that the Man is to leave his father and mother and cling to his wife in order to protect her as the weaker vessel. But in our marriage ceremonies this has been reversed. Now, the woman, the weaker vessel is commanded to leave her father and mother and cling to her husband through thick or thin. This often leaves her exposed to all manner of abuse—not even her kinfolks living close enough to help her. It is time this error is corrected by the clergy.
6. United in marriage they BECOME ONE FLESH in their SEED, or offspring. The father and mother are perfectly integrated in their children, one flesh which cannot be separated in anyway.
7. They are now totally dependent upon one another in order to fulfill God’s command to be fruitful and replenish the earth.
8. The woman was made of the same substance as the man. “Bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.” If she is in anyway lower or more sinful than the man, then this lower sinful part was in him all the time! Thank God for the light breaking forth in this area, setting all mankind free!
Before leaving this part of our subject we must emphasize the fact that men and women still carry the evidence in the bodies that they once were both male and female in one body. They both have male and female hormones, feminine and masculine characteristics, etc. They both go through the menopause, and can both contract breast cancer; also after conception it is several weeks before the embryo decides what sex it will be. All evidence that they once were united in one body. Again may I say that man being made of the dust of the ground indicates the light soil in the atmosphere or air, carried about by the wind. The cells of man are really hollow. Man is mostly empty space! Thus there is plenty of room for the spiritual man to dwell inside, integrating the whole man with the Spirit of God. (See 11 Cor. 4,7.)
MAN’S POWER OF REPRODUCTION
God has never taken away the power of reproduction from Adam and Eve. In fact God himself again, set in motion the GENERATIONS OF ADAM in this natural realm. Gen.5,7. For in this natural realm in which we now live, it is first the natural and then the spiritual. All of mankind is now born, one by one, into this natural, death state, but PRAISE GOD, after this experience, all of this natural mankind will become spiritual. Paul explains this for us.
“If there is a soulish body, there is a spiritual also. (This spiritual body is already there before there could even be a soulish body. It takes spirit and body to produce a soul.) “Thus it is written also, The first man, Adam, became a living soul; the last Adam a vivifying spirit. But not first the spiritual but the soulish, thereupon the spiritual.” 1 Cor.15,45-46. As we have already stated, because a veil has been cast over the face of all men, we are not able to remember or comprehend with our natural mind that we were once spiritual beings. This is one of the many secrets that the Holy Spirit is revealing to us in this hour. Thus we can only go back in memory to when we were two or three years old. We can not even remember that we were once pre-natal. But that does not in any way disqualify the fact that we did exist! The very fact that we are alive in this natural realm proves that we once were in our mother’s womb. And now that we have been born of the Spirit, we can know that we came out from God! Isa.25,7-8: Romans 11, 36.
God has a use for all the GENERATIONS OF ADAM brought forth into this lower realm. He needs these earthen vessels in which to lower the spiritual creation for growth and development in the God-realm. God claims all souls, saying, “All souls are mine.” They came forth one by one into this earthly realm to fulfill a divine purpose. They are all needed in order to provide a house of clay for the spiritual creation. No matter how despised and lowly their birth, or how painful and meager their lives here on earth, it is still absolutely necessary that they be born into this realm of death and sin. This mortal (dying body) MUST put on immortality!
We see this in Jesus, our example! He pre-existed in God as the living Word. Then he was lowered into a human body to experience death for all. But now he has risen over death and hell taking his human body into the Godhead. He is now “The King Eternal” Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God.” He is the only one (being once mortal) that now has immortality. 1 Tim.1: 17; 6,16. As we are chosen in Christ before time began we are destined for the same goal. Praise God, by his life within us, we are being processed into the substance of the glory of God. We have a glorious expectation for the future. It is as a burning hope placed within us, and we shall not be denied! We shall be like him for we shall see him as he is. Jer.29,11: 1 John 3,2.
Thus we read that Adam knew his wife and she brought forth a son. She named him Cain—meaning: Possession, for she said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” But when she gave birth to her second son, she named him Abel, meaning “vanity.” She soon realized that they were not the promised seed that would bruise the serpent’s head. Life was becoming vain and empty until God gave them another son. “And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.” Gen.4,25. Eve was very concerned over her sons. We realize this in the meaning of the names she called them. Though they were not the promised seed, she still acknowledged them as being given by God. Yes, and God continued to give life on this natural realm through their son Seth. He also had a son whom he named Enos, meaning—Man. Thus the generations of Adam have continued unto this day. Thank God for it! For all who have borne the image of the first man, Adam, shall also bear the image of the last man, Adam. 1 Cor.15, 49. Changed from being a living soul into a quickening spirit.
These generations of Adam are all in his own image. They are not in the image of God. He could not reproduce anything higher than himself. He could not bring forth eternal life for death was in his seed. Many children die in their mother’s womb before committing either good or evil. They do not die because of their own sin, but because death is already in them. Let us examine two scriptures for confirmation. “And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and BEGAT A SON IN HIS OWN IMAGE; and called his name Seth.” Gen.5,3. “Therefore, even as through one man sin entered into the world, and through sin death, and thus death passed through into all mankind, ON WHICH ALL SINNED.” Rom.5,12. CCV
In these scriptures we find that Adam begat a son in his own image. Death had entered into his loins because of his disobedience. Therefore death was already present in the seed at the conception in the womb of Eve. The seed could die in the womb before birth. Paul explains this in his writings. Death is passing through unto all mankind by the seed containing death. This causes a weakness or lack of eternal life, which in turn causes a tendency or leaning toward sin. Notice the phrase, “ON WHICH ALL SINNED” not ‘FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED.” KJV. Death does not pass on to all men because they sinned—but death is already there in the seed and they can die before committing one small sinful act or thought! Death causes a lack in the seed. Man being born with this lack in his being, craves for fulfillment. When he yields to this weakness, fulfilling his desires unlawfully, it is sin; and then the more he sins the quicker his whole body will deteriorate finally dying completely. We thank God for his plans to bring life out of death; a life in Christ that death or sin can never touch again! This is a much higher realm of life than which the spiritual creation has ever enjoyed. Thus we read that God himself lowered his creation into the realm of death. This subjecting all into the vanity of death is actually for growth into the very life of God.
“For to vanity was the creation subjected, not voluntarily, but because of Him who subjected it, in expectation that the creation itself, also, shall be freed from the slavery of corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” Rom.8,20-21.CCV Please note that God has given every man HOPE. There is always hope for everyone no matter how bound in sin and degradation. He is lowered into this death realm in EXPECTATION of something even better than what he had before. Man can exist in this death realm because the future always looks brighter. When man loses this hope he also loses his mind and finally his life. We are saved by HOPE!
Solomon saw the travail that was laid upon the sons of men that they should be EXERCISED thereby. Exercise brings perfection! Through the interplay of good and evil our senses are exercised to discern both good and evil. Again in this process, Jesus is our example and forerunner. He learned obedience by the things that he suffered, or experienced. He was made perfect and became the AUTHOR of Eternal Redemption, and was made a priest after the order of Melchisadec. He is the first finished man! He conquered death, placing it under his feet. And he is now the image of the Invisible God. Eccl.3,9: Heb.5,14:5,8-10: Col.1,15: Heb.2,8-9.
Since we were chosen in him before time began, we follow him step by step. And by his life within us we are changed from glory to glory even into his very own image. In this glorious processing of God we will ultimately stand in the exact image of Christ, who is the image of God. 11 Cor.3,18: 4,4. This is not a dim photo, or a distorted caricature of God; (part God and part man), but we shall stand in his EXACT LIKENESS, completely changed into his glorious, immortal body; who is the image of the invisible God. “Who will transfigure the body of our humiliation, to conform it to the body of his glory.” Phil.3,21 CCV
Having barely begun our investigation in this tremendous subject, we plan to continue it in our next issue. These thoughts are not given out for contention, but are given out for your consideration and constructive criticism, that we may all come into the truth that liberates into the wide expanse of God. When God said, “let us make man in our image” he meant his VERY SAME IMAGE! He did not mean a faded or dim photograph of himself, neither a distorted likeness as an idol or false God. He meant his own exact image and likeness. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit is very exact when speaking of his image.
In fact we are told the whole Sonship Body—Head and Body as ONE are called “His express image.” In Hebrews 1,2, God is speaking in SON (of SONSHIP). The articles “a” or “the” are not in the original text. It reads like this: “God…hath in these last days spoken unto us in SON, whom he appointed heir of all things, in whom also he made the worlds (eons). Thus this SON includes all God’s Sons who are CO-HEIRS with Jesus Christ, who will eventually inherit the universe. In the Old Testament times the word “Image” had lost its true meaning. It could mean a huge idol or statue, like Nebuchadnezzar’s image which he set up in the plain Dura for all peoples to worship. Or it could mean those two golden calves which the Children of Israel set up for worship in Samaria. Or again it could mean a coin with some inscription of an emperor or king. When Jesus was asked by his disciples whether they to pay tribute to Caesar, Jesus said, “Give me a penny.” Then he asked, “Whose image is this?” And they answered, Caesar’s.” Thus a small coin or a huge statue, or some distorted idol could all be an image. This was not so in the beginning when God said, “Let us make man in our own image and likeness.” God meant his EXACT IMAGE AND HIS EXACT LIKENESS!”
In the Book of Hebrews we find a good example of how minute and particular the Holy Spirit is in speaking of the image of God. Here we find Paul explaining to the Jewish Christians that in the tabernacle of the wilderness, nearly everything was purged with the blood of animals, but that a greater sacrifice was needed to purge the things found in the heaven themselves. Let us read these verses together.
“It was therefore necessary that THE PATTERN of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but THE HEAVENS THEMSELVES with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are THE FIGURES OF THE TRUE, but into THE HEAVENS ITSELF, now to appear in the presence of God for us…For the law having a SHADOW of good things to come, and not THE VERY IMAGE, can never with these sacrifices make the comers there unto perfect.” Heb.9,23-24; 10,1.
In these scriptures we find a contrast made between the PATTERN of the earthly tabernacle and the REALITY of the things in THE HEAVEN THEMSELVES (of which the earthly tabernacle is only a pattern.) Jesus Christ is now the image of the invisible God. While in the earth he walked in humanity. He was made in the image of sinful men, and was found in the fashion of a man, confined in the limitations of all mankind. Paul declares that according to the flesh he came from the seed of David. His genealogy is traced back to David, Abraham and Adam, who was the son of God. Luke 3;38: Rom.1,2-3. Only after he had finished the work God gave him to do did he make another change back into the Spirit. He is now a life-giving Spirit, and as such he is the image of the invisible God.
“This same Jesus has been made (or has become) both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2,36. He brought his whole being, body, soul, and spirit, back into the realm of God. He overcame the world, the flesh and the devil. His very flesh has become God! Yes, he and his Father are ONE! This brings us to that most enlightening word, “BECOME” found in Genesis 2,7. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man BECAME a living soul.” This word “became” denotes a change was made. A person has to exist before he can become something else. Therefore we believe that Adam preexisted in the realm of the Spirit. In the Spirit he was created and made, Gen.1,26-27. But his flesh body was formed of the dust of the ground.
After God breathed into this flesh body the breath of life, Adam’s spirit entered into it: thus he BECAME A LIVING SOUL. A change was made from the spiritual to the soulish realm. This is plainly revealed as we look into the scriptures. Again Jesus is our example! We follow him in every detail; for the Head and Body are ONE! They are made of the same substance, and in the Spirit are always together; doing the same things: Head and Body follow each other! We read wonderful things about Jesus Christ; what he was, what he is, and what he is yet to become! “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God…And the Word WAS MADE flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1,1-14. KJV. “And the Word BECAME flesh and tabernacles among us.” John 1,14 CCV. “Before the world was created, the Word already existed…The Word BECAME a human being and lived among us.” John 1,1-14. Good News Version. “The first man, Adam became an animate being, whereas the last Adam has become a life giving Spirit.” 1 Cor.15,45 N.E.B
In these four versions before us we see that the words, “was made and became” actually mean the same thing in the original scriptures. So even as the Son of man (Jesus) made a change from the spiritual realm into the earthly realm, we must concede by the use of the same word, “became” that Adam did likewise. He also was lowered from the spiritual to the soulish, fleshly realm. In this lowering of Adam into this soulish realm that would eventually lead into death, we now find the term (even the Christ) also entering into this death realm through the body of Jesus in order to abolish death by the very means of death. Jesus is an incarnation of the Word or Christ. “The children of a family share the same flesh and blood; and so he too shared ours, so that through death he might break the power of him who had death at his command.” Heb.2,14 N.E.B.
Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself BECAME like them and shared their human nature. He did so that through his death he might destroy the devil, (adversary) who has the power over death, and so set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death.” Heb.2,14. Good News Version.
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Quote:
"Right here may we say that the devil (should use capital D but purposely won’t) never had the power of death. A devil did not bring sin, sickness or death into the world---Adam did! By one MAN (not a devil) came sin into the world and death by sin.) Look in the story of Job! There we find that the devil could not take his life. Thus the devil in this scripture cannot be Satan, but it is our adversary, which is actually Adam himself in this fallen state. We read that in Adam all die! 1 Cor.15,22. Death had entered into Adam’s seed. He could only bring forth death. Thus all his posterity dies! Death is in them at conception. Only Christ has life and therefore can reproduce it! John 5,21. Because the children of a family share the same flesh and blood, Jesus Christ as the Head of a large family of Sons, likewise shares in this same flesh and blood." Royce Kennedy
For years I had trouble combining the first and second chapters of Genesis, regarding the creation of man. These two chapters seemed to portray two separate accounts of the creation of Adam. Though I began to see that this creating and making of man was progressive, I still could not make it all fit together. There were too many discrepancies in the way it was being interpreted. I even considered the thought that perhaps these two accounts were actually given in allegoric form, thus we could choose the account that we thought was the highest revelation. In fact, this interpretation is accepted in many circles of religion. I now understand that it is one account of God creating and making mankind into his own exact image.
Truth marches onward! I soon began to believe that God was actually prophesying what he intended to do, when he said: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Gen.1:26. God began to do this very thing when he formed man out of the dust of the ground, as it is recorded in Gen.2,7. I believe that this work was a process, so that man shall finally stand in the very image of God; even as God himself had prophesied. This interpretation satisfied me for a long time until many questions began to arise concerning these scriptures. For example in Gen.1;27, it states that God did CREATE MAN in his own image during the sixth day. But the formation of man in Gen.2,7 does not take place until after the long seventh day of rest which would be the eighth day. Gen.2,2. Could there be another solution to the problem of these two seemingly different accounts?
Light began to break through on the word “IMAGE.” What kind of image did God mean? Was it to be a natural or spiritual image? God is Spirit! What would his image be like? Meditating upon these questions God gave me the word “EXACT.” Therefore, we present these thoughts contained in this article entitled, “THE EXACT IMAGE,” for your consideration. May we be workers together in him, approved of God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. God’s Word is Truth. Though Truth stands alone, it stands victorious. Only Truth can set free completely from the dogmas of men. Be not fearful! Even error enhances the truth! Only making Truth brighter! “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” 11 Cor.13:8. “For we have no power to act against the truth, but only for it.” 11 Cor.13:8. NEB.
From the very beginning it was God’s intention to make man in his own image and likeness. In the first chapter of the Bible we hear him say: “Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness.” Gen.1:26. Here he is stating his divine intention. He has never changed his mind. Neither sin, nor death, nor time, nor spirit, nor any other force can alter, or stop God in fulfilling his plan. He is sovereign in all that he does. “I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever; nothing can be put to it nor anything taken from it: God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” Eccl.3:14.
The words, “Let us make” infers a process. To make anything requires time, and often different methods to reach the intended goal. There is a vast difference between “making” and “creating”. To create is to bring forth the first original idea, or thought-image into visible form. A copy of this first original idea is not created, but made. Thus we find in Gen.1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This original idea of creation came forth out of the Spirit of God by the spoken Word (Logos.) Ps.33:6 Rom.11:36 “It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God’s Word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.” Heb.11:3 GNT. “By faith we perceive that the universe was fashioned by the Word of God, so that the visible came forth from the invisible.” Heb.11:3 NEB
How can anything be made plainer than these two translations of this scripture? In the first original creation God simply spoke the Word and it was done! But from Gen.1:2, we begin to see a process. The earth was made, or “became” without form and void. The words, “was made,” or “became” denote a change. We will speak of this in detail later. Right now we want to look into the fact that in the remainder of Gen. 1:2 to Gen.2:3, we find two words used regarding the creation. They are “create” and “make”. We even find these two words used together in one verse. “Created and made” Gen.2:3.(This is rendered “Created to make” in the marginal reference.) Therefore the creation as it is today came forth through a process—and it is still a process. This behooves us not to judge anything yet, for God is not finished. He is still moving all creation unto his own ultimate and glorious goal!
In agreement with science, the bible indicates long progressive periods of development in the creating and making of mankind, into the exact image of God. With these thoughts in mind let us study in detail the profound scriptures recorded in Genesis. “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. 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. Notice that the man is both created and made. In his first creation man is both male and female in one spiritual body.
The way man is formed today out of dust he could not be two flesh bodies in ONE body. Only two or more spirits could be together in one body, occupying the same space. When we are joined to the Lord, we are ONE SPIRIT. 1 Cor.6:17. God is Spirit! Therefore, in creation God brought forth spiritual beings out of himself. The bible confirms this! “God is the FATHER of spirits.” Heb.12:9. God speaks of Adam as both “him” and “them” singular and plural. Also in Gen.5:2, “God called their name Adam.” Both male and female are called “man” or “humanity” showing their perfect unity in bringing forth creation. Furthermore God commanded that THEY were (while yet in this high spiritual state) “to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion. Gen.1:28. They were to do this while yet in their ONE SPIRITUAL BODY.
Immediately after God commanded Adam to be fruitful and to multiply, we find God resting on the seventh day. Gen.2:2. This seems very strange! At one time in my searching after truth, I thought that God was idle for at least a thousand years. Just think after pronouncing that everything was very good which God had created made during these first six days, I now had God resting, just letting everything lay idle and dormant until God again began to work toward his plan by forming man out of the dust, according to Gen.2:7. Praise God! Light is finally penetrating my subconscious mind. This rest of God was not inertia! For God never slumbers nor sleeps! He is always active! Nothing is ever halted, stagnate nor void! In majestic stages God is moving all creation, visible or invisible onward into his intended goal.
I fully believe that this Spiritual Man, Adam, in his glorious dual body of male and female began to produce after his own kind: this is, Spiritual Beings! He became fruitful and multiplied and replenished the earth. God had set his plan in motion to bring many sons to glory in his own image and likeness. After starting things off (so to speak) during the first six days of creation, we read that God rested on the seventh day from all that he had created and made. To be sure God rested from this work of creating, but Adam obeyed his command. He started to work, bringing forth myriads of Spiritual Beings, according to God’s command and plan. The word “multiply” means to increase by division. Could this be an increase in development by one cell dividing into two cells, and two cells dividing into four cells, etc? even as an embryo is formed in the womb? Let that be as it may, it was a Spiritual Multiplication in order to replenish (fill up again) the earth. Praise God, they stood integrated together in perfect unity, subduing the earth; having dominion over all the work of God’s hands. This will again be seen in greater measure in the GREAT BODY OF CHRIST: male and female swallowed up in him---many members in ONE CHRIST EXPRESSION, filling the universe with his glory.
Adam (male & female) in this Spiritual Creation did not receive his flesh body until after the seventh day in which God rested. In Gen.2:7, we read that God made an earthen vessel for this man to dwell in. “God formed man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man BECAME a living soul. Gen.2:7. The identity, personality, character and nature are found in the soul. We know each other by our spirit-soul expression. The flesh changes in appearance continually, from our pre-natal conception, through baby-hood, childhood, manhood into full age. Our flesh bodies have gone through many stages of growth, yet we know each other. This dust formation of man is marvelous to consider. He was made from the highest dust of the world. Prov.8:26. We cannot go into this aspect of this soulish formation at this time, neither can we explain in detail the meaning of the word “became”. Just hold it in mind that it means a CHANGE HAD BEEN MADE FROM ONE REALM TO ANOTHER REALM.
As soon as this soulish flesh man is formed, we find that God places him in the Garden of Eden to “till and keep (guard) it. Gen.2:15. We can readily see why God needed a fleshly material man to work in this material world; for at this point in his plan, “there was no man to till (cultivate) the ground. Gen.2:5. Only a mist arose from the earth to water the ground. Man has now become a triune being: spirit, soul, and body. In his spirit he is God-conscious; in his soul he is self-conscious; and in his body he is material-conscious. Only in this bodily aspect of his being could he till the ground, or become visible to the animal world around him; thus having fellowship with the natural creation.
Though he now had to eat food to sustain his natural body, I am sure he enjoyed cultivating the ground, as there were no noxious weeds and thorns to oppose his efforts. In this peaceful state of innocence we can see that Adam enjoyed the natural things around him. Especially the animal world! He learned all about them—their habits, character, and nature. When God paraded them before him he was able to name each one according to their nature. In his close observation of them he noticed that each had his, or her mate. Only he himself was the only one who had no visible, bodily mate. We soon read that it was “not good” for man to live alone in this state. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help MEET for him.” Gen.2:18. God did not say that he would make a HELP-MATE, but a HELP-MEET (fit-worthy) for him. An animal would not do, neither anything lower than himself. She had to be his exact counter-part, standing face to face with him, therefore had to be taken out of his own body.
Only having a wife like unto himself could he reproduce after his kind. Though Adam was both male and female in one body, he only had that one body. He could not reproduce for it requires two bodies to bring forth in this realm. To be sure the female was there evenly integrated within him, like her hormones, femininity, etc…but she was not fused in a solid body. As we have already indicated, two solid bodies cannot occupy the same space. Therefore the female part of Adam had to be separated from him before he could multiply in this bodily realm.
“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs (cells) and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man, made (builded) he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now (was once) bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man, therefore a man shall forsake his father and his mother and cling to his wife, and they two become one flesh. And coming are they two, the human and his wife to be naked yet are not shaming themselves.Gen.2: 21-25.
We want to point out a number of things indicated in this scripture.
1. While Adam lay in a deep sleep, God removed his female cell or side; called an “angular organ” in the CCV, and built a woman to be his counterpart or complement. Gen.2,20. CCV
2 The making of woman was a process. She was built with great care and fashioned in beauty. She also was foreordained of God, and not just an after thought to help out in a bad situation!
3 The evidence of this operation is confirmed by the scar or seam still seen on every male’s reproductive organs. At birth every baby boy has a seam on the underside of his pelvis and testicles.
4. When God brought her “to be with Adam” (Gen.3:12) she was to be his companion, not his possession. Adam named her Woman, because she was taken out of man. We find further that woman also means, “The man with the womb.” She was given the glorious privilege to bear the precious seed.
5. Again we find that the Man is to leave his father and mother and cling to his wife in order to protect her as the weaker vessel. But in our marriage ceremonies this has been reversed. Now, the woman, the weaker vessel is commanded to leave her father and mother and cling to her husband through thick or thin. This often leaves her exposed to all manner of abuse—not even her kinfolks living close enough to help her. It is time this error is corrected by the clergy.
6. United in marriage they BECOME ONE FLESH in their SEED, or offspring. The father and mother are perfectly integrated in their children, one flesh which cannot be separated in anyway.
7. They are now totally dependent upon one another in order to fulfill God’s command to be fruitful and replenish the earth.
8. The woman was made of the same substance as the man. “Bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.” If she is in anyway lower or more sinful than the man, then this lower sinful part was in him all the time! Thank God for the light breaking forth in this area, setting all mankind free!
Before leaving this part of our subject we must emphasize the fact that men and women still carry the evidence in the bodies that they once were both male and female in one body. They both have male and female hormones, feminine and masculine characteristics, etc. They both go through the menopause, and can both contract breast cancer; also after conception it is several weeks before the embryo decides what sex it will be. All evidence that they once were united in one body. Again may I say that man being made of the dust of the ground indicates the light soil in the atmosphere or air, carried about by the wind. The cells of man are really hollow. Man is mostly empty space! Thus there is plenty of room for the spiritual man to dwell inside, integrating the whole man with the Spirit of God. (See 11 Cor. 4,7.)
MAN’S POWER OF REPRODUCTION
God has never taken away the power of reproduction from Adam and Eve. In fact God himself again, set in motion the GENERATIONS OF ADAM in this natural realm. Gen.5,7. For in this natural realm in which we now live, it is first the natural and then the spiritual. All of mankind is now born, one by one, into this natural, death state, but PRAISE GOD, after this experience, all of this natural mankind will become spiritual. Paul explains this for us.
“If there is a soulish body, there is a spiritual also. (This spiritual body is already there before there could even be a soulish body. It takes spirit and body to produce a soul.) “Thus it is written also, The first man, Adam, became a living soul; the last Adam a vivifying spirit. But not first the spiritual but the soulish, thereupon the spiritual.” 1 Cor.15,45-46. As we have already stated, because a veil has been cast over the face of all men, we are not able to remember or comprehend with our natural mind that we were once spiritual beings. This is one of the many secrets that the Holy Spirit is revealing to us in this hour. Thus we can only go back in memory to when we were two or three years old. We can not even remember that we were once pre-natal. But that does not in any way disqualify the fact that we did exist! The very fact that we are alive in this natural realm proves that we once were in our mother’s womb. And now that we have been born of the Spirit, we can know that we came out from God! Isa.25,7-8: Romans 11, 36.
God has a use for all the GENERATIONS OF ADAM brought forth into this lower realm. He needs these earthen vessels in which to lower the spiritual creation for growth and development in the God-realm. God claims all souls, saying, “All souls are mine.” They came forth one by one into this earthly realm to fulfill a divine purpose. They are all needed in order to provide a house of clay for the spiritual creation. No matter how despised and lowly their birth, or how painful and meager their lives here on earth, it is still absolutely necessary that they be born into this realm of death and sin. This mortal (dying body) MUST put on immortality!
We see this in Jesus, our example! He pre-existed in God as the living Word. Then he was lowered into a human body to experience death for all. But now he has risen over death and hell taking his human body into the Godhead. He is now “The King Eternal” Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God.” He is the only one (being once mortal) that now has immortality. 1 Tim.1: 17; 6,16. As we are chosen in Christ before time began we are destined for the same goal. Praise God, by his life within us, we are being processed into the substance of the glory of God. We have a glorious expectation for the future. It is as a burning hope placed within us, and we shall not be denied! We shall be like him for we shall see him as he is. Jer.29,11: 1 John 3,2.
Thus we read that Adam knew his wife and she brought forth a son. She named him Cain—meaning: Possession, for she said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” But when she gave birth to her second son, she named him Abel, meaning “vanity.” She soon realized that they were not the promised seed that would bruise the serpent’s head. Life was becoming vain and empty until God gave them another son. “And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.” Gen.4,25. Eve was very concerned over her sons. We realize this in the meaning of the names she called them. Though they were not the promised seed, she still acknowledged them as being given by God. Yes, and God continued to give life on this natural realm through their son Seth. He also had a son whom he named Enos, meaning—Man. Thus the generations of Adam have continued unto this day. Thank God for it! For all who have borne the image of the first man, Adam, shall also bear the image of the last man, Adam. 1 Cor.15, 49. Changed from being a living soul into a quickening spirit.
These generations of Adam are all in his own image. They are not in the image of God. He could not reproduce anything higher than himself. He could not bring forth eternal life for death was in his seed. Many children die in their mother’s womb before committing either good or evil. They do not die because of their own sin, but because death is already in them. Let us examine two scriptures for confirmation. “And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and BEGAT A SON IN HIS OWN IMAGE; and called his name Seth.” Gen.5,3. “Therefore, even as through one man sin entered into the world, and through sin death, and thus death passed through into all mankind, ON WHICH ALL SINNED.” Rom.5,12. CCV
In these scriptures we find that Adam begat a son in his own image. Death had entered into his loins because of his disobedience. Therefore death was already present in the seed at the conception in the womb of Eve. The seed could die in the womb before birth. Paul explains this in his writings. Death is passing through unto all mankind by the seed containing death. This causes a weakness or lack of eternal life, which in turn causes a tendency or leaning toward sin. Notice the phrase, “ON WHICH ALL SINNED” not ‘FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED.” KJV. Death does not pass on to all men because they sinned—but death is already there in the seed and they can die before committing one small sinful act or thought! Death causes a lack in the seed. Man being born with this lack in his being, craves for fulfillment. When he yields to this weakness, fulfilling his desires unlawfully, it is sin; and then the more he sins the quicker his whole body will deteriorate finally dying completely. We thank God for his plans to bring life out of death; a life in Christ that death or sin can never touch again! This is a much higher realm of life than which the spiritual creation has ever enjoyed. Thus we read that God himself lowered his creation into the realm of death. This subjecting all into the vanity of death is actually for growth into the very life of God.
“For to vanity was the creation subjected, not voluntarily, but because of Him who subjected it, in expectation that the creation itself, also, shall be freed from the slavery of corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” Rom.8,20-21.CCV Please note that God has given every man HOPE. There is always hope for everyone no matter how bound in sin and degradation. He is lowered into this death realm in EXPECTATION of something even better than what he had before. Man can exist in this death realm because the future always looks brighter. When man loses this hope he also loses his mind and finally his life. We are saved by HOPE!
Solomon saw the travail that was laid upon the sons of men that they should be EXERCISED thereby. Exercise brings perfection! Through the interplay of good and evil our senses are exercised to discern both good and evil. Again in this process, Jesus is our example and forerunner. He learned obedience by the things that he suffered, or experienced. He was made perfect and became the AUTHOR of Eternal Redemption, and was made a priest after the order of Melchisadec. He is the first finished man! He conquered death, placing it under his feet. And he is now the image of the Invisible God. Eccl.3,9: Heb.5,14:5,8-10: Col.1,15: Heb.2,8-9.
Since we were chosen in him before time began, we follow him step by step. And by his life within us we are changed from glory to glory even into his very own image. In this glorious processing of God we will ultimately stand in the exact image of Christ, who is the image of God. 11 Cor.3,18: 4,4. This is not a dim photo, or a distorted caricature of God; (part God and part man), but we shall stand in his EXACT LIKENESS, completely changed into his glorious, immortal body; who is the image of the invisible God. “Who will transfigure the body of our humiliation, to conform it to the body of his glory.” Phil.3,21 CCV
Having barely begun our investigation in this tremendous subject, we plan to continue it in our next issue. These thoughts are not given out for contention, but are given out for your consideration and constructive criticism, that we may all come into the truth that liberates into the wide expanse of God. When God said, “let us make man in our image” he meant his VERY SAME IMAGE! He did not mean a faded or dim photograph of himself, neither a distorted likeness as an idol or false God. He meant his own exact image and likeness. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit is very exact when speaking of his image.
In fact we are told the whole Sonship Body—Head and Body as ONE are called “His express image.” In Hebrews 1,2, God is speaking in SON (of SONSHIP). The articles “a” or “the” are not in the original text. It reads like this: “God…hath in these last days spoken unto us in SON, whom he appointed heir of all things, in whom also he made the worlds (eons). Thus this SON includes all God’s Sons who are CO-HEIRS with Jesus Christ, who will eventually inherit the universe. In the Old Testament times the word “Image” had lost its true meaning. It could mean a huge idol or statue, like Nebuchadnezzar’s image which he set up in the plain Dura for all peoples to worship. Or it could mean those two golden calves which the Children of Israel set up for worship in Samaria. Or again it could mean a coin with some inscription of an emperor or king. When Jesus was asked by his disciples whether they to pay tribute to Caesar, Jesus said, “Give me a penny.” Then he asked, “Whose image is this?” And they answered, Caesar’s.” Thus a small coin or a huge statue, or some distorted idol could all be an image. This was not so in the beginning when God said, “Let us make man in our own image and likeness.” God meant his EXACT IMAGE AND HIS EXACT LIKENESS!”
In the Book of Hebrews we find a good example of how minute and particular the Holy Spirit is in speaking of the image of God. Here we find Paul explaining to the Jewish Christians that in the tabernacle of the wilderness, nearly everything was purged with the blood of animals, but that a greater sacrifice was needed to purge the things found in the heaven themselves. Let us read these verses together.
“It was therefore necessary that THE PATTERN of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but THE HEAVENS THEMSELVES with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are THE FIGURES OF THE TRUE, but into THE HEAVENS ITSELF, now to appear in the presence of God for us…For the law having a SHADOW of good things to come, and not THE VERY IMAGE, can never with these sacrifices make the comers there unto perfect.” Heb.9,23-24; 10,1.
In these scriptures we find a contrast made between the PATTERN of the earthly tabernacle and the REALITY of the things in THE HEAVEN THEMSELVES (of which the earthly tabernacle is only a pattern.) Jesus Christ is now the image of the invisible God. While in the earth he walked in humanity. He was made in the image of sinful men, and was found in the fashion of a man, confined in the limitations of all mankind. Paul declares that according to the flesh he came from the seed of David. His genealogy is traced back to David, Abraham and Adam, who was the son of God. Luke 3;38: Rom.1,2-3. Only after he had finished the work God gave him to do did he make another change back into the Spirit. He is now a life-giving Spirit, and as such he is the image of the invisible God.
“This same Jesus has been made (or has become) both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2,36. He brought his whole being, body, soul, and spirit, back into the realm of God. He overcame the world, the flesh and the devil. His very flesh has become God! Yes, he and his Father are ONE! This brings us to that most enlightening word, “BECOME” found in Genesis 2,7. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man BECAME a living soul.” This word “became” denotes a change was made. A person has to exist before he can become something else. Therefore we believe that Adam preexisted in the realm of the Spirit. In the Spirit he was created and made, Gen.1,26-27. But his flesh body was formed of the dust of the ground.
After God breathed into this flesh body the breath of life, Adam’s spirit entered into it: thus he BECAME A LIVING SOUL. A change was made from the spiritual to the soulish realm. This is plainly revealed as we look into the scriptures. Again Jesus is our example! We follow him in every detail; for the Head and Body are ONE! They are made of the same substance, and in the Spirit are always together; doing the same things: Head and Body follow each other! We read wonderful things about Jesus Christ; what he was, what he is, and what he is yet to become! “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God…And the Word WAS MADE flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1,1-14. KJV. “And the Word BECAME flesh and tabernacles among us.” John 1,14 CCV. “Before the world was created, the Word already existed…The Word BECAME a human being and lived among us.” John 1,1-14. Good News Version. “The first man, Adam became an animate being, whereas the last Adam has become a life giving Spirit.” 1 Cor.15,45 N.E.B
In these four versions before us we see that the words, “was made and became” actually mean the same thing in the original scriptures. So even as the Son of man (Jesus) made a change from the spiritual realm into the earthly realm, we must concede by the use of the same word, “became” that Adam did likewise. He also was lowered from the spiritual to the soulish, fleshly realm. In this lowering of Adam into this soulish realm that would eventually lead into death, we now find the term (even the Christ) also entering into this death realm through the body of Jesus in order to abolish death by the very means of death. Jesus is an incarnation of the Word or Christ. “The children of a family share the same flesh and blood; and so he too shared ours, so that through death he might break the power of him who had death at his command.” Heb.2,14 N.E.B.
Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself BECAME like them and shared their human nature. He did so that through his death he might destroy the devil, (adversary) who has the power over death, and so set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death.” Heb.2,14. Good News Version.
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Quote:
"Right here may we say that the devil (should use capital D but purposely won’t) never had the power of death. A devil did not bring sin, sickness or death into the world---Adam did! By one MAN (not a devil) came sin into the world and death by sin.) Look in the story of Job! There we find that the devil could not take his life. Thus the devil in this scripture cannot be Satan, but it is our adversary, which is actually Adam himself in this fallen state. We read that in Adam all die! 1 Cor.15,22. Death had entered into Adam’s seed. He could only bring forth death. Thus all his posterity dies! Death is in them at conception. Only Christ has life and therefore can reproduce it! John 5,21. Because the children of a family share the same flesh and blood, Jesus Christ as the Head of a large family of Sons, likewise shares in this same flesh and blood." Royce Kennedy
Our Metamorphosis Into God - Part 2
“OUR METAMORPHOSIS INTO GOD” by DORA VAN ASSEN—CONTD.
“THE WHOLE CREATION IS GROANING AND WAITING.”
Christ Jesus himself the Spirit within us is groaning to be clothed within and without, covering us completely with his glorious image. All creation is groaning together with groanings that cannot be uttered for this transformation. Even as the mature cells of the moth ate up the dead cells of the caterpillar, so the Life of Christ is consuming the DEAD WORKS of our Old Creation Man. It is a continuous process until the consummation of all things back into God. We were created for this process. God created to make or form all men into his image and likeness. God has given us his Spirit as a pledge or down payment on our complete inheritance in Christ.
But every man in his own order: (1) Christ the first-fruits: (2) afterwards they that are Christ’s at his coming. (appearing): (3) then cometh the end—the rest of the harvest. 1 Cor.15:22-24. I see 3 orders in the Resurrection and all wait upon their own order. In 6000 years, Christ Jesus our Lord is the only one raised from the dead, even Noah, Elijah and Moses died. Jesus said, “No man hath ascended up to heaven.” John 3.13. The appearance of Elijah and Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration was a vision. Matt.17:9. Beloved! In Adam all are dying, except those who are “awake” at the appointed time of his appearing, and they have no advantage over anyone as all are changed together. “That we might be glorified together.” Rom.8,17-18. “And the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we that are alive and remain (survive) shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (Spirit.” 1 Thess. 4: 14-18.
Our metamorphosis is a return into God. Not back into what we were in Adam in the Garden of Eden—but a returning unto our Father from whom we came. We are begotten of God, born of His Spirit. We have a Heavenly Calling, and we are returning home. “God bringeth man to destruction to say: Return ye children of men!” Ps.90:3. In returning and rest shall ye be saved! Isa. 30:15. Our strength for the heat of the day is in confidence and quietness, waiting upon him. Knowing that he who has begun a good work in us will also finish it, changing us from glory to glory into his very own glorious image. Christ all and in all, bringing us together into that place where God our Father is ALL in ALL—in all his creation. “In the dispensation of The Fulness of Times, God will gather together in One Head, all things in Christ, which are in heaven and which are in earth—even in him!” Eph.1:10. The end of this lesson by Dora!
“INTRODUCTION TO: THE EXACT IMAGE.
For years I had trouble combining the first and second chapters of Genesis, regarding the creation of man. These two chapters seemed to portray two separate accounts of the creation of Adam. Though I began to see that this creating and making of man was progressive, I still could not make it all fit together. There were too many discrepancies in the way it was being interpreted. I even considered the thought that perhaps these two accounts were actually given in allegoric form, thus we could choose the account that we thought was the highest revelation. In fact, this interpretation is accepted in many circles of religion. I now understand that it is one account of God creating and making mankind into his own exact image.
Truth marches onward! I soon began to believe that God was actually prophesying what he intended to do, when he said: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Gen.1:26. God began to do this very thing when he formed man out of the dust of the ground, as it is recorded in Gen.2,7. I believe that this work was a process, so that man shall finally stand in the very image of God; even as God himself had prophesied. This interpretation satisfied me for a long time until many questions began to arise concerning these scriptures. For example in Gen.1;27, it states that God did CREATE MAN in his own image during the sixth day. But the formation of man in Gen.2,7 does not take place until after the long seventh day of rest which would be the eighth day. Gen.2,2. Could there be another solution to the problem of these two seemingly different accounts?
Light began to break through on the word “IMAGE.” What kind of image did God mean? Was it to be a natural or spiritual image? God is Spirit! What would his image be like? Meditating upon these questions God gave me the word “EXACT.” Therefore, we present these thoughts contained in this article entitled, “THE EXACT IMAGE,” for your consideration. May we be workers together in him, approved of God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. God’s Word is Truth. Though Truth stands alone, it stands victorious. Only Truth can set free completely from the dogmas of men. Be not fearful! Even error enhances the truth! Only making Truth brighter! “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” 11 Cor.13:8. “For we have no power to act against the truth, but only for it.” 11 Cor.13:8. NEB.
From the very beginning it was God’s intention to make man in his own image and likeness. In the first chapter of the Bible we hear him say: “Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness.” Gen.1:26. Here he is stating his divine intention. He has never changed his mind. Neither sin, nor death, nor time, nor spirit, nor any other force can alter, or stop God in fulfilling his plan. He is sovereign in all that he does. “I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever; nothing can be put to it nor anything taken from it: God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” Eccl.3:14.
The words, “Let us make” infers a process. To make anything requires time, and often different methods to reach the intended goal. There is a vast difference between “making” and “creating”. To create is to bring forth the first original idea, or thought-image into visible form. A copy of this first original idea is not created, but made. Thus we find in Gen.1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This original idea of creation came forth out of the Spirit of God by the spoken Word (Logos.) Ps.33:6 Rom.11:36 “It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God’s Word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.” Heb.11:3 GNT. “By faith we perceive that the universe was fashioned by the Word of God, so that the visible came forth from the invisible.” Heb.11:3 NEB
How can anything be made plainer than these two translations of this scripture? In the first original creation God simply spoke the Word and it was done! But from Gen.1:2, we begin to see a process. The earth was made, or “became” without form and void. The words, “was made,” or “became” denote a change. We will speak of this in detail later. Right now we want to look into the fact that in the remainder of Gen. 1:2 to Gen.2:3, we find two words used regarding the creation. They are “create” and “make”. We even find these two words used together in one verse. “Created and made” Gen.2:3.(This is rendered “Created to make” in the marginal reference.) Therefore the creation as it is today came forth through a process—and it is still a process. This behooves us not to judge anything yet, for God is not finished. He is still moving all creation unto his own ultimate and glorious goal!
In agreement with science, the bible indicates long progressive periods of development in the creating and making of mankind, into the exact image of God. With these thoughts in mind let us study in detail the profound scriptures recorded in Genesis. “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. 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. Notice that the man is both created and made. In his first creation man is both male and female in one spiritual body.
The way man is formed today out of dust he could not be two flesh bodies in ONE body. Only two or more spirits could be together in one body, occupying the same space. When we are joined to the Lord, we are ONE SPIRIT. 1 Cor.6:17. God is Spirit! Therefore, in creation God brought forth spiritual beings out of himself. The bible confirms this! “God is the FATHER of spirits.” Heb.12:9. God speaks of Adam as both “him” and “them” singular and plural. Also in Gen.5:2, “God called their name Adam.” Both male and female are called “man” or “humanity” showing their perfect unity in bringing forth creation. Furthermore God commanded that THEY were (while yet in this high spiritual state) “to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion. Gen.1:28. They were to do this while yet in their ONE SPIRITUAL BODY.
Immediately after God commanded Adam to be fruitful and to multiply, we find God resting on the seventh day. Gen.2:2. This seems very strange! At one time in my searching after truth, I thought that God was idle for at least a thousand years. Just think after pronouncing that everything was very good which God had created made during these first six days, I now had God resting, just letting everything lay idle and dormant until God again began to work toward his plan by forming man out of the dust, according to Gen.2:7. Praise God! Light is finally penetrating my subconscious mind. This rest of God was not inertia! For God never slumbers nor sleeps! He is always active! Nothing is ever halted, stagnate nor void! In majestic stages God is moving all creation, visible or invisible onward into his intended goal.
I fully believe that this Spiritual Man, Adam, in his glorious dual body of male and female began to produce after his own kind: this is, Spiritual Beings! He became fruitful and multiplied and replenished the earth. God had set his plan in motion to bring many sons to glory in his own image and likeness. After starting things off (so to speak) during the first six days of creation, we read that God rested on the seventh day from all that he had created and made. To be sure God rested from this work of creating, but Adam obeyed his command. He started to work, bringing forth myriads of Spiritual Beings, according to God’s command and plan. The word “multiply” means to increase by division. Could this be an increase in development by one cell dividing into two cells, and two cells dividing into four cells, etc? even as an embryo is formed in the womb? Let that be as it may, it was a Spiritual Multiplication in order to replenish (fill up again) the earth. Praise God, they stood integrated together in perfect unity, subduing the earth; having dominion over all the work of God’s hands. This will again be seen in greater measure in the GREAT BODY OF CHRIST: male and female swallowed up in him---many members in ONE CHRIST EXPRESSION, filling the universe with his glory.
Adam (male & female) in this Spiritual Creation did not receive his flesh body until after the seventh day in which God rested. In Gen.2:7, we read that God made an earthen vessel for this man to dwell in. “God formed man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man BECAME a living soul. Gen.2:7. The identity, personality, character and nature are found in the soul. We know each other by our spirit-soul expression. The flesh changes in appearance continually, from our pre-natal conception, through baby-hood, childhood, manhood into full age. Our flesh bodies have gone through many stages of growth, yet we know each other. This dust formation of man is marvelous to consider. He was made from the highest dust of the world. Prov.8:26. We cannot go into this aspect of this soulish formation at this time, neither can we explain in detail the meaning of the word “became”. Just hold it in mind that it means a CHANGE HAD BEEN MADE FROM ONE REALM TO ANOTHER REALM.
As soon as this soulish flesh man is formed, we find that God places him in the Garden of Eden to “till and keep (guard) it. Gen.2:15. We can readily see why God needed a fleshly material man to work in this material world; for at this point in his plan, “there was no man to till (cultivate) the ground. Gen.2:5. Only a mist arose from the earth to water the ground. Man has now become a triune being: spirit, soul, and body. In his spirit he is God-conscious; in his soul he is self-conscious; and in his body he is material-conscious. Only in this bodily aspect of his being could he till the ground, or become visible to the animal world around him; thus having fellowship with the natural creation.
Though he now had to eat food to sustain his natural body, I am sure he enjoyed cultivating the ground, as there were no noxious weeds and thorns to oppose his efforts. In this peaceful state of innocence we can see that Adam enjoyed the natural things around him. Especially the animal world! He learned all about them—their habits, character, and nature. When God paraded them before him he was able to name each one according to their nature. In his close observation of them he noticed that each had his, or her mate. Only he himself was the only one who had no visible, bodily mate. We soon read that it was “not good” for man to live alone in this state. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help MEET for him.” Gen.2:18. God did not say that he would make a HELP-MATE, but a HELP-MEET (fit-worthy) for him. An animal would not do, neither anything lower than himself. She had to be his exact counter-part, standing face to face with him, therefore had to be taken out of his own body.
***************************
You may find Jeff Priddy's following article interesting and echoing some of the information Sis. Dora was teaching about the creation of the woman being the angular organ (womb):
http://www.gtft.org/Library/condon/TheMakingOfWomanPriddy.htm
“THE WHOLE CREATION IS GROANING AND WAITING.”
Christ Jesus himself the Spirit within us is groaning to be clothed within and without, covering us completely with his glorious image. All creation is groaning together with groanings that cannot be uttered for this transformation. Even as the mature cells of the moth ate up the dead cells of the caterpillar, so the Life of Christ is consuming the DEAD WORKS of our Old Creation Man. It is a continuous process until the consummation of all things back into God. We were created for this process. God created to make or form all men into his image and likeness. God has given us his Spirit as a pledge or down payment on our complete inheritance in Christ.
But every man in his own order: (1) Christ the first-fruits: (2) afterwards they that are Christ’s at his coming. (appearing): (3) then cometh the end—the rest of the harvest. 1 Cor.15:22-24. I see 3 orders in the Resurrection and all wait upon their own order. In 6000 years, Christ Jesus our Lord is the only one raised from the dead, even Noah, Elijah and Moses died. Jesus said, “No man hath ascended up to heaven.” John 3.13. The appearance of Elijah and Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration was a vision. Matt.17:9. Beloved! In Adam all are dying, except those who are “awake” at the appointed time of his appearing, and they have no advantage over anyone as all are changed together. “That we might be glorified together.” Rom.8,17-18. “And the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we that are alive and remain (survive) shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (Spirit.” 1 Thess. 4: 14-18.
Our metamorphosis is a return into God. Not back into what we were in Adam in the Garden of Eden—but a returning unto our Father from whom we came. We are begotten of God, born of His Spirit. We have a Heavenly Calling, and we are returning home. “God bringeth man to destruction to say: Return ye children of men!” Ps.90:3. In returning and rest shall ye be saved! Isa. 30:15. Our strength for the heat of the day is in confidence and quietness, waiting upon him. Knowing that he who has begun a good work in us will also finish it, changing us from glory to glory into his very own glorious image. Christ all and in all, bringing us together into that place where God our Father is ALL in ALL—in all his creation. “In the dispensation of The Fulness of Times, God will gather together in One Head, all things in Christ, which are in heaven and which are in earth—even in him!” Eph.1:10. The end of this lesson by Dora!
“INTRODUCTION TO: THE EXACT IMAGE.
For years I had trouble combining the first and second chapters of Genesis, regarding the creation of man. These two chapters seemed to portray two separate accounts of the creation of Adam. Though I began to see that this creating and making of man was progressive, I still could not make it all fit together. There were too many discrepancies in the way it was being interpreted. I even considered the thought that perhaps these two accounts were actually given in allegoric form, thus we could choose the account that we thought was the highest revelation. In fact, this interpretation is accepted in many circles of religion. I now understand that it is one account of God creating and making mankind into his own exact image.
Truth marches onward! I soon began to believe that God was actually prophesying what he intended to do, when he said: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Gen.1:26. God began to do this very thing when he formed man out of the dust of the ground, as it is recorded in Gen.2,7. I believe that this work was a process, so that man shall finally stand in the very image of God; even as God himself had prophesied. This interpretation satisfied me for a long time until many questions began to arise concerning these scriptures. For example in Gen.1;27, it states that God did CREATE MAN in his own image during the sixth day. But the formation of man in Gen.2,7 does not take place until after the long seventh day of rest which would be the eighth day. Gen.2,2. Could there be another solution to the problem of these two seemingly different accounts?
Light began to break through on the word “IMAGE.” What kind of image did God mean? Was it to be a natural or spiritual image? God is Spirit! What would his image be like? Meditating upon these questions God gave me the word “EXACT.” Therefore, we present these thoughts contained in this article entitled, “THE EXACT IMAGE,” for your consideration. May we be workers together in him, approved of God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. God’s Word is Truth. Though Truth stands alone, it stands victorious. Only Truth can set free completely from the dogmas of men. Be not fearful! Even error enhances the truth! Only making Truth brighter! “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” 11 Cor.13:8. “For we have no power to act against the truth, but only for it.” 11 Cor.13:8. NEB.
From the very beginning it was God’s intention to make man in his own image and likeness. In the first chapter of the Bible we hear him say: “Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness.” Gen.1:26. Here he is stating his divine intention. He has never changed his mind. Neither sin, nor death, nor time, nor spirit, nor any other force can alter, or stop God in fulfilling his plan. He is sovereign in all that he does. “I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever; nothing can be put to it nor anything taken from it: God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” Eccl.3:14.
The words, “Let us make” infers a process. To make anything requires time, and often different methods to reach the intended goal. There is a vast difference between “making” and “creating”. To create is to bring forth the first original idea, or thought-image into visible form. A copy of this first original idea is not created, but made. Thus we find in Gen.1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This original idea of creation came forth out of the Spirit of God by the spoken Word (Logos.) Ps.33:6 Rom.11:36 “It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God’s Word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.” Heb.11:3 GNT. “By faith we perceive that the universe was fashioned by the Word of God, so that the visible came forth from the invisible.” Heb.11:3 NEB
How can anything be made plainer than these two translations of this scripture? In the first original creation God simply spoke the Word and it was done! But from Gen.1:2, we begin to see a process. The earth was made, or “became” without form and void. The words, “was made,” or “became” denote a change. We will speak of this in detail later. Right now we want to look into the fact that in the remainder of Gen. 1:2 to Gen.2:3, we find two words used regarding the creation. They are “create” and “make”. We even find these two words used together in one verse. “Created and made” Gen.2:3.(This is rendered “Created to make” in the marginal reference.) Therefore the creation as it is today came forth through a process—and it is still a process. This behooves us not to judge anything yet, for God is not finished. He is still moving all creation unto his own ultimate and glorious goal!
In agreement with science, the bible indicates long progressive periods of development in the creating and making of mankind, into the exact image of God. With these thoughts in mind let us study in detail the profound scriptures recorded in Genesis. “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. 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. Notice that the man is both created and made. In his first creation man is both male and female in one spiritual body.
The way man is formed today out of dust he could not be two flesh bodies in ONE body. Only two or more spirits could be together in one body, occupying the same space. When we are joined to the Lord, we are ONE SPIRIT. 1 Cor.6:17. God is Spirit! Therefore, in creation God brought forth spiritual beings out of himself. The bible confirms this! “God is the FATHER of spirits.” Heb.12:9. God speaks of Adam as both “him” and “them” singular and plural. Also in Gen.5:2, “God called their name Adam.” Both male and female are called “man” or “humanity” showing their perfect unity in bringing forth creation. Furthermore God commanded that THEY were (while yet in this high spiritual state) “to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion. Gen.1:28. They were to do this while yet in their ONE SPIRITUAL BODY.
Immediately after God commanded Adam to be fruitful and to multiply, we find God resting on the seventh day. Gen.2:2. This seems very strange! At one time in my searching after truth, I thought that God was idle for at least a thousand years. Just think after pronouncing that everything was very good which God had created made during these first six days, I now had God resting, just letting everything lay idle and dormant until God again began to work toward his plan by forming man out of the dust, according to Gen.2:7. Praise God! Light is finally penetrating my subconscious mind. This rest of God was not inertia! For God never slumbers nor sleeps! He is always active! Nothing is ever halted, stagnate nor void! In majestic stages God is moving all creation, visible or invisible onward into his intended goal.
I fully believe that this Spiritual Man, Adam, in his glorious dual body of male and female began to produce after his own kind: this is, Spiritual Beings! He became fruitful and multiplied and replenished the earth. God had set his plan in motion to bring many sons to glory in his own image and likeness. After starting things off (so to speak) during the first six days of creation, we read that God rested on the seventh day from all that he had created and made. To be sure God rested from this work of creating, but Adam obeyed his command. He started to work, bringing forth myriads of Spiritual Beings, according to God’s command and plan. The word “multiply” means to increase by division. Could this be an increase in development by one cell dividing into two cells, and two cells dividing into four cells, etc? even as an embryo is formed in the womb? Let that be as it may, it was a Spiritual Multiplication in order to replenish (fill up again) the earth. Praise God, they stood integrated together in perfect unity, subduing the earth; having dominion over all the work of God’s hands. This will again be seen in greater measure in the GREAT BODY OF CHRIST: male and female swallowed up in him---many members in ONE CHRIST EXPRESSION, filling the universe with his glory.
Adam (male & female) in this Spiritual Creation did not receive his flesh body until after the seventh day in which God rested. In Gen.2:7, we read that God made an earthen vessel for this man to dwell in. “God formed man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man BECAME a living soul. Gen.2:7. The identity, personality, character and nature are found in the soul. We know each other by our spirit-soul expression. The flesh changes in appearance continually, from our pre-natal conception, through baby-hood, childhood, manhood into full age. Our flesh bodies have gone through many stages of growth, yet we know each other. This dust formation of man is marvelous to consider. He was made from the highest dust of the world. Prov.8:26. We cannot go into this aspect of this soulish formation at this time, neither can we explain in detail the meaning of the word “became”. Just hold it in mind that it means a CHANGE HAD BEEN MADE FROM ONE REALM TO ANOTHER REALM.
As soon as this soulish flesh man is formed, we find that God places him in the Garden of Eden to “till and keep (guard) it. Gen.2:15. We can readily see why God needed a fleshly material man to work in this material world; for at this point in his plan, “there was no man to till (cultivate) the ground. Gen.2:5. Only a mist arose from the earth to water the ground. Man has now become a triune being: spirit, soul, and body. In his spirit he is God-conscious; in his soul he is self-conscious; and in his body he is material-conscious. Only in this bodily aspect of his being could he till the ground, or become visible to the animal world around him; thus having fellowship with the natural creation.
Though he now had to eat food to sustain his natural body, I am sure he enjoyed cultivating the ground, as there were no noxious weeds and thorns to oppose his efforts. In this peaceful state of innocence we can see that Adam enjoyed the natural things around him. Especially the animal world! He learned all about them—their habits, character, and nature. When God paraded them before him he was able to name each one according to their nature. In his close observation of them he noticed that each had his, or her mate. Only he himself was the only one who had no visible, bodily mate. We soon read that it was “not good” for man to live alone in this state. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help MEET for him.” Gen.2:18. God did not say that he would make a HELP-MATE, but a HELP-MEET (fit-worthy) for him. An animal would not do, neither anything lower than himself. She had to be his exact counter-part, standing face to face with him, therefore had to be taken out of his own body.
***************************
You may find Jeff Priddy's following article interesting and echoing some of the information Sis. Dora was teaching about the creation of the woman being the angular organ (womb):
http://www.gtft.org/Library/condon/TheMakingOfWomanPriddy.htm
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