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Part 1
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IN THE BEGINNING
Part 4
Publication #163.03
Darkness For The Occasion
We have noted that all things were created in the Beginning, and that beginning was Christ Jesus. Moreover, as all things began in Him, all things had to come out of Him, and the same all things must find their Ending in Him. And that mass exodus commenced after humanity’s federal head, Adam, said in his heart — I will be God.
Although the man and the woman were already in the image and likeness of God, they did not chose to walk by nature in what they were; but rather, they took their godhood, they laid hold of it, they grasped it, they usurped it from the hand who gives so liberally – and in dying, they died. They were then driven from the abode of their Beginning. The grandeur of selfhood veiled their minds, and darkness, therefore, covered the face of their deep. Their world became void of light. Their understanding dimmed. Their revelation waned. Their vision of God faded. Shame swept over them. They covered themselves. And it all started with the subtle lie — "Ye shall not surely die."
Evidence of this lie has spanned 6,000 years, and history has concluded that death has had its day of rule. Of course, we may fall into delusion and disagree, saying that death is not real, that it is merely an illusion, and all we have to do is to snap out of it. In doing so we will never succumb to the illusion of sin, sickness, or death. This is what could happen when the choice is made to do things our way and not God’s way. We will not discuss this point today; but suffice it to say, death is just as real as darkness, and darkness is the abode of the dead. And if we happen to be among those of dark delusion, when we awaken to the reality of where we have been dwelling, we will echo the despairing words of David: "He hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead" (Psa 143:3). It will be then that we will know that the serpent lied to us. But I pray that we are not numbered among those who have long been dead.
Nevertheless, other than testimonies of fact, why would we say that the serpent lied, especially since Jesus said basically the same thing? Why would one be a lie and the other the truth? Why would one be called a liar and the other wouldn’t? Let us draw our attention to what was said, and we will see. Satan, the serpent, the father of lies said, "You shall not surely die (Gen 3:4) and Jesus, the dove, He who is the Truth, said , "...Whosoever liveth and believeth in (Grk, eis, into) Me shall never die (John 11:26).
Sounds fairly close to the being the same; however, Jesus also said, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." John 16:13. And, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44.
You see, when we speak by the Spirit of Truth, we do not speak of ourselves, we do not lift up ourselves, we do not exalt ourselves. And although we are in the form of God, we do not make boisterous claims of our godhood; but rather, we always exalt our Lord Jesus Christ and speak that which we hear from our Father. On the other hand, if we are people of the lie, whose father is a liar, we speak by the spirit of the lie — we speak of ourselves. We elevate ourselves, we make claims of being sinless gods. Jesus is not our focal point, but ourselves. The spirit of the lie will always speak of oneself.
The difference is in the focus, the desire of the heart. The heart’s focal point of the Truth is JESUS, while the focal point of the lie is oneself. And we note: 3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Gen 3:4-7.
Can we not see that every phase of their temptation was directed to themselves? And when the temptation was consummated — their eyes were opened; but they did not see God, they saw themselves. They knew; but in knowing, they did not know God. They did not know Christ. They became wise, this is sure; yet their wisdom was such that they knew themselves in the shame of nakedness. They knew themselves in the darkness of death. Yes, they became wise; but their wisdom was covered with the cloud of darkness, and so it is to this day.
The introduction of Satan to the world revealed his nature in man. The first word he ever spoke was a lie, and that lie was instrumental in murdering the man and woman. At no time had he ever stood in the truth, even before the act of murder, it was in his heart to lie and to murder, which was manifested when he spoke. When the devil speaks, he speaks a lie, because he is the father of lies. He is such a sure liar that it is like we have heard it said about certain politicians, or other people of ill-repute: "How can you tell when so-and-so is lying? When you see his lips moving." Therefore, it is easily said that the serpent’s claim was the lie. And since we know Jesus cannot lie, and He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life – we know He spoke the truth.
Whether we live or die depends on the source of the word, and also whether it is taken or received. When it is taken, stolen, or grasped after, as the woman took the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, we will know ourselves and we will die. When we receive the blessed, broken bread from the hand of Jesus, we know Him and we live.
If we take to ourselves the word, "You shall not surely die," we shall die. It matters not that we declare our aging and dying to be an illusion, we will die just the same. It matters not if we muster all the presumptuous faith possible and profess that we will never die; we will die. When we have been inspired by the subtle serpent, when we heed its tempting voice, and when we take from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil – it matters not if we name and claim immortality with great emphasis upon these mortal bodies – we will die! And please know, this dying I speak of is our mortal bodies of flesh and not who we are.
It is simply amazing that we are attempting to lay claim to immortality upon our temporal bodies. We preach it, teach it, sing it, and proclaim it, yet nothing changes. We keep aging and dying in spite of Mary Baker Eddy’s "revelation" and teachings. She was the founder of Christian Science, and she taught that sin, sickness, death, and mortality were mere illusions; but she failed to eradicate even one of them; but people did not learn from her failure. And now, that "revelation" of old is purported as new revelation. The fact is, it wasn’t a revelation then and it is not a revelation now. It was a devilation then and it is a devilation now, plain and simple. The idea came from the devil, the father of the lie, and the lie didn't work then, and it won't work today.
Notwithstanding, there may be some who have truly destroyed the one who has the power of death, the devil, or he has been rendered entirely idle, as the Greek has it. If this is the case we can be assured that their bodies will never die. For you see, when the cause is removed, so is the effect. When the cause of death is removed, the mortal will sink into the immortal, and there will be a change. However, let me say this as well, if you go to a funeral and see the claimant's dead body lying motionless in the velvet-lined casket, you can pretty well conclude the devil had not been rendered idle and was still a very real power in the person's life.
Personally, it does not bother me to hear others say that their devil has been destroyed, and they will never die; for it may be true. I hope it is true. Many who say this do not have their focus on the devil. They are not expecting to see him around every corner just waiting to pounce on them. Their focus is Jesus Christ rather than themselves. It can very well be the dawn of their appointed time; yet I personally believe that time of change will be more corporately rather than on an individual basis; that is, for the entire body of Christ to be manifested rather than an individual or a handful here and there.
There is an appointed time, a day, a moment – that at the twinkling of the eye, at the change of vision – death is swallowed by life, and temporal mortality sinks into age-abiding immortality. There is a generation who will know this by experience. It will not be by merely seeing the finished work by the Spirit of revelation; but they will be the living reality of it. And with the vision of life we have today, although partial I am sure, I expect this to be the generation. And if not, the foundation for the manifestation of the Sons of God is certainly being laid for another generation.
Moreover, the twinkling of the eye, i.e., the change of vision, does not come by the will of man but the will of God. It does not come by a positive confession. This vision comes when the focus of that which is seen (natural) is changed to the unseen (spiritual), when that which is fitted for the temporary occasion is changed to the eternal reality. This change comes by the lightning bolt of pure revelation. It is not invoked by man. He is neither the origin of it nor the function of it, and he is certainly not the end of it. God is the author, processor, and the finisher of it all.
The earth of humanity became void as darkness covered the face of man’s understanding, and during this appointed time of darkness through which we all travel, the tribulation filled occasion has worked its eternal purpose. These various afflictions and trying hardships have been set especially for the sons of God. And that which had been common knowledge seems to be fading. Some of the Kingdom brethren are beginning to feel the tribulations are not necessary at all, that they serve no purpose, whatsoever. I differ with their views; for tribulations work intricately in our lives. They are part of the temporary which serve in preparing us to reign in the earth. And there are plenty of references which speak of the importance of tribulations and the reigning of the Sons of God, yet we will only cite a few, such as: Acts 14:22, Romans 8:19-21, Revelation 5:10. We will look more closely at a few verses which speak of the temporal and see the power and necessity of it.
17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:17-18.Temporal is translated from the Greek word, proskairos, and means, for the occasion only, temporary (Strong’s). Thayer's gives this: 1) due measure 2) a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time 2a) a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for 2b) opportune or seasonable time 2c) the right time 2d) a limited period of time 2e) to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time.
It may not seem to be a light affliction; but in relation to the eternal reward, it is light. The Amplified expresses it as being a slight distress: "For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory — beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!" (verse 17).
What a working! What a process! What an exchange! The slight distress of our bodies of humility, our momentary natural affliction of carnality, our assorted obstacles and occasional burdens — work toward and are exchanged for a glory that is beyond all measure, a glory of incalculable riches that transcend all things human! No one who has been made alive could possibly say that this is not a fair exchange. It is well worth enduring the slight distress. When we see this, we can stop complaining about all those things we all suffer. Moreover, it is clear that we are not yet indulging in a glory that is beyond all measure, a glory of incalculable riches that transcends all things human. Can we say that we walk in and manifest the glory of God which is beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations?
No doubt, we have all seen measures of it; for the Kingdom of God has been with us for 2000 years, as Jesus said (rf. Matthew 12:28, Mark 1:14-15). Even so, we have not seen that which is yet to be manifested in its fullness, that which creation groans for, and we also, for the redemption of our bodies. However, we can be sure that the temporal serves to help bring us into it. If we are still suffering infirmities, reproaches, restraints, persecutions, and distresses for Christ’s sake, then we can added it up and see that we have not yet come to our final goal. Although the works of God were finished from the foundation of the world, and although the process has likewise been finished, as well as the end – it is yet to be seen in its express fullness in us and the world. Not all things are being manifested at this time; for that which is for the occasion is still working that eternal weight of glory in us.
There is a faction within our human genome that revolts against processing. It is like trying to discipline a rebellious teenager who knows all the answers to life. He sees no need of painful processing; for as far as he is concerned the goal has been reached; and if it has not been, there must be an easier way to reach it, even though such a way in not clear to him.
If we have been brought to that place, if it is true that we have arrived, I fail to bear witness to it. I am not drawn to the word or spirit of it. Within me is still the Spirit which makes intercession with deep groaning that cannot be uttered. And I groan within myself, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of my body; for while I am in this earthly tabernacle, I groan. The temporal things which are for the occasion continue pressing out the gems stones of life. They are making sure that I am not unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be truly swallowed up of life. They are a working processes which are instrumental in moving us from the temporal into the ever-abiding eternal. Such groaning is not an illusion. It is very real, my friends, and being companions in this journey, I am sure you also know it to be real.
Since we know that these temporal bodies and afflictions serve as proper refining tools, we will not complain or name something which is not. We will not lose patience; for we certainly would not want to drag our carnal bodies into the realm of eternity, that which is formed only for the occasion of slight distress. Although we may be tempted into wishing it can be done, and have perhaps attempted to accomplish that insufferable feat, we know it can’t be done. If it could be a remote possibility, since we have understanding we wouldn’t want to do so and shortchange ourselves. Regardless of how our bodies of earth are pomped, preened, and pampered, these temporal elements cannot compare to the eternal. For that matter, they could never survive in such a holy environment.
If our origin had been in this world, then we would have every right to be concerned about what happens to our dust-laden bodies. But our origin is not of this world. It is out of the heavens of the Beginning. What we see is temporary. It is for an appointed time and designated occasion. There is an eternal purpose for us being in these physical bodies, and that eternal purpose is working in us, and when that purpose is fulfilled, there will be no need to be confined any longer in these earthen vessels. However, whether God chooses for us to go by way of the grave or whether there is a transformation and we are clothed upon with incorruptible bodies while we stand upon our clay feet, it matters not; for there will be a change. One way or another, there will be a change. However, let us patiently wait for it rather than presumptuously claim it to be before the appointed time.
The physical will pass away. We can count on it. Therefore, let us look for that house which is from heaven, that which is eternal. Let us also know that this temporal house is a tool in God’s hand to aid in raising up that house within, which is the very substance of the body of Christ. It is everything that He is and nothing less. It is this house that is being raised up in us to bring forth the fullness of the expression of Christ to creation. Brethren, the process is on, or let us say, the race is on; but the end is not yet, the race is not over! Don’t stop running just yet. Oh, how I wish it was, but the end is not yet!
Surely, we are not still set on carrying the cumbersome baggage of our old bodies into the age of surpassing glory. If we are, it will be good for us to take a moment and notice some additional points in reference to that which is for the occasion and that which is eternal, or rather age-abiding, that which abides throughout the age, as it is in the Greek. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man (that which is for the occasion) is perishing (rotting thoroughly, i.e., decaying utterly. (Strong’s), yet the inward man (which is abiding) is renewed day by day" (2 Cor 4:16). Or it could be said this way: "For this cause we faint not; for though our outward man, our temporal body, that which is for the occasion only, is perishing, ever dying, decaying and wasting away, rotting, if you please – our inner man, that which is ever-abiding, never dying, is renewed day by day."
You see, the mortal which was formed around us for the occasion should not be the focus of who we are, nor should it be an object we cannot lay down and let sink into and be swallowed by immortality. Frankly, I believe if we have a hard time letting our bodies continue the processes of decaying, even in the grave, it is doubtful that we would feel any differently if we began to lose our identities by being transfigured. For you see, either way, we would be losing that cherished, carnal, outward expression of our temporal house which is only for the occasion. Can it be that we have fallen so in love with our physical frames that regardless of how they are changed, we won’t let them and will do anything, believe anything, claim anything with feeble hopes of preventing it? Sadly, I believe for some, the answer is, yes.
Again, 26And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? John 11:26 (NASB). The everyone in this verse is not the tangible, dust-laden bodies, those carnal things which are for the occasion only. The everyone is the spiritual man, they who shouted for joy when the foundations of the earth were laid; those foreknown by God, called, justified, glorified and predestined to be conformed to the express image of His first begotten Son. The everyone is not our old carnal beings who strut about in this body of dirt claiming to be gods and who will never die. We might note in the above verse (Rom 8:30) that not only the word justified, but also glorified is in the past tense, and it is the same in the Greek. So you see, it is true that we were glorified way back when God knew us, and if we were glorified then, we are still glorified; but we are yet to be conformed, i.e, formed. If we are, please show me the manifestation of it. The fact is, we will not see it until the appointed time, and in the End that vision, that which is in the heavens, will speak and be formed for all to see.
The corruptible, no matter how convincing or beautiful it is, will never possess incorruptibility. It will put on, or sink into and be swallowed up by the garment of immortality; but it will not be immortal itself. That outward man will sink and perish, while the inward man will rise and be renewed day by day. Since we know our origin, since we know who we are, let us no longer listen to the lying wind of the subtle serpent which presently works in the children of disobedience.
Let us not bemoan that our bodies of earth are growing older by the day as time and gravity pulls steadily upon them; but let us rejoice that our tabernacles from above are being renewed day by day. We should know there is still the very real negative power of death in the earth. It is as real as darkness when the sun sets in the west. It is not an illusion. And the power of death is no more of an illusion than midnight without the sun. It is real, yet it has no power over the everlasting man from above. It has not power over the man of light who walks in the Day. We want to always keep in mind, however, our natural bodies are not who we are. They are merely are temporal clothing for the occasion of processing only.
It is true that we shall never die; but let us remember who we truly are. Let us not mistake our identity as being our heart attack and disease prone bodies. We date back much further and consist of much more than earthen vessels. We come from a far superior place than earth. Therefore, let us cease from naming and claiming immortality upon these temporal bodies, and with patience, let us wait for the moment, for the twinkling of the eye, for the change of vision when death is swallowed by life, and temporal mortality sinks into age-abiding immortality and the everlasting weight of glory; into that which is beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory which will never end.
It matters not what we profess and claim about our mortal bodies. That is not what makes it so. God has not put His immutable plan of the ages under the dictates of every man who is a presumptuous liar. If he did such a thing, it would cause me to despair. However, since I know it is not left in the temporal hands of man to usher in the manifestation of the Sons of God, I rest in the bed of assurance that all is well and working according to His unwavering purpose, and that purpose will be brought to fruition in due time. And that due time will be when the darkness for the occasion is swallowed by the light of eternity!
To be continued...
Elwin R. Roach
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