Line Upon Line
Precept Upon Precept
From Faith to Faith
and
From Glory to Glory
In Depth
Bible Study Guide
By
ANNE M. ANGELL
Line Upon Line, Precept Upon Precept, From Faith to Faith and From Glory to Glory
All Rights and Copyright April 2011 to Pamela Alexander
A.K.A. Anne M. Angell
Published by Anne M. Angell at SMASHWORDS
ISBN: 978-1-4659-2382-0
Author of other books at Smashwords:
First Steps
Angel Series:
The Hidden Treasure of His Heart
The Falling Star
The Promised Land
Imagine
Bible Study Books:
What Do You Do, Once You Are Born Again?
For Teen: Frazzled to DAZZLED
Novel:
THE END, or Just the Beginning . . .
________________________________________
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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No Part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express permission of Pamela Alexander
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from New King James, used through the Public domains off various resource sites of the internet.
LOOK TO ABRAHAM-POSSESSOR Lesson Seven
SEED TIME & HARVEST Lesson Eight
THE KINGDOM VS. THE BABYLONIAN SYSTEM
Mysteries, Insights, and Revelations
Tools to Use to Study the Bible
1 Timothy 2:15, God requires us to study His Word. In order to do this, I have added helpful suggestions to show you how to go deep into the spiritual side of the bible. In a few sections, I will show you some insights and mysteries that take you deeper into the heart of God and His Word. Before you study or desire to go higher into the knowledge and revelations of God and His Word, you will have to settle this about the bible: it IS God speaking directly to you. It is all prophetic (words coming to pass), because God speaks; it is.
First: The bible was written, originally, in the (OT) Hebrew and (NT) Greek. In the original scrolls and documents, one will find the EXACT words line for line, with every jot and tittle. Thanks to the Jewish people, who have preserved the original texts and interpretations over the centuries, we can have deeper insights and revelations of God and His Word. Through dedicated men over the years, who have tried to preserve the original text, we (the unlearned in Hebrew and Greek) are able to read the scriptures and to understand them. So, out of these, sprang many interpretations, but these are not the original. God did not expect anyone to change even a crossing of a T or the dotting of an I. Yet, it happened. Changing one word from the original can change the thought and intent of that word from God. The closest, reinterpreted bible that gets to the original language, as God spoke, is the King James. This is the best book to use as you study. Other bibles are helpful, too, like: The Jewish Hebrew Bible and the Amplified, which are helpful if someone does not choose to do an in-depth study but would like the meaning of a word at a glance. To read, use any book you desire. If you choose to study with any bible, then you must realize the journey will be more arduous without the King James. Do what you are comfortable with. This is your personal study.
Second: Use a good Strong’s Concordance. This book gives you the interpretation of the Hebrew and Greek. Most do not know Hebrew and Greek. In order to get the best insight into God’s original thoughts and words, we need this tool to help us open up our understanding.
Third: Use an original Noah Webster’s Dictionary, the full version. Many times, the Holy Spirit may ask you to look up the English definition of a word. For instance, He did this with me on the scripture: You will know the truth and the truth will make you free. Make was the word I needed to look up. It was enlightening. Sometimes, the word He wanted you to look up isn’t even close to what you thought it meant.
Here is an example of a typical study using a concordance and a dictionary: a brief study on the Tree of Life.
The (OT) Hebrew word, life, means: chay (2416), alive, strong, life (2421): to live, to revive, (2424) life
Now, the (NT) Greek word for life means: zoe (2222), life (2198): to live, God-kind of Life
As you decipher Hebrew, know that all words spring off of a root word, therefore go to that root and see how it relates to that scripture, or word, as I did with the above word, life.
Now, take the word, life, and look it up in a Noah’s dictionary. The most meaningful description to illuminate the depth of the bible and to see consistency would be the definition: The present state of existence, exact resemblance.
The conclusion would be that the Tree of Life has an exact resemblance or form of life in it as God, Creator. It is His essence, if you will, in the tree. Since the word, life, which God breathed into Adam is the same word, then we can see that in the Tree and Adam exist God’s Life (zoe), essence.
Fourth: Get a good book that explains the customs, cities, towns, clothes, etc., of the bible times. This helps put you in their time and you can see things more clearly.
Fifth: Always keep these thoughts as you study. 1) See how this scripture relates to the first few chapters of Genesis, especially Genesis 1:26-28. 2) Consider God’s will and plan in all your studies. 3) Rightly divide the word. Who are the people? They will either be the Jewish nation, Gentiles (all those without God), or God’s children. What is going on around them: events, city, home, customs, etc.? All scriptures are for our edification, but they are not all to be “exercised.” They were for a specific people and time. If we did them all, we would have to conclude that animal sacrifices are for today, as well. Be wise, discern, and think. 4) Many stories were written accurately to help our understanding, but they are not God’s will or His way. Job is a good example of this. True enough the conversation of the friends was written accurately and for our admonition, but we cannot think as they thought or repeat their ideas as a truth. Their understanding of the Almighty, His will and way, were not truth. 5) To me, this is the most important step: the bible is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each verse should tie into other verses throughout the bible. By two or three witnesses let EVERY word be established. Luke, Jonah, Exodus, and all the books are our witnesses. At least one other scripture in the bible will link with another to back up a truth from God, so search for it. Many, who do not take this step, get over into strange doctrine and false beliefs. We see this prevalent today. This will be explained in more detail later as you progress through the lessons. As you study, you will understand what I mean. 6) Read each word slowly. A difference between a “the” and an “a” can make all the difference in the interpretation. Scriptures are misquoted all of the time, which causes errors leading to unbelief. 7) Read each verse as if it is the first time you ever read it. Stop. Meditate. Read it again. Say it aloud. Meditation (think on it, ponder, say it over and over) brings revelation (it becomes a part of you and how you think and speak) and revelation brings manifestation.
Sixth: Do not begin a study without inviting the Holy Spirit in to help. He is your Helper, Guide, Teacher, and He will counsel you on the Word. Pray that God opens your eyes of understanding and that you can see as He sees, so you, too, can know what He knows. You can begin a lesson, but, more times than not, He ends it in a glorious way. God gets excited (trust me) to reveal the depth of His book!
Seventh: Take notes, keep a journal, share your insights with others to make sure you are in line with what you believe is truth (reason together). Never let a question, confusion, or doubt linger (2 Timothy 2:15). Satan loves to throw a monkey wrench into these studies. The more you know and know truth, the less this will occur.
Eighth: Commentaries: These are personal opinions. Not all opinions are truth. Commentaries offer insight into people, places, and things in that time period. They offer insight, sometimes, into the depth of a word, the spirit portion of our existence. If I could get one thing across, it would be this: never, ever, take someone’s word on anything. Always look up everything, especially if you question it. In time, you will get discernment, because you took the time to find out a truth, not an opinion. Some comments in commentaries are not all truth.
Ninth: Pay Attention to what you read and what others say. Don’t misquote a scripture!
Here is a good example: I hear this come out of people’s mouths and it makes me cringe. A misquote: “There is none good, no not one.” This is taken from Matthew 19:16-17. First, read it. Notice in verse 16 that Good is capitalized (the Word is filled with details that are read over or thought unimportant, so pay attention to every detail). That should be your first clue that this is something different when you see the word capitalized. A man approached Jesus and addressed Him, “Good Master,” and then he proceeded to ask a question. Jesus responds, not with answering the question first, but to the Good. It does seem like He was being evasive. No; Jesus is correcting his statement. Jesus is about setting things right, so confusion is done away with. The Jews had a name for God, which was God the Good. Jesus said, “None good, BUT one, God.” Then, He answers the question. This scripture is not only misquoted, it is telling people that no one is good. That isn’t what Jesus said. He was saying that there is only One, God the Good, which is God. Jesus didn’t even put Himself in the same category. He left the honor and respect to His Father. To deny that we are not good would be to deny how God created us (in His Image and after His likeness). God even said, “Very good,” after He created—man. To say we are not good, would be to deny God in us, Christ in us, and that we are Temples of the Holy Spirit. Yes; the flesh has no good. But, as a born-again child of God, we are good. But, this scripture isn’t even saying that, not even close.
Keep reading scriptures, so you don’t get into err. If you are looking up a word, it is important to find the first place in the bible where that word is found. Sometimes, it can be enlightening. Also, follow that word. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results.
God’s Word is full of depth. Unless one takes the time to study and to learn God and just how intricate the bible is, they will always be skimming the top of the water, trudging through the shallows. God desires for us to delve within the depths and to discover the many mysteries within it.
Every scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action). By this, men of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. (*By inspiration, not for inspiration—big difference. Here is an excellent example of looking up words. So, look up the word, inspiration, from an original Webster dictionary.) God inspired men to write to get His ideas and thoughts into our minds. God wanted an accurate record of what took place, so men could see what would happen if they went far from His truth, or what would happen if they believed His Words.
Tenth: In the bible, you will see some words in an italicized form. This means that the one who was interpreting that scripture added the word to make it clearer to the reader. This does not mean that this word should be a part of the EXACT meaning. Read the scripture with it in and with it taken out.
Granted, these lessons are lengthy. I don’t want to scare anyone away. But, God needs the Saints, the Body, which is “the” Church to function to fullness. These lessons will take you into the meat of the Word. Much of this study can be debated and ridiculed. We don’t have time for that. But, the main part of the scripture, Genesis 1:26, is clear. You can’t debate this away. This is God’s will. Spend time with your family, by yourself, or a friend and go over all of these studies. These studies are designed to take you deep in the Word and to unfold some of the mysteries. Throughout this study book, I will give examples on just how deep the bible can be.
In the bible, most words are for the flesh and spirit. The flesh is so anyone can read it and get something out of the book. The same word can be for your spirit, so you grow into a deeper truth as God reveals insight into that word or scripture. This comes by dedication and a deep hunger to know Him more. The Spirit reveals many of these revelations to you as you diligently search them out. This is where a concordance comes in handy, because God will prompt you to get the importance of that word. Therefore, in many scriptures you can find a double meaning. The way you know it is truth is it always aligns itself back with God’s Word.
An Example: Here is just a small example on the depth of the Word and how to unfold the mysteries. (A small tidbit to show you how beautifully the bible fits together—glorious!):
Hebrews 12:2, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
(He lived by faith and it worked. If we follow what He said and did, we can experience the same results as He did.)
Author: means, Chief leader (dominion factor, ruler), Prince, beginning, first, power, to lead, bring
Finisher: means, Consummator (Complete; perfect; carried to the utmost extent or degree); complete in various applications of labor, growth, mature, perfect man; base form of the word—the point aimed at a limit, completeness, an end
Revelation 1:8: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
Faith: means, Truth itself (agree, believe, obey, trust, yield)
Truth: John 14:6, Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: (He is the truth!)
John 8:32, And you will know the truth, and the truth will make (does not say set) you free. (You will know Jesus and He will make you free.) In order to be made free, you will need to know Jesus, the Truth. The Truth is in the beginning (John 1:1-2).
Revelation 22:13, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Look again at Hebrews 12:2 and put it with this scripture).
Now, let us put these all together, so you can see a glimpse of one of the hidden mysteries of God’s Word.
TRUTH—written in the Hebrew language (‘emeth), the base letter of truth is the first letter of the alphabet, also, the first letter is aleph, the middle letter of the alphabet mem, and the end letter of the alphabet th-tav.
As you can see, in these few scriptures, they are, clearly, defining Jesus. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; He is truth and the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is just one of many treasures hidden throughout the Bible.
John 1:1, In the Beginning (the Alpha) > Jesus > The Word > The Truth > God’s will > Jesus is the Manifestation of God’s Will > The End - finality (the Omega) > the completion of God’s Will (Revelation 22:13), which is the manifestation of the Truth, a manifestation of Jesus.
As you progress through these lessons, this theme will be consistent throughout: IT ALL GOES BACK TO THE BEGINNING!
So, if we are all in one mind and heart, let’s begin the lessons. It is time to learn how to be THE CHURCH and to LIVE BY FAITH. How is this possible to accomplish this goal? It is LINE UPON LINE; PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT; and then, FROM FAITH TO FAITH, until we go from GLORY TO GLORY.
Note From the Author: Throughout these lessons, you will learn truth. I believe Truth manifests. Everything else falls under an opinion, belief, or erroneous teaching. Everything I have taught, I experienced. Therefore, do these lessons and you, too, will experience the supernatural, the miraculous, and the divine . . . better yet, you will experience God.
WELCOME! As the title states, these lessons will be geared toward building your faith and teaching you how to put it into action. It begins with line upon line (building from one scripture and connecting it to another), precept upon precept (God’s laws and ways being understood and obeyed), which builds knowledge and understanding so we can live from faith to faith (believing, relying, and trusting in God). And then, we become the children of the Most High, as we move from glory to glory.
One cannot study the life of Jesus and remain complacent. Jesus was always on the move and going about to carry out the Father’s business. That is the point. What is the Father’s business? If you do not know God’s will, you cannot move forward; you are stagnant. You cannot run the race without knowing the goal, better yet, the path toward the goal. If you believe it is going to Heaven, then you are mistaken. Once you became born again, you reached the Heavenly Gates. The goal is to become more like Christ, to carry out the Father’s will, and to reach the high calling. None of these can take place without knowing His will.
These studies are designed to answer many of the questions concerning the Word of God. I have always felt that if people could understand the beginning, then they would understand what this new Life in Christ means. Many great studies have come forth over the many years. Most seem to start in the middle and work their way toward the beginning, or by pass it all together and remain focused on the Life of Jesus. Yet, many people remain confused on what the bible is all about. They still lack a definite, clear understanding of the plan and purpose of our existence. Especially when they read of these great stories and exploits in the bible and what God said we can expect, yet few experience even one of them.
It would be like someone saying we are headed to Shangri-La. With great excitement and anticipation, everyone gets in their vehicles. As the engines idle, no one has a clue on the direction, or what to do on the way. Each is waiting for the other to make the first move. One brave soul inches their car forward, while those looking on figure this must be the one who knows how to get to the final destination. No one is asking directions or talking and even if someone was speaking, few are listening. Some take the initiative and just begin driving. As that as their example, others follow suit. Before long, many trails are forged in different directions. Some settle in within a place of comfort and lodge there, at times indefinitely, because they have given up. This depicts what has happened in the Christian walk. All know we are headed toward the Kingdom of God, yet few know how, or even why they are going. Most born-again people are lost sheep gone astray. Sheep are dumb animals and follow along. Those who settle in unfamiliar pastures develop religions, opinions, and beliefs, something that seems right to them. Certain teachings seem to help explain some of the mysteries of God. Or, did they explain them at all?
This Study of the Word will shake many a foundation, and prayerfully, some will crumble. These studies are to awaken those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, to set up the truth so they can get into the position on a firm foundation, to build upon the Rock of their salvation, to soar upon the wind of the Spirit, to attain ALL that Jesus lived and died for, to please the Father fully, and to determine to become The Church! The Church has a duty to perform. She isn’t doing it, because few know what She was created to do.
Most religions are based on an opinion with little or no results. Still, they keep practicing it by religious repetition, because that’s what everyone else in the group is doing. While they eat on stale food (old-repetitive preaching), they grow complacent. The church of the Living God becomes malnourished. No wonder many who attend church are disillusioned and most churches are practically empty. Why would anyone in the world want what we, the Body of Christ, have? From an outside perspective, what’s so great about going to church anyway? Most are dozing off, while others are thinking about what to eat or to do for the rest of the day. When you see many squirming, yawning, or many looking at their watches, it gives one pause to wonder, what is so great about being a Christian? Their attention gets easily side tracked as they listen to a dull sermon. Many have finally figured out that if they want to sleep, they don’t have to come to church and sit on a hard seat. They can remain in a soft-warm bed and get up when they feel like it. Is this what Jesus suffered and died for? When a passing non-believer sees the congregation running out the doors to get home or yelling at each other in the parking lot, what makes you think you are setting an example for them to want to come inside? Why did many run to hear Jesus? What did Jesus do differently than what many a church people are doing today?
The bible is about one thing—God has something to say (Romans 10:14-15) and He wants them to, finally, know “the” truth. The first three chapters of the bible are the most overlooked scriptures in the book. God does not change His mind. In the beginning, He established it all: all life, His whole plan and purpose, and who we were created to be. It, however, took the rest of the following chapters and books of the bible to tell us this great plan of God.
The Church is God’s children. A church is a building where good and devoted people go to have a religious experience. The Church is designed by God to carry out His will, purpose, and plan to all nations, to change the world back to the beginning of all things. The Church is responsible to carry this through to completion. Religion cannot and has never accomplished that task. The Church should be experiencing the supernatural, the miraculous, and the Divine, whether they are in a building, out in the streets, or in their own home. Most churches function in programs that are ineffectual and have little if nothing to do with God and His plan; it is their plan! The Church holds the power of God and with God all things are possible.
Here is the message that Jesus delivered to all nations: God created you a speaking, god spirit, to dominate, to carry out all good and perfect. How? We do this by faith (believing trusting, and relying on Him), so we can work WITH Him to make it all happen. Why? So that God’s grace (all His power for our use, although we didn’t do anything to deserve it) can abound toward every good work of His. Why? So that God’s righteousness (all His good works) can be revealed in all things, throughout the world and for all people. Why? So that Satan’s unrighteous deeds can come to an end and God’s peace can spread and take over the world.
That is the whole message. From here on out, it will take the rest of the book to explain why we can do this and how it came about that we MUST do it this way.
The Spirit of God was sent to help us attain this goal and plan of God. It cannot happen without a moving of the Holy Spirit; He needs a place to move. He needs EXPECTANT hearts. He needs to hear the Word, Truth. One’s opinions, beliefs, and church traditions will cause the church to stagnate and the Spirit of God has nothing to work with to move among the people. This is all based upon knowing the truth and God’s will. Many can’t do this because they have not learned discipline, patience, and a keen ear to hear the Spirit speaking, or a desire to accept only truth. Without truth, few really know the one and only direction to take to reach the ultimate goal of God.
KNOWING TRUTH
We must be built on the line of truth. Only one truth exists, God’s truth. Opinions, theories, speculations, ideas, and religious beliefs have no place within God’s truth. To attain truth, one must first judge their beliefs\heart. It is time for you to ask, “What do I want? Do I want to press toward the goal, to reach the high calling? Do I desire to go further in the wealth and riches of the Word, or am I satisfied with this life and what I believe? Why have I never experienced clearly what the bible says I can have?”
My questions, to you, “Do you want to keep everything just the way that it is, or not? Do you desire to do what God wants for you and the world? Do you, finally, want the truth and nothing but the truth?” If so, then it is time to settle in and get the truth.
True enough, the Word is inspired by God, yet not all of it is for inspiration (the communication of the divine will to our understanding by suggestions or impressions on the mind, which leave no room to doubt the reality of their supernatural origin). Yes; there are accurate and recorded accounts in the Word, but not all of them are to our benefit or commissioned by the will of God for men to do. Look at the Book of Job as an example. Not everything that was said was a God-inspired truth for men to do or say. It was accurately recorded for our benefit (facts), but it was not in line with God’s truth. This is one reason the bible instructs us to rightly divide the Word. We need to be able to know what truth is, which are not lies and or facts. How can we know? (Point #1) We must know God’s will in every scripture. The bible is balanced on His will: His plan, purpose, and desire. The bible holds hard truths, just a few of which we are about to study: We are gods; we have the right to rule this earth and bring it into peace and rest; God is not in control; and, we are righteous and not sinners.
Many who attempt to teach truth are like Job’s friends who say a lot of religious mumbo jumbo. Much of what they say sounds truthful and good, but it has nothing to do with God or His truth on a matter. They did this out of ignorance, because they truly believed they knew God and His will.
Most people get into err, because they do not take the time to see whether it was a truth spoken or not. They just repeat what they heard and it is repeated again and again by one person and then onto another. Soon, many believe it as truth . . . , but it isn’t! This gets many into a grow-worse image, an image of fear and not peace and faith, an image of defeat and not victory. All because they became as Job’s friends and think they are speaking God-inspired words. In reality, they are speaking nothing but lies, an untruth. Not out of willfulness, but out of ignorance.
Jesus understood God’s will and purpose, earthly authority, how to operate by faith, grace, and the power of God, the anointing. (Point #2) If you do not understand these, you can be talked out of them, or deceived into believing something other than the truth. People believed Jesus had the anointing. Today, people cannot receive from God if they do not believe children of God have the anointing as well. If they believe God’s truth, they can receive—plain and simple. If someone does not KNOW the will of God, then they are in ignorance, doubt or unbelief. In such a case, it is up to someone to tell them the truth, so they can know and receive from God. Or, it is their responsibility to find out the truth. If you have never known the truth of God’s Word, you have no one to blame but yourself. God says for YOU to seek, for YOU to find, and for YOU to ask. He desires a heart that wants to KNOW Him.
When dealing with an individual, we must begin to ask the person in whom we are dealing with what they know or do not know. We cannot be of like mind and in agreement, especially dealing with prayer, if one does not know the truth.
If we imitate Job and say an untruth, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away,” then how can anyone know what to take a stand on if they suffer loss, or a bountiful gain? Was it from God, or not from God? How will one ever know without truth? If they believe He gives and takes, then both should be in praise for God’s will being done. If someone believes this as a truth, how would they ever know what God is doing or about to do next? (Point #3) Is He giving or taking? Is He destroying or building? Is He healing or making one sick? Is He killing or giving life? God does not author confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Those who do not know truth are the authors of confusion and they lead many away from God, instead of toward Him. In all this confusion, God is the One who is blamed. It is time to get the story straight. God does have one way to live. Through these lessons, you will begin to see the consistency and accuracy of His Word.
Is the Bible a Storybook?
Why do I ask that? I have observed that many read the bible and can quote scriptures, but few act upon what they read or quote. For them, they have turned the bible into a storybook and they will deny this vehemently. It is time to stop seeing it as a storybook and see it as our instruction manual. Follow the directions and your path will become clearer.
One of the obstacles that one will face as they learn about the beginning is it does sound like a story, almost an unbelievable story. Once one gets over the idea that it isn’t a story, but the truth and that it is a true depiction of the beginning and what part we play in the plan of God, then they must decide that complacency has no part in their lives anymore. I call it being a pew sitter, an observer but never a participant. It is time to believe and have faith in God, or knowingly walk away from the truth.
I have always taught and warned many that once they know the truth, they cannot go back and live life as usual. Once they know the truth, they are responsible before God and man to do what God created them to do. These thoughts are meant to stir your heart, to get you to judge whether you have set your heart to know God’s will or not. Satan is the deceiver of all time. He is a master at what he does. He loves religion and religious people, especially when the Man of Perdition and the anti-Christ show their true nature to the world. Religion will welcome him with open arms. Why would this be possible? Few will not be able to discern truth from a lie.
If Jesus calls, can you say, “Here Lord, send me!” How can you go, if you don’t know what you are supposed to do? How can you go equipped, if you are not familiar with the power to use to carry God’s work through? How can you equip others, if you aren’t equipped yourself? What is the purpose of the gifts? What is the purpose of the signs and wonders? For our benefit, so we can get chills and goose bumps? How can one move from glory to glory, if they don’t know what the glory is or how to attain it? It’s time to get into the position of knowing. 1 John is one of my favorites. He says know at least 22 times. (Point #4) So, contrary to some beliefs, yes; we can know things, even the deep things of God. He isn’t keeping this from us; Satan is. Sadly, for many he has done a good job at keeping them ignorant of spiritual matters.
In these stories in the bible, or bible truths, we have main characters. Without a clear understanding of the main characters, one cannot fully understand the bible which will guide us into truth. The first character we will look at is Lucifer. For many, this will be their first obstacle to overcome: Does Satan and demons exist? Does hell exist? My best answer for that is: all those in hell believe. In other words, everyone there, if they could return, would gladly tell you it is real, too real. If one does not believe in Satan, demons, or hell, then there is no need to go any further. You might as well throw the bible away, because it will be nothing more than a book of fantasy. If there is even one untruth in the bible, it is all a lie. I am not going to try to convince anyone of anything. I can only go by my own life experiences with the supernatural, miraculous, and divine and the truth of God’s Word. To me, it is more real than anything I can see with my eyes. Everything in life is about choice. But, if you want an explanation of this life and the world, then this can be one of your best tools to find the answers.
The number one question many people ask, even people of the Christian religion, “Why do bad things happen? Or, why did God do this or that?” These lessons will answer those questions.
One thing to keep in mind as we look at Lucifer, we have enough of the scriptures in the bible to form a picture of him and what happened. Yet, some of the details are not fully explained. We have enough information to form a definite answer to what part he plays in our lives.
(You will find numerous versions of the story of Lucifer and the fallen angels written over the years. It all makes for good reading, and not that some of it cannot be true. Unless the bible gives us an accurate account, we are left to speculation. We do have enough scriptural foundation to form a clear picture of Lucifer, his interaction with God and man, and our beginnings. The rest, we will wait to get our definite answers from God.)
Lucifer, as are other angels like Michael and Gabriel, was a leader in the Kingdom of God. As in any group, ranks exist. Main leaders exist and the others are grouped under them. Many theories, over the years, have concluded that Lucifer’s position was as a personal servant to Jesus, while others say he was the praise and worship leader. All could be truth. What is important, however, is he was a leader. He did hold weight in the Kingdom of God. He was well recognized as someone who was highly respected.
(To best describe what happened and to help make it make sense, I will use terms that we can understand to see the picture more clearly. These terms in no way depict God or His character. They are used, solely, to help people understand what was in the heart of Lucifer.)
Keep in mind that the Creator created a created being, an angel. An angel cannot create. Lucifer was a created being, angel, from the Creator. Lucifer could not create. We do know, however, that he was anointed. Any careful study of the word, anointing, means the power of God.
Angels have free will. God created angels to be ministering spirits that serve, to hearken to the voice of God, to minister (to give, supply, perform a service) the spoken Word, to work or labor it into existence. This does not mean they can “create” the thing, or word. They can cause or move upon circumstances to make the spoken Word exist. They excel in strength and do His Word. This is a key to Satan’s “power.” He has no power, creative power to speak and make something come into being. If he did, he could have dethroned God when he spoke.
First, we need to understand how God creates. He doesn’t wave a magic wand, wave His hand, or conjure up some chemicals and, poof, out comes something new. He creates by speaking. He speaks; it is, or BEcomes what He spoke. It came from His heart, out of His Spirit, into His mouth, and the word He spoke formed the thing He spoke.
Lucifer was more than aware on how God created, by speaking. It is possible that since Lucifer was an anointed cherub (and as many believe, a worship leader), he used the anointing to create the purest and holiest of praise and worship ever created. Not by creating something into being, but by using the anointing to take what was and magnify it into a glorious piece of creativity, a masterpiece. In the Kingdom of God this would be a powerful tool to cause the Kingdom of God to stir when the words and music began. Voices of angelic hosts rising, knees bowing, and hands lifting as the notes and words flowed out like crystal, clear water, each directed toward the Godhead. And then, they culminate into a magnificent crescendo of Excellency. Think of Handel’s “Messiah” played and sung in concert. In a sense, Lucifer created by the power of God for his use for the benefit of all in the Kingdom to praise and worship the Godhead.
Ezekiel 28:12-15, Thus says the Lord GOD; You seals up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. You have been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of your tabrets and of your pipes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. You are the anointed cherub that covers; and I have set you: you were upon the holy mountain of God; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until iniquity (evil, unrighteousness) was found in you.
Note: God created Lucifer, not the pride or evil within his heart. Lucifer had a free will. A created creature is not above the Creator. Keep in mind what pride means. The anointing (power) gave Lucifer the supernatural ability to create a perfect form of praise and worship.
This ability to create (a powerful atmosphere) began to stir his heart toward more grand ideas, like overthrowing the Kingdom of God. If he could create music that affected others, especially the Godhead, he believed he could do more. Pride got a hold of his heart (Ezek. 28:12-15) [the definition of pride is: an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others]. His heart stirred to such a fever pitch that He saw God in a different light. In other words, he wasn’t creating anything new; he was enhancing what already did exist. He did this through the anointing.
Lucifer brought into question God’s justness of being the sole Ruler, who could rule and reign for eternity and none of the angels had a say in the matter. An angel, like Lucifer, could never be in such an esteemed position. In other words, no one had a vote or say. Therefore, Lucifer saw God and the Kingdom as a monarchy, one leader, ruler, and one way. Lucifer, through his music, proved he had a sense of control, power, and he wanted more of it. He knew and understood the “power” of God. He wanted the kingdom and the throne and believed it was attainable.
Lucifer had to convince others of his plan to take over. His words were convincing enough that he was able to get a third of the angels on his side and into rebellion. (Even this number is up for debate. We do know that Lucifer was not alone.) These angels believed Lucifer could labor or work into existence what he spoke.
I can just imagine it, as Lucifer and his entourage boldly approached the throne of God, with boldness and arrogance reeking from their hearts. Pride was within his heart (spirit), which is unrighteousness, evil. As he stood with his head lifted high, Lucifer made his five declarations (remember: speaking creates, laboring things into existence) of what he intended to do and believed his words would come to pass: Isaiah 14:12-15: “I will (1) ascend into heaven, I will (2) make my throne above the stars of God: I will (3) sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will (4) ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will (5) be like the most High.”
Between Isaiah and Ezekiel, we can get a picture of Lucifer and what took place. It is interesting to me that Lucifer believed every word he spoke.
Note: The five spoken statements are relevant to Satan’s hatred toward God. As you will read later, all that Lucifer declared, God did for Adam. Now, you have a keener understanding why Satan hates God and mankind so strongly. Also, Satan thought Adam was an inferior creature to himself. If he did not believe that, then he would not have gone after Adam or Jesus. No one goes out into battle already expecting to lose.
God heard Lucifer’s words. Before Lucifer and the others knew what happened, they were gone, out of the Kingdom of Light and hurled into darkness. Like lightening he fell—Luke (10:18). In other words, the anointing, his covering, the glory of God was stripped off of him. He became darkness, full of evil intent. Without God, Lucifer has no love, good, or perfect, in a sense, the essence of God within him.
God was in a position, now, where all eyes were upon Him? This event rocked their peaceful existence. Was God unjust by being the only One able to ever sit on the throne?
The key to this understanding are three factors: the ability to create, to be able to do it in love, and with righteous thought.
Lucifer already proved he was self seeking. His thoughts were not for the care and peace of the Kingdom; they were self seeking and self motivated. Still, God had to deal with Lucifer’s issue and, in a sense, prove to the others that God was God and was the only One capable of complete authority, motivated by the power of love for all and for everything. From this point on, this issue had to be settled.
To some, putting Lucifer in utter darkness and away from what he was familiar with would seem unjust. Others cannot understand why God didn’t destroy him right then and there. Lucifer’s words could not be erased away, as if they were never spoken. Angels would always wonder if Lucifer had a point. If God would have destroyed Lucifer, it would be out of vindictiveness, retaliation, or arrogance. By destroying Lucifer, all it would have proven is that it was possible that Lucifer was right about God; He was a form of a dictator. Always remember that God knows what He is doing. In this case, God had a brilliant plan.
God created all things. It was time for Lucifer to step up to the plate and do the same—create. You might say he had a blank canvas—void and dark. First thing he was going to have to do was turn on the lights. For God that would have been an easy task. Did that happen for Lucifer? Was he able to “turn on” light? Let’s find out.
Heaven, in Genesis 1:1 and in Isaiah 14:12, are the same, which mean sky, a place where the clouds roam. (We see this later where Satan is known as the prince of the power of the air.) We would have to conclude that this is speaking of the earth realm and not God’s domain, Heaven. Lucifer did not get a name change to Satan (which means opponent), until after the rebellion.
Genesis 1:1, In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.
Genesis 1:2, And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved (brood, as a hen with her chicks; cherish, mature as with care [Matthew 23:37]).
Jeremiah 4:23-27, I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.
By these verses, we can see something happened to the earth. Science has evidence that the earth is millions to billions of years old. Yet, Genesis 1:1 says it began in perfection then God came in to create, to return LIFE to it. It is believed that Lucifer rebelled in this time frame, desiring to rule, be Ruler over an inhabitance. (This is not an important issue to debate. What is important is that God came and brought Light—He is the Light!)
Genesis 1:1 says God created; therefore, we know He created something perfect. Yet, Genesis 1:2 says something contrary.
God determined to change these conditions of the realm from darkness and void of good and into perfect and good.
Now, we don’t have a record on the time that Lucifer was left to carry out his creative abilities. What we do know is that when God, in His mercy and grace, showed up on the scene, nothing in that environment had changed. Lucifer had not created anything, not even more angelic hosts that he could persuade to take over the Kingdom of God with him. Before all hosts of heaven, God proved who was Creator. Imagine how humiliating it had to be for Lucifer, especially in front of his so-called followers, when God showed up. Worse, how he felt with God’s next move.
(Genesis 1:3) So all could hear, God said (think of His voice thundering across the universe), “Light BE!” He made a distinction between the Light and darkness. He is Light!
Now, pay close attention to this, because I do not want you to miss this. The next words that were written, according to the King James is: Light WAS. No, this is a poor English translation. Look it up. The literal translation should have been written: “Light BE” (means to exist) and “Light BE!”
WAS is a past tense verb, which means it exists. BE is a substantive verb and substantive expresses something that exists. Each expresses something that exists.
So, read it like this: Light exist (come into My presence) and Light exist (it came into His Presence, because it already was). He wasn’t making something; it already existed. All He did was bring it into OUR reality, world. He is calling for what already exists, to exist where it did not exist before. He called out for it to come into His presence (Romans 4:17). Later, we will learn that this is what God expects us to do as well (more, later). [This is a key point and follows through with the words, comes down. Faith is expecting the word to come [to be] or [to come into our presence.] When? NOW (Hebrews 11:1).
Well, look at what awesome thing God did . . . light.
In an extensive study on light, one will find that within every atom, light exists. God was putting His essence, the glory, into all things. Therefore, all good and perfect went into all things, every atom. How? He spoke it into being. He took a part of Himself, Light, the glory, and placed it into all that He created (this is a key to your understanding, so hold onto it as we progress into these lessons).
God called this separation of darkness (Satan’s territory) and the perfect and good Light that He created to exist into all things, which He called Day and Night. Night, also, means for a season. This holds to the truth of the bible that darkness will not always be with us (Revelation 22:5). This is God’s simple message to us that although we can see darkness, the good news is it is only for a season until all things come into His perfect plan.
It will not be until verse 16 that we can see that God created two great lights, the Sun and Moon. These were created to determine time. Another study on light, one can see that to be at the very “Source” of Light (Who is God), time does not exist. We determine our time by the rotation of the Earth and the visible evidence of either the Sun or the Moon. These great lights were, also, God’s hope for us that He would never leave us in total darkness. Also, you will find that God gave these great lights dominion, or the right to rule, their realm. This is a key point, because it is another way of God saying to Lucifer, “You are not in control. I put inanimate objects to rule that realm and there is nothing you can do about it.”
Without going into everything God created upon the earth, I will skip to verse 26. As you can read to this point, God created and filled the earth with His goodness, life, all good and perfect.
Imagine being one of Lucifer’s followers as they watched the Creator create. I’m sure they felt like fools. Well, God wasn’t done and I am sure Lucifer would have wished God would have stopped right there and then. God had other plans. God began to fill the void with life. All forms of creation came from His Voice and wonders of all forms took their positions in the universe and upon earth.
Lucifer could sense his followers breathing down his neck, because he could not stop God and he hadn’t created one thing since his expulsion. In six short days, God proved His power and ability. Okay, God proved He could create and Lucifer couldn’t. The issue of One ruler was, still, in question.
To understand the bible, one needs to grasp what was happening at this time. Lucifer brought into question the fairness of only “one” having the right to rule. God does not forget anything. His heart weighs all matters and brings them to perfect balance and peace. To end this debate, once and for all, especially so His way would never be brought into question again, God turned His attention upon the earth.
God took a handful of dirt, breathed His Life into the form, and said some astounding words that, even today, few understand the awesomeness of them, “Let Us make man in Our Image and after Our likeness. Let THEM HAVE DOMINION. . . .” By those words, the accusations against God had to cease. For the first time in the Angelic Hosts existence, God released complete authority and reign over to a created being. The issue of one ruler ended that day. Still, God was not done. Sure, it may have been on some insignificant planet called, earth. But, it was an important first step, the beginning of what would take place later. God had a secret plan, which would not be revealed for another four-thousand years. The issue of God’s power, the anointing, couldn’t just be handed over to just anyone and expect them to rule, with the ability to create, to be able to do it in love, and with righteous thought.
To understand Lucifer, you need to get inside his head and feel just how much hatred was building within his heart. He was furious. Evil gripped his heart like an iron fist. He hated God for showing him up. And, he hated this new species of being called, man. The very thing that Lucifer wanted, to be ruler, God turned over to this (how Lucifer saw him) insignificant creature, man. After all, this was powerful Lucifer, great and mighty, a leader from the realm of God. As far as Lucifer was concerned, he was not done yet. His followers wanted answers. Here they were thrust away from everyone and everything they had ever known, all because they believed Lucifer could actually pull off taking the reign of the Kingdom from God.
How many fallen angels exist? Hebrews 12:22, to an innumerable company of angels. If God’s Kingdom is filled with an innumerable amount, then how many were rebellious out of innumerable? The number of evil spirits could be vast, more than we can imagine. They are “ranked,” as in an army with leaders. Ephesians 6:12, principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. In Heaven: Seraphim, cherubim, Guardian angels, Angelic Hosts, etc.
Now, you should have a clearer understanding of Lucifer and what began this glorious journey to where we are today and for eternity. Lucifer’s pride was sin and sin began in heaven. Later, Jesus brought His blood into heaven and cleansed, or purified everything within it. The main points to carry throughout these lessons and to see the consistency of the bible and God are: a Kingdom being ruled by One ruler, Lucifer’s accusation that God had no intention of ever having another in that position as sole Ruler, Lucifer’s five declarations coming to pass, and God carrying out His plan in a righteous and just way, in love, by faith, so that it is by grace, so that it (God’s power) can abound to every good work for the benefit of all.
Your goal:
* Know God’s Will
* Know the Truth
* Know His Love
* Know His Plan
* Know Who You Are
* Know what God Expects from You
This is the purpose of these studies, so you can get to the place that you KNOW; you are the informed. Once you know, then nothing and no one can deceive you or get you off the course that God has laid out for His children. These goals and lessons, if understood and applied, will take you Higher.
It doesn’t matter where you are in the bible, every understanding behind the scriptures will take you back to the Beginning. God’s will is found in the Beginning—Genesis 1:26-28. God’s will, the principles and laws, His purpose and plan were all established in the beginning. Nothing has changed. God says, “I change not. In the beginning was the Word . . . the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
Three things are involved in operating in the supernatural:
1) The Spirit (Who waits to hear a word spoken)
2) The Word (spoken-Rhema)
3) It is—Be! (whatever was spoken)—manifestation
Everything that God spoke (Rhema—God breathed word[s] spoken) or promised is a prophetic word, now, written for our knowing—the Logos (written word). So, we can be confident, assured, that it will be, or come to pass. Amen, so let it be written (logos), so let it be done; you agree and, therefore, you will say (Rhema). You become like God. He speaks; it is. Everything involves these three. It was all spoken at the Beginning, so it (all things—words) already exist(s).
Nothing is difficult to understand. In fact, most of it is so simple that you wonder how you could have missed it. God said this to me one time, “In the complexity, is the simplicity. In the simplicity, is the complexity.” In other words, at first, it seems difficult to comprehend. Once you comprehend it, or get the revelation on it, it is simple to understand.
PART 1
It is time to fit the scriptures together, so you get a better understanding of what took place in the beginning. As I already discussed, Lucifer rebelled against God. God created light and all things. He created a new species of being, called a man, or a speaking-god spirit.
The important thing to know is in James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. I change not (Malachi 3:6). [For our lessons later, it is important to note the words, comes down. This ties in with the verses faith comes and Your Kingdom come.]