Kingdom And The Lampstand Church.

The Mystery of The Lampstand.

The Mystery of UNITY

Relevant Questions Concerning the Kingdom Life!

 

February 4, 2016

Revelation 1:20 "As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels (bond-servants) of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Any authentic study of the New Covenant Church MUST include a detailed study of the Lampstand in the Tabernacle of Moses. The first thing we notice is that the Lampstand is a type of the New Covenant Church. Its construction, its material, its location, its order for being set up, its transportation and how and when the Priests serviced it are all part of the revelation that is quietly concealed in a mystery.

Many of the interpretations of the details of the Lampstand and its construction have not yet been revealed. Even though many physical details are given in scripture, the interpretations and applications are still a mystery.

This study will focus upon its one piece unity (hammered into one piece) and the material, pure Gold, used to make the Lampstand. The reason this understanding is critical now is this is the realm of the next restoration of the church, which conforms to God’s pattern.

The “next Restoration,” in our opinion, will be the Holy Place Life and Ministry. Since the Lampstand is located in the Holy Place, its understanding will be central and critical to the next restoration. It is for that reason that we understand it is time to explore all we can about the “furniture” and “function” of the Holy Place.

Exo 25:31 "Then you shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand and its base and its shaft are to be made of hammered work; its cups, its bulbs and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. 32 "And six branches shall go out from its sides; three branches of the lampstand from its one side, and three branches of the lampstand from its other side. 33 "Three cups shall be shaped like almond blossoms in the one branch, a bulb and a flower, and three cups shaped like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bulb and a flower--so for six branches going out from the lampstand; 34 and in the lampstand four cups shaped like almond blossoms, its bulbs and its flowers. 35 "And a bulb shall be under the first pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the second pair of branches coming out of it, and a bulb under the third pair of branches coming out of it, for the six branches coming out of the lampstand. 36 "Their bulbs and their branches shall be of one piece with it; all of it shall be one piece of hammered work of pure gold. 37 "Then you shall make its lamps seven in number; and they shall mount its lamps so as to shed light on the space in front of it. 38 "And its snuffers and their trays shall be of pure gold. 39 "It shall be made from a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils. 40 "And see that you make them after the pattern for them, which was shown to you on the mountain.

When this subject of “church” comes up it generally begins with scriptures

related to “the Body of Christ.” When we add the revelation of Colossians 3 to the body of Christ, much doctrinal confusion occurs. Why? That is because we must add to the “package” a greater portion of “new life” just to identify the body. This confuses the popular studies that generally ignore this essential reality. The general rule is this; No Life= No Body. No Body= No Church. No Church= No Lampstand! No Lampstand= no Illumination. No Illumination= No Revelation. No Revelation= The Visible Church!

The “Lampstand” is the center shaft and the base. Even though the six branches are one piece with it, it is this center shaft that is called “the Lampstand.” Just seeing the center shaft as the lampstand may be confusing but when we relate this to the Lampstand Church and compare it to the Body of the High Priest, it is easier to relate the center shaft to the Head and the six branches to the body.

Colossians 3:1 If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Scriptures like these raise a lot of questions because those who have ears to hear will immediately wonder “by which life am I living.” Even though “I believe in Jesus,” have I really died to the former life? Is my life (old or new,?) been hidden with Christ in God? Am I now living by His Life or am I still living by the life of first Adam?

Well, brother, I am not, really, conscious that I have died and I am not sure that it is no longer I who live. BUT, does it really matter because “I AM ALREADY SAVED.”

Tell me, brother, if I am not conscious of His Life does that mean “I” am still living by the old life? If that is true then how do “I” die? What is the evidence that “I” am prepared for Christian Fellowship through death, burial and resurrection. Maybe “I” am just looking for Christian “friendship” instead of Christian Fellowship. Real Church Fellowship is by all persons involved who are possessing the same LIFE! No NEW LIFE= No Christianity!

These questions are both confusing and endless but many are valid questions. Then when we add this other dimension of the Lampstand Church, which IS His Body, many more questions arise. It will soon be clear that I don’t have many answers but even more questions to add to the confusion. Then WHAT is the problem?

I assume there are very few answers to progressive questions under the natural light of the Outer Court. Why? This “process” of the Outer Court is for the foundations and basic preparations for the Christian Life. It is the Christian Life, function and fellowship which commences in the Holy Place and specifically in the Lampstand Church! We might assume that in the Holy Place, under the Spiritual Light of the Lampstand, there will be fewer questions but that each question requires clearer and more detailed but possibly mystical answers.

However, let us just take some more obvious facts seen in the Body and in the Lampstand so we can see the connection between the “body function and the corporate Kingdom.”

Since the Lampstand is hammered out of one piece of gold and is a type for us of His Body, it means that we can no longer be independent “believers.” We might name this “the restraint of the Body.” Words like bondage, slave or bond-servant or fully restricted may be applicable, or to being confined (entrapped) in “one body.” At least it is clear that no part of the Lampstand can operate independently of other “parts” because it is made of “one united piece.” The Lampstand is pictured as “one whole unit.” This “one whole unit” could also be “referred to as “ONE NEW MAN.” “One new man” is more compatible and descriptive of the body than “one piece Lampstand.” Still, either one is descriptive of the “one body.”

This “picture” of “ONE NEW MAN” should help us identify another quality of the Body of Christ which is that it is “one whole unit” and has NO independent parts. The Body of Christ, pictured as Lampstand, is hammered out of one thing, gold, which is the “Life and substance of Christ.” A “hand” can no longer function independently. A “foot” can not take off on its own. A mouth may not speak on its own initiative.

We have heard that “message” many times but little actually changes in the church. We all know that doctrine and it has been regularly preached for 100 years or more. Still the “church” is more splintered with each new doctrine or man made emphasis. However, the Lampstand reveals an absolute oneness and pictures it pictorially and graphically in the Tabernacle.

We may have experienced “a hand waving independently while extended from the foot” in what is referred to as “the Body” but we can’t picture one branch of the Lampstand waving independently from the base. The Lampstand pictures a restriction, a limitation and a oneness that we can’t see in the Church today even though it is call “His Body.” Of course there are many things said about Body that can’t be seen or applied to the Lampstand, which is hammered out of one piece of pure gold. For example worship, ministry, service, priesthood, authority or movement. The Lampstand cannot reveal the universal nature of the Body of Christ, which cannot be confined to one location. The Kingdom must be preached to EVERY nation and we assume a “body” will be formed in each location. (Example; the Seven Churches)

Therefore, my opinion is that the Lampstand Church is only related to the Church He is Building and not to the visible church and a thousand denominational divisions, each with its own hierarchy! Why? The lampstand is NOT in the visible realm but is “in the tent.” The sequence of setting up the “tent” and its basic component but essential fundamentals of function, may be interesting.

Exodus 40:1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "On the first day of the first month you shall set up (1) the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 3 "And you shall place (2) the ark of the testimony there, and you shall (3) screen the ark with the veil. 4 "And you shall bring in (4) the table and arrange what belongs on it; and you shall bring in (5) the lampstand and mount its lamps. 5 "Moreover, you shall (6) set the gold altar of incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up(7) the veil for the doorway to the tabernacle.

These seven elements were set up first before there could be a “location” for God to dwell there. He “first” had to have a Holy Place in which He could dwell. The exact place was the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place. It was these seven parts, including the TENT that provided for the visitation of God Almighty. The Lampstand and its lamps were number 5 in the sequence but the fullness was not realized until everything became functional. It is not “fulness” just to have the “TENT.” Everything must have a functioning presence!

Exo 40:17 Now it came about in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was erected. 18 And (1) Moses erected the tabernacle and (2) laid its sockets, and (3) set up its boards, and (4) inserted its bars and (5) erected its pillars. 19 And (6) he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent on top of it, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 20 Then (7)he took (8) the testimony and put it into the ark, and (9) attached the poles to the ark, and put (10) the mercy seat on top of the ark. 21 And (11) he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and (12) set up a veil for the screen, and screened off the ark of the testimony, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 22 Then (12) he put the table in the tent of meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil. 23 And (13) he set the arrangement of bread in order on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 24 Then (14) he placed the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. 25 And (15) he lighted the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 26 Then (16) he placed the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the veil; 27 and (17) he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 28 Then (18) he set up the veil for the doorway of the tabernacle.

The “TENT” was not functional until all 18 parts were complete. The Lampstand

(14) was not functional until the Lamps (15) were lit and burning to provide Illumination for the Holy Place. The Table was not functional until the Bread was set in place. The Gold Altar (16) was not functional until the Incense was burning. I am speculating that these “functions” are, experientially, part of the next restoration. That means;

No fire= No illumination; No fire = No incense; No Incense = No function; No Showbread= No Word; No Word= No food for Priests; No Food for Priests= No inner Life; No Inner Life= No Function; No Function= No Burning Lamps; No burning Lamps= No illumination; No Illumination = Darkness; Darkness = No revelation; No revelation = Visible Church! No Visible Church= No Outer Court Preparation or New Souls; No Preparation= No Priesthood; No Priesthood= No Advancement into God’s Purpose! My GUESS is this; All these experiences are essential and are inter-connected.

Our theme is the unity and function of the Body and its relationship to the seven Spirits of God. This UNITY is more clearly seen in the Lampstand, its seven flames of Fire and its function. The “pure gold” in the Lampstand reveals that the unity revolves around Christ, Who IS the Life. This is seen in the Base and Center Shaft which is called “THE LAMPSTAND. This alone opens up volumes of understanding concerning the Life and function of the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ cannot be “the assembling together of a bunch of individual lives” and call that “church.” The “CHURCH” only obtains its unity by the whole body sharing ONE LIFE. While this sounds very mystical, it is really quite simple!

Examining the visible church coming to perfection in the visible realm doesn’t give us a rush of faith, hope or expectation. Nevertheless, if we are convinced the Lampstand, made of pure gold, and being hammered into “perfection” in the invisible realm of the Holy Place, this gives us new hope and something to increase our faith, hope and understanding.

If we just examine the visible church, sitting stagnant, casual, lukewarm and without much function and then call that “the church” which is His Body, we could be easily deceived! Maybe it is time to adjust our doctrine to believers growing up in all things into Christ and coming to perfection rather than offering more excuses for the groups that are satisfied with the status quo. Of course we could provide several more cliches and polite formulas and conceal the facts. Nevertheless, we might agree that if we examine the Pure Gold Lampstand, hammered out of one piece of Gold, placed in its location and understand its function, that we are left with no other option but to re-examine the church to see if it is even real. The Lampstand is the “vision” of the “perfection” of unity.

Meditating upon the Body of Christ, as a Living organism, functioning on earth, should give us the best understanding of God’s Purpose for the church age! It appears from scriptures that “in the real church” there is true humility of each member and full submission to the authority of the Head. Of course this “unity” might be condemned as just another “Christian idealism” because there is no true visible evidence in today’s visible church. Expecting “to see” the “true evidence” has been a serious problem. Then if we add the “submitting to one another in love, respect and encouragement, as evidence of Christian Church Life, something seems to be seriously lacking. Also, if we add a diversity of ministries, functioning in one body, as another powerful evidence of Christian Unity, the “evidence” is shameful!

Any mention of a corporate group, functioning as one priesthood, developing into the Kingdom of Priests, growing into the Glorious Bride, acquiring the characteristics of the New Jerusalem and fulfilling God’s eternal purpose AS the ultimate evidence of the Church He is Building, we might lose all credibility. In most places this would be labeled as a “fantasy, an idealism,” never seen in all church history.

Even if we preach all this “as an expectation,” the visible evidence, seen in the visible church, is anything but compelling! In fact it would be seen to be an unreasonable theory.

However, as a rebuttal, when speaking of “unity”, we should focus upon the unity of one new “ Life” as the unifying factor “in the Body” more than any unity of doctrine, tradition, faith or the hope of ever having just one denomination. Why? That is because “the Lampstand Church” is not concerned about doctrines or church services or garments or any of these visible things! Hammered into one piece is “unity” of a different realm of realism.

It might be helpful if we could understand what the Lampstand is “NOT.” For example; The Lampstand is not a clear picture of the Love of Christ manifested or Christian sensitivity or pure emotion or pulpit ministry or great music or the laying on of hands. It doesn’t represent religious ritual or religious activities. It just sits there with the Seven Spirits of God, resting on top, providing perfect illumination for the Holy Place!

Individual “members” cannot be exalted or even identified in the Lampstand because it gives the clear understanding of “One Unit” in Sabbath rest. The authentic Lampstand, which exists as “ONE UNIT,” refuses the individual a special identity or an individual special authority or independent ministry. It does reveal the restriction and the lack of individual freedom to function independently. This is why I question the concept that the church we see IS the Lampstand Church that He is building. Why? It is the hammered out of “ONE PIECE OF PURE GOLD” and that makes the Lampstand Church totally unique. It is because the Lampstand is constructed out of “True Christian Believers” that all this appears to be impossible, a fantasy, or just another idealism.

All this is difficult to reflect upon except by recognizing the “Oneness of Life” in the One Body. Here it is the LIFE which is magnified. The difficulty with my “Application of Gold” is in comprehending “Gold” as “Mature, New or His LIFE.”

1Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If any man's work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.

Since the “foundation” IS JESUS CHRIST, all valid building can ONLY be upon “HIM! ( the center shaft and base) There are only three building materials acceptable for “building.” (1) Gold (2) Silver (3) precious stones. In this application, the Gold is for the Lampstand! While the “silver” and “precious stones” can be identified in the Tabernacle, it is the “gold” for the furniture and for the Lampstand that we are featuring in this study of the “Body of Christ.”

1Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

This “Gold” must be tested by fire to qualify it as “pure Gold.”

Revelation 3:18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become

rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.

This Gold Refined by Fire is in contradiction to the natural man’s idea of what is rich and valuable. Why? The church at Laodicea thought they had it all from the earth viewpoint but from God’s viewpoint they were totally bankrupt, had nothing acceptable, but didn’t know it.

Since the “Body of Christ” is made up of individual believers, the ONLY acceptable building material that can be used to build upon JESUS CHRIST is Pure Gold. This indicates that Jesus Christ is the “beginning” part (the Foundation, the shaft and the base) of the Lampstand and everything is built upon Him! These are the Gold Members of the Lampstand Church.

The Garments on the Body of the High Priest, interwoven Gold threads, the precious stones etc, are related to another study. Also the silver sockets holding and separating the Tabernacle from earth (dirt dimension) is another study.

In this study of the Kingdom as Life, we will focus upon the Kingdom Life as it relates to the Lampstand Church. Why? That is because we are relating these various things to the “GOLD” that is the “eternal substance” of the Lampstand Church. The useable (qualified) “GOLD” is FIRST tested by fire, to see if it is pure and real, and the removal of all dross (earth’s materials) is related to the building Paul is explaining. The “builder” is related to having a valid “ministry.” The loss, which is related to using unqualified and unacceptable and unusable building material” is also related to “failed ministry.” The “burned up” relates to “building with earth materials” that cannot endure the fire as God tests the work. God MUST always test the work to see what sort it is and if He can use it.

The application is this; Attempting to build “a church” with earth / dirt / natural material is a big waste of time. (My ministry failure)

Moving right on; Any freedom to act independently of the Body is squelched by the one unit of the Lampstand Church. Acting independently eliminates us from the Lampstand Church. The same is just as true in the Body of the High Priest but the application is not so clear yet. Why? That is because there has been so little teaching on the Body of the High Priest because the current focus has been upon the Body of Christ. What is the “difference?”

In the Body of Christ some “members” supply ministry, help and give direction and some others members receive from them. As the body grows the role of “ministry” is reversed and others share but there is always the necessity for a continuous supply of “Life.” The principle thing in the Body is not the message, that the body preaches, but the supply of “Life” they bring to function! The teaching and other ministry is supplied by men who function in a specific calling! These are, hopefully, supplying “Spirt, Truth and Life” to the group through their ministry!

But, brother, how is the “Body of the High Priest” different? Both the Body of the High Priest and the Lampstand Church have already passed through all the preparations of the Outer Court foundations! They have been confronted by Eternal Reality and are living by His Life! Now, all the teaching is from the Head to the “members” as we see in Revelation 2 and 3. Why? That is because, in that realm of Life and function, the teaching is beyond the capacity and calling of men. That is why He, himself, takes on that responsibility of teaching, correcting, warning and accusing the Lampstand church.

Knowing the Lord Jesus as High Priest is a higher revelation of the Head. In this realm OBEDIENCE is the key word along with overcoming. Here, in this realm, functioning is by obedience to the Head and individual or independent authority does NOT exist!

Exercising independent authority is why I speculate that the Prophetic and the Apostolic movements, along with the Discipleship and Shepherding movement could not advance to that dimension of Kingdom Life! Having an independent attitude is exactly why modern ministries cannot bring their congregations into the Lampstand Realm. Hierarchies cannot function in the Lampstand Realm. Why? There is only One authority and that is in the ONE HEAD.

The experience of breaking out of this Outer Court mentality, if our foundations are already experientially laid, IS our current responsibility. Why? When we were born again, our old life had both “prominence and dominance” and neither the Kingdom Government or its Laws could function effectively in our life experience!

It appears that most Christians are just “relating a “saved” human life” to be equal to the “Divine Life” but human life is more manageable in the church. Why? That is because Divine Life functions as the Only Life attached to an Inner Kingdom. The Old natural life was supposed to be eliminated by the foundations in the Outer Court light. In the Illumination of Seven Spirits of God, on the Lampstand Church, only the Uncreated Life of God is acceptable as Christian Life. It is this “LIFE” that is the Source of the Kingdom Government. This “LIFE” is also part of the “inner LIGHT.”

When the church began to judge Divine Life by human standards of created life, they lost the real life / Light and fell into a naturalism of confusion. The result was that “truth” gave way to tolerance and acceptance for all, and living a moral life was replaced by grace and forgiveness! The attitude now is this; Does character really matter if we can fill the pews of Sunday?

We need inner revelation to understand why the “LIFE” is the source of Holy Place function. But, brother, is this really that important? Yes! Why? It is these “Divine and Eternal Qualities,” (character) imparted to us within His Life’ which are the qualities that define the Christian Life! We have been created, designed and predestined to live by that Life! Just to refer to receiving an abstract “eternal life” is too shallow and incomplete.

But, brother, since you are referring to “ministry” and that the natural understanding cannot explain the difference between these two lives, how can we proceed? In other words, how can “ministry” really present the Divine experiential Life in a way that people will recognize it as absolutely essential and something totally unique to the Body of Christ? This is exactly why the full foundation must be laid FIRST so the people can escape from the natural realm and be able to participate in the Church He is Building.

Well, brother, you must be aware that even Christians still live in the natural body! That, of course is true. However, it is the new creation inner man, of a new Species, that we are referring to as “Christian.” Redeemed people are expected to function “in the body of Christ” as born again children of God, that new species called Christians.

It seems reasonable that the “Life” within one redeemed person should recognize the “Life” that is in another redeemed person without explanation. This is what we will call in this study, “the consciousness of Life.” Of course we should be able to recognize it in ourselves before we can recognize it in others. We might call this our “personal experience of living within the consciousness of His Life.”

Our dilemma is how can we identify other “members” of the Body of Christ if it is not by His Life. The Body cannot be recognized by clothes or the style of the hair or by the order of worship. We have developed some counterfeit means to identify other “believers” by doctrines, by faith, by church affiliation, but all by natural light.

But, brother, are these outward distinctions no longer valid in the New Covenant? Not as things seen! Still, as to the natural man, judging the outward scene, is his only ability to judge anything! Nevertheless, the natural man judges religious things according to his limited natural resources! However, to the “Foundational” person, who has laid aside these first principles, it is normal and essential to judge without the natural distinctions. Why? Because of the NEW SELF and TRUE KNOWLEDGE!

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him 11 --a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

It is in laying and completing the experiential Foundations, revealed by the Outer Court preparations, that this “transfer and exchange of Life” becomes a reality. It is by the exchange of LIFE that we can judge without making carnal distinctions.

Several of us here, now believe it is at this time in the restoration that this understanding will become very essential and necessary to our function. Why? That is because the natural life is dead (lost its dominance) and is buried and the New Resurrection life of Christ comes into us, to become our Life. Why is that essential? That is because, in the Lampstand realm, we will become “members” one of another and this only works if we all members possess the same LIFE! Why? In the real body, if one “member” suffers all the other “members” will be aware and suffer with it. In the visible church this level of oneness doesn’t seem to exist. Why? Since the visible church is still in the process of preparation and is still in the baby stage of growth, this “oneness of Life” is not complete! Why? NO COMPLETE FOUNDATIONS!

But isn’t this “Life” just “Spirit” that you have renamed? Rom 8:2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

We could call this “the Spirit of Life” if that makes it clearer. Still this “Life” is “Zoe” and not “psuche” so we are making a distinction between the natural life, common to all men (psuche) and the “uncreated Life” (Zoe) that is unique to the Body of Christ. I don’t think we are just “splitting hairs”, doctrinally, but this is a matter of identification, recognition and requires some revelation to recognize the difference. In the next dimension of reality, I am guessing, the distinction is clear, real and obvious. But why is this even mentioned or important now?

That is because If we have no consciousness of having His Life and we cannot manifest the new resurrection Life of Christ, maybe we lack the basic, foundational experiences. If we cannot manifest His Life, how can we be sure that “I” no longer live but it is Christ who lives in me? The cliche is this; Well, brother, just take it by faith in the Word of God! IF the Word says it, and I believe it, that settles it!

However, that may satisfy you, but if other Christians can’t recognize the Life of Christ in us, how will they recognize that we are “members” of His Body? If His Life is not being manifested in us, will just believing we have it make it happen? No! We either have His Life, or we don’t. The difference may affect our eternal destiny!

If our standard to measure Christianity is just human life, how is the redeemed Life different? Is God’s plan just to “redeem and repair human life” or is His Plan to replace it with the resurrected Life of Christ, which is (Zoe) uncreated Life? It is easy to ignore this whole idea of two different kind of life because it seems too abstract. However, if we are only seeing by natural light the difference between the two is irrelevant.

If we see no difference between these two dimensions of (1) old life and (2) new Life, how will we reach out to take hold of the Zoe Life and experience it as our own and “only” Life? What we are speaking of is Christ, who is our Life! The Eternal Christ, the Living and Abiding Word of God, IS Life, Zoe!

If we just understand this much about Christ, it should awaken some concern or desire within us to experience THAT Life! However, just having the knowledge that “Christ IS our Life” is of little benefit if we are not living by His Life. Having “knowledge” without Life is where Adam failed. Having the “consciousness of His Life” may be essential to participate in the next restoration.

My theory is this; much of our guidance is by this New Life within. Why? That is because the Holy Spirit functions within the realm of LIFE. Since the Holy Spirit takes the things of Christ and reveals them to us, this Life IS Christ. The Holy Spirit can guide us and teach us and speak to us in the realm of this New LIFE (New Man). This is not the only way the Holy Spirit leads and teaches us but this Life in us seems to be the enacting and connecting factor! We can sometimes “feel” this Life is offended, disturbed and sad or it can be at peace. If there is “the power of His resurrection Life” then His Life must be active force within us and not just a doctrine or static influence.

Another question, concerning the progressive life in the Tabernacle, should be asked. Is that Third Veil between us and God really removed in our experience? Do we really have open access to God? If we can find a verse or if our doctrines say, “Yes”, does that mean these old things are experientially removed in our experience. If the Bible says we have access through the veil, does that mean that all believers have made the transition? My theory is that IF Christ IS our Life then the veil is no longer a barrier to “LIFE.” Then, IF by His “LIFE,” are we then actually standing in the Presence of His Glory. How could that be possible? That is where He IS now, at the right hand of God. Of course we are not up there physically but are we really there by His Life, within. Is this Life relevant to our “position?

If this is true that we have entered the Holiest through His Life, what is THAT reality? Is it clearer to say He has entered into the Holy Place within “US” by His Life? If He has come into us by His Life then the Kingdom has come. Why? That is because THE KING is in residence! When His Presence, through His Life, is ruling within, we can say the Kingdom has come.

The question is this; It is now possible to experience His Kingdom Government through His Life , Spirit and Life- Union, within.

If, therefore, there is no “Life consciousness” is there really a government within? If there is no consciousness of government within can we say “Christ, the King, lives in me?” If there is no consciousness of His Life within can we still say we are born of God? What does “regeneration” mean in my experience? Is “regeneration” the same thing as being born again or does re-Genesis mean a return to a new Genesis and a new Life? Do we, first, need to eat from the Tree of Life to have the necessary Life to participate in the Kingdom?

We are not trying to rob you of peace or to discourage your faith “as the means to salvation” but to now re-focus upon the reasons that He saved us. It is popular to say “He saves us so we can go to heaven when we die.” Our purpose, in the past, is to define “salvation” by several diverse terms. Just one of these is “living by His Life.” If Christians live by His Life, what happens to our old life so we can be real Christians? Is basic Christianity the same thing as becoming “the fulness of Him who fills all in all?” While being born again is certainly a valid and necessary experience, is that what Christianity all about? Is Christianity about doing the whole will of God and fulfilling the purpose of God. Is the Christian Church the people who go to a building each Sunday or is Christianity of a whole different realm of existence beyond the dirt realm?

It is certainly true that I have no concrete answers to all these questions but is it important for us to CONFIDENTLY EXPERIENCE His Uncreated Life, as an inner Life reality, in order to advance to the next level of participating in the Holy Place preparation and Priesthood? I am guessing that ALL Holy Place participants MUST function by His Life. Why?

Hebrews 7:15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of Him, "THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." 18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

I am speculating that this “better hope” involves the “indestructible Life!”