The Glory Of The Gods

Jesus, in His famous midnight meeting with Nicodemus likened the Kingdom of God unto the wind. It comes without observation; and unless you are born again, you are unable see the Kingdom of God. But even as Christ is a citizen of the Kingdom, so are we. So, if we truly have become citizens of the Kingdom of God, and if in Christ is the fullness of the Godhead bodily; then, what was Nicodemus observing? The God of the Kingdom of Heaven was speaking to him at that very moment.

He missed this reality because of the image standing before him. He could not even imagine he was entertaining the entire Godhead. Paul, in his great oration to the philosophers upon Mars Hill, noted first they were too superstitious. By this he was speaking to their irrational idol worship, which was extreme to say the least. However, in his ministry, he referred to one of their sayings, “In him we live and move and have our being”.

In this verse, Paul is teaching what it means to be the offspring of God. The offspring of God are beings who exist in God and by God. This is unlike nature, where the offspring is a totally separate being from the parent. As it pertains to the offspring of God, He is in them and they are in Him. This means a god (the offspring of God) cannot be like the graven images and the statues of gold as the people of Greece thought them to be. Paul was a man of small stature. A scarred man. They surmised, the man standing before them was a human being even as they were. After all, how could this be a god?

And here is where the mystery lies. At salvation, the human soul is joined to the Holy Ghost. This creates a totally new creature, and the creature is a Son of God. By being in the Spirit, the sons of God are seated in a heavenly place, in Christ Jesus. But look a little deeper into the mystery of God and the sons. They are seated in that heavenly place called Christ, yet they are also physically walking in the earth.

This is consistent with Jesus’ tenure here on earth. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven (John 3:13).

1 John 3:2

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Here is where the physical observation of the mystery is concealed. Though we are sons, we are presented on the earth in terrestrial bodies. The new creature is in an earthen vessel. These bodies allow social, earthly identification while simultaneously satisfying the law of kinsmanship. This earthly vessel is our only relationship to humanity. To live in it through Christ allows us to reveal the liberty of this great salvation.

We are living on the earth, free from sin and the beggarly elements of this world. From this body, we can testify of the redeeming power of Christ. This is a great mystery to the world. They do not know us as the sons of God.

By the world’s definition, an illusion is a thing that is or is likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses. For the sons of God, the body is an illusion for the eyes of the world. It is simply an earthen image which allows the appearance of the new creature to be hidden. We are truly gods here on earth. Our being is glorious. We have taken on the nature of God and now, we are everything He is. This is the reason the scripture states, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2).

The day will come when the true nature of the sons of God will be revealed. Paul talks about the glory of the sons in his writings to the Roman church.

Romans 8:18

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

There are those who for Christ’s sake have suffered horrible things at the hands of wicked men. Yet the writer declares there to be no suffering that can compare with the glory that shall be revealed in us at the return of our Lord.

Romans 8:19-20

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

The fall of Adam subjected all mankind to the vanity of the devil. Even those who had not sinned as Adam did, were born in sin and our body was the shape of iniquity. Adam’s sin provided satan with bodies to live out his lust. Jesus reminded us that we were of our father the devil, and it was his lust we would do. Thus, we were unwillingly subjected to the vanity of the flesh.

But the story does not end there. The Father determined to free this body of bondage and infirmity. Therefore, He has subjected us to hope. We must wait in faith and righteousness, bearing persecutions as we do the works of God.

Romans 8:21-23

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

The new creature is waiting and anticipating his change. The entire Body of Christ longs for the day when we will shed this human body. This is our blessed hope. But we know the Father can and will deliver us into this liberty, because He has already given to us the first fruits of our deliverance, the Holy Ghost. Listen to the heart and mind of the Father, ‘For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called’ (1 Corinthians 1:26).

Consider the grandeur of this illusion. The angels in great pondering confessed, what is man that thou art mindful of him? Who are these beings of clay in comparison to the divinity of the celestials? Moreover, if we take a worldly perspective, God chose rejects and unassuming persons. He is a God who will approach whoremongers, thieves, fishermen, tax collectors, and transform them into entirely new creatures. Evidently, neither race, gender, age nor nationality is of any significance to God because He has made all who believe on His Son.

1 John 4:17

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

By now I am sure this is the Bible Teachers motto. Indeed, we can be equal in character with God even while we are here on the earth. But, have we limited this scripture only to character? Consider the following.

Luke 9:27-29

27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

This is the true appearance of the Son of God. Matthew said, ‘And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light’ (Matthew 17:2). Jesus took these men with Him that they might see the glory of the Son. Now this is where the faith of the sons of God is tested. Do we believe that “as he is, so are we in this world?” Have we really comprehended that we are sons of God, even as he is a Son?

He is the first begotten of many brethren. His true appearance was camouflaged by His human body. If we are truly as He is, then right now we have an appearance just as glorious. How could that not be so? Think about it for a moment. Our soul has been joined to the Spirit of God. What does that creature look like? How could he be anything less than glorious.

Luke 9:30-32

30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

Even Moses and Elijah appeared to them in the glory of their transformation. The Father may not allow us to see our own transformation while we serve Him in this world; but we ought to be able to see it in our faith. And this would be possible if we truly believed on Christ as the scripture has said. Nevertheless, it seems the saints of God have been deluded by the illusion of the flesh. However, even as Paul did, I remind you, “see no man after the flesh.” If we are truly sons of God, our true appearance and power cannot be that of humanity.

MEEKNESS: A LAW OF THE GODS

We have the power and the image of the gods. However, for the sake of the mystery of godliness, God has instructed us to remain meek and humble. By abstaining from vanity, God’s love for man is made visible to the world. This state of meekness is the power of the gods, under control.

1 Corinthians 6:12

12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. It does not yet appear what we shall be… but we shall all be changed and revealed all in due time.

As gods ‘all things are lawful’ to us. It is a fact there are no powers on the earth greater than that of the sons. We have even been given power over all the power of the enemies of God. However, for the sake of revealing this great salvation to mankind, as well as our own testing of obedience, we are subjected to the vanity of men. For us to exercise some of the powers we have, would eliminate our ability to enter into the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. We are willingly led as sheep to the slaughter. Furthermore, we are commanded to love our enemies and to do good to those who hate us; for herein is the power of the gods manifested.

THE POWER OF THE SONS

Mark 16:17-18

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Jesus walked in great power and might. He performed miracles too numerous to tell. However, He told us we would do greater works than He did. He has made us gods, and has given us the power to manifest our godliness. We can speak in tongues that we know not. We can drink poison and it not harm us. We can take up serpents and cast out demons. This is the glory of a god.

Lucifer, as a celestial being, misused these powers and sinned against God. There was a time when Jesus was concerned for James and John. Who knows what they would have done had they not been discipled into the mind of Christ. Their heart was to call down fire from heaven and destroy the Samaritans, simply because they did not receive them. But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, ‘Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them’ (Luke 9:55-56).

This is the law of the gods, our power is not to be used to destroy lives, but to save that which is lost. The power of the sons is awesome enough without entering into revenge and vainglory. We have been given the ability to do things mortal men cannot do. As the Spirit of God rested upon the prophets of old (under the administration of the Law), Elijah could recover an iron axe by making it float on the water. But Jesus taught the power of the sons on this wise.

Matthew 21:18-22

18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

It is time for the sons of God to take their heads out of the sand. We must embrace the scriptures at face value. God says what He means and He means what He says. Jesus cursed the fig tree and it withered away. But then He turned to His disciples and said, “You can do the same as you have seen me do.” Again, as He is, so are we. But He doesn’t stop there, He tries to convince them that they have the power to speak to the entire mountain; tell it to move and cast itself into the sea, and the mountain would obey them. What mortal man can do such things? This is the work of gods.

However, there is a prerequisite here. You must believe and not doubt. It is simple unbelief that hinders the flow of power from the sons. They simply don’t believe they are gods in this world. They see, weigh and measure every Word of God through the flesh. They have made the mountain in the above passage, everything but a mountain. For them, it is ridiculous to think Jesus was speaking of a literal mountain. Instead, they prefer to believe He is referring to our circumstances or relationships in life. They cannot bring themselves to believe that He is speaking of a real, rock and stone mountain. “How is it possible this huge mountain would obey me?”

That is the sentiment of the Church. I submit to you that the root cause of this failure in faith to move the mountain is first found in failure to believe in the workmanship of God, in the making of His sons. They do not believe they are truly the offspring of God. They call Him Father, but they only see Him as their care giver. He is the source of their care and well-being, but He is not the source of their godly powers. So they see themselves as helpless, even in their endeavor to walk in the signs and wonders prophesied by Christ. They are waiting for some great outpouring of the powers of Heaven. They do not receive the fact that they are the outpouring; for out of our bellies shall flow rivers of living waters.

THE POWER OF UNBELIEF

Matthew 17:14-21

14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

The subject in the last two verses is unbelief. Jesus lets them know that there is nothing mystical regarding their inability to cast out the demon. They simply did not believe they had the power to do so. But He also ministered to them the remedy for such unbelief. You have the Word of God, the Spirit of God and the power of God. Get rid of the unbelief, or you will make all of none effect in this world. You must believe the Father will do as you ask. It is key here to note Jesus’ message to the disciples in the 15th chapter of John.

John 15:5

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Indeed we are gods, but our power is of Christ and in the name of Christ. However, in this world we are unprofitable servants; who are looking to gain nothing for themselves, but all is done for the glory of God. Without Him, we can do nothing.

THE IMAGE OF THE GODS

Revelation 22:8-9

8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

This scripture puts us in the final chapter of the Book of Revelation. The final thing which John saw was New Jerusalem . . . a majestic city of precious stones, unfathomable beauty and unimaginable size. The tour of the city is given by one of the seven angels assigned to pour out the seven judgments of God upon the earth. This angel was so great that the reed which he walked with could measure the city of New Jerusalem. He had great power . . . power enough to dispense judgment upon the earth. He was a heavenly being, celestial and majestic.

But as John began to worship at the feet of the angel, he was immediately rebuked. The man revealed that he was a brother and one of the prophets; a fellow servant. No doubt this was one of the prophets who had ascended with Christ from the lower parts of the earth. He is one in that great cloud of witnesses. His words to John instructed him to worship God, or rather, trust in God, because He is faithful to His promises.

1 John 3:1-2

1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Soon we will all appear in the glory of the transfiguration. Right now, we see through a glass darkly. But we know that when we see Him, we will share His appearance and be known as we are known.

I admonish you once again, not to see any man after the flesh. See the glory of the celestial in them. Be encouraged. Fight the good fight of faith for your reward in Heaven is unimaginable. Be not deceived, you are who and what God says you are.