Spirit, Soul and Body
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SPIRIT, SOUL and BODY
Christ was the divine tabernacle in which deity dwelled. "And the Word was made flesh and tabernacled among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
The chart above of the tabernacle may seem very simple,
but it rebounds with boundless riches because, in one sense of the Word, Christ’s photo is in it. Not only His but also the believer’s who is to be like Him may also see his picture therein. We could say, yes, the Church too, but since presently we are concerned with the individual we will limit these lines to the believer’s picture.
In the last article we described minutely the tabernacle pieces but since some may read who missed that, we will list the parts in the chart. The tabernacle was in an open "outer court" (see no. 3) which faced east always. In this outer court were two items, the brass altar (see F) and the brass laver (E). The priests washed their hands and feet therein before and after ministering at the altar where sacrifices were laid. Then the first room, called the "holy house" had five pillars holding the front door screen. In this room (no. 2) were the table of shewbread (B) upon which twelve unleavened loaves rested till each sabbath when they were eaten by the priests, Aaron and his sons. On the south side (C) was the seven-fold candlestick which was trimmed and shoe mightily. Number (D) shows the incense altar which belonged in the inner back room but (according to the Hebrew Mishna) which was loaned to the holy house due to its daily use. This fact is verified by Paul in Heb. 9:2-4 where "golden censer" is called "golden altar" by reliable scholars. "Wherein was the candlestick, and the table" Paul says of these two in the front room. But concerning the last room (no. 1), or "holy of holies" it says "which had the golden altar..." "Wherein" denotes location but "which had" denotes possession. It belonged to the inner holies. Four pillars held up the veil that separated the two rooms. A fifth, heavenly pillar protruding from the cloud of the Spirit above rested over the mercy-seat which was the lid over the ark (A). Also there were four coverings overlaying the tabernacle which overlapped the walls. Forty-eight boards, ten cubits high (a cubit is one and a half feet) overlaid, like the furniture pieces, with gold. Only the outer court pieces were brass, the laver pure brass, and the candlesticks within were of pure gold.
That the tabernacle (and its sequel, the temple) are types of truths that concern us today is beyond question to anyone who knows the Bible; that they can picture the individual is seen in their purpose (Ex. 25:8), that is to be "a sanctuary that I may dwell among them." That places it as a type not only of Christ, nor the Church, but also of us individually. Paul, Peter, and Christ bear witness to this(Jn. 2:19, 1Cor. 3:16, 2 Cor. 5:1-4, 2Pet. 1:14).
If the tabernacle pictures Christ and if "grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (Jn. 1:17) we can expect to see these balanced therein. We do: For there are three sets of twins as far as furniture. These each are "grace and truth" twins. The brass altar where the sacrifices’ blood was shed pictures grace. The laver pictures the cleansing of the truth. Christ cleanses His Church by (literally) "the laver of water by the Word" (Eph. 5:26). Then the table of shewbread, inside, balances with the candlesticks. In contrast to the brass altar where grace is shown as "unmerited favor" here it is pictured as "divine sufficiency" for the oil supply continued daily. Then we see the ark of the covenant wherein was the law and manna - truth - and in contrast the golden altar picturing prayer or praise by which grace is stored up.
In fact let us see Christ Himself in the tabernacle since He is in the believer and such is pictured by it. John lists Christ as being seven "I AMs." "I AM the Bread of Life" (Jn. 6:35). He is our "shewbread" or "Presence bread" that we as priests eat. "It is most holy... of the offerings... made by fire" (Lev. 24:9). It was taken from the people (v. 8). It was covered up in golden dishes until time to eat; yes, we minister truth one to another and it must come by revelation, be uncovered.
"I AM the light of the World" but now He says "Ye are the light of the world" (Jn. 9:5, Matt. 5:14). There is no contradiction, only now He shines thru us. This is pictured by the candlesticks.
"I AM the Door" (Jn. 10:9). He is the rent veil that we may come boldly unto the throne of grace (Heb. 10:20).
"I AM the Good Shepherd" (Jn. 10:11). Aaron the high priest pictures His as such.
"I AM the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn. 11:25). He is seen as the Angel of God who stood in the pillar over the mercy-seat, and Who, on rising up with the pillar, caused Israel to rise up until they came to Canaan. He finally let them across the Jordan, remained about one week and then appeared as the Captain of Jehovah’s hosts.
"I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (Jn. 14:6); for He is seen by the ark which led Israel (it always remained under the angel), and by the items in it (the Law, the hidden manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded and bore fruit), and by the Blood sprinkled mercy-seat.
"I AM the true Vine" (Jn. 15:1). A true vine shelters. We are to abide in Him. Here we see Him pictured by the four coverings. The outer badger skin pictures His body (actually made of many dead badgers who once lived in the earth). When He gave His personal body it multiplied into many more. Next, we see the rams skins dyed red; this pictures His Blood. "It is the blood that maketh a covering for the soul" (Lev. 17:11). Next we see the 11 curtained goats hair covering or a picture of His soul given to us. Goats speak of humanity. Remember it was the scapegoat that pictured His soul’s death in the time of Atonement. Lastly, as if both a foundation for all other coverings, and the ceiling of the tabernacle, is the 10 curtained white embroidered linen one, with colored cherubim therein. It was, in fact, called "the tabernacle." We "are complete in Him" because He has given His complete self for us. If He had withheld back one part of Himself then that particular part of us would not have had its surety before the Father. Since the Father sees the final end, as if we’re already glorified (Rom. 8:29-30), it is no strain for Him to reckon Christ’s life as ours (Col. 3:4).
There are three pictures each of our spirit, soul and body in the tabernacle. One of these three sets has just been mentioned, for the Father sees us "accepted in the beloved"; now for the next two sets. The world sees us as just a foreigner would have seen the tabernacle and its rooms as it passed by or as the passed by. Of course they could not have seen inside the rooms, but the could tell that there was an "outer court" - this would picture the body, and they could merely see the upright walls that housed the two rooms. The front "holy house" pictures our soul, and the inner holies our spirit. Neither can the world today, looking from the outside of God’s creations, divide thru human wisdom between spirit and soul. But the triune lay-out of the whole structure pictures the world’s limited picture of us individually. How do we see ourselves, as a trinity? Is this shown in the tabernacle? Yes, for we are recognized by our triune ministries.
The brass altar upon the brass grating pictures our body upon the cross (brass speaks of judgment). Since the altar itself is basically wood which speaks of humanity, that necessitates it representing some part of us; and being in the outer court, itself a picture of our body, that is what it must picture. Our bodies have a ministry of sacrifice too.
The soul, in its ministry and as we see it, is pictured by the candlesticks; and the spirit, in its ministry of worship is seen pictured by the golden altar. This is no contradiction to the usual way of explaining that, in this front or "soul" room, the table of shewbread represents our intellect, which is to hold God’s unleavened bread; that the candlesticks represent our will, and that the altar represents our emotions. To the contrary, it is more of an enlargement of understanding on these three.
Since a look at the soul’s ministry as pictured by the candlesticks will be more detailed, let us notice first the golden altar. It is not hard to believe that our spirit has a ministry of teaching the soul how to worship, but what may be new is that the incense altar pictures this. Would this contradict the view that the personal spirit itself does not sin: that it is the "attitude" in the soul, often termed "spirit," that is liable to sin? No, for "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (Jn. 3:6), and "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; because he is born of God" (1 Jn. 3:9). In fact he "keepeth himself and that wicked one toucheth him not" (1 Jn. 5:18). And that seed is incorruptible, produced by the incorruptible Word (1 Pet. 1:23). Paul speaks of our spirit praying when we pray in tongues. This is some of that sweet incense, when it is Christ centered, that arises from the incense altar (1 Cor. 14:14, Eph. 6:18, Rev. 8:3). Since God is love and "he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (1 Cor. 6:17), there is deep emotion in the regenerated spirit. That the spirit is a rational being and, by its link with divine union, tapped to the infinite, is seen in the literal rendering of
1 Cor. 2:11. "For what man knoweth the things of a man except the spirit of (that) man in him?" By the five spirit senses of faith, hope and love, fear and reverence, and thru the nine gifts of the Spirit, God provides channels to benefit our soul from the spirit’s limitless storehouse.
The soul’s ministry as seen in the candlesticks is an intricate ministry. Look at the twenty-two "bowls made like almonds" (Ex. 25:33). The Word shows that we are to have the "fullness" of twenty-two things. There are nine "knops (ornamental columns) and their flowers." Space prohibits saying too much. But this gold was once mixed with alloy and so was our soul until it became renewed to be as His soul (gold speaks of the divine nature). There are special vessels with it. They are tongs-- (...tweezers, snuffdishes, to hold the trimmings apparently) and oil vessels. God give us love tongs that we do not pick up the other brother’s fallen testimony with critical finger; give us hope that we may carry our tests patiently, and faith that will lay hold of the oil.
But if there were no lamps the purpose of the candlesticks would be void. This is where the picture of the will is seen. For the will is not single faculty in itself; it is, on the one hand, the expression of ones desire, and then it is the carrying out of this purpose
(Eph. 1:9). We have seen that the word for the complete mind, which constitutes all our intellect ("nous"), the five senses of reason, our mental faculties, is "dianoia." This consists of memory, imagination, conscience, affections, and also emotions. The will of the soul is expressed in that phrase, "put your mind together" or "make up your mind." For when the soul does this it has the above collection of seven faculties to carry out its desires. The soul itself grows. Look at the base of the candlestick. As it gets higher, it is like a tree growing up, it enlarges and starts branching out. There are basic "drives," desires (for security, attention, etc.) that make these branches. But they can never find full satisfaction until they end up, as the lamps on the end, full of the Holy Spirit, shining for Christ. In fact it is He shining thru them, and performing His will. We must train our will by the Spirit to line up with the Word. Authority is invested in our will. What we will to do, we set our whole mental machine in motion to perform. Satan’s five "I wills" reveal himself so God cast him out (Isa. 14:12-14). So while our "will" is this sevenfold mental machine - the lamps _ it originated from the soul - the candlestick; "doing the will of God from the (psuche) soul" (Eph. 5:5).
The soul’s sense of touch, the affection, is the activity of the emotions. (Of course the flesh can substitute false emotions too.) The soul’s sense of taste, reason, is the intellect operating itself upon our soul. (The Hebrew word "taam" is used interchangeably for "taste" and "reason.") The soul’s smell sense, conscience, is, when not substituted by Satan or some church group, the Holy Spirit operating upon our soul to give us discernment between good and bad. Memory is the ear of the soul that picks up voices, in our soul, from the past. Imagination is the eye of the soul. Unlike our limited definition of it, the old Hebrew and English words alike carry its true meaning. It visualizes unseen objects for the soul and forms the soul and forms the soul’s desires into definite purposes and inspires one until these are realized. Since imagination is the soul itself operating upon itself to fashion it and the mental faculties like it desires, imagination can be compared to the central shaft of the candlesticks that all the others come out from. David foresaw the Lord always before Him that he should not be moved (Ps. 16:8).
This combined activity of the soul just mentioned is "the law of the mind." But when the soul submits to sin’s nature it is called "the law of sin and death"; or to Christ’s nature, then it becomes "the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus"; or to the supernatural Word, then it is "the law of faith."
Sometimes a civil war rages in the members (Rom. 7:23). This comes when one is "weakwilled" concerning the things of god and does not set all his faculties firmly towards the goal of his purpose, which should be to follow Christ. In fact, although we’ve already mentioned that "onus" means intellect, and that "Diana" means the complete mind, still there is a third main word for "mind"; and it suggests this very thought, that of setting ones mind, inclining it to do a definite act. The "onus" acts like conscious thoughts that it considers unimportant and to put the other into the soul.
The combined activity of our mental faculties, when armed together, gives "strength." That is why, along with our heart, soul and mind we are to also love God with al our "strength." This also is the impersonal "spirit" or attitude that needs cleansing (2 Cor. 7:1).
The law of our mind, consisting of our intellect, will, and emotions, varies in different races. Some have a strong intellect, but lack in emotions, and others have the opposite. When God made His ancient people He made them the most well-rounded of all people. "This people have I formed for myself" (Is. 43:21). But what has its advantages also has its advantages; for it takes more consecration to keep the whole mind dedicated to God when we have more of it.
Where are the four laws pictured in the tabernacle? Aaron, the high priest, pictures the "law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus." Eleanor, his son, had "oversight of all the tabernacle" and furniture (Num. 4:16) so pictures the "law of the mind"; for while it is responsible to Christ, still it has responsibility over our daily walk. Ithamar means "Coast of Palms." Palms picture victory; a whole coast of them would picture a whole series of victories. Since "faith is the victory" (1 Jn. 5:4) it is evident that Ithamar, Eleanor’s brother, pictures the "law of faith." As has been said, these laws steer one into four different realms. They are like car gears, The law of sin can only make on backslide, go in reverse. The law of the mind places our being into the mental real, the law of faith into the supernatural where the Spirit operates in power. The law of sin and death is pictured as the sin offering upon the altar as the fire consumes it.
When the law of sin operates upon the candlestick lamps of our being, upon our seven mental faculties, we have the sins listed in Prov. 6:16-19, which "are an abomination of His soul." But when the law of the spirit of life starts playing the strings of life’s heart we have the harmony of 2 Pet. 1:5-7.
In closing, life is like a garden, we are the keepers. God furnishes the right seed, the Word, and the rain, the Spirit, and the cross in our life with which to plow. But what are the garden instruments? Here again is where the five soul senses are important. For the five senses in their relation to Calvary is pictured by the five brass tools, "instruments," mentioned in Ex. 27:3 (the pure brass altar grating itself pictures the cross.) The five senses as they are filled with the Spirit has already been shown to be pictured by the candlesticks. But their relationship to the Word, the bread, is depicted in Num. 4:7, where they are pictured as "dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover (or pour) withal," all to aid in fixing and eating the shewbread. "Dishes" speaks of imagination, for in it we do pace the Word as we visualize and feast on it. "Spoons" are like the memory sense which digs into the subconscious, the lower layers of our being, and digs up the hidden manna. The "bowls" (from the root work "to make clean") is like conscience, "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience" (1 Tim. 3:9). But where is "reason" pictured? There are no more vessels. Reason in the Hebrew ("taam") is synonymous with "taste." So now that you are tasting the bread that pictures reason.
(1Thess. 5:23) and (Hebrews. 4:12)
The chart above of the tabernacle may seem very simple,
but it rebounds with boundless riches because, in one sense of the Word, Christ’s photo is in it. Not only His but also the believer’s who is to be like Him may also see his picture therein. We could say, yes, the Church too, but since presently we are concerned with the individual we will limit these lines to the believer’s picture.
In the last article we described minutely the tabernacle pieces but since some may read who missed that, we will list the parts in the chart. The tabernacle was in an open "outer court" (see no. 3) which faced east always. In this outer court were two items, the brass altar (see F) and the brass laver (E). The priests washed their hands and feet therein before and after ministering at the altar where sacrifices were laid. Then the first room, called the "holy house" had five pillars holding the front door screen. In this room (no. 2) were the table of shewbread (B) upon which twelve unleavened loaves rested till each sabbath when they were eaten by the priests, Aaron and his sons. On the south side (C) was the seven-fold candlestick which was trimmed and shoe mightily. Number (D) shows the incense altar which belonged in the inner back room but (according to the Hebrew Mishna) which was loaned to the holy house due to its daily use. This fact is verified by Paul in Heb. 9:2-4 where "golden censer" is called "golden altar" by reliable scholars. "Wherein was the candlestick, and the table" Paul says of these two in the front room. But concerning the last room (no. 1), or "holy of holies" it says "which had the golden altar..." "Wherein" denotes location but "which had" denotes possession. It belonged to the inner holies. Four pillars held up the veil that separated the two rooms. A fifth, heavenly pillar protruding from the cloud of the Spirit above rested over the mercy-seat which was the lid over the ark (A). Also there were four coverings overlaying the tabernacle which overlapped the walls. Forty-eight boards, ten cubits high (a cubit is one and a half feet) overlaid, like the furniture pieces, with gold. Only the outer court pieces were brass, the laver pure brass, and the candlesticks within were of pure gold.
That the tabernacle (and its sequel, the temple) are types of truths that concern us today is beyond question to anyone who knows the Bible; that they can picture the individual is seen in their purpose (Ex. 25:8), that is to be "a sanctuary that I may dwell among them." That places it as a type not only of Christ, nor the Church, but also of us individually. Paul, Peter, and Christ bear witness to this(Jn. 2:19, 1Cor. 3:16, 2 Cor. 5:1-4, 2Pet. 1:14).
If the tabernacle pictures Christ and if "grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (Jn. 1:17) we can expect to see these balanced therein. We do: For there are three sets of twins as far as furniture. These each are "grace and truth" twins. The brass altar where the sacrifices’ blood was shed pictures grace. The laver pictures the cleansing of the truth. Christ cleanses His Church by (literally) "the laver of water by the Word" (Eph. 5:26). Then the table of shewbread, inside, balances with the candlesticks. In contrast to the brass altar where grace is shown as "unmerited favor" here it is pictured as "divine sufficiency" for the oil supply continued daily. Then we see the ark of the covenant wherein was the law and manna - truth - and in contrast the golden altar picturing prayer or praise by which grace is stored up.
In fact let us see Christ Himself in the tabernacle since He is in the believer and such is pictured by it. John lists Christ as being seven "I AMs." "I AM the Bread of Life" (Jn. 6:35). He is our "shewbread" or "Presence bread" that we as priests eat. "It is most holy... of the offerings... made by fire" (Lev. 24:9). It was taken from the people (v. 8). It was covered up in golden dishes until time to eat; yes, we minister truth one to another and it must come by revelation, be uncovered.
"I AM the light of the World" but now He says "Ye are the light of the world" (Jn. 9:5, Matt. 5:14). There is no contradiction, only now He shines thru us. This is pictured by the candlesticks.
"I AM the Door" (Jn. 10:9). He is the rent veil that we may come boldly unto the throne of grace (Heb. 10:20).
"I AM the Good Shepherd" (Jn. 10:11). Aaron the high priest pictures His as such.
"I AM the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn. 11:25). He is seen as the Angel of God who stood in the pillar over the mercy-seat, and Who, on rising up with the pillar, caused Israel to rise up until they came to Canaan. He finally let them across the Jordan, remained about one week and then appeared as the Captain of Jehovah’s hosts.
"I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (Jn. 14:6); for He is seen by the ark which led Israel (it always remained under the angel), and by the items in it (the Law, the hidden manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded and bore fruit), and by the Blood sprinkled mercy-seat.
"I AM the true Vine" (Jn. 15:1). A true vine shelters. We are to abide in Him. Here we see Him pictured by the four coverings. The outer badger skin pictures His body (actually made of many dead badgers who once lived in the earth). When He gave His personal body it multiplied into many more. Next, we see the rams skins dyed red; this pictures His Blood. "It is the blood that maketh a covering for the soul" (Lev. 17:11). Next we see the 11 curtained goats hair covering or a picture of His soul given to us. Goats speak of humanity. Remember it was the scapegoat that pictured His soul’s death in the time of Atonement. Lastly, as if both a foundation for all other coverings, and the ceiling of the tabernacle, is the 10 curtained white embroidered linen one, with colored cherubim therein. It was, in fact, called "the tabernacle." We "are complete in Him" because He has given His complete self for us. If He had withheld back one part of Himself then that particular part of us would not have had its surety before the Father. Since the Father sees the final end, as if we’re already glorified (Rom. 8:29-30), it is no strain for Him to reckon Christ’s life as ours (Col. 3:4).
There are three pictures each of our spirit, soul and body in the tabernacle. One of these three sets has just been mentioned, for the Father sees us "accepted in the beloved"; now for the next two sets. The world sees us as just a foreigner would have seen the tabernacle and its rooms as it passed by or as the passed by. Of course they could not have seen inside the rooms, but the could tell that there was an "outer court" - this would picture the body, and they could merely see the upright walls that housed the two rooms. The front "holy house" pictures our soul, and the inner holies our spirit. Neither can the world today, looking from the outside of God’s creations, divide thru human wisdom between spirit and soul. But the triune lay-out of the whole structure pictures the world’s limited picture of us individually. How do we see ourselves, as a trinity? Is this shown in the tabernacle? Yes, for we are recognized by our triune ministries.
The brass altar upon the brass grating pictures our body upon the cross (brass speaks of judgment). Since the altar itself is basically wood which speaks of humanity, that necessitates it representing some part of us; and being in the outer court, itself a picture of our body, that is what it must picture. Our bodies have a ministry of sacrifice too.
The soul, in its ministry and as we see it, is pictured by the candlesticks; and the spirit, in its ministry of worship is seen pictured by the golden altar. This is no contradiction to the usual way of explaining that, in this front or "soul" room, the table of shewbread represents our intellect, which is to hold God’s unleavened bread; that the candlesticks represent our will, and that the altar represents our emotions. To the contrary, it is more of an enlargement of understanding on these three.
Since a look at the soul’s ministry as pictured by the candlesticks will be more detailed, let us notice first the golden altar. It is not hard to believe that our spirit has a ministry of teaching the soul how to worship, but what may be new is that the incense altar pictures this. Would this contradict the view that the personal spirit itself does not sin: that it is the "attitude" in the soul, often termed "spirit," that is liable to sin? No, for "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (Jn. 3:6), and "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; because he is born of God" (1 Jn. 3:9). In fact he "keepeth himself and that wicked one toucheth him not" (1 Jn. 5:18). And that seed is incorruptible, produced by the incorruptible Word (1 Pet. 1:23). Paul speaks of our spirit praying when we pray in tongues. This is some of that sweet incense, when it is Christ centered, that arises from the incense altar (1 Cor. 14:14, Eph. 6:18, Rev. 8:3). Since God is love and "he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (1 Cor. 6:17), there is deep emotion in the regenerated spirit. That the spirit is a rational being and, by its link with divine union, tapped to the infinite, is seen in the literal rendering of
1 Cor. 2:11. "For what man knoweth the things of a man except the spirit of (that) man in him?" By the five spirit senses of faith, hope and love, fear and reverence, and thru the nine gifts of the Spirit, God provides channels to benefit our soul from the spirit’s limitless storehouse.
The soul’s ministry as seen in the candlesticks is an intricate ministry. Look at the twenty-two "bowls made like almonds" (Ex. 25:33). The Word shows that we are to have the "fullness" of twenty-two things. There are nine "knops (ornamental columns) and their flowers." Space prohibits saying too much. But this gold was once mixed with alloy and so was our soul until it became renewed to be as His soul (gold speaks of the divine nature). There are special vessels with it. They are tongs-- (...tweezers, snuffdishes, to hold the trimmings apparently) and oil vessels. God give us love tongs that we do not pick up the other brother’s fallen testimony with critical finger; give us hope that we may carry our tests patiently, and faith that will lay hold of the oil.
But if there were no lamps the purpose of the candlesticks would be void. This is where the picture of the will is seen. For the will is not single faculty in itself; it is, on the one hand, the expression of ones desire, and then it is the carrying out of this purpose
(Eph. 1:9). We have seen that the word for the complete mind, which constitutes all our intellect ("nous"), the five senses of reason, our mental faculties, is "dianoia." This consists of memory, imagination, conscience, affections, and also emotions. The will of the soul is expressed in that phrase, "put your mind together" or "make up your mind." For when the soul does this it has the above collection of seven faculties to carry out its desires. The soul itself grows. Look at the base of the candlestick. As it gets higher, it is like a tree growing up, it enlarges and starts branching out. There are basic "drives," desires (for security, attention, etc.) that make these branches. But they can never find full satisfaction until they end up, as the lamps on the end, full of the Holy Spirit, shining for Christ. In fact it is He shining thru them, and performing His will. We must train our will by the Spirit to line up with the Word. Authority is invested in our will. What we will to do, we set our whole mental machine in motion to perform. Satan’s five "I wills" reveal himself so God cast him out (Isa. 14:12-14). So while our "will" is this sevenfold mental machine - the lamps _ it originated from the soul - the candlestick; "doing the will of God from the (psuche) soul" (Eph. 5:5).
The soul’s sense of touch, the affection, is the activity of the emotions. (Of course the flesh can substitute false emotions too.) The soul’s sense of taste, reason, is the intellect operating itself upon our soul. (The Hebrew word "taam" is used interchangeably for "taste" and "reason.") The soul’s smell sense, conscience, is, when not substituted by Satan or some church group, the Holy Spirit operating upon our soul to give us discernment between good and bad. Memory is the ear of the soul that picks up voices, in our soul, from the past. Imagination is the eye of the soul. Unlike our limited definition of it, the old Hebrew and English words alike carry its true meaning. It visualizes unseen objects for the soul and forms the soul and forms the soul’s desires into definite purposes and inspires one until these are realized. Since imagination is the soul itself operating upon itself to fashion it and the mental faculties like it desires, imagination can be compared to the central shaft of the candlesticks that all the others come out from. David foresaw the Lord always before Him that he should not be moved (Ps. 16:8).
This combined activity of the soul just mentioned is "the law of the mind." But when the soul submits to sin’s nature it is called "the law of sin and death"; or to Christ’s nature, then it becomes "the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus"; or to the supernatural Word, then it is "the law of faith."
Sometimes a civil war rages in the members (Rom. 7:23). This comes when one is "weakwilled" concerning the things of god and does not set all his faculties firmly towards the goal of his purpose, which should be to follow Christ. In fact, although we’ve already mentioned that "onus" means intellect, and that "Diana" means the complete mind, still there is a third main word for "mind"; and it suggests this very thought, that of setting ones mind, inclining it to do a definite act. The "onus" acts like conscious thoughts that it considers unimportant and to put the other into the soul.
The combined activity of our mental faculties, when armed together, gives "strength." That is why, along with our heart, soul and mind we are to also love God with al our "strength." This also is the impersonal "spirit" or attitude that needs cleansing (2 Cor. 7:1).
The law of our mind, consisting of our intellect, will, and emotions, varies in different races. Some have a strong intellect, but lack in emotions, and others have the opposite. When God made His ancient people He made them the most well-rounded of all people. "This people have I formed for myself" (Is. 43:21). But what has its advantages also has its advantages; for it takes more consecration to keep the whole mind dedicated to God when we have more of it.
Where are the four laws pictured in the tabernacle? Aaron, the high priest, pictures the "law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus." Eleanor, his son, had "oversight of all the tabernacle" and furniture (Num. 4:16) so pictures the "law of the mind"; for while it is responsible to Christ, still it has responsibility over our daily walk. Ithamar means "Coast of Palms." Palms picture victory; a whole coast of them would picture a whole series of victories. Since "faith is the victory" (1 Jn. 5:4) it is evident that Ithamar, Eleanor’s brother, pictures the "law of faith." As has been said, these laws steer one into four different realms. They are like car gears, The law of sin can only make on backslide, go in reverse. The law of the mind places our being into the mental real, the law of faith into the supernatural where the Spirit operates in power. The law of sin and death is pictured as the sin offering upon the altar as the fire consumes it.
When the law of sin operates upon the candlestick lamps of our being, upon our seven mental faculties, we have the sins listed in Prov. 6:16-19, which "are an abomination of His soul." But when the law of the spirit of life starts playing the strings of life’s heart we have the harmony of 2 Pet. 1:5-7.
In closing, life is like a garden, we are the keepers. God furnishes the right seed, the Word, and the rain, the Spirit, and the cross in our life with which to plow. But what are the garden instruments? Here again is where the five soul senses are important. For the five senses in their relation to Calvary is pictured by the five brass tools, "instruments," mentioned in Ex. 27:3 (the pure brass altar grating itself pictures the cross.) The five senses as they are filled with the Spirit has already been shown to be pictured by the candlesticks. But their relationship to the Word, the bread, is depicted in Num. 4:7, where they are pictured as "dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover (or pour) withal," all to aid in fixing and eating the shewbread. "Dishes" speaks of imagination, for in it we do pace the Word as we visualize and feast on it. "Spoons" are like the memory sense which digs into the subconscious, the lower layers of our being, and digs up the hidden manna. The "bowls" (from the root work "to make clean") is like conscience, "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience" (1 Tim. 3:9). But where is "reason" pictured? There are no more vessels. Reason in the Hebrew ("taam") is synonymous with "taste." So now that you are tasting the bread that pictures reason.
(1Thess. 5:23) and (Hebrews. 4:12)
Threefold Nature of Man
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(1 Thessalonians 5:23)
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being [nephesh – soul]."
(Genesis 2:7)
Man is a tri-partite being – spirit, soul and body. It is with his spirit that a man worships, and may contact God. The soul includes the conscious and subconscious minds, the realm of emotions and the will. Soul gives a man personality, self-awareness, rationality and natural feeling. The body is a complex physical creation by which a person relates to this world and to other people in the world. We now know that every person's body is in large measure a product of their DNA code which exists in every cell of the body to program its amazing development. As marvellous as the body may be, man has a non-physical aspect which consists of a different kind of materiality – spirit. It is this part of man that is eternal.
Man is described as a living soul (Genesis 2:7), which came into being at first by the breath of God (spirit) being breathed into a creation of the dust of the earth. Man is an intricate unity as well as being a three part being. For this reason, whatever happens in one part of a man's being has repercussions in other areas as well. For example, it is well known that a healthy, fit body is conducive to an upbeat attitude in the soul. The Book of Proverbs states that "a man's spirit will sustain him in sickness". "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine". Psalm 32 describes how unconfessed sin caused David's "bones to grow old", his "vitality to be turned into the drought of summer".
There are plenty of other examples that can be given of how all these aspects of man effect one another. It is a scientific fact. Obviously much valuable research could be done into the relationship between spirit, soul and body. Such research has its perils, of course, since when we start probing such deep mysteries without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we may obtain knowledge and power that would bring forth the fruits of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and not of God's life. The whole study of psychology, however is something which needs to be brought under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of God's Word. If Christians simply retreat totally from this area and allow the ungodly to set the pace then much will be lost. On the other hand, to unquestioningly accept the precepts of much modern psychology is to invite the shipwreck of our faith. Furthermore, the use of psychological principles divorced from a true submission to the Holy Spirit could result in powerful deception and the rejection of the Lord who bought us.
God is interested in all three portions of our being – spirit, soul and body. The Bible says concerning our Savior, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature , and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52). This reveals the importance of our mental and emotional development , our physical prowess, our spiritual life with God of worship and communion, and our social interractions with others. God is interested in all of these, and the Bible gives us keys for our development in these areas.
The verse quoted above from 1 Thessalonians supports the view that God is interested in our sanctification – spirit, soul and body. To become like Jesus, to be children of God by nature as well as by adoption, we need to allow God to do this work of sanctification.
Sanctification begins when the spirit of man is recreated through the new birth (John 3:3). The majority of people in this world have their spirits "dead" to God (Ephesians 2:2). That is not to deny that a few may have developed various psychic powers by the operation of soul force or demonic spirits. Yet even such people cannot truly relate to Almighty God – that is, the transcendant creator God for whom, by whom and to whom are all things. Never allow philosophers to confuse you by suggesting that God is the same as "the Universe". No, God stands outside of the Universe as well as inside it. He is the Creator of all things. He is not "one with all things" and neither are you, nor will you ever be. These "New Age" philosophies are just what the devil would want men to believe. In believing them, a person not only denies the existence of the personal devil which has deceived thm, but also renounces his or her need for Jesus Christ as Savior and rejects Him as Lord. In doing so, they reject the true Kingdom of God and become a candidate for subjection in one of Satan's worldly kingdoms.
God is not only Transcendant. He is Immanent. That is to say, He is here. It is true that God is personally and actually within a true Christian believer. "Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you, unless indeed you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5; see also Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19). This a marvellous truth and there is much unexplored and wonderful territory that God may lead us into along these lines. But again, do not be confused by those who say that God is within "us all". He is not. If He is, then the gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible is a hideous lie. The Bible reveals a need for man to be reconciled to God in one way only – and that is through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, where Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice to bring us to God. To deny this is to call the Bible and the Jesus Christ of the Bible a lie, in favor of the shifting and double-talking philosophies which trade in the souls of men to their eternal destruction. Yes, this is serious. And if you would object that I am being "narrow minded" you are simply indicating your anti-biblical conditioning and the fact that truly the prince of this world, in whose power lies the world, already has your mind in large measure in his grasp already – though you neither know it nor recognise it. Only the Word of God, coming to you in the true power of the Holy Spirit, will ever be able to set you free from this fatal delusion.
Let us return to the theme of sanctification. One thing is the desire of the Holy Spirit for us, and the other is the way our own souls would seek to go about fulfilling our needs, wants and desires. Paul the apostle referred to the latter way as "the flesh". Paul said, "the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these things are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish" (Galatians 5:17). The key to successful Christian living is actually to learn to progressively renounce our own soulish devices and allow our minds to be retrained by the Holy Spirit. This can be very painful at times, and leads to an actual and ongoing "death" – to use biblical language. Yet the fruit of it is the very peace we are craving as a foundation for our emotional existence. We also find the revelation of the love of God to us and through us as we learn to submit to the Holy Spirit. Many other fruits come, they are listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The Holy Spirit will also empower us to reveal a portion of the attributes of God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is a definite part of the plan of God for every true child of God. The denial of this has robbed the Body of Christ of more than it will ever be possible to calculate. We claim that God lives in us. Why is so little happening then? If God unwilling to reveal through us what He declares to be the case in His Holy Word, the Bible?
Our spirit, souls and bodies need to be offered to God. This does not take away our responsibility before God, neither our will. Every day is an opportunity to embrace the cross and to experience the resurrection, and "faith" and "love" will lead us to do so every time.
God's Will for Our Bodies
I want to mention three things that are clearly God's will for our bodies. Getting these right will make a tremendous difference to our spiritual as well as our emotional life.
1. Sexual Purity
"This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain friom sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God ... For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has given us His Holy Spirit."(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; 1 Thess. 4:7-8).
If sexual purity was not so important, Satan would not work so hard to destroy it wherever he can find people who will sell out. Sexual purity is important for our communion with God. God definitely wants Christians to abstain from masturbation and all kinds of lustful fantasies, as well as the more serious sexual sins such as fornication (two unmarried people having a sexual connection), adultery and sodomy. To refuse to do so is to reject God. Yes, there is forgiveness from God when we violate these principles, but there is also a price to pay in lost opportunity to enjoy the sweet presence of God which comes to the pure in heart. It is a lie to think that what we do with our bodies does not affect our souls, nor our spirits.
2. Physical Health
"Beloved I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers" wrote the beloved apostle John in his third letter, verse 2. There are many Scriptures which indicate that God's will is for us to have healthy bodies. Sickness is a result of the fall and is the specialty of Satan. Jesus healed "all who were oppressed by the devil" (Acts 10:38) and even those whom his disciples failed to heal, such as the boy with the epileptic demon in (Matthew 17:14-21). This indicates that even when Christians cannot get someone healed because of unbelief (vs 20), it is still the will of God to heal them. Its a bitter pill for Christians and ministers to hear that their unbelief is preventing God's miracles, but it is a very relevant word in an age where much of the professing church would be surprised if God did anything beyond what medical doctors could see as possibilities.
3. Physical Fitness
"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things" (1 Timothy 4:8).
Let's not forget that Jesus worked as a carpenter and would have been physically strong. This in part enabled him to fast 40 days. Paul went through a lot physically and I am sure he trained his body. He said that he buffeted his body and brings it into subjection so that when he has preached to others he would not himself be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27). If our bodies are not strengthened through exericise they will go to sleep on us when we need to be alert or diligent. They will also create in our souls a kind of depression which taints our being and makes us less attractive as Christians.
A note on Physical Beauty: The Bible records the fact that many of its characters were good-looking. Others apparently were not. Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Esther were all known as physically beautiful women. Its obvious that men generally prefer physically beautiful women, all other things being equal. David, Joseph and Moses were all referred to as good looking, handsome or beautiful. Being physically beautiful attracts greater temptations to immorality, whereas being less attractive brings another set of temptations. God would like us to look our best, but not to put too much effort into what is, in eternal terms, a lost cause. We can develop a spiritual beauty and beauty of personality which will have eternal value. Its better for those who don't focus too much on the way they look, because looking to the wrong things for happiness can make us miserable.
Obviously not all of us are entrusted with the same measure of the gift of physical beauty. It is a gift highly prized in the world. Many people, even physically beautiful people, reject themselves because they don't like how they look. Our physical imperfections are permitted to remind us that we are fallen, we are not perfect, and we need to look for something better.
While our appearance can be improved in various ways, it is not as important as other things, and should not be an obsession. I am not against even cosmetic surgery in some cases if it would help a person to get their focus off their bodies. Yet God does not want us to condition our happiness upon the way we look. We will look better when we get our resurrection bodies (Romans 8:23). The Bible teaches us to focus not on the things which as seen and temporary, but on the unseen, eternal things (2 Corinthians 4:18). When people show that they cannot be happy without trying to look as much like a model for cosmetics as possible, they reveal a worldly focus. However, it is just as wrong to neglect the body and its appearance to try to be more spiritual.. After all, Jesus wants a bride without spot, wrinkle or blemish! Our natural bodies can be made to look better but we are better off the less time we spend worrying about this and looking in the mirror.
God's Will for Our Souls
God wants us to think on good things. Philippians 4:8 says, "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things." This word needs to be taken seriously. There is a considerable scope for freedom and lattitude in this instruction. Yes, our minds should be on Jesus – He is all those things, and certainly, by filling our minds with the Word of God we can do this also. However, there are many good things in this world we can meditate on – things in nature, things in people – the nobility of purpose and heart that we may find or read of from time to time. These things are the gifts of God to us, and God wants us to meditate on them – to feed our subsconscious minds with them. This will help us become happy people.
Once you know your particular life calling from God, it is good to study and ponder all good and noble things which relate especially to this calling. "As a man thinks in his heart, so he is" (Proverbs 23:7). We often spend much of our time worrying when we should be praising God and thinking on good things. It requires effort to discipline the mind but truly the results are worth it. Strangely, physical discipline can be a major key also to disciplining the mind.
The Spiritual Life
Some people are stronger than others, but in the end, all of us need God to be a contunual stream of life for us. Mostly, we are just living off the dregs, off the leftovers and God wants us to embrace the rivers of living water that only He can give. The Bible tells us, "Be continually filled with the Holy Spirit." That is God's will for us. Its a pretty serious sin actually to neglect this commandment of God. It is impossible to maintain this fulness without developing a life of prayer and also the discipline of quietening the soul and waiting upon God. This is another vast subject in itself.
Meditation on the Word feeds both our spirit and soul. The more you repeat one small portion of Scripture to yourself, the more profoundly it will impact you. Many Christians, myself included, have a far greater breadth of intellectual knowledge concerning God's word, than a true heart knowledge of what the Word was pointing us to in Jesus. Biblical meditation, repeating and muttering and thinking on one thing repetitively, is a key to prosperity and success (see Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3). Psychologically and neurologically, it has been proven scientifically that repetition of a phrase causes more parts of the brain to be used. This shows it is entering into us more deeply. If you trust the Word of God, allow it to enter deeply into you through meditation.
The Inner Witness of the Human Spirit
God's Spirit does not always tell us what we need to do by means of an inner voice. We can get into trouble if we demand or expect God's voice to come immediately in answer to our questions, especially if we are not in an attitude of true spiritual worship and waiting upon God. Nor can we afford to allow our life direction to be guided by prophetic words from others. These generally strengthen but do not initiate the purposes of God in our lives.
We will do better, as Christians, if we learn to listen to the inner witness of our own regenerated human spirits. "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart" (Proverbs 20:27). Your spirit knows things that your mind does not. The Holy Spirit knows even more than our human spirits, and can enlighten us on any point should He wish to speak with us, as long as we are listening to Him. However, generally it is through the regenerated spirit of man that we know what is the way to go on a particular issue. Of course we should still pray and ask God, but it is generally in this way that the answer comes.
May God cause you to develop in wisdom and stature, and favor with God and men.
SPIRIT SOUL and BODY By Jack Kelley
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Heb. 4:12-13)
Some people view the soul and body interchangeably, while others think the soul and spirit are the same. But it’s more accurate to think of them as separate components. Our soul is the conscious part of us, composed of mind (intellect), will, and emotions. It makes choices and controls our behavior by giving orders to the body. Our spirit is the subconscious part, an internal adviser to the conscious soul. It’s our conscience.
Both our soul and our spirit are intangible and eternal and are housed in our body which is tangible and temporal. Our body is designed for use in this life, and when we die we leave it behind. Paul described our body as our earthly dwelling and spoke of how we long to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling. Believers don’t desire so much to be rid of our earthly bodies, he said, as to receive our heavenly ones. He said receiving our heavenly body is the very purpose for which we were created, and that’s why God gave us the Holy Spirit at the first moment of our belief. He’s a deposit guaranteeing what is to come, which is the exchange of our earthly dwelling for our heavenly one. (2 Cor. 5:1-5)
It Wasn’t Always Like That
I believe Adam and Eve were created with a heavenly alignment of body, soul, and spirit. Their body was submissive to their soul which was submissive to their spirit which was one with the Spirit of God. But at the fall this alignment was perverted and through Satan’s influence the soul began to assert itself over the spirit. Both were contaminated by sin and the direct link to God was broken. In the time after the fall the soul became more assertive as man entered the period between Adam and Noah that some call the Dispensation of Conscience. Man was left to decide for himself what was right but because of the misalignment that came with the fall, things got progressively worse until God had to wipe the slate clean and start over. This experience has been repeated again and again . Even the time of Israel’s dominance in the world, when the communication link with God was formally re-opened, ended in failure. During that period Prophets were appointed to speak to the people for God and Priests to speak to God for the people. But it wasn’t enough.
The problem was that the spirit of unsaved man is confused and uncertain because of the effects of sin and often gives bad advice to his soul, which is also contaminated by sin, making it impossible for him to please God.
The cross changed all that. Now, when we are born again our spirit becomes one with the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 6:17) and the confusion and uncertainty clears up. Our spirit again knows right and wrong as absolutes, and as our conscience it begins to serve as a reliable guide to our soul, which is still sin infested.
The difference that being born again makes in us is so profound that we can only understand God’s word after we become believers. The natural man cannot comprehend it. (1 Cor 2:14) This explains why the Lord’s disciples were often confused about His teaching, and failed to understand much of it. They didn’t receive the Holy Spirit until the night of His resurrection.(John 20:22)
This is also why Jesus told us that our righteousness has to surpass that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. Not being born again, their efforts at keeping the law were acts of will and were often in conflict with what their spirits were advising them to do. In other words, it was still a matter of their soul asserting itself over their spirit. They just knew the law well enough to know when their spirits were giving them bad advice. In Isaiah 29:13 the Lord had said, “These people come near to me with their lips (governed by the soul), but their hearts (spirits) are far from me.” Jesus accused them of looking like whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside, but inside full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean (Matt. 23:27) Their obedience to the law was only intellectual assent backed up by will power. Their spirit was still infested with sin.
Back To Hebrews 4
But the Lord pays special attention to the motives of our heart and judges us on our intentions, not our actions. This is what the writer to the Hebrews meant when he said that the word of God can divide soul (behavior) and spirit (motive). He’s not fooled by man’s attempts at good behavior. He knows the thoughts and attitudes of our heart. Nothing is hidden from His sight. Commenting on ceremonial cleanliness He said that it’s not what goes into us that makes us unclean, but what comes out of us.“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”(Matt. 15:17-19) Jeremiah wrote that the heart of man is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. (Jere. 17:9) After sinning with Bathsheba, David prayed that God would create in him a pure heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within him. (Psalm 51:10) This is what happens when we’re born again and the Holy Spirit unites with our spirit. It renews a steadfast spirit with in us. It’s what David longed for, but it couldn’t happen before the cross. (John 7:39)
In effect, the Holy Spirit works through our spirit to repossess our soul from its bondage to sin. But since it’s not the conscious part of us, our spirit can only work to influence our decisions. Our soul must choose to heed the advice of our spirit, in whose “ear” the Holy Spirit is whispering. This is what Paul meant when he told us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (soul) (Romans 12:2). This transformation consists of consciously choosing to allow the Holy Spirit to become the primary influence in determining our actions. This is the heavenly alignment again. God’s Spirit to our spirit, to our soul, and to our body. This is why the Pharisees were criticized. God’s Spirit was not within them, and so their obedience was a product of their intellect, their soul. Their spirit remained unregenerate. It looked good on the outside, but inside it was all out of order. It was form without substance, and it produced self righteousness, not humility.
The biggest problem we have is that our soul is still struggling with its bondage to sin, and therefore must constantly choose to submit to our renewed spirit. Remember the soul is where our behavioral decisions are made. Our spirit is one with the Spirit of God, but can only advise. Paul described our dilemma poignantly in Romans 7:14-25, saying that he had the desire to do good but could not carry it out. His spirit was one with God, but his soul sometimes rebelled. Inwardly he could delight in God’s Law, but outwardly he would sometimes conform to the law of sin and death.
It’s actually the opposite of the Pharisees’ problem. They looked good on the outside but were full of evil thoughts and intentions. While the Lord condemned them, he directs no condemnation toward us (Romans 8:1) because although our soul often betrays us, our spirit is one with God. He goes so far as to separate the behavior from the believer saying that it’s not we who sin, but the sin nature that dwells within us. (Romans 7:20)
Will This Ever End?
When we die or are raptured, our transformation will be complete, and the Holy Spirit’s work of repossessing our soul will be finished. The heavenly alignment will be permanently restored, our regenerated soul in perpetual submission to our spirit which is one with God. Only then will we be ready for our resurrection bodies. It will no longer occur to us to behave in a manner contrary to God’s will, and we’ll finally be fit to dwell with Him forever.
The new body we receive will compare to the old one only in physical characteristics. The old one is corrupt and doomed to perish. The new one will be incorruptible and will never perish. (1 Cor. 15:53) We’ll recognize each other and will know God as we are known by Him. (1 Cor.13:12) No longer will things be hidden from our understanding or beyond our comprehension because our soul, where understanding and comprehension take place, will finally be freed from the bondage of sin. The immeasurable creative capacity with which the human mind was created will finally be unleashed for our eternal use and enjoyment. The tiny nuggets of talent and ability in the arts and sciences that we can only faintly glimpse now will become rich veins to be mined for all eternity.
And best of all, we’ll finally achieve our heart’s true desire, to be one with our Creator, body, soul, and spirit. (Rev. 21:3)
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."
(Romans 8:19-22; Rom. 8:23) " For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itselfalso shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we
know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of
our body."
The Cross
The Cross with the layout of the Tabernacle furniture
Click... The Day of Atonement
The Tabernacle Typology Chart
Typical Colors
White, speaks of:
Righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21.
Purity. Heb.4:15 ; 1 Jn.3:5 1 Pet. 2:22
Holiness. Heb. 7:26.
Blue
Heavenly Nature. 1 Cor. 15:47; Jn. 6:33 ,Jn. 6:38; Jn. 3:13 ;
Eph. 4:9-10; Heb. 4:14 ; Heb. 9:24; 1Tim. 3:16.
Purple:
Kingship, Royalty. Mt. 27:37; Mk. 15:26; Lk. 23:38; Jn. 19:14-19;
1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:6,Rev. 19:12-14; Rev. 19:16
High Birth. Mt. 2:1-2
Scarlet (red or crimson):
Sacrifice.
1 Cor.5:7; Heb.9:26 ; Heb. 10:12; Heb. 10:26
Atonement. Rom.5:9; Rom. 5:11.
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Typical Metals
Gold: Deity, Divinity. (Mercy Seat)
Ex. 25:17; Ex. 37:6; Rom. 3:24-25; Jn.14:1; Jn. 1:20; Jn. 8:23; Jn. 8:58;
Jn. 17:3-5; 2 Pet. 1:3-4; 2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 3:20; Isa. 53:11.
Silver, speaks of Redemption (Sockets)
The Atonement Money. Ex.30:11-16; Ex. 38:25-28.
The Red Coin of Calvary. 1 Pet.1:17-21.
Brass, Suffering (Brazen Altar)
Ex. 27:l-8; Ex. 38:1-7; Rev.1:15; Acts 3:18;
Heb. 2:18; Heb. 5:8; I Pet. 2:21; 1Pet. 1:10-12
Divine Judgment. 2 Cor.5:21.
Justice. Gal.3:13 ; I Tim. 2:6; Deut. 21:23 .
Endurance. Heb. 12:2.
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Typical Numerals
ONE, speaks of Unity, Oneness.
Eph. 4:4-6.
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope
of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
There is a oneness among God’s people! The Unity of the Spirit
and purpose is more important and more real than any
organizational ties etc.
TWO, speaks of Witness and Testimony.
Rev. 3:14. Jesus is, “The Faithful and True Witness,”
Col. 1:15. He is, “The Image of the Invisible God, He manifests,
makes known the Father!
Lk. 10:l Jesus sent out His Witnesses, ‘Two and two before His
Face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.”
Heb. 10:28; 1 Tim. 5:19; 2 Cor. 13:l-2; Deut. 19:15-21.
THREE, Speaks of Divine Complete, The Godhead. Col. 2:9,
“In Him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily”
Rom. 1:20; I Jn. 5:7,8.
Three also speaks of Abundant Testimony. Full Manifestation in
Redemption: God, the Father planned His Great Plan of
Redemption; God, the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled it;
God, the Holy Spirit witnesses to this Redeeming fact in the
Scripture!
Using the number three in the following examples we can see
how exhaustive numerals can be!
Three definitions of God given in the Bible:
1. God is a Spirit. 2. God is Light. 3. God is Love.
Three divisions of the Tabernacle:
1. Outer Court. 2. Holy Place. 3. Holy of Holies.
Three metals used in the construction of the Tabernacle:
1. Gold. 2. Silver. 3. Brass.
Three colors often mentioned together:
1. Blue. 2. Purple. 3. Scarlet.
Three entrances to the Tabernacle. One to each of the three divisions:
1. The Gate, 2. The Curtain Door, 3. The Veil.
Three Lights:
1. The natural light from the sun in The Outer Court.
2. The Light from the Candlestick in the Holy Place.
3. The Light from the Shekinah Glory in the Holy of Holies.
Three great feasts of the Jews:
1. Passover. 2. Pentecost. 3. Tabernacles.
Three liquids used in the Tabernacle:
1. Blood. 2. Water. 3. Oil.
Three types of sacrifices were offered:
1. - of the herd; bullocks,
2. - of the flocks; sheep or goats.
3. - of the fowl; turtledoves or young pigeons, etc.
Three places where the blood was sprinkled:
1. The Brazen Altar, (His Cross).
2. The Golden Altar, (His Intercession).
3. The Mercy Seat, (The Throne of God)
Three times the river Jordan was divided miraculously:
1. When Israel crossed into Canaan .
2. When Elijah passed over before his translation.
3. When Elisha returned after Elijah’s translation.
Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days and
three nights. John. 1:l7.
Jesus spent three days and nights in the tomb (heart of the earth).
Mt. 12:40.
The Gospels record three times God spoke from heaven:
1. At the baptism of Jesus. Mt. 3:17
2. At His Transfiguration. Mt. 17:5
3. Before the Passover. Jn. 12:28.
Jesus raised three people from the dead:
1. The daughter of Jarus. Mark 5:22 .
2. The son of the widow of Nain. Lk. 7:14
3. Lazarus. Jn. 11:43.
Christ was Crucified at the third hour. Mk. 15:25 .
His accusation was written in three languages over His Head:
1. Hebrew. 2. Greek. 3. Latin. Lk. 23:38; Jn. 19:20.
The three-fold nature of man:
1. Spirit. 2. Soul. 3. Body. 1 Thes. 5:23; Heb. 4:12. etc.
FOUR, Speaks of Yieldingness. Jn. 10:17-l8.
Jesus said, “My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life, that
might take it again. No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down
of Myself. I have power to take it again. This commandant have I
received of My Father.” Isa. 53:7-8; Mt. 26:53.
Weakness. We live by the power of God.
2 Cor. 13:4
“Though He was crucified through weakness, yet He lives by the
power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live
with Him by the power of God toward you.”
FIVE, Speaks of Grace. Jn. 1:17.
"The Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus
Christ." Rom. 3:24; Rom. 3:29-30; Gal. 3:24
Capacity. Jesus has the capacity to forgive us from all sins! Jn. 1:9.
“If we confess our sins, He is our faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 Tim.2:5.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus;” Heb. 8:6; Heb. 8:9;Heb. 9:15; Rom.6:14; Eph.2:8.
Responsibility. I Tim.2:5; Heb. 8:6-9; Heb. 9:15
SIX, speaks of Imperfection, Incompleteness. Human achievement
without the work of the Holy Spirit. The number of man.
Man was created on the sixth day. Gen. 1:26-31.
Nebuchadnezzar’s image was sixty cubits high and six cubits wide.
Dan. chapter 3.
The number of the antichrist is six, six, six. Rev. 13:18.
SEVEN, speaks of Divine Perfection; Completeness.
The fullness of God for the believer.
The blood of the sin offering was sprinkled before and upon the
Mercy Seat seven times on the Day of Atonement.
Lev. 16:14-15.
Seven times Jesus announced His Return in the book of Revelation.
2:25; Rev. 3:3-11; Rev. 16:15; Rev. 22:7; Rev. 22:12-20.
There are seven ‘Blessed” in this book.
Rev.1:3; Rev. 14:13; Rev. 16:15 ; Rev. 20:6; Rev. 22:7-14.
BLESSED are they which are called unto the marriage supper of
the Lamb” Rev. 19:9.
Isa. 11:2-3 gives us a sevenfold description of the Holy Spirit.
Again, using the number seven for another example to show how
exhaustive numerals can be:
The book of Revelation contains many “Seven’s. “There are:
7 Spirits before the throne.
7 Stars in Christ’s right hand.
Jesus is walking in the midst of 7 golden Candlesticks.
7 Letters to the Churches of Asia .
The book is sealed with 7 seals.
7 Angels standing before the throne.
7 trumpets.
7 Vials of Judgments.
7 Thunders utter their voices.
The number seven appears nearly 600 times throughout the Bible
(in types).
EIGHT, speaks of Resurrection. The number of New Beginning.
After seven days have passed, the eighth day begins the new week.
Jesus arose from the dead on the eighth day, the first day of the
week. We honor His Resurrection! Jesus arose with a Glorified
Body! Jesus is the First fruits of Resurrection!
Apart from His Resurrection, there are eight other cases of
resurrection recorded in the Bible:
Three in the OldTestament.
I Kings. 17:17-22; 2 Kings. 4:32-37; 2Kings 13:20-21
Three in the Gospels. Mk. 5:35-42; Lk. 7:1-15; Jn. 11:1-45
Two in the book of Acts. Acts 9:36-41; Acts 20:9-12.
Through Christ, we have been Resurrected into Newness of Life!
Rom. 6:4-5.
NINE, speaks of Human perfection. Under the influence,
direction and living by the Holy Spirit.
9 Beatitudes. Mt. 5:3-11.
9 Virtues. 2 Pet. 1:5-7.'
9 Fold example of Patience. 2 Cor. 6:4-5
9 fold cluster of the Fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22-23.
9 Gifts or operations of the Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:8-10.
TEN, speaks of Perfect Order. Gen. ch. 1.
The phrase,
“God said” occurs ten times.
This shows Perfect Order in Creation. Ex.1:17.
God gave His Ten Commandments to Israel. Keeping these
brought a Perfect Order in living. Rev. 22:14.
We have received the power of the Holy Spirit to keep His
Commandments!
TWELVE, Speaks of Governmental Perfection. Rev. chapter 21.
12 Gates.
12 Angels.
12 Tribes of the children of Israel .
12 Foundations.
12 Apostles of the Lamb.
The Holy City is 12 thousand furlongs.
We will reign (rule) on the earth.
Rev. 5:10-11.
The Holy City (overhead) is our Headquarters. Mt.19:28
FORTY, Speaks of Testing, Chastening, Tribulation
(Trails, Discipline).
Mk.1:l3. Jesus was, “In the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan;”
Gal. 5:24 We are of Christ, we “Have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts.”
(Passions) Gal 2:20; Rom. 6:6.
Here is listed just a few of the many numerals of the Bible. The typology of these numerals and Scripture references apply to redemption! Because of the multitude of Scripture references that can be applied for each numeral, only a few have been listed here.
Follow are only a few types from each category:
Typical People
Aaron, Christ, our Great High Priest.
Ex.28:1; Heb.5:4-5; Lev. 16:l5; Heb. 9:7-24.
Bezaleel, A type of the Spirit-filled believer.
Ex.31:1-11; Ex. 35:30-35; Ex. 36:1-4
Aholiab, A type of Grace.
Moses, Christ our Deliverer, Ruler and Prophet. Deut. 18:15-18;
Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:2; Acts. 3:20-22.
Joshua, Christ our Leader. Josh. 1:5-6; Josh. 11:23; Heb. 4:8-9; Acts. 20:32.
Melchizedek, Christ our Priest and King.
Gen. 14:18-20; Heb. 7:1-17.
Shepherd, Christ the Good Shepherd. Jn.10:11-14
Aaron’s sons (priests). We are the priesthood of believers.
Rev.1:6; Rev. 5:10 ; Rev. 20:6; Ex. 19:5; 1 Pet. 2:5-9.
Leper, A type of the sinner.
Leprosy, A type of sin.
____________________
Typical Places
Egypt, A type of sin and the world. A place of death and bondage.
Kadesh-barnea, speaks of the place of decision.
Promised Land, A type of the Holy Spirit. Spirit-filled Life or Living.
Desert, Temptation or Persecution.
Sodom and Gomorrah, Wickedness.
Wilderness, Purging out the carnality of the carnal Christian.
New Jerusalem, Celestial City. Cities of refuge. Christ our Protection.
Rephidim, Refreshing or Life of the Spirit.
_____________________
Typical Objects (things).
Sword, Word of God (Bible). Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12 ; Rev. 1:16; Rev. 2:12 .
War, Spiritual Conflict. Eph. 6:12.
Key, Authority or Knowledge. Matt. 16:19; Matt. 18:18 ; Rev. 1:18.
Stone, Christ the Chief Corner Stone.
Isa. 28:16; Isa. 8:14 ; Rom. 9:33 ; Acts. 4:1; Mt. 21:42;
Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:7-8
Stones, (onyx and precious) A type of believers.
Mal. 3:17; 1 Pet.2:5
Wood, Humanity (Incorruptibility of the Human Nature of our
Lord Jesus Christ). Isa. 53:2; Lk. 1:35; Matt. 1:2.
____________________
Typical Events
Exodus, A mass departure. A great going out.
Wilderness Journey, Self crucifixion. Death to self.
Passover, Death of Christ.
____________________
Typical Food
Oil, A type of the Holy Spirit (Christ the Anointed.)
Isa. 61:1-3; Lk. 4:18-19; Acts. 10:38.
The believers anointing. 1 Jn. 2:27.
Fish, speaks of Men. Mt. 4:19; Mk.1:17; Lk.5:10.
Milk, Food for babes in Christ.
I Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 12:1; 1 Pet. 2:1-2.
Meat, Food for strong, spiritual believers, mature believers.
Those of full age. Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 14:20; Phil. 3:15.
Fruit, Increase or Multiplication.
Spices, Christ our Sweet Smelling Savor.
Eph. 5:2; 2 Cor. 2:14-15; Lev. 1:9; Num. 18:17.
(Fragrance of Christ before God)
Salt, Incorruptibility or Faithfulness.
(God’s Covenant is called A Covenant of Salt).
Lev. 2:13; Num. 18:19; 2Chron. 13:5; Col. 4:6; Ezek. 43:24.
Bread, Nourishment. Means of sustaining life. 2 Cor. 9:10.
Unleavened Bread, True doctrine (Teaching) is without false
doctrine and sin). Mt. 26:17; Mk. 14:1-12; Lk. 22:17;
Acts.12:3; Acts 20:6; 1 Cor. 5:7-8.
Leavened Bread, False doctrine (Teaching) is decay, spiritual
corruption and sin. Paul refers to it as malice and wickedness.
I Cor. 5:8; Lk. 12:l; Mt. l6:6, Mt. 16:11-12; Mt. 13:33 ; Mk. 8:l5; Lk. 13: 21;
1 Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:9.
Bitter Herbs, Bondage and slavery.
____________________
Typical Actions
Baptism, speaks of the death, burial and resurrection of
Jesus Christ. Mt. 3:13-15; Mk. 1:9.
Weeping, Sorrow, Humility.
Walking, Conduct or Obedience.
Feet, Walk or Conduct.
_____________________
Other types
Blood, represents Life. Lev. 17:11-14
Rock of Horeb, speaks of Jesus the Rock of Ages.
_____________________
Typical Animals
Lamb, Ram, is a type of Christ the Perfect Offering.
Jn. 1:29-36; 1 Pet. 1:19; Rev. 5:6; Rev. 13:8; Rev. 12:11; Isa. 53:7.
Sheep, God’s People.
Bullock - Oxen, Strength or Service.
Lion, Rulership.
Birds, Spirit beings (usually evil).
Goat, Sin or the sinner.
Serpent, Satan.
_____________________
Natural Phenomena:
Flood, Judgment.
Rain, Blessing.
Wind, Might or Power.
Water, (great bodies of) Nations.
Types are not Symbols
Symbols are not as close in likeness as types are, but they do hold
a high significance.
A symbol, unlike a type, is not usually shown ahead of time,
but rather represents something that already exists.
The Definition of a Symbol
A symbol is that which stands for, or represents something else; a visible sign or representation of an idea or quality of another object.
a. A symbol in the Bible means that an object, animal, action, form,
words or whatever else is involved has a deeper spiritual meaning
than a simple, literal interpretation might suggest, while a type is
an example of what is to come.
b. A symbol reminds us of something. A sign or representation of
something else.
Symbols applied to Jesus from the four Gospels
In Matthew, a lion is the symbol of a King.
Jesus, Lion from the tribe of Judah is The King of Kings.
In Mark, an ox is the symbol of strength and service.
Jesus is The Servant who came to Serve.
In Luke, a man is the symbol of all mankind.
Jesus is The Perfect Man.
In John, an eagle is the symbol of Spiritually.
Jesus is The Son of God (in Spirit He is God).
Symbols
Fire. A symbol of the Presence of God:
In favor of Ex. 3:2; Ex. 19:18 .
In judgment of, Gen. 19:24; Num. 16:34-35; Deut. 4:24;
Heb. 12:29
Horns, are a symbol of Power. Dan. 8:3-4.
Horns on the Brazen Altar, speak of the Power of His Blood (The Victory of the Cross and the saving power of Christ)! Horns on the Golden Altar, speak of the power of His Intercession (The Power of Prayer)!
A Dove is the symbol of Peace and Purity
(A dove has no gall.)
Symbols as they apply to the Human Body
Head: Mind.
Eye: Knowledge.
Ear: Listening.
Lips/Mouth: Testimony.
Shoulders: Strength (for burdens).
Breast: Affection.
Heart: Love.
Hands: Service.
Back, loins, thighs: Power and Strength.
Types are not the same as Prophecy
Types are only in a sense a sort of Prophecy.
Prophecy is the for telling of future events. Gen. 49:1; Num. 24:14.
Also speaking to people for edification and comfort.
1 Cor. 14:3.
There are three kinds of prophecy.
1. There is the gift of prophecy.
1 Cor. 12:1 This is a teaching ministry.
Teaching us of what is to Come.
2. There is the Spirit of prophecy.
Rev. 19:10; Rev. 1:1; Rev. 1:19; Rev. 4:1; Rev. 7:1-9; Rev. 15:5; Rev. 18:1; Rev. 19:1
This is foretelling future events. Showings things to come.
3. There is fulfilled prophecy.
The purpose of this is Confirmation. Jn. 13:19
All by the same Spirit!
Two fifths of the Bible is prophecy.
All prophecy has already been fulfilled that applies
to Redemption, except the redemption of our bodies!
Typical Colors
White, speaks of:
Righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21.
Purity. Heb.4:15 ; 1 Jn.3:5 1 Pet. 2:22
Holiness. Heb. 7:26.
Blue
Heavenly Nature. 1 Cor. 15:47; Jn. 6:33 ,Jn. 6:38; Jn. 3:13 ;
Eph. 4:9-10; Heb. 4:14 ; Heb. 9:24; 1Tim. 3:16.
Purple:
Kingship, Royalty. Mt. 27:37; Mk. 15:26; Lk. 23:38; Jn. 19:14-19;
1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:6,Rev. 19:12-14; Rev. 19:16
High Birth. Mt. 2:1-2
Scarlet (red or crimson):
Sacrifice.
1 Cor.5:7; Heb.9:26 ; Heb. 10:12; Heb. 10:26
Atonement. Rom.5:9; Rom. 5:11.
____________________
Typical Metals
Gold: Deity, Divinity. (Mercy Seat)
Ex. 25:17; Ex. 37:6; Rom. 3:24-25; Jn.14:1; Jn. 1:20; Jn. 8:23; Jn. 8:58;
Jn. 17:3-5; 2 Pet. 1:3-4; 2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 3:20; Isa. 53:11.
Silver, speaks of Redemption (Sockets)
The Atonement Money. Ex.30:11-16; Ex. 38:25-28.
The Red Coin of Calvary. 1 Pet.1:17-21.
Brass, Suffering (Brazen Altar)
Ex. 27:l-8; Ex. 38:1-7; Rev.1:15; Acts 3:18;
Heb. 2:18; Heb. 5:8; I Pet. 2:21; 1Pet. 1:10-12
Divine Judgment. 2 Cor.5:21.
Justice. Gal.3:13 ; I Tim. 2:6; Deut. 21:23 .
Endurance. Heb. 12:2.
_____________________
Typical Numerals
ONE, speaks of Unity, Oneness.
Eph. 4:4-6.
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope
of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
There is a oneness among God’s people! The Unity of the Spirit
and purpose is more important and more real than any
organizational ties etc.
TWO, speaks of Witness and Testimony.
Rev. 3:14. Jesus is, “The Faithful and True Witness,”
Col. 1:15. He is, “The Image of the Invisible God, He manifests,
makes known the Father!
Lk. 10:l Jesus sent out His Witnesses, ‘Two and two before His
Face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.”
Heb. 10:28; 1 Tim. 5:19; 2 Cor. 13:l-2; Deut. 19:15-21.
THREE, Speaks of Divine Complete, The Godhead. Col. 2:9,
“In Him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily”
Rom. 1:20; I Jn. 5:7,8.
Three also speaks of Abundant Testimony. Full Manifestation in
Redemption: God, the Father planned His Great Plan of
Redemption; God, the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled it;
God, the Holy Spirit witnesses to this Redeeming fact in the
Scripture!
Using the number three in the following examples we can see
how exhaustive numerals can be!
Three definitions of God given in the Bible:
1. God is a Spirit. 2. God is Light. 3. God is Love.
Three divisions of the Tabernacle:
1. Outer Court. 2. Holy Place. 3. Holy of Holies.
Three metals used in the construction of the Tabernacle:
1. Gold. 2. Silver. 3. Brass.
Three colors often mentioned together:
1. Blue. 2. Purple. 3. Scarlet.
Three entrances to the Tabernacle. One to each of the three divisions:
1. The Gate, 2. The Curtain Door, 3. The Veil.
Three Lights:
1. The natural light from the sun in The Outer Court.
2. The Light from the Candlestick in the Holy Place.
3. The Light from the Shekinah Glory in the Holy of Holies.
Three great feasts of the Jews:
1. Passover. 2. Pentecost. 3. Tabernacles.
Three liquids used in the Tabernacle:
1. Blood. 2. Water. 3. Oil.
Three types of sacrifices were offered:
1. - of the herd; bullocks,
2. - of the flocks; sheep or goats.
3. - of the fowl; turtledoves or young pigeons, etc.
Three places where the blood was sprinkled:
1. The Brazen Altar, (His Cross).
2. The Golden Altar, (His Intercession).
3. The Mercy Seat, (The Throne of God)
Three times the river Jordan was divided miraculously:
1. When Israel crossed into Canaan .
2. When Elijah passed over before his translation.
3. When Elisha returned after Elijah’s translation.
Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days and
three nights. John. 1:l7.
Jesus spent three days and nights in the tomb (heart of the earth).
Mt. 12:40.
The Gospels record three times God spoke from heaven:
1. At the baptism of Jesus. Mt. 3:17
2. At His Transfiguration. Mt. 17:5
3. Before the Passover. Jn. 12:28.
Jesus raised three people from the dead:
1. The daughter of Jarus. Mark 5:22 .
2. The son of the widow of Nain. Lk. 7:14
3. Lazarus. Jn. 11:43.
Christ was Crucified at the third hour. Mk. 15:25 .
His accusation was written in three languages over His Head:
1. Hebrew. 2. Greek. 3. Latin. Lk. 23:38; Jn. 19:20.
The three-fold nature of man:
1. Spirit. 2. Soul. 3. Body. 1 Thes. 5:23; Heb. 4:12. etc.
FOUR, Speaks of Yieldingness. Jn. 10:17-l8.
Jesus said, “My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life, that
might take it again. No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down
of Myself. I have power to take it again. This commandant have I
received of My Father.” Isa. 53:7-8; Mt. 26:53.
Weakness. We live by the power of God.
2 Cor. 13:4
“Though He was crucified through weakness, yet He lives by the
power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live
with Him by the power of God toward you.”
FIVE, Speaks of Grace. Jn. 1:17.
"The Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus
Christ." Rom. 3:24; Rom. 3:29-30; Gal. 3:24
Capacity. Jesus has the capacity to forgive us from all sins! Jn. 1:9.
“If we confess our sins, He is our faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 Tim.2:5.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus;” Heb. 8:6; Heb. 8:9;Heb. 9:15; Rom.6:14; Eph.2:8.
Responsibility. I Tim.2:5; Heb. 8:6-9; Heb. 9:15
SIX, speaks of Imperfection, Incompleteness. Human achievement
without the work of the Holy Spirit. The number of man.
Man was created on the sixth day. Gen. 1:26-31.
Nebuchadnezzar’s image was sixty cubits high and six cubits wide.
Dan. chapter 3.
The number of the antichrist is six, six, six. Rev. 13:18.
SEVEN, speaks of Divine Perfection; Completeness.
The fullness of God for the believer.
The blood of the sin offering was sprinkled before and upon the
Mercy Seat seven times on the Day of Atonement.
Lev. 16:14-15.
Seven times Jesus announced His Return in the book of Revelation.
2:25; Rev. 3:3-11; Rev. 16:15; Rev. 22:7; Rev. 22:12-20.
There are seven ‘Blessed” in this book.
Rev.1:3; Rev. 14:13; Rev. 16:15 ; Rev. 20:6; Rev. 22:7-14.
BLESSED are they which are called unto the marriage supper of
the Lamb” Rev. 19:9.
Isa. 11:2-3 gives us a sevenfold description of the Holy Spirit.
Again, using the number seven for another example to show how
exhaustive numerals can be:
The book of Revelation contains many “Seven’s. “There are:
7 Spirits before the throne.
7 Stars in Christ’s right hand.
Jesus is walking in the midst of 7 golden Candlesticks.
7 Letters to the Churches of Asia .
The book is sealed with 7 seals.
7 Angels standing before the throne.
7 trumpets.
7 Vials of Judgments.
7 Thunders utter their voices.
The number seven appears nearly 600 times throughout the Bible
(in types).
EIGHT, speaks of Resurrection. The number of New Beginning.
After seven days have passed, the eighth day begins the new week.
Jesus arose from the dead on the eighth day, the first day of the
week. We honor His Resurrection! Jesus arose with a Glorified
Body! Jesus is the First fruits of Resurrection!
Apart from His Resurrection, there are eight other cases of
resurrection recorded in the Bible:
Three in the OldTestament.
I Kings. 17:17-22; 2 Kings. 4:32-37; 2Kings 13:20-21
Three in the Gospels. Mk. 5:35-42; Lk. 7:1-15; Jn. 11:1-45
Two in the book of Acts. Acts 9:36-41; Acts 20:9-12.
Through Christ, we have been Resurrected into Newness of Life!
Rom. 6:4-5.
NINE, speaks of Human perfection. Under the influence,
direction and living by the Holy Spirit.
9 Beatitudes. Mt. 5:3-11.
9 Virtues. 2 Pet. 1:5-7.'
9 Fold example of Patience. 2 Cor. 6:4-5
9 fold cluster of the Fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22-23.
9 Gifts or operations of the Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:8-10.
TEN, speaks of Perfect Order. Gen. ch. 1.
The phrase,
“God said” occurs ten times.
This shows Perfect Order in Creation. Ex.1:17.
God gave His Ten Commandments to Israel. Keeping these
brought a Perfect Order in living. Rev. 22:14.
We have received the power of the Holy Spirit to keep His
Commandments!
TWELVE, Speaks of Governmental Perfection. Rev. chapter 21.
12 Gates.
12 Angels.
12 Tribes of the children of Israel .
12 Foundations.
12 Apostles of the Lamb.
The Holy City is 12 thousand furlongs.
We will reign (rule) on the earth.
Rev. 5:10-11.
The Holy City (overhead) is our Headquarters. Mt.19:28
FORTY, Speaks of Testing, Chastening, Tribulation
(Trails, Discipline).
Mk.1:l3. Jesus was, “In the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan;”
Gal. 5:24 We are of Christ, we “Have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts.”
(Passions) Gal 2:20; Rom. 6:6.
Here is listed just a few of the many numerals of the Bible. The typology of these numerals and Scripture references apply to redemption! Because of the multitude of Scripture references that can be applied for each numeral, only a few have been listed here.
Follow are only a few types from each category:
Typical People
Aaron, Christ, our Great High Priest.
Ex.28:1; Heb.5:4-5; Lev. 16:l5; Heb. 9:7-24.
Bezaleel, A type of the Spirit-filled believer.
Ex.31:1-11; Ex. 35:30-35; Ex. 36:1-4
Aholiab, A type of Grace.
Moses, Christ our Deliverer, Ruler and Prophet. Deut. 18:15-18;
Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:2; Acts. 3:20-22.
Joshua, Christ our Leader. Josh. 1:5-6; Josh. 11:23; Heb. 4:8-9; Acts. 20:32.
Melchizedek, Christ our Priest and King.
Gen. 14:18-20; Heb. 7:1-17.
Shepherd, Christ the Good Shepherd. Jn.10:11-14
Aaron’s sons (priests). We are the priesthood of believers.
Rev.1:6; Rev. 5:10 ; Rev. 20:6; Ex. 19:5; 1 Pet. 2:5-9.
Leper, A type of the sinner.
Leprosy, A type of sin.
____________________
Typical Places
Egypt, A type of sin and the world. A place of death and bondage.
Kadesh-barnea, speaks of the place of decision.
Promised Land, A type of the Holy Spirit. Spirit-filled Life or Living.
Desert, Temptation or Persecution.
Sodom and Gomorrah, Wickedness.
Wilderness, Purging out the carnality of the carnal Christian.
New Jerusalem, Celestial City. Cities of refuge. Christ our Protection.
Rephidim, Refreshing or Life of the Spirit.
_____________________
Typical Objects (things).
Sword, Word of God (Bible). Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12 ; Rev. 1:16; Rev. 2:12 .
War, Spiritual Conflict. Eph. 6:12.
Key, Authority or Knowledge. Matt. 16:19; Matt. 18:18 ; Rev. 1:18.
Stone, Christ the Chief Corner Stone.
Isa. 28:16; Isa. 8:14 ; Rom. 9:33 ; Acts. 4:1; Mt. 21:42;
Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:7-8
Stones, (onyx and precious) A type of believers.
Mal. 3:17; 1 Pet.2:5
Wood, Humanity (Incorruptibility of the Human Nature of our
Lord Jesus Christ). Isa. 53:2; Lk. 1:35; Matt. 1:2.
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Typical Events
Exodus, A mass departure. A great going out.
Wilderness Journey, Self crucifixion. Death to self.
Passover, Death of Christ.
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Typical Food
Oil, A type of the Holy Spirit (Christ the Anointed.)
Isa. 61:1-3; Lk. 4:18-19; Acts. 10:38.
The believers anointing. 1 Jn. 2:27.
Fish, speaks of Men. Mt. 4:19; Mk.1:17; Lk.5:10.
Milk, Food for babes in Christ.
I Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 12:1; 1 Pet. 2:1-2.
Meat, Food for strong, spiritual believers, mature believers.
Those of full age. Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 14:20; Phil. 3:15.
Fruit, Increase or Multiplication.
Spices, Christ our Sweet Smelling Savor.
Eph. 5:2; 2 Cor. 2:14-15; Lev. 1:9; Num. 18:17.
(Fragrance of Christ before God)
Salt, Incorruptibility or Faithfulness.
(God’s Covenant is called A Covenant of Salt).
Lev. 2:13; Num. 18:19; 2Chron. 13:5; Col. 4:6; Ezek. 43:24.
Bread, Nourishment. Means of sustaining life. 2 Cor. 9:10.
Unleavened Bread, True doctrine (Teaching) is without false
doctrine and sin). Mt. 26:17; Mk. 14:1-12; Lk. 22:17;
Acts.12:3; Acts 20:6; 1 Cor. 5:7-8.
Leavened Bread, False doctrine (Teaching) is decay, spiritual
corruption and sin. Paul refers to it as malice and wickedness.
I Cor. 5:8; Lk. 12:l; Mt. l6:6, Mt. 16:11-12; Mt. 13:33 ; Mk. 8:l5; Lk. 13: 21;
1 Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:9.
Bitter Herbs, Bondage and slavery.
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Typical Actions
Baptism, speaks of the death, burial and resurrection of
Jesus Christ. Mt. 3:13-15; Mk. 1:9.
Weeping, Sorrow, Humility.
Walking, Conduct or Obedience.
Feet, Walk or Conduct.
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Other types
Blood, represents Life. Lev. 17:11-14
Rock of Horeb, speaks of Jesus the Rock of Ages.
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Typical Animals
Lamb, Ram, is a type of Christ the Perfect Offering.
Jn. 1:29-36; 1 Pet. 1:19; Rev. 5:6; Rev. 13:8; Rev. 12:11; Isa. 53:7.
Sheep, God’s People.
Bullock - Oxen, Strength or Service.
Lion, Rulership.
Birds, Spirit beings (usually evil).
Goat, Sin or the sinner.
Serpent, Satan.
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Natural Phenomena:
Flood, Judgment.
Rain, Blessing.
Wind, Might or Power.
Water, (great bodies of) Nations.
Types are not Symbols
Symbols are not as close in likeness as types are, but they do hold
a high significance.
A symbol, unlike a type, is not usually shown ahead of time,
but rather represents something that already exists.
The Definition of a Symbol
A symbol is that which stands for, or represents something else; a visible sign or representation of an idea or quality of another object.
a. A symbol in the Bible means that an object, animal, action, form,
words or whatever else is involved has a deeper spiritual meaning
than a simple, literal interpretation might suggest, while a type is
an example of what is to come.
b. A symbol reminds us of something. A sign or representation of
something else.
Symbols applied to Jesus from the four Gospels
In Matthew, a lion is the symbol of a King.
Jesus, Lion from the tribe of Judah is The King of Kings.
In Mark, an ox is the symbol of strength and service.
Jesus is The Servant who came to Serve.
In Luke, a man is the symbol of all mankind.
Jesus is The Perfect Man.
In John, an eagle is the symbol of Spiritually.
Jesus is The Son of God (in Spirit He is God).
Symbols
Fire. A symbol of the Presence of God:
In favor of Ex. 3:2; Ex. 19:18 .
In judgment of, Gen. 19:24; Num. 16:34-35; Deut. 4:24;
Heb. 12:29
Horns, are a symbol of Power. Dan. 8:3-4.
Horns on the Brazen Altar, speak of the Power of His Blood (The Victory of the Cross and the saving power of Christ)! Horns on the Golden Altar, speak of the power of His Intercession (The Power of Prayer)!
A Dove is the symbol of Peace and Purity
(A dove has no gall.)
Symbols as they apply to the Human Body
Head: Mind.
Eye: Knowledge.
Ear: Listening.
Lips/Mouth: Testimony.
Shoulders: Strength (for burdens).
Breast: Affection.
Heart: Love.
Hands: Service.
Back, loins, thighs: Power and Strength.
Types are not the same as Prophecy
Types are only in a sense a sort of Prophecy.
Prophecy is the for telling of future events. Gen. 49:1; Num. 24:14.
Also speaking to people for edification and comfort.
1 Cor. 14:3.
There are three kinds of prophecy.
1. There is the gift of prophecy.
1 Cor. 12:1 This is a teaching ministry.
Teaching us of what is to Come.
2. There is the Spirit of prophecy.
Rev. 19:10; Rev. 1:1; Rev. 1:19; Rev. 4:1; Rev. 7:1-9; Rev. 15:5; Rev. 18:1; Rev. 19:1
This is foretelling future events. Showings things to come.
3. There is fulfilled prophecy.
The purpose of this is Confirmation. Jn. 13:19
All by the same Spirit!
Two fifths of the Bible is prophecy.
All prophecy has already been fulfilled that applies
to Redemption, except the redemption of our bodies!
Signs of the Last Days and the Second Coming of Christ
1. “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” Mt.24:7
2. “Earthquakes, famines, and pestilences.” Mt.24:7
3. “Men “shall run to and fro” Dan.12:4
4. “Knowledge shall be increased” Dan.12:4
5. “Wars and rumors of wars.” Mt.24:6
6. “Evil men … shall wax worse and worse.” 2 Tim.3:13
7. “As in the days of Noah.” Mt.24:37
8. “Restaurants and taverns.” Mt.24:38,39
9. “False Christ.” Mt.24:5; Mk.13:22
10. “Falling away from faith.” 1 Tim.4:1,2
11.” “Will not endure sound doctrine.” 2 Tim.4:2-4
12. “Scoffers who don’t care to hear of the Second Coming of Christ.”
2 Pet.3:3-14
13. “They shall say, Peace and safety.” 1 Thess.5:1-3
14. “Men “walking after their own lusts.” Jude 16-18
15. “Heaping treasures for last days.” Jas.5:3-6
16. “False preachers.” Mt.24:11
17. “Men and horses out of work.” Zec.8:10
18. “Automobiles.” Nah.2:3,4
19. “Air ships.” Isa.31:5; 60:8
20. “Perilous times.” 2 Tim.3:1
21. “Disobedient to parents.” 2 Tim.3:2
22. “Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” 2 Tim.3:2
23. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Tim.3:4,5
24. “Jews returning to Palestine.” Isa.11:12; Jere.32:36-42
25. “Coming world dictator.” 2 Thess.2:1-4; Rev.13
26. “Length of his rule.” Rev.13:5
27. “Some will worship him.” Rev.13:8
28. “Doom to those who worship him.” Rev.14:9-11
29. “Picture of last war.” Dan.12:1; Mt.24:21; Jere.25:29-33
30. “Gospel preached “among all nations.” Mk.13:10
31. “Signs in the sun, moon, stars … distress of nations …” Lk.21:25-27
32. “Men’s hearts failing them for fear.” Lk.21:25-27
33. “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Lk.21:25-27
34. “The end of all things is at hand.” Lk.21:25-27
