The Secret of the Ages

Quantum physics is on a quest to merge the fundamental forces of the universe into one “Grand Unification Theory,” perpetuating the ancient illusion that “Your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods.” (Gen 3:5) The Bible, however, reduces such knowledge to “profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely so called” (1 Tim 6:20 KJV) Their coveted equations and mystical insights may reveal intelligent design, but science is powerless to eliminate sin, evil and entropy, neither can it replace the pivotal experience of knowing God personally.

The Bible, contrary to science, makes the fantastic and exclusive claim that Christ is “upholding (sustaining) the universe by the word of his power.” (Heb 1:3) The matrix of creation is actually an expression of Jesus Christ. “For by Him all things were created . . .visible and invisible . . . All things were created through Him. . .and in Him all things consist (hold together.)” (Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:2)

Jesus' astounding assertion that he alone is "Truth and Life,” introduced a paradigm that science will never comprehend. (Jn 14:6) Truth and Life are not principles or forces explained by quantum physics. An authentic heart to heart relationship with Jesus Christ is the true physics of reality. That's the secret!

“This secret is Christ himself, in you. He is our only hope . . .” (Col 1:27 NCV) He's not an impersonal force, but a sentient being with exquisite emotions and deep love for you in particular. Sadly, much of the church has trivialized “relationship” reducing it to a cliché, and substituting it with principles and doctrines.

Religion may mirror the truth, but it's virtually as lifeless as science. Jesus exposed religiosity by saying, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you will not come to Me that you may have life.” (Jn 5:39-40) Eternal life is not in the scriptures, it's in Jesus Christ. The Bible testifies of Him, but there's no life in the printed page.

Life and truth are not concepts, they're a person who said, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” (Jn 15:6) That's a terribly alarming statement! But it reveals that life's secret is not simply a confession of faith, but an active abiding in Jesus Christ. A relationship with God is not some static emotionless state. It's an intentional, passionate and persistent communion. We were created to function in concert with the indwelling Holy Spirit, and love is the incentive. All else is emotionally empty and intellectually perverse.

God dwells in a believer's spirit, (1 Cor 2:11) but we must understand that the thoughts of our heart is where communion with Him occurs. (Rom 10:8-9; Eph 5:19) This is why a pure heart and renewed mind are imperative for perceiving God in this life. “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” (Mat 5:8)

The entire universe is a manifestation of the spoken thoughts of God. His thoughts are the essence of creation, and we his created image, are defined by our thoughts. As a man “thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Prov 23:7) Thoughts are words, and words are so fundamental to God and human consciousness that Christ is actually called the Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jn 1:1)

All human relationships (God included) are based on communication of thoughts, and are characterized by their level of intimacy and truth. If your interaction with God is superficial and hypocritical, you are not in a relationship that can sustain and empower you.

We were designed to live by receiving and processing God's thoughts (words). (Rom 8:14) That's what believing is! And that's why believing is a matter of life or death. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life.” (Rom 8:6) Repentance is to change one's thoughts. When our thoughts harmonize with Jesus Christ, who is Life, then and only then, do we possess Life. “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (Jn 8:24) Until your thinking aligns with Christ your life is just a dying ember. This is not some fanciful rule to test humans, it’s simply the mechanics of creation.

But that's not the whole secret, it gets even more bizarre. Our created purpose as a dwelling place for God's presence (1 Cor 3:16) is called a “great mystery,” and marriage, the epitome of human relations best typifies it. (Eph 5:32) We come to God as a little child, then mature into sons and daughters, which evolves into friendship, and finally we are so captivated by His love that it consummates in the joy and intimacy of a bride.

This wondrous bridal mystery is light years beyond our cryptic expectations of God. The fact that he yearns to relate to us as a bride seems unimaginable. “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory . . . "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Cor 2)

With great prophetic significance Jesus launched his ministry at a wedding, where he saved the best wine for last, and later revealed that he is the ultimate bridegroom. (Mt 9:15; Mk 2; Lk 5) The Song of Solomon, and many of the prophets foretold of this divine/human marriage. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the “Bridegroom,” and the bride is the only church remnant to survive the baptism of fire at the end of this age. (Rev 19-22)

Marriage between a man and woman is profoundly sacred, because it's the image of God's eternal plan. “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” (Eph 5:22) The intimacy of the bride and Christ will reach such intensity that the prayers of the bride will literally induce his second coming. “The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" (Rev 22:17) We vastly underestimate the seriousness of this, but it's a critical end time truth that the church must embrace.

As this age draws to a close, the church will mature into it's full destiny, a bride “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Eph 5:27) The American church is about to undergo a fiery transformation where God becomes our lover, not some acquaintance to be patronized for happiness, prosperity and self-esteem.

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” (Rev 19:7) We have a responsibility to make ourselves ready. If we passively discount God's knocking at the door of our heart, our nakedness and wretchedness will be exposed in that day, as we face Jesus' shocking and traumatic rejection, “I never knew you.”

There's hope and security if you seek, “Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” (Jude 1:24) God is passionately able, but love won't coerce or violate free will. Our part is to simply, “Resist the devil . . .draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands . . .and purify your hearts.” (Jas 4:8)

“Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” (Dan 12:10)

Copyright 2011 by Hayden Humphrey

VISION OF THE TITANIC

Years ago I dismissed dream interpretation as a pastime of religious fanatics, relegating it to the marginally credible realm of Bible codes and numerology. But at some point I awakened from my prejudice, realizing that dreams were the most common vehicle of God's voice in the Bible, mentioned over one hundred times. Dreams, prophecies and visions are anything but marginal; to the contrary they are evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams” (Acts 2:17)

Our dreams may come either from God, demons or the subliminal thoughts of our hearts,(Dan 2:30) but when downloaded from God, dreams have a distinctive quality that sets them apart, yet only the Holy Spirit can ultimately decipher and interpret them. (1 Cor 2:12-16) I don't base doctrine on dreams, visions or prophecies. The Bible is the plumb line for understanding all spiritual experiences. Nevertheless, revelatory events should be common to all Christians, (1 Cor 12:7) (1 Cor 14:26) and fearing them is to elevate deception above God's faithfulness.

The dream that I am about to share is an ominous warning, but it arises from God's love, to fortify and enlighten us. The New Testament prophet Agabus prophesied a famine, to warn not to condemn. Jesus prophesied of Peter's crucifixion, not to scare him but to prepare him. (Jn 21:13-18) Virtually all the prophesies and visions of the book of Revelation are catastrophic, yet their purpose is to edify, not to intimidated us.

THE DREAM

I was on a wharf overlooking the ocean in what seemed like San Francisco. It was nighttime and cold. As I looked out, directly in front of me was the Titanic standing straight up ready to plunge into the depths. Only a few yards away, lifeboats filled with survivors were neatly lined up facing the Titanic. The survivors sat very orderly, quietly focused on the Titanic as it was about to go down.

Suddenly I found myself hovering just above and next to the life boats, as I urgently cried out, “Get back!! or you will be destroyed by the backwash!” Immediately I was transported back to the wharf, as the Titanic slid below the surface. A great turbulence resulted, destroying the life boats and raining down cold ocean water all around me, yet I remained untouched. As the water pelted the wharf, flames of hell fire came up from below. End of dream.

INTERPRETATION

I believe the interpretation is this: The Titanic represents America, and the lifeboats represent the church. The United States is tragically “going down,” and the church is too close to it.

The Titanic embodies the opulent American life style of the glory of man, the presumption of safety and the repression of the poor. Didn't the captain audaciously declare, “Even God can't sink this ship!” as the despised poor were banished to the lower decks?

Because of the churches' preoccupation with tradition, entertainment, self-esteem, prosperity and the glorification of man, hell fire will manifest. Much of the church has ignored it's mandate to be a house of prayer for all nations, and the default position for being too close to the world is hell fire. Your denominational lifeboat will fail you if you ignore the requirements of prayer, love and separation from this world. “Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (Jas 4:4)

God's final warning to the “secular” church is, “Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.” (Rev 18:4)

APPLICATION

How is the church too close to the world? Are we suppose to be culturally reclusive, hiding behind a legalistic charade, blabbing our Christian buzzwords? No, it's a heart issue. We can look relevant, passionately preach, minister to the needy and yet be a fraud. We all have a pharisee inside who cleans the outside of the cup, but inside is full of greed and self-indulgence. (Mat 23:25)

But thankfully, there is a clear biblical definition of true religion. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”(Jas 1:27) Practical loving and being uncontaminated by this perverted world captures the simplicity of Christianity.

Love is the goal, a pure heart is its conduit. “If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 Jn 2:15) The pollution of our culture and the Father's love are mutually exclusive.

The epitaph of Sodom and Gomorrah is God's prototype warning for all generations. “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” (Ez 16:49)  Isn't it interesting that the sin most associated with Sodom isn't even mentioned?

This indictment of Sodom is also the legacy of the American dream, and the diagnosis of the ailing western church. Arrogance, gluttony, wasting time and misuse of money, have sabotaged and disarmed the church. When we marginalize God, the “inalienable right of the pursuit of happiness” becomes a license for unbridled selfishness . . .and the church parties on.

PRIDE

Sodom's descent into hell began with pride. (Ez 16:49) Pride is so ingrained into our psyche that sadly, our culture considers it a virtue, but it is the most malignant of all sins, more primitive even than the love of money. Pride is the very basis of Lucifer's fall and it's been spliced into our DNA, whispering “You shall be as Gods.” This lure of personal autonomy and sovereignty is the lie of the ages.

We have a ravenous hunger to recover our lost glory, and pride is its cheap and toxic imitation. “Notice me! Notice me!” Self esteem is one of our most powerful, yet delusional drives, and it's sustained by pride. “For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Lk 16:15)

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (Jas 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5) “Resists” in the original Greek is a hostile military term meaning “to array in battle against.” God militantly and aggressively opposes pride, because it is the most destructive force in the universe. Pride is the only thing that God's grace cannot penetrate!

“Only by pride comes contention.” (Prov 13:10) Pride is the source of all strife, from the home to the nations, as it complains, takes offense and self-justifies. If I were the only person in the universe I would have no pride because pride requires comparison. “When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. (2 Cor 10:12) Like Lucifer, if I disregard God I will inevitably bestow divinity upon myself. Whether I exalt or debase myself it's pride, because I'm letting the world determine my value.

Only by humility can we access God and His love. Most of our personal trials are ordained to humiliate, so we can be divested of all that's not love. (Ps 34:19) Humiliation managed by God crushes pride, driving us into the secret place. (Ps 31:20) “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Pet 5:6) Exaltation is our ultimate destiny, but we are powerless to orchestrate it.

Genuine humility flows from a broken and contrite heart desperately aware of its need for mercy. A pious outward show of humility is false humility, which is merely concealed pride. (Col 2:23) “Do not let anyone disqualify you by making you humiliate yourself.” (Col 2:18 NCV) Rest assured, “It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him.” (Phil 2:23 GW) Nevertheless, when God gives us a scorching glimpse of our spiritual bankruptcy, pride still haunts us daily. Therefore, like Paul we must “die daily” (1 Cor 15:31) and humble ourselves as a little child. (Mat 18:4)

FULLNESS OF FOOD

Sodom's second iniquity surprisingly was “fullness of food.” In another dream the Lord showed me a creature that is ravaging America and debilitating the church. Its name is Behemoth and it's reputedly the ruling spirit over the domain of gluttony. In the dream it lunged at my feet to bite them, just as I awoke. Failure to deal with gluttony or excessive self-indulgence will cripple our walk.

Paul takes it further, “I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many (believers) live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on earth.” (Phil 3:18-19 NIV) If that wasn't severe enough, he adds this alarming confession “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Cor 9:27)

Those verses are far more serious than we dare think. If our appetite is an idol, our salvation is in jeopardy. It sounds outrageous. But we've been so immersed in excessive self gratification and indulgence that we have a distorted view of moderation, and a religious prejudice against a fasted lifestyle. What is normal?

Never in history have the masses had carte blanche access to the decadent diet that once was reserved only for royalty. Now we all eat like kings. But the Bible warns that such excess is dangerously abnormal. “When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.” (Prov 23:1-3)

The king's food is deceptive because it's totally focused on sensation without regard to health or moderation. It's not sin to enjoy eating, “God, gives us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Tim 6:17) Nevertheless, if we over indulge our flesh, it will demand more and more, until we are its slave.

This is not simply about obesity or toxic food. Gluttony robs us spiritually. We are designed to be totally integrated beings, and fullness of food reinforces the other lusts of the flesh. If you're battling anger, pride, lust or addictions, stop overeating and feed your spirit instead. Fasting allows one's spirit to ascend while the flesh is denied power. Drawing near to God implies drawing away from all that's anti-God, including our carnal cravings. (Jas 4:8)

ABUNDANCE OF IDLENESS

Sodom was obsessed with “idleness” which is defined as “activity that is frivolous, vain, futile, useless; to move lazily about without purpose.” Does this not embody the American theme park mindset, with its advertised illusion of heaven on earth? Wasting time is the vacant pleasure of the god of materialism. We can be frantically busy while squandering irreplaceable time.

It's certainly good and necessary to chill, relax and recreate; that's the purpose of the sabbath, made for our human need to rest. (Mk 2:27) But there's not even a remote comparison between a sabbath rest and the incessant idle distractions of our culture.

Time is relative, temporary and indelibly woven into the fabric of our existence, and therefore, incomprehensible. “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Pet 3:8) Time is not ultimate reality, it's a parentheses in eternity, and the crucible of salvation. (Ecc 1:13) “Consider that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation.” (2 Pet 3:15) Time is literally salvation. Our time on earth is not an end in its self, it's preparation for eternity.

Time is infinitely more precious than money. Money is not the currency of God's kingdom, love is, and anything we do that's not motivated by love is idle and desolate. Imagine being on your death bed wishing that you had watched more TV, played more games, read more novels, or spent more time enslaved by electronic gadgets. The only thing that will matter is how much time was spent loving. (Mat 22:37-40)

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph 5:15-16) Fools waste time. Our culture's addictive distraction with music, images, games, fantasy and an endless stream of data, is totally without precedent. No other generation in history has experienced this baptism of insatiable stimulation, which to the young seems totally normal. Technology is growing exponentially and it's greatest influence is it's ability to seduce and deceive, and its primary fruit is vanity and a haunting emptiness. (Ecc 1:14)

The Bible offers an ultimatum that seems preposterous and virtually unthinkable in our society: “Be imitators of God . . . And walk in love, as Christ . . . But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you . . .neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, but rather giving of thanks . . .No fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes . . . Therefore do not be partakers with them. . . Walk as children of light . . .And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness . . .For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.” (Eph 5:1-16)

Even Old Testament saints were tuned into this truth. “I will set nothing wicked (shameful, vile, base, worthless) before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.” (Ps 101:3) However, much of the church appears to be reprobate, as they daily binge on scenes of sex, violence and emotional trauma. We are attracted to such degeneracy because our flesh is corrupt and craves darkness, but there will be no excuse. If at the judgment, we must give account for every idle word, (Mat 12:36) how shall we escape accountability for idle time?

The Bible warns that destruction awaits those “Whose glory is their shame.” (Phil 3:19) America has become proud of what it should be ashamed of, producing a generation with no sense of shame. Billy Graham once remarked, “When was the last time you blushed at something on TV?” Thankfully repentance and forgiveness offers us a clean slate.

CONCLUSION

If all this “negativity' has placed a disheartening burden on you, don't despair. In the context of extreme religious tradition and legalism the Bible offers liberation: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23) There are obvious sins enumerated in scripture, but many things are morally neutral. How they affect our heart and communion with God is the issue, and that's personal and can't be legislated.

However, many of you have been so traumatized and alienated by the American gospel, that you are in danger of the same duplicity you so despise in the church. To assume that you can navigate the pandemic deceptions of this world better than others is blind pride, and its most vile form is religious pride.

"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (Jn 8:31-32) The truth that sets you free from deception is not found in objective reasoning or even true doctrine. The truth is not a concept, it's a person, who said “I am the truth,” and only abiding in Him keeps us from deception. (Jn 14:6) (Jn 1:1) 

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (Jn 15:4) Deliberate  abiding in Christ, (walking in the Spirit) is the only path to our destiny, and “Narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.” (Mat 7:14) That is the brutal reality of life.  If we fear that the narrow way will lead us to legalism and traditionalism, we will compromise and discredit the way of the cross. 

I am simply sharing Bible verses here. You can reject my remarks, but please don't reject the Spirit of Truth who yearns to reveal the Bible to you. There's no private interpretation, only various levels of truth . . .or deception. (2 Pet 1:20)

I know that warnings like this are foreboding and unpleasant, but they're an expression of God's mercy. Judgment on the church is not condemnation, it's to motivate us to flee to the Father, not evade Him.

Paul's farewell address to the church revealed his consuming burden to warn of deception: “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31) That's a remarkable statement! Paul didn't just preach positive messages. For three and a half years he “ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” That's a glimpse of God's heart for the church.

I believe the Titanic is now poised to plunge into the depths . Don't wait for it to slip below the surface before you divest yourself of this world's ways.

P.S. Sodom's failure to minister to the poor and needy was the fourth reason for their fall. It's a provocative topic because it's about money. That's a subject for a future post.

Copyright by Hayden Humphrey 2011

The Paradox of War and Pacifism

Throughout my Christian journey, I have noticed a strange aversion to the conspicuous pacifism of Jesus' life and teachings. Only a minority of denominations seem to take this issue seriously, while others blatantly contradict it, and the majority ignore it altogether. Since pacifism is not listed as a foundational principle of Christ in Hebrews 6:1-2 it should not separate believers. Nevertheless, what the church erects on that foundation is paramount. “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings of Christ and go on to maturity.” (Heb 6:1) Maturity is not selective obedience, it embraces all of Jesus' teachings. “There is a judge for the one who rejects . . my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.” Let me be clear, this is not some innocuous theological exercise. Our grasp of Jesus' non-resistance message has eternal consequences.

Biblical pacifism has been distorted and marginalized because it seems unpractical and idealistic, but ironically it is about to rudely demand our attention. Christians in America will soon be forced into dire situations compelling us to take a stand regarding war, persecution, political oppression and civil disobedience, and we must resolve these issues before it is too late.

THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

The New Testament actually defines itself as “The Gospel of Peace.” (Rom 10:15, Eph 6:15) and loudly proclaims: “Follow after peace with all men.” “Love you enemies.” “Do not use force against an evil man.” “Do not return evil for evil.” “To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.” “Avenge not yourselves.” “Overcome evil with good.” “Why not take wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?” “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, therefore be harmless.” “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” “He that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” "If your enemy is hungry, feed him . . .etc . .etc... How can you possibly discount such self-evident nonviolence?

The gospel of peace isn't some pleasant sentiment that ceases when your life is threatened. While Jesus was being unjustly crucified, he forgave his murderers. Yes, that was required for our salvation, but it was also an example of non-retaliation. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. . .When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Pet 2:21-23)

The “Prince of Peace” described himself as “meek and lowly.” He was introduced to the world as the “Lamb of God,” and contrary to human logic the King of the Universe vanquished evil by meekness. Meekness is power and it's the meek, not the violent, who shall inherit the earth.

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE OLD TESTAMENT?

But how do we reconcile the apparent contradiction between the old and new testaments? Under the old covenant, war, blood shed and retribution were sanctioned by God, but in the new covenant we are exhorted to love our enemies, resist not evil men, turn the other cheek and avenge not. How do we explain this if God is unchangeable? It cannot be explained by subverting the new testament's glaring pacifism. Physical nonviolence is a clear imperative that must be integrated into our lives.

Since the Fall there's been an increasing spiritual refinement which will consummate in the fullness of Christ in the church, and the incarnation of evil in unbelievers.(Mat 13:30) The end time church will manifest Christ “without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish,” (Eph 5:27) and the palpable love and peace of God will be the hallmark of this “holy and blameless” bride.

God has progressively revealed himself to mankind, holding each generation accountable for the light that's available. “Those times when men had no knowledge were overlooked by God; but now he gives orders to all men in every place to undergo a change of heart.” (Acts 17:30 BBE) Because of this evolving revelation of God, the old testament was lenient on man's hardness and depravity. But when the Light of the World appeared, the standard was elevated to perfect love. “You have heard it said of old, 'Do not murder,' but I say unto you do not even be angry...” (Mt 5:21-22)

The old testament is a brighter light than mans' innate conscience, but the brilliance of the new is unsurpassed. We must, therefore, interpret the old in the light of the new, not vice versa. The contrast between the old and new covenants is described as a “shadow” compared to an “exact image” (Heb 10:1) That's a profound difference.

In Jesus, not only do we see the exact image of the Father, but now every believer has access to His supernatural LOVE. This is revolutionary! The love, power and holiness of the kingdom of heaven literally inhabits the believer, something the old testament saints could scarcely imagine. The new covenant is so superior that Jesus made this astounding comparison: “He who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than,” the greatest old testament saint! (Mt 11:11)

How could that possibly be? How could the least esteemed weakest christian be greater than the anointed and exalted John the Baptist? What exactly is this staggering distinction? It's the new creation. A miraculous re-birth is everything, religion avails nothing. (Gal 6:15) Old testament believers could be anointed but none were born-again. We now have the very nature of Christ in us, and “As He is, so are we in this world.” (1 Jn 4:17) This is the key to pacifism.

If you are “in Christ” your human spirit literally dwells in God's presence because “He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit.”(1 Cor 6:17) Being “seated in heavenly places in Christ.”(Eph 2:6) is not poetic license, it's a transcendent reality. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (1 Cor 5:17) This newness forever separates us from the old covenant, (Heb 8:13) and from this world system. “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.” (2 Cor 6:17) Our citizenship is actually in heaven, and we are mere strangers and pilgrims in this secular world.(Phil 3:20; Heb 11:13)

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Christians have been translated into another dimension called the Kingdom of God, (Col 1:13) alienating them from this world.(Jn 17:14) This kingdom was the core of Jesus' ministry, the heart of his prayers, his most mentioned topic, and he will not return until it's preached to the entire planet. It's the answer to all problems, seeking it is our ultimate agenda, love is its source, and its only definition is “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom 14:17) Therefore, participation in killing, violence, and oppression categorically excludes you from God's kingdom.

We must understand that “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.” (1 Cor 15:50) It's naive idealism to think the church can transform inherently corrupt nations and institutions by flesh and blood. Jesus said, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If it belonged to this world, my servants would fight.” Fighting with the world's principles and weapons is anti-Christ.

Our citizenship in the Kingdom of Peace trumps any earthly allegiance.(Acts 5:29) Peace is the atmosphere of heaven, God's original intention for humanity, and he longs to manifest it on earth through the church.(Eph 1:10) But it comes only as believers refuse to submit to the strife of this world, (Rom 2:12) being “harmless children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.” (Phil 2:15)

The kingdoms of this world maintain peace by “rule of law,” but in the kingdom of God it's the “law of Love.” (Jas 2:8) Any action not motivated by love is alien to the Holy Spirit and therefore sin.(Gal 5:6; Rom 14:23) Our participation in this world's system is limited to love.

A HOUSE OF PRAYER

Our primal calling as believers is a “royal priesthood” or “kingdom of priests” and the only Biblical definition of the church is a “house of prayer for all nations.” (Isa 56:7; Mt 21:13; Mk 11:17; Lk 19:46) That's it. It's that simple! Our bodies are now the temple of God and prayer is the main event. Old testament priests were intercessors, not warriors,(Num 1:49; Mal 2) and we've inherited their legacy. The church's essential mission is not to legislate morality or impose a fascist agenda, but to pray! (Mt 21:13; Mk 11:17; Lk 19:46)

God's longing and ultimate intention is to eternally inhabit our hearts.(Eph 2:22) and peace resonates from that holy communion. Peace is so essential to God's true tabernacle (The Church) that David was told, “You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.” (1 Chron 28:3)

All wars are a conspiracy of spiritual entities deceiving and decimating humans. This is why prayer is man's ultimate weapon, and why Jesus gave us “power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” We are commanded to pray instantly, always, passionately, without ceasing, and in unity, for all men. The earth is man's domain and God awaits our intercession. (Ps 115:16; Ez 22:30)

“Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”(Amos 3:7) God always reveals his warnings and strategies to those who are listening, so they will PRAY!

Through prayer, the church has a daunting responsibility to intervene in war and national affairs. I believe we will be astonished and horrified when we finally realize how the church's passivity, apathy and distraction has released a flood of evil upon the earth. Failure to intercede for the nations is a mockery of the cross of Christ.

Incidentally, the governmental leaders who wage wars and enforce capital punishment, are of this world and do not represent God's kingdom. (Rom 13) God appoints them based on the prayers and condition of the church. (1 Tim 2:2)

Jesus' war strategy is this: “Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him?. . .I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Lk 18:12-13) Day and night passionate intercession for the nations is the churches' only military role. God, not man, does the avenging. Yet, in the coming flood of darkness many believers will revert to the faithless world of violence, and Jesus will lament, “Why did you not trust me?”

GOD'S JUSTICE and VIOLENCE

God hates war because he is preeminently love, and the cry of his heart is for love to permeate and govern the earth. “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” All creation was designed to operate by a love so perfect that evil must be vanquished for the sake of love. Love and evil are mutually exclusive, therefore, God's justice must be satisfied for love to reign on earth. “In righteousness He judges and makes war.” (Rev 19:11)

Jesus came to earth as a Lamb but he's returning as a Lion to forcibly take over, “When he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power “ (1 Cor 15:24; Rev 19:15)

With great anguish God mourns, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.”(Eze 33:11) Wicked men are the cause of wars, and their rejection of God's love is a cosmic cancer which must be healed or excised. The mystery of iniquity is embedded in the mystery of free will, and logic cannot comprehend it, but in God's presence all questions are satisfied. “What shall we say? Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance? (I speak as a man)” (Rom3:5)

God's old testament involvement in brutal warfare, and new testament prophetic cataclysms can only be understood from an eternal perspective, because “from the beginning it was not so.” (Mk 10:5-6) This earthly crucible of time is merely a veiled collision of heaven and hell, a transient aberration where God foreknows our ultimate choice and interacts with us accordingly. (1 Pet 1:2) Multitudes are “living” on earth, yet they are actually dead (1 Tim 5:6; Rom 6:13) and God endures their sin for a season, but “My spirit shall not always strive with man.” (Gen 6:3)

We must concede that God's authority and wisdom far surpass man's jurisdiction; only God “is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mt 10:28) Man does not hold the keys to life and death. Only Jesus does. (Rev 1:18) The Lord holds exclusive rights to ultimate judgment and vengeance. (Rom 12:19) One only is the lawgiver and judge, even He who is able to save and to destroy (Jas. 4:12)

When James and John sought to consume offenders with fire from heaven, Jesus sharply pierced their old testament mentality as “He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.” (Lk 9:55) We can cry out for justice, but taking a life is not the prerogative of a Christian. (Rev 6:10; Lk 6:27)

THE REAL WAR

“The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.” (1 Cor 15:46) Natural warfare has been preempted by spiritual warfare. In God's kingdom armaments have been replaced by the sword of the Spirit. As long as God's kingdom is under siege he will be a warrior and wage war through his people, the army of God. “Onward Christian soldiers” is more than a nostalgic anthem; it's a mandate to be understood and embraced. Let me be very clear. We are at war and we must fight. Biblical pacifism is not passivity. It's love refusing to be intimidated by evil! We are commanded to “resist” Satan while loving our enemies. (Jas 4;7; 1 Pet 5:9)

The kingdom is preached and “every man enters violently into it. (Lk 16:16) Such violence is certainly not physical. “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.” (2 Cor 10:3-4) That epitomizes the Christian position.

“We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” Wars are energized by a malignant hatred far beyond mans' invention. Such ingenious madness could only have a supernatural source. The satanic forces that enrage and enslave humans are the real enemy.(Eph 6:12) Humans are merely pawns in a spiritual war, because we have no real autonomy. We are designed only to be servants of a higher power, yet, we are accountable for that choice. (Rom 6:16)

Every human has been born into a spiritual war zone, and our primary directive is to recognize it and learn to fight. The vast majority of Christians tragically underestimate the gravity of this inexorable war, and such ignorance will assure your destruction. Jesus warned that few will battle their way to victory. (Mt 7:14) But you don't need to be an eternal casualty. Embrace humility and a radical love for truth, and God will amaze you.

PRAGMATIC NON-VIOLENCE

The Biblical case for non-violence is irrefutable and exceptionally apparent. Yet the question persists, how do we practically apply it?

First, let me emphatically repeat: “We are not fighting against people.” “We do not war after the flesh.” and our “weapons are not carnal.” All new testament warfare is limited to the sword of the spirit, the Word of God - the only offensive weapon at our disposal. (Eph 6:13-18) Jesus never assaulted any one, nor addressed the brutal oppressive government of his day. He simply spoke the Word while demonstrating God's kingdom.

God loves all people and his love supersedes all mans' boundaries. Joshua asked the angel of the Lord, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" He answered, "Neither one! I am here as the commander of the Lord's army." (Jos 5:13-14) The Lord is not “for us or our enemies.” God's interest in human strife is radically different than ours. He's “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9) His heart is to restore mankind, bringing heaven to earth. Our role is to discern his specific will and pray until it manifests.

During WWII a dedicated band of Welsh believers experienced amazing breakthroughs in prayer that undoubtedly defeated the Nazis. Read about it in Rees Howells Intercessor. Under the burden and foresight of the Holy Spirit, these warriors prayed through every strategic battle of the war, resulting in a remarkable series of fatal mistakes by the Nazis.

The intense dedication and self sacrifice of these intercessors resembled that of the ground troops. Rees Howells remarked, “Why should we be freer in our part of the conflict than those who were engaged in the fighting on land, sea and in the air?” This is the call of the church in this last hour of the age. “Be ready to do without the comforts of life, as one of the army of Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim 2:3)

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Ps 20:7 We have a choice. We can dedicate ourselves to prayer or we can embrace armaments. We can fight with the sword of the Spirit or with guns. We can trust in God or we can trust in man, but we can't trust in both. “No man is able to be a servant to two masters: for he will have hate for the one and love for the other, or he will keep to one and have no respect for the other.” (Mat 6:24) A zealous soldier and a bona fide pacifist will respect each others convictions, but like the servant of two masters, inner conflict will arise if you attempt to merge the two.

I have great respect for the U.S. Military. As a draftee during Vietnam, I trained at the infamous jungle infantry school, Tiger Land. Yet, I was terribly disturbed by the prospect of killing, so I requested conscientious objector status. After a meticulous background check my request was granted and I was assigned combat medic training. Once the army concluded that I was a genuine pacifist, they gave me unexpected respect, for which I commend them.

I cannot speak about anyone else. “Who am I to judge someone else's servant?”(Rom 14:4) If you are a Christian in the military or law enforcement I am truly grateful for your service. But I personally cannot incorporate the two roles. Eventually a conflict of conscience will arise. I am no purer than anyone else, but like everyone, I am accountable to God for what he reveals to me, and “To whoever much is given, of him will much be required ” (Lk 12:48)

SELF DEFENSE

Jesus made a bizarre comment contradicting his clear non violent stance. “If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Lk 26:35-38) But, when the eleven disciples disclosed that they had only two swords among them, Jesus' oddly responded, "That is enough." Then, he offered this intriguing explanation: He reminded them of a prophecy that the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors.” Possibly he was warning his disciples that they would be unprotected while he was numbered with sinners. God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin.” (2 Cor 5:21)

Whatever this puzzling passage means, we cannot base a doctrine of self-defense on one aberrant verse. Less than two hours later, consistent with his non-violence, Jesus rebuked a disciple for cutting off a man's ear: "Stop! No more of this! Then he touched the servant's ear and healed him.” l(Lk 22:51 NAS) Carrying a sword is not the issue; Jesus is not into control or censorship, but rather self-control and love.

Nevertheless, is there a point where killing in self defense is justified? We tend to visualize alarming “what if” scenarios that justify taking a life, and wonder, Where do we draw the line? The question reveals our carnal craving for rules and regulations. “Just give me a guideline!” There's a legalistic pharisee in all of us looking for security in doctrines, because our flesh is at variance with God and unable to trust Him. (Rom 7:18; Gal 5:17) But thankfully God is not a bureaucrat and the Bible is not a procedure manual. To the contrary, God's interaction with us is intimately personalized and unique. If we walk in the Spirit we have the ability to trust unconditionally. “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Cor 3:6)

I am not prepared to take an absolutely indomitable stand on deadly self-defense. There are horrific moral predicaments that confound all attempts to categorize or preempt them. Out of love for my family I would resort to violence if there were no other options to protect them. Yet, that statement implies a certain distrust of God.

Pacifism seems untenable because we don't want to pay the price of total trust in God. We underestimate the cost of true spiritual power over the enemy: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Rev 12:11) Those three things are the key to overcoming all our enemies.

• The enemy abhors and fears the blood of the Lamb, a spiritual reality that we barely comprehend, yet it's power is absolute! But, the blood of the Lamb only protects those who are walking the light of the Holy Spirit (1 Jn 1:7)

• The discord between heaven and earth is so vast that, if I seek to save my life I lose it, but ironically if I lose my life for God, I save it.(Lk 17:33) Losing my life is the price of total trust, yet remember,“Though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Cor 13:3) Many believers are dead to self, but they act like religious zombies, because they're also dead to God and are loveless. We must not only be “Dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ.” (Rom 6:11)

• True moral authority comes only from direct personal experience with God, which births “The word of your testimony.” If it's not your own testimony then your sword is merely impotent indoctrination and tradition.

CONCLUSION

“Believe” and “trust” are the same root word. It's a concept so fundamental to Christians that we are actually defined as “believers” (ones who trust.) This pervasive Biblical theme of trust is not just symbolic or spiritual, it's a basic premise of mans' earthly existence. Pacifism is not listed among the six foundational principles of Christ, but “trust” is, (Heb 6:1-2) and trust inevitably leads to pacifism. “Let all those that put their trust in God rejoice: because He defends them. (Ps 5:11)

In the midst of war, Rees Howell saw the simple down-to-earth domain of trust: “If you can believe that you have been delivered from hell, why can't you believe you have been delivered from air raids?” Our flesh wants to trust in guns, but our heart was designed to trust in its creator. “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord” (Ps 112:7)

“He who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Rev 13:10) If we sow violence we will reap violence, if we sow love we will reap peace. Trusting in guns will disqualify you from the race, and abort your destiny because it's a choice of fear over faith. Jesus “entrusted himself to him who judges justly,” (1 Pet 2:21-23) and, we his servants, are not exempt. (Mt 10:24)

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.” (Rom 16:20) This irony captures the paradox of war and pacifism. The God of peace, not violence, will manifest victory under “your “ feet, as you embrace a life of prayer and trust.

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt 5:4) Refusal to love our enemies jeopardizes our very son-ship. “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.” Jesus offers no escape clause for loving our enemies.

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Gal 5:6)

Copyright 2010 by Hayden Humphrey