The Spirit
Realm
What
is spirit? The Bible speaks often about the “Holy Spirit”, and says Yahweh IS
spirit. Is it true that spirit really means energy? Is a spirit being such as
an angel like a ghost? A deeper understanding of spirit as energy will help clarify
our understanding of the Bible. The first resurrection is to the spirit realm.
Should we know more about what’s in store for us as we strive to be among the firstfruits?
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THE SOLID EARTH
According to the ancient Greeks the earth
is composed of four things; earth, air, fire and water. Since then science’s
advances now catalogue the earth's 90 some elements according to their atomic
weight. All matter, substance, everything is made up entirely of atoms which
are the building blocks of matter. Whether something is solid, liquid or gas
depends merely on how closely the atoms are packed.
The atom is not a solid, indivisible
substance, but consists mainly of space. The center or nucleus of the atom is
the main mass. The center consists of protons and neutrons. Circulating around
the nucleus are smaller particles called electrons. An atom is only a few
hundred millionths of a centimeter across. A proton is so light that it would
take 160 million million million million (4) of them to weigh one gram. An electron is
1800 times lighter than this, (Illustrated Fact Book of Science, Arco
Publishing, Inc.
THE GRAND DESIGN
Whether we look at the universe through the
telescope or view specks of matter through a microscope, the grand pattern of a
Great Designer emerges. The planets circling the sun, the moons rotating around
the planets are a macrocosm of what would be seen through an atomic microscope.
Rotating around the nucleus of the atom are the electrons, just as the sun has
planets circling it. There is a force that holds the planets in a programmed
orbit, and a force that keeps the electrons circling the nucleus.
When we examine our universe and become
aware of the order and precision by which it is maintained, we catch a glimpse
of the pattern of the heavenly realm. We can better understand a bit of the
relationship between energy and the spirit realm.
There is so much space between the center or
nucleus of an atom and the electrons circulating around it, that the atoms are
not solid matter at all. If the atom’s nucleus were the size of a softball, and
the electron circling it were a ping-pong ball, the space between the nucleus
and the circling electron would be 100 yards, the equivalent length of a
football field!
It has been said that if one could
eliminate all the space between the electron and the nucleus of each of the
atoms in the entire
MATTER AND ENERGY
It was not until Albert Einstein’s Theory
of Relativity was accepted that the relationship between matter and energy was
understood. Before World War II the theory was taught that matter had always
existed, and could not be destroyed. Matter could be changed from one form to
another, but would always be matter and could not be destroyed. The quantity of
matter would always remain the same. Water might be ice, steam or rain, but it
was always water. Scientists in general concluded since matter could not be
destroyed, it must be eternal and had no beginning. Science was used by
atheists to prove there was no beginning. However, the first words of our Bible
were untrue, “In the Beginning…” Both atheists and scientists denied any
beginning of matter and alleged the Bible was a myth.
In the late 20th century,
Professor Albert Einstein began telling the world that when mankind was able to
split the atom, this would unleash more power than the world has ever seen
before. The world smiled complacently at Einstein’s theory and his words. Who
was this upstart scientist who was challenging the wisdom of those who had gone
before? Matter was eternal. It has existed forever, so they said.
Then came the atomic age and scientists
suddenly found that matter can be changed to energy. Radium, uranium and
thorium for example have a definite life span and their time is running out.
The rules had changed. Matter had a beginning and could be destroyed.
Einstein’s formula was very short and
simple, but carried an entirely new message to man. His Theory of Relativity is
represented by “E=mc2” which means mass and energy are equivalent.
When the total mass of the products of nuclear fission is calculated, it is
found to be less than the original mass of the atom before fission. Energy is
part of the equation. All creation came from Yahweh’s energy.
BOUNDARY OF SPACE
Matter is actually energy slowed down.
Matter can be speeded up and changed to energy. Energy can be changed to
matter, which is how Yahweh created the heavens and earth, through His
boundless energy. He alone is responsible for the miracle of creation.
Even today we have examples of energy being
changed to matter. For example, the sun shines on the carrot seed, which soaks
up water and after sprouting, absorbs the sun’s rays, and through the process
of photosynthesis, converts water, carbon dioxide and minerals to a carrot. It
is the rays of the sun working on the chlorophyll of the carrot that provides
the energy to create the carrot. Energy is stored within the carrot, and upon
consuming it, we are given the needed energy for living. Thus, the sun’s energy
is converted to the carrot, from whence we get our life. Living plants depend
upon the sun’s energy and the process of photosynthesis to live and grow.
Mankind is limited within our physical realm.
For example, an eagle soaring hundreds of feet overhead can spot a rabbit or
even a mouse on the ground below, where man would need binoculars to spot the
same object. A hunter approaches wild game very quietly, for he knows wildlife can hear much better than man. Stepping on a dry stick
can cause a snap which wild game senses as danger. Dogs have a keener smell
than humans and are used to track people as in the case of bloodhounds. Dogs
are also helpful in sniffing out illegal drugs and munitions. Man’s physical
limitations are often surpassed by animals and birds.
It is necessary that we understand the
relationship of matter, space and energy, for they are a pattern of something
higher. The spirit realm is near and dear to us, but often goes unrecognized.
Similarities in the physical world help reveal the deeper truths of that higher
realm.
TIME AND SPACE ARE THE SAME
Time does not exist where there is no
physical matter. Time and space are said to be the same. When the question of
distance is asked, such as how far is it, a reply might be either in measuring
space, like three miles. Or the response might be in time such as it is about
an hour’s walk. This concept is difficult for some people to accept, but time
and space do not exist where there is no matter. Distance is between two
physical points is said to be in time and space.
Energy can exist in the physical realm and
be unlimited. Energy such as radio waves, gravity, electricity, magnetism, etc.
can pass through walls and be unaffected. We likely have such forces passing
through our abode right now. Unless we have a receiver to tune in the radio or
television signals, we would be unaware these powers existed.
YAHWEH’S
Yahshua told the woman at the well that
Yahweh was spirit and did not dwell in mountains, rivers, trees, and was not
confined to one place. He is spirit whereby He permeates the earth and the
universe:
Yahweh is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit
and in truth. (John 4:24 KJV)
It is beyond the physical, in the unseen,
invisible realm where Yahweh abides. The spirit realm is a step above the
physical. Man cannot go beyond the edge of our physical realm, because he is
held back by human limitations. Animals and birds reach beyond our abilities as
already mentioned. Although the spirit realm is a step beyond our physical
boundary, we can in a measure gain perceptions of the spirit realm, but
“through a glass darkly…”
The two realms which Yahshua could move is
first of all, the physical realm. He also had access to the second which is the
spiritual realm. The first is visible; the second is invisible. We are quite
familiar with our normal physical realm here on earth. Matter occupies space
and is something we can see, touch, weigh and feel or prove exists. The
physical plane is where mankind lives. There is also the spirit realm which is
also very real. This is where Yahweh, Yahshua and the celestial beings abide
and move.
Just as man is limited in physical aspects,
in comparison to Yahweh, he is even more limited in the spirit realm. Yahweh’s
concepts or thoughts surpass those of man:
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your
ways My ways, says Yahweh. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than
your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 MKJV)
Following Yahshua’s baptism, it was said,
“lo the heavens were opened unto Him,” Mat. 3:16. The Holy Spirit descended
upon Him, giving Yahshua free access to the spiritual realm. (We are also given
the earnest of the Holy Spirit when we are baptized into His name, Acts 2:38)
Yahweh’s Holy Spirit was given in its fullness to the Savior. Yahshua’s
thoughts and ways then reached beyond the physical realm and were higher than
mankind’s. We are given examples showing Yahshua moved in the spirit realm
which permeates the physical. He often perceived even the thoughts of His
disciples:
And Yahshua knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or
house divided against itself shall not stand: (Matthew 12:25 AV)
And Yahshua knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? (Matthew 9:4 AV)
And immediately when Yahshua perceived in his spirit that they so
reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? (Mark 2:8 AV) [Also, Ps. 139:2; John
21:17; 1Cor.2:11]
UNEXPLAINED EXPERIENCES
We often hear of accounts of a loved one,
though separated by miles, suddenly is aware a
husband, wife, relative or friend is in danger, and may be awakened from a
sound sleep. Only later did they learn more fully of this phenomenon which
occurred at the precise time is often unexplained. There is a realm that transcends
our physical senses. Communication in the spirit realm will not depend upon the
spoken word, but the thoughts will be perceived. Yahshua said,
The wind bloweth where it listeth,
and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not
tell whence it comes and whither it goes: so is every one that is born of the
Spirit (John 3:8).
When we are born of the spirit in the first
resurrection, our bodies will be changed to pure energy. We will be invisible,
no longer physical (unless we want to slow down our spirit bodies and become
physical). We are aware of unseen physical powers or energy or force just as we
are aware of the higher realm of the spirit. One can see the results of what
wind does, even though we cannot see wind. Neither can we see electricity, but
are aware of its potential. Gravity is a force we deal with every day, but we
cannot see that power which pulls objects toward the center of this earth.
It is possible to have a number of forces
active in this room right now. There could be gravity, radio waves,
electricity, magnetism, subliminal sound waves, etc. One could turn on a
flashlight and add another force or power which might not be noticed in
daylight.
YAHWEH IS SPIRIT
Much like the unseen powers of the physical
realm, this unseen world known as the spirit realm is invisible to human eyes.
It reaches beyond our physical realm, and we are not always fully aware of it.
It is in this spirit realm where our Heavenly Father, Yahweh, exists. Yahshua
revealed to us, We cross into the spirit realm when we
offer up prayers to Him and meditate on His power and existence. Yahweh dwells
in the spirit realm outside of time, matter and space. He views the physical
universe from His vantage of seeing the end from the beginning. He can look at
an oak tree and see an acorn bursting out of its shell, groping for light. He
can see it as a sapling, struggling to reach up higher. He can also see the oak
tree as it is now and also when it ages and decays. He lives in eternity where
time does not exist.
Yahweh has never crossed into the physical
realm to be seen of men. He is King of Kings and Sovereign of Sovereigns:
Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can
approach unto; Whom no man has seen, nor can see; to
Whom be honor and power. So be it. (1Timothy 6:16)
He abides in the spirit realm, but has made
provision for us eventually to rise up to Him through His Son, Yahshua. No one
has seen the Heavenly Father at anytime, for it was the Malach or the Angel of Yahweh which was active as Yahweh in the Old Testament.
(Request our free booklet, “Did Yahshua Pre-Exist?”)
THE UNSEEN WORLD
Our Heavenly Father is invisible, a Spirit
being, eternal, immortal, and lives in that spirit realm. A
bright, unapproachable blinding light, consisting of spirit energy. Yahweh exists in the spirit realm where time does not exist, for time and space do not exist where there is no matter. Yahweh has
never left the spirit realm, but allowed Yahshua to come to earth to reveal the
Heavenly Father. Yahshua is the only one we know of Who has seen the Father,
and has now joined Him in the heavenly realm:
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise Eloha be honour and glory for
ever and ever. So be it. (1 Timothy 1:17 AV)
Those
who overcome in this age will have full access to Yahweh’s invisible Spirit
realm. The Spirit Realm could be right here among us. Being composed of Spirit
energy, this realm is invisible to us, just as we now likely have radio waves,
TV signals and other energy types flowing through our homes and buildings of
which we are not at all aware unless we are tuned in with a receiver such as a
radio or television set. The spirit realm is hidden and ignored by most people,
and not understood by the great majority. The spirit realm is energy, force,
power, vitality, supernatural--above the physical. Remember, too, Satan’s power
of persuasion is also active in the spirit realm.
SOUL, SPIRIT AND BODY
We are each a soul, spirit,
and body. A brief study of the Bible differences between soul and spirit
reveals the soul is best understood as life itself. “Soul” is nephesh in Hebrew and psuche in Greek. We often read of a ship or airplane going down and a certain number
of “souls” were lost. Often the word soul is put for the individual as in “The
soul that sinneth, it shall die,” Ezekiel 18:4,
18:20, also James 5:20. When the soul departs, life leaves the body. Without
life, the body is dead.
The spirit (ruach in the Old Testament Hebrew, pneuma in the Greek
of the New) is often best understood as wind or breath. The broader meaning of
spirit is unseen or invisible force or power. Spirit in Romans chapter eight
clearly reveals a difference between the Holy Spirit from Yahweh which is
supernal by which His acts are carried out. Although not found in the Bible,
the Hebrew SHEKINA is His bright, shining glory, His Holy Spirit.
It is by His spirit he governs and rules
and has power over His creation. Yahweh’s Spirit is the most powerful of all
unseen forces at work in our environment. His Spirit overcomes all other forces
in the world and allows Him to use other forces or energy to accomplish His
will.
Conversely, the spirit of man is carnal,
worldly and self-serving. The New Testament reveals our spirit is very much our
attitude or mindset; what we think on most of the time. Through baptism we are
given a portion of the Holy Spirit and are to let His Spirit have full reign in
all we do. We are to overcome our carnal spirit and allow Yahweh’s Spirit to guide
and dominate our lives so that we think and see things from the same
perspective as Yahweh and Yahshua. Upon death the spirit of man (breath of
life) is given back to Yahweh. If we are in that first resurrection we will be
given the Holy Spirit in its fullness as was Yahshua, but that is another
topic.
The body is governed by our mind or spirit.
This we can understand, for it is physical and very real. When Yahweh created
Adam, He molded him from the earth. He was brought to life only when Yahweh
blew air (ruach, the breath of life)
into his nostrils and he began to breathe:
Then Yahweh Elohim formed man of dust from the
ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a
living being [soul]. (Genesis 2:7 RSV)
EXAMPLES OF YAHWEH’S SPIRIT
Numbers carries the account of the prophet
Balaam who was so intent upon gaining a reward that the donkey upon which he
was riding perceived the spiritual presence of the Angel of Yahweh blocking the
path. However, Balaam was oblivious of the Angel, so intent was he, seeking his
reward from the pagan king Balak. Finally, Yahweh
opened Balaam’s eyes to the spirit realm, (Numbers 22:31). Seeing the Angel
with a drawn sword, Balaam fell on his face. The donkey was aware of the Angel
three times, but greedy Balaam’s thoughts and attention were concentrated upon
an expected reward. Concentration on worldly pursuits blinded his spiritual
ability to perceive the angelic being..
Elisha, Yahweh’s prophet, was able to
discern what Israel’s enemy, the king of Syria, discussed in his bedchamber,
2Kings 6:12-17. The king planned to take Elisha captive. When the young
servant, upon seeing all the enemies’ horses and chariots encompassing the city
became frightened. Elisha reassured him, “Feat
not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (verse 16). In answer to Elisha’s prayer, Yahweh opened the eyes of the young man so he
could see the spirit realm, “and behold, the mountain was full of horses and
chariots of fire round about Elisha” (verse 17).
Paul encourages us to be alert to the
spiritual temptations and trials of the devil because he operates in the spirit
realm. Our battles are far more spiritual than physcial:
Put on the whole armor of Yahweh so that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the
darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians
6:11-12 MKJV)
OUR FUTURE IS SPIRIT
It is clear the spirit realm could well be
among us right now, but we are unable to see it, touch it, taste it, or hear
it. It is beyond our physical reach and comprehension. As Billy Graham has
said, “We could have a spirit railroad station right here in our very midst,
with angels and celestial beings coming and going, and we would never know it.”
…That they should seek Yahweh, if haply
they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of
us: For in Him we live, and move, and have our being. (Acts 17:27-28 AV)
All of the above is to show that the spirit
realm is not in some far-off galaxy somewhere. It is right here. Yahweh the
Father has never made Himself visible to human eyes. He has remained in the
spirit realm where He can watch His creation and keep tabs on everything that
goes on in both our physical world and spiritual realm. He cannot stand sin of
any kind. Therefore, He has made a way through His Son that mankind can cleans
himself of sin and overcome his carnal nature and be made a spirit being to
join the great multitude that will be in that first resurrection. The Kingdom
of Yahweh is within our grasp if we but turn to Yahweh with a determined heart
to be in that Kingdom. Yahshua went on to say:
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again (born anew
or from above) he cannot see the kingdom of Yahweh. (John 3:3 AV)
This will also be the goal of those who are
seeking immortality and the promise of eternal life. The Elect and the great
multitude which make up that first resurrection will become Yahweh’s spiritual
children. This means that we must be changed to spirit beings which is the
promise to those who will be in that first resurrection, born into the spirit
realm. This should be the goal of every one:
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such
the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Yahweh and of
Messiah, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6 KJV)
FLESH AND BLOOD CANNOT INHERIT KINGDOM
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the
kingdom of Yahweh; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (1Cor. 15:50)
Paul goes on to reveal that those in the
first resurrection, whether dead or alive will be made spirit beings. Those in
the first resurrection will be made immortal, and can die no more:
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall
sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For
this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this
mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying
that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:51-54 AV)
They shall be like Him, for they shall see
Him as He is, face to face. If we are in that first resurrection we will be
joint heirs of all things with Yahshua, sharing that same glorious light
Yahshua now has with the Father. Now that the Holy Spirit has come to earth on
the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, it is here to stay.
Beloved, now are we the sons of Elohim, and it
doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear,
we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2 AV)
A SEA OF GLASS
A door was opened in heaven and John was
encouraged to come up and learn of future events, and there he sees the sea of
glass. But what is meant by “heaven”?
Strong’s number is #3772, Greek ouranos, the sky, by extension heaven (as the abode of G-d); translated as air, heaven,
sky. Thayer’s Lexicon, page 456 refers to heaven as “the abode of Elohim, the highest heaven.
And immediately I became in spirit. And behold, a throne was set in
Heaven, and One sat upon the throne. And He who sat there looked like a jasper
stone and a sardius. And a rainbow was around the
throne, looking like an emerald. And around the throne I saw twenty-four
thrones. And on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white
clothing. And they had crowns of gold on their heads. And out of the throne
came lightnings and thunderings and voices. And seven lamps of fire were burning in front of the throne, which
are the seven spirits of Yahweh. And a Sea Of Glass was in front of the
throne, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne,
were four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind. (Revelation 4:1-6
MKJV)
The Sea of Glass according to Strong’s is
#5193 a sea, a large expanse, glass- transparent - like glass – glassy #5194 +
transparent. Wycliffe’s Bible Dictionary (page 1539) says it is a large
expanse, not physical. The noun crystal is #2930 in Strong’s New Testament
Dictionary and is described as ice, rock, crystal. Thayer’s lexicon describes
crystal as -- transparent - congeal like crystal -- precious stone. The
conclusion we draw is the “crystal sea” is a large sea-like expanse,
transparent like glass or ice or crystal.
This vision describes a physical impression
or description of the spirit realm where Yahweh is seated on the throne. The
sea represents the greatness of the Kingdom which Yahweh is working out with
His mighty Spirit power.
Next we see the victory of those who have
not been deceived by the devil’s last effort with the Man of sin and his
priest:
And I saw another sign in Heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels with
the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of Yahweh. And I saw
as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire. And those who had gotten the
victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the
number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of Elohim. Rev. 15:1-2 MKJV)
It appeared to John, (as it were) that the
sea of glass sparkled as if mixed with some burning fire. This awesome picture
describes the splendor of the Shekina glory and power
of Almighty Yahweh. John here sees an outstanding sign in heaven. He sees seven
angels standing on the sea of glass having the seven last plagues to be poured
out on the world. Yahweh’s wrath and final judgment is so strong and powerful
that the sea of glass seems to be on fire.
Yahweh and His judgment on the earth is a
consuming fire (Deut. 9:3; Hebrews 12:29). Here He is bent on final destruction
of those who destroy the earth and His wrath is evident, making the sea of
glass appear as a a burning fire. Yahweh will cleanse
the earth with fire to make it ready for the new heaven and the new earth.
Ezekiel also gives a description of the
heavens which are very similar to the scenes John reveals in Revelation:
Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of a
firmament, shining like crystal, spread out above their heads. And under the
firmament their wings were stretched out straight, one toward another; and each
creature had two wings covering its body. And when they went, I heard the sound
of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the thunder of the Almighty,
a sound of tumult like the sound of a host; when they stood still, they let
down their wings. And there came a voice from above the firmament over their
heads; when they stood still, they let down their wings. And above the
firmament over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance
like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness as it
were of a human form. (Ezekiel 1:22-26 See also Exodus 24:10 RSV)
And around the throne I saw twenty-four thrones. And on the thrones I
saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white clothing. And they had crowns
of gold on their heads. And out of the throne came lightnings and thunderings and voices. And seven lamps of fire
were burning in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of Elohim. And a sea of glass was in front of the throne, like
crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four
living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind. And the first living
creature was like a lion, and the second living creature like a calf, and the
third living creature had the face of a man, and the fourth living creature
like a flying eagle. And each one of the four living creatures had six wings
about him, and within being full of eyes. And they had no rest day and night,
saying, Holy, holy, holy, Yahweh El Shaddai, the
Almighty, who was and is and is to come. (Revelation 4:4-8 MKJV)
When they went, And from above the expanse that was over their heads was
a likeness like a sapphire stone, the likeness of a throne. And on the likeness
of the throne was a likeness looking like a man on it from above. And I saw Him
looking like the color of polished bronze, looking like fire all around within
it. From the likeness of His loins even upward, and from the likeness of His
loins even downward, I saw Him, looking like fire, and it had brightness all
around. As the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain looks, so the
brightness all around looked. This was how the likeness of the glory of Yahweh
looked. And I saw. And I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking.
(Ezekiel 1:26-28 MKJV)
Examining what some of the Scriptures says
about the spirit realm should impress us with thoughts of the spirit world and
the part we can have in it. May we understand a bit more of the mysteries
presented in the book of Revelation. John saw a door opened in the heavens, and
a voice like a trumpet bade him to come up to see what must occur in the
future:
After these things I looked, and behold, a door was opened in Heaven.
And the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me,
saying, Come up here, and I will show you what must occur after these things.
(Rev. 4:1)
While the question and study of the spirit
realm is not perfectly clear, we know the visions given to Ezekiel and John
will be clarified when we join the true believers in the Kingdom and enjoy the
marriage supper of the Lamb!
Allow the initial portion of the Shekina glory which was given you upon your baptism into Yahshua’s saving name to grow and mature
in you, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of Yahweh, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Messiah! (Ephesians 4:13 RSV)
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