The Mind of the Anointed One, Ask for the Holy Spirit, On the Way to the Day of Redemption

We are told in the Bible that we have the mind of the anointed one. That takes some action on our part, but the reason we have Jesus’ mind is because we believed first. Jesus tells us that we will receive above and beyond if we ask for the Holy Spirit. That seal marks us for complete redemption on the day of redemption. God has made a down payment on our behalf and the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts. If we fully understand this we will not have any questions regarding the end times. The age we live in is a different time period than prior to Pentecost. Let’s explore. 

1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. KJV

Isa 40:13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor hath taught him? KJV

We have the mind of Christ. If we remember last week’s study, Christ means “anointed”, this literally means we have the mind of the anointed or anointed one. This group of anointed people have the Holy Spirit residing inside of them. The anointed ones do not deny the power or ministry of the anointed. Isaiah’s question puts people into their proper place. We do not direct the Spirit, albeit some believe they should direct the Holy Spirit, the obvious answer is that humans are not smart enough to direct, or instruct, or counsel the Holy Spirit. We have to renew our minds’; this implies that our mind can think “off track” and we need to put it back “on track” to align with the Holy Spirit.

Eph 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. KJV

While we have the mind of the anointed or the anointed one, we have to guard it and make ourselves behave according to righteousness and holiness. We are established in the anointing, and in the anointed one with a token. The token we have is the Spirit.

2 Cor 1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth [950] us with you in Christ [5547], and hath anointed [5548] us, is God;22 Who hath also sealed [4972] us, and given the earnest [728] of the Spirit in our hearts [2588].KJV

NT:950 bebaioo (beb-ah-yo'-o); from NT:949; to stabilitate (figuratively): KJV - confirm, (e-) stablish.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:5547 Christos (khris-tos'); from NT:5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: KJV - Christ.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:5548 chrio (khree'-o); probably akin to NT:5530 through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service: KJV - anoint. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:4972 sphragizo (sfrag-id'-zo); from NT:4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest: KJV - (set a, set to) seal up, stop.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:4973 sphragis (sfrag-ece'); probably strengthened from NT:5420; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively: KJV - seal.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:728 arrhabon (ar-hrab-ohn'); of Hebrew origin [OT:6162]; a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest: KJV - earnest.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

OT:6162 arabown (ar-aw-bone'); from OT:6148 (in the sense of exchange); a pawn (given as security): KJV - pledge. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2588 kardia (kar-dee'-ah); prolonged from a primary kar (Latin, cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle: KJV - (+broken-) heart (-ed).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Let’s understand this literally. God established or confirmed a group of anointed and consecrated humans with a private stamp and escrow or a security deposit of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. In the old days a wax seal on an envelope or document would be stamped with a signet ring which had the symbol of the master of a household. The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth stamped you and paid money up front for you. How did he do that? He sent His son Jesus as your ransom and then sent the Holy Spirit as your security deposit. Jesus purchased us, but the seal and down payment leave no question as to who you belong to. By believing first, you were anointed in your heart and established forever as a Son of God.

Have you ever been around people who wish to fight and contend with others in regards to the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the Holy Spirit? One cannot understand the Holy Spirit from the carnal mind, therefore in order for the argumentative one to understand anything at all regarding the Holy Spirit, that individual has to believe and ask for the Holy Spirit.

Rom 8:8-11 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. KJV

Not only can flesh not please God, works of the flesh cannot please God. We have to have the Holy Spirit in our hearts to please God. It does not matter how well I keep laws or rules, without the Holy Spirit I will not be pleasing to God Almighty. Why? Because God sent His Son and the Holy Spirit, if we refuse both or one or the other, we are refusing His gift. Have you ever know anyone who may have acted this way: “Well gee God I think I’ll reject your Son, but feel free to give me your Spirit” or “God I really don’t want your Spirit, I’ll just take your Son”; or “God, you are trying to give me your Son and your Spirit, but I don’t’ want either, I’d rather be in charge and tell you what to do”.  Humans are so funny; we seem to have a problem with ego.

Jesus told us to ask for the Holy Spirit. How hard is that?

Luke 11:9-13 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? KJV

If we humans who are evil can give good gifts, surely God Almighty can do better than we can. Jesus says that the Heavenly Father will give us the Holy Spirit and more if we ask. Remember Solomon? What did he ask for? He asked for Wisdom, and Wisdom is the Holy Spirit.

2 Chron 1:11-12 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. KJV

Solomon got the “and more” from God because he asked for wisdom not for riches. When the Tabernacle was being built, Bezaleel was filled with the Holy Spirit and more.

Ex 31:1-3 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, KJV

Today we can also be filled with the Spirit of the living God, and more.

1 Cor 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; KJV

The Holy Spirit distributes wisdom and knowledge and more. All we have to do is ask, and believe. All the Kings of the earth desired to hear from Solomon because he had something no one else had. And where did God put wisdom? In his heart. Isn’t this where the Holy Spirit abides?

2 Chron 9:23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. KJV

Paul just told us that the Spirit is in our hearts, and He is the earnest, or the security deposit, in our hearts.  Solomon tells us that mortal men are weighed down and can hardly understand what is going on in the earth. Humans cannot understand anything, archeology, paleontology, history, science, without the Holy Spirit.

Wisdom 9:14-17 For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and our devices are but uncertain.15 For the corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the earthy tabernacle weigheth down the mind that museth upon many things.16 And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth, and with labour do we find the things that are before us: but the things that are in heaven who hath searched out?17 And thy counsel who hath known, except thou give wisdom, and send thy Holy Spirit from above? KJV

Unless we have the Holy Spirit inside as our teacher, we will not understand the world, the heavens, or the Bible. Here is the bigger problem for humanity, those who reject or refuse to believe are damned, rather than set apart as holy.

2 Thess 2:12-14 That they all might be damned [2919] who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation [4991] through sanctification [38] of the Spirit and belief of the truth:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. KJV

NT:2919 krino (kree'-no); properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish: KJV - avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:4991 soteria (so-tay-ree'-ah); feminine of a derivative of NT:4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally): KJV - deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:38 hagiasmos (hag-ee-as-mos'); from NT:37; properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier: KJV - holiness, sanctification.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Purification of the Spirit sets the anointed ones apart from the condemned ones. Those who are sanctified, or purified, are separated from the condemned or damned, and we may not see it with our earthly eyes. but spiritually we have a stamp on us that shows we belong to the Almighty God. There is then a group of people who are in Christ. Sometimes we call this the “body of Christ”, as we studied last week. The phrases “in Christ”, “of Christ”, or “with Christ” (add any proposition you can think of), really tell us of a group that is separate or apart from everyone else. The group of redeemed is: of, in, by, or through, the anointed. We are of the anointed. We are in the anointed, etc. This is why Paul was so adamant regarding the law, the law was not for those “in” the anointing. One keeps the law with their head but the Holy Spirit resides in one’s heart. The group that formed on the day of Pentecost is a group of marked and ransomed people.

Col 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. KJV

Let’s look at this slightly differently, the reality belongs to the anointed. The reality belongs to the anointed one and his anointed.

Col 2:17 Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ. AMP

Paul understood this and called it “the mystery”; you are the mystery. You are living in an age where the Holy Spirit seals you until the day of redemption. After that day, you won’t need the seal, you will be redeemed.

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed [4972] unto the day of redemption. KJV

If it is possible for the Holy Spirit to be grieved; we should do our best not to cause the Holy Spirit grief. I bet the Holy Spirit has a big bottle of Pepto-Bismol on account of us silly humans. But understand this, we are awaiting the day of our redeeming. A better understanding is that we are waiting, whether dead or alive, for a particular day, in which we will be bought back for good. Today we live in the devil’s domain, but we have our citizenship in heaven. We may die, and as Jesus told us no one goes to heaven, we instead are with him in the garden of God where he gives us to eat of the tree of life. We are waiting for this age of the anointed, who are of the anointed one, Jesus. We are also sealed with the Holy Spirit and a down payment has been made for a particular day to be fully purchased. 

Jesus told us he was sealed as well. Jesus was sealed with the Holy Spirit and we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

 

John 6:26-27 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed [4972]. KJV

Again, we have to first believe and trust in the anointed one, then we will be to the praise of His glory. We trust after we hear, then we believe. At that time we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Eph 1:12-14 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed [4972] with that holy Spirit of promise,14 Which is the earnest [728] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. KJV

We are sealed until we are redeemed or transferred. Have you ever cut out a coupon and put it in your wallet so that the next time you went to the store you could use it? You didn’t get the money printed on the coupon just because you cut the coupon out, you had to purchase the product, then give the cashier the coupon, then you got the amount of money promised on the coupon; you have redeemed that coupon. You have been sealed until you are redeemed. When the Father sends His Son to call from the clouds, he will redeem us. Those “in” Christ are sealed until they are redeemed. And just as Jesus was sealed and raised from the dead, the dead in Christ rise first. Those who are in the anointing, and of the anointed one, rise first. Then those who are alive, who are anointed and sealed, are caught up with them; that is the day of redemption. Not all the dead rise at that time, only the sealed in Christ. Not all the people are caught up, only the sealed in Christ. This is part of the mystery that if the devil knew, he would not have crucified Jesus the anointed.

1 Thess 4:15-17 For this we declare to you by the Lord's [own] word, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall in no way precede [into His presence] or have any advantage at all over those who have previously fallen asleep [in Him in death]. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord! AMP

Some people don’t think the ministry and age of the Holy Spirit is important, but being sealed is very important. The purpose of the tribulation is so that Israel will call on Jesus.

Matt 23:37-39 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. KJV

Let’s look at similar passage from 2 Ezra.

2 Esd 1:30-37 I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out from my face.31 When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your solemn feastdays, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I forsaken.32 I sent unto you my servants the prophets, whom ye have taken and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will require of your hands, saith the Lord.33 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will cast you out as the wind doth stubble.34 And your children shall not be fruitful; for they have despised my commandment, and done the thing that is an evil before me.35 Your houses will I give to a people that shall come; which not having heard of me yet shall believe me; to whom I have shewed no signs, yet they shall do that I have commanded them.36 They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to remembrance, and acknowledge them.37 I take to witness the grace of the people to come, whose little ones rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen me with bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the thing that I say. KJV

Second Ezra is quite interesting. This is what Paul was saying in Colossians, regardless of feasts and holidays, which are simply a shadow, this new group of people, who believe first, are the ones in Christ. What is different is that the nations didn’t have prophets or commandments, but this special group, the anointed, confesses and acknowledges their sins. Even though this group has not seen God with their eyes, they believe Him. If there is any Godly jealousy this is it. God was rejected, Jesus came and he was rejected, and lastly the Holy Spirit and the time of Holy Spirit are rejected. Therefore the tribulation occurs so that the ones who reject God will call on Jesus, and Jesus will come back with his armies to fight for Jerusalem.

If you are among those who believe on Jesus and the Holy Spirit by faith, then you are of the group awaiting the day of redemption. We have been sealed and a down payment has been made on our behalf until the day of redemption. On that day we will be redeemed in full. Hardness of heart does not get one redeemed. Believing on Jesus as the Christ, the anointed, and asking for the Holy Spirit, is the way to the day of redemption.

Anointed; The Glory, The Power, The Body; Is This Fire Really Strange?

Sometimes humans can be so arrogant when speaking against things they don’t understand. Some people deny the power of the Holy Spirit, or deny the anointing and manifestation of glory simply because they don’t believe it. However, they have to actually believe first, and then they will see it. It is backwards to what we have been trained to think; which actually makes our thinking backwards and God’s thinking the right way. We are anointed, Jesus was anointed, and the glory which comes as a heaviness has been around a long time. But in order to understand it we have to look at all of these aspects together. If we look at miracles and declare that they vanished with the apostles, we would be correct on a personal level because for the one without faith there are no miracles. For the one without faith there are no healings, and likewise there is no power in the Holy Spirit. For the one who does not believe on the Holy Spirit, there is no being clothed with power, no anointing, no glory. Yet we see from history, that preaching the cross and salvation brought the manifestation of miracles. The preaching of miracles did not bring the power of the Spirit. Let’s look at some words to understand this.  

Jesus was the anointed Christ. “Christ” and “Messiah” means anointed. The Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, does the anointing. While a human might use oil, or baptism in water, or some other ceremonial practice to call someone anointed, the Spirit is the one that truly anoints. In the Old Testament Daniel uses the word Messiah to tell us of the time period when Jesus would come to earth.

OT:4898 mashiyach (maw-shee'-akh); from OT:4886; anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the Messiah: KJV - anointed, Messiah.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Dan 9:24-26 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint [4886] the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah [4898] the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah [4898] be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. KJV

“Messiah” is a derivative of mashach, which is “to anoint”. David was rubbed with oil as a public display by the Prophet to declare David the next King. This was a ceremonial act, but the Spirit came on David at that time, similar to Jesus’ baptism by John.

OT:4886 mashach (maw-shakh'); a primitive root; to rub with oil, i.e. to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint: KJV - anoint, paint. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

1 Sam 16:13-14 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed [4886] him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. KJV

The Holy Spirit came on David when he was anointed and the Holy Spirit left Saul, which made Saul literally crazy. The unsoundness of mind that people have without the Spirit should not surprise us. Lucifer was called the anointed cherub, but the word anointed here is different; it does not mean “consecrate” but to “spread out” or “expand”. Lucifer was not expanding physically as in gaining weight, but Lucifer was growing or spreading out in regards to gaining ability, responsibility, and rulership. In other words, Lucifer was anointed to grow in his position; that was until iniquity was found in him.  

OT:4473 mimshach (mim-shakh'); from OT:4886, in the sense of expansion; outspread (i.e. with outstretched wings):KJV - anointed.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Ezek 28:13-14 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.14 Thou art the anointed [4473]cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire KJV

The prophecy of Jesus from Isaiah announces that the Messiah to come would have the Holy Spirit on him and he would be anointed. It would be a consecration, which is sanctification or a setting apart.

Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed [4886] me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; KJV

The word Christ also means “anointed”, it’s not a last name, but a description, “Jesus the anointed one”. It would be similar to saying “Jesus the healer”.

NT:5547 Christos (khris-tos'); from NT:5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: KJV - Christ.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Matt 16:16-17 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ [5547], the Son of the living God.17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. KJV

Peter knew that Jesus was the anointed one by the Father revealing it to him. John later says that these things are written so that people would believe/have faith that Jesus is the anointed one, the Son of God, and then have eternal life. Without having faith first, we will not understand the anointing.

John 20:30-31 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ [5547], the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. KJV

Because of the crucifixion, believers now have the same consecration Jesus had, it is like being rubbed with oil. The idea is that David was rubbed with oil so that his brothers could see there was a blessing on him, even if they could not see the Holy Spirit on him. Jesus was anointed with oil just before his crucifixion, but truly when the Holy Spirit descended on him he was anointed. The Spirit anointed Jesus with dunamis, miracle working power (Strong’s #1411, we will see this shortly).   

NT:5548 chrio (khree'-o); probably akin to NT:5530 through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service: KJV - anoint.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Acts 10:38 How God anointed [5548] Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power [1411]: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. KJV

This same word, chrio is used for us as well. We are anointed and we will see that we have dunamis power as well.

2 Cor 1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed [5548] us, is God;22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. KJV

We are sealed and given a small token, the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Another word that describes the anointing is the word chrisma.

NT:5545 chrisma (khris'-mah); from NT:5548; an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment ("chrism") of the Holy Spirit: KJV - anointing, unction. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

1 John 2:27 But the anointing [5545] which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing [5545] teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. KJV

Chrism means “anointing” or “holy anointing”. Usually people refer to this as “anointing with myrrh”, but notice John is saying we have received the anointing from the Holy Spirit that abides in us and we have the Holy Spirit to teach us.

John 14:25-26 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. KJV

The word unction is the same word chrism. 

1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction [5545] from the Holy One, and ye know all things. KJV

Jesus is the anointed one, the one prophesied to come. Just before Jesus left, he promised the Holy Spirit would come. Today, we are anointed and have the Holy Spirit on the inside rather than on us conditionally. This is the type of anointing that people have, but there is another idea we have for anointing, which is when the Holy Spirit fills a place with glory. This is the verbiage we use when we speak of the glory of God, we say the anointing filled the room. Truly what we mean is that we experienced the glory of the Holy Spirit.

The anointing that a person has for something specific is internal and is different than the anointing that comes into a place when glory falls. The old time preachers used to have regular experiences of glory falling and in turn people falling under the anointing. When the manifestation of glory occurs, it will fill the place with the obvious presence of the Holy Spirit.

2 Chron 5:13-14  It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; 14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory [3519] of the Lord [Aleph Tav] had filled the house of God. KJV

OT:3519 kabowd (kaw-bode'); rarely kabod (kaw-bode'); from OT:3513; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness: -glorious (-ly), glory, honour (-able).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Glory is a type of anointing that feels heavy on people. The priests could not stand, that means they either sat down or laid down, but they could not stand. It’s not that they didn’t want to stand, or thought it would be better to lay down; they could not stand, something prevented them from standing. This is better understood as the “weight of glory”. It is not actually the word anointing but people have morphed the idea into the glory being an anointing. Ezekiel received the Holy Spirit when the glory came.

Ezek 1:28-2:2 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory [3519] of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.2:1 And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak [Aleph Tav] unto thee.2 And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him [Aleph Tav] that spake unto me. KJV

Ezekiel fell on his face, he didn’t decide to lay down, he fell down. Then the Lord said stand up. Understanding this, we now have some clues as to what was happening 75 to 100 years ago when people ministered in tent meetings and the like. Firstly, we have to understand that we are not trying to find a secret formula to duplicate the miracles that happened in the past. The Holy Spirit is perfectly capable of doing a new thing if he so desires. But the question as to why we don’t see these miracle services today may be understood by understanding the anointing and the glory. And for those who believe that miracle services are strange or “of the devil”, I would suggest they look at scripture carefully.

John 18:1-6 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. KJV

Just the words of Jesus on the night he was betrayed knocked people to the ground. Why? Jesus was praying and sweating blood. That is intense prayer. Also, an angel came to strengthen him. Between the strengthening of an angel and the power of the Holy Spirit, people could not stand when he spoke. Jesus only spoke three little words and they fell backwards. When the angel rolled back the stone from Jesus’ tomb, the men guarding the grave became like dead men.

Matt 28:1-4 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. KJV

Dead men don’t stand, they usually fall down when they die. If a person appears dead, they are usually lying down not standing upright. These men fell over because they saw the angel of the Lord sitting upon the stone.  As we studied last week, on the mount of transfiguration, Peter, James, and John fell over when they saw Jesus’ transformation.

Matt 17:6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. KJV

Luke 9:32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. KJV

People don’t sleep standing up, they had to be laying down. Also notice that they were heavy with sleep, the weight of glory probably felt physically heavy to them. When Paul was on the road to Damascus, he fell as well.

Acts 9:1-4And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? KJV

Now Jesus, being in His glory, was visiting Paul, and Paul (the big, angry, Christian hater) could not stand up to Jesus, the one Paul was truly persecuting. It is fascinating that Paul hated the new age of the Holy Spirit, but was humbled quite quickly by the glory and by Jesus.

Many of the old time Preachers reported how people would fall under the power of the anointing and then come up healed. Since I don’t think this was exclusive to the 1900’s, I would say that when the right combination of things takes place those types of miracles happen again. Understanding the word dunamis is important.

As we studied quite a while back, dunamis, or “miracle working power”, is present when people are getting saved. What we see is that the times people got healed and delivered happened as a witness so that people would receive salvation. That is the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the mission of an Evangelist.  The power and glory work together.

NT:1411 dunamis (doo'-nam-is); from NT:1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself): KJV - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Firstly, we are clothed with dunamis, and when the Holy Ghost indwells us we receive this power. How do we receive the Spirit? We believe Jesus is our Lord, we have faith.

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power [1411] from on high. KJV

Acts 1:7-8 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.8 But ye shall receive power [1411], after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. KJV

They believed Jesus’ words and did what he asked. But dunamis is given to us to be witnesses. The old time preachers were evangelizing, not intending to be “miracle workers” or “healers”, they were doing something different, preaching salvation, and then they saw power, glory, and anointing. It is not inherent in only one or two people, dunamis is inherent in everyone who believes on Jesus as Lord; but some have exploited people and have abused this for personal gain. Peter and John, two of the guys on the mountain with Jesus, who saw His anointing and His glory, are great examples of an accidental display of the anointing, glory, and the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power [1411] or holiness we had made this man to walk? KJV

Peter was very firm, this was not done by some lightning bolt of power that came from Peter, nor did the man get healed because Peter was holy. It was in Jesus’ name through the man’s faith that made the man whole.

Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.KJV

The man believed on the name of Jesus the anointed one, which allowed the dunamis of the Holy Spirit to heal him. Then Peter tells the people (who were all freaked out by what had just happened) to repent. Five thousand people got saved, that is a miracle.

Acts 3:19-21 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. KJV

Peter then tells everyone that Jesus was the one that Moses and the prophets spoke about, and that they should have believed rather than asked for a murderer to be given to them. After a night in prison, the rulers told Peter and John not to use the name of Jesus, but Peter and John refused this command, they would continue talking about Jesus. Peter, John, and the other disciples prayed for more boldness to speak about Jesus.

Acts 4:29-31 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. KJV

They prayed for more boldness and to continue to heal people, and do signs and wonders by the name of Jesus. Not only was the place shaken but all were filled with the Holy Ghost. This tells us that some people there were not filled on Pentecost. Once all the people there were filled, they went out with mega dunamis to witness.

Acts 4:33 And with great power [1411] gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. KJV

Clearly, the man who was crippled had faith in the name of Jesus, and the Apostles had the anointing, the Holy Spirit, and dunamis. But what did they preach? They preached Jesus, not healing. They asked for boldness to speak His word and to stretch out their hands to heal, and for signs and wonders to be done in the name of Jesus. That is the key, preach salvation.  When people have faith in the name of Jesus, they can be healed. Paul, who had that glory experience, had the anointing and dunamis as well.

The gospel is the dunamis of God for salvation; Paul demonstrated the dunamis. The gospel is the good news, it is the message of salvation. It is not a gloom and doom word, but when people believe it they can be healed. Faith allows dunamis to work.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power [1411] of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. KJV

That begs the question, if the gospel is the power of God for salvation, has the power of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, left the earth? No; it doesn’t matter how many people call the power of the Holy Ghost “strange fire”; it doesn’t matter who has never seen the power of the Holy Ghost. This dunamis is not for the ones who don’t believe. It doesn’t matter what someone in a suit says, it is not conditional upon what one individual has seen, it is conditional on faith. How absolutely arrogant for one non-believer to declare the Holy Spirit invalid because he doesn’t believe. That is like saying God made himself conditional, as the Creator of the Universe, to what we believe. No, God created the heavens and the earth whether we believe it or not. Paul says we can abound in hope through the dunamis of the Holy Ghost.

Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power [1411] of the Holy Ghost. KJV

It is not something we are to “see” to believe, it is something we are to believe, to see. Mighty signs and wonders are done by the power of the Spirit of God.

Rom 15:17-19 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power [1411] of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. KJV

It is always the power of the Holy Spirit that works the signs and wonders through the anointing we have. Notice the power shows up with the Spirit, this tells us that if we are denying the power, we are denying the Holy Spirit. Likewise, if we deny the Holy Spirit, there will be no power. The preaching of the cross is the dunamis of God, and this is the key that all the old time preachers who saw the glory fall and the healings take place, simply did. They preached the cross.

1 Cor 1:17-18 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power [1411]of God. KJV

1 Cor 1:23-24 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power [1411] of God, and the wisdom of God. KJV

Therefore we can see that even among those who call themselves “saved” there seem to be some who call the dunimas of God foolishness. What do we make of that? Even among those who seem to regard themselves as “believers of Jesus”, there are those who don’t actually believe in the Spirit or the power.

1 Cor 2:2-5 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power [1411]:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power [1411] of God. KJV

Could it be that those who say they are saved, yet don’t believe on the Spirit or the power, actually have their faith in the wisdom of men rather than in the dunamis of God? There seems to be a schism in the body of Christ, the body of the anointed one. Doesn’t that phrase, “the Body of Christ”, simply explain a lot when we understand Christ is not a last name but instead means anointed. We are the body of the anointed, and we have the same anointing Jesus had if we have our faith in the Spirit and not in men. Understand this: we are the body of the anointed. We are the body of the consecrated. The body that has been rubbed with oil and set apart, whether you like it or not; if you are of the body, you are anointed.

1 Cor 12:27-28 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. KJV

Eph 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: KJV

Now believers are the body of anointed, and if we are not of the body of anointed we can be, if we believe on Jesus the anointed, and the Spirit of the living God. Paul wants us to know that God put this power, miraculous power, into clay jars, so that people would know that the miracle working power is of God and not of us. That is why this anointing, power, and Spirit, resides in all of us imperfect, crack pot, humans, to show His power.

2 Cor 4:5-7 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power [1411] may be of God, and not of us. KJV

God put dunamis in oiled clay pots. That means we are nothing special of ourselves. And if we don’t regard what God did in sending Jesus and then sending the Holy Ghost, it won’t make sense to us because we don’t’ have our faith in God, but we mistakenly have our faith in men. Yet the Holy Spirit is the author of the book, we should pay attention to Him. 

2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. KJV

Whether in arrogance or stupidity, it is not up to humans to decide what God can and can’t do. If God wants to send his Son to rescue us, and then send the Holy Spirit to clothe us, he can. It is not up to us to decide when, or where, or how the Spirit of God will work. If we are of the Body of Christ, and we preach the cross, when people believe what we preach the glory might fall and miracles may happen. The Spirit can evangelize people however he wants. That is why the old time preachers saw such wonderful miracles, they had faith, they preached the cross, and the people believed. There was nothing strange about that because those preachers were the body of the anointed. We are the body of the anointed if we likewise believe on Jesus as the anointed, the Messiah/Christ, and we believe what Jesus said about being clothed with dunamis when the Spirit comes on us. We should pray as the disciples did, for boldness to speak, heal, and that signs and wonders would be done in the name of Jesus.

Transfiguration, Visions, Trances, Three Bold Disciples

It seems that in our day and age we have forgotten about boldness, and instead cater to more passive people in the body of Christ. There are many different personality types in the body of Christ, but it would seem that the aggressive miracle workers are shunned in favor of the quiet, compliant sheep. There are many self-promoters who can “play the game”, but many less truly convicted individuals going outward as servants of Christ. One thing we learn from Jesus is to lay down our lives, take up our cross, and follow him. If we want to be like him we have to do the same, but that does not necessarily include passivity. We see three men in the Bible who walked with Jesus, called out from the Galilee area, who experienced extra visions and saw extra miracles, above the other disciples. Jesus knew their boldness would take them into the next age, the age of the Holy Spirit. But why these three fishermen?

Jesus transformed on top of a mountain, and three loud, bold, disciples were there to see it. They didn’t know what they were seeing, but they were told to keep it quiet. Later, we see Peter having other visions and trances. What is all this and what does it mean? We are told to transform as well. What precipitates that metamorphosis that we are told to undergo? Three disciples, the aggressive ones, had the privilege of witnessing some things we would all love to see. It seems that visions are not limited to these men, but visions are given to those who are aggressively seeking God.

Peter was bold enough to announce Jesus was the Christ, and Jesus called him blessed.

Matt 16:15-18 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Peter knew who Jesus was, but not because of an intellectual study of the scrolls, but instead because the Father revealed it to him. Upon this rock, Peter, Jesus will build his church. Not literally upon Peter’s body but upon the revelation Peter spoke concerning who Jesus actually was. Peter’s declaration was the rock, and because Peter received this understanding from the Father he was known as the first stone or the foundation of the church. Jesus was the cornerstone, Peter was the stone next to the cornerstone. Jesus said he would build his church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Gates are defensive not offensive. The gates of hell falter because of Jesus’ church. Jesus says he will give Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, in other words, here are the passcodes that bring about miracles. The work of the kingdom is done on earth by binding and loosing, setting people free from bondage. We invite people to leave hell and hell’s gates can’t keep them in.

Matt 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Jesus did not want people to know he was the Christ. That would be the foundation of His church, but the time to reveal it wasn’t here yet. Keeping secrets is a hard thing to do. The very next statement in Matthew’s gospel is that Jesus started showing the disciples that he had to be killed in Jerusalem and that he would rise again. What happens next?

Matt 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Peter who just told everyone that Jesus was the Christ, was rebuked for telling Jesus that this should not happen to him. The Samarians had a similar response, they wanted Jesus to say with them rather than go to Jerusalem because they knew who he was, but the problem for humans is that they don’t always know the things that have to happen according to the Father’s plan. Peter, as well as many others, valued life and especially the life of one who does miracles. Jesus did not want the people that love him to hinder the process he was going to walk through. Shortly we will see people questioning Peter for doing what the Holy Spirit led him to do. The practical application for us today is to do what God would have us do, and be so convinced of our mission that no one stops us.

Matt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Here is the key for us, we must deny ourselves. We must take up our cross, or in other words, do the things God would have us do, and follow Jesus. We are to all deny ourselves and do the things God would have us do, but what happens if someone we love tells us they must do something for God that could put them in danger? We do exactly the same things Peter and the others did by telling Jesus not to go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. Jesus gives them a little glimpse into the future next so that they would have vision for the future. It is hard for humans to look ahead, past our earthly lives, as this is all we know. But Jesus is telling them about the future, after the things of this world.

Matt 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Jesus tells his disciples he will come in the glory of the Father with angels. Jesus told them they would be rewarded according to their works. He then said there were some that would not taste death. As we have studied, Jesus overcame death and delivered and set the captives of Hades free. The dead in Christ don’t go to Hades any longer. Remember Jesus came back to earth for forty days after his crucifixion, he did not stay in Hades, he instead took the keys and opened the gates of hell. Now if our bodies fail us we no longer have to be held captive by the grave, Jesus gives us to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God. Mark records this a little differently. But truly, there is a deeper meaning here. Jesus was about to show three of the disciples something spectacular. Prior, the disciples Jesus was speaking to were not limited to twelve, as Jesus had many disciples, but three of them would be going on a prayer retreat, Peter and the Sons of Thunder.

Matt 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and transformed before them. Jesus named James and John the sons of thunder (Boanerges means “commotion” or “violent anger”), they must have been quite intense; and their father must have been rather special as well. Salome, James and John’s mother was the sister of Mary, Jesus’ mother; making James, John, and Jesus cousins. Previously, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a synagogue ruler’s house when he raised the ruler’s daughter from the dead. Jesus told everyone not to tell anyone that he raised the girl from the dead. After this mountain top event, James and John asked if they could sit on either side of Jesus in his glory, and the other disciples got mad at them. It is fascinating that these same three along with Andrew, Peter’s brother, ask Jesus some questions privately about future apocalyptic events. Also when James and John heard the Samaritans didn’t receive Jesus because Jesus was intent on going to Jerusalem, they asked Jesus if they should call down fire on them. We are starting to see a pattern here of Peter, James, and John, they seem to be the boldest, the most aggressive, and unafraid to speak their mind. These three men seem to be the ones that are willing to fight and seem to be leaders among the disciples. Remember these same three, Peter, James, and John went with Jesus to Gethsemane. Peter cut off a guards’ ear, very willing to fight for Jesus, but again Jesus had to tell Peter, that that was not the plan of the Father. James was the first disciple martyred and the only one whose death was mentioned in Acts. John ended up on an island in prison and received the most spectacular revelation of all. These men were not quiet compliant people. They were not people pleasers either. They probably listened to Viking Death Metal or Viking Power Metal, ready to conquer, (okay, I’m kidding).

When we think about who, out of all the people, got special revelation, or who got special knowledge, it seemed to be the ones ready to fight for Jesus. It was the three guys that were the most aggressive, the boldest, and the most intense. I should say there is a pattern here for us too. Passive people may be saved and Spirit filled, but the aggressive ones get the spoils, or in this case the revelation. If you tend toward spiritual warfare, these guys are the examples for you. While Jesus didn’t need anyone to be his body guard, these three guys seem to fit the bill for the job. So it isn’t surprising after this quick look at these three men, that Jesus took them up a mountain to reveal himself to them. Jesus showed them his glory. But there was more.

Matt 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

While they saw Jesus brightly shining, they also saw two others, Moses and Elijah. Why these two men? Moses is the symbol of the Law, and Elijah the symbol of the Prophets. Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. In other words Jesus fulfilled all the Law and all things prophesied about him. These men, Peter, James, and John, were the type of people that if you tell them they have inherent power, they don’t question, or examine, or wonder, they simply just use it. They probably didn’t even think about it, they would just torch people, unless Jesus is standing there of course. Now if seeing Moses and Elijah wasn’t enough, they also heard the voice of the Father speak directly to them.

Matt 17:7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision[3705] to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. KJV

NT:3705 horama (hor'-am-ah); from NT:3708; something gazed at, i.e. a spectacle (especially supernatural):KJV - sight, vision.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3708 horao (hor-ah'-o); properly, to stare at [compare NT:3700], i.e. (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally); by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear: KJV - behold, perceive, see, take heed.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Peter, James, and John had a vision, a supernatural vision, accompanied by the voice of the Father. It is always an important thing to note when the voice of the Father pierces the earthly atmosphere. Peter was so bold that even after being astonished with this vision, he suggested they build tabernacles or tents to worship there. This made perfect sense to him. Here is the place of visions and audible voices, he thought, ‘let’s make this place as a memorial for everyone to come and worship here too’. This vision was only for these three men. Jesus wanted to show himself in glory to them. Why only them? Was it that these three men, with all their boldness, needed the sustaining of this vision for the work of the ministry after Jesus’ crucifixion? After Jesus’ crucifixion Peter seemed to almost want to walk away, not because he was weak, but because he was so strong, he firmly believed Jesus was not going to stay dead. Time is a problem for humans, three days being dead was too long in Peter’s mind; but as soon as the women said Jesus wasn’t in the grave John and Peter ran to the tomb. Peter may have thought Jesus wouldn’t even physically die, he’d just stay alive. But when that didn’t happen, he may have thought, he would only be dead a few moments. Peter denied Jesus, not because he was weak, but because he so wanted to see what was happening to him and he was trying to stay there as long as he could as covertly as possible. We have to understand, Peter saw Jesus in glory; so in his mind soldiers beating Jesus should have been torched by fire or something. With that mountain top vision in the forefront of Peter’s mind, he couldn’t understand the events taking place.

Stephen relates that Moses had a vision of the burning bush. Visions help to encourage people to endure hard times. While we may not understand the full plan of God, visions help us move forward.

Acts 7:31-32 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sigh t[3705]: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold KJV

Paul had visions as well.

Acts 18:5-10 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision [3705], Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.KJV

One vision Paul had that changed his life forever and was accompanied by blindness, was on the way to kill Christians in Damascus. Paul tells Agrippa about his conversion.

Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision [3705]:KJV

Not only did the Apostles have visions, Cornelius who was devout worshiper but an Italian solider (not born a Jew) had a vision that gave him directions.

Acts 10:1-5 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.3 He saw in a vision [3705] evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: KJV

Cornelius was to send men to get Peter. At the time the men were arriving in Joppa, Peter was having a weird vision. Peter didn’t quite understand it until he got to Cornelius’ house.

Acts 10:17-1917 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision [3705] which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. KJV

Afterwards Peter had to explain this whole Gentile receiving the Holy Spirit thing to the Church leaders in Jerusalem. Peter says he was praying and in a trance, then he saw a vision.

Acts 11:1-16 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance [1611] I saw a vision [3705], A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.12 And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.KJV

NT:1611 ekstasis (ek'-stas-is); from NT:1839; a displacement of the mind, i.e. bewilderment, "ecstasy":KJV -  be amazed, amazement, astonishment, trance.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

This idea of the vision Peter had relates also to the word trance due to praying. This word ekstasis is used regarding Paul praying as well.

Acts 22:17-21 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance [1611];18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. KJV

We seem to have an awkward idea of trance, as someone who is hypnotized and wandering around without thought. That is not the case. The word is translated astonishment, amazement, ecstasy, as well as trance. Displacement of the mind does not mean the mind is unable to process or function, displacement of the mind means the mind is thinking on another level. Rather than observing the things of earth, trance indicates the mind thinking on the things of God, which when praying Peter and Paul both had visions and direction. Their minds were thinking on the things of God, and God was giving them direction. This is a different type of prayer, one a warrior utilizes. This is not praying for earthly things, or earthly situations, this is meditation, or intentionally directed on God, and the things God wants.

Earlier I mentioned the story where Jesus took Peter, James, and John to raise a young girl from the dead, this word ekstasis shows up here.

Mark 5:37-43And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment [1611].43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.KJV

This event happened before the vision Peter, James, and John had of Jesus; therefore what we know is that visions and trances were normal for these three, as well as others. Jesus took three men with him who experienced this astonishment or ecstasy over a young girl being raised from the dead. Could their minds process anything else? I don’t think so, they were transfixed on that event. Funny that Jesus told everyone to keep it quiet. Is it possible that these three men had different ministries than the other disciples?

Mark and Luke record the same transfiguration event but there are slight variations. Some people believe that Mark wrote his gospel from Peter’s account. Here we see the addition of the word power, or dunamis in the Greek.

Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.KJV

Dunamis is miraculous power. Some people would not die until they saw the kingdom of God come with dunamis, which would be the day of Pentecost. Pentecost was the day when a new age was ushered in by the infilling of the Holy Spirit. John records all that Jesus told the disciples about the Holy Spirit coming to earth. Matthew recorded that some would not die before seeing Jesus in his Kingdom, meaning they would see Jesus in his resurrected body for forty days after the crucifixion and after having set the righteous inhabitants of Hades free. Mark records that some would not die before seeing Pentecost. It seems that both statements are true. Jesus’ kingdom started at the crucifixion, when the veil of the temple was torn. Jesus is on a mission to gather and build his kingdom. But the disciples did not understand this; they didn’t understand Jesus rising from the dead. 

Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. KJV

Imagine what Peter, James, and John must have talked about between themselves. Luke was not a disciple at the time Jesus was on earth, but he researched and recorded all the events. Many people believe he wrote for Thomas. Luke adds something else to this story.

Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

Moses and Elijah came to talk about Jesus’ death at Jerusalem. Luke gives us the idea that this event took place as a meeting for Jesus, to go over a few details of the crucifixion. Later, on the road to Emmaus, Jesus asks two disciples if they have read the prophets concerning him. He then expounds from the Law of Moses and the prophets all about himself, but it wasn’t until they broke bread that their eyes were opened and they knew him.

In any event, Peter, James, and John were not allowed to talk about this experience until after the crucifixion. It had to be hard to keep this a secret. They spoke among themselves I imagine, but Peter, James, and John did not understand this. However, they previously saw the young girl rise from the dead and they were told not to talk about that either. This is truly a huge burden. How many of us would be astonished, amazed, in ecstasy, (trance), over seeing someone raised from the dead? Yet these three men kept it all quiet. Funny that the three of them were not quiet about much else. They seem to be the loud, boisterous ones of the group. They seem like the guys who sang songs about swords and conquering foreign lands.

This transformation was not for Jesus only. We are told that we are to transform. The word for “transfigure, transform”, is metamorphoo. We, like Jesus, are to mutate, or transmute. 

NT:3339 metamorphoo (met-am-or-fo'-o); from NT:3326 and NT:3445; to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose"): KJV - change, transfigure, transform.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

If we are told to transform, it has to be available to do so. Paul tells us that we are not to conform, or be like the world, but transform by renewing our mind. We are to renovate or refurbish our mind, and that transforms us.

Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed [3339] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. KJV

Living sacrifices take up their cross, deny themselves, and follow Jesus. Paul tells us more.

2 Cor 3:17-18 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed [3339]into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. KJV

As we behold the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image as he is, in glory by the Spirit of the Lord. How do we behold his image but through visions that astonish, and amaze (trance) or are a bewilderment and ecstasy. In prayer, we fix our minds on the Lord and the Holy Spirit enlightens us. Another form of transform is morphe.

NT:3444 morphe (mor-fay'); perhaps from the base of NT:3313 (through the idea of adjustment of parts); shape; figuratively, nature: KJV - form.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Mark 16:11-13 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12 After that he appeared in another form [3444] unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. KJV

During the biblical account where Jesus was speaking to two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus, when Jesus was expounding what was written about him in the Law and the Prophets, Jesus was in an adjusted shape. What does that mean? He may not have looked like himself, he certainly wasn’t leaking blood and fluids from his wounds. Maybe his wounds weren’t even visible to them. The two men saw Jesus in another form until Jesus broke bread, then they saw him to the extent that they knew who he was. Paul gives us another clue to transformation.

Phil 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form [3444]of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.KJV

Let this adjusted mind be in us, Jesus took the form, morphe, of a servant; a humble and obedient man. Jesus morphed into a man who was a servant and who was humble and obedient to the Father. That is the mind we are to put on. That is the mind that, when we pray, we transcend our thoughts to. Another derivative of metamorphoo is the root word morphoo.

NT:3445 morphoo (mor-fo'-o); from the same as NT:3444; to fashion (figuratively): KJV - form.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed [3445] in you, KJV

Paul was travailing for the Galatians until Christ was formed in them. Paul was not only praying, but actively agonizing over them to grow up in Christ. People can change their appearance on the outside, but this is an internal change that Paul wanted them to have. Sometimes people put on an eminence front, as the old Who song goes. Morphosis describes this negative form.

NT:3446 morphosis (mor'-fo-sis); from NT:3445; formation, i.e. (by implication) appearance (semblance or [concretely] formula):KJV - form.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

2 Tim 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form[3466] of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. KJV

If someone looks Godly, but denies the power, turn and run as fast as you can. This denial of the power of the Holy Spirit (the dunamis) we saw Mark talk about regarding the miracle working power of the Holy Spirit, is simply one way the devil will try to stop the children of God today. Think about this, the visions that Peter and Paul and John had, did they come without the power of the Spirit of the Lord? Did their writings come of their own will or was it by the Holy Spirit that they were moved? The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, it ts better not to deny His power, because those who do are not truly believers. We might think about the verse regarding satan being transformed, it is a very interesting word, metaschematizo.

NT:3345 metaschematizo (met-askh-ay-mat-id'-zo); from NT:3326 and a derivative of NT:4976; to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation): KJV - transfer, transform (self).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

2 Cor 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed [3345] into an angel of light. KJV

This is the only place this word is used. Satan changes his schemes, he dresses up like an angel of light. I like the way the Amplified renders this word as masquerades.

2 Cor 11:14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; AMP

No offence to actors and actresses, but really all they do is play dress up and make us believe they are a character in a play. That is not what we are to do as Christians, we are not to pretend to be someone else and deny the power of God. We are not to change on the outside, but like butterflies we change from the inside out. That is what Peter, James, and John saw on the mountain while Jesus was praying.

The important points we are to recognize here is that not all people have visions or are called to bold intense work for the Lord. But those who are warriors for Jesus should rise up, and churches should enable those people to function in their calling. For warriors, visions are important for sustaining through the hard times. Intentional trance type prayer, where our minds are not fixed on earthly matters but fixed on Godly matters, is an important part of receiving direction. All warriors must actively embrace denying themselves, renewing their mind, transforming, humbling themselves as servants, and be willing to take up their cross. Posers take on the form of a warrior, but deny the power; don’t be a poser. The devil plays dress-up to scheme against the body of Christ, don’t be fooled.

Visions are not passive dreams but active and pertinent to our lives today. We see that James was the first disciple to lose his life when Herod Agrippa l tried to punish the church. Peter was taken into prison at that time as well, and while he was sleeping between two guards, an angel came and broke Peter out of prison. The plan of God was different for these two men. One was killed, and one was not. John gave us the greatest revealing of the future when he was imprisoned on Patmos. Paul wrote several letters in prison as well. These men submitted to the plans of God, just like Jesus did. This is why Jesus rebuked Peter, because Jesus was determined to fulfill his destiny. The bold, fearless, loud apostles prayed, fixing their minds on the things of God, and transformed themselves, becoming warrior servants to the body of Christ for the kingdom Christ is building.