Asking
the Holy Spirit for Understanding
In the course of our Bible study it is not uncommon for
us to find statements or new concepts that challenge our understanding. Even after searching our Strong’s Concordance
and other references we can still encounter difficulties in arriving at a
satisfactory / appropriate interpretation or explanation.
Man’s senses and limited mental capacities are not
sufficient for discerning / understanding many spiritual truths. One example is the concept of the One True
God / Godhead consisting of God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (How can three equal One?) But that concept is probably more
understandable, believable and acceptable to most Christians because we have
heard it many times in a context which “makes sense”. Further, it is far less “personal” than the example
that led me to think about writing this blog post.
In this next example, which is very personal to Christians,
the Bible says that we were crucified with our Lord Jesus on the Cross
(Galatians 2: 20), and that we were resurrected with Him. (Romans 6: 4-6;
1 Corinthians 6: 14,17; Colossians 2: 12-13)
Also, we are now seated with Him and in Him, ( https://www.gotquestions.org/in-Christ.html ) at
the right hand of our Father in Heaven. (Ephesians 2: 4-7; Colossians 3:
1-3) That concept sounds unrealistic, because “we know” from our senses that we
are physically on this Earth. But when we consider the lessons taught us back
in the Book of Genesis about the creation of man, (Genesis 1: 26-27; 2: 7) they
remind us of the reality that we are truly living spiritual beings with a soul,
who only temporarily “live” in these physical
bodies. Even so, the questions arise: “How can we be in two places at the same time?
Specifically, how are we now seated with our Lord Jesus at the right hand of
our Father in Heaven?” Further, “how could we be
participants in the Crucifixion, burial and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus nearly
two thousand years before our “birth” on the Earth?”
Those of us who believe that our Bible is based on truth
have been hard pressed to find “wise men” who can answer many questions raised by the Scriptures.
Perhaps it is because we simply haven’t lived long enough to see some of the
answers become reality. In other instances, perhaps we aren’t meant to
understand until we are with the Lord, and He will make all things clear. (Mark 4: 22-23; Luke 8: 17; 1 Corinthians 13:
10-12) Remember, God keeps things
secret, until He is ready to reveal them. (Deuteronomy 29: 29)
Can you imagine the mindset of Christians who lived and
died only 100 years ago, when they read in
the Book of Revelation, Chapter 11, that was written two thousand years ago. The Bible says that the dead bodies of two of
the Lord’s “witnesses” who had been slain would be seen (visibly) by “the
people and kindreds and tongues and (many) nations for three and a half days.” Current
day technology makes that prophecy seem highly probable, compared to the
“impossible” mindset only a few generations ago. But that is one of the great features
of this tremendous Book that God has given us. Given that example among what
are many, many others…there are some concepts that are perplexing regardless of
the century in which a Christian was (or is) living.
So, what is the method for getting answers to help us
understand difficult questions / concepts?
The Scripture notes that “the natural man receiveth not
the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can
he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2: 14) Further,
with regard to seeking answers through prayers, the Scripture notes that God
does not hear the prayers of those who are not His. (John 9: 31)
However, another perspective was provided for Christian Believers,
as the Bible further states:
“But God hath
revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea,
the deep things of God.
“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the
spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but
the Spirit of God.
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but
the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given
to us of God.
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s
wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things
with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2: 10-13)
It is in that context that when we pray, we ask God for the
knowledge, wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit that we need to understand difficult
passages and concepts in the Scripture. The
answer(s) might come directly or indirectly (possibly through an unexpected source)…immediately
or later…or possibly not at all.
Whatever the outcome, the Scripture reminds us:
“Be careful (worry) for nothing: but in every thing by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto
God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4: 6-7)
Let’s return now to the questions raised in the third
paragraph above, in bold type.
The answer to the question “how we can be in two places
at the same time...specifically, on this Earth and with our Lord Jesus in
Heaven?” seems somewhat simplistic. The
Holy Spirit has moved our soul / spirit from the current circumstance /
situation / environment to a heavenly perspective. That is what has given us a
new perspective and reality. In this
Earthly world, and from a most negative sense, psychologists call that “dissociation.”,
meaning disconnection or detachment. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/dissociation
)
However, using a less technical terminology, on a short-term
basis many have called it “daydreaming”, or “fantasizing”. Do you remember being in a situation in which
your mind “wanders” from whatever is going on around you, bringing you to a
place of calm, rest, and peace…a place you’d rather be?
Similarly, even on a continuing basis, Believers under
the influence of the Holy Spirit can “see” and experience life from two
perspectives. While their physical bodies and senses are limited by what is
going on around them, their mind and soul can experience communication with our
Creator.
The second question raised above is: “How could we be
participants in the Crucifixion, burial and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus nearly
two thousand years before our “birth” on the Earth?” The Holy Spirit’s
connection to our spirit / soul also provides the key to that answer. As
Christians today, we still have no full understanding of our existence here in
this Earth, but we have the support of the Holy Spirit in maintaining our faith
that these things are true.
One of the attributes of God is that He is Eternal. He
exists outside of the constraints of time as we know it. (Genesis 1: 1; Psalm
90: 2) That is the basis for our understanding the concept of eternity. In that
context, and in His foreknowledge, our Lord Jesus knew us before the
foundations of the Earth. (Ephesians 1: 4) He knew we would become Christian Believers
who would become members of His spiritual body, the “Body of Christ”. (1
Corinthians 12, especially v. 27)
We must always remember that it is more important what
God sees than what we see. Through His Scripture we know that He saw us …the “real
us” consisting of soul and spirit...crucified with our Lord Jesus, resurrected
with Him, and now existing in Him…and He in us. (Romans 8: 9-10; 2 Corinthians
13: 5; Ephesians Chapter Three, especially consider v. 17) As we were made in His image, we also are eternal
beings… (Genesis 1: 26-27)…joined from the Beginning.
Thank you Holy Spirit, for these perspectives.
Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson
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