The concept of "Christ in us" is deeply rooted in the scriptures and represents the seed of God's Word that was implanted within us at the moment of our spiritual rebirth. When we were regenerated, we received the very Spirit of God, who took up residence within us and became our singular voice of guidance. This divine presence subdued our former desires by effectively putting our old will to death, allowing the Word to become incarnate within us. As a result, the Spirit and the Word began to take authority in our lives, leading to a profound transformation in the direction we were headed—essentially a complete 180-degree turn. We no longer belong to ourselves; our lives are now governed by a higher calling. What makes the Word of God a sure and steadfast promise? Its purification seven times stands as a metaphor for its ultimate reality and reliability. The fire of God that goes before Him serves to consume His adversaries on every side, and within this context, the Word carries seven judgments against God's enemies. These can be understood as seven pronouncements or deadly sins that hold severe consequences. Importantly, we cannot separate the Word from the Spirit that accompanies it; the purification process speaks to their intrinsic connection. God's Word operates as both a pronouncement of judgment and a life-giving Spirit. The Word serves as a powerful instrument that not only pronounces judgment upon situations but also declares victory, guiding us in making our paths straight. Just as the fire of God goes before Him, consuming everything that opposes Him, so too do the Spirit and the Word lead us into all Truth. I am currently working on expanding this concept further, as it is rich with implications. The Word of God has been purified seven times, which makes it more enduring and reliable than any other instrument or authority we may encounter in this world. We can also draw from the Old Testament concept of the angel of the Lord, who goes forth to fight the battles of Israel. This angel acts in accordance with God's will, engaging the spiritual adversaries that threaten His people. Thus, we see this angel operating within the natural world, orchestrating the downfall of the wicked while ensuring the protection and victory of the faithful. As I continue to explore these themes, the rich tapestry of God's Word and Spirit becomes increasingly evident, illuminating our journey of faith. This divine Word that resides within us is God's declaration of salvation, not only concerning our new birth but also for the unfolding details of our lives in the future. This means that nothing can enter our lives without God's express permission or decree. Consequently, we find ourselves waiting earnestly for God to speak salvation into our circumstances, as we seek after Him with desperation. It seems that we observe the workings of the seven spirits of God, which execute judgment while simultaneously ensuring the salvation of God's elect. This dual function produces life for those who believe and, conversely, leads to the passive destruction of those who oppose Him. In this divine economy, there is always the promise of blessing and the reality of punishment.
Because of humanity's innate tendency to rebel—being under the influence of Adam’s sin—God must intervene and draw individuals to Himself. He establishes a covenant with this chosen community, lovingly referring to them as His children. This profound act of calling is what is meant by the term "purified seven times." God’s decrees are immutable; the calling He extends to His elect is irrevocable and everlasting. This divine imprint is the spoken Word that becomes incarnate within us; it is the essence of the Spirit that resides in our being. This is why we have an intrinsic longing to be who we are meant to be. It is crucial for us to delve into the seven spirits that have been imprinted upon us, shaping our identity in worship and guiding us toward our ultimate purpose in God’s design. To fully grasp the significance of the phrase "purified seven times," it is essential to recognize that it pertains to the context of protection from a particular imprint or a formed identity. The core teaching here is that the wicked ways of the world leave an imprint that manifests itself in words and actions that are contrary to the divine will of God. Sin originates from sinful individuals, and whenever such individuals find success or prosperity, their influence permeates society, shaping a worldview that is fundamentally aimed at undermining and destroying the righteous. Instead of His chosen ones seeking transformation within themselves, they are encouraged to look to God’s covenant made with Abraham. There is only one assurance we can cling to: God's promise to have a people for Himself. It is imperative that we consistently redirect our focus away from our own shortcomings and instead toward God’s eternal attributes—His mercy, grace, kindness, and love. When we begin to understand the source of all that is good, we come to recognize the imprint of God’s Word, which transcends our willful efforts. To comprehend the profound nature of God’s Word, we must appreciate its durability and supremacy. The Word of God represents the decrees of God that stem from His eternal counsel. For instance, God decreed that Adam would sin, and as a result, humanity has inherited the imputed sin of the first man. Every person is born into a state of sin. Yet, among the vast multitude of people on this planet, God chooses a select few upon whom He bestows His love and grace. This act of divine selection is not based on any merit of humanity but is rather a demonstration of God's sovereign will. In light of this troubling reality, one might wonder what hope exists for a believer in such a world. The answer lies in the Word of God, which serves as both an instrument of protection and a means of judgment. God’s judgment on the wicked and the self-righteous often comes in the form of granting them their desires; this is a unique circumstance, particularly in an era marked by overwhelming evil and moral decay. When evil flourishes, it often leads to a society that is hostile to righteousness.
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