It's Only Natural

All humanity functions in what is known as the physical or natural realm. The natural realm is the dimension that is subject to the laws of time, space, and matter, where our five senses make real the world around us. This was part of man's composition in creation so he could function on planet earth. However, before the fall of man, he functioned in another realm in which his five senses were subordinate in operation. Man operated in the spiritual or supernatural realm which operates above the natural realm, is permanent, invisible, eternal and located outside of time and space and exercises dominion over the natural realm. Although man was created corporeal, he was not created mortal or immortal, but a perfect human being. It wasn't until man sinned against God that he became mortal, (death doomed) where his five senses took dominion over his spirit and disconnected him from God. Though this separation from God took place, God has left us evidence of Himself in the intricate, detailed order and beauty of the natural realm around us. Yet, when we contemplate the greatness of His creation, our finite imaginations still cannot begin to fathom His vast love and immense power.

Man has often endeavored to know God through intellectual means, but these attempts have proven insufficient. We can know facts and information about God, but we cannot know Him personally through intellectual knowledge. So, how can human beings come to know their invisible, supernatural Creator? Through revelation knowledge, also known as spiritual knowledge. Revelation knowledge transcends intellectual knowledge mainly due to the limits that holds intellectual knowledge at bay. Intellectual knowledge is gained only through the senses whereas revelation knowledge comes from the Holy Spirit, through man's recreated spirit.

The Apostle Paul's prayer for the church at Ephesus shows this to be so, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:17-18) He also reveals a very similar truth to the church at Corinth, "These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:13-14)

Due to an overemphasis on intellectual knowledge, many people are very aware of the natural realm but are remarkably uninformed (or misinformed) about the supernatural realm. In the absence of revelation knowledge, people tend to rely on formal academic education, much of which attempts to discredit faith. Intellectual knowledge has its rightful place in society, but it is a poor substitute for revelation knowledge. The Apostle Paul tells us, "while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18) He also reveals to us, "God has chosen, the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are." (1 Corinthians 1:28)

It was never God's intention to remain a mystery to His people. In fact, He has always desired for us to not only know Him intimately, but to also experience His very nature, character, will, purposes and plan. However, we must understand that only God can reveal Himself. No one has the ability to know Him apart from His revelation. God reveals Himself to us as the supernatural and all-powerful God through His Word by the Holy Spirit. There is no other means by which we can know Him.  Jesus tells us, "when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak." (John 16:13) Even a theologian may know that a superior being exists, but that does not mean he knows Him personally. Many theologians operate merely with information acquired through intellectual research, reasoning, mental processes, or the experiences of others. But the Holy Spirit is the Source of all revelation from God.

The carnal mind determines people's reality until they are born again. (John 3:3-8) The moment we confessed Jesus as Lord and received Him as Savior, our spirits are renewed, recreated. We then begin the process of renewing our minds with God's Word through which we can receive revelation by the Holy Spirit. What God has done, is doing, and will do in the future is beyond our natural understanding. Therefore, the degree to which we experience spiritual reality is determined by the leve1 of revelation we have received. Unless we continually renew our mind, our intellect tends to remain in the natural dimension, thereby creating limitations in our lives.

Please understand that I am supportive of intellectual pursuits and education that challenge and train the minds God has given to us. I want people to attend higher education and to complete their studies. With my connection with an online Bible college and seminary, I have helped and continue to help people reach their educational goals and to graduate. However, problems arise when we try to use our intellect to understand spiritual realities. Our minds basically become the enemy of truth because they attempt to displace revelation knowledge with natural intellectual understanding. If we surrender to the natural mind, we will end up doubting the truth of God's supernatural power, especially in and through believers today. Thankfully, we do not have to be slaves to our natural intellects. God gave us something that enables us to move beyond the natural realm and to tap into His supernatural sphere and revelation knowledge. It is called faith.

Faith also is not of the natural realm, because true faith believes God's Word no matter what the circumstances may dictate. If God had intended for humanity to remain only in the natural rea1m, He never would have provided a way through His Son Jesus for us to be restored to a relationship with Him, nor given us access to Himself, His supernatural power nor would He have given to us a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) It is surprising to me when I see or hear of believers, especially church leaders, turning to philosophy, psychology, and psychiatry (the natural realm), to try to resolve problems. No doubt these disciplines genuinely try to help people but fail to utilize the power of God to change and transform humanity. The Apostle Paul tell us, "for the kingdom of God is not in word but in power." (1 Corinthians 4:20)

I want to encourage and challenge you to examine your life to see if you look to the natural realm or look to spiritual realm for all your needs. God has unlimited resources and promises for all of His children. In fact, "God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3) and "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness." (2 Peter 1:3) So, let us be led by the Holy Spirit into all truth and move beyond the natural into the supernatural. We were born again for this! Amen...