Revolution Era

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” Col 2:6-8

If ever there was a buzzword in the 21st century Charismatic Evangelical communities that so greatly took hold of the attention of people and cause such widespread demand for new teachings and new doctrines, it would be this: “Anointing”. And with it, its de-contextualized synonyms, mainly: “mantle”, “impartation”, and “double-portion”.

The purpose of this article is to address these words, their meanings, and their biblical implications. And I will do so by constructing a simple pyramid: I will lay a foundation that is based on finished work of Christ on the Cross; then layer that with a foundation of who Jesus Christ is; followed by a layer of who we NOW are in Christ; then add to that an understanding of what we HAVE because of the fact that we are in Christ. From there, I will address these buzzwords from their original context and explain how they apply to us today.

The end goal is to provide the everyday Christian with a Christ-centered approach to teachings on “anointings”, “mantles”, “Impartations”, and “double-portions”, as well as a host of other excuses Christians have invented in order to keep themselves inactive and lethargic.

Prelude

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Tim 4:2-5

“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Tit 2:1

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines.” Heb 13:8-9

These scriptures remain true today, and carry the same gravity (if not a greater one) that they did when they were first written. Any teaching that is not centered on the finished work of Jesus Christ need to be tested and laid up against the New Covenant that Christ established with His Bride. Do I want revival? Do I want signs and wonders? Do I want to see everyone manifesting Christ in word and in power? “Yes!” I say, to all of these. Yet I do so under the caution Paul gave:

“Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” 1 Ths 5:19-22

----- Part 1: The Pyramid -----

What Have We in Christ?
>>Who Are We Now, As New Creations in Christ?
>>>Foundation: Who is Jesus Christ Now As Resurrected Lord?
>>>>Foundation: The Old / New Covenant Transition – The Finished Work of Christ

This pyramid, along with everything else in this article, will be mainly established on Scriptures, read within context, with a bit of commentary following each passage quoted. In other words, I’m leaving as little room as possible for me to establish any sort of new teaching or doctrine, and simply letting the Bible speak for itself. Here goes!

First Layer - The Old Covenant to New Covenant Transition

This is by far one of the greatest stumbling blocks in the Bride of Christ and in church communities across the globe, as we know it. I will be blunt, and I will be clear: The Old Testament era has ended. Its promises are made true through the finished work of Jesus Christ. A new era began when Christ ascended from death and sat at the right hand of the Father. The Gospels depict Jesus coming into an age that was about to end (Lk 16:15-17). In fact, the New Testament, a new era, doesn’t actually begin until Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. This first full book of the New Covenant is the book of Acts.

A transition took place on the cross. An epic shift happened in all realms, dimensions, heavens, the visible world, and the invisible world. The balance of power changed. How God dealt with creation changed. How Satan ruled the world changed. Listen to the words of our Lord himself before you cast your stones:

“…the face of the earth and of the heaven you know how to evaluate and interpret. But this strategic, epochal period of time, how is it that you are not evaluating and interpreting it?” Luke 12:56 (WET)

Jesus here was addressing the crowds and the religious leaders of his day, concerning the importance and gravity of the transition He was about to bring about in heaven and on earth.

So, what are some of the things that changed? Well, the obvious – like Christ dying for our sins, and God’s work of salvation for humanity, are things that I will not cover. It is the finer points that we need to comb through.

Let’s begin to build our pyramid.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Mat 28:18

This is by far one of the greatest statements in the entire Bible. Yes, that’s right. Why? Let’s reason through it: Authority over heaven and authority over the earth WAS NOT Jesus’. If it was, He would not have made this announcement. Heaven was the Father’s, and Satan subdued the earth. Now, Satan no longer has authority over the earth. What was stolen from us (Gen 1:28) in Genesis 3, Christ has restored.

“I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come.” Mat 11:11-14

David, Moses, Elijah, Samuel, Enoch, Rachel, Rebecca – these were all great men and women of God, indeed. Yet, Jesus Himself says that John the Baptist was even greater. So if you want to strive to be like an Old Testament figure, then go for John the Baptist, not David. Now, what’s even more amazing is what He says next – in the Kingdom of God, which has now come, anyone (including you) is greater than David, Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist. Greater. Now. Yes, you! So why on earth would you hold up Moses or David as inspiration if you are already greater than them in the Kingdom? Want my advice? Hold up Jesus Christ as your inspiration and model, and no one else. Seriously.

“However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” 1 Cor 2:9-10

"For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor 2:16

How many times have you heard Christians say, “God only knows…”, and, “It’s impossible to know the will of God”? Well, it is now possible. In fact, it is demanded of you:

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Rom 12:2

You are now supposed to be able to PROVE what the will of God is.

“Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” 1 Cor 3:16-17

“Let’s go to the house of God”, and “This is the house of the Lord”, are common statements heard in churches. Problem is, they are Old Covenant derivatives, and they no longer apply today. God’ house today is a mobile unit – you.

“We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor 3:13-18

We don’t need to “seek His glory”, or ask for a “cloud of glory”. We are not like Moses, as we just read. Moses only saw God’s back. We have seen His Son. That trumps Moses’ experience hands down. Moses saw his goodness pass by. We have the same God with His goodness ABIDING IN US, AND HE DOES NOT LEAVE. And we don’t need to look for His glory, for we now radiate it (I will cover this more in a little bit).

“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second…
In that He says, “A new covenant, ” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Heb 8:1-7, 13

I’m glad Paul wrote this, or else you wouldn’t believe me. The Old Covenant is obsolete. Does this mean that its promises are made null? No! They are made true through Jesus Christ. Does this mean that Psalms and Proverbs are now irrelevant? No! But we no longer approach the books of the Old Testament in the shoes of someone who is still under that age. We no longer need to identify with anyone in the Bible (Job, Daniel, Solomon, etc) except for Jesus Himself. We are now like Him, and no one else. We must be able to apply knowledge and wisdom when we read the Hebrew Scriptures, in order that we may discern what has been fulfilled, what is yet to come, and what no longer applies. “I know this already”, you say. Then why do you spend so much time and effort seeking after the things of the Old Covenant? Mantles, glory clouds, God’s goodness to pass before you, lifting up a beggar’s prayer, and wanting to be like David, Joshua, or Elijah? A transition has taken place. It’s been 2000 years. We need to renew our minds and align them with teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles.

Second Layer - Who Is Jesus Christ, the Resurrected Lord?

I’m sorry to say this, but Jesus is no longer the carpenter who bears a shepherds rod in his hand. His is a majestic, warring, conquering, victorious, holy, noble king, seated on the highest throne, in the greatest kingdom, reigning over heaven and earth. Understanding the full measure of who He IS will be a lifelong endeavor. However, grasping key elements of who Jesus Christ is now is vital if we are ever to understand who WE are, BECAUSE of who He is.

Take time as you read these passages. Mediate on them. Think them over. Let them sink into you. Don’t read them in haste.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” John 1:1-3

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 

Who, being in very nature[a] God, 

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 

but made himself nothing, 

taking the very nature[b] of a servant, 

being made in human likeness. 

And being found in appearance as a man, 

he humbled himself 

and became obedient to death— 

even death on a cross! 

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place 

and gave him the name that is above every name, 

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, 

in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 

to the glory of God the Father.” Php 2:5-11

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Col 1:15-20

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Mat 28:18

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Eph 1:18-23

“[This] mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” Col 1:26-28

I chose to end with Colossians 1:26-28 because of how absurd it is. Above, we read of the vast and great complexities, grandeur, and power of the Risen Lord Jesus – only to learn that the One who encompasses all things and holds all things together resides IN YOU and IN ME. That this is a “mystery”, as Paul put it, is an understatement. It almost doesn’t make sense. Think about it. He holds the universe together. He has all authority, and all power. He is seated on the highest throne in the highest heaven. And, He is also in you.

I think that it is best for me to accept this mystery, and do as Mary did when she was told that the Christ-child would be birthed through her: “Behold, the bond-slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." Lk 1:38.

Third Layer - Who Are You, O Believer in Christ?

This is another catastrophic plague in the Body of Christ – a lack of knowledge and understanding concerning our identity as new creatures in Christ. I am guilty of this same issue. Perhaps this too will take a lifetime to full grasp and live out. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we understand the basic elements that make up the believer – ones the world calls, “Christians”.

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.” John 15:16

We have been appointed. Which means, we have been given a responsibility. Meaning, if the task isn’t completed, it’s your fault, not His. And the task is that we bear fruit. And fruit is souls – to be fishers of men. We are to bring people out of the Kingdom of Darkness and into the Kingdom of Light.

Now, to be clear: who’s responsible? I’ll give you a hint – it’s not Jesus.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23

In case you though John 15:16 doesn’t apply to you, Jesus makes it clear here that it does. Now, check this out:
-Jesus has given us HIS GLORY. Why chase a cloud? Just look in the mirror!
-God and Jesus and Holy Spirit are IN US, right now. And we are in them. Crazy.
-In unity, meaning we need to work together, WE are to let the world know about Jesus Christ and God our Father.

“The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” John 14:10-13

The only thing keeping us from living this out are those who teach and believe that we can’t live this out. Believe His words, and start going for it. Trial is error is not a bad thing.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” John 14:27

Shalom peace is good. But the peace of Jesus Christ is better. Receive it!

“Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21

No, Jesus is not sending you to die on a cross and be a sacrifice for mankind. But, He HAS SENT YOU OUT ON A MISSION. God sent Jesus to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, to set captives free, to destroy the works of the Devil, to heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach to everyone that God is establishing His dominion and rule over the earth, and freedom from Sin and the dominion of Darkness is now available to everyone who wants it. Now, the baton has been passed on to us. The choice is YOURS, not God’s, as to whether or not you will run the course during the time you spend on earth.

“It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.” Mt 10:25

This just emphasizes John 20:21. Jesus Himself WANTS us to be like him. Religious jargon says otherwise.

“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:4-5

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them…
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘[This] is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
"In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”’” Acts 2:1-4, 14-17

How do you see John 14:12 play out in your life? Holy Spirit in you. The Trinity abides in YOU, right NOW. That is a good head start, don’t you think?

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…” Rom 8:15-17

“Less of me, more of you God!” “I am nothing”. “God, kill me, destroy me, do whatever you please with me!” These all sound good a religious during worship sets at your local church. But they are contrary to the reality at present. If Jesus every said such things right now, would it honor God? Oh course not. They why do you say them? “…because as He is, so are we in this world.” 1 Jon 4:17. We are sons, just as Jesus is a son. Period. We hold the rights of a son, the title of a son, the authority of a son, the responsibility of a son, and the access to our Father as a son (this is all gender, race, and age inclusive).

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Gal 3:26-27

Case in point.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Cor 5:17-20

Wow, this is a lot! Let’s break it down:
-We are representatives of Christ, here and now. And God has committed this responsibility TO US, meaning you and me.
-God’s ministry is reconciliation. Therefore, our ministry is reconciliation – not counting people’s trespasses against them. So much for God judging nations, intercession for God’s mercy over our lives and our country, ‘prophets’ who give ‘prophecies’ against cities and nations, etc. GOD is reconciling the entire world to Himself; WE are NOT reconciling the world to God.
-finally, WE ARE A NEW CREATION! NEW! NEW! NEW! YOUR HISTORY GOES BACK ONE GENERATION – TO CHRIST! Notice my enthusiasm here? Read Romans 4-6. Our old self was killed off; not fixed, rehabilitated, or bettered. It was killed. We were born anew. We are a strange new breed: human, but full of divinity. Flesh, but full of Divine Spirit. Nothing else in the cosmos exists that is like us. Even your neighbor, if he doesn’t know God, is not like you. Hence, a “new” creation.

“And [God] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” Eph 1:9-10

“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
He says, 

"I will declare your name to my brothers; 

in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."
And again, 

"I will put my trust in him."
And again he says, 

"Here am I, and the children God has given me." “ Heb 2:10-13

You are a son, and a brother of Jesus Christ, and you have been brought to God’s glory. If Moses knew about this age we live in, he would have fainted.

“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house.” Heb 3:1-2

Forget David. Forget Elijah. Forget your old self. Christ is able to occupy your mind for the duration of your life, if you so let Him. Hear me out. Imagine a life where you are in the habit of meditating on the above passages you’ve read, day after day. Is there any wonder that Paul was a man obsessed with Jesus Christ? Look at the fruit of his life. He new the Old Testament better than you ever will – yet his one obsession was Jesus. So again, forget David. Forget Elijah. Forget your old self. Fix your thoughts on Jesus Christ, and Him alone.

“Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Eph 3:8-12

Here’s that responsibility thing again. “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known”. Not through anyone else, not even Jesus. It’s you and me. It’s our job. And if we don’t do it, no one will.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” Tit 3:4-9

Wow, Just, wow. It speaks for itself.

That's the end of PART I !!!

Take a breather, and when you're ready, head over to part II !