In the pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment, the concept of Christ Consciousness stands as a beacon, guiding believers towards a profound understanding of their faith and its transformative power.
This article delves into the insightful teachings from “Christ Consciousness Volume 2 Part 1,” exploring the depths of what it means to embody the fullness of Christ, transcending the ordinary human experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Christ Consciousness transcends ordinary human life, offering a profound spiritual awakening.
- Spiritual Growth involves perfecting, becoming full-grown, and achieving the fullness of Christ.
- Death is the removal of God’s presence, leading to corruption and dissolution.
- Life originates from God and is sustained by His presence.
- Believers are commissioned as ambassadors of God’s kingdom, tasked with its manifestation on earth.
The Essence of Christ Consciousness
A Christian without Christ Consciousness is likened to living an ordinary human life, susceptible to the same sufferings and limitations as the rest of humanity. However, the true essence of Christianity lies not in mere religiosity but in the spiritual awakening that comes with embracing Christ Consciousness.
This consciousness is rooted in spiritual awareness, specifically the alertness of the human spirit awakened to the realm of God.
Perfecting the Saints: A Journey of Spiritual Maturity
Referencing Ephesians 4:11-13, the scripture highlights the roles of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers in the perfecting of the Saints. The Greek word “kismos” (perfecting) signifies the full equipping or furnishing of believers with all they require for life.
Related: Christ Consciousness Volume 3 Part 1
This process aims to bring believers to a place of unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, epitomized by the term “epignosis,” denoting a full, relational, and life-influencing knowledge.
The Stages of Spiritual Growth
- Perfecting (Kismos): Initial equipping for life, laying the foundational knowledge of Christ.
- Full Grown (Tellos): Spiritual maturity, where believers are no longer babes in Christ but have grown into a deeper understanding and application of their faith.
- Fullness of Christ (Ploma): The ultimate stage, where believers are completely filled with everything that Christ embodies, reflecting the maximum capacity of God’s presence in their lives.
Understanding Death and Life
- Death: Often misunderstood as merely the cessation of life, death is more profoundly the expulsion or removal of God’s presence, spirit, and influence from any creation, leading to its corruption and eventual dissolution into its original components.
- Life: Originates from God, and its continuation is dependent on the presence and influence of God’s spirit. The human body, designed to live forever, is subject to death and decay only due to the Fall and the subsequent nature of sin.
The Story of Adam and the New Creation in Christ
Jesus, the second and last Adam, overcame death, emerging victorious. Through Him, believers are born again, receiving a new nature that is free from the corruption of sin. This transformation, rooted in Christ Consciousness, empowers believers to live a life that is not bound by the ordinary limitations of the human experience.
Related: Christ Consciousness Volume 3 Part 2
Paul’s Encounter with the Viper: A Demonstration of Christ Consciousness
The biblical account of Paul shaking off a viper (Acts 28:1-6) illustrates the practical application of Christ Consciousness. Paul’s knowledge of his eternal life and his position in Christ manifested in his actions, demonstrating a deep-seated understanding of the divine nature at work within him.
The Lord’s Prayer and the Manifestation of the Kingdom
Jesus taught His disciples to pray for the kingdom to come, for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Following His ascension, Jesus bestowed upon His disciples all authority in heaven and on earth, commissioning them to spread the kingdom’s influence.
This mandate embodies the essence of Christ Consciousness, where believers are not just recipients of God’s grace but also ambassadors of His kingdom, tasked with manifesting its presence in the world.
Conclusion: Embodying Christ Consciousness
Christ Consciousness Volume 2 Part 1 invites believers on a profound journey of spiritual awakening, from being merely religious to being fully alive in Christ. By understanding the true nature of death and life, embracing spiritual maturity, and recognizing our role as ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we can embody the fullness of Christ, transforming our lives and the world around us.
As we delve deeper into this consciousness, we are reminded that it is our Father’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom, urging us to step into the vast, uncharted territories of our spiritual inheritance.
Reflection Questions:
- How does understanding Christ Consciousness impact your daily life and faith?
- What stage of spiritual growth do you identify with, and how do you plan to progress?
- How can recognizing the true nature of death and life influence your perspective on mortality and eternity?
