“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away… (12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:9-10, 12)
When the movie studios in Hollywood came out with movies in 3-D, it changed the reality of the emotion of the viewer of the movie. When action movies were 2-D, the viewer may have been stirred or excited by the dialogue, but not the action. However, when 3-D came, the movie literally leaped off the screen to within inches of your face.
Then the emotions of the audience were stirred not only by the words, but also by the action. Many times, the emotions were “shock” or “awe”; or ever fear of being overrun by a train or hit by a speeding bullet. The first reaction is to duck, hold up your hand to guard yourself, or even scream, because it seems so real. But to accomplish this shock and awe, the movie industry had to develop a special lens for the viewer to wear when 3-D movies first came out. So the difference in the emotion was caused by the special eyepiece or glasses that had to be worn to receive the 3-D effect.
So it is for many Children of God. In the Old Testament, the saints looked through types and shadows to see Christ, the Church, His Spiritual Body, even His Kingdom. Abraham “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).
In the days of John the Baptist, some of the people of Israel looked at the sign of John the Baptist as the answer to Malachi 3:1, Isaiah 7:18a; 40:3 (see Matthew 3:1-4; 11:7-14); as he prepared the way of the Lord. Some people understood Jesus was The Christ, or the Messiah, or the Anointed One that was promised in Isaiah 7:18b; 9:6-7; 40:-31; 61:1-3; etc. But others rejected John’s testimony; then rejected Jesus, and finally crucified Him.
In the New Testament, many saw the Resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:4-9; 10:41); while others said the Apostles had stolen His Body. There have been thousands over the last 2,000 years who have seen Christ as the Lamb of God; Substitute, Sacrifice, and Savior. Others have rejected Him as an illegitimate child, only a man, a prophet.
There are even saved people now that see Christ only in the abstract; while others see Him as the King ruling in His Kingdom. There are saved people who are living a defeated life; while others see Christ (God) dwelling in them. They see that their old life is dead and hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3-4); that they now are in possession of the Spirit of Christ, the Power of God dwelling in them. These experience the overcoming victorious life in Christ (1 John 5:4). They know they are free from the law of sin and death, made free by the Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2). They know they have not received the spirit of fear, “… but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). (See also Romans 8:14-16.) They know they don’t have to sin anymore, for sin’s dominion has no hold on them (Romans 6:1-23).
What is the difference? The difference is found in your eyepiece.
The change from 2-D to 3-D comes in the New Birth process (John 3:3-8). It comes in being taught by the Holy Spirit of the Perfection and Preeminence that a Born-of-God one has in God; as you are in a position to behold the Glory of God and to experience His love in you. It is to become one in Christ (John 6:44-45; 17:21-24). It is the reward of 2 Peter 1:1-4, being a partaker of the Divine Nature of God. It is when you, as a Child of Grace, begin to realize you are in the Process of Sanctification (or being daily set apart to God’s Holiness; 1 Peter 1:13-16). Then, you feel alive in Christ; you feel Him active in your life (Philippians 2:13; Galatians 2:20). You feel you are Ruling and Reigning in this life in His Life, as you live your life in Him. You feel that you are being saved (preserved) daily in living your life in His Life (Colossians 3:3; Romans 5:10).
The difference is the New Birth, or being born from above by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-8). When you are Born Again and converted, you are given a special eyepiece; His name is Christ, the Holy Spirit, abiding, or dwelling, in your spirit. You now can see (discern) spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:9-16), for you have the “mind of Christ.”
This is what Mary needed at the tomb of our Risen Lord (John 20:11-16).
This is what the two disciples on the road to Emmaus needed (Luke 13:13-32).
This is what the Apostles needed (Luke 24:36-45):
“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45)
All of this was culminated on the Day of Pentecost, when they received the Gift of the Holy Spirit (even the Spirit Himself, in the New Birth) (Acts 1:8; 2:1-39, 40-47). That day the Apostles and the 120, and many, many more had an eyepiece change (Acts 2:33-39) and were added to the Church.
If you have been born of God (and you know you have; Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 4:5-6), then start looking through your new eyepiece (Christ living in you, the Hope of Glory; Colossians 1:27) and you will see, in Christ, you can live your daily life in His Victory in Resurrection Power and walk in the Newness of Life (Romans 6:4).
And then you will have Peace, Power, and Joy unspeakable of the Holy Ghost in your life.
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