some audio clips from book of Peter Tan, THE SPIRITUAL WORLD. Contents. VISIONS OF THE SPIRITUAL WORLD. Introduction. 1 Encountering The Spiritual World. 2 Activities in the Spiritual World. 3 The Free Will of Man. 4 Mysteries of the Spiritual World. 5 Understanding the Eternal Plan of God. Introduction. It is not possible to describe the glory and various areas of the Spiritual World in human language without bringing by the use of earth language a percentage of inaccuracy. Neither can anyone who has an encounter or visions of the Spiritual World claim to have visited every aspect of that glorious world. The Spiritual World consists of more varying aspects than all the nations, cultures, civilizations of earth of every known and unknown age and time put together. All these would be less than one atom of a drop of water in an ocean the size of the entire known universe. There are multiples of creations of God in various dimensions and universes that would take eternities to explore. For this reason many of those who have true spiritual experiences of the Spiritual World, whether for a brief time or through extended encounters, bring only a small microscopic view of the spiritual realm and life after death. It is thus an error for anyone with those experiences to think that their encounter is "all" of what the spiritual world is like and start building doctrines or dogma as to what the true Spiritual World is like. Having clarified the above points, I have tried to summarize in this book, the aspects of the Spiritual World which were experienced primarily through various spiritual experiences in March 2006, which began during the 40 day partial fast in February 2006 (which I have done annually for thirty years - the fast of February 2006 happened to be my thirtieth annual forty day fast) and continued almost on a daily basis even after the conclusion of the fast. Having done that many fasts before, I was settling into the joy of seeking God not really expecting anything dramatic to take place but just wanting to minister to the Lord and, as always in the annual forty day fast, rededicating my life to the service of God. The purpose for the writing of this book is to prepare others for the Spiritual World in which every one of us will one day be living when we depart from this earth. The possibilities for spiritual progress while we are still in our earthly body are far greater (by millions of percentage points) than when we physically die and enter the Spiritual World. For those who are walking with God the possibilities for progress in the next world are also as great, if not greater in the sense that it can lead to growth into the fullest dimension of God's Being unhindered by the physical body. This book is also written for those who have partial encounters in the Spiritual World, lest they develop the wrong dogma as to what the Spiritual World is like from their brief encounter. Please note that it is not possible to put down everything that has been experienced into this one book. It is important to also note that this is only my personal and subjective perspective gained through experiences in the Spiritual World. After the experiences in the Spirit World, I did research on some of those areas shown to me, (both spiritual and scientific), and I have mentioned some of the authors whose books I have read (especially scientific ones). I have also re-examined the Bible in the light of those experiences and critiqued my own experiences from the Scriptures. I have been asked by some as to who else has seen the Spiritual World similar to what I saw I am sure that there are many others but one that I know of, who has a book written of his experiences, is Sadhu Sundar Singh in his book on The Spiritual World. It is important to establish all revelation through the written Word of God but it is comforting to know that one is not alone in these revelations of the Spiritual World. Please also note that just reading through this book once intellectually does not mean that you might have got the full sense and understanding of what I am attempting to convey. One of the laws of the Spirit is that one can only receive at the level of where one is spiritually; thus, there are some things that you might have missed getting the spiritual understanding of until you re-read this book after receiving some spiritual experiences. In some places, I have struggled for hours to compose a single descriptive sentence of the Spiritual World in human language, while in others whole paragraphs would just flow. I urge the reader to please read this book carefully and prayerfully. My prayers are that those who read this book would be enabled to progress further in their spiritual development both in this physical world and in the Spiritual World. Peter Tan. 8th March 2007. 1 Encountering The Spiritual World. Age and characteristics. The spiritual body is of a youthful appearance. There is no old age. Children and infants entering the spirit world grow to adult maturity but in a far shorter time then they would in earth time. Spiritual maturity can be discerned in the countenance and light of a spiritual body. The spiritual body can also expand or contract but not in the same sense as it does in the physical world. The maximum size however is limited by the level of advancement in the spiritual spheres. One is not necessarily the same height as one was in the physical world. Most of the time through spiritual growth (not always true of all aspects of growth - there are myriads of different areas of spiritual growth in the spiritual realm; each producing different radiance with some aspects producing expansion size of the spiritual body capability), one's being is greater in size (height and proportional wise) but one can still take the form of those of the lower spheres at a height or image that is recognisable and visible to those of the lower spheres. There is a translucence of the spiritual body but it is a solidness and lightness of spiritual substance. Light emanates from the spiritual body. Clothing. All of the spirits in the spiritual realm have garments and clothes covering them but those of the lower and darker spheres appear to be in their naked spiritual body, and those lower still than these dark realms have naked spiritual bodies which are so altered that they appear ugly and do not even look human. The spirits in the highest realms have the brightest garments. The aura or light of these garments emanates from the mind of each spirit being. The aura or light that is emanated forms the spiritual garment for the spirit body. At physical death, spirits are still dominated by the earthly influences of the mind and thus produce the particular earthly fashions of the spiritual garments that clothe their spirit bodies but as the spirit matures and learns control of their mind and the spiritual forces at their disposal, they gain more control of their spiritual garments. The intensity or radiant brightness of their garments is still governed by their growth into higher spheres. In the spiritual world, there are more colours than we can see in the physical realm - not just seven colours of the rainbow and their intermediate states but thousands of ranges of colours. The character, strengths, weaknesses and development of the spirit being are reflected in the colour and brightness of their garments. In the spirit world, every one manifests in full and clear view to all their spiritual qualities and exact development level of their spiritual life in their spiritual body and in their spiritual clothing. Even on the earth, humans whose spirits are pure have a radiant light that shines around them like a garment. This is invisible to the physical earth but is visible to the spiritual world. Those whose hearts are evil have a dark mist that surrounds them. The greater the purity of heart and life, the brighter the light: the greater the evil in the heart, the greater the darkness that surrounds a human. Clothing that is made in the spiritual sphere, has textures and hues taken from the quality of the spiritual state of the wearer. Each particular sphere has its own unique tint of colour according to the occupation, interests, bend of mind, gifting or wisdom and knowledge of its inhabitants. Language. Communication is via thoughts and spirit impressions. In the spirit realm, one can understand perfectly all the spoken languages of the earth. This understanding is not directly through knowledge of the language itself but rather the meaning and thoughts of the speaker are communicated directly and telepathically. God does not speak in human language even though we seem to hear God in the language that we are conversant with in earthly life. There is no language good enough or great enough for God to express Himself through. All human language created by humans is insufficient for the Creator of all life. When we hear God speak in a human language, it is because our spirits understand it in a manner beyond language and then conveys it to our soul in a language that we have acquired during our earthly life. Spirit to spirit communication is beyond language. It is like deep calling unto deep (1 Corinthians 2:10, 11; Romans 8:26, 27). It is like an impartation of experience and knowledge or like the transfer of data from one computer to another except that this computer illustration lacks the transfer of the full experience and senses involved with the subject matter. One instantly "knows" (the word 'know' is limiting here because it also involves the process of actually experiencing the knowledge) what is communicated. The further one progresses spiritually one does not need even any earthly language thoughts to communicate; then would pass away the last shreds of the limiting earthly habit of human language. There is a sense of knowing that is beyond the physical world. When you pick up a flower in heaven and desire to look at it to analyse it, you actually "seem to become the flower" and know everything about the flower because you have "experienced being a flower". When you meet another person, and desire to know about the person, you "seem to become the person" and be able to know everything about that person. There is a limitation with sentient spirit beings with free will. This special and supernatural "knowing" is only possible with the free will consent of one another. The apostle Paul is speaking about this realm when he said that we shall know as we are known (1 Corinthians 13:12). This sense of being able to "become what you want to know" (without actually becoming the object) is an instantaneous knowledge infusion which includes not only objective knowledge but all subjective and perspective knowledge. Thus everyone understands everyone else perfectly. Spoken language is still used more for the beauty and music in the differences of communication and for special areas of purposeful creations through the working of the Holy Spirit. Light. In the Spiritual World, the only light that lights up the entire universe is the light of Christ that shines from His throne. This light does not cast any shadows but rather flows right through all living creatures in the spiritual realm. Even the light of the brightest angels is the refraction of the light of Christ. Those who are on the earth spheres do not see the light of Christ all the time because in the spiritual world you need the same equivalent spiritual level to see in that same level of spiritual light. From time to time, the light of Christ would shine according to the needs of individuals in the earth sphere but the visibility of that glorious light has to be diminished according to the level of the individual. However, the presence of Christ is always there without the individual spirit, who is not developed to the higher glory, realising it. This light is also the very means by which all life in every sphere is sustained and nourished. The light of the spiritual world is different from the physical sunlight that the material earth has. It is interpenetrating and shines through the physical realm. Thus when we look at a human being from the spiritual realm, we do not really see the physical body, it appears like a mist or envelope - although this also depends on the spiritual development of the spirit; those who are still earth-bound see the material realm as a solid. The well developed spirits of the higher spirit realm see right into the spirit and soul of humans. Sight. The spiritual world has its own substance and just as the spiritual world is invisible to us, our material world is more or less like a mist to those in the spiritual realm--with the exception of spirits in the lowest earth spheres whose basic character and mind is still very much earth based. When the spirit world looks at this material earth, it primarily sees only the spiritual aspects of the earth (the spirits of humans and the spirit life that sustains the material world). The material world is almost invisible to the spirit realm especially to those of the highest sphere. The material world is only temporary and its "temporariness" is visible (like a mist) to those in the spiritual world. The light of God shines through Christ who sits on the throne in the highest realm and lights up all of the universe and the spiritual spheres around the earth. Those who are highest in spiritual development see Christ in His full glory; while to those in lowest development, His appearance is like the sun shining upon them. Unlike the sun, the spiritual light from Jesus shines through all objects and when a spiritual being radiates with light, it is because the light refracts through the spirit being. All the light of everything in the spiritual world come from Christ at the throne on high. The reason why spirits of the lowest realm cannot perceive or see this light is not because it is not there but rather that their own spiritual blindness has prevented them from seeing this light. Like a blind man born without proper eyes, their spiritual eyes are not yet developed to see the light of Christ which ever shines through all His creation. Thus to them, all is darkness save the light of angelic help which they receive. The light of Christ, which shines to and through all, casts no shadows. Memory and the mind. All the memories of the earth life are remembered by every spirit that leaves its earthly body. Memory is stored in the mind of the soul rather than in the human physical brain. The brain is only one of the "sensations of mind". All the cells of the physical body also have their centre of "sensation of mind". Self awareness is a "sensation of mind" from the soul. When the spirit of man rules the soul, there is a "sensation of mind" from the spirit realm. When the spirit, soul and body of an individual are in disharmony, there are opposing "sensations of mind" occurring in the mind of the soul causing conflicts within an individual (Romans 7:22-25). We are to allow the spirit to rule the mind rather than the physical realm (Romans 8:5). We need to separate the "sensations of mind that are of the spirit" from the "sensations of mind that are of the soul and of the body" (Hebrews 4:12). The memory is more intense in the spiritual world than in the physical world because memory recall involves a total experience of every detail of the memory and not just the flitting thought of an event. Thus while peace, love and joy can be thousands of times more intensely experienced, suffering can also be equally magnified. The healing unconditional love of Jesus and of our Father God brings a great restoration of the soul and spirit through the blood of Jesus. There are many trees, plants and waters of the Paradises of the various spheres of heaven that bring restoration and growth to the souls marred by their earthly experiences (Revelation 22:1, 2). Thoughts. Thoughts are creative in the spiritual realm. All spiritual beings emanate spiritual light through their thoughts. The light that is emanated reveals the various strengths of the spirit being; the various areas of perfections; the various areas of perfection; the various areas of differentiation and characteristics, etc. Light in the spirit world is like blood (Here we are not referring to physical light made up of photons but rather spiritual light made up of the life and substance that flows from God Himself through the Word, our Lord Jesus). In the physical world, life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). In the spiritual world, life is in the light (John 1:4). All our thoughts on this earth emanate light or darkness according to our inner spiritual life (Matthew 6:22, 23). All our words uttered, which are the vocal expression of our thought life, flow accordingly with the light of our thoughts. And just as it is possible to analyse physical blood to diagnose the strengths or weaknesses of the physical body; it is also possible to diagnose the strengths or weaknesses of our spirit man from the light that emanates from our spiritual life. Thoughts from the spiritual world of light can sometimes be felt by those who are sensitive to them on the earth. They radiate and inspire the thoughts of the people on the earth to higher realms through the work of the Holy Spirit. The thoughts of evil spirits who live in the spheres of darkness also influence and affect the thoughts of those who lean towards darkness. How much these thoughts can influence humans depends on the inner strength and character of each human heart. Light attracts light and darkness attracts darkness. It is the free choice of all humans to which realm of thought influence they yield to. The effect of thoughts from the spheres of the spiritual realm on the present physical earth is more extensive than humans realise. These, combined with the actual work of angels and saints on the earth as opposed to the work of evil spirits on the earth, cause the activities that are on the physical earth. The invisible continues to influence the physical world in an astonishingly great manner. Good and holy thoughts of those who live on earth can be seen in the spiritual world like a light that radiates from us in various colours. By the means of this light our inner natures can be discerned. The analysis of this luminance that flows from the character of our thoughts can reveal all our strengths and weaknesses. Through it, God and angelic spirits are able to see what areas in our lives still need help and which bad areas need to be changed. When we leave our physical bodies and live in the spirit world, our whole spiritual body will radiate light revealing our strengths and our weaknesses. No one can hide who they are in the spirit world for it would be plain for all to see each person's character, strengths or weaknesses through the light they radiate. The characters that are dominant become reflected in our spiritual clothing which classifies us to our respective spheres. Actions and reactions (Predestination and Free choice). In the spiritual world, one can see the ultimate result of each thought and action. They ripple through space and time causing the results that we see in the physical earth. Every human that is born into the earth becomes part of the thoughts, actions, and reactions of the totality of thought and spiritual forces (good or bad) released since the creation of the earth. Not all the evil or suffering in the world is caused directly by first choice of the individual. The majority of it is caused by the ripple effect of the thoughts and decisions of others preceding the individual. Whole communities, cities and countries are gripped by the strongest ripple (more like it building to a tsunami wave) of forces that influence people on the earth. The whole earth looks like an ocean of ripples and waves of forces ebbing and flowing according to each new action and reaction of the human race. Positive or negative forces of influence sweep over entire communities, cities or countries from time to time. Every sin causes more suffering for the entire human race and every righteous thought and loving act releases a power that lifts the whole human race. In spite of this strong invisible influence that grips every new human bom to the earth, there is still the power of free choice given to each one. If the humans by free choice choose to understand the existence of this Spiritual World and yield to the power available through the Holy Spirit, the negative effects of these forces are powerless in their lives. It does not take much to open themselves to the spiritual forces available for their aid. Even the smallest cry for help, the weakest prayer of an unregenerate human releases positive change to the spiritual forces that ebb and flow into their lives. God answers both the prayers of those who love Him and even those who hate Him but cry for His help in their need. Great is the mercy and love of our Father God. Even the slightest inclination of heart towards love and goodness releases a measure of help from the Holy Spirit. Humans who do not open themselves to the power of help from the Spiritual World become weak and susceptible to existing forces preceding them. They are too weak to counter the effect of the negative forces present in the human race. All humans need help from outside themselves. Even those who thought that they had succeeded by their own strength and capacity received help from the spiritual world without them knowing it. There is no possibility of success in the physical world against the tide of forces that ebb and flow against the human race. Without aid from the spiritual world no one can overcome. Those who through heart, thought and action choose to continually reject help from the spiritual world in the end succumb to these forces and are destroyed; eventually losing their physical lives prematurely. Every human is born with the potential for goodness and greatness (John 1:9). Whether one is well known or unknown, of great visible influence or of little visible influence, everyone is powerful in contributing to the forces that affect the entire human race. An insignificant little life could be very important in the spiritual world because of what the impact that life may have twenty generations later in word, deed or action, etc. Everyone born on to the earth has a powerful world influence. Unfortunately, many do not open themselves to their spiritual destinies. No human lives and leaves this earth without contributing to the tides of forces influencing the whole human race whether positive or negative. Those who do not yield to the forces of goodness and love become destroyed by forces of darkness that are attracted to the darkness they allow in their hearts. All humans are like magnets that constantly (by their free choice of thought and heart) attract to themselves forces of good or bad which work for them or against them. No matter how weak they think they are, by choosing the right thing in their heart of hearts, they release forces of good that would gradually overcome all the power of evil assailing against them. One small loving thought or action can fell a tsunami of evil forces. Evil spirits are powerless against the love of God. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). When a person is influenced to do evil or wrong things, it is because they attract evil spirits to themselves by their own evil desires. To be tempted is not wrong but to entertain the temptation and allow it to produce an evil desire in our lives is wrong. This evil desire attracts evil spirits who then entice us to do evil. The desire is our choice, the enticing is the encouragement received from evil spirits to do evil. Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed (James 1:14). Thus it is important never to allow wrong or evil desires to form in our heart - they attract evil spirits to our lives who will cause us to sin. The free choice is still ours. We must stop sin at its temptation stage and not allow it to grow into the desire stage. When our heart is pure and no wrong desires exist, not a single evil spirit can stand in our presence. Angels and all the heavenly hosts are attracted to our lives and encamped around us. A pure heart of love is the greatest asset in the spiritual world. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8). Emotions and evil desires. Emotions are visible like a fire in the spirit world. Wrong emotions of hate, lust and anger stir up and attract evil spirits like filth attracting flies (Ephesians 4:26,27; Matthew 5:22). Passionate agape love is like a bright light in the spirit man that lights up the darkness and draws ministering spirits together to the service of the individual. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear the Lord (Psalm 34:7). One should be careful of allowing negative emotions to dominate one's life. Only the fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and temperance should be allowed to remain in our character (Galatians 5:22, 23). It is clearly visible in the spiritual world whether one is cold, or lukewarm or hot and has the first love for the Lord Jesus, (Revelation 2:4; 3:16). People unwittingly are used by evil spirits when they are in a fit of anger or some other strong negative emotion. They innocently become direct instruments of evil without realising it. Evils spirits literally have a field day causing destruction and mayhem upon the earth through their physical bodies. They also use them to influence other innocent humans to do evil. Those whose lives are run permanently by negative emotions became sadly the permanent habitations of demons who draw more and more of their kind to dominate and possess more innocent humans. We need to be careful of uncontrolled negative human emotions because one can easily cross the line between human emotions into uncontrolled emotions which allow evil spirits to work, (Ephesians 4:26, 27). Fierce looking evil spirits and horrible hideous evil spirits ascend out from the depths of darkness underneath the earth and are magnetically attracted to the strong evil emotions and desires of the humans. Under normal circumstances, they cannot dwell on the earth plane but the darkness of the human desire draws them to him and their domination causes chaos and destruction through the circle of humans affected by the evil emotion and desire. They cannot remain long for when the dark desire and emotion is weakened, the bond that attracts them to the surface of the earth is broken and they descend again into the deep darkness underneath the earth. At times in societies where an entire community, city or country is taken by a deep set of dark emotional outbursts, feelings of hate or anger that dominate them, it is like the gates of hell are let loose and all manner of evil looking spirits are attracted out from the deep darkness underneath the earth and dominate the entire community or society; causing humans under their power to do their bidding like possessed zombies destroying everything in their path. This sometimes happens when a society has experienced deep seated oppression and injustice for a long time. The undercurrent of pent-up indignation and anger burst like a volcanic eruption and attracts the worst kind of evil spirits to the earth plane. Anarchy takes place and all manner of evil and wickedness are committed by men irrationally. In society as in personal life, forgiveness is the only key to releasing the work of God and angels in a community. The thirst for revenge is not of God, it is of the devil. We must not only pray to ask God to forgive our sinful actions, we must also pray and ask God to forgive our wicked thoughts, emotions and desires. We should cultivate positive emotions in line with the fruit of the Spirit by being passionate for the things of the Spirit. Many people think that yielding to the Spirit of God is just a passive matter of letting go and doing nothing. The Holy Spirit will not work without some contribution of free will from us. We need to desire the things of the Spirit. When our desire for the things of the Spirit and of God becomes overwhelmingly high above all other desires, when our passion and love is undivided for God and God alone, there is a spiritual union that takes place in the bond of the Spirit with our spirits such that the energy of the Holy Spirit, and all the might of the work of God's angels guides our lives and destinies. A mighty stream of abundant life and energy carries us throughout our daily earthly life and we are able to accomplish things of great impact upon the Spiritual World even in our earthly bodies. This desire for the energy of the Spirit and of angels to work mightily through our lives is not by the rejection of all tilings in the physical life but rather of a recognition that only in harmony with the realm of the Spirit can we truly experience abundantly all that we are supposed to be and to do in this earthly domain. Jesus said that He has come that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). This is not just speaking about the abundance of mere materialism but rather it speaks of the abundance of spiritual energy and life that will propel us through our physical earthly destinies. We need to be conscious of the spiritual while we go about our physical lives. In that manner the kingdom of God, which is a spiritual kingdom, is in dominion upon the physical world through our obedience to the spiritual realm. We need to learn to set our minds and affections (our passions, consciousness and desires) upon things above while we walk the earth below (Colossians 3:2). Pursue love, peace and joy for anything outside of this is outside of the boundary of the kingdom of God. Unforgiveness, In the spirit world unforgiveness is like a spiritual tie which binds a person to the one they do not forgive and pulls them down. I saw in the spirit world how those who live in unforgiveness are dragged down to the lowest spiritual level of those who have sinned against them. No matter how hard they try to progress upwards, it seems like a gravitational force pulls them downwards to those who have sinned against them and whom they have not forgiven. In the Lord's Prayer we are taught to pray that we be forgiven as we forgive those who sin against us (Matthew 6:12). It does not mean that our Heavenly Father will not forgive us if we do not forgive others, for our Father in Heaven is most loving, gracious and merciful and forgives us through the redemption of Christ; rather it is because we are not released from being bonded to the gravitational pull of the sin of the one who sins against us unless we forgive them. The emphasis in the Lord's prayer is on the "forgive us AS we forgive others." The AS emphasizes the connection of our ability to forgive and our reception of forgiveness rather than the Father's ability to forgive us. In a sense, our Heavenly Father is blocked by our own free will from blessing us with His forgiveness. Thus the intent, the willingness, the ability and the power of our Heavenly Father is never questioned; rather our ability to receive His forgiveness is blocked by our free choice. In a similar manner, neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth nor any created thing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38, 39); yet from a free will perspective, we can choose to reject God's love. In this situation of rejection via free will, the ability of the love of God to reach us is not blocked from God's perspective but rather from the human perspective. The moment we forgive those who sin against us, the bondage of that sin over our lives is broken and we are indeed freed spiritually from its downward pull. In the spiritual world, people are not only dragged down by their sins but those who do not forgive them of their sin are also spiritually dragged down by its gravitational pull. Sin causes damage to the character and spiritual body of its doer. It also causes the same damage to those who cannot forgive others of the same sin thus preventing spiritual progress. Our personification of love, Jesus, forgave those who crucified Him; we should also be able, through God's love, to forgive those who sin against us. One is not healed inwardly until one forgives. Not desiring revenge or harm on our enemies is only half of unforgiveness; we also need to grow to the point that all we desire is good and love towards our enemies. Great is the impact of all our love and hate in this world upon ourselves. Progress in the spiritual world is not possible until all our hate turn into pure love and benevolence. The Spiritual Universe The Spiritual Universe consists of many different spheres of light that radiate from all the worlds that God has created and reaches right to the heaven of heavens, the Throne of God. It is brimming with life and activity of all the creations of God in various dimensions, each fulfilling their destiny. All the human activity of the earth in this present generation and in all the history of men combined is only one tiny dot in all the activities of the Spiritual Universe. Between the beginning of the spheres of light and the spheres of darkness that radiate from the earth is an intermediate sphere, which for lack of a better term, we shall call the earth sphere. The light spheres nearer the earth are not that dissimilar to the earth, except that everything is perfect and it does not have the ugly things of the earth. This is to enable those who at death are ready for the light of the spiritual spheres to grow and develop further in an environment familiar to them while they grow and progress to the heavens of God. Everything moves like music and harmony. There are far more colours and harmony of colours than we can perceive on this earth. Everything is more radiant and full of joy. There are two categories of spheres: one of a spiritual ether material type (a type of spiritual light matter - God said let there be light -Genesis 1:3) like the planets or solar systems in which the spheres surround; the other spheres of a soul-spiritual development type that transverse the systems. The spheres surrounding the planets or solar systems are for the growth of creatures of God through their particular system - planetary spheres. The spheres of a soul-spiritual type are for the development of the spirit towards the fullness of God which is the centre of all these spheres - celestial spheres. These second category spheres are greater and enclose all the other spheres. Within each sphere are smaller spheres of growth at the level of the sphere in which the smaller spheres are. Like a wheel within a wheel (Ezekiel 1:15, 16). A third category of sphere, of which only a glimpse is given, is the highest and it radiates from the very Throne of God and consists of pure spirit-essence--the God-spheres. All the planetary spheres revolve around the celestial spheres which in turn revolve around the God-spheres. There are many "heavens" where the presence of God is manifested to a different degree in each sphere. All planetary spheres of God have their own heaven and progress to the heaven of heavens where God dwells. The glory of each heaven is progressively greater with the least glory in the sphere of heaven nearer the earth and the greatest glory in the sphere of heaven nearest to the heaven of heavens. Although there are innumerable heavens in each creation of God, all the heavens and creations can be classified into three main categories: the First Heaven containing planetary spheres that belong to the particular solar systems, the Second Heaven containing the celestial spheres which belong to the space between solar systems, and the Third Heaven containing the God-spheres which radiate directly outwards from the Throne of God Himself. The progression of spiritual growth is not just in glory alone but also in dimension until it reaches the dimension of God where all dimensions known to us of time, space, unipresence, etc. disappear because God is outside of all the dimensions which He has created. For a human spirit that has just left the mortal body, even the first sphere of light would be a paradise compared to the present physical world. There is no death or decay or any of the earthly imperfections; only love, peace and joy. God is able to manifest Himself in any part of the Spiritual Universe without leaving His throne. This manifestation takes a spiritual form with all the glory of God as tailored to the specific glory realm of the place where the revelation of God is unfolded. Angels and spirits in the highest spheres also possess a measure of this ability to project their presence in a spiritual form without leaving their places of abode. This spiritual form is alive with the life of the spirit and responsive to all the thoughts, will and emotion of the originating source. There is no natural comparison to this. Time, space and reality in the spiritual world are not as unbending as their physical counterparts (of time, space and matter). Part of the progress in the Spiritual World is to break free from always thinking in our physical three dimensional ways. The Spheres of Darkness. Starting at the realm below the earth are different underworld spheres in which are spirits of men in the most grotesque forms. They are almost indistinguishable from demons. When humans in the physical realm lend themselves to evil desires and thoughts, they attract the influences of evil spirits some of which arise from the very deep darkness in Hades momentarily to try to reign over their lives (James 3:6). These evil spirits cannot remain in the earth sphere without humans of their own free will allowing themselves to be dominated by these evil spirits. From time to time, where a community, society or city yield themselves to evil, it looks like a volcanic eruption in the spirit world when momentarily the dark fires and lava of Hades flows onto the surface of the earth subjugating the human society until spiritual light is once again restored through human vessels who yield themselves to the divine light of Christ; and the evil spirits retreat into their dark abyss. Below the Intermediate realm, the spheres of darkness begin and reach right into the bowels of the earth. The outer realms of the spheres of darkness are like twilight but as one progresses deeper, it becomes progressively darker into the depths of Hades. Within this realm is a section of outer darkness which Jesus said has weeping and the gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12). The Intermediate Sphere. A great number of Christians of the lowest category (1 Corinthians 3:15) are found in this realm. Many of them who have lived worldly and materialistic, unholy and selfish lives remain in the lowest of the earth spheres. The love of the Father is not fully developed in their lives (1 John 2:15). They were surprised at the dimness of light which greeted than. When a spirit departs from the physical body at death it remains at the same spiritual level as it was when it died. There is no instantaneous super spiritual growth. The character the spirit had while in the physical body is the same character it retains when it leaves the body. The measurement of true spiritual growth is Christ-likeness and not just knowledge about Christ or knowledge of His redemption. Mental knowledge does not transform a person but revelation and true heart knowledge of Christ transforms one to be like Christ. Some Christians who think that the redemption grace of Christ at the cross gives them permission to keep sinning violate the very purpose for which Christ came for them - and that is to make them in His own image, to be free from sin and bear fruit unto holiness and everlasting life (Romans 8:29; 6:15, 22). The intermediate sphere is also primarily populated by spirits in whom there is still some light of redemption based on the light of their conscience (Romans 2:11-16). There are many different levels in the earth sphere ranging from very dry and parched landscapes to those resembling paradise as one goes higher. Many thousands of various sections, each one like a totally different country, exist within this sphere; each catering for the diversities of spiritual schools and education still necessary for those whose spirits have redemption quality and who have only a partial revelation of Christ through their conscience, (Romans 2 category). The revelation of Christ is given in varying degrees to all those in accordance to their spiritual development. Spirits in the earth sphere are not able to see all of the glory of Christ in the highest heavens but a measure of the light of Christ is given dimly at this level. Some of those humans who have OBE (out of body experiences) and NDE (near death experiences) saw this realm without seeing the light of Christ. Others saw this realm and came to know the light of Christ. Many had a genuine experience in the spirit world but did not interpret it correctly. For in this realm are thousands of redeemed souls who axe now serving as ministering spirits and depending on the spiritual development of the ministering spirit assigned to humans with OBEs or NDEs, they are given only a partial knowledge of the spirit world. It is wrong of them to assume that their partial knowledge is the total knowledge of the spirit world. For this reason some of the knowledge acquired from OBEs and NDEs seems to be contradictory to one another. For even within the spirit realm, free will is still respected and redeemed spirits progress from one level of knowledge to another level from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). No revelation is ever forced upon a redeemed spirit but each must acquire and come to know the full revelation of Christ and of God as they progress. Everyone who physically dies on the earth enters first into this region after which they are separated either into darkness or light (Ezekiel 26:20). Ideally, spirits should not be in this sphere for long but many who lived their lives without preparation for a spiritual eternity end up spending a longer time in this realm than they should. There are a vast number of schools and very earth-like (but more perfect) worlds within this realm which exist so that spirits would not feel discomforted by the vast realities of the spiritual world. Many of those who died without preparation for life in the spiritual realm still think that they are in their body or in a dream. The light of Christ is very, very dim in this realm. Some spirits, especially those of suicides or others who pass from the physical world suddenly, are still attached to their earthly life and thoughts and keep reliving the pain of their lives in themselves. Others, whose lives and natures are already in darkness, almost immediately plunge into the darkness of the spheres of darkness; attracted to and tormented by other spirits like themselves. Those who live in the light while on the earth almost immediately ascend to the spheres of light. Spirits in the Intermediate Sphere sometimes wander around like lost souls (some still thinking that they are physically alive) on the physical earth before they are separated into either the spheres of darkness or the spheres of light (Matthew 12:43). It is very, very important to take time to prepare for life in the spiritual world while we have physical life. God is saddened by the great numbers of people who live their physical lives without any thought or preparation for the spiritual world. The tunnel of light that many people see in death is just a passageway through the spheres of darkness that surround the earth to the intermediate realm and to the realm of the spheres of light. False revelation from the spirit world. When a human seeks to acquire knowledge of the spirit world out of carnal desire or out of curiosity, in the worst case scenario they would be misled by evil spirits who give them a perverted view of the spirit world or in the best occasion, under the permissive will of God, they receive instruction from a spirit from the intermediate sphere which is only a partial view of the spirit world. Three tests of the purity of knowledge that comes from the spirit world are: 1. Consistency with the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16). If it contradicts the Bible, stay clear of it. 2. Jesus is the Word and the Word is God (John 1:1). If it lowers Jesus Christ from His position of Godhead, stay dear of it. 3. The blood and atonement of Jesus (Revelation 5:8-10; John 14:6). Redemption is not by good works but through the blood of the Lamb of God (Revelation 5:12; Hebrews 9:14; 10:10, 19). Earth and its invisible spheres as it revolves around the sun. One should in this life seek to accept by faith the redemption of Christ and allow the Spirit of Christ to come into the heart to transform oneself into the very image of Christ - walking in perfect love and holiness. If God should allow one to experience the spirit world, be thankful for it but never seek it out of carnal desire. If you keep walking faithful to God with what you already have, God would give you more in accordance with His Will. For eyes have not seen, nor ear heard nor entered into the hearts of men, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). A pure desire to flow with the Spiritual World so as to grow and to be a greater service of love to others opens the door for the ministering spirits to work in our lives. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8). Progression in the Spiritual World. One continues to grow and progress even in the perfection of the Spiritual World. Progression is through love and service to others. Self-interest is a hindrance to spiritual progress. This applies to both self-centredness in self-seeking self-preservation and even spiritual self-seeking. There is such a thing as spiritual selfishness where one seeks only to progress oneself spiritually. Sadly, this in itself hinders growth. True growth comes by being God-like, with pure love and benevolence towards others. In the spiritual world, spirits progress by helping others. Unconscious of one's own spirituality or glory, the motivation of love and care towards others transforms a spirit internally into a greater and higher glorious state. He who seeks his life will lose it but he who loses his life will find it (Luke 17:33). There is no place for self-centredness in the Spiritual World. It is the source of sin, iniquity and darkness. Humans who live on this earth are so used to self-interest and self-preservation that we do not realise how contrary it is in nature to our true inward selves and the reality of the Spiritual World. The true moments of glory that shine in human events are when the self is forgotten in an act of pure love. There is a form of self-sacrifice that is still selfish (1 Corinthians 13:3), and there is another form of pure self-sacrifice that is bom out of the power of God's love in us (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16). The best spiritual state of being and mindset to be in is to be completely absorbed and in union with the presence of God's love and be living our lives out of the propulsion and energy of love that consumes us and causes us to love and care for others. The transformation of glory is greatest in this state of being just like Moses was completely unaware of the glory affecting him as he talked to God and ministered to the people under his charge (Exodus 34:29, 30). The apostle Paul who speaks about the glory of God that transforms from glory to glory also spoke of the love of God that moved and constrained him to do all that he did (2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:16-18; 5:14). Material World from the Spiritual View. From our material and physical perspective, the spiritual world seems to be "airy fairy." A dimension that is not solid to our physical senses. From the perspective of the spiritual world, it is our material world that is not of "solid substance." The only real and solid things in the spiritual world are those made up of "spiritual substance." Everything material looks like it is made up of "vapour" (James 4:14) from the highest spiritual perspective. The whole material world looks like a "mist" that is fragile and about to be blown away. One can understand why it looks so foolish to the spiritual world when humans (born to live in the spiritual world) spend their entire lives hoarding up material riches for themselves - all of which are made up of temporal substance and will all soon pass away like mist. All material things which are visible to us physically are temporal (2 Corinthians 4:18). To spirits who live in the highest glory of God, it is almost invisible and only the spiritual condition of the earth and the spiritual condition of men are visible; for the spiritual is the only true reality in the Spiritual World. However, to the spirits of the Earthly Spheres, the material world is still "visible" to a certain extent. For this reason, the Earthly Spheres are thus called "earthly spheres" because of their strong links and relations to the material earth. The important things in the Spirit World From the spiritual perspective, the achievements in this life - success at an accomplishment, acquiring a position, purchasing a new asset, etc. - do not figure very much. Rather how one relates to other people, how one helps others and how one is of service to another is the greater accomplishment. Growth in the spiritual world is measured by how much one becomes of service to another. The greatest in the spiritual world is the servant of all (Mark 10:44). This present physical world focuses on mental acquisition and outward results but in the spiritual world they focus on the inner cause and source of the results. For it is a spiritual law that when an individual is inwardly transformed by receiving the impartation of God's life and light, the results would be automatically secured. Thus the spiritual world focuses on individuals absorbing the truth of God into their very substance and not just mental knowledge of a truth. The reason why it takes time for the outward manifestation of an inward reception and impartation is because the inward transformation is incomplete. Even though sometimes individuals think (mentally), and convince themselves that they already have it, in their true selves they haven't got it fully yet until it is an automatic, subconscious and habitual part of their daily lives. When one first receives a truth or a new impartation and understanding of life, they do not have it until it is within their subconscious, in their actions and is a part of their daily habit of life. It is not just when we think and believe about something that we have it, but it is when we are practising the truth that we truly have it. It is when we are not thinking about it and yet it forms part of our substance of life-consciousness that we truly have absorbed it into us. In the spirit world all truth is simultaneously a substance of life and not just mere knowledge (John 14:6). Whoever abides in Him does not sin; whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him (1 John 3:6). Whoever is born of God does not sin, for His seed remains (abides as a part of the life-substance and principle of the individual and not mere mental knowledge) in him; and he cannot sin because he has been born of God (1 John 3:9). Don't just believe in love; practice love until it is a part of your life, until your very nature becomes the love nature of God. The spiritual world focuses on growth (knowing that growth will automatically produce the progress) but the natural physical world focuses on effort. This physical focus on effort has overstrained and overtaxed a great number of people and thus they are spiritually exhausted. Their spiritual energy is dissipated and they are spiritually empty. Rather than replenishing their spiritual energy, they continue in their own physical strength like a zombie, an empty physical shell. If one will grow into things, one would find that life is like flowing in a life-stream of energy carried by the power supplied within our spiritual beings to "naturally" and "automatically" accomplish that which is our destiny. There is minimum effort where free choice and personal volition is still required but it is done from a state of rest and not from a state of strained effort. For he who has entered into His rest has himself also ceased from his works (Hebrews 4:10). We are to walk in the works that God has prepared beforehand (already completed in the spiritual realm and inwardly imparted into our spirits) for us and not "run" or "strain" or "stress" to accomplish them (Ephesians 2:10). It would be like Adam and Eve "walking" in the Garden of Eden which God had prepared for them. They were told to subdue and have dominion. As we walk (subduing and having dominion) in the works that God has prepared for us it is a gift of God and not our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8). Rather it is the result of God's workmanship in us (Ephesians 2:10). This "workmanship" is the inner working, transformation and impartation that takes place within our spirits. It is not our self effort but the power of God's grace working in us and through us (1 Corinthians 15:10). Abide in Christ and let Christ abide in you, and you will bear much fruit (John 15:5). For without Him, we can do nothing - all our efforts are empty and produce empty results in the spiritual realm. The greatest is love, (1 Corinthians 13:13). Progress in the spiritual world is through service and love. Many who read this and begin to perceive the requirement in the spiritual world to progress to the highest realm will sometimes be too eager to push themselves to reach the highest sphere. This is not possible because everything in the spiritual world progresses by growth and not just mere knowledge and effort. Most of the time we acquire mental knowledge and understanding without the proper growth and practice time to allow the newly understood knowledge to become part of our substance. We place it on the "mental shelf" and move to another area and think that just because we have understood it "mentally": that we have it. Even in the natural world, we do not expect to develop muscles or acquire a professional skill overnight. Just because we have read a book about football does not mean that we can be experts in playing football. Just because we read a "how to" book about gardening does not make us horticulturalists. It takes practice and time to acquire a professional skill and make it a part of our lives. It takes time to allow a new spiritual truth that we have been shown to become part of our spiritual substance. The time period of growth involves daily exercising and practising this truth until it becomes a part of our consciousness and habit without effort. The "doing" part is important and not just the "knowing" part. For to hear and to know is merely like a man who builds his house on the sand. Only the man who daily, patiently, constantly and persistently puts to practice the truths of Christ will become a man who builds his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24). There are many Christians who are walking around without spiritual foundation because all they go about in their Christian life is to assimilate truth by merely knowing and understanding. To grow in the spiritual world one must give and live benevolent agape love to one another. This ability comes from the love of God the Father which the individual receives through Jesus from God the Father and Omnipotent Creator and Ruler of all Universes. All spirits in the spiritual world are helping another one lesser than themselves. Every upward progress is based upon service and dedication to those lesser than them. There is no place for self or pride in the spiritual realm because all spirit beings understand that the greatest joy and sense of well being comes through helping and serving one another. It is important that one progresses faithfully through each sphere of glory through service. This growth process cannot be hurried or hastened for the manifold fullness of each development level must be attained otherwise the lack becomes apparent at the higher level sphere. The more one becomes less self-conscious and becomes fully conscious only of the joy and love-consciousness of serving others, the more one is able to progress. The higher one progresses spiritually, the more one becomes like God in pure benevolence and love towards all. God is love and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16). Limits of Revelation, Creation and Mysteries of the Spiritual World, There are limits of revelation of the Spiritual World that God has placed in this life. Our ability to know God while in this physical world is severely limited by our material world and the inferiority of our faculties. We are allowed to understand our past and discover our future destinies. All the other mysteries of the Spiritual Universe can only be partially glimpsed but not fully understood while in this earthly body. With that in mind, we will try to broaden a little more the mysteries of the spirit world, always remembering that our descriptions and vocabulary are inadequate and our success would only be in painting a shadow of what true reality in the Spirit World is like. God, who Always Is, created all time, space and energy Since God does not exist in these limits, we cannot imagine the dimension of God (since as His creation, we always think of existence in terms of time, space and energy). Those who try to define God by these limits are attempting to describe God from the human point of view. Try to imagine a dimension where time does not exist, space does not exist and energy does not exist and at the same time contains all of time, all of space and all of energy. The whole spiritual and physical universe created by God with all its life and inhabitants exists within time, space and energy (although the substance of spiritual time, spiritual space and spiritual energy is beyond the physical manifestations of physical linear time, linear space and linear energy). When God first created, He spoke and spiritual light came into being (Genesis 1:3). This light was not just natural light (photons) but it is a spiritual substance that cannot be seen or measured in the physical world. (Natural light is only a mere natural attribute of the formation of stars and suns). This original spiritual light contains the substance of time, space and energy. There is a difference between spiritual time, spiritual space and spiritual energy and physical time, physical space and physical energy. Physical time is linear and measured by vibrations or movements of atoms or the rotations of heavenly bodies. Physical space is linear and measured by physical distance. Physical energy is linear and measured by velocity or frequencies or vibration. In order to understand spiritual concepts, we need to understand that there is also psychological time (where events can seem short or long based on our interest), psychological space (where distance can seem near or far based on our awareness) and psychological movement or velocity (where we seem to be moving even if another object of our attention is the one that moves - backwards or forwards - or the reverse where something else seems to be moving - like the sun around the earth - when it is actually we who moved). The spiritual concept of time, space and energy is similar to the psychological concept of time, space and energy. The spiritual world experiences time through events, experiences space through thoughts and experiences energy through the spiritual life vibrating or pulsating from the spirit heart (which has its life origin from God). All of the Spiritual Universes still experience the concept of time, space and life but not in the same limited earth manner. The soul areas of man: intellect, will and emotions, were created to experience all the fullness of the dimensions of time, space and energy. We were not to be limited or dominated by these dimensions but rather learn to manipulate and be dominant over them. When we are freed from our physical body and become spirit beings, we are able to grow and learn to progress in our domination over these three dimensions of God's creation. Even now we have a measure of the powers of the age to come (Hebrews 6:5). Consciousness is like the frequency, motion or energy aspect, the Will is like the propulsion or space aspect and Feelings are like the time aspect. Below is a diagram of what our experience of the spiritual dimension of time, space and energy are like: It is possible for a spiritual experience to last only one earth minute but be like six weeks. Or for spiritual experiences to be like a few minutes but physically lasting for one whole earth week. The physical earth measures linear time by atoms and the revolution of the earth around the sun. Spiritual time can be shortened or lengthened and it receives its pulsed life from the very Throne of God which created time. Diagram 2: Spiritual Dimensions of Time, Space and Energy. Spiritual distances which are millions of light years when measured by earthly scales can be transverse in a fleeting thought but the distances can be "spiritually felt" by the density of the spiritual materiality of each sphere. The different spiritual spheres also contain different degrees of spiritual energy with the highest spheres containing the greatest pulsation of life. Because of the different degrees in which each sphere vibrates with the energy of spiritual life, those of the lowest sphere cannot see the higher spheres nor live in them until their internal spiritual life grows to the same degree of life or glory. In a similar way we cannot see the blades of a fan turning very fast, and are unable to see infra red or ultraviolet light because we do not have the internal physical eye capacity to see those wave lengths of photons. The physical material world is of the lowest life and lowest frequency of glory. It is "like a heavy condensation of the spiritual substance of spiritual light." For lack of a better word, I would need to use the word "astral" hereby defined as the realm between the spiritual and the material to describe some mysteries of the material creation. From the spiritual substance of the spiritual light that came forth in God's original creation, spiritual matter is first formed. Different proportions of spiritual time, spiritual space and spiritual energy formed different types of spiritual matter (xT x y/S x zE = Various Spiritual substances). All the different spheres of the Spiritual Universes consist of the differing proportions of this light substance through differing proportions of time, space and matter. In a similar manner, natural light (photons) has three properties of frequency (related to spiritual frequency, energy or vibration), of wave length (related to the spiritual space), and a physical time dimension (related to spiritual time). For this reason, some aspects of God's creations are completely invisible to inhabitants of a spiritual world made from other proportions of the spiritual substance of time, space and energy. Spirits created by God progress in their growth through the spiritual spheres experiencing the different dimensions and beauty of God's creation. The lives of the spirits are not dependent on the spiritual substances of time, space and energy of their solar systems or galaxies but rather their lives come from God directly but their manifest forms take on the substances of the respective world, solar system or galaxies in which they were first given life - their forms changing from glory to glory as they progress in their walk with God through the various spheres. The physical plane is like one aspect of the proportion of the distribution and combination of spiritual light substance of time, space and energy. Imagine the different wave lengths of light as different combinations of spiritual matter (spiritual time, spiritual space and spiritual energy) and that physical matter is only one wave length of this manifestation (like between all the colours from infra red plus the seven visible colours of the rainbow to ultra violet - and only being able to see just one colour). What we physically see is only like one wave length of this marvellous combination of possibly millions of dimensions of spiritual substance of matter. When a human dies, they only leave behind the physical dimension but their life continues clothed in a lighter dimension of this spiritual matter (lighter in comparison to physical material). Of course, even this "lighter dimension" when compared with the higher spheres of glory is "heavy." Imagine that there are countless other spheres higher in glory and you can imagine how heavy the earthly spheres must seem to spirits who are from God's highest throne. As spirits grow in glory through the spheres, they take on the "lighter" spiritual substances of the higher sphere. Thus spirits from the higher spheres can be invisible to those of the lower spheres but the spirits of the lower spheres are always visible to spirits in the higher spheres. When the higher spirits visit the lower spheres, they take on the substance of the lower sphere and when a lower spirit visits the higher spheres they are temporarily shielded with a covering so that they won't feel uncomfortable in the greatness of the lighter substance of higher glory. Diagram 3: The Various Dimensions of Reality. God exists outside of all time, space and energy; and is in a dimension and realm beyond all our understanding at the moment. The Spiritual dimension consists of all the Spiritual spheres in their various states of glory. The highest spiritual spheres are sublime and lighter whilst the lowest spiritual spheres are less glorious but still made up of a spiritual substance. The ethereal/astral dimension is separate from the spiritual dimension in that the spiritual substance takes another dimensional shift (ethereal/astral particles) before the material dimension of physical matter. Mysteries of the Material World. There are things in the spiritual world for which there are no words any earthly language can describe (2 Corinthians 12:4). No earthly language can paint their reality. There are colours in the spectrum of light that are beyond the ability of the physical earth to reproduce. There are colours which contain healings and impartations yet unknown to the earth. There are notes and tones too refined for the sphere of the earth. There are forces and powers not yet available to us nor can they be understood or utilized by us in our present development. The blessings of the Spiritual World constantly flow and vibrate down towards the earth but our physical brain, made from material matter, does not feel their impact impinging upon us and lifting us upwards. As each spirit develops the spiritual organs and senses to receive the frequencies of the higher spiritual realms, then only is it able to receive the relative blessings of the impartations flowing like a river from the Throne of God through the various spiritual spheres to the earth. The spiritual substance of spiritual light cannot become physical material without first passing through another dimension. (Remember that each dimension of spiritual substance is formed by different proportions of spiritual time, spiritual space and spiritual energy). This dimension between the physical material dimension and the spiritual dimension is called the ethereal/astral dimension - the deep (Genesis 1:2). The ethereal/astral dimension is likened to the dimension when water vapour (H2O) becomes liquid (water) and then solid (ice) (Genesis 1:2 - waters of the deep; Job 38:30; Psalms 42:7; 104:5-6; Proverbs 8:27, 28; Habakkuk 3:10). It is like the mould in which water is poured before it is made into different shapes of ice. All physical matter has its ethereal/astral form before its physical form. Ethereal/astral forms are formed by ethereal/astral elements whilst physical forms are formed from atomic particles of protons, neutrons and electrons. There are four types of ethereal/astral elements which make up the ethereal/astral mineral life. They possess a measure of energy life force just like atoms and molecules possess energy. And as physical cells are formed from DNA which are combinations of four nucleotides (ACGT), ethereal/astral cells are formed from the four ethereal/astral elements of mineral life which are: earth type (E), fire type (F), water type (W) and air type (A). The four ethereal/astral elements, although named as earth, fire, water and air are not like their physical element counterparts but rather relate (or have its physical shadow form) to the four primal forces of physics: earth relating to the force of gravity, fire relating to electromagnetic force, water relating to the strong force and air to the weak force. These "ethereal/astral DNA" form ethereal/astral cells which in turn form three higher ethereal/astral life forms: plant life, animal life and human life. Because the physical realm is patterned after the invisible realm, what we see as physical DNA (ACGT) is patterned after the invisible "ethereal/astral DNA" (EFWA) (Romans 1:20; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 11:3). The ethereal/astral realm is affected by the thought energy that flows from all humans. It is also affected by the emotions and will of humans. Just as our physical bodies are constantly renewing each cell daily through our physical food; our ethereal/astral forms are constantly renewing their ethereal/astral cells through absorption of ethereal/astral life energy. Our thoughts have an effect on our ethereal/astral forms which then have a psychosomatic effect on our physical bodies. Ancient philosophies have some perception of these truths but there is also a lot of error in their understanding of the realm between the spiritual and material world. The Chinese philosophy of yin (water) / yang (fire) and qi (human astral energy) gives a partial truth. The Greek philosophy of the elements of fire, water, earth and air also gives partial truths. Indian philosophy uses five elements of fire, water, earth, air and ether. Chinese acupuncture philosophy uses five elements of fire, water, earth, air and wood. . Ethereal/Astral Realm - Ethereal/Yetzer realm. Probably the best description of the ethereal/astral realm in the Bible is to call it the "ethereal/yetzer" realm. It is the realm where the "imaginations" of men are a reality in the invisible realm which will manifest in the material realm. God told Moses to write a song of warning and reminder to the Israelites because He could see into their yetzer and knew that it would be a definite manifestation in their future that they would rebel against Him and He desired that they would turn back to Him when that event occurred (Deuteronomy 31:21). The flood of Noah was sent not just because of the acts of evil men but also because of the yetzer of evil men, which would have manifested physically (Genesis 6:5). Yetzer has been translated as "frame" and "thing made" in the Bible (Psalm 103:14; Isaiah 29:16). The astral form is the "frame" for the material body. The worlds were framed by the Word of God (Hebrews 11:3). Before our material body was made, our "frame" or ethereal/astral form was created first (Psalms 139:15 - Amplified Bible translates the depths of the earth as a region of darkness and mystery - which could easily refer to the Ethereal/astral sphere). There are many differing concepts of the astral realm among the various occult religions and some of their concepts contradict one another. The true ethereal/astral plane is the lowest ethereal substance realm that is parallel to the earth and it is the realm that is the ethereal/astral blue print for all things created in the natural realm (Romans 1:20; 2 Corinthians 4: 18; Hebrews 11:3). The material DNA (ACGT nucleotides) that is the fabric of natural life has its counterpart in the "ethereal/astral DNA" (EFWA ethereal/astral elements), which is the invisible substance counterpart to physical DNA. All the above descriptions and classifications of the dimensions of the Spirit World are merely my feeble human attempt to describe in earthly language that which was seen and experienced. The dimensions are real and true but my descriptions of them may be imperfect: there is a dimension of God (beyond time, space and energy), dimensions of the Spiritual World with all its various spheres of light which enclose the dark spheres, a dimension of an ethereal/astral state that is parallel to the material world (which I have called the ethereal/astral or ethereal/yetzer sphere), and the dimension of the physical world from the spiritual viewpoint. Thus my definition of the ethereal/astral sphere differs from others; it is merely a necessary realm that frames the material world and all physical life. Animals. There are four different levels of life: mineral life, plant life, animal life (includes insects in our definition) and human life. All life proceeds from God but only man has spiritual life. Animals have a measure of soul life. It is through this soul life that Balaam's donkey was able to remember events and communicate (Numbers 22:23-33). When an animal dies, its soul becomes part of the animals in the spheres. The animals, plants and minerals of the spiritual world are more glorious than on this earth. For a human spirit, the astral body is just another body like the physical body and it is separate from its spiritual life. Spirit life, unlike astral life (which dissipates into the astral atmospheric sphere) does not dissipate or die. Its qualities are turned into darkness or glory according to the free will and growth of the spirit. Thus a human spirit "occupies" an astral body and a material body on the planet earth. All that we see around us is created from the invisible spiritual realm (Hebrews 11:3; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Romans 1:20). All the matter of the physical earth is created from spiritual forces and continues to be sustained from the spiritual realm. The spiritual forces of energy that created physical matter continue to radiate with a spiritual glow. The life force that is in the spiritual realm is of course much greater than that of the physical earth. In the spiritual world of light, everything glows with spiritual life, even the rocks and minerals of the spiritual sphere. In comparison, although all physical matter is originally made from spiritual forces, it is dull compared to that of the spiritual world. 1. Animals are not exactly like us humans. Humans have spirits, souls and bodies. Animals only have a soul and a body. The Hebrew word for 'soul' is 'nephesh' and has been used for animals in Genesis 1:21, 24; 2:19; 9:10, 15. 16 (translated creature)', in Genesis 9:4-5 (translated life); in Leviticus 11:46; 24:18 (translated animal). The soul consists of the will, the emotions and the intellect - of which animals have a small measure. Animal souls are, of course, not equivalent to the highly developed souls of human beings but they do have some small capacity. Different species have different capacities and some within the same species have developed a greater capacity than others. Balaam's donkey was given the capacity of human speech briefly to communicate; and whether it communicated to humans or not, it already had the capacity of intelligence (it reasons with Balaam - Numbers 22:28), the capacity for memory (it remembers its history with Balaam - Numbers 22:30), and some level of spiritual world capacity (it could see the angel - Numbers 22:23, 25, 27). The donkey was also very protective of Balaam before he got beaten. Animals through their animal soul have capacities for communication, affection, intelligence and will. 2. Animals were designed to be part of the fellowship with mankind. God gave Adam all the animals but from them were none found equal to him, thus He made Eve (Genesis 2:18-22). However, that does not diminish the fact that the animals were part of the companionship and fellowship that God made for man because he was alone (Genesis 2:18-19). Animals do provide good companionship and fellowship to mankind although not to the level that a man and a woman can have with one another when they are brought together by God in holy matrimony. This fellowship of the animal kingdom with the human world is restored in the millennium (Isaiah 11:6-9). 3. Part of the attribute of righteousness is measured in the way we treat animals. A righteous man regards the life of his animal but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel (Proverbs 12:10). Also remember that animals have been used in the service of God's kingdom in their unique capacity, too: Elisha and the ravens (1 Kings 17:6), Jonah and the whale (Jonah 1:17 - 2:10), Jesus and the donkey - a prophesied event (Matthew 21:1-11). The animal kingdom has demonstrated sensitivity to the plan of God and has been obedient to being used as God required. 4. Animals are present in the spiritual world: Elijah and the fiery chariots with fiery horses (2 Kings 2:11), Elijah and the chariots and horses of fire (2 Kings 6:17), Jesus and the white horse (Revelation 19:11). Animals are present in all the various heavenly spheres and the animals of the highest spheres are greater in glory than the animals of the lower spheres; this could be subject to two possible interpretations - that either the animals are created separately in different spheres of glory or that the animals do progress in their animal sphere glory of usefulness. In the Spiritual World, animal souls can be seen going from the earth into the realms of paradise in the heavenly spheres. 2, Activities in the Spiritual World, The Schools of Music. All music in the heavenly spheres has sound, shape and colour. There are many, many schools in the Spirit World in each sphere. In the school of music, students study the music of various types. There are those who specialise in composition. Others specialise in orchestral music. Still others study ecclesiastical music and many other forms of music unknown to us. The music of the spheres reaches beyond all the sounds known to earth and the best symphonies of Beethoven and Mozart are like child compositions when compared to the music of the spheres. There are various progressive schools of music through each sphere rising higher and higher in refinement and quality as the glory of the spheres increases. In the buildings of heaven, the buildings and plants have a harmony which is absent on the earth. Buildings are not just built, they are "grown" and emanate a presence; and the plants around the building also emanate a presence which harmonize together like a song or a melody. There are studies in music that are beyond this world: studies in the creation of instruments of music, studies in the effect of music on various spiritual substances, souls or spirits, studies in the relationship of music and the various glory it brings forth, studies dedicated to singing, studies in spirit composition, studies in transmission through the various spheres, and many others which are not imaginable on this earth. There are also those who create compositions and another group who specialise in transmitting them to those who are able to receive them on the earth. There is no "hurriedness" in any of the works but great and patient care is taken on every detail. Most of the best music of earth have come from those angelic spirits who have "gifted" them to those who are sensitive to receive them. Unfortunately, not all the music of the earth have arisen from these bright realms; there are those that come to earth via the realms of darkness. Its original source was from God but its true tone, energy and colour has been refracted through dark spirits and changed before being received by those humans living in darkness. All music has its original source flowing from the heart of God but becomes changed uniquely as it flows through the spirits that receive them. The concerts in heaven have more harmonies in voice and music than there are on the earth. Not only are there harmonies of sounds in pitches which earthly ear has not heard but also harmonies of light and life that is displayed when the music is played. The symphonies are such that you cannot tell one instrument from another; everything becomes a swell of harmonious waves of colours, lights and sounds with the manifested hues of glory. It not only brings great pleasure but it also invigorates and fills the listener with life and energy. Plants, animals, clothing, buildings, air, water and all spirits radiate hues of colours in symphony with the music played. It is a transforming presence that results. All life in the heavenly spheres vibrates with music and life. The worship and singing of each sphere is more sublime the higher the spheres. Even though the music of the lowest sphere is already greater in quality than the earth's, the music of each successive sphere is greater in quality than the one lower. Each sphere has its own unique music, tint of colour and clothing according to the various characters, blend of minds, knowledge or wisdom of its inhabitants. When we visit a different sphere, the atmosphere, colour and music of the particular sphere begins to affect our own beings and clothing and we are transformed within and without by the uniqueness of the sphere we visit. We immediately feel the special graces of that particular sphere and sense the oneness with those who dwell there. The Schools of Science. The schools of science in the higher spheres study the application and creation of substances and matter specific to each sphere. There are laws that govern the operation of spiritual matter as there are in natural matter. This includes not just the creation of buildings but also of plants and trees related to the building. There are those who study and teach others of these laws and those who apply and guide others in the application of these laws in the creation of buildings and homes for those of the lower spheres. The mysteries of the Universe are studied in the schools of science. There are some who specialise in imparting a small measure of the knowledge of the science of the material world to those on earth who have a leaning towards this area. All the great discoveries of science and mathematics on the earth have been the work of these spirits. The sophistication of the level of science is such that those spirits who are inclined towards this area are trained to exercise power over the very essence of spiritual atomic matter. As an allegory, imagine what it is like to build a car one atom at a time manipulating the very quarks within the protons and neutrons. At such levels no instrument suffices. It is the pure exercise of thought and will over matter. Imagine how perfect it would have been to build something one atom at a time. Some of those in these schools become the "architects" of the spiritual realm. Others study the various lights and glory of God and its life impartation on various elements plus combinations of these forces. The higher the spheres, there is more differentiation of the spiritual substances in their various sublime forms. The purity of thought, character, will and emotions are very important in creation because the handiwork created takes on the very same characteristics of its builder. Growing of Mansions... The mansions of the various spheres of heaven are "built" by techniques far beyond our capacity. In a sense, they are not "built" as they are "grown". Let me give an example. Being curious about things of science and construction by nature, I was given an understanding of how the mansions were "constructed." The task of "building" mansions is always given to angels and spirits of the higher sphere for those of the lower sphere. A group of them would gather together under the leadership of a spirit of the highest sphere at the place where the mansion is to be "built." They would receive the impartation and energizing life from God and using their will and thoughts project it towards the place where the mansion is to be created. At first the foundation would be laid, then the walls and towards the end the leader would complete the roof and the finishing touches. The spiritual substance would, in a mysterious way, somehow also be taken from the spiritual emanations from the future dweller of the mansion and also from all those involved in its "construction" or more accurately "growing." The completed mansion takes the colour, character and uniqueness of all those involved in its creation. It is the law of the spiritual world that all that one creates or does flows forth with the character and impartation of the creator or doer. As each angel and spirit is unique, there are no two mansions that are alike. Each has its own unique flavour and light. God could just speak or think and everything would just be created in the heavens but it is the joy and pleasure of the Father God that His angels and redeemed spirits take part in this delegated work. Not all spirits are involved in this area, only those that have an interest in architecture and creation of buildings. Other redeemed spirits may be involved in music or worship. The tasks are quite intricately divided with some specialising in heavenly furniture, others in gardens, plants and trees. Light to the Planet Earth. There are those angels and spirits who take part under the command of the Lord Jesus who become bearers of light towards the earth. This is done through a coordinated effort in which as a group, they become channels and enhancers of the light of Christ into the dark spheres by descending in a multi-sphere formation towards the darkness that surrounds the earth. The light of Jesus flows into them in a similar way in which light flows through an optic fibre cable and is enhanced at regular points onwards towards its destination. When this takes place it causes spiritual pressure upon the dark forces surrounding the earth as it is compressed downwards. Due to this compressed spiritual pressure, the darkness breaks upon the earth and at first, great evil seems to be released upon the earth that affects mankind and causes great suffering in wars, catastrophes, etc. Although darkness seems to reign on the earth it is only temporary. The angels and spirits involved feel the suffering of mankind and have great love for humanity but they know that this is a necessary phase. Eventually due to this spiritual pressure of light upon the darkness of the earth, openings occur in the darkness surrounding the earth and the light breaks through to shine steadfastly upon humans living on the earth. This light leads mankind towards spirituality and brings man God-ward towards Christ. These events in the spiritual realm take place regularly and each event can be (in human terms) over several centuries with the ripples being felt over scores of years like waves of change in the human field of science, politics, religion, economics, etc. Note the wave of great evil and suffering that occurred before the exodus and before Jesus' incarnation (Exodus 1:8-16; Matthew 2:16-18). The Revelation of God. Even in the heavens, all the creation of God from the lowest spheres to the highest spheres are seeking to know God and to love Him. Every sphere has schools, universities and places of God's manifestation, each learning and seeking to understand our Awesome God. As true knowledge of God is acquired, a glory transformation occurs to those who understand that particular level of knowledge. In billions of earth years, the highest spheres that have pre-existed planet earth are still coming to the knowledge of God. There is so much to know of God that all the languages of humans are incapable of expressing who He really is. Even the word "God" is insufficient to express who He is. He is truly omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient but when we use the word "person" to refer to God it is an incomplete description because God is beyond time, beyond space, beyond energy and beyond "person." He is the source, the creator and the sustainer of all life - all of our being and existence are in Him. He is the Supreme Being our Father God. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the manifestation of the Supreme Being our Father God in time, space and energy in person simultaneously to all His creations (all of the Spiritual Universe) - so that all His creations can relate to God. Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Supreme Being our Father God are one. The Holy Spirit is the manifestation of the Supreme Being our Father God who "fills," "sustains," and "is" all time, all space and all energy. The Holy Spirit and the Supreme Being our Father God are one. Thus our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are one. We can understand why for eternities, we will be learning and growing in knowing God. Chains of Blessings. There is an interesting phenomenon in the Spiritual World whereby angels and spirits in the highest spheres closest to God receive the life and light of God and pass it downwards through each sphere. There are no human words to describe it. It is like a "refraction" of light and life through the beings in the highest spheres downwards. But this life energy that goes through each of these beings is somehow enhanced and changed according to the characteristics of each being. Thus although it is the same light and energy it now has an added "flavour" as it is transmitted to the spirits in the next sphere. This work and activity is very specific and each partaking of the life, love and light of God is exactly for the one receiving it and is passed on specifically to the spirits of which they are in charge. This flows down the line (without getting weaker) through all the spheres until it reaches the earth sphere and downwards towards the planet earth. Some of these are commands and expressions of God's Will which are communicated in ways which each sphere can receive and understand; thus the need to pass on through the various spirits or angels in charge as the higher sphere is always invisible to those lower. They can also be gifts and strengthenings that are imparted to enhance and increase the transformation towards the glory of God. As each sphere is still growing and has its limitation of glory and understanding, it relies on those in the higher sphere to communicate and clarify the outflows of God's life, love and light from His throne. The last one in this chain of blessing is usually the human on planet earth who receives it from his guardian angels and ministering spirits. Perhaps this was the phenomenon observed when our Lord Jesus was speaking to the angels of the seven churches in the book of Revelation (Chapters 2 and 3). This does not mean that God could not have manifested Himself through Christ directly to an individual. He does so from time to time. This activity is just one of the multiple processes of delightful work in heaven which God allows His creation to partake in. Transition Places. Although there are many spheres in the Spiritual World, there are particular spheres which seem to be an important demarcation realm. For example, the nearest heavenly spheres to the earth are those which have a semblance of earth life (language, buildings, styles, etc.) but as one ascends into the higher glory, there is a place where earth-like styles are almost nil and when one crosses over that particular sphere or place it is like entering another grouping of glory spheres. At this place there are usually special buildings that monitor all the groups of spheres below it and also function as transition points for all those of the spheres above. These transition points are very important as they have a dual function: a training ground for those who are ready to grow higher to the next grouping of spheres and a transmission station for those from higher spheres who, because of the greatness of their sublime nature and glory, use these stations to send blessings, communications and inspirations to specific individuals in the lower spheres. One could ask why the spirits in the higher spheres do not come down directly if they want to impart to those lower; these are just one of the many activities of heaven instead of direct visitations. Also these places are used by those of higher spheres to adjust their glory to the lower realms before they proceed lower. There are many more universities and facilities in these transition places than in other spheres. These special places provide facilities for even spirits and angels of the highest spheres, whose glory is so bright that it might normally distress those of lower spheres, to interact with those there. There are also facilities for those of the lowest spheres to be able to be "protected" by enhancing from these facilities to interact with those from the highest spheres. The Lord Jesus, accompanied by a host of beings of the highest spheres, also manifests in various high states of glory which He otherwise could not in other spheres. Ministry to Humans on the Earth. Many humans think that when we graduate with a degree or doctorate or skill that we have achieved something. Or when we come into a position of power or are given great wealth that it is a great achievement. From the Spiritual World viewpoint, these are not achievements; rather they are just like a "driver's licence" that give us a greater potential to be of service to all of humanity. There are many ministering angels involved in creating these "opportunities" for us. Sadly, when a human receives these greater opportunities, they think that it is their own achievement of honour, and they start squandering their opportunity in selfishness and licentiousness. Many of these ministering angels work in teams creating open doors that lead from one level to another until we are "qualified" with an opportunity or position to be a blessing to all humanity. Different ministering angels work with us at different times of our age from babyhood, childhood, teenage to adulthood. Also angels specialising in different wisdoms and skills create specific opportunities and open doors for us to receive promotions or favour (Psalm 75:6; Daniel 2:21). When the human involved remains humble and retains a pure heart to serve, some of the highest angels with great power unite themselves with the spirit of the human and are able to achieve great things that cause good and righteous waves to flow and affect the whole planet. Ministry to the Lowest Spheres of the Intermediate Realm There are many and varied schools established in the Lowest Intermediate Spheres. These minister to those spirits that are earthbound and remain dazed in the realms between the earth's crust and the Intermediate Realm. These schools range from new mission outreaches to highly developed cities (especially if they have been established over the many centuries of earth's history. For those that are established longer - thousands of earth years - they are like countries). Each of these schools (or countries) is as different as the many countries of the earth directly below them. There are many similarities and styles of culture of each city and country to the earthly country below them. This is not done because of the need to retain any ethnic or style of culture in the spiritual realm, rather they serve to address the weaker spirits' comfort as they are still growing out from their old earthly ways. In the Spirit World they are also given different names according to the spiritual leaders in charge of these schools. Some of them are like hospitals and clinics that help and strengthen the weak spirits that are arriving without much preparation for the Spiritual World. (Of course, they do not use the earthly instruments or tools but rather they use spiritual impartations and teaching to strengthen these weak spirits). It is in these realms where the spirits are so weak that there are even transportation systems within these cities and countries (Of course, they are powered by spiritual means). All the manifestations in these places are merely for the weak and earthbound spirits who still think and act as if they have physical bodies. Higher spirits have no need of such manifestations. The design of these realms is very much earth-like without the limitations of earthly physical laws. As in every place, there are places of prayer to seek God's help, gardens, buildings, etc. but of a much lesser glory. Many spirits of the higher realms come to these places especially when they need to aid their loved ones who are still trapped in the earthbound area. These spheres are like mission fields to higher spirits and new mission fields are constantly being formed to bring more spiritual light to these realms. Most of the humans who live in the physical earth visit these realms in their dreams (in their spirits) for spiritual correction and spiritual re-tuning especially when their lives are getting more drawn into the things of the physical world. If they pay heed to their spiritual dreams, their spirits and souls would be able to remain free from the gravitational pull of the flesh and thus remember and fulfil their original mission and task on earth (Job 33:14-18). There are also many scientific schools in these realms which specialize in bringing forth the inventions of the spiritual realm into the physical realm. A number of these spiritual to physical knowledge transfers take place from these realms in the dream life of the humans of earth. Other transfers take place through the sub-conscious minds of those more spiritually minded. Except for the higher spirits who serve in these realms, spirits who are still growing in these realms do not see nor hear those of the higher realm. Love the Sustenance of All Life. In these lowest of Intermediate realms, spirits sustain themselves by the fruits or grains that are grown in the fields. They are still in the process of learning that spirits can live and be sustained by God's love alone. The spiritual food imparts spiritual energy into them. Through time they understand that the energy provided by God's love that shines through all His creations is the life force that sustains all life. Even when on the physical earth we have an allegory. Plants and trees receive their life from the sun, then the animals eat the plants and humans in turn eat both plants and animals. Indirectly it is all through the physical light of the sun. In a similar way, the souls of all humans are sustained by love. When we receive or experience love, strength enters into our spirits and souls which keep us going. Ultimately, it is the love of God in Christ that sustains all of us but some humans cannot relate directly to the invisible Christ and depend on the love of other humans (who have tapped directly or indirectly upon true self-sacrificing love). Every time we impart love, we are imparting life to those receiving our love. This is the lesson that if not learned here on the physical plane, will have to be learned in the lowest Intermediate realm. Spirits, who have not learned to receive and to give this true love, find that they need to eat spiritual food to sustain themselves. In the highest spheres, the fruits of the glorious trees are eaten not out of necessity for sustenance but for spiritual pleasure and impartations. Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). God is love and every word that He speaks and all of His words are summed up in His love for us. We live by God's love to us directly and God's love to us indirectly through others. In Him is life and His life is the light to all men (John 1:3, 4). Examples of some ministry work in the Lowest realms. In some of these lowest Intermediate realm hospitals there are many who have lived their lives without preparation for the Spiritual World. Many of them are prominent business people, professionals and leaders who gave no thought to the afterlife. Those who thought that they would cease to exist after physical death remain in a nightmarish stupor barely holding on to the smallest of spiritual life that is still in them. They are placed in wards with beds and are daily ministered to by the spirits who serve here. The serving spirits would place their hands on them or wave their hand over them imparting spiritual strength and nourishment. These spirits who have been so careful to provide themselves with physical comfort and luxuries have not taken time during their lives to provide for themselves spiritually. They lie groaning and moaning, temporal physical millionaires but spiritual paupers for all eternity. Others lie in a comatose state refusing to believe that they still live on in the spirit realm. All of them have their minds, emotions and thought patterns poisoned by their lifetime of worldliness and fleshly ways. Their spiritual bodies look diseased and malnourished. If only they had used their great wealth, power and resources for spiritual good both for themselves and for others around them. Others are so tied to their earthly habits of thinking and have earthly emotions linked to physical people or things on the earth that they are like mentally deranged people in a mental ward. They struggle with the illusions and passions of physical life created by their own thought and emotional life. Foul smells and disharmonious atmospheres fill these wards. The role of the ministering spirits here is to help remove these disharmonies from the atmosphere emitted by these sick spirits (by their thought emanations) through prayer and love. These spirits are so contorted that they are not even capable of hearing heavenly music that would soothe and heal their souls. They have to be taught the most basic of spiritual things like small infants. When they are recovered, many of these would in turn serve others. Spirits who live in these realms do not have the spiritual capacities to communicate via thought and rely on spiritual devices (inventions of the spiritual realm) to communicate. Many of the physical earthly inventions came from devices invented in these realms because these realms do have their limitations similar to the limitations of the physical bodies on earth (although not as gross as the physical world). Many of the spirits here still look old and aged but these "bodily forms" are merely versions of the "uglier forms" of the dark spheres. They are sufficiently redeemed to be present in these realms but not sufficiently spiritually developed to take on the youthful heavenly forms of the higher spheres. As they grow and develop and ascend to the higher spheres, they will lose these "earthly looking aged" forms and take on the true spiritual forms. 3 The Free Will of Man. Almost all of the things that happen to a human life are through their own free will no matter how many external causes or currents are taking place in the environment into which they are born. It is not necessarily caused by free will action but can also be caused by free will of thought. Not just in the sense of a fleeting thought which impinges upon a mind but rather a thought that is accepted and becomes part of the soul life and thought pattern of the individual life. Predestination and Free Will. All actions have a cause and effect - a sowing and reaping for its doer (besides affecting the lives of those around them). All thoughts that are accepted into one's thought pattern and character attract forces that control the circumstances around the individual life. Dark thoughts attract dark forces and bright thoughts attract good forces. Thus the real battle in life is to choose both the right actions and the right thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). Both actions and thoughts have a cause and effect in this life and in the next life. The spiritual forces of God cannot help us by replacing our need to take responsibility and do the best we can in our circumstances. People who think that they do not have to do anything but rely on God and angelic help alone do not receive the help they need from the Spirit World. They expect all the work to be done for them. Angels distance themselves from such individuals until they realise that they are responsible to exercise their free will and put in the best effort they can before help is given from the Spirit World. It is when an individual has done the best he knows how with the little strength and knowledge that God has provided that angelic help is given to help them further. The Holy Spirit was sent as our Helper and not as our servant (John 14:16). Angels are sent to minister to us when we have used our best efforts with a pure heart of reliance on God (Mark 1:13; Luke 22:43). Man must keep exercising the force of his free will to do God's will even when he has a destiny to fulfil. The forward motion of the planet earth causes a centrifugal force and the gravitational pull of the sun causes a centripetal force. Both these forces work in harmony to produce a stable orbit of the earth around the sun. The free will of man exercises a centrifugal force while predestination exercises a centripetal force over a human life. If there is no centrifugal force the earth will crash into the sun; similarly, if man does not exercise his free will, predestination is of no benefit to his life. If there is no centripetal force, the earth would be thrown into the darkness of space; similarly, without walking in the path of his predestination, a man's life would be thrown into darkness. Foresight and Precognition. The Spiritual World is able to see the end result of every action and thought. The lowest sphere of light is able to see less into the future than those of the higher spheres. Ultimately, only God who is above all sees all and knows all things past, present and future. Spirits of the higher spheres can see some of the possible culmination of actions and thoughts upon the earth and are directed by God to guide and influence the world towards the right path without violating the free will of man. Angels and spirits serving God are directed in advance through the foreknowledge of God into positions and places ready for the occurrence of the event months or years before they occur to direct the human lives towards their destinies against adversity and unfavourable circumstances. Sometimes these events are revealed to humans on earth through visions, dreams or a revelation in their spirits. Pre-existence of our spirits. In Ephesians 1:4, Paul speaks about God choosing us before the foundation of the world. There are two possible extreme interpretations without contradicting the Bible: that we existed in the mind of God before we were created at conception via the union of sperm and ovum or that we had some sort of conscious existence before our earthly existence. There could be other explanations in between these two by differing the timing of our creation. Psalms 139:6 implies that we had some form of "substance" before we had an earthly "form." God told Jeremiah that before he was formed in the womb that He knew him (Jeremiah 1:5). Traditional understanding has always given us the "idea" that we were created at conception but Scriptures seem to point to a type of pre-existence before we were formed in the womb. The quality or type of existence that we have before our formation in the womb is open for theological discussion - without contradicting the Bible. It would not be wrong if one were to interpret it as a full-fledged existence as spirits in the Spiritual Universe of God. For those who do accept the pre-existence of our spirits before coming to this earth, there are interesting lines of thoughts to pursue. One of which is that before coming to this earth we had some knowledge or choice in coming to this earth being made aware of our mission and tasks for this earth. God would, of course, first reveal to us His perfect will, destiny and plan for our lives (Ephesians 1:4; Romans 8:29-30). We would then have free choice within the realm of His destiny in mapping out the personal choices and routes that we would like to take under the guidance of God and His angels. There is a twofold goal: one is to take on the challenge of living this life with all its trials and challenges to further our spiritual growth in the Spiritual Universe of God and secondly, to take on a mission or task to help fulfil the Will of God for the people we encounter - making a positive contribution to mankind and society. In coming to this earth, all knowledge of our pre-existence was taken away except for some events that we had foreseen that will take place and bring a sense of "recognition" (deja vu) - like we have been there before. (This is not the only cause of deja vu, there are many other causes; for example, the picking up of another spirit or person's thoughts from a different time or dimension, etc.). These precognition events are locked in our spirits and come to the surface of consciousness when the events occur like milestone markers telling us that we are on track. No matter how tough times seem to be or how hard the road, we need to remember that we have chosen the road to travel for our own spiritual growth. And God has provided sufficient strength and grace for every mountain that confronts us (1 Corinthians 10:13). Do not envy others who seem to have it easy in life - they might have chosen an easier road with less spiritual growth benefits than you. Also remember that God has guided you in your choice and will never allow or permit you to choose that which He knows you are not capable to perform. If you search on the inside of your spirit, you will always find the grace and strength that God gives you to overcome every mountain. The reason that you do not seem to receive help is because there is too much noise on your inside (in your soul). Meditate and be still on your inside. Let the peace of God fill you and you will receive clearly in your spirit (not necessarily in words or thoughts) the strength and grace to proceed further. The Flow of Thoughts. I was given to understand that ALL our thoughts are influenced by the Spiritual World ALL the time. They are either being influenced by the forces of darkness or by the forces of light. This is the spiritual warfare that Paul speaks about (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). When we have inspirational thoughts that lift us up, we owe the credit to God and His ministering spirits who impart the spiritual energy into our lives. On the other hand when negative and evil thoughts crowd our minds, we have got into the wrong "flow of thoughts." We need to learn to yield to the flow of thoughts. We need to learn to yield to the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). Thoughts are received and processed in our souls and not in our physical brain. Our brain is only the control centre of the physical realm through which our soul expresses itself. People who are "brain dead" (no brain electrical activity) and are brought back to life can sometimes remember all the activities at the time of their "clinical death" when their spirits and souls are OBE (Out of Body) watching the particular activities around them. Since there is no physical brain activity, it shows that "memories" are stored in the unseen realm of the soul. The soul in turn is only the receiving and processing centre for thoughts in the same manner as the physical eye is the receiving and processing centre for physical light. Our understanding is sometimes likened to "eyes" because of this reason; for example, the eyes of our understanding (Ephesians 1:17,18). The source of all thoughts is in the realm of the spirit world, which our spirits are in contact with. There is a divine flow of wisdom energy that flows from God and is transmitted to us through the Holy Spirit and ministering spirits. This flow is not in a "known human language" which our soul has acquired but the essence of thought (which is like a spiritual light - the Spirit of wisdom and revelation produces "light" in the understanding - Ephesians. 1:17, 18). Our soul converts this thought flow into human language in our minds and we experience thinking and the thought process. The thought flow from God is full of love and peace. We are stimulated to think positive inspirational thoughts and ideas that help us in our daily life. Evil spirits try to impress their thought flow to us which stir up sinful and wrong thoughts. The secret of the permanently peaceful and joyful Christian life is learning to be continuously tuned to the divine flow of thoughts from God. I have seen the divine flow of light that constantly streams down from God towards the earth through His angels and ministering spirits bearing gifts and ideas that could bring great blessing to the receiver and to mankind in general: inventions, ideas and powerful concepts, which are there for those who are open to receive them, if they are open to that flow of thoughts. All a person has to do is make a decision, in his heart and in his will, to be open to help from the invisible spiritual realm. Practicing the Presence of God. God is Spirit and one needs to be spirit-conscious in order to be aware of the presence of God (John 4:24). The essence of meditation is to be able to move our state of consciousness from the soul-body realm into the spirit realm, thus contacting the Spirit World. The basics of Christianity like praying in the Spirit, worship, meditation on the Word, prayer, etc. help to bring one into this spiritual state of consciousness. It is not just important to be able to achieve spiritual consciousness but it is also essential to maintain it. It is possible to be spiritually conscious of the presence of God twenty-four hours every day (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Galatians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 4:14; 14:16-18; 15:11; 16:22). 4 Mysteries of the Spiritual World. In Chapter 10 of her book "The Rainbow and the Worm: The Physics of Organism," Mae-wan Ho links the relationship between light and matter and even describes a method to photograph biophotons. Her mathematics using Quantum Physics as applied to organisms shows the simultaneous existence (or consciousness) in two dimensions in what she called quantum coherence or the "unity of intentionality." Einstein's famous equation of E = mc2 relates all mass to energy. Genesis 1:3 relates all creative energy to light (not natural light which was formed in Genesis 1:14). All energy proceeds from God (John 1:1-5). Paul's understanding of this creative spiritual energy (Greek word "energeo") relates it to the Holy Spirit and the main energy that causes the gifts and works of God through us (1 Corinthians 12:11; Galatians 2:8). All the suffering and pain in this present earth is caused by the free will of man exercised from his creation to the present day. Darkness is the result of men turning away from the Truth and the Light of God. Darkness does not exist by itself for darkness is merely the absence of light. Negative energy does exist and it is the usurping of the original energies released upon God's creation (and to men) by turning its power and creative abilities towards evil use and purposes (for destruction and subjugation of other free wills). The following are some of my observations on the operation of this creative spiritual energy in the Spiritual Realm: 1. All life receives and emits this energy. 2. This energy can be turned into negative energy by humans. 3. Spirit beings (whether they be angels or demons) can not act upon the physical earth without some form of energy emitted by physical humans. They need some sort of energy emanation from us to work in our physical realm. Thus every human being is responsible for his own destiny by free choice of thought, emotion and will. By choosing to constantly emanate negative energy, bad things and circumstances are attracted to and around a person (or community or nation of like mindedness) like a fractal attractor. The accumulation of evil thoughts and negative energy gathers by fractal laws over the community and once it reaches a certain attractor point, physical catastrophes and human disasters break forth in the physical dimension. On the positive side, the accumulation of positive creative energies does the same thing in bringing manifestations of physical blessings both in the human dimension and in nature. 4. The best way to overcome evil is by focusing on the good rather than by focusing on overcoming the evil. Example, to eliminate bad thoughts, one should just have good thoughts rather than focusing on rebuking the bad thought. The focus on evil in itself gives more energy to the sustaining of the fractal attractor energy that it is receiving. 5. All the evil that one faces individually or as a nation is first "created by oneself or by the nation." Evil by itself cannot exist in the physical dimension if it is not "attracted to exist" by the free choice of humans. The greatest enemy of evil is the power of love. In an environment of perfect love, darkness and evil cannot exist (1 John 4:18). Secret of Overcoming. Every human being has weaknesses which he or she has to struggle against in this life. The secret of overcoming these weaknesses (even when it has led one through many failures and consequences) is 1. To acknowledge personal responsibility through free choice and that one has some level of inheritance of it (from soul and physical ancestry) and also from wrong upbringing or the lack of it - both nature and nurture. The refusal to accept that the wrong things and results of one's own life have something to do with one's own free choice and inherent nature condemns one to repeat it unto death. Blaming others and God (no matter whether there be natural or societal causes) does not work as it is merely self denial of responsibility. No matter what your inherent nature is or what societal influences you were nurtured in, one should take personal responsibility for one's own consequences. 2. Upon acknowledging that the evil in one's own life is the projection from one's own internal life, look at your own weaknesses like members of a soccer or football or rugby team to be trained (rather than looking at them like the devil in you to be expunged). Each strength is a weakness and each weakness is a strength. For example, the muscles that a swimmer developed for strength in water would at the same time make him clumsy on land. The muscular speed ability of the 100 metre runner and the muscular endurance ability of the marathon runner are two different abilities that would be liabilities if their roles were exchanged. Don't see your own weaknesses as enemies but rather see them as different members of your team for the enhancement and growth in your life. Treat them as you would treat an unruly child rather than an enemy. Each time it falters, encourage the right temperance as you would encourage a child who falters. 3. Balance between spirit, soul and body. You cannot live life in just one of these dimensions. Allow each of these areas in your life to expand and grow. Physical exercise, soul and social activities should not be neglected in the pursuit of spiritual activities. 4. Have a grateful heart. Give thanks in everything (Yes, even for the weakness). Be filled with gratitude in your life. Be filled with gratitude to everyone. Thanksgiving and love are powerful combinations that bring positive fractal attractors around us. I challenge you to be a thankful and love-filled person everyday to yourself and to everyone around you (plus all of nature and creation) for one year and see whether good things start circulating and happening around you. Never ever judge or condemn another person because in doing so you are condemning yourself. Instead give thanks for everyone including yourself. In your worst scenario, give thanks that you can find the love in your heart for that person or individual or that circumstance that caused you grief. Never, never ever let any thing else flow in your heart except kindness, love and gratitude. People or circumstances may be ugly around you but never let that ugliness creep into your own heart. This is an important key, if you don't get this point please don't go further, meditate until you fully comprehend and absorb this point. In the spiritual world, the brightest light coming from humans are those whose hearts are filled with thankfulness and love. From such, the darkness flees away. Analyse the time and occasion when darkness started creeping into your heart and your life started going downhill. It is when you lost the ability to be thankful and loving. Please, re-capture what you lost and you will be an overcome r. Blemishes in the organized church. The church is to be without blemish or spot for Jesus' coming (Ephesians 5:27). The following are some of the greatest flaws that need to be corrected in the present modern church: 1. The present emphasis on physical and material wealth. The temporal has now become a priority in the organized church rather than the eternal. Such that even church members speak of not being interested in attendance or spiritual things if they do not see any physical or financial benefits resulting in their own lives. The vast majority of sermons and books are now the "feel-good Christianity" and the "physical-success Christianity." All these things pass away. Lay not up for yourselves treasures on the earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal but rather lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, for where your treasure is there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 John 2:15). You cannot serve God and Money. You cannot serve two masters. The shameful focus on money, success and wealth is a decline of Christianity happening in front of our own eyes that we are too blind to admit or see. 2. The religiosity without love. Church leaders and members are quick to condemn and judge in self-righteousness. Much of their attitude seems like the Pharisees of old and definitely not like Jesus. Did Jesus condemn the woman at the well? Did Jesus condemn the woman caught in adultery? Did Jesus condemn Zacchaeus? Jesus gave them all a chance. How can one say three strikes and you are out when Jesus says to forgive seventy times seven? The apostle Paul would not have a chance in the modern church since he has murdered and killed many church people. We need to understand that ONLY God sees the heart. David committed adultery and murder but he was still a man after God's heart. Abraham lied and put his wife in danger yet he was God's man for the hour. Peter denied Jesus three times but his destiny as a leader over the church was never changed because through it all in his heart, he still loved Jesus. Who amongst the organized church has not sinned in word, thought or deed? Yet as those who have received abundant mercy and are ambassadors of the love of God, we have shown so little mercy and so little unconditional love. In these last days, religiosity without love will lead to the path of self destruction and darkness. The True Church might end up outside the walls of organized church if this attitude continues. 3. The lack of interest and hunger in spirituality. Open your eyes and see. While the present church and its ministers are occupied with the things of this world, the spiritually hungry and unchurched are looking to get away from the things of this life by the millions and seeking a more contented and spiritual existence. There are now rats in the church running the rat race while there are now lambs outside the church seeking to be fed. We have replaced the Life of God with our creeds, the Lamb of God with our rituals and the commandments of God with our rules. Blessed are those who are poor in spirit. Blessed are the meek. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Blessed are the merciful. (Matthew 5:3-7). Instead of being poor in spirit, we are proud in spirit. Instead of being meek, we are cunning, crafty and worldly wise. Instead of being hungry and thirsty for spiritual righteousness, we are hungry and thirsty for worldly success. Instead of being merciful, we are masters of judgment and condemnation. No wonder we do not inherit the true kingdom of God nor inherit the earth; nor receive the awakening of spiritual righteousness, nor obtain the mercies of God. We should cry in shame at the spiritual hunger outside the church which contrasts with the physical worldliness in the church. 4. The persecution of the church by the church. One would have reasonably expected that Jesus' warning of tribulation be occurring from outside the church. He clearly stated that it would be from outside the church (John 15:18-21). Imagine the pain and agony of Christ to see that a vast majority of persecution of Christians is from other Christians (leaders and laymen). How did we become a cancer and start killing our own? Why can't we love everyone who is born of God (1 John 5:1)? If we say we love, then why are curses and condemnation - sometimes in both cruel words and deeds - still flowing from those who claim the right to be arbitrators of justice in the church? Have we forgotten the history of the Inquisition when many innocent died in the hands of the "religious righteous"? During the Inquisition, clergy and laymen spent their time inventing new methods of torture. In our modern times, the new torture is by exercising the right never to forgive and forget, the right to ostracize, digging out one another's sins, washing dirty linen in public and humiliating one another. Look outside your church around your city streets and malls. You will find many injured lambs and discouraged sheep lying in pain - kicked by the church but nursed by the unchurched Samaritan. O when will Jesus' prayer in John 17 ever be fulfilled? When will the church be the church? There is a dark cloud and shadow trying to enter the church in these last days. It is not sent by God, rather the above accumulation of negative energy in the church is going to bring forth its own self destruction (and hopefully purification and cleansing). Yet through all these, there are those who truly walk in Christ's love and Spirit both in the church and outside the church. These will be enclosed in the arms of God's light and power throughout every upheaval, experiencing the goodness of God's mercy and favour in season and out of season. The Good News. The best news is that evil will vent itself out and self destruct. The key is to stay in the patience, peace and love of God. You need not lift one finger to overcome evil; just merely keep actively walking in love. Evil has already been overcome in Christ. You are more than a conqueror in Christ if you keep the love of God strong in your heart through every single tribulation or failure in your life (Romans 8:37). No evil person can reign forever. No evil organisation can last forever. It is written in the very fabric of creation that all that is in disharmony will self-destruct and wipe itself off the face of this planet. Never let the face and breath of evil rob you of your right to choose to walk in love, peace and thankfulness. The sun of love and righteousness removes every stain and stench of darkness. To those who try to wrestle in the flesh with evil. You are commanded not to wrestle with flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). By coming down to the carnal level, evil has already won and is right now sucking energy from you. Just simply choose to love. Just simply choose to give thanks. For you are seated in heavenly places in Christ. It is only when you truly understand that you are seated in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 3) that you can stand and fight the good fight of faith (Ephesians 6). Power for Healing and Miracles. There are three ways in which healing flows forth from the Spiritual World, all involving the Holy Spirit, of course. One is through the human spirit. The second is through the work of angels and ministering spirits. And the third is through the direct work of God in Christ. Although all healing flows forth from God and needs the instrument of the human spirit, in terms of spiritual "work classification" there are three ways for it to flow. Thus all humans with a spirit that is strong have a measure of healing power. Some human individuals have developed their spirits more than others and seem to possess this healing ability (Proverbs 18:14; Romans 1:9; 1 Corinthians 5:4; James 2:26). The healing that flows forth from the second category is stronger and more powerful because it involves both the human spirit at work plus the spiritual presence of angels and ministering spirits who specialise in these works (Exodus 3:2; 14:19; 23:20, 23; 32:34; 33:2; 2 Kings 1:3,15; 6:17; Acts 5:19-20; 8:26). From time to time, the manifestation of the healing Christ comes upon a gathering, group or community and the most powerful healings take place (Acts 5:12-16). Of the second category, angels and spirits from the higher spiritual spheres are commissioned and sent by God to link up with humans whose spirits are open to God. To human eyes, it seems that the physical humans are able to manifest great authority and power in healing but to those whose spiritual eyes are opened, the work of these angels and spirits can be seen behind the human vessels. There are rare occasions when humans have walked closely with God Himself in such a manner that the Lord Himself directly channels His healing power through the human vessel. These healing events are extremely powerful and are closely watched by all in the Spiritual World as they also have an impact on the Spiritual World. The Power of the Holy Spirit. The highest angels in the Spiritual World are so powerful that one glance from them can cause an earthquake in the lower spiritual realms and easily on the earth. The way in which the spiritual world sees is different from physical sight. Physical sight is merely the ability to receive physical light and process it in our brains. Spiritual sight is more like a thought form (our thoughts and imagination are like another form of sight in the spiritual realm) which combines both vision, understanding, thoughts, love and truth (which links up with the Spirit of Truth - the Holy Spirit). The Spiritual light of the Lord Jesus flows through the entire spiritual world but even more through those who are highly developed in the Spiritual World. Each spiritual being carries this light which flows in the direction of the glance. For this reason, those who live in the darkness of the spiritual realm are always exposed for who they are in the light of these higher beings. When the will force is added to the look of the higher spirit beings, a great power flows that shakes all before it like an earthquake. To a very small extent, this power is available to all spiritual beings who are in union with the glory of the Lord. For many in the physical bodies, this power is released through their spoken words (Mark 11:22-24 - the force of faith and desire is the force of the will that is in union with God). This power of the Holy Spirit can be developed in the individual to the extent that even the presence of the person will bring miracles, signs and wonders (Acts 5:15). Loving God and Loving our neighbour. These two commandments are what establish our spiritual progress and positions in the Spiritual World. The opposite of these are love for self and love for the world. Many people rationalize in their own minds that they love God and love their neighbour but the test is in their "pleasure centres." There is a natural pleasure centre and a spiritual pleasure centre. Those who love themselves and the world enjoy and take pleasure in this life and in the material things of this world. Those who truly love God and their neighbour find the true pleasures of this life in spending time with God and spending time serving and giving help to their fellow humans. Their greatest delights are in the performance of these two commandments. Their spiritual sense of pleasure is opened and in doing so supersedes the natural pleasures that this world can offer. When the spiritual pleasure centre is opened the capacity to feel all the wrongs and pain in society also increases proportionally. Many who are "spiritually sensitized" seek isolation and live apart from all human contact. These do not progress spiritually and many, upon entering the Spiritual World when they depart from their physical bodies, find themselves also isolated from the rest of the spiritual community amongst people like themselves (who do not get along well with others). The key is to be able to "do something" about the wrongs and pain we feel in human society through acts of kindness, mercy and love. One cannot progress spiritually merely by claiming a love for God without a proportional active love for one's own fellow humankind. Examine what it is that brings joy into your life. If it is anything else except the joy of loving God and the joy of loving your fellow humankind, the love of self and the love for the world is still present. Chapter Summary. There are many more mysteries of the Spiritual World like time, space and various dimensions from the spirit realm perspective: like how one move by transformation rather than by distance, like how physical time is only a small subset of visible stage changes from the spiritual realm, and many others but they need to be told in another time and maybe another book. One of the limitations of this physical realm and our finite mind and its use of human language is that one can perceive ten thousand things while in the Spirit in spirit language but when one returns to this natural realm, it feels like one has "lost" knowing it (to some like a forgetting) because of the inability of our finite mind to quantify it into our human language. It takes time and meditation to slowly find the right words to express the things of the Spirit World. In God's perfect time when this world becomes more "spiritualized" or rather more in union with the love of God, God will allow more understanding of the harmonies of the Spiritual World to the physical world. It will be and is the ultimate Will of God for this physical planet to be in perfect harmony with the spiritual realm. For now, learn the art of being in union with God through the love of Christ and live everyday from the spiritual realm. end of extracts, book from 2007 by Peter Tan, Evangelism.