The Invisible Realm 10

Of all the New Testament writers, the apostle Paul had the deepest understanding of the invisible (spiritual) realm and mentioned it often in his writings to the churches.

He spoke of God the Father, the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit, heaven, hell, spiritual gifts, angels, demons, spiritual fruit, and the spiritual realities of the New Birth. All of these are realities of the invisible (spiritual) realm.

In his first letter to the church at Corinth he wrote:

For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 1 Corinthians 5:3 

To the Colossians he wrote:

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5 

Paul used this terminology which some may find theologically controversial or hard to explain. However, he was speaking plainly about being present in the spirit.

Being present in the spirit is very similar to the prophet Elisha’s experience. When he was in the spirit, he was able to hear what the king of Syria was speaking in his bedchamber (See 2 Kings 6:8-12). Or what Ezekiel experienced when God transported him by the Spirit to Jerusalem to be a witness of the abominations which were taking place (Ezekiel 8:1-18).

In his second letter to the church at Corinth he wrote:

“…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  2 Corinthians 4:18 

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians he wrote:

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 

In his letter to the Romans he wrote:

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14 

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…. Romans 8:16 

Most, if not all, of Paul’s epistles referred to the realm of the spirit in one way or another. He used the words ‘spirit,’ ‘Holy Spirit,’ or ‘Spirit’ over 150 times alone. He referenced the term ‘spiritual’ 25 times.

Paul, though highly intellectual, was highly aware of the (invisible) spiritual realm and referred to it in his teachings more than many of his apostolic contemporaries.

As he prayed for the church at Ephesus, we too should continually ask the Father for greater discernment and awareness of this realm, and a more keen sensitivity to what the Holy Spirit is saying and doing.

Jesus repeatedly stated to the Churches of Asia,

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 2:7,11,17,29 and 3:6,13,22.

The Bible is full of references of the invisible realm from Genesis to Revelation. Since the Holy Spirit has been sent to lead us, empower us, teach us, and fellowship with us, it is imperative we learn the ways of the Spirit. Though He dwells in the invisible (spiritual) realm, He desires to manifest Himself through us in the visible world.

One day believers in Christ will have new glorified bodies made of spiritual substance like the Lord’s, capable of dwelling in the full manifest presence of God for all eternally. This is our hope and inheritance in Christ.

20) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21) who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21 

As we leave this topic for now, I encourage you to seek the Father for the spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:15-23), as you continually exercise your ‘spiritual’ senses to fully develop and mature in Christ (Hebrews 5:14).

Though we have not exhausted the broad topic of the invisible realm, we will begin a new subject next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless and keep you.

James Brown

CST 08/08/2024