There are twelve “journeys” that the human soul can take. These are the transitions that are possible between the seven possible “states” of the soul. These journeys are made via six events which we may regard as “portals” for the soul. In this lesson we concentrate upon four of the twelve journeys. These are the journeys that pass through portals encountered during our lives in this present world.
Journeys through the Portals Pertaining to This World
We discuss the three elements of this journey in other lessons. The question of no state and the state of innocence were dealt with in our study of the states of the soul. This transition is the beginning for every human being. God made you a human being the day your mother conceived you in her womb (Psa 139:13-16), and he did not make you corrupt or sinful, but innocent.
People are born innocent, but enter a world where sin is a plague (Psa 51:5). Although they cannot be forced to sin, almost from birth they are strongly and constantly encouraged to sin. They become corrupted by sin and thus become alienated from the life of God, "dead in sins", darkened in understanding, and in danger of the day of wrath (Eph 2:4-5 Rom 3:23 Rom 6:4,11 Rom 8:1 2Co 5:17-18 Acts 2:38 Jhn 3:16).
The ticket for this journey is a one way ticket which God purchased for us. In rebirth through faith, repentance, and baptism, the old self is crucified and "buried with Christ"(Rom 6:4-6). A "new creature" is raised up. We call this event "conversion". The journey continues as one grows up in Christ toward spiritual maturity. We may regard this journey as our "walk" along the narrow way toward heaven (Mtt 7:13-14). God provides full guarantee and help through the Holy Spirit (Col 1:13,22-23 Eph 1:13-14 Acts 2:38). A person may need to make this journey more than once. If a person falls away, provided the heart has not become too hardened, one can make the journey back to life again by repentance and prayer (Acts 8:22). We usually refer to this re-conversion as "restoration".
The ticket-seller for this journey is Satan. As we mentioned, some who have made the transition from spiritual death to spiritual life through Christ, later fall away from him. They wither and die. God puts plenty of "Wrong Way Go Back" signs at the beginning of this journey through apostasy, but not everyone heeds his warnings. Having trampled underfoot the Son of God in their apostasy, they have repudiated the only sacrifice for their sins. There is no other. God leaves that only way open for them to return of course, but their will and conscience can become too seared and hardened to plead for a ticket back to life (2Pe 2:20-22 Heb 10:26-31 Heb 6:4-6).
ALL 12 JOURNEYS...
Beginning |
Rebelling |
Believing |
Falling |