DELIVERANCE AND FREEDOM FROM SPIRITUAL SPOUSES

 

THE LEGALITY OF SPIRITUAL SPOUSES AND HOW TO BE FREE FROM THEIR OPPRESSION

Spiritual spouses are not legal to the born again Christian, so legally they do not exist. 

When you received Christ, you became one spirit with His and your body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit.

1Co 6:17-19 (ESV) says, “But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him, Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.”

No other spirit apart from the Holy Spirit is legally allowed to have access to your body, and you are free to marry. 

Sadly many believers are unaware of this, and are abused and oppressed by these spirits in their ignorance. 

You might have been married to a demon somehow before, but after you got born of the Spirit that marriage ceased to be a reality in the spirit. 

It is not right to call that demon a ‘spiritual husband or wife,’ for you are now married to Christ as His bride, and from the moment you got saved the demon became a spiritual rapist. 

Some Christians struggle to receive freedom after having prayed for wrongly for a long time without results such that the oppressive spirit has formed a stronghold in their mind. 

If that is your case, let me assure you that you yourself have the authority to dispel that evil spirit without anyone’s help. 

You should first realize that when you got saved you assumed a new position in Christ Jesus. 

God has made you to sit together with Christ in His office of authority at the right hand of the Father, far above the fallen angels and their demonic offspring, including spiritual spouses. 

They have all been put under your feet in Christ!

Eph 1:20-22 says, “Which He worked in Christ in raising Him from the dead, and He seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies, far above all principality and authority and power and dominion, and every name being named, not only in this world, but also in the coming age. And He has put all things under His feet and gave Him to be Head over all things to the church.”

Eph 2:5-6 says, “(even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved), and has raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.”

Since you are above these spirits and they are under your feet, it means that they are subject to you and will follow your faith-filled orders as a child of God! 

Steps to Freedom from Spiritual Spouses 

If you are currently suffering from the operation of these evil spirits, below are the steps you need to take in order to surely get your permanent deliverance and freedom from their oppression. 

Every person who has taken these steps as outlined below has received their deliverance and freedom from the demons posing as spiritual spouses. 

Please do not take the easy steps and skip the ones you don’t feel comfort with, it will not work. 

Otherwise you may just want to ignore this message and stay bound by that demon as you are. 

If you have already been born of the Spirit as a child of God, kindly ignore the first step and start from the second.

 If you are not yet a child of God, be sure to receive Jesus Christ by confessing your faith in Him. 

Rom 10:9-10 says, “Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.”

Say out loud this prayer with faith in your heart, 

“Dear Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I believe that You gave Your life on the cross and rose from the dead on the third day, for me. I invite You to come into my heart to be my Lord and God from now on, Amen!’ 

If you have said this prayer just now for the first time, congratulations you are now a child of God! 

Kindly get in touch with me in the comments section below as soon as you are done with the next steps for further spiritual guidance.

 If you are a child of God but you have been involved in any form of sexual sin, cry to God asking for His forgiveness in repentance. 

1Jn 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

If you were involved in a sexual sin that violated another person such as adultery you need to confess your sin to your spouse and to a mature minister of the gospel who will counsel the two of you, and pray asking God to forgive you. 

Jas 5:15-16 says, “And the prayer of faith will cure the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. And if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him. Confess faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much.”

In repentance you must genuinely feel sorry for your sins against God, yourself and others. 

God will not deliver you from a spirit behind the sin you enjoy doing without any sense of guilt or shame.

 Declare your new position in Christ with faith. Say out loud these words: ‘I am a child of God! 

I am joined to the Lord Jesus Christ, and I am one spirit with Him! My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and I dedicate it to Him and His use alone!’

 Renounce that spiritual rapist posing as your spouse and break its grip over your life by authoritatively saying out loud these words: 

‘You foul spirit that has been posing as my husband/wife and abusing my body, I serve a notice to you that we are divorced, I am now joined with the Lord Jesus and my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. So I command you right now to stop your activities in my body and come out of my life in the name of Jesus Christ!’

If you have taken these steps congratulations, I believe you are totally free! 

Kindly share your experience and testimony in the comments section below so that we may rejoice and celebrate God’s goodness together. 

Your feedback will also encourage others who are going through this same experience to trust in God's Word for their freedom. 

TYPES OF SPIRITUAL SPOUSES AND THEIR PROOF

 

TYPES OF SPIRITUAL SPOUSES

Besides the male and female types of spiritual spouses we saw in the previous teaching, there are different types or groups of spiritual spouses based on their manner of operation. 

Mysterious Spiritual Spouse

First is the mysterious spiritual spouse. In this case after the demon has had sexual intercourse with its victim, the victim will wake up and not remember anything that happened in the dream.

Some people in the church sadly reject the existence and operation of spiritual spouses just because they don't have knowledge about them. 

The problem with ignorance is that it does not exempt its possessor from facing the danger of what he does not know. Rather, ignorance gets people destroyed. 

Hosea 4:6 (LITV) says, "My people are cut off for lack of knowledge. Because you rejected the knowledge, I also rejected you from being priest to Me. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I will forget your sons, even I."

The fact that you don't know about spiritual spouses does not mean that you are free from them and their evil. A person who is aware of their existence is better off than the one who doesn't. 

Knowledge of the cause of your challenges is half solving the problem. Pray that God will expose every hidden enemy in your life. 

Partially known Spiritual Spouse

Again, there is the partially known spiritual spouse. This type of spiritual spouse appears to its victims using the face of the victim’s actual wife or husband. 

You may think that it is your physical spouse that is appearing to you, if you are ignorant of the scriptures. 

Demons use the face of your late relatives or loved ones as a disguise, so that you trust and accept them. No wonder we should not talk to the dead.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (LITV) says, "There shall not be found in you one who passes his son or his daughter through the fire, one that uses divination, an observer of clouds, or one divining, or a whisperer of spells, or a magic charmer, or one consulting mediums, or a spirit-knower, or one inquiring of the dead. For all doing these things are an abomination to Jehovah. And because of these filthy acts Jehovah your God is dispossessing these nations before you."

Deceptive Spiritual Spouse

The third type is a deceptive spiritual spouse. This demon comes with different faces or uses the faces of different people to sleep with their victims. 

You might think those people are the ones doing the act and start avoiding them, if you are ignorant.

Known Spiritual Spouse 

The fourth type is the known spiritual spouse. This demon is normally one that came through a known spiritual covenant established by the ministry of a demonic priest at an evil altar. 

Usually when people approach spiritualists and false prophets seeking help with problems such as child bearing challenges or problems in marital relationships, they are ushered into contracts with evil spirits some of which will claim them or their children as spouses. 

Marriages established through such means often produce very naughty children who can not be married to human beings, as they are married to demonic spirits from birth. 

PROOFS/SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL SPOUSES

Sexual relationships or marriage ceremony in dreams

Constant wet dreams, dreaming of having intimate relations with an unknown person or being raped and sexually molested is a sign of the presence of a spiritual spouse in your life. 

Missing one’s menstrual period or pregnancy in a dream maybe a sign that you have been impregnated by a demon. 

If you dreamed of yourself being wedded to someone whose face you did not see, there is a spiritual spouse in your life. 

An evil marriage covenant was established with the spirit spouse and you cannot be free until that marriage is destroyed. 

Shopping or doing house cores with a member of the opposite sex in the dream proves the existence of a marriage covenant with a spiritual spouse. 

Seeing a member of the opposite gender sleeping by one’s side in a dream is another proof.

Delayed marriage or no marriage at all

Where there is a spiritual spouse and covenant, you will find it difficult to get married in the natural and the demon will stop you from getting your marital blessings. 

If, for instance, you get married, you may have a great difficulty in having children. 

A spiritual spouse can cause one who is married to hate or be hated by their actual spouse. 

A woman possessed by a marital demon may overreact in anger against her actual husband and switch to a male authoritative voice and tone when speaking. 

A man with a marital demon may become too touchy emotionally and raise his voice speaking with the tone of a woman. 

Hatred of marriage and members of the opposite gender 

Unnatural hatred for the institution of marriage most often is as a result of the presence of a spiritual spouse. 

Some spiritual spouses come with a belief system and mindset that is opposed to the biblical concept of marriage so that they may fence their victim and keep him or her to themselves. 

Some people develop strong hatred for members of the opposite gender only in the context of marriage.

This is often linked with a past traumatic experience of betrayal which may have been inspired by a spiritual spouse in their own lives. 

Being rejected by seriously committed partners and recurring patterns of rejection 

Everyone in life experiences rejection at some point in relationships. 

But when the rejection is from a person who was committed to you and serious about settling down, it may be true that there is a spiritual spouse working against you. 

This is almost certainly true if you notice a cyclical pattern of rejection that repeats itself in your life. 

Breast-feeding a baby in the dream

Some people find themselves breastfeeding babies in their dreams. 

It is a sign also that they have demonic babies in the spirit realm, and this blocks their chances of having children in the natural. 

Having a family in the dream

Some people are at a stage where they have spiritual children and a family with the spiritual spouse, and this is often reflected in their dreams. 

I once prayed for a woman who saw herself in dreams taking care of spiritual babies that appeared with inhuman features of snakes and frogs. 

She was struggling to get married because she had allowed herself to be a mother of a demonic family. 

Complicated child bearing problems

Some child bearing problems are an evidence of the work of spiritual spouses, especially when the complications defy medical science and are of a recurring nature. 

This is especially true when there is a spiritual spouse by whom the victim has spiritual children. 

Having a miscarriage after sexual dreams, for example, is a sure sign of the activity of a spiritual spouse against child bearing. 

As we have seen already, it is not the woman who is the victim all the time. Sometimes it is the man who may be struggling with issues like low sperm count among others. 

And also a spiritual spouse in your life may attack the sexuality of your actual spouse.

It is important then that couples seek to find solutions with blaming each other. This is spiritual warfare. 

(This teaching continues under the link below...)

https://letthebiblespeak-njoe.blogspot.com/2024/05/deliverance-and-freedom-from-spiritual.html

OF WHAT USE IS THE BIBLE TODAY?

 

RELEVANCE OF THE BIBLE 

The Bible holds immense importance and usefulness, providing guidance, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment in the lives of believers. 

It is considered the divine text that serves as a guide for faith, morals, and spiritual growth. Here are a few highlights of its significance:

Divine Revelation

The Bible is a collection of holy scriptures inspired by God. The Bible is not merely a human creation but a divinely inspired book. 

The Bible is a unique collection of books that reveals God's nature, His plan for humanity, and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. 

It provides valuable insights into the character of God, His love, mercy, and justice.It reveals God's character, His plan for humanity, and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. 

The Bible is not just an ordinary book; it is a collection of holy texts inspired by God Himself. 

Through the Bible, we gain insight into God's character, His plan for humanity, and His desire for us to live in righteousness. 

It is through the Bible that we learn about God's love, mercy, and grace, as well as His expectations for our lives.

It is through the Bible that we come to know God and His will for our lives.

They see it as God's revelation of Himself and His will to humanity. It is through the Bible that God communicates His love, wisdom, and plan of salvation.

Spiritual Growth

Scripture serves as a means for spiritual growth and maturity. 

The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, saying, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). 

Through studying the Bible, we gain understanding, correction, and encouragement to live according to God's ways.

Guidance and Direction

Wisdom and Understanding

The Bible provides guidance and direction for our daily lives. Christians turn to the Bible for divine guidance and wisdom in navigating life's challenges.

2 Timothy 3:15 (NET) says, "And how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

In Psalms, it is written, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" (Psalm 119:105). 

The Bible contains timeless wisdom and insight that transcends cultural and historical contexts. 

Its teachings provide practical advice on various aspects of life, including relationships, finances, work, and personal growth. 

The Bible's wisdom serves as a compass, guiding believers toward making wise choices and living a purposeful life.

The Bible's wisdom and teachings serve as a guide for believers to become more Christ-like in their thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Moral Framework

The Bible is regarded as the ultimate source of truth for Christians. It provides guidance on how to live a righteous and meaningful life, offering insights into ethical and moral dilemmas. 

The Bible provides guidance on moral and ethical issues as a moral compass, outlining principles of righteousness and justice. 

Micah 6:8 says, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

The Bible provides a foundation for ethical decision-making, addressing contemporary issues such as social justice, equality, and environmental stewardship.

It offers teachings on love, forgiveness, compassion, and justice, which shape believers' character and actions.

When we seek God's will, the Bible acts as a compass, helping us navigate life's challenges and make decisions that align with His principles.

Life Principles

The Bible serves as a guidebook for believers, offering instructions on how to live a righteous and fulfilling life. 

It provides moral and ethical principles that shape our decisions and actions, helping us navigate the complexities of this world.

The Bible offers practical life principles that can be applied to various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and personal well-being.

Spiritual Nourishment

Christians believe that the Bible is a source of spiritual nourishment. 

It offers comfort, encouragement, and hope during difficult times. 

Its words provide solace and strength, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and the promise of eternal life.

In a fast-paced and often chaotic world, the Bible provides spiritual nourishment, offering solace, peace, and a deeper connection to God.

Personal Transformation, Growth and Development

The Bible contains a wealth of wisdom, encouraging personal growth and character development. 

The Bible has the power to transform lives. It helps individuals deepen their faith and understand the nature of God.

As we immerse ourselves in its pages, we encounter the living Word of God, which has the ability to penetrate our hearts and minds. 

It convicts us of sin, encourages us to repentance, and empowers us to live a life of holiness. 

The Bible has the power to shape our character, renew our minds, and mold us into the image of Christ.

As we engage with its teachings, our minds and hearts are renewed, and our character is shaped to reflect Christ-likeness. 

Through the study and application of God's word, believers are sanctified and empowered to live a life that glorifies God.

The apostle Paul wrote, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). 

Through the reading and meditation on Scripture, our minds are renewed, and our character is shaped to reflect Christ. 

The Bible serves as a compass, providing spiritual guidance in the midst of a chaotic world. 

It offers us principles and teachings that help us navigate through life's challenges, make wise decisions, and find solace in times of trouble. 

The Word of God brings clarity, comfort, and strength to our souls, leading us to live a life that pleases God and brings fulfillment.

Its teachings on virtues such as love, forgiveness, compassion, and humility can shape individuals into changed versions of themselves.

Through the Bible, Christians believe they can experience transformation and personal growth. 

Its teachings challenge individuals to examine their lives, confront their shortcomings, and strive for spiritual maturity. 

Strength and Encouragement

The Bible offers strength and encouragement in times of difficulty and doubt. 

The psalmist declared, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me" (Psalm 28:7). 

Philippians 4:13 provides encouragement in challenging times, stating, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." 

The Bible offers comfort and hope to those facing trials and tribulations.

When we face trials, the promises and stories of faith in the Bible provide comfort and assurance that God is with us.

During challenging times, the Bible offers comfort and hope, reminding believers of God's presence and faithfulness.

Its stories of triumph over adversity inspire resilience and perseverance.

In times of trial, sorrow, or uncertainty, the Bible offers comfort and hope. It reminds us of God's promises, His faithfulness, and His presence in our lives. 

The stories of individuals who faced adversity and found solace in God's faithfulness provide encouragement and assurance that we are not alone.

Salvation and Eternal Life through Faith

The Bible reveals the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes the Christian belief in salvation through faith, stating, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Forgiveness and Redemption: The Bible offers the message of forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ. 

Romans 3:23-24 proclaims, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

In John 3:16, Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." 

The Bible shows us the path to salvation and offers the hope of eternal life with God.

The Bible offers spiritual nourishment and sustenance for believers. Its profound teachings, stories, and poetry inspire faith, hope, and perseverance. 

Through its pages, we encounter the transformative power of God's word, which strengthens and encourages us in our spiritual journey.

The central message of the Bible revolves around salvation and redemption. 

It reveals God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, who came to reconcile humanity to Himself. 

The Bible clearly demonstrates the way to receive forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and a restored relationship with God.

God's Unfailing Love and Assurance of Salvation

The Bible offers us the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 

It reveals God's plan of redemption, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and the promise of eternal life for all who believe. 

The Bible assures us that through faith in Christ, we can experience forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the hope of spending eternity in His presence

Romans 8:38-39 says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Bible is not only a spiritual guide, but it also holds immense historical and cultural value. 

It provides us with an understanding of the ancient world, the customs and traditions of the people in biblical times, and the historical events that shaped our faith. 

The Bible's historical accuracy has been confirmed by archaeological discoveries, lending credibility to its accounts.

The Bible provides a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of ancient times. 

It offers insights into the lives of people in biblical times, their struggles, triumphs, and relationship with God. 

The Bible offers valuable insights into the history and culture of ancient civilizations.

It allows Christians to understand the foundations of their faith and connect with the experiences of those who came before them.

It provides a window into the spiritual practices, social structures, and values of the times.

CONCLUSION 

In conclusion, the Bible is not just a book of ancient wisdom, but a living and relevant guide for believers. 

It reveals God's nature, provides guidance for our lives, transforms our hearts, and offers assurance of salvation. 

It is a divine text inspired by the Almighty Himself and holds immense value for all who seek to know and follow God's will. 

The Bible is not just a book; it is a divine revelation that holds great importance and usefulness for Christians. 

It guides us, nourishes us, gives us hope, provides wisdom, and ultimately leads us to salvation and transformation. 

As believers, we are called to embrace the Bible as the inspired word of God and allow its teachings to shape every aspect of our lives.

As a divinely inspired text, it serves as a source of spiritual guidance, moral principles, and the message of salvation. 

Through its relevance and timeless wisdom, the Bible continues to impact the lives of countless individuals, offering hope, comfort, and a path towards a deeper relationship with God.

It is through the Bible that we understand God's nature, receive guidance for our lives, experience transformation, find strength in difficult times, and discover the path to salvation. 

It is evident that the Bible holds immense importance and usefulness for Christians. Its origin, divine inspiration, and relevance in addressing moral, spiritual, and personal aspects of life make it a treasured guidebook. Whether seeking guidance, finding comfort, or pursuing personal growth, the Bible remains an invaluable resource. 

To fully benefit from the Bible's importance and usefulness, it is essential to engage with it through regular reading, study, and reflection.

Seeking guidance from trusted teachers and participating in discussions with fellow believers can also enhance understanding and application of its teachings.

May we cherish and study the Bible diligently, allowing it to shape our beliefs, choices, and character. 

SYMBOLISM IN THE BIBLE VERSUS TOTEMS

 

UNDERSTANDING SYMBOLISM IN THE BIBLE

Symbolism plays a significant role in the Bible, where various objects and animals are used to convey deeper meanings. 

For example, the dove symbolizes peace (Genesis 8:11), the lion represents strength (Proverbs 30:30), and the lamb symbolizes innocence (John 1:29). 

These symbols are not objects of worship but rather serve as metaphors or illustrations to convey spiritual truths.

TOTEMS VS ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH

The use of totems is a pagan practice which originated among the Gentiles, and was not common among the Jews. The animals associated with Israel are not totems, but symbols of God’s glory revealed in nature, for Israel was the nation chosen by God to reveal the glory of God.

 

Deu 7:6 says, “For you are a holy people to Jehovah your God. Jehovah your God has chosen you to be a special people to Himself above all people that are upon the face of the earth.”

 

The history of the Hebrews started with Abraham, the first father of the Jewish nation. At that time, before the bible was written God revealed His glory to the patriarchs through nature. Abraham was told to count the stars to perceive the order divine nature in them, and conceive it in his seed.

 

Gen 15:5 says, “And he (God) brought him (Abram) forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

 

The heavens were created by God and reflect His glory.

 

Psa 9:1-3 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” 

 

Psa 33:6 says, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” 

 

There are three classes of heaven: the first being the dome of clouds, the second being the stellar heaven where we have the groups of stars, the moon and the sun, and the third being the spiritual realm where we have the court of angels, the paradise of saints, and the throne of God. 

The stellar heavens reveals the three forms of God (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) in their three major groups - the Pleiades, the Orion and the Bear/Arcturus. The Bear/Arcturus reveals to us the twelve groups known as the Mazzaroth which is the Hebrew word for signs of the Zodiac (sequence of animals).

 

Job 38:31-32 (AMPC) says, “Can you bind the chains of [the cluster of stars called] Pleiades, or loose the cords of [the constellation] Orion? Can you lead forth the signs of the zodiac in their season? Or can you guide [the stars of] the Bear with her young?”

 

From Job 38 to Job 41 we see these twelve signs of the zodiac known as the stars/cubs of the Arcturus/Bear. Here is their list with their matching names in the modern zodiac which has developed from Babylonian astrology:

1. Water Jars/Bottles/Skins - Aquarius the Water Carrier (Job 38:37)
2. Rooster/Ibis/ Ram’s horn/trumpet - Aries the Ram (Job 38:38)
3. Lion - Leo the Lion (Job 38:39)
4. Raven/Crow - Virgo the Virgin (Job 38:41)
5. Wild Goats/Deer - Capricorn the Goat (Job 39:1)
6. Wild Donkey - Libra the Balancing Scales (Job 39:5)
7. Wild-Ox/unicorn/buffalo - Taurus the Bull (Job 39:9)
8. Ostrich/Peacock/Stork - Pisces the Fishes (Job 39:13)
9. Horse rider with Bow & Arrow - Saggitarius the Archer (Job 39:18)
10.  Eagle/Hawk/Vulture - Cancer the Crab (Job 39:26)
11. Behemoth - Gemini the Twin (Job 40:15)
12. Leviathan - Scorpio the Scorpion (Job 41:1)

Abraham looked at the major three groups of stars with the twelve signs of the zodiac and conceived the same image and likeness in the holy nation Israel. 

He became a type of the Father in the Godhead as a father of many nations, Isaac his son became a type of The Son who would be offered as the sacrifice for man’s sin who was also offered as a sacrifice by his father on Mt Moriah; and Jacob his grandson became a type of the Holy Spirit who was to birth the body of Christ through twelve apostles just as Jacob (Israel) gave birth to the nation Israel through twelve sons. 

The connection of the signs of the zodiac with the twelve sons and tribes of Israel were revealed when their Jacob (Israel) blessed them just before he died in Genesis 49. Here is their list with their matching names in the modern zodiac which has been developed from Babylonian astrology:

    1. Rueben ‘Unstable as water’ -Water Jars/Aquarius the Water Carrier (Gen 49:3-4)
2. Asher - Rooster/Ibis/ Ram’s horn/trumpet/Aries the Ram (Gen 49:20)
3. Judah - Lion - Leo the Lion (Gen 49:9)
4. Simeon ‘The virgin’s avenger’ - Raven/Crow/Virgo the Virgin (Gen 49:5-6)
5. Naphtali (A deer let loose) Wild Goats/Deer - Capricorn the Goat (Gen 49:21)
6. Issachar - Wild Donkey/Libra the Balancing Scales (Gen 49:14)
7. Levi - Wild-Ox/unicorn/buffalo - Taurus the Bull (Gen 49:5-6)
8. Zebulun- Ostrich/Peacock/Stork/Pisces the Fishes (Gen 49:13)
9. Joseph - Horse rider with Bow & Arrow/Saggitarius the Archer (Gen 49:22-24)
10. Benjamin - Eagle/Hawk/Vulture/Cancer the Crab (Gen 49:27)
11. Gad – Behemoth/Gemini the Twin (Gen 49:19)
12. Dan ‘A serpent by the way’ – Leviathan/Scorpio the Scorpion (Gen 49:16-17)

 

We are told that Jacob blessed each of his sons with the blessing ‘suited to him.’ This means that there was a set order of blessing for each of the twelve sons according to its matching revelation of the glory of God in the twelve signs of the zodiac.

Gen 49:28 (AMPC) says, “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each one according to the blessing suited to him.”

The connection of the signs of the zodiac with the twelve apostles and the body of the church (new Israel) were revealed when Jesus assigned nicknames to them before He died on the cross. 

Here is their list with their matching names in the zodiac:

1. Simon ‘the unstable Zealot’ -Water Jars/Aquarius the Water Carrier (Mat 10:4)
2. Andrew ‘the man shepherd’ - Ram’s horn/Aries the Ram (Mat 10:2)
3. Lebbaeus Thaddaeus ‘young lion’ – Lion/Leo the Lion (Mat 10:3)
4. James ‘the son of Zebedee’ - Raven/Crow/Virgo the Virgin (Mat 10:2)
5. Bartholomew Wild Goats/Deer - Capricorn the Goat (Mat 10:3)
6.  Matthew ‘the tax collector’ - Wild Donkey/Libra the Balancing Scales (Mat 10:3)
7. James the son of Alphaeus - Wild-Ox/unicorn/buffalo - Taurus the Bull (Mat 10:2)
8. Peter ‘the fisher of men’ - Ostrich/Peacock/Stork/Pisces the Fishes (Luk 5:1-10)
9. Philip ‘horse lover’ - Horse rider/Saggitarius the Archer (Mat 10:3)
10.  John ‘the son of Zebedee’ - Eagle/Hawk/Vulture/Cancer the Crab (Mat 10:2)
11.  Thomas called Didymus (The Twin) – Behemoth/Gemini the Twin (Joh 11:16)
12.  Judas Iscariot ‘the traitor’ – Leviathan/Scorpio the Scorpion (Mat 10:4)

 

So when Jesus gave the twelve apostles nicknames connected to animals, they were not totems of identity and protection. But they were symbols of the ministries of the twelve apostles which were to build the body of Christ in the same way the twelve tribes had built the nation of Israel. It is no accident that in the same way the physical human body is built of twelve interdependent systems listed below:

 

      1. Circulatory/Cardiovascular system
2. Digestive/Excretory system
3. Endocrine/Hormone system
4. Integumentary/Exocrine system
5. Immune system
6. Lymphatic system
7. Muscular system
8. Central nervous system
9. Renal /Urinary system
10. Reproductive system
11. Respiratory/Breathing system
12. Skeletal system

(Continued in Part Three [BEWARE OF IDOLATRY THROUGH TOTEMISM] in the link below...)

https://letthebiblespeak-njoe.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-biblical-view-on-totems-symbolism.html

BEWARE OF IDOLATRY THROUGH TOTEMISM!

 

THE DANGER AND CONSEQUENCES OF ANCESTRAL IDOLATRY AND TOTEMIC WORSHIP

In most traditions, totems are considered sacred and are used as a means to connect with the spiritual realm. But, it is important to note that the biblical perspective on totems differs from these traditional practices. 

Engaging in practices that attribute supernatural power or divinity to totems goes against biblical teachings. Totems are seen as objects of worship or spiritual significance, potentially leading to idolatry. 

The bible clearly condemns the worship of anything other than God. 

Exodus 20:3-6 (LITV) says, "You shall not have any other gods before Me. You shall not make a graven image for yourself, or any likeness in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth; you shall not bow to them, and you shall not serve them; for I am Jehovah your God, a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons, on the third and on the fourth generation, to those that hate Me; and doing kindness to thousands, to those loving Me, and to those keeping My commandments."

The bible emphasizes the worship of the one true God and discourages the veneration of created objects or idols. God commands His people not to have any other gods before Him or to make idols for worship. 

Christians are called to worship and serve God alone. Idolatry, which involves attributing divine power or significance to created objects, is consistently condemned in the bible. 

Rom 1:25 (ESV) says, "...they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen." 

Christianity teaches believers to discern and reject practices inconsistent with biblical teachings. God warns against engaging in various occult practices, including divination, sorcery, and witchcraft. 

Deuteronomy 18:9-12 (LITV) says, "When you come to the land which Jehovah your God is giving to you, you shall not learn to do according to the hateful acts of those nations. There shall not be found in you one who passes his son or his daughter through the fire, one that uses divination, an observer of clouds, or one divining, or a whisperer of spells, or a magic charmer, or one consulting mediums, or a spirit-knower, or one inquiring of the dead. For all doing these things are an abomination to Jehovah. And because of these filthy acts Jehovah your God is dispossessing these nations before you."

While totemic practices may vary in their nature, Christians are advised to align their spiritual lives with biblical principles. God is the Creator and Owner of all things. 

Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

Christians are called to recognize that God's authority extends over all creation, and our focus should be on worshiping and serving Him, rather than created objects. 

While totems may hold historic significance, it is crucial to discern between traditional practices and biblical principles. Engaging in totem worship can easily lead to idolatry. 

The Bible warns against putting any created thing above God and reminds us that all power and authority belong to Him alone (Isaiah 44:9-20). 

Idolatry, the worship of idols or false gods, is consistently condemned throughout the Bible. God's commandments emphasize the exclusive worship of Him alone. 

Idolatry not only undermines the relationship between God and His people but also leads to spiritual bondage and destruction.

Deuteronomy 4:15-19 (LITV) says, "Therefore you shall carefully watch over your souls, for you have not seen any likeness in the day Jehovah spoke to you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire, that you not deal corruptly, and make for yourselves a graven image, a likeness of any figure, the form of a male or female, the form of any animal in the earth; the form of any winged bird that flies in the heavens; the form of any creeping thing on the ground; the form of any fish in the waters under the earth; and that you not lift up your eyes towards the heavens and shall see the sun, and the heavens, and you be drawn away and worship them, and serve them; which Jehovah your God has allotted to all the peoples under all the heavens."

THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT IN ZIMBABWE

The inhabitants of early Zimbabwe believed that it was their ancestors who watched over them, protected or punished them. It was also believed that certain acts, such as eating or harming one’s totem, would incur the wrath of the spirits of these same ancestors. 

When a family member dies the Shona people do a ritual at the grave (kurova guva) in order to bring back the spirit of the dead person in the home (kudzosa hama mumusha) during a ceremony known as magadziro (the fixing/making). 

During this ceremony the relatives eat unsalted meat from a beast (usually a cow or goat) killed as a sacrifice to the totemic spirit of the family. Both the Law of Moses and the gospel of grace given by Paul show that this is an unacceptable practice in the eyes of God.

 

Deu 32:16-17 says, “They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods; with abominations they provoked Him to anger. They sacrificed to devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new ones newly come up, whom your fathers did not fear.”

 

1Co 10:19-20 says, “What then do I say? That the idol is anything, or that an idolatrous sacrifice is anything? But I say that the things which the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not desire that you should have fellowship with demons.”

 

It was is believed that the ancestors are the mediators between man and Musikavanhu (The Creator of people). But, the bible makes it clear that none can come to God except through Jesus Christ and that human life belongs to God and it is He who has the power to take it or give it. 

So, if Christians avoids eating or destroying their ‘so-called’ totem out of fear of the ancestors, they will unknowingly be giving those ancestral spirits credit for their life - which credit and glory belongs to God alone. 

Also, the ban to eat totem is contrary to the teaching of Jesus and the apostles that all foods are clean once they are received with the prayer of thanksgiving.

 

1Ti 4:1-5 says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the whole argument about totems and family genealogies is labelled as useless and foolish in the bible, such that the wise believer is advised to avoid them.

 

1Ti 1:4 says, “Nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies (which provide doubts rather than the nurture of God in faith).”

 

Tit 3:9 says, “But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions, and strivings about the Law, for they are unprofitable and vain.”

Totems, as understood in traditional practices, should be approached with caution from a biblical perspective. While symbols and metaphors are used in the Bible to convey spiritual truths, the worship of totems or any created object is considered idolatry. 

The principles of worship, avoiding false spiritual practices, and recognizing God's sovereignty over creation provide a framework for Christians to navigate their beliefs in relation to totemic practices. 

While the Bible does not explicitly address the concept of totems, Christians are encouraged to focus on the worship of the one true God and to avoid practices that may lead to idolatry or compromise their faith. 

Ultimately, the Christian faith emphasizes a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ as the foundation for spiritual fulfillment and guidance. 

Christians are called to worship the one true God and seek a personal relationship with Him, rather than relying on external symbols or objects. 

Christian worship is centered on a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It involves meditation, celebration and adoration, prayer, fasting, the study of God's Word, giving, and fellowship. 

Christians believe in the power of the Holy Spirit working in their lives, guiding and transforming them. 

The Bible teaches that true worship involves a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ (John 4:23-24). It emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, rather than relying on physical objects or symbols. 

While external symbols and rituals can be meaningful, they should never replace the heart of worship and an intimate connection with God. By aligning our lives with the teachings of the Bible, we can avoid the dangers of idolatry and grow in our faith and understanding of God.

THE BIBLE AND THE CANON

 

CANONIZATION OF THE BIBLE 

The term "canon" originates from the Greek word "kanon," which means a measuring rod, a rule or a straight stick used for measurement or alignment (in building and construction). 

In our modern world the canon is what is known as the spirit level used in construction by builders. A spirit level, bubble level, or simply a level, is an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is straight horizontally (level) or vertically (plumb). 

Job 38:4-5 (NET) says, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you possess understanding! Who set its measurements – if you know – or who stretched a measuring line across it?"

Ezekiel 40:3 (NET) says, "When he brought me there, I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring stick in his hand. He was standing in the gateway.

In the context of the Bible, the "canon" is the rule or a standard. The biblical canon refers to the collection of authoritative texts that are accepted as inspired and authoritative by the Christian community. 

These texts serve as the rule or standard for faith, doctrine, and practice within that community. Some professed "Christian apostolic movements" reject the Bible calling it "stale food." They claim to hear fresh revelstion directly from the Holy Spirit. 

The problem with this is that there is no measuring line or rule to check whether the person who is making claims to revelation is speaking by the Holy Spirit of God or by another spirit in pretense.

Builders understand that it is impossible to build in straight lines both vertically and horizontally without the use of the spirit level, and the same applies to the Christian faith. It is impossible to know God and to worship Him correctly without the Bible. 

The process of canonization involved determining which books should be included in the biblical canon and which should be excluded. 

Old Testament Canonization

Formation of Hebrew Scriptures 

The Hebrew Scriptures, which form the Old Testament, were composed and collected over many centuries. 

The process began with the writings of various prophets, poets, and historians in ancient Israel. 

These texts were preserved and passed down through oral tradition and later written down.

Recognition of Inspired Texts 

The Jewish community recognized certain writings as divinely inspired and authoritative. 

These texts were considered divine and were used in spiritual ordinances and teachings.

Councils and Rabbinic Judgments

Various councils and groups of rabbis deliberated on the canonicity of certain books. 

The precise details of this process are not fully known, but factors such as the authorship, antiquity, consistency with established teachings, and popularity played a role in the recognition of the inspired texts.

Finalization of the Hebrew Canon

By the end of the 1st century CE, the Jewish community had generally agreed upon the canon of the Hebrew Scriptures, which largely corresponds to the Old Testament of the current Bible.

New Testament Canonization

Composition of New Testament Books

The New Testament consists of writings that were composed by various early Christian authors, including apostles and their associates, during the 1st century CE. 

These writings included the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles (letters), and the Book of Revelation.

Recognition of Apostolic Authority

The early Christian communities valued the writings that were directly connected to the apostles or those who had close associations with them. 

These writings were seen as having apostolic authority and were highly regarded.

Local Usage and Circulation

Early Christian communities began using and circulating certain writings within their congregations. 

These writings were read during worship services and were considered valuable for teaching and instruction.

Wider Recognition and Collection

As the Christian faith spread, various communities recognized the importance of certain texts and sought to collect and preserve them. These collections varied between regions and communities.

Councils and Church Fathers

In the 4th century CE, several councils and prominent Church Fathers played a significant role in the formal recognition of the New Testament canon.

The Council of Carthage in 397 CE affirmed the canon of the New Testament that is widely accepted today.

Finalization of the New Testament Canon

By the 5th century CE, the Christian Church had largely agreed upon the canon of the New Testament, consisting of the 27 books that are included in the current New Testament.

The canonization of the Bible was a gradual and careful process that unfolded over several centuries, guided by principles of authenticity, apostolic authority, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 

THE PRINCIPLES OF CANONIZATION

Here is a detailed summary of the principles involved:

Authenticity

The early Christian community sought to discern which writings were truly authentic and had a direct connection to the apostles or other eyewitnesses of Jesus' ministry. 

These authentic writings were considered more reliable sources of the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian faith.

Apostolic Authority

The writings that were attributed to the apostles or those closely associated with them held a special significance. 

The apostles were chosen by Jesus and received the authority to teach and guide the early Christian community. 

The writings with clear apostolic authorship or association were considered authoritative and were given greater weight in the canonization process.

Consistency with Teachings

The writings were evaluated based on their consistency with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. 

The early Christian community valued continuity with the core message and doctrines of the faith as passed down through the apostolic tradition. 

The writings that aligned with these teachings were considered more likely to be inspired by God.

Acceptance by Early Christian Communities

The writings that were widely accepted and used by the early Christian communities across different regions held significant weight in the canonization process. 

This acceptance indicated that these writings were considered valuable for instruction, worship, and edification within the early church.

Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Throughout the canonization process, the early Christian community relied on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

They believed that the Holy Spirit would lead them into all truth and help them discern the inspired writings from others. 

The community sought spiritual discernment and unity in recognizing the books that were inspired by God.

Church Councils

In the 4th century, church councils, such as the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD), played a significant role in affirming the canon. 

These councils brought together bishops and church leaders to discuss and evaluate the authenticity, apostolic authority, and inspiration of the various writings. 

The decisions made in these councils helped to establish the final canon of the Bible.

Conclusion

The concept of canonization ensured that the texts included in the Bible possessed a recognized authority and were considered holy and divinely inspired. 

These texts were seen as the measuring rod or standard against which beliefs, practices, and teachings were evaluated and aligned.

The canonization process was not a quick or unilateral decision, but rather a collective effort of the early Christian community under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

The principles of authenticity, apostolic authority, consistency with teachings, acceptance by communities, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit were key factors in determining which books were included in the final canon of the Bible.

By including certain texts in the canon, faith communities affirmed the significance, authenticity, and authority of those writings as foundational to the Christian faith. 

(Continued in Part Three [OF WHAT USE IS THE BIBLE TODAY] in the Link provided below...)

https://letthebiblespeak-njoe.blogspot.com/2024/05/why-we-should-believe-in-bible-as-it-is_7.html