Desire to break forth out of these fleshly bondage's ye people of God. The "day of the Lord" draweth nigh. "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that He will not hear.'' Isa.59:1, 2. "Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.'' Lam.2:14. Even today, they continue to see and teach "vain things which cannot profit or deliver" (1Sam.2:21) and "none saith restore." Isa.42:22.

At the initial point of receiving salvation, all our former trespasses, transgression and sins are forgiven. See Rom.3:25; Col.2:13,14; Isa.38:17; 43:25; 44:22; Psa.103:12. From this point on, it is a matter of growing in knowledge of Him whereby His divine and progressive grace and peace are well able to make us perfect, after that we have suffered for a while - 2Ptr.1:1-5; 1Ptr.5:10. We must learn to labour with Christ (Phil.2:12,13), yielding the will of our flesh to the various operations of the Holy Spirit which now intercedes within us, helping our infirmities even in groanings which cannot be uttered in articulate or regular speech - Rom. 8:26. Thus the Spirit labours and travails in us according to the will of God - Rom.8:27.

There are two separate operations of the workings of the Spirit which we will consider at this time. (1) "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and (2) to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1Jn.1,9. The cleansing is a progressive operation by the Holy Spirit which brings to light hidden sin in order that it might be cleansed and destroyed.

"Because the iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid" (Hos.13:12) and so "He that covereth (hides, conceals, does not admit nor confess) his sins shall not prosper: but whoso (1) confesseth and (2) forsaketh them shall have mercy.'' Prv.28:13; Psa.32:5. Again, David cries out...(1) Blot out my transgressions (2) wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin'' (Psa.51:1,2: 1,2) even "cleanse thou me from secret faults.'' Psa.19:12. Brethren, let us repent and acknowledge our sins so that the Spirit might do a quicker work in us and iniquity shall not be our ruin - Ezk.18:30. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Psa.32:1.

Under the Old Testament law, a figure which could perfect nothing (Heb.7:11; 9:9; 10:1) nor could it bring about righteousness (Gal.3:21; 1Tim.1:9), man was learning and still is, that he cannot effectively obey God through simply trying to control the sin and iniquities which rages within him - Rom.7:20, 21. The law was given to partially control man's sinful nature and to expose his true nature to himself (Rom.3:20; 7:7) in order that he might learn to abhor it. But the law could not produce effective obedience to God "in that it was weak through the flesh." Rom.8:3. Therefore God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of Truth who is well able to sanctify us unto obedience - 1Ptr.1:2; 2Ths.2:13. Jesus gives us the revelation of something much better than the old nature and He also gives us the power in obeying the truth through the Spirit that our carnal man might be progressively purified - 1Ptr.1:22.

The promises contained in the new covenant law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Rom.8:2) are now in effect within the believer. Christ has promised to progressively "sanctify and cleanse us (basically) through the washing of water by the word.'' Eph.5:26. But what does this really mean, and what does this entail on our part?

We find first of all, that there is much participation or action required on our behalf to accomplish this washing and it most certainly is not accomplished by merely reading the letter of the word of God. Nor is it accomplished by the "it is finished" need to do nothing other than "name it and claim it" mentality. The flesh of course, does not want to suffer. It does not want to be taken to the cross. So these kind of doctrines are easy to settle into as they deceptively appeal to the carnal mind.

When Peter told Jesus it was not God's way to have to suffer, Jesus rebuked Peter and the enemy within him saying, "thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his (soulish, carnal) life shall lose it (that same life) : and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Matt.16:23,24.

In order for all this to take place, there needs be a processing, a "working out", a progressive revelation and an applying or walking out of it in our daily lives. There needs be more than mere head knowledge or mere belief in doctrine. It must also become experiential in our daily walk with the Lord. We do not have to struggle nor strive in our mind nor in our works to be cleansed. We must first grasp the revelation that there is nothing in the Adam nature that can produce the righteousness or holiness of Christ within us. Then in humility, we must allow the H.S. to expose our works of the flesh and at the same time lay our body of self life upon the alter, presenting it as "a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God." Rom.12:1.

How is this done? It is basically done through obeying the word of God in allowing the H.S. to sanctify us "unto obedience." 1Ptr.1:2. It is done by offering a return love unto our Lord by denying self in a sacrifice and surrender to His often fiery processing's within us. This is a "bringing into subjection" (1Cor.9:27) which involves denying one's self, "casting down", "casting out", "putting off" and many like biblical terms. Much of the kingdom's highway of holiness (Isa.35:8) is strewn with stones, (Isa.62:10) and not just paved with gold as many seem to believe.

The carnal mind, the adamic man of sin, our fallen human nature or whatever other term one wants to label it, is a very present reality in our earthly sojourn. When we come to the revelation of our initial salvation and the newly created nature within us, this old nature does

not suddenly disappear. Just as there was a period of struggle and of progressive change of many things from the old Testament law into the law of the Spirit of new life in Christ, so there is an overlapping time of change within man wherein the old nature and the new nature struggle in co-existence. Paul recognized and acknowledged this in himself (Rom.chptr.6 and 7) all the while "knowing this that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin (sin nature) might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin......Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom.6:6-11.

To "reckon" the carnal mind to be dead is merely to believe, understand and act on the revelation that this old nature has no life of the Spirit, no life of the new nature within it. It is dead. Everything about it is in spiritual death. "For to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life.."Rom.8:6. We are to understand that the old self is no longer the real us in that we have taken on a new life, a new identity. For this reason Paul could say, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I [my old nature does exist] live; yet [it is] not I [any longer that exists in death], but Christ liveth in me: and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal.2:20.

Not only is our old nature "dead" meaning it is apart from any new and real eternal life of Christ, but it is actually in the process of daily "dying" 1Cor.15:31b. This process of dying is another kind, or further form of death... in the reality of it progressively being swallowed up, destroyed, annihilated in/by the renewing life of Christ working His will within us - Phil.2:13. When this happens, first individually, and finally universally, then shall come to pass in glorious fulfillment , "there shall be no more death" (Rev.21:4) for "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" (1Cor.15:26) "that God may be all in all." 1Cor.15:28.

Meanwhile, in working out our salvation, we must continually allow the Spirit of the word to wash and renew our carnal minds and we must appropriate and walk in the revelation of the ways of cleansing which the Spirit of life and truth makes real to us. "If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit.'' Gal.5:25. Let us continually seek to "bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord." Isa.66:20.

The scriptures reveal that we must "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear (reverence) of God." 2Cor.7:1. This does not happen overnight and there is no magic formula for instant perfection and maturity. The church "must make herself ready'' (Rev.19;17: lsa:61:10), not merely to "go to heaven", for this is a gift. But she must be thoroughly washed and cleansed (Eph.5:26,27) "purified and made white" (Dan.12:10) if she is to attain and retain the rewards of her inheritance and be part of the kingdom rule of Christ (Rev.1:6; 5:10) about to be established in this earth - Dan.2:44; 7:18, 27; 12:10.

If the church does not make herself ready, that portion shall be classed as a "foolish virgin'' for only "they that were ready'' went in with Christ at the appointed time - Matt.25:1-13. "Every man that has this hope (of perfecting Christ's holiness in themselves) in Him purifieth himself even as he (Christ) is pure.'' 1Jn.3:3. Look at and study, just some of the scriptures involving the church's part in the washing and cleansing of the spirit: Zec.2:7; 2Chr.29:5+; lsa.52:2; Jer.4:14; Isa.1:16; 1Jn.1:7; Psa.51:2,7; Jn.13:4; Rom.13:12; Jas.4:4-10; Eccl.11:1; 1Cor.5:7; 2Tim.2:21; Prv.30:12; 1Ptr.1:22; Ezk.18:31; Isa.66:17; Josh.3.5.

Yea, even now the Lord doth send forth his mercy and truth (Psa.57:3) unto thee, and by allowing the washing and cleansing powers in these ingredients to come forth in thy lives, surely thine iniquity shall be purged (Prv.16:6), saith the Lord. In my mercy toward thee, I do deliver thee knowledge of my divine nature (2Ptr.1:3,4) and of thine own corruptible nature (Jer.17:9; Jb.15:16; Mk.7:18-23; Rom.7:13-25) whereby through this knowledge shall the just be delivered - Prv.11:9.

The Spirit of truth doth constantly look upon the hidden man of the heart, even thine own spirit wherein He doth lighten the darkness (Psa.18:28; 1Cor.2:10,11) searching all the inward parts of the belly - Prv.20:27. I do desire truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden parts shall I not make thee to know wisdom - Psa.51:6? For I shall bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will manifest them to thine hearts - 1Cor.4:5. Then shall ye know the truth (of the sin and iniquity still lying hidden in our souls) whereby thou shalt make thy sacrifice to God (confessing and cleansing ourselves in a broken spirit and a broken and a contrite heart - Psa.51:17) and the knowledge of the truth shall (proceed to) set thee free - Jn.8:32 .8:32.

Surely thy blemishes shall be cast into the depths of the sea (of God's pure mercy and truth) (Mic.7:19), and thou shalt be purified in obeying the truth through the spirit (1Ptr.1:22). Now ye are (made) clean through (experiencing the knowledge of) the word which I have spoken unto thee (through the Holy Spirit of Truth) (Jn.15:3), and I shall continue to wash thee and sanctify thee through My truth for My Word is truth (Jn.17:17), saith the Lord.

Types and shadows of the children of Israel possessing the land in the old testament are physical realities which typify the reality of the spiritual battles which do rage this day within and without against the people of God - 1Cor.10:11; Deut.8:2. The land now wherein the enemy does sit, is spiritually speaking, the land of our souls (Jer.31:12); the fullness of the promise being in the possessing and fruitful use of the whole land of our inheritance (soul and body), even the total rulership of that part of the kingdom of God now within.

This fullness of rulership in authority will be obtained only through strenuous, persevering, spirit-led actions on the part of God's chosen warriors who have learned to lean heavily upon their beloved - S.S.8:5. But it shall not be by their might, nor by their power but by my Spirit , saith the Lord.

We will look further at some of the descriptive words and examples in the Old Testament as well as the New, to understand partially how this forceful attack is to be carried on in these last days of our wilderness wandering. Today of course, the weapons of our warfare are no longer carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2Cor.10:4) of spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph.6:12), "casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2Cor.5:10. The hidden enemy does presently sit in our high places of pride within the coasts and borders of our minds, even in the church of Christ - Rev. 2:13.

Herein in his lofty position, oblivious to most, "the man of sin" and his deceitful spiritual armies, continually oppose the workings of the Holy Spirit, declaring self supreme in purpose and will, exalting the works of the flesh above all that is called God - 2Ths.2:3,4. "Proud and haughty Scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath." Prv.21:24. What saith the scripture? "Cast out the Scorner and contention (warfare) shall go out.'' Prv.22:10.

Little by little the Spirit of the Lord has been driving these fleshly works out of God's purchased land (Ex.23:30), even out of the desolate souls of His undeserving people - Psa.143:6; Isa.10:18; Jer.4:3; 12:10,11. The enemy was to be driven back and cast entirely out of the land - Ex.23:24; Deut.6:19; 7:1-5; 9:1-5, Josh.13:12 and many more like scriptures.

Even so it is today with the enemies of our soul. According to the pattern of the types and shadows, this does not happen upon initial salvation (crossing the red sea), nor does it become fulfilled merely upon crossing the Jordan into the promised kingdom. The "violent" (energetic) must take and possess their total inheritance by force - Matt.11:12. "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest" (Heb.4:11) which is yet to come in its fullness.

Now the works of the flesh which are manifest in this battle, are these of Gal.5:19-21 . This battle of course is the result of the flesh lusting against the spirit and the unseen spirit forces warring against the flesh - Gal.5:17; Jas.4:1, 5. Just as "he that was born after the flesh (Ishmael - representing the old man nature) persecuted him that was born after the spirit (Isaac representing the new creation man in the believer), even so it is now.

Nevertheless what saith the scripture? "Cast out the bondwoman (that soulish portion of the soul, the self, wherein still rules the law of sin and death) and her son (the offspring of the law, which are the works or fruits of the flesh): for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir (to the full inheritance) with the son (fruits of the spirit) of the free woman (true church who have birthed the spirit of life in Christ Jesus)." Gal.4:29,30.

Corruption cannot inherit incorruption - 1Cor.15:50. Therefore, "break forth" and cry thou that travailest not for thy barren land (soul) does desire to bring forth one hundred-fold fruit unto God - Gal.4:27. "Sing O barren...cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child.'' lsa.54:1. Yea, "be in pain and labour to bring forth O daughter of Zion like a woman in travail.'' Mic.4:10. Awake, and let death be cast out of thine earthen vessels that the dead men might live - Isa.26:19. Only then, "the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her.'' lsa.65:19.

Many do vainly argue and dispute that the works of the flesh cannot be "cast out'' but they are blinded by the mote (sliver, thorn) in their own eye. Jesus saith to them, "Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and thou shalt see clearly to pull out (to cast out - Matt.7.5) the mote that is in thy brother's eye. For (know ye not) a good tree (way) bringeth not forth corrupt fruit (works of the flesh-Gal.5:19; Hos.10:1) neither doth a corrupt tree (person or way) bring forth good fruit (of the holy Spirit kind) - Lk.6:41,42.

Jesus, speaking of inherent lust (over desire) which is the basis of all works of the flesh and of the sin which is conceived by the fruit of it (Jas.1:14,15) said, "And if thy right eye (evil eye - Mk.7:22) offend thee, pluck (pull) it out and cast it (this lustful work of the flesh) from thee. For it is profitable that one of thy (fleshy) members (of the old man nature) should perish (be rendered unfit for the kingdom) and not that thy whole body (containing also the new creation) should be cast into Gehenna's fire." Matt.5:30; 18:18.

"Cut off thine hair (covering of the flesh man) O Jerusalem (O church) and (then) cast it away (from thee) and take up a lamentation upon high places" (Jer.7:29) in the Lord's Spirit. "Purify your hearts ye double minded. Be afflicted and mourn and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up (upon high places in His Spirit)." Jas.4:8-10; Jer.31:13.

Note in Lk.18:9-14 the contrasting prayers and attitude of the publican as compared to that of the sinner. It was the publican which smote upon his breast in humility crying,'' God be merciful to me a sinner.'' Only ''He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.'' Lk.18:14

"O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us'' Jer.6.26. Even now, we must realize in the spirit, the spoiler and his army truly have come upon us. "He cometh into our land (soul) and...treadeth within our borders and "in our palaces'' (bodies, temples, places of worship) Mic.5:5,6. But so also is the "greater than he" come to fully deliver us from that which has been spoiled and lieth in the dust of our unclean house.

"When a strong man (Satan - Psa.35:10) armed (with deception) keepeth his place (place of rulership undivided), his goods are in peace (even joined together in consent in a deceptive false peace). But when a stronger than he (even the anointing - 1Jn.4:4; the kingdom of God - Lk.11:20) shall come upon him (Satan and his palace servants), and overcome (take authority over) him, He (the Holy Ghost) taketh (away) from him all his armour (including barriers and walls of fleshly works) wherein he (once) trusted, and divideth (discerning between flesh and spirit - Heb.4:12) his spoils(''skulon'' - that which Satan had stolen).'' Lk.11:21,22.

How does the Holy Spirit do this? How does our high priest cleanse and "carry forth" the "uncleanness" and ''the filthiness out of the holy place" ? "in the temple of the Lord." 2Chr.29:5,16. "How else can one (the H.S.) enter a strong man's house (palace or temple of flesh) and spoil his (Satan's) goods except he (the H.S.) first bind (put in bonds, bring under authority) the strong man? and then he will (proceed to) spoil (progressively loose by force, pluck up) his house (of flesh)." Matt.12:29; Matt.16.19. Surely "the servant (of sin - the flesh nature, the man of sin) shall not abide in the house (temple of God) forever: but (it shall be made evidently known that) the Son abideth ever'' (Jn.8:35) in his own house.

The operation of the Holy Spirit in Matt.12:29, is similar to what the prophet Micah had stated. ''He (God) will turn again, he will have compassion (mercy) upon us: he will subdue (first of all tread down, bring under subjection) our iniquities (lustful self-will) and thou (Christ's earthly ministering body called the church) wilt cast (hurl, throw out, down , away; a violent forcing out of) all their sins (even works of the flesh along with unclean spirits resulting from iniquity drives) into the depths of the sea (that consuming lake of fire wherein at the bottom, lies God's fathomless love).'' Mic.7:19.

Sin such as fear (for whatsoever is not of faith is sin - Rom.14:23). is forgiven upon repentance through the blood of Jesus (Matt.26:28) and cast out in various progressive manifold operations of the Holy Spirit by being obedient to the Spirit and yielding to the will of God - 1Jn.4:18.

Mankind's basic iniquity drives which are found in the five "I will's" (contrary to God's will) of Isa.14:13,14, are inherent human carnal lust drives which are made manifest as a result of man's fall into disobedience. These powers ultimately result in sin or transgression and works of the flesh causing all forms of death - Rom.7:13. In our flesh "dwelleth no good thing." Rom.7:18; 8:10. When yielded to, these powers of death and forces of agression can attract unclean spirits to dwell therein - Lk.11:24,26.

Iniquity drives man's will and sin results if man chooses to satisfy anything which is in death Rom.6:16. Iniquity and hidden sin can only be brought into the light and exposed by the Holy Ghost - Psa.90:8; Eph.5:13; 1Cor.4:5; lsa.3:17. All these "things that offend" whether flesh or spirit, shall be gathered out of those that are becoming the kingdom, even from them that do outwardly work iniquity. Often with the help of angels who are sent forth to minister for the heirs of salvation (Heb.1:14), the sin and iniquity shall be cast into a furnace of fire (to there be consumed): there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth - Matt.13:41,42.

In Zec.3:3-5, we see Joshua as a type of the body of Christ first clothed in filthy garments of sin and iniquity, but the Lord causes this iniquity to pass from him whereby he is clothed with garments of true and holy righteousness. This is the same time Zephaniah spoke of, saying: "The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, (for) He hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel even the Lord is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil (nor its resulting death) anymore." Zep·3:15-20. See also Deut.9:3,4; Isa.40:1,2; Nah.1:11-15 for other types and shadows of this spiritual truth. That deceiving serpent which worketh iniquity and has now become a great dragon, shall be cast out and his false messengers with him - Rev.12:9.

Let us have faith in God and not revile against the numerous cleansing operations of His divine spirit. "Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, (of problems, sins, unbelief, etc.) be thou removed and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass: he shall (sooner or later) have whatsoever he saith.'' Mk.11:23.

"Arise and thresh. O daughter of Zion...and thou shalt beat in pieces many people (even much flesh).'' Mic.4:13. "For behold, I will make thee (as) a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh (trample. break, tear) the mountains (including false religious kingdoms of man, even Satan s kingdoms, idols and barriers in us which hinder God's Spirit - Zec.4:6,7) and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff - Isa.41:15.

"Now will I (the Lord's Spirit) cry like a travailing woman. I will destroy and devour at once (a quick work comparatively). I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs (that which has sprouted from the flesh of the earth).'' lsa.42:14,15. Awake, awake for the night is far spent. "Shake thyself (from the fruits of death - Isa.33:9) from the dust (of carnality Psa.103:14). Arise, and sit down (in the true rest of the Lord ) O (new) Jerusalem: loose thyself (''deliver thyself" - Zec.2:7) from the bands (binding yoke - lsa.10:27; 14:25) of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.'' Isa.52:2.

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? (even ..a day for a man to afflict his soul'' vs.5; Jas.4:8-10) to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo (shake off) the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke." lsa.58:6. See..."that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh." lsa.58:7. Let us allow the inside of our vessels of clay to be washed, for therein is harboured all manner of uncleanness - Matt.23:25-27

"And it shall come to pass...that his burden (captivity of death) shall be taken away (entirely)...and his yoke (that which holds one captive to sin and it s consequences)... shall be destroyed because of the anointing." lsa.10:27. Surely it shall be destroyed but "not by (your) might, nor by (your) power but by My Spirit, saith the Lord." Zec.4:6; Rom.7:24,25.

Are you willing to "go a little further'' into the garden of Gethsemane (an "oil press'' - place of the last pressing of self by the Spirit), a little further than the rest of the Lord's disciples? Are you willing to give of yourself in prayer and press in even as Jesus did? Are you willing to carry your brethren's burdens and sorrows as well as your own (Num.16:23) even if it involves sufferings unto the end? Are you willing to present your whole bodies a living sacrifice unto God which is your reasonable service (Rom.12:1) even unto death? Lk.9:24; 1Jn.3:16. Jesus our pattern Son did.

If you truly desire the last cup of your suffering to be passed from you, not in the way which you may desire but as the Father will's it, then truly, "effectual fervent prayer" shall avail much (Jas.5:16) toward this goal and prize of "being made perfect." Heb.5:9. Jesus obtained that goal only after He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong cryings and tears unto "Him that was able to save Him from death." Heb.5:7. "And even being in an agony (travail) He prayed more earnestly (than before): and his sweat (from physical exertion involved) was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.'' Lk.22:44.

If you continue to look to Jesus you shall never weary nor faint in your minds whilst you endure your cross unto the end, resisting unto blood (even sacrifice in full) striving against sin (within and without) your body - Heb.12:1-4; Heb.5:I-4. It is written, "men ought always to pray and not to faint.'' Lk.18:1. Our Adversaries whether they be external or internal, shall not prevail for "shall not God (soon) avenge his own elect which cry night and day unto him, though (in the process of suffering for Christ) He bear long with them?'' Lk.18:7.

Let us put on the whole armour of God "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Eph.6:18. Hence shall the angel of the Lord "go through the midst of the city (the church, earthly Jerusalem)...and set a mark (seal) upon the foreheads of the men (and women) that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.'' Ezk.9:4; Rev.7:2,3.

K. Ross McKay