Spring 2008
The Power of Truth
Excerpts taken from "From Tent to Temple"
by George Warnock

There is always a danger that some of God's people will seek to grasp after the knowledge of what God is doing, while at the same time they may have no particular desire to walk in the light.

Let us understand that "knowledge" in itself is only vital and meaningful to us if it affords us a glimpse of God's desire for our lives, and if we intend to pursue the vision of God in a walk of total obedience to His will. Otherwise, it will only amount to a knowledge that "puffeth up" without edifying.

Truth runs deep in its flow, and is complex in its structure; but it is by no means complicated. Many people would excuse themselves for not getting too deeply involved in Truth by saying, "It is just too deep for me". But neither knowledge nor intelligence is a prerequisite for an appreciation of the deeper things of God.

A fish is not considered to be too highly intelligent, but it appreciates "depth" simply because it has a nature that longs for it. And because God has given it the capacity to enjoy depth, He has provided the rivers, lakes and oceans to fulfill this inherent longing.

Human wisdom and understanding, far from being a qualification for a true knowledge of God, can be very detrimental to us if that longing after Himself is not there. Jesus said on one occasion, "I thank thee O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." (Matt 11:25).

Unlike the fish, we have a spirit made after God's image, which is capable of God consciousness and Divine fellowship. And though this image was defaced by the Fall, it has been restored in Redemption; and we may grow into it as we choose the pathway of obedience unto the will of God. As we simply walk in this pathway, that longing and yearning after God will increase, and there will be an ever increasing unfolding of His will, and an ever expanding revelation of His Glory.

Some would seek to deny us this greater revelation by reminding us that God never changes, that Jesus Christ is for ever the same, and therefore we ought not to seek after an unfolding revelation. But this argument overlooks the fact that WE are the ones who need to be changed, not God; and if we truly seek to do His will there will grow within us a cry and a yearning to be changed, even "from Glory unto Glory by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor 3:18).

This is what we mean by unfolding revelation. It is the sprouting of the seed in the soil of the human heart until it springs forth as the "blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear." It is constant growth in the realm of the Spirit until we are able to "comprehend with all saints, what is the length and the breadth and the height and the depth...and to KNOW the love of Christ which passeth Knowledge...until we are filled unto all the fullness of God." It is entering into and appropriating the inheritance which God has already given us, but which we have never possessed in any degree of fullness. It is a laying hold upon and apprehending that very thing for which God hath laid hold upon and apprehended us!

Too long have we been content with beholding the "back parts" of God ... seeing Him from behind ... rejoicing in the glory we have known in past years. (See Exodus 33:22,23). We thank Him for every occasion on which He has visited His people and left an imprint of His visitation upon our lives. But we must see Him Face to Face, if we are truly going to be changed.

When God reminds us, "There shall no man see Me and Live", let us not take this as a rebuke, but as a challenge. And may we be quick to reply: Lord, shew me Thy face, that I might die...that henceforth I might testify with the apostle, "It is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me...". Only then will our hearts be satisfied. Only then will His heart be satisfied.

This progressive revelation of Himself must continue until the "eternal purpose" is fully consummated in the people whom He has created for His own Glory.