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The Divine Illumination
Continuum
The Divine Illumination Continuum (TDIC), as developed by Dr. Daniel Briggs, is different from the concept (Divine Illumination Theory) promoted by Thomas Aquinas, a theory which Aquinas borrowed from Plato (et al.) and modified to fit his catholic ideas. The TDIC (see TDIC definition summary) does not focus as much on the human cognate process made possible only by divine intervention, as it does on the "divine will continuum", its purpose, and its culmination (at least relative to the eventual departing of this temporal human reality): a continuum that was planned (Acts 2:23; 3:21; Luke 1:69-70; Romans 16:25; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:2) before the world began. The continuum deals more with how YHVH progressively revealed himself to humanity and how they can understand HIS will (TDIC) and enjoin it (TDIC); this divinely revealed (former "mystery") continuum is enjoined by accessing, understanding and then complying with the divinely inspired instructions, which are found and delineated in holy scripture: and this enjoining (and fellowship) with the divine is only available for those (Hebrews 10:32) who are illumed (2 Corinthians 4:6; John 8:12; 14:6) by YHVH and continue to (John 8:12; 11:9-10; 12:35; Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 1:7; John 8:12; 12:46) "walk in the light as he is in the light"---the Divine Illumination Continuum. This divine continuum, the revealing of HIMSELF to humanity, the angels, etc. (Romans 1:20) began before the universe was divinely caused and before the earth was changed from its dark, void and uninhabitable state (2 Corinthians 4:6) and it will continue well beyond this earthly temporal existence, on into the eternal future.
While it is certainly recognized that the human cognate process could not have existed without divine intervention--in particular the forming of "man" from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7), which was caused/facilitated personally by the divine, which included the forming of man's biological/natural mind (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6; 1 Corinthians 11:7, etc.), and this forming was in the divine's own likeness (image)--this recognition does not suggest that the divine is intimately and continuously involved with every cognate function of every human/sinner (Romans 8:7; Ephesians 2:3; 4:17; Colossians 1:21; 2:18; Titus 1:15, John 1:5; etc. ). However, neither does this assertion negate or eliminate the intended/purposeful involvement of the divine with those individuals who ARE BEING (Acts 2:47; 2 Corinthians 2:15) SAVED (John 6:44; Romans 12:2; 2Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 4:23; Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 8:10).
As much as this divine involvement in a believer's cognate process is intended to be eternal and progressively (2 Corinthians 9:10; Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19; Romans 1:17--faith (Greek - pistis) here = belief/truth/knowledge) elevated/increased (2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:28; 9:11, 17; Ephesians 1:11, 18; 5:17; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 John 3:8; Luke 24:45), there are certainly occasions in which such involvement may end/be severed (Romans 1:28; Hebrews 10:29-32). One of the more progressive ways YHVH can be involved in the believer's cognate process is via the venue of "eating" HIS word (whether written--read or heard--spoken/preached) coupled with meditation and prayer. The word has "life" in itself (John 6:63). The "word of life" (1 John 1:1), whether in logos form (John 1:1), expressed form within human reality (John 1:8; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15) or written form (John 5:39) inherently possesses "life", revelation, enlightenment, and power (Hebrews 1:3; Luke 4:32, 36; 11:3) that continuously transforms the human mind (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:13, 23; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 12:2; 1 Timothy 2:4) to ever elevated states (Romans 1:17), so long as the believer allows and pursues this divine continuum that leads to an ultimate culmination (1 Corinthians 15:24, 28; Revelation 21:9; etc., etc.) and beyond.
It is YHVH's intention/purpose that both the individual believer and the collective/corporate body of believers (the "church") pursue a divinely sanctioned "unity of the faith" (Ephesians 4:13). This unity within the body (not the local assembly per se, but the global church itself) benefits not only the individual believer, and the body at large, but elevates the perceived image of the "church" in the world (to the sinner) and empowers the collective body such that the "gates of hell" shall not prevail against the "church". Such a state will more easily draw sinners to the "church" or repel sinners who are not being drawn by Mashiyach (John 6:44), who love darkness rather than light.
Unlike the catholic church or most denominal groups who dictate and control the growth speed and level of growth among the clergy and their constituencies, YHVH's true church must be open to a continuum of divine illumination yielding greater growth, understanding and holiness. This process will fill the earth with LIGHT/LOVE and eradicate darkness/evil and will prepare the "church" in the way YHVH desires, to present the "church" to himself (Ephesians 5:25-27) without spot or wrinkle or any such blemish. This process includes a unified, illumed, "body"-healing ministry endowed with power, light, love, and understanding from the divine. This process obviously occurs via the many divinely provided venues (1 Corinthians 12 & 13; Ephesians 2:20; etc.) utilized by an illumed "church".
Barriers that Prevent Divine Illumination
1. Carnal natures/minds that are not subjugated (2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 8:7), that are not yielded to the mind/obedience of Mashiyach. When a believer is circumcised (Romans 2:29) by YHVH in Mashiyach, said believer has been given a power source (John 1:12; 16:33; 17:2; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 1:3) that when coupled with prayer and reading of the written word, (when read and studied) to overcome sin (1 John 2:13-14; 4:4; Revelation 2:26), to cease from sinning hence forth.
2. Hierarchical ecclesiastical/cleric systems that are unable to learn from their fellow (“laity”) brethren—as though only the cleric leaders themselves have all the answers and all spiritual wisdom—prevent (Psalms 8:2; Matthew 21:16; 1 Corinthians 14:26, 30) ongoing divine illumination. YHVH’s kingdom is intended to be non-hierarchical (1 Peter 5:3; Matthew 23:8, 10-12; Luke 22:24-27; 17:10; Mark 9:34-37; 2 Corinthians 4:5 Revelation 10:7; 11:18; 22:6, etc., etc.) while on earth. Such a unique and humble system facilitates/encourages enlightenment/revelation among the body (not “laity”) that will benefit the entire body (local and global), moving the body closer the YHVH’s intended perfection (Matthew 5:48; John 17:23; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:17; Hebrews 13:21; James 1:4; 1 Peter 5:10).
3. Lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).
4. Lack of understanding (Luke 24:45; 1 Corinthians 14:20, Ephesians 1:18; 3:4; 4:18; 5:17; Colossians 1:9; 2:2; 1 Timothy 1:7; 2:7; 1 John 2:11; 5:20; 2 Peter 1:5-12; 2 Corinthians 4:4), in particular that human existence is "not about us", per se, it is about HIM, HIS will, HIS purpose. YHVH will have a bride, with us or without us. Individualism is incidental to YHVH's will and purpose. Humanity (the clay) has no say/control over the potter (YHVH). Individuals can only hope and pray that by YHVH's grace they can be included (John 1:12-13) within the divine's continuum that HE established from old, from everlasting (1 Peter 1:21, 2; Acts 2:23; 1 Corinthians 2:7, etc.). (Read more below.)
NOTE: The above only names a few broader-reaching barriers, and is certainly not an exhausted list. More will be presented in the forthcoming TDIC book.
In Romans 9:20-21 perspective is given regarding divine will versus human will. Another beautiful analogy can be found in Jeremiah 18:3-6, the analogy given to the prophet by YHVH, the analogy of the "potter and the clay". The focus is not on the clay but on the will of the potter. A product that is selected unto honor is totally at the discretion, will (desire) of the potter. His will/intention is to make/have a vessel of honor for his intended use. Thus, the product selected is incidental to the potter’s will. In other words, the product has no say in the matter.
Unfortunately, there is a skewed focus in modern times. It is on “me”, it is self-focused. It is not a YHVH-focus, a focus on HIS WILL. It thus lacks understanding. The ultimate model, Yahushua, said it best, “Not my will but THINE be done.” (Luke 22:42; Matthew 6:10; Hebrews 10:7, 9) A correct focus is indicative of both understanding/illumination in the matter as well as humility. It speaks of an understanding about divine purpose and the divine culmination. And a correct understanding also avails the believer greater access, greater use and greater pleasure to the potter/master. YHVH wants to save the world (that is HIS WILL, not ours) and will have a bride, but who is selected is totally incidental to HIS WILL. Divine Will/Purpose comes first, then election comes second (incidental). This understanding brings great perspective to a believer's mind. Notwithstanding, believers can/should join YHVH in HIS WILL, with a desire to participate in HIS WILL. Believers are not the savior nor do they have the ability save. But, believers can join in the divine process and utilize divinely provided (sanctioned) "tools" and processes (1 Corinthians 1:18; Matthew 13:3; Mark 4:3; 8:5). YHVH brings the increase, saves the soul, does the adopting, and provides the illumination.
More on The Divine Illumination Continuum is forth coming in book form. As soon as it is ready for electronic download, a link will be posted. In the mean time, TDIC elements can be found in DOC Volumes One, Two, and Seven.
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