God develops the idea of the perfect jewel throughout his holy word. The idea begins with the fact that God created man from the dust of the ground, that is, from the minerals which make up the earth itself. All of the world’s stones and jewels consist of these same basic elements, except that they take on different forms. Dust, of course, represents one of the most unrefined example of the elemental building blocks of the earth. It is almost useless while simply “dust” and has to be worked upon to become something of value.

Dictionaries define  a jewel as “a precious stone.”  A stone is “concreted earthy or mineral matter.” One could say that a stone is “hardened dust.” A jewel could thus be defined as “precious dust.” God created man from the dust of the ground. All organic compounds, including man, include the element carbon, so the dust God used to create man must have included carbon. Science teaches that intense pressure turns common carbon into diamond. Spiritually, God works upon this dust he called man, each of us men and women, with pinpoint pressure in order to turn us, like carbon in the natural, into spiritual diamonds, spiritual jewels.

One of the first parables, or prophetic historical stories, which sheds light on this process occur in the Book of Deuteronomy. There we read,

¹ Now Moses, with the elders of Israel, commanded the people, saying: “Keep all the commandments which I command you today. ² And it shall be, on the day when you cross over the Jordan to the land which the LORD your God is giving you, that you shall set up for yourselves large stones, and whitewash them with lime. ³ You shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have crossed over, that you may enter the land which the LORD your God is giving you, ‘a land flowing with milk and honey,’^[a] just as the LORD God of your fathers promised you. ⁴ Therefore it shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that on Mount Ebal you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, and you shall whitewash them with lime. ⁵ And there you shall build an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones; you shall not use an iron tool on them. ⁶ You shall build with whole stones the altar of the LORD your God, and offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God. ⁷ You shall offer peace offerings, and shall eat there, and rejoice before the LORD your God. ⁸ And you shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law.”
⁹ Then Moses and the priests, the Levites, spoke to all Israel, saying, “Take heed and listen, O Israel: This day you have become the people of the LORD your God. ¹⁰Therefore you shall obey the voice of the LORD your God, and observe His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.” (Deuteronomy 27:1-10, NKJV)

Moses here introduces us to the principle that God requires that the materials for his worship be prepared “outside the camp.” He reveals here that God will not have tools worked upon his stones at the place where they are ultimately used. This means that God’s stones must be ready before they can be used. He fully prepares them away from the final work site. Second, this passage shows that God’s stones will have his word, his law written upon them.

We see the first principle appear again when Solomon built God’s majestic temple in Jerusalem,

N Nun.

¹⁰⁵Your word is a ^(A)lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
¹⁰⁶I have ^(B)sworn and I will confirm it,
That I will keep Your righteous ordinances.
¹⁰⁷I am exceedingly ^(C)afflicted;
^(D)Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word.
¹⁰⁸O accept the ^(E)freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,
And ^(F)teach me Your ordinances.
¹⁰⁹My ^(G)life is continually ^[a]in my hand,
Yet I do not ^(H)forget Your law.
¹¹⁰The wicked have ^(I)laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not ^(J)gone astray from Your precepts.
¹¹¹I have ^(K)inherited Your testimonies forever,
For they are the ^(L)joy of my heart.
¹¹²I have ^(M)inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even ^(N)to the end. (Psalm 119:105-112)

Why do we need the light from God’s lamp? Because we live in a land of darkness, the path of our journey is narrow, and without his light we could not find our way to his city.

God calls us who truly seek his light sojourners and pilgrims throughout his word. He makes it clear that this world in its present fallen condition is not our eternal home. In fact it is the place of our “affliction,” the place where God “chisels” us into this image. This world, this earth, is actually God’s quarry, the place where he mines and hews his sons. He intends to transform us through this afflicting pressure from mere dust to gems of the highest quality.  Then, once his jewels have been perfected, he will place them one by one into the foundation of this eternal city.

And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, carnelian; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprase; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. (Revelation 21:19-20)

Each jewel listed here represents some aspect of the glory of the LORD. God, of course, does not mean to turn any of us literally into a gemstone. Neither will the foundations of New Jerusalem be adorned with overcomers who have literally become precious jewels. These descriptions, like many stories and representations in Scripture, convey word pictures or parables of a future spiritual reality. Paul expresses it one place like this, “But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The description of the foundation of New Jerusalem as gemstones reveals the beautiful glory that God’s overcoming sons add to his city. Overcomers make up part of the foundation of God’s city because they will be instrumental in bringing others also into the city. They will rule the earth with a rod of iron (God’s Law) and administer God’s justice with mercy. Their example and teaching will draw the nations into the Kingdom. The final transformation into God’s image will happen at the time of the first resurrection when all of God’s overcomers become glorified.

¹Therefore, since we have this ^(A)ministry, as we ^(B)received mercy, we ^(C)do not lose heart, ²but we have renounced the ^(D)things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or ^(E)adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth^(F)commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. ³And even if our ^(G)gospel is ^(H)veiled, it is veiled to ^(I)those who are perishing, ⁴in whose case ^(J)the god of ^(K)this world has ^(L)blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the ^(M)light of the gospel of the ^(N)glory of Christ, who is the^(O)image of God. ⁵For we ^(P)do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶For God, who said, “^(Q)Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has ^(R)shone in our hearts to give the ^(S)Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. ⁷But we have this treasure in ^(T)earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of^(U)the power will be of God and not from ourselves; ⁸we are ^(V)afflicted in every way, but not ^(W)crushed; ^(X)perplexed, but not despairing; ^9(Y)persecuted, but not ^(Z)forsaken; ^(AA)struck down, but not destroyed; ^10(AB)always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that ^(AC)the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

¹¹For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹²So death works in us, but life in you. ¹³But having the same ^(AD)spirit of faith, according to what is written, “^(AE)I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, ¹⁴knowing that He who ^(AF)raised the Lord Jesus ^(AG)will raise us also with Jesus and will ^(AH)present us with you. ¹⁵For all things are ^(AI)for your sakes, so that the grace which is ^(AJ)spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. ¹⁶Therefore we ^(AK)do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our^(AL)inner man is ^(AM)being renewed day by day.

¹⁷For momentary, ^(AN)light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, ¹⁸while we ^(AO)look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4)

This explains why each overcomer can proclaim, “¹¹¹I have ^(K)inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the ^(L)joy of my heart.
¹¹²I have ^(M)inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even ^(N)to the end. (Psalm 119:111-112)

“Of vital importance for our time” — Prophet Kenneth B Visscher

Prophecy by Stanley Frodsham 1965
A SOLEMN PROPHETIC WARNING
It is written: “Despise not prophesying. Prove all things, hold fast that which is good” (I Thessalonians 5.-20,21 KIV). The following are excerpts from prophetic words given to one who was under a heavy anointing. We believe all who read these solemn prophetic warnings should take diligent heed to them. “Believe in the Lord your God, so ye shall be established,- believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper” (II Chronicles 20.-20 KIV).
Great darkness is coming upon the countries that have heard My gospel but no longer walk in it. My wrath shall be manifested against all ungodliness. It shall come with great intensity. My judgments are literal, and not a thing to be lightly passed over. Before I visit the nations in judgment, I will begin at My house. When I do cause My wrath to come upon the cities of the world, My people shall be separate. I desire a people without spot or wrinkle, and such shall be preserved by Me in the time of My wrath coming upon all iniquity and unrighteousness.
I am going to prepare you for the coming days by a hard path that will cause you to cry out continually unto Me. For when the going is easy, men do not seek Me, but rejoice in a temporary blessing. And when that blessing is removed, they so often turn this way and that way, but do not come to Me. I am showing you these things that you may seek Me continually and with great diligence. As you seek Me, I will open up truths to you that you have not seen before, truths that will enable you to stand in the last days.
Coming Glory and Deceiving Spirits
When I visit My people in mighty revival power it is to prepare them for the darkness ahead. With the glory shall come great darkness, for the glory is to prepare My people for the darkness. I will enable My people to go through because of the visitation of My Spirit. Take heed to yourselves lest ye be puffed up and think that you have arrived. Listen to the messengers, but do not hold man’s persons in admiration. For many whom I shall anoint mightily with signs and miracles shall become lifted up and shall fall by the wayside. I do not do this willingly; I have made provision that they might stand. I call many into this ministry and equip them, but remember that many shall fall. They shall be like bright lights, and the people shall delight in them. But they shall be taken over by deceiving spirits, and shall lead many of My people astray.
Hearken diligently concerning these things, for in the last days shall come seducing spirits 0 Timothy 4:1) that shall turn many of My anointed ones away. Many shall fall through divers lusts and because of sin abounding. But if you will seek Me diligently I will put My Spirit within you (Ezekiel 36:27). When one shall turn to the right hand or to the left hand, you shall not turn with them, but keep your eyes wholly on the Lord. The coming days are the most dangerous, difficult and dark, but there shall be a mighty outpouring of My Spirit upon many cities; and many shall be destroyed. My people must be diligently warned concerning the days that are ahead. Many shall turn after seducing spirits; many are already seducing My people. It is those who do righteousness that are righteous. Many cover sins by great theological words, but I warn you of seducing spirits who instruct My people in an evil way.
Many shall come with seducing spirits and hold out lustful enticements. You will find that after I have visited My people again, the way shall become more and more narrow, and fewer shall walk therein. But, be not deceived, the ways of righteousness are My ways. For though Satan come as an angel of light (II Corinthians 11:13-15), hearken not to him; for those who perform miracles and speak not righteousness are not of Me. I warn you with great intensity that I am going to judge My house and have a church without spot or wrinkle when I come. I desire to open your eyes and give you spiritual understanding that you may not be deceived, but may walk in uprightness of heart before Me, loving righteousness and hating every evil way. Look unto Me, and l, will make you to perceive with the eyes of the Spirit the things that lurk in darkness, that are not visible to the human eye. Let Me lead you in this way that you may perceive the powers of darkness and battle against them. It is not a battle against flesh and blood, for if you battle in that way, you accomplish nothing. But if you let Me take over and battle against the powers of darkness, then they are defeated; and then liberation is brought to My people.
The Way of Deceivers
I warn you to search the Scriptures diligently concerning these last days, for the things that are written shall indeed be made manifest. There shall come deceivers among My people in increasing number, who shall speak forth the truth and shall gain the favor of the people, for the people shall examine the Scriptures and say, “What these men say is true.” Then when they have gained the hearts of the people, then and then only shall they bring out these wrong doctrines. Therefore, I say that you should not give your hearts to men, nor hold people’s persons in admiration. For by these very persons shall Satan enter into My people. Watch for seducers 1 Timothy 3:13). Do you think a seducer will brandish a new heresy and flaunt it before the people? He will speak the words of righteousness and truth and will appear as a minister of light, declaring the Word. The people’s hearts shall be won; they will bring out their doctrines, and the people shall be deceived. The people shall say, “Did he not speak thus and thus? And did we not examine it from the Word? Therefore he is a minister of righteousness. That he has now spoken we do not see in the Word, but it must be right, for the other things he spoke were true.”
Be not deceived, for the deceiver will first work to gain the hearts of many and then shall bring forth his insidious doctrines. You cannot discern those who are of Me and those who are not of Me when they start to preach. But seek Me constantly, and then when these doctrines are brought out, you shall have a witness in your heart that these are not of Me. Fear not, for I have warned you. Many will be deceived, but if you walk in holiness and uprightness before the Lord, your eyes shall be opened, and the Lord will protect you. If you will constantly look unto the Lord, you will know when the doctrine changes, and you will not be brought into it. If your heart is right, I will keep you, and if you will look constantly to Me, I will uphold you.
The minister of righteousness shall be on this wise: his life shall agree with the Word, and his lips shall give forth that which is wholly true, and it will be no mixture. When the mixture appears, then you will know he is not a minister of righteousness. The deceivers speak first the truth and then error to cover their own sins, which they love. Therefore, I exhort and command you to study the Scriptures relative to seducing spirits, for this is one of the great dangers of these last days.
I desire you to be firmly established in My Word, and not in the personalities of men, that you will not be moved as so many shall be moved. I would keep you in the paths of righteousness. Take heed to yourselves, and follow not the seducing spirits that are already manifesting themselves. Diligently inquire of Me when you hear something that you have not seen in the Word, and do not hold people’s persons in admiration, for it is by this very method that Satan will hold many of My people.
The Way of Triumph
I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly, that you may triumph where I triumphed. On the cross I triumphed over all the powers of Satan, and I have called you to walk the same path. It is when your life is on the cross that you shall know the victory that I have experienced. As you are on the cross and seated in Me, then you shall know the power of the resurrection. When I come in My glory, the principalities and powers in the heavenly places shall be broken. Fret not, for I have given you power whereby you may tread down the powers of darkness and come forth victoriously. It was on the cross that I triumphed over all the powers of the enemy. My life shall flow through you as you enter into these precious truths. Look unto Me, and appropriate My life. As your eyes and desires are toward Me, and you know what it is to be crucified with Me, then you shall live, and your anointing shall increase. It was not in My life that I walked upon the earth, but it was in My life when I was upon the cross that I openly spoiled principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15). I am showing you truth that shall cause you to overcome, to have power over the wicked one-truth that will liberate you and those around you. You shall know also the fellowship of My sufferings. There is no other way whereby you may partake of this heavenly glory and reign with Me. “If we suffer, we shall reign with Him” (II Timothy 2:12 KJV). I desire to make these truths real within you. As you keep them before you, you will liberate many who are in bondage. You will have revelations of those in darkness and will have the keys to liberate the captives. Many seek to liberate, but they have not the keys. Upon the cross continually you will know the power of My resurrection that you may also partake of My glory. As you are willing to walk with Me and rejoice in your sufferings, you shall partake of My glory. Look unto Me, for ye have need of power to overcome the wicked one and the bondage in other lives.
If you will indeed judge yourself, you shall not be judged 1 Corinthians 11:31). As you seek My face and desire to be cleansed by Me in all truth and sincerity of heart, I will judge you in the secret place, and the things that are in the secret place of your heart shall not be made manifest to others. I will do it in the secret place, and no man shall know it, and the shame that shall be seen on many faces shall not be seen on your face. Therefore, in love and mercy I am instructing you, and, therefore, have I said that if a man judge himself, he shall not be judged. It is not My good pleasure that the shame of My people be seen by all. How can I judge the world if I judge not first My own house? Hearken unto these things I am telling you. If you will not hearken to Me, your shame shall be evident to all.
God’s Part and Our Part
I would have you consider My life on earth-the anointing upon Me was great. Yet the temptations were great on every side, in one form and then in another, offering Me first the glory of the kingdoms of the earth, and then reviling and persecuting Me. There will be great glory given to My people, and yet the temptations shall be intensified from every side. Think not that with the glory there shall be no temptations or persecutions. The glory to My church shall be great, and so shall the temptations from the enemy to turn My people from My paths. I am warning you that when the glory shall be manifested, the temptations shall be great, until very few that start shall finish. First, there shall be offered them great worldly possessions, and then great revilings and unbelief.
Consider your Lord, that as He walked, so it shall be for you. There shall be need of great intensity of purpose. At times, everyone shall rise up against you, simply to turn you from the course that I would put you on. It is written of Me that I set My face as a flint to go the direction My Father had prescribed for Me Isaiah 50:7). If you will finish the course the Lord has laid down for you, you will have to set your face as a flint with great determination-you must walk in the course laid down for you. Many of your loved ones and those who follow with you shall persuade you and try to turn you from the course. With many words that seem right in the natural will they speak to you. Did not Christ rebuke Peter, who would turn Him from the course God had prescribed? (Matthew 16:22, 23)
Understand these two things and meditate upon them solemnly: the persecution and the darkness shall be as great as the glory, in order to try to turn the elect and the anointed ones from the path the Lord has laid down for them. Many shall start, but few shall be able to finish because of the greatness of grace that shall be needed to be able to endure unto the end. The temptation and persecution of your Lord was continuous. He was tempted by Satan in many forms throughout His entire life, and even on the cross when the ungodly cried out, “If thou be the Christ, come down from the cross.” Think not that there shall be a time of no persecution, for it shall be from the time of your anointing unto the end-difficulties and great persecution to the end. The Lord must prepare you to be an Overcomer in all things, that you may be able to finish the course. The persecution shall increase, even as the anointing shall increase.
In paths of judgment and righteousness shall the Lord God lead His people and bring them into that place which He has chosen for them. For the Lord has chosen a place for His people, a place of righteousness and holiness where He shall encamp round about them, and all who will be led of the Lord shall be brought into this holy place, for the Lord delights to dwell in His people and to manifest Himself through His people. The holiness of the Lord shall be manifested through his people. Let the Lord lead you in difficult places. He led His people of old through the place where no man dwelt, where no man had passed through- in a place of great danger, and in the shadow of death. The Lord will indeed lead His people through such places, and yet He will bring them out into a place of great glory. Understand that the way toward the glory is fraught with great danger, and many shall fall to the right or to the left; many shall camp on lesser ground, but the Lord has a place of holiness, and no unclean things shall dwell among His people.
Put your trust in Him, and He will bring you into a place of holiness. He desires to bring His people into great glory, the like of which has never been seen: what the Lord will do for those who put their trust in Him. It is a place of darkness and great danger that separates His people into the place He would have them walk in. He will protect them from the voices that would turn them from His path. He will bring them through the dark places, and through the treacherous paths, out into the light of His glory. He will rejoice greatly over His beloved, and cause you to be filled with joy unspeakable. He seeks to lead His people into a new place of grace and glory where He will indeed encamp among them. Put your trust in Him, and He will surely bring you into this new place.
Fear not the days to come, but fear this only: that you shall walk in a manner pleasing to the Lord. In this time I am ordering and setting up My church, and it shall indeed be pure, without spot or wrinkle. I will do a work in My beloved that has not been seen since the foundation of the world. I have shown you these things that you may seek the Lord diligently with all your heart, and that you may be a preserver of His people.
Run not to this one nor to that one, for the Lord has so ordained that salvation is in Him, and in Him alone. You shall not turn to this shepherd, or to that one; for there shall be a great scattering upon the earth. Therefore, look unto Him, for He will indeed make these things clear to you. You shall not look here nor there, for wells that once had water shall be no more. But, as you diligently seek Him, He shall increase your strength and your faith that He may be able to prepare you for this time that is coming.
The truths that I have revealed to you must become a part of you, not just an experience, but a part of your very nature. Is it not written that I demand truth in the inward parts? It is the truth of the Lord expressed in your very being that shall hold you. Many shall experience the truth, but the truth must become a part of you-your very life. As men and women look upon you, they will hear not only the voice, but see the expression of the truth. Many shall be overcome because they are not constant in My ways, and because they have not permitted the truths to become part of them. I am showing you these truths that you may be prepared and having done all, to stand.

In the just ended age the barren bride did not bring salvation to the earth. She had been chosen, espoused, by her Creator, but the marriage was not then consummated. She had not been glorified. 

Like a woman with child, that draws near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and cries out in her pangs; so have we been in your sight, O LORD. We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were given birth to wind; we have not accomplished any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. (Isaiah 26:17-18 KJ2000)

Do not be misled by the pictures of Scripture. They seek to explain in words of flesh that which can only be known in the Spirit. Thus the world does not understand, for

He [Yeshua, Jesus] said, “Go, and tell this people, Hear you indeed, but understand not; and see you indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people dull, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return, and be healed. Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities are wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land is utterly desolate, And the LORD has removed men far away, and there are many forsaken places in the midst of the land.” (Isaiah 6:9-12 KJ2000)

The Old Covenant age, that which just passed, did not bring salvation to the earth. The New Covenant age, that which has been preached since Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected with power, will bring the salvation much longed for. It is in this age, the Day of the LORD, when Jesus glorifies his Bride and empowers her to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Until that day, like Paul, we say,

For if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ been raised: and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable. (1 Corinthians 15:16-19 ASV)

But I believe the dead will be raised and that soon. Now we remain barren. Paul says,

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I stand in doubt of you. Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the free woman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from mount Sinai, which brings forth to bondage, which is Hagar. For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, you barren that bear not; break forth and cry, you that travail not: for the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what says the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. (Galatians 4:19-31 KJ2000)

Until today the children of Jerusalam from above have been persecuted by the children of natural Jerusalem. The children of New Jerusalem are the overcomers Christ speaks to in Revelation 2-3. The children of natural Jerusalem represent carnal religious believers (regardless of the religion) who never learned to live by the Spirit. In fact they hated, persecuted, and killed the chosen of God. Thus Hebrews says,

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. … And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:13, 36-40 KJ2000)

Throughout the previous age the Bride remained barren, but she did bear fruit. She learned to follow the Spirit, to lean not upon her own understanding, and did not depend upon the power of her flesh to please God. She learned to walk as Paul teaches,

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, impurity, licentiousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, jealousy, wrath, selfishness, divisions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of which I tell you beforehand, as I have also told you in time past, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, self-control: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:16-26 KJ2000)

Because she learned to walk in the Spirit, forsaking the flesh and all the flesh could gain for her, she allowed Him to work deep within her soul. She endured this baptism of fire, this burning which purified her dross, bringing forth pure gold. She endured the pressure of men and powers. When she manifests, then we will see the perfect jewel she has become!

    You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
        and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
    [4] You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
        and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,
    but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
        and your land Married;
    for the Lord delights in you,
        and your land shall be married.
    [5] For as a young man marries a young woman,
        so shall your sons marry you,
    and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
        so shall your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:3-5 (ESV) 

Until her pefection God’s bride in waiting has been barren in the earth. No one esteems her; no one believes she has anything to say or teach about knowing or walking with God. She was always rejected by her pastors, teachers, and prophets. Her word was too harsh. She was too legalistic. She demanded too much. In fact, they told her that her place was at the back of the church. And they were right about that. In fact, her place was outside of the church, for before her marriage she realized that all she had called the church was actually a mystery, was actually Babylon the Great. And God called her out of that.

The Bride in waiting has no following for she herself did not follow the ways of Jezebel. She she did not depend upon the flesh in vain attempts to bring forth the Spirit. She did not kindle a fire on the Sabbath. Concerning Jezebel and those who serve her God says,

But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.  [21] I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.  [22] Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,  [23] and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve.  Rev. 2:20-23 (ESV) 

The above verses from Revelation describe the many churches we have known. Not all churches today belong to the Church of Thyatira, the Jezebel Church, but many do. Other churches have their own sins for which God will judge them. And in all churches God warns his Bride to “overcome.” Some churches do contain faithful believers. We are not saying you must leave that church, but you know that if you belong to such a church that your church is barren. No one new comes. No one wants to come. Your word is too harsh. You preach holiness and men cannot stand that word. Yet, know this, holiness without grace and mercy is not of God. One can be trapped in legalistic “holiness” which he will one day condemn.

When the barren bride is fully perfected, has become a perfect jewel fit for a crown, then it shall be said, ”

You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
        and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,
    but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
        and your land Married;
    for the Lord delights in you,
        and your land shall be married.”

Thus shall be fulfilled God’s promise to his bride:

           At your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
    [10] Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
        forget your people and your father’s house, [this refers to being willing to leave the apostate church, to come out of Babylon]
        [11] and the king will desire your beauty.
    Since he is your lord, bow to him.
        [12] The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
         the richest of the people.
    [13] All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
        [14]  In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
        with her virgin companions following behind her.
    [15] With joy and gladness they are led along
        as they enter the palace of the king.
    [16] In place of your fathers shall be your sons; [the Bride refused to obey the lawless church leaders; she has no head but Christ. But God will one day give her sons, those who appreaciate and esteen what God has done in her]
        you will make them princes in all the earth.
    [17] I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;
        therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.  Psalm 45:9b-17 (ESV)

So rejoice oh barren one, you who have not borne, for it is you whom God will choose. Many are called, but few are chosen.

For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until its righteousness goes forth as brightness, and its salvation as a lamp that burns. And the Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory: and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. (Isaiah 62:1-3)

The crown of glory in the hand of the LORD speaks of even more than gold and jewels; it speaks of her who has risen to preeminence in the Kingdom of God. It speaks of the Bride of Christ herself.

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashamed is like rottenness in his bones. (Proverbs 12:4)

Too many have taken the words of Paul to the Ephesians concerning a bride to mean that all who call themselves Christians, or all in the church, automatically attain that status. Paul says,

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:22-32)

“This is a great mystery,” says Paul. But what is the mystery if the whole church is the Bride? One key to understanding comes in verses 22 and 24 above, wives must submit and be in subjection to their husbands. Prophetically, that is, in a spiritual sense, Christians must submit to Christ. Most say that they do, but their actions, their way of life, belies their supposed submission.

Just this morning my wife dreamed of a very rich couple we fellowshipped with in the mid nineties. Although we knew them to be millionaires, in her dream she wondered through their home and found it to be barren and poor. There was not even a headboard on their bed, for example.  We knew these people to be into “the prophetic” and spiritual gifts, but we became convinced over time that they, like the “prophetic” church we had left a few years before that were lawless. They took the grace that Jesus is and abused it. They were rich in the natural and they supposed, because of their prophetic gifting and knowledge, that they were rich spiritually. We discovered they were not spiritual overcomers and this dream today simply confirmed this afresh. (By the way, as I shared the contents of A Perfect Jewel (5) with my wife  this morning it was she who brought the further revelation that the crown speaks of the Bride)

The significance of this dream and this teaching is that many who think they have it made with respect to their dreams of salvation really don’t.  I am not talking about your eternal salvation or whether you will end up in Hell. I am talking about whether you will be cast into the “outer darkness” at the time you thought you would be basking in the wedding feast. I speak of the warning Christ gave to the Laodiceans:

Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white clothing, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (Revelation 3:17-19)

But, be encouraged! Even these blind and naked and pitiful Christian wretches who belong to the Laodicean church have hope! They can “buy” provisions from the LORD. And if they do, they will, says Jesus, be granted permission to sit with him on his throne. And only the King and Queen get to sit together on a kingdom’s throne.

For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until its righteousness goes forth as brightness, and its salvation as a lamp that burns. And the Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory: and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. (Isaiah 62:1-3)

When one reads and re-reads the Scripture, when one meditates upon the word of God for years, when one eats the manna (truth) of the LORD, mulling it over and over as the clean beasts do their cud and making it a part of their being, then one begins to see amazing things in the Bible. For example, one will begin to really notice the parallel meanings and prophecies of the Books of Isaiah and Revelation.

A consistent theme of Scripture is “many are called, but few are chosen.” God gives this theme many names including Israel, Gideon’s 300, the remnant, the rod (branch), elohim, sons of God, Bride of Christ,  overcomers, Zion, Jerusalem, and New Jerusalem. Many chapters in the books of Isaiah and Revelation relate directly to this theme. Some verses from each book actually parallel and explain verses from the other. Concerning the above passage from Isaiah notice these few facts: 1) the prophecy concerns Zion, which is also called Jerusalem here (this means that the attributes here are ascribed to Zion, not to God), 2) God works on and with Zion for he cannot rest or be at peace until 3) her righteousness goes forth and 4) her salvation burns as a lamp; 5) When this happens, i.e. when she is perfected, then the nations (gentiles) shall see her righteousness; 6) at this time Zion shall be glorified for then all kings of earth shall see her glory; 7) at this time she shall also be called by a new name, a 8) name which the LORD himself will give her; 9) she shall also be a “crown of glory” in the hand of God and 10) a “royal diadem” in his hand.

A key to understanding this passage lies in the phrase “called by a new name.” This phrase also occurs in Revelation 2:17. This verse contains the promise to overcomers in the Church of Pergamum. Pergamum represents the place where “Satan’s throne is,” and thus represents the whole earth, for at this time Satan is the god of this world. All Christians, then, belong to this church and could qualify for the prize revealed in verse 17.

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except him who receives it. (Revelation 2:17)

Jesus promises the world overcomer three things: 1) hidden manna to eat, 2) a white stone, and 3) a new name written on that white stone which no one knows except the individual overcomer himself or herself.

Hidden manna represents God’s word, God’s truth, which he speaks only to the overcomer. Even today God reveals some of this hidden manna to his overcomers and they, in turn, share it with others of like mind.

The white stone represents the most valuable and precious jewel of all, the highly refined, hardened, and polished diamond. This is the wedding stone given by the bridegroom to his bride at the time of her betrothal, her manifestation, her glorification. I believe this speaks of the glorified state of the overcomer at the time of his resurrection when he has become a perfect jewel before God (in a spiritual sense, not literal of course).

Finally, each overcomer receives a new name known only to him. I believe this speaks of each overcomer’s special calling and gifting in the next age or ages. I think many overcomers have some idea of what this new name may be, but many may well be surprised.

Now, when we compare this passage with Isaiah we see that the white stone dovetails with the crown of glory in God’s hand. When we think of a monarch’s crown, we think of a rim of gold encrusted with fine jewels. Throughout Scripture we see glorified man represented both ways, as gold and as jewels. Thus the crown in God’s right hand typifies all overcomers. We first gain a glimpse of this prophetic picture in that great prophesy given to Moses 3500 years ago:

And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in your hand: and they sat down at your feet; everyone shall receive of your words. (Deuteronomy 33:2-3)

So, in God’s right hand we now see 1) a crown of glory which contains the white stone, 2) a royal diadem, 3) a fiery law, and 4) all of God’s saints. These all picture the overcomer, each representing a different aspect of his spiritual reality when he is glorified.

For thus says the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57:15 KJ2000)

Holiness and righteousness almost seem like dirty words these days in the Christian Church. (And they have been for the more than thirty years I have been a Christian. I was always repremanded for being legalistic and not understanding grace when I continued to remain within estabished religion) Most teachers claim and most listening students agree that we simply cannot be holy, i.e. righeous, in this life.  I beg to differ. Jesus says, “Be perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Holiness, or righteousness, describes the perfect character of our God. Thus Jesus, in effect, teaches, “Be holy, be righteous, just as your heavenly Father is holy and righteous in all he does.”

The term “perfection,” as defined by holy, righteous character and conduct, represents the goal of our salvation. Nothing less than this will satisfy us or our Creator. Perfection, and perfection alone, will demonstrate that we have finally been created in the image of God. Thus we see why John warned in the final verse of his first epistle, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” Man fixates upon his idols. He wants to become like them, he wants to mold himself into their image. Any idol, therefore, takes our eyes off of our ultimate goal and prevents us from reaching it. This explains why the first two of the ten commandments deal with idolatry. If we fail with these two commands, we simply fail. We can never go on into perfection.

The final chapters of the Bible vividly illustrate this perfection that both we and God desire for ourselves.  New Jerusalem descending from heaven pictures the Bride of Christ, the overcomers, in their perfected state of being.

And there came unto me one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife. (Revelation 21:9 KJ2000)

God likens them to rare jewels which have been formed with precision in the heat and pressure of this earth. God himself chooses and cuts these jewels, each of us, as he determines before he places them into his holy City. This is the antitype, the prophetic application, of Solomon preparing all of the stones for his temple at the quarry before he put them into place. Likewise, God perfects us before he puts us into place in Mount Zion, New Jerusalem.

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and its radiance was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; (Revelation 21:10-11 KJ2000)

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, carnelian; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprase; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: each of the gates was a single pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. (Revelation 21:18-21 KJ2000)

We who know God, Creator of heaven and earth, serve the One whose name is holy.  Soon we will find that we have always been striving (working out our salvation) to be as he is, HOLY, perfect in all our ways.

My new song, A Perfect Jewel, speaks about this. Let us walk on together toward perfection.

In the midst of chaos God perfects his many jewels. How many jewels is he perfecting? Billions, but he perfects some before others, the chosen of the called, the remnant overcomers of earth. This earth, this temporary home of ours, serves God as our purifying furnace of affliction. In it he brings heat and cool, pain and comfort, as he chooses. In the midst of our affliction we learn to submit our will to his or we don’t. I don’t know what comes next for those who cast aside God’s plans for their own. Jesus says they shall be cast into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

But I do not think that this remains their eternal home. No, I believe this describes that place outside the capitol of God’s Kingdom, New Jerusalem, when she is revealed. God builds New Jerusalem herself from the stones of earth he perfects over time, each stone a perfect jewel set in his or her perfect place.

Dictionaries define  a jewel as “a precious stone.”  A stone is “concreted earthy or mineral matter.” One could say that a stone is “hardened dust.” A jewel could thus be defined as “precious dust.” God created man from the dust of the ground. Science teaches that intense pressure turns common carbon into diamond. Carbon is a “naturally abundant nonmetallic element that occurs in many inorganic and in all organic compounds, exists freely as graphite and diamond and as a constituent of coal, limestone, and petroleum, and is capable of chemical self-bonding to form an enormous number of chemically, biologically, and commercially important molecules.” See Link. The dust God created man with must, therefore, have included carbon.  Spiritually, God works upon this dust, each of us, with pinpoint pressure in order to turn us, like carbon in the natural, into spiritual diamonds, spiritual jewels.

This transformation of souls into perfect jewels completes at least one stage in mankind’s creation into the image of God. Of course we will not sit still as beautiful gems to be gazed upon by our Creator. He gives us a picture of perfection, something for us to consider as we meditate upon Jesus’ words, “Be perfect even as my Father in heaven is perfect.” He means us to become something as lovely, as precious, as the glittering diamond, emerald, and ruby.

Thus, when he first introduces the word “stone” in Scripture it appears next to that which we find most valuable in creation, gold itself. “And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.” (Genesis 2:12) As we continue studying Scripture we find that Jesus himself is known as “that rock.” Concerning the rock that Moses struck to get water in Numbers 20:8, Paul says, “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4)  Isaiah adds light to this and tells us that this Rock actually forms the “quarry” from which we were dug.

Hearken to me, you that follow after righteousness, you that seek the LORD: look unto the rock from where you were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. (Isaiah 51:1)

Notice who it is that looks to this Rock, those “who follow after righteousness.” What do you follow?

Isaiah chapters 50 and onward give tremendous warnings and potential blessings to God’s faithful people, his overcomers.  To understand this verse, Isaiah 51:1, we must discern that which God implies in the previous two verses, Isaiah 50:10-11.

Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow. (Isaiah 50:10-11)

First we see hear that God speaks to two separate groups of people in verses ten and eleven. The first represents the chosen and faithful remnant. These are they who fear the LORD and obey the voice of God’s servant. To fear the LORD means to revere him with respect to who he is and with respect to the lawful morality described and defined by him in his law. To obey the voice of his servant means, first, to walk in obedience to the word written by his servant prophets, second, to obey the lawful spiritual authority of a ruling elder or husband, if any, in your life, and third, to walk in obedience to God’s greatest servant of all, Jesus Christ. Note that Isaiah says that these faithful ones walk in darkness and have no light. Yes, such describes the ones of no consequence in this world who fear God and obey his servant. We walk in darkness and have no light, so little light, in fact, that we dare not speak unless we believe God would have us say something.

This is not true, however, concerning those that “kindle a fire” and who “surround themselves with their sparks and torches.” These are those who break God’s laws just as surely as did those of old who kindled a fire on the Sabbath. These are those who conjure false manifestations of the Most Holy Spirit, who trick men into believing God works among them when, in fact, the devil and his minions trick the minds and emotions of willing slaves to this Jezebel spirit. To the undiscerning God truly seems to be among them. Didn’t you hear the thunder? Didn’t the lights flicker? Weren’t gold flakes falling through the air. Wasn’t that “holy laughter” resounding ’round the room? Couldn’t you feel the presence of God when the worship band perfectly performed their songs in praise? These must walk in the light of their man-made fires. They shall be ever hearing, but never perceiving. They shall build program upon program and church upon church, but the earth shall not be moved, nor shall it be saved, for the arm of the flesh accounts for nothing. You cannot manufacture the presence of God. Instead, these who surely call themselves God’s servants shall “lie down in sorrow” in the outer darkness when God manifests himself through his obedient ones.

And so it is to the first group, the chosen remnant, to whom Isaiah next speaks, saying,

Only the chosen remnant pursues righteousness. Only they seek the LORD for that for which the LORD yearns to be sought, his holiness.  And it is to them to which this word comes…(to be continued)