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THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD




CLF - The Journey 2
The 7 spirits of God are not some seven different spirits, but 7 prophetic manifestations of the Spirit of God.

Time could not afford us talk deep on this subject matter yesterday, when by the Spirit the Prayer and Warfare team led us in some prayers and declaration.


Below is a detailed article on the 7 spirits of God, and the aim of this piece of information is to educate the body of Christ and also enable you pray further in understanding.
 
In the Bible, the term Seven Spirits of God appears four times in the book of Revelations. The meaning of this term has been interpreted in multiple ways though but the book of Isaiah made it clearer naming each Spirit.

  • Revelation 1:4 – John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; [This reveals the 7 spirits of  God are before God's throne.]
  • Revelation 3:1 - And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.  [This indicates that Jesus holds the 7 spirits of God.]
  • Revelation 4:5 - And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.      [This links the seven spirits of God with seven burning lamps that are before God's throne]
  • Revelation 5:6 - And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.   [This identifies the seven spirits with the "seven eyes" of the Lamb and states that they are "sent out into all the earth."]

INTERPRETATIONS.

There are at least three possible interpretations of the seven spirits of God.
 
1. THE SEVEN-FOLD MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT
In one interpretation, the "Seven Spirits" represent the seven-fold ministry of the Spirit as depicted in the book of Isaiah. As it is written: 

"The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD, and He will delight in the fear of the Lord." Isaiah 11:2-3 (NASB). 

Including the Spirit of the Lord, and the Spirits of wisdom, of understanding, of counsel, of might, of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, here are represented the seven Spirits, which are before the throne of God. The reference to the lamb in Revelation 5:6 relates it to the Seven Spirits which first appear in Revelation 1:4 and are associated with Jesus who holds them along with seven stars.

An alternative view is that the seven graces ("charisma") of Romans 12:6-8 reflect the seven spirits of God. The Holy Spirit manifests in humankind through these graces, reflecting the seven spirits of Yahweh. The seven graces are: 
1. insight (prophecy)
2. helpfulness (service or ministry)
3. instruction (teaching)
4. encouragement
5. generosity (giving)
6. guidance (leadership)
7. compassion. 
This agrees with Isaiah 11:2-3 if "the Spirit of the Lord" is recognized as categorical and "the delight in the fear of the Lord" is added.


2. SEVEN DISTINCT SPIRITUAL BEINGS
The second view is that the seven spirits of God refer to seven angelic beings, possibly the seraphim or the cherubim. This would fit with the numerous others angelic beings that are described in the book of Revelation (Revelation 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 19:4-5).
 
In the New Testament, the Greek term "Dynamis" (translated by some as "Virtues") suggests a class of exalted spiritual beings; perhaps parallel to the "chief Princes" in the Old Testament, of which the Archangel Michael is stated to be one (Daniel 10:13).

"Dynamis" is used by the Apostle Paul to refer to spiritual beings in Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:21, 3:10, 6:12; and Colossians 1:16, 2:10 & 15. 

"Powers and principalities" can apply to both angelic and demonic beings, but more often in the
 New Testament it referred to demonic beings. 

However, it should be noted, most modern Protestant translators take "Dynamis" to mean 'strength', 'power' or 'ability'  whereas the ancient and modern Catholic conception of activity or power was often understood as 'virtues'. But there is a clear difference between DYNAMIS and DUNAMIS.

Others follow this line of thought, though find the connect to "dynamis" referred to by Paul less likely. It is possible that these seven angels are a special entourage charged with special duties by the Lamb, about whom we have little to no specific knowledge.


3. SYMBOLIC OF PERFECTION
Seven-fold may also be connected with the Biblical understanding of the number 7 representing perfection. The "Seven Fold Spirit of God" could be the "perfect" Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. Thus, this represents perfection and completion - Our perfect and complete Holyspirit.

It therefore will be wise and safe to call the seven Spirits of God - the perfect and complete dimension of the Holyspirit.

We Win!!
See you at The Journey 3. 

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