What is the Serpent

What is the Serpent?

 the word “serpent” immediately suggests an animal, so it Is NATURALLY taken LITERALLY. Understood SPIRITUALLY it is a FIGURE OF SPEECH.

XV. (53) "And they were both naked, both Adam and his wife, and they were not ashamed; but the serpent was the most subtle of all the beasts that were upon the earth, which the Lord God had Made:"{11}{#ge 2:25; 3:1.}--the mind is naked, which is clothed neither with vice nor with virtue, but which is really stripped of both: just as the soul of an infant child, which has no share in either virtue or vice, is stripped of all coverings, and is completely naked: for these things are the coverings of the soul, by which it is enveloped and concealed, good being the garment of the virtuous soul, and evil the robe of the wicked soul. (54) And the soul is made naked in these ways. Once, when it is in an unchangeable state, and is entirely free from all vices, and has discarded and laid aside the covering of all the passions. Philo of Alexandria

XVIII. (71) "Now the serpent was the most subtle of all the beasts which are upon the earth, which the Lord God Made."{21}{#ge 3:1.} Two things having been previously created, that is, mind and outward sense, and these also having been stripped naked in the manner which has already been shown, it follows of necessity that pleasure, which brings these two together, must be the third, for the purpose of facilitating the comprehension of the objects of intellect and of outward sense: for neither could the mind, without the outward sense, be able to comprehend the nature of any animal or of any plant, or of a stone or of a piece of wood, or, in short, of any substance whatever; nor could the outward sense exercise its proper faculties without the mind. Philo of Alexandria

the aforesaid serpent is the symbol of pleasure, because in the first place he is destitute of feet, and crawls on his belly with his face downwards. In the second place, because he uses lumps of clay for food. Thirdly, because he bears poison in his teeth, by which it is his nature to kill those who are bitten by him.

The serpent In whose mouth Is the poison of death, signifies a sinful person according to God's definition (given in Psalm 140:1-3; Romans 3:12-13; Matthew 12:34).

 The name “serpent” was attributed to those MEN who Jesus and John the Baptist had encountered (Matthew 3:7; 12:34; Luke 3:7).  Hence when the word serpent is used to indicate an intelligent  reasoning creature having guile (deceit) in his mouth, It SIGNIFIES a man exhibiting such characteristics.

The serpent a symbol of the Sense consciousness or the desire of unspiritualized man for sensation. He seeks satisfaction through the appetite. By listening to the serpent of sense, man falls to his lowest estate.

The "serpent" of the garden of Eden is the outward senses of consciousness or the carnal mind. The serpent is the symbol of pleasure. It may also be called desire, and sensation, or the activity of life in an external expression, apart from the Source of life.

The meaning of senses Proverbs 20:12

The concept of senses, as portrayed in Scripture and spiritual teachings, extends beyond mere physical faculties. It delves into the realm of human consciousness, the interplay between the spiritual and the carnal mind, and the effects of sin and error on human decision-making. This discourse explores the duality of human nature, the role of the senses in shaping our understanding, and the transformation brought about by aligning with the Spirit.

### **The Divine Origin of the Senses**

Proverbs 20:12 declares, “The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh hath made even both of them.” These faculties, created by God, are not inherently evil but were designed for humanity's good. However, when governed by sin, they can become tools for indulgence in the desires of the flesh However, when these senses are governed by the flesh rather than the Spirit, they become conduits for error, sin, and spiritual blindness.

In 1 John 2:16, the apostle writes, "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." This verse highlights the peril of senses when dominated by carnal desires. Physical pleasure, materialism, and pride stem from the world, not from God, illustrating the distinction between spiritual and worldly values.Here, the senses are depicted as gateways through which the world exerts its influence, fostering cravings for physical pleasure, materialism, and ego-driven pride. These attributes align with the "sense consciousness," a state formed by acting through the outward senses rather than spiritual discernment.

### **Sense Consciousness and the Carnal Mind**

Sense consciousness" refers to a mental state shaped by reliance on outward senses, leading to actions and beliefs rooted in the physical world. , sin operates through the brain and stimulates propensities that are blind and instinctual. When intellect and sentiments operate solely under the influence of these propensities, they are darkened and unable to comprehend divine truth (Ephesians 4:18). 

Paul elaborates on this in Romans 8:6-7: "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so." Here, the apostle contrasts the outcomes of two forms of governance: the carnal mind, which is enmity against God, and the spiritual mind, which leads to life and peace.

 

### **The Awakening of the Spiritual Mind**

The spiritual mind represents a state of Christ-consciousness, in which the outward senses are subdued, and the inner life is illuminated by divine truth. This awakening is described metaphorically: "Just as when the sun arises the brightness of all the rest of the stars becomes invisible; but when the sun sets, they are seen." The spiritual mind, like the rising sun, overshadows the carnal senses, allowing for clarity, peace, and alignment with God's will.

The senses, when allowed to dominate, obscure the spiritual mind, likened to the setting of the sun, which gives way to the darkness of night (the carnal senses). Conversely, when the spiritual mind, or "Christ consciousness," awakens, it eclipses the carnal senses, as the rising sun outshines the stars. This allegory highlights the transformative power of spiritual awakening, which diminishes the influence of worldly desires.

When the spiritual mind is asleep, the carnal senses dominate, leading to conflict, error, and separation from God. This duality reflects the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, a theme central to Christian spirituality.

### **The Spirits of Creation and Error**

The *Testament of Reuben* offers a detailed exploration of the human faculties, describing seven spirits given at creation and their corresponding roles:

1. **The Spirit of Life:** The foundation of human existence.

2. **The Spirit of Sight:** Associated with desire.

3. **The Spirit of Hearing:** Linked to instruction.

4. **The Spirit of Smell:** Facilitating breath and vitality.

5. **The Spirit of Speech:** Leading to knowledge.

6. **The Spirit of Taste:** Providing strength.

7. **The Spirit of Procreation:** The potential for sin through pleasure.

In addition, an eighth spirit, the spirit of sleep, represents a state of spiritual dormancy and susceptibility to error. These faculties, when influenced by the "spirits of error"—such as pride, injustice, and insatiability—lead to spiritual destruction and alienation from God's law.

### **Living by the Spirit**

Paul’s teachings in Romans 8 emphasize the necessity of living by the Spirit to overcome the limitations and deceptions of the flesh. By rejecting the dominance of the senses and embracing spiritual discernment, believers are able to align themselves with the will of God. This transformation is captured in Colossians 1:12-13: “He delivered us from the authority of the darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love.”

### **Conclusion**

The senses, while divine gifts, are vulnerable to corruption when governed by the carnal mind. Decisions based on outward appearances often lead to conflicting thoughts and spiritual blindness. The awakening of the spiritual mind through the Spirit of Christ allows for liberation from the dominion of sin and alignment with God’s eternal kingdom. Thus, believers are called to "love the truth" and live in the light of the Spirit, overcoming the limitations of the flesh and embracing the fullness of life in Christ.

The Bible and other related texts reveal profound insights about human senses, their impact on spiritual consciousness, and their potential to influence both moral and carnal behavior. These teachings emphasize the dual nature of human existence: the outward, sensory-driven life that can lead to sin, and the inward, spiritual life that aligns with God’s purpose.

### The Role of Senses in Spiritual Consciousness

Proverbs 20:12 acknowledges the divine origin of human senses: "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh hath made even both of them." These faculties, created by God, are not inherently evil but were designed for humanity's good. However, when governed by sin, they can become tools for indulgence in the desires of the flesh.

1 John 2:16 states, "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." This verse highlights the peril of senses when dominated by carnal desires. Physical pleasure, materialism, and pride stem from the world, not from God, illustrating the distinction between spiritual and worldly values.

### Sense Consciousness and Its Consequences

"Sense consciousness" refers to a mental state shaped by reliance on outward senses, leading to actions and beliefs rooted in the physical world. , sin operates through the brain and stimulates propensities that are blind and instinctual. When intellect and sentiments operate solely under the influence of these propensities, they are darkened and unable to comprehend divine truth (Ephesians 4:18). 

Paul elaborates on this in Romans 8:6-7: "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so." Here, the apostle contrasts the outcomes of two forms of governance: the carnal mind, which is enmity against God, and the spiritual mind, which leads to life and peace.

### Awakening the Spiritual Mind

The senses, when allowed to dominate, obscure the spiritual mind, likened to the setting of the sun, which gives way to the darkness of night (the carnal senses). Conversely, when the spiritual mind, or "Christ consciousness," awakens, it eclipses the carnal senses, as the rising sun outshines the stars. This allegory highlights the transformative power of spiritual awakening, which diminishes the influence of worldly desires.

### Insights from the Testament of Reuben

The *Testament of Reuben*, an ancient text, provides a detailed exploration of human senses and their association with moral and spiritual challenges. It describes seven spirits given to man at creation:

1. **Spirit of Life** - The essence of existence.

2. **Spirit of Sight** - Associated with desire.

3. **Spirit of Hearing** - Linked to instruction.

4. **Spirit of Smell** - Enables breathing and discernment.

5. **Spirit of Speech** - Conveys knowledge.

6. **Spirit of Taste** - Provides strength through nourishment.

7. **Spirit of Procreation** - A source of sin when misused.

Reuben warns of an eighth spirit, the **spirit of sleep**, symbolizing spiritual lethargy and ignorance, often mingled with the spirits of error, such as pride, lying, and injustice. These spirits corrupt the young, darkening their understanding and separating them from God’s law.

### Overcoming the Carnal Mind

The Bible and other writings repeatedly call for rejecting the dominance of the senses in favor of spiritual enlightenment. This awakening is achieved by aligning one’s thoughts and actions with God’s Spirit. As Colossians 3:2 advises, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." The spiritual mind prioritizes eternal truths over temporal pleasures, offering freedom from the bondage of sin.

### Conclusion

The human senses, though divinely created, become a source of sin when governed by the flesh. Operating in the realm of sensory consciousness leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God. However, through spiritual awakening, the senses can be subordinated to the mind of Christ, enabling believers to walk in life and peace. By loving truth and embracing the spiritual kingdom, individuals can overcome the errors of sense consciousness and live in harmony with God’s eternal purpose.

The meaning of senses

Proverbs 20:12 - The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh hath made even both of them.

The sense consciousness--A mental state formed from believing in and acting through the outward senses. It is the consciousness of sin, linked with emotions (body) and feelings (mind).

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

the meaning of this is clear the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

"Operating upon the brain [physical], it [indwelling sin] excites the 'propensities', and these set the 'intellect' [mental], and 'sentiments' [moral] to work. The propensities are blind, and so are the intellect and sentiments in a purely natural state; when therefore, the latter operate under the sole impulse of the propensities, 'the understanding is darkened through ignorance, because of the blindness of the heart'". (Elpis Israel, p . 127)

Decisions based on outward appearances--the senses--produce conflicting thoughts

Romans 8:7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.

Romans 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

And again, when the spiritual mind is awake the outward sense or carnal mind is extinguished; when we discard the exercise of our senses; and so, when the mind rises up again and awakens, the outward sense is put an end to.

Therefore, the awakening of the outward senses or the carnal mind is the sleep of the spiritual mind or the Christ consciousness; and the awakening of the spiritual mind is the discharge of the outward senses from all occupation. Just as when the sun arises the brightness of all the rest of the stars becomes invisible; but when the sun sets, they are seen. And so, like the sun, the spiritual mind or the Christ consciousness, when it is awakened, overshadows the outward senses, but when it goes to sleep it permits them to shine.



Reuben Chapter 1
2:1 And now hear me, my children, what things I saw concerning the seven spirits of error, when I repented.
2:2 For seven spirits are established against man, and they are the sources of the deeds of youth.
2:3 And seven other spirits are given to man at creation, so that by them every human deed is done.
2:4 The first is the spirit of life, The first spirit is of life, with which man's whole being is created.. The second is the spirit of sight, with which comes desire.
2:5 The third is the spirit of hearing, with which comes instruction. The fourth is the spirit of smell, with which is given tastes for drawing air and breath.
2:6 The fifth is the spirit of speech, with which comes knowledge.
2:7 The sixth is the spirit of taste, for consuming food and drink; by it comes strength, because in food is the substance of strength.
2:8 The seventh is the spirit of procreation and intercourse, with which comes sin through fondness for pleasure.
2:9 For this reason, it is the last in order of creation, and the first in that of youth, because it is filled with ignorance, and leads the youth as a blind man into a ditch, and like an animal over a cliff.

Reuben Chapter 2
3:1 In addition to all these there is an eighth spirit of sleep, with which is brought about the trance of nature and the image of death.
3:2 With these spirits are mingled the spirits of error.
3:3 First, the spirit of fornication resides in the nature and in the senses; the second, the spirit of insatiableness, in the stomach; the third, the spirit of fighting, in the liver.
3:4 The fourth is the spirit of flattery and trickery, in order that through excessive effort one might appear to be at the height of his power.
3:5 The fifth is the spirit of pride, that one may be boastful and arrogant. The sixth is the spirit of lying, which through destructiveness and rivalry, handles his affairs smoothly and secretively even with his relatives and his household.
3:6 The seventh is the spirit of injustice, with which are thefts and acts of rapacity, that a man may fulfil the desire of his heart; for injustice works together with the other spirits by the taking of gifts.
3:7 And with all these the spirit of sleep is joined which is that of error and fantasy.
3:8 And so every young man is destroyed, darkening his mind from the truth, and not understanding the Law of God, nor obeying the admonitions of his fathers as befell me also in my youth.
3:9 And now, my children, love the truth, and it will preserve you: hear you the words of Reuben your father.

Treatise on the Five Senses From a Spiritual View

Treatise on the Five Senses From a Spiritual View

It would seem to the astute believer, coupled with an inherent faith that the scriptures are actually true; that what is heavenly (spiritual) is couched or contained in that which is earthly (fleshly - in types and images).  With this in mind we must venture into the visible (physical) bodies five senses in order to understand what the hidden "spiritual" five senses might be.  Since the physical senses are used as a catalyst for sin to gain entrance and mastery over the flesh and effectively steal our souls (hearts) from us (which is best termed "spiritual thievery"), it would be prudent and wise to understand this.

In the beginning before we can create any real awareness of our own, there is a spiritual awareness that gets its strength from the spirit of Elohim who forms us in the womb.  This hidden awareness remains with us until the day our physical bodies die. We are able to perceive this by the involuntary processes that makes our heart beat, our lungs breathe, our system to digest and eliminate what we eat, our eyes to blink, our body to heal its wounds, etc..  However, along with these "involuntary" movements the other form of awareness begins to develop in our soul as soon as we are able to "reason" or collaborate data gained from our senses which makes us distinct from all other souls.

Now the fruit that our individual soul produces is derived from the culmination of all the "experiences" we have processed and witnessed through these senses in our life. It is important at this juncture to point out that none of these senses have the power to conceive an experiential "awareness" upon its lone input but must be accompanied by another witness of the same experience.  For instance a child can infer nothing of value or gain any experience from "hearing" the word "hot" without anoOver time, the physical senses create what we call "awareness" which "moves us" or influences us to act in certain ways which often manifests who and what we are while "in the world" as creatures of flesh; just as the spiritual senses move us and compel us in a way that re-defines who and what we are as creatures of the spirit (so whether it be the spirit of the world or the spirit of God we are moved by the foundations of our faith).

It is written that Jesus "grew in stature and in wisdom" while he was growing up in a "slaves form".  This is an important thing to bear in mind for we must all grow the same way so it is how we are "brought up" that influences our soul (individual spirit consciousness) or heart, hence it is written in Proverbs; "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.".  So our upbringing is critical to our spiritual health. Since Mary, the mother of Jesus was "blessed among women" and had "found favor with God" and Joseph was described as "being just" not to mention that all three of them were often visited by angels of God, it is beyond presumption to believe that Jesus was brought up "in the way he should go" by righteous men and women from His youth up.  For the rest of us, this type of growth in the spirit was not possible until Jesus poured out that spirit during the Pentecostal period (which is continuing to this day) declared in the book of Acts for we are reminded in John that He is "the true light that enlightens every man coming into the world".

So let us examine the senses and how they shape our "awareness" and what that means. First, the senses whether physical or spiritual are really a window or doorway to our "soul" where all that we see, hear, smell, taste or feel is captured, processed and stored in our subconscious mind (heart/soul) for the duration of its life. The physical/fleshly senses do all of this in the depravity of our lower/outward (carnal) image which is not capable of discerning the spiritual; while the spiritual senses discover and process the light in the higher/inward substance while remaining "aware" of the lower forms that it might get mastery over them.

So again, the awareness that is created by our physical senses is exclusive to our own particular growth and no one can know it but by our words and our acts.  This is the opposite of spiritual awareness which is of the One spirit and shared by all who own it (being aware that you are aware have you) and others with this spirit will know it in you.

ther sensory input witnessing to and allowing one to process the word accurately.  Now if you were to place the child's hand upon a cup with hot (but not too hot!) coffee in it while saying "hot", that child's senses (hearing and feeling) have now formed an experience that is true awareness which will warn the child (via the subconscious mind/soul) anytime either of these two witnesses (senses) might encounter a similar event requiring caution whether it is merely seeing a cup or hearing/seeing the word hot!  Now both of these witnesses and the awareness they create will give birth to increased awareness as other inputs fortify, increase or change in any way in our daily walk.

Bear all of this in mind as you begin to grow in stature and wisdom from a spiritual standpoint for those senses are also creating new experiences from the witnesses they receive.  This process is not a stranger to "worldly" religious leaders and kings who in their carnal lusts have used it to commit spiritual thievery upon those they wish to "lord it over".  This includes all religions (atheists, statists, evolutionists, capitalists, communists are also forms of religions for these all bind people to a "way" other than the Way of Truth) These religions use speech, radio, television, movies, newspaper, news channels, schools, etc.. in repetitive mantras using both your "sight" and your "hearing" to form an experience in you, but these are "false witnesses".  No matter how you examine it the experience is false because you do not own it of yourself but have fallen prey to deceptive practices.  Unlike actually "seeing" the cup and "feeling" the hot (whereby your senses were able to create a true experience) the media events were not true experiences because all that was purported is "hearsay" and all that was seen was an image/video that can be altered or modified or associated with a monologue that has nothing to do with it...well you get the idea.  Yet both of these can create an awareness, one true and useful to the body and soul while the other false and detrimental to the body and soul.  Nonetheless, these seem just as real as a real experience and people who gain them will fight to preserve them.

Let us now endeavor to address each of the physical/fleshly senses and see if we can come to understand their spiritual counterparts bearing in mind that all of the physical senses have in common that they do not perceive the spiritual and can only provide physical experiences to create carnal awareness which is the fallen state of man in the first birth.  Yet the spiritual can not only perceive the things of the spirit but also the things of the flesh for what they truly are.

Seeing (physically/carnally) can be the actual viewing of an earthen thing (image) or it could be the dreamlike viewing of one's creative imagination which is influenced by the awareness that already exists.  This is why those of the world put so much effort into beguiling you with visual media so as to form your awareness into thinking and doing according to their will.  Once one is "raised up" the way they (rulers of the world) wish you to speak and act it is extremely difficult to change.  Thus one must be willing "to leave all that he has behind" and  "start with a new lump" i.e. come to regard all experiential awareness received in the world that was not personally obtained while in the flesh as "dung".  It is the doffing of the old moth eaten garment for a new everlasting garment.

Seeing with the eyes of the spirit gives depth to your vision as never before as it sees both the lower/outward (fleshly) forms and the higher/inward (spiritual) substance of things.  Even imaginations and dreams are carefully scrutinized by spiritual eyes as to source.  This vision is very difficult to accept initially because it discovers all of the "earthly treasures" (sins) stored up in ones soul.  But if one puts faith in the Truth and conforms to it, he will come to know the Father and the Son who is in all things.

Hearing, much like seeing has to the same two variables.  If one hears only physically/carnally, he is limited to the same conditions as "seeing" above.  If one hears spiritually he can also discern the errant ways of what is physically heard.  Where the Word is concerned, the physical sense can only hear the lower/outward (fleshly) forms of sound. All of the scriptures are seen as substance when in fact they are only types and images (forms) of substance.  For example, to the carnal mind the animals in the "bible" are actual animals and not representative of types (character traits) of people.  This is demonstrated for us in detail in the epistle of Barnabas.  It is also revealed to us by Paul when he speaks of the Abraham's two wives as being "allegories" in that they mean two covenants.  Although people have heard this (declared), they still cannot perceive that all of the accounts in scriptures have similar hidden meanings in them which is why Jesus said; "those who have ears to hear, listen to what the spirit is saying."

Smell is a bit more difficult to address for this particular sense is deeply associated with taste so these usually bear witness together in order to create an awareness.  When we first smell an odor, it is a new experience for us and has no real meaning unless one of the other senses give witness to what it is.  We only know that it is either pleasant, or unpleasant to take in.  Some pleasant odors can be deadly while some foul odors are quite good for you so it is critical to have that second witness to help us know which is which.

From a spiritual perspective, odors are often synonymous with sacrifice or prayers and how they are presented determines whether or not they are of benefit or detriment.  One who prays or sacrifices in a lower/outward (fleshly) heart (disobedient and sinful nature) is considered a foul odor to the Father but, where when one prays in spirit and in truth or ones sacrifice is a lowly spirit and a contrite heart it is considered a joyful or sweet aroma.  Either way we need two witnesses in order to create a real experience whether it be spiritual or carnal.

Taste is not much different in that eating physical food can give us a witness to something that we find either pleasant or unpleasant it cannot without a second witness provide a true awareness.  Just as physical food has a direct bearing on our physical health, spiritual food has a direct bearing on our spiritual health. For instance from a spiritual perspective; if we eat what the world feeds us in its lower/outward (fleshly) forms (customs, traditions, ordinances, festivals etc..) we will find ourselves in a depraved spiritual condition. This food although sweet enough in our mouths (we do love a good lie especially when it hides or covers our sins) it  becomes bitter in our bellies (when we discover the Truth).  If we eat what the Word (Messiah) feeds us in its higher/inward (spiritual) substance, we will find ourselves in a robust spiritual condition.  This food (the Truth) is also sweet in our mouths but found to be bitter in our bellies (for it discovers our sins to us).  Now there is no condemnation for those who accept the Truth and act upon it!!

Feeling is much more complex than the word "touch" but captures the depths of this particular sense as touching is purely an outward expression in a physical sense where feeling is both inward and outward.  For instance one can feel pain from touching something hot, yet one can also feel pain when their heart is contrite.  This form of pain born of tribulation is of the heart and soul but can be felt physically by those who experience it.  This is also one of the few senses that are able to influence the soul that it knock on the door to spiritual awakening.  Feeling in both realms can also give pleasure.  Physical feeling once witnessed by another input give awareness to whatever it is that caused it.  If it is carnal in nature it will bear fruit to pride, covetness, fornication etc.., if it is spiritual in nature it will bear fruit to love, joy, peace, charity etc..

Now the Key to all of this is that there are two realms of understanding; the lower/outward (fleshly) forms of the five senses and the higher/inward (spiritual) substance of the five senses.  Now bear in mind that the image can either be that of God (in the spirit of Truth), or that of the beast (in the spirit of the world).  Not so as to confuse the matter but to give us clarity as to why it is so difficult to discern for most people.  The spirit of the beast truly believes that it is the substance of things when in fact it is not while the spirit of God bears witness to both conditions. Knowing the difference should help those who are toiling and laboring in the Word that it guides them into all Truth (higher/inward spiritual meanings) in the scriptures.