Whoever Leaves the World The Gospel of Philip

Whoever Leaves the World

Whoever leaves the world can no longer be held back as if still in the world. Such a person clearly is beyond desire…and fear, is dominant…, and is above envy.

If…, that person is grasped and choked. How can that person escape the [great grasping powers]? How can that person [hide from them]?
Some [say], “We are faithful,” in order that they [may escape [66] unclean] spirits and demons. For if they had the holy spirit, no unclean spirit could grab them.
Do not fear the flesh and do not love it. If you fear the flesh, it will dominate you. If you love the flesh, it will swallow you up and strangle you.

He who comes out of the world [i.e. is set-apart (holy) as a spirit son of God], and so can no longer be detained [by evil spirits i.e. his conscience recognizes them and casts them forth that they cannot manifest in him any more] on the grounds that he was in the world [once you repent and turn around, past actions cannot be used against you for they are forgiven as you have been purchased and redeemed from the world – past sins are no longer taken in account as the new man is formed in you – this is all about the individual spirit of man (consciousness) being united with the Christ Consciousness by holy spirit to do His will and not your own will (it exemplifies the destruction of pride and covetness while revealing the power of love and humility)], evidently is above the desire of the [...] and fear. He is master over [...his flesh] [has overcome his carnal nature]. He is superior to envy. If ……comes, they seize him and throttle him. And how will this one be able to escape the great [.tribulation of the..] powers? How will he be able to [.be saved.]? There are some [Christians] who say, "We are faithful" in order that [.we may avoid..] the unclean spirits and the demons [to “say” it is not enough - “And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are ye?” the sons of the Sceva (Jew) were talking to a man in this account who was able to discern by “what comes out of the mouth” (which comes from the heart) and was easily able to get mastery over them]. For if they had the Holy Spirit, no unclean spirit would cleave to them. Fear not the flesh [sarx] nor love it. If you fear it, it will gain mastery over you [those who have the Nicolaitan spirit will always use fear as a tool to turn you back to the beggarly things of the world in order that they may “lord it over you”]. If you love it [“the flesh and the lusts thereof”], it will swallow and paralyze you [keep you in bondage to the things of the world that you continue to go in your own way (following another and not Christ) keeping you from ever finding the Truth (life)]. (Philip 49)

Those who have ascended, so that they live in the Realm of Light, wherever they may dwell, are not subject to the forces which surround them; they are independent of every power beneath the celestial worlds. Neither desire nor fear controls their decisions. They have mastered existence through the acquisition of gnosis. They are not subject to envy or jealousy. They neither fear nor are addicted to their physical desires. They are at peace with themselves and the realities of their existence. Only these can claim the title Elohim.

Human Beings and Animals The Gospel of Philip

Human Beings and Animals

The superiority of human beings is not apparent to the eye but lies in what is hidden. Consequently, they are dominant over animals that are stronger than they are and greater in ways apparent and hidden. So animals survive. But when human beings leave them, animals kill and devour each other. Animals have eaten each other because they have found no other food. Now, however, they have food, because humans till the ground.

The superiority of man [one who is in union with the Universal spirit of God] is not obvious to the eye, but lies in what is hidden from view [it is found within the heart – he is at peace]. Consequently, he has mastery over the animals [the carnal nature – the lusts of the flesh and they cannot harm or offend him] which are stronger than he is [they will dominate man by their desires] and great in terms of the obvious [their power to control our behavior which is manifest in our actions] and the hidden [the idols of the heart which we are often not even aware of having that cause us to do what is contrary to the Father’s will whether intended or not]. This enables them to survive [our carnal nature will convince us through the fleshly desires of our bodies that what we are doing is acceptable even if it is harmful to ourselves or others]. But if man is separated from them [as the first man Adam was (before the fall) and the last man Adam is and subsequently all of His begotten sons], they [the animals] slay one another and bite one another. They ate one another because they did not find any food [their food is the dust of the earth (our bodies) while in the carnal state this is what must die to feed the gestating son within]. But now they have found food because man tilled the soil [when Adam took from the “tree of knowledge of good and evil” and was cast out of the garden–“Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.” This allows nachash access into our hearts through the corruption of our minds]. (Philip 43)


The superiority of humans over other creatures is not obvious to the eye; it lies in metaphysical distinctions. Humans can master animals which are stronger than they are because of the greater power of their minds. This enables mankind to survive in a world which is full of stronger creatures. The same is true of the weaker animals. They survive because they attach themselves to humans who protect them through the power of their minds. Mental power is always superior to physical prowess, and will ultimately prevail.

Marriage The Gospel of Philip

Marriage

The mystery of marriage is great. [Without] it, the world would [not] exist. The existence of [the world depends on] people, and the existence [of people depends on] marriage. Then think of the power of [pure] intercourse, though its image [65] is defiled.

Great is the mystery of marriage! For without it, the world would not exist [this must be speaking of the great union of thought in thought, water in water, i.e. the whole reason for the world to exist that it might bring forth sons]. Now the existence of the world [...], and the existence of [...] marriage. Think of the [...] relationship, for it possesses [...] power. Its image consists of a defilement. (Philip 45)

Marriage is one of the greatest mysteries. The Patriarchal Order of Marriage is the basis of all existence. When that mystery does not exist on the mortal plane, all that is mortal begins to die. Eventually the mortal realm would cease to exist if the mystery of Patriarchal Marriage did not infuse new Life into it. Mortals practice an appearance of marriage, which reproduces their own image, but only the sanctified have the knowledge to reproduce the Divine Image on the physical plane. 

One Who Is The Gospel of Philip

One Who Is

The master said, “Blessings on one who is before coming into being. For whoever is, was and will be.”

The Lord said, “blessed is he who is [known by the Father before being formed in the womb] before he came into being [sown in a physical body]. for he who is [from the Father], has been [predestined in His thoughts] and shall be [become a glorified begotten son!]." (Philip 42)

Title: The Preeminence of One Who Is: A Biblical Reflection

Introduction:

In the Gospel of Philip, a profound statement is made about the blessings bestowed upon "one who is" before coming into being. This concept resonates deeply with passages from the Bible, particularly in Jeremiah 1:5 and Romans 4:17, shedding light on the preeminence of individuals known by God before their physical existence.

Jeremiah 1:5:

In Jeremiah 1:5, the prophet receives a divine revelation: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." This verse underscores the predestined nature of individuals in the eyes of God. Even before conception, God has a purpose and plan for each person, emphasizing the divine knowledge and sovereignty over human existence.

Romans 4:17:

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, reflects on the faith of Abraham, stating, "As it is written: 'I have made you a father of many nations.' He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." Here, Paul highlights the creative power of God, who brings forth existence from non-existence. This verse underscores the divine authority to call into being that which is not, affirming the preeminence of God's will over human life.

Interpretation:

When considering the statement from the Gospel of Philip alongside these biblical passages, it becomes evident that the emphasis is not on pre-existence in a literal sense but on the preeminence of individuals in the divine plan. "One who is" is not merely someone who existed before birth but someone who holds a unique position in God's design, marked by divine foreknowledge and predestination.

The Gospel of Philip invites contemplation on the eternal perspective of God, who transcends time and sees the entirety of human existence. From God's vantage point, the past, present, and future are interconnected, and individuals are known and cherished before they enter the temporal realm.

Application:

As believers reflect on the concept of "one who is" in light of biblical teachings, several implications emerge for their faith and understanding of God's plan:

1. Identity and Purpose: Recognizing that one is known and valued by God before birth affirms a sense of identity and purpose. Each person is not a product of chance but a deliberate creation of God, endowed with unique gifts and a specific calling.

2. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Embracing the preeminence of God's will instills trust in His sovereignty over every aspect of life. Even in times of uncertainty, believers can rest assured that God's plans for them are secure and purposeful.

3. Responsiveness to Divine Calling: Understanding that God appoints individuals for specific roles encourages responsiveness to His calling. Like Jeremiah, believers are called to fulfill their divine purpose with faith and obedience, trusting in God's provision and guidance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the statement "Blessings on one who is before coming into being" from the Gospel of Philip, alongside passages from Jeremiah and Romans, illuminates the preeminence of individuals in God's divine plan. While not implying literal pre-existence, this concept emphasizes the eternal perspective of God and the significance of divine foreknowledge and predestination. As believers contemplate their identity, purpose, and response to God's calling, they are reminded of the profound truth that they are known and cherished by God before the foundation of the world.

  Title: The Preeminence of Being: Insights from the Gospel of Philip

In the Gospel of Philip, a profound blessing is pronounced upon "one who is before coming into being." This enigmatic statement beckons deeper reflection, resonating with theological themes found throughout scripture. Through a lens of Christian interpretation, this declaration illuminates the timeless truth of divine preeminence and predestination.

Jeremiah 1:5 offers insight into the notion of preexistence, as the prophet Jeremiah receives a divine commission: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Here, God's omniscience is revealed, indicating a foreknowledge that transcends temporal boundaries. Similarly, Romans 8:29 speaks of predestination, affirming, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." These passages unveil the profound mystery of God's sovereign plan, wherein individuals are known and chosen before the foundation of the world.

In the Gospel of Philip, the blessing extends beyond mere existence to encompass the eternal significance of being. It underscores the divine favor bestowed upon those who are recognized by the Father prior to their earthly manifestation. This recognition transcends the limitations of physical birth, pointing to a deeper, spiritual reality. Just as Jeremiah was known and appointed before his conception, so too are believers predestined for divine purposes.

The Gospel of Philip emphasizes not only the temporal aspect of being but also its eternal dimension. The statement "whoever is, was, and will be" encapsulates the timeless nature of existence, rooted in the eternal purposes of God. This echoes the words of Jesus in Revelation 1:8, where he declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Here, Christ asserts his eternal sovereignty over all existence, past, present, and future.

Moreover, the blessing pronounced in the Gospel of Philip speaks to the preeminence of those who are known by the Father. This preeminence does not imply a literal preexistence but rather a divine recognition and favor that transcend earthly limitations. Just as Jesus affirmed his preeminence as the Son of God, so too are believers elevated to a position of honor and privilege through their relationship with the Father.

The concept of preeminence resonates throughout scripture, illustrating the exalted status of those who are chosen by God. Ephesians 1:4-5 declares, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Here, the apostle Paul elucidates the divine purpose behind predestination, highlighting the intimacy of the Father's love and the privileged status of believers as adopted children.

In conclusion, the blessing pronounced in the Gospel of Philip echoes the timeless truths of divine preeminence and predestination found throughout scripture. It invites believers to contemplate the eternal significance of their existence and the sovereign plan of God that encompasses past, present, and future. Through a deeper understanding of these truths, believers are empowered to embrace their identity as chosen and beloved children of God, destined for glory and eternal communion with the Father.

A Donkey Turning a Millstone The Gospel of Philip

A Donkey Turning a Millstone

A donkey turning a millstone walked a hundred miles. When it was set loose, it found itself in the same place. Some people travel long distances but get nowhere. By nightfall they have seen no cities or villages, nothing man-made or natural, no powers or angels. These miserable people have labored in vain.

An ass [beast of burden – domesticated slave of sin (carnal in nature)] which turns a millstone [grinds the Word to dust – people in Babylonian controlled religions toiling daily for bread but never eating] did a hundred miles walking [in the way of the world, the lusts of the flesh precipitated by worldly priests]. When it was loosed [finally came to realize it was going nowhere], it found that it was still at the same place [realized after all this “walking” he had not gained any spiritual insight and was still as a natural man of the world]. There are men who make many journeys [seeking spiritual wisdom by going from sect to sect], but make no progress towards any destination [they keep seeking others to be their spiritual guides not realizing that the Kingdom is inside of us and that we must seek the truth ourselves “by the sweat of our own brow”]. When evening came upon them [the end of their physical lives drawing near], they saw neither city nor village neither human artifact nor natural phenomenon, power nor angel [they were not able to discern any of the spiritual things for they were always looking “outside” for their answers]. In vain have the wretches labored [this is the lot of the masses who being subject to the influences of men in the world who lord it over them are never able to “hear what the spirit is saying” and as a result “die as men”]. (Philip 38)


An animal turning a millstone may walk a hundred miles, but when it has finished, it will find itself in the place it started from. All its efforts have produced no progress. Many people are like that. They keep traveling, but they make no progress toward a destination. All their efforts amount to nothing, because they are bound to the conditions of mortal existence as the beast is bound to the millstone. They do not know how to break free. They do not know the signs to direct them on their journey. They do not accept a guide to lead them to their destination. 

Glass and Ceramic Vessels The Gospel of Philip

Glass and Ceramic Vessels

Glass and ceramic vessels are both made with fire. If glass vessels break, they are redone, since they have been made through breath. But if ceramic vessels break, they are destroyed, since they have been made without breath.

Glass decanters [those individual spirit consciousness who have been refined in the fire] and earthenware jugs [natural men without faith] are both made by means of fire [both have a conscience that burns in their hearts]. But if glass decanters break [those who keep their faith even unto death], they are made again [raised up incorruptible], for they came into being through a breath [Jesus has said unto these; “receive ye holy spirit” so these have already been counted as righteous in the flesh]. If earthenware jugs break [“die as men” (in their sins)], however, they are destroyed [the body returns to dust and the (individualized) spirit goes back to the Father], for they came into being without breath [these did not receive holy spirit and union with the seed of Christ]. (Philip 37)

Glass containers and pottery containers are both manufactured by means of fire. If glass containers are broken, they can be melted down and remade, for life was breathed into them when they were formed. If pottery containers are broken, they are destroyed, for there was no life breathed into them when they were formed. When mortals were organized, the Elohim breathed into them the breath of life. If they are broken, they can be melted down and remade, for they are living creatures which have always existed and will always exist, in one form or another. They can never be destroyed. 

Truth and Nakedness The Gospel of Philip

Truth and Nakedness

Truth did not come into the world naked but in symbols and images. The world cannot receive truth in any other way. There is rebirth and an image of rebirth, and it is by means of this image that one must be reborn. What image is this? It is resurrection. Image must arise through image. By means of this image the bridal chamber and the image must approach the truth. This is restoration.

Those who receive the name of the father, son, and holy spirit and have accepted them must do this. If someone does not accept them, the name will also be taken from that person. A person receives them in the chrism with the oil of the power of the cross. The apostles called this power the right and the left. This person is no longer a Christian but is Christ.

Truth did not come into the world naked [for nakedness is the condition one is found in once the truth exposes the falsehood], but it came in types and images [through the symbolic dramas played out in the Old Testament and in nature itself]. The world will not receive truth in any other way [the world not being able to discern spiritual things needed a “tutor” through the movement of physical things in order to see truth]. There is a rebirth and an image of rebirth [there is physical birth and spiritual birth – the “image” is purely spiritual (mental) not physical]. It is certainly necessary to be born again through the image. Which one?  Resurrection. The image [the individual spirit consciousness] must rise again through the image [“Christ in you” this is Christ consciousness]. The bridal chamber [your heart] and the image must enter through the image into the truth: this is the restoration [it gives one a clean conscience and “the power to become sons”]. Not only must those who produce the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit [this is how Jacob became Israel – “Is” (feminine) – “ra” (masculine) – “el” (neuter) – the true three into One (“Is”aac, Ab”ra”ham, Isra”el” being the final rung], do so, but have produced them for you [these are “three who bear witness” i.e. “water, blood, and the spirit”]. If one does not acquire them [you must go through Jacob’s wrestling yourself and come out a winner], the name ("Christian") will also be taken from him [you are using the name at interest and will not be able to pay your debt]. But one receives the unction [is “made whole”] of the [...] of the power of the cross. This power the apostles called "the right and the left [they comprehended that the Universal spirit, the “right” (the will of the Father) and the individual spirit consciousness in man, the “left” (who likes to go according to his own will) would need to be united (in our hearts)]." For this person is no longer a Christian but a Christ [“who does what he sees the Father doing” i.e. “not my will but yours” - AMEN!]. (Philip 54)

Truth cannot descend to the mortal plane in its true form. Truth is manifested to mortals in their natural state in many forms, but none of them are pure Truth. Only those who ascend beyond the limitations of mortal mind can perceive Truth in its fullness. Every principle of Truth has its counterfeit on the mortal plane, and every counterfeit has a principle of Truth which it reveals. There is rebirth and there is the appearance of rebirth. There is immersion and there is the appearance of immersion. There is crucifixion and there is the appearance of crucifixion. There is resurrection and there is the appearance of resurrection. It is not sufficient to receive the appearance of rebirth, immersion, crucifixion, and resurrection. A person who receives these may be called Christian, but it is only the appearance of entering into Christ. One who receives the reality of these principles is not only a Christian, but a Christ. A person who is truly crucified and resurrected will receive the Anointing so that he is called Christ.

The Dye Works of Levi The Gospel of Philip

The Dye Works of Levi

The master went into the dye works of Levi, took seventy-two colored cloths, and threw them into a vat. He drew them out and they all were white. He said, “So the child of humankind has come as a dyer.”

The Lord went into the dye works of Levi [those of the priesthood who were entrusted with the Word (the "letter", the Law].  He took seventy-two different colors [individuals with different character traits] and threw them into the vat. He took them out all white [sanctified them as high priests that they might offer sacrifices as sin offerings as a symbol of things to come]. And he said, "Even so has the Son of Man [Jesus] come as a dyer." [He is our High Priest who brought us Truth in the “spirit of the Word” that we might all be sanctified by Him] (Philip 40)

The Lord went to Levi's house. He watched Levi's employees dying yarn. Picking up a handful of threads, he dipped them into the vat and brought them out again. "The Son of Man has also come to dye everyone who desires to be pure," he explained. 

A Pearl in Mud The Gospel of Philip

A Pearl in Mud

If a pearl is thrown into mud, it will not lose its value, and if it is anointed with balsam, it will not increase its value. It is always precious in its owner’s eyes. Likewise, the children of God are precious in the eyes of the father, whatever their circumstances of life.

God's love for his born again sons never fails. whatever their circumstances of life they are still loved eternally
When the pearl [the “pearl” which is Christ who is the Word – if you have “Christ in you” you too become a pearl] is cast down into the mud [those who cannot “hear the word” will bring you down to the level of natural man – wet clay], it becomes greatly despised [those who love the lie despise truth and you become a pariah to them], nor if it is anointed with balsam oil will it become more precious [balsam oil is used to make something smell better than it would otherwise i.e. some will stroke the ego of a pearl seeking favor but this will not change the pearl]. But it always has value in the eyes of its owner [the Father who sent the first pearl, the Messiah who “sold all that He had in order to buy the field” (world) in which the pearl is found]. Compare the Sons of God: wherever they may be, they still have value in the eyes of their Father (Philip 34)

A pearl's value is not affected by its circumstances. If it is thrown into the mud, it is no less valuable. If it is anointed with precious oil, it is no more valuable. Its value is intrinsic. It is the same with the children of the Elohim. Whatever circumstances they may be in, their value does not change in the eyes of their Divine Parents.

Seeing The Gospel of Philip

Seeing

People cannot see anything that really is without becoming like it. It is not so with people in the world, who see the sun without becoming the sun and see the sky and earth and everything else without becoming them.

Rather, in the realm of truth,
you have seen things there and have become those things,
you have seen the spirit and have become spirit,
you have seen Christ and have become Christ,
you have seen the [father] and will become father.

[Here] in the world you see everything but do not [see] yourself, but there in that realm you see yourself, and you will [become] what you see.

the things that actually exist that people can not see are the things in the pleroma or the spirit realm. The Sun is a symbol for spiritual light which comes from the Father of lights which allows us to see something of that place the pleroma or the spirit realm

It is not possible for anyone to see anything of the things that actually exist unless he becomes like them [this is talking strictly of spiritual discernment]. This is not the way with man in the world: he sees the sun without being a sun; and he sees the heaven and the earth and all other things, but he is not these things [he only sees the outermost layer, the physical and he cannot become them from a physical standpoint]. This is quite in keeping with the truth. But you saw something of that place [the heavenly realm (the inside, the invisible spirit realm) which men of the “world” cannot see], and you became those things [by knowing that you are part of the One universal sprit which exists in all things (i.e. every atom and corpuscle visible and invisible)]. You saw [apprehended] the Spirit you became spirit. You saw [apprehended] Christ, you became Christ. You saw [apprehended] the Father [in ALL things], you shall become Father [when you “become all in all with Him”]. So in this place [the world] you see everything and do not see yourself [a natural man does not comprehend the spiritual things for he is bound by what his subjective and conscious mind will allow – i.e. the limitations of the physical and spiritual indoctrinations ingrained in our hearts which give way to false thoughts and ideas], but in that place you do see yourself [as an individual spirit being (living soul) created in the image of our Father] - and what you see you shall become [just like Dad!]. (Philip 32)

It is impossible to perceive Divine Reality unless you recognize that you are part of it. It's not like perceiving things on the physical plane. You can see the sun without being a sun. It's the same with anything else you perceive through your physical senses. It is different when you perceive Truth, for you perceive it with your metaphysical senses. When you perceive the Spirit in this manner you become a spiritual being. When you perceive Christ in this manner you become a Christ. When you perceive the Parents in this manner you become a Parent. With the physical senses you can see all kinds of things, but you can't really see yourself. When you develop your metaphysical senses, you will not only perceive your true self, but you will become the other things which you perceive.

Faith and Love The Gospel of Philip

Faith and Love

Faith receives, love gives. [No one can [62] receive] without faith, and no one can give without love. So to receive we have faith and to love we give. If someone gives without love, that person gets no benefit from what was given.

Anyone who receives something but does not receive the lord is still a Hebrew.

faith receives love it gives nothing without faith in order that we many receive on the one hand we believe but in order that we may give

Faith receives [knowledge and comprehension of our true nature], love gives [what it has received – we do this by becoming as our Messiah showing love, compassion and forgiveness toward others who are still in ignorance, while giving these truths to others who are willing to receive it]. No one will be able to receive [the truth] without faith [they must first believe there is a God in the heavens that they may be brought to Christ (be given “the power to become sons”)]. No one will be able to give without love [Love is the power of the spirit which moves people to receive the word.  When we realize that all mankind are our brothers (and sisters) whether they good or evil, whether they are loving us or hating us we will treat them in the same loving way in the hope that they will receive the Word in their hearts]. Because of this, in order that we may indeed receive, we believe, and in order that we may love, we give, since if one gives without love, he has no profit from what he has given [it must come from the heart and not just the lips or out of our excess but our want – many do not even know that their love is empty, feigned but actions always speak louder than words]. He who has received something other than the Lord [other than “Christ in you” the resurrection] is still a Hebrew [still under the law of sin (in bondage to the “letter” of the law which leads to death)](Philip 32)

Faith receives and Love gives. No one can receive without faith, and no one can give without Love. We develop faith so that we can receive, but we develop Love so that we can give what we have received through faith. If we do not develop Love so that we can give, the gifts we receive through our faith have no value.

God Is a Man-Eater The Gospel of Philip

Title: Understanding Sacrifice and Spiritual Nourishment in Gnostic Thought

The Gospel of Philip, a Gnostic text believed to have been written in the 3rd century CE, offers insights into the Gnostic understanding of sacrifice and its relationship to spiritual enlightenment. This text presents a unique perspective on sacrifice, viewing it as a symbolic act with profound spiritual implications. In particular, the Gospel of Philip emphasizes the idea of sacrifice as a means of transcending the physical realm and nourishing the spiritual self. Through an exploration of key passages from the Gospel of Philip and corresponding biblical references, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Gnostic concept of sacrifice

Sacrifice in Valentinian Thought:

According to the Gospel of Philip, God is depicted as a "man-eater," suggesting that the divine consumes the physical aspects of humanity. This imagery symbolizes the idea that the physical body, often associated with carnality or fleshly desires, must be transcended in order for the spiritual self to flourish. In this context, sacrifice is not understood in a literal sense of offering animals or humans to appease a deity, but rather as a metaphorical act of relinquishing worldly attachments and ego-driven desires.

The text suggests that before humans were metaphorically sacrificed, animals served as substitutes for human victims in sacrificial rituals. This notion echoes the biblical tradition of animal sacrifices found in the Old Testament, where animals were offered as atonement for sins or as expressions of devotion to God. For example, in Leviticus 1:2-4, it is stated: "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When anyone among you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or the flock. If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you shall offer a male without blemish.'"

This notion finds resonance in biblical passages such as Romans 8:13, where it is written, "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." The Gnostic interpretation of sacrifice extends beyond mere ritualistic offerings; it encompasses the inner struggle to transcend carnal desires and egoic attachments, thereby allowing the spiritual essence to flourish.

The Gospel of Philip further elucidates this concept by stating, "Before humans were sacrificed, animals were sacrificed." Here, the sacrificial act serves as a metaphorical bridge between the earthly and the divine, representing the process through which the soul evolves towards enlightenment. Animals, viewed as substitutes for human victims, symbolize the primal instincts and lower aspects of consciousness that must be transcended on the path to spiritual liberation.

In the biblical narrative, we encounter numerous instances of animal sacrifice, often performed as offerings to God. Leviticus 1:2-4 delineates the procedures for burnt offerings, emphasizing the symbolic significance of presenting an unblemished animal as a gesture of reverence and atonement. However, the Gnostic perspective invites us to contemplate a deeper layer of meaning behind these rituals, recognizing them as allegorical expressions of the soul's journey towards divine union.

Central to the Gnostic understanding of sacrifice is the transformative power of gnosis, or spiritual knowledge. As elucidated in the Gospel of Philip, "For this reason, men are sacrificed to him." Here, the act of sacrifice becomes synonymous with the process of spiritual awakening, wherein the individual undergoes a profound inner metamorphosis, shedding the illusions of the material world to unveil the eternal truths hidden within.

This transformative journey finds echoes in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who proclaimed in Matthew 16:25, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." In embracing the path of self-denial and spiritual surrender, one discovers a deeper communion with the divine, transcending the limitations of the egoic self to partake in the boundless grace of God.

Transformation through Sacrifice:

The imagery of sacrifice in the Gospel of Philip serves as a metaphor for the transformative process undergone by the individual on the path to spiritual enlightenment. Just as a seed must die and decay in order to give birth to new life, so too must the physical body perish to allow the spiritual self to emerge and flourish. This concept is echoed in biblical passages such as John 12:24, where Jesus states: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

Through the act of sacrifice, individuals are able to transcend the limitations of the material world and unite with the divine source of all existence. This union is characterized by gnosis, or experiential knowledge of the divine, which enables individuals to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. As stated in Romans 12:1, believers are urged to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship

The Gospel of Philip encapsulates the essence of sacrifice in the following passage: "the physical body is the potting soil, sarx (carnality) which must die and decay so as to feed the maturing spirit son within like the husk of a seed." Here, the imagery of death and decay symbolizes the dissolution of the egoic self, allowing the spiritual essence to blossom forth in its full radiance.

In conclusion, the Gnostic understanding of sacrifice offers a profound framework for navigating the complexities of human existence and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Through the metaphorical act of sacrifice, individuals are invited to transcend the limitations of the material realm, embracing the transformative journey towards gnosis and union with the divine. As we contemplate the rich tapestry of Gnostic wisdom, may we find inspiration to embark on our own spiritual odyssey, guided by the eternal light of truth and grace.

God Is a Man-Eater

God is a man-eater, [63] and so humans are [sacrificed] to him. Before humans were sacrificed, animals were sacrificed, because those to whom they were sacrificed were not gods.

the purpose of animal sacrifices is to provide food for the gods the animals being regarded as substitutes for human victim

God is a man-eater [the physical body is the potting soil, sarx (carnality) which must die and decay so as to feed the maturing spirit son within like the husk of a seed]. For this reason, men are sacrificed to him [the flesh and the lusts thereof must die]. Before men were sacrificed, animals were being sacrificed, since those to whom they were sacrificed were not gods [this is covered more in Philip 10 above and by the passage below] (Philip 36)

The Elohim consume their children. They require that their children sacrifice their selves to them. In the past, animals were sacrificed to the gods of darkness and to the demiurge, but the Elohim do not accept animal sacrifices. The only sacrifice they will accept is the sacrifice of their own progeny. If you desire to approach the Elohim, be prepared to sacrifice your self, for this is the only means through which you can enter their presence.