7 universal Laws of Adam common to all from Day 1 so that all men are without excuse before the Father of All
[Editor’s note] The chapter is discussing the seven powers or "natural endowments" given to man to rule and have dominion over the earth, with the subsidiary question of the limits set by heaven on these powers. The seven powers are listed, and the first two are discussed in detail, including their governing principles, prophetic significance and blindspots.]
Man possesses a great many faculties that often get in the way of entering the kingdom. It is a sad reality that he often neglects his great Christian privilege to love God and neighbour because he has become enamoured by his own considerable powers and abilities that “get in the way” of his obedience.
This was explored in Augustine’s famous City of God lectures in the 5th century (see below) where the Bishop of Hippo noted how there were two realms, or kingdoms. The first is the kingdom of MAN (self-love) to the contempt of God. The other is the kingdom of GOD, ie love for God to the contempt of self.
Natural law has it’s limit and no man is able to think himself into the kingdom regardless how great a brain he possesses.
The Greek and Roman philosophers in antiquity could see and foresee a great many things and many heroic and useful lessons and teachings about the nature of the State, the conduct of wars, the building of infrastructure that would last for a 1,000 years. But to this day mankind has been unable to assess correctly his own sorry situation, and discern the path to return back to God apart from the enabling grace of God.
Shorter title: The inviolable Law of the Christian Family decided in heaven, revealed on earth in Him who “appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, - was taken up into glory” (1 Tim 3:16)
Tonight’s discussion is central to the question,
“What is man?” or more properly, “What is in a man?” and how he comes to be saved through no faculty of his own.
Firstly, the faculty of sight & prophetic insight - it’s not what man sees but the ability of man to assess, discern, gain clarity and maintain focus on the existence and reality of our Father in heaven
Secondly, the faculty of touch & deaconic excellence - goes beyond perfection, healing and deliverance but how we use it to convey the touch of the Father to those who draw near
Third, the faculty of hearing & didactic genius - harnessing the total intellectual and spiritual capital of those around to prompt, nudge and direct each generation back to true genius in the fear of God.
Fourth, the faculty of speech & parakalyctic intelligence - beyond linguistic dexterity and corporate unity to an expanded consciousness of the multiplexity of Kingdom calls and mandates.
Fifth, the faculty of organisation & metadidomic oversight - more than the ability to sort, categorise and support the mission but entering into the flow of heavenly resource and the fullness of the millennial reign of Christ on earth.
Sixth, the faculty of leadership & proistemic precedence - not only leadership and presidential authority but in meekness stooping to wash the feet of the disciples as the Kingdom advances in hearts and minds.
Seventh, the faculty of empathy & eleemosynary compassion - not only being moved with compassion for the unwashed masses but willing to lay down one’s life for others