We All Dwell On Earth At Birth
Yehovah created “the man” with two distinct natures. The first nature is that of the earth from which he was created. This is a tangible, sensual, fleshly, animal nature. It is this nature that we have in common with the animals. Because this nature is tangible, it is driven by its senses and appetites. This nature needs food, shelter, and rest to keep the flesh alive.
All Who Dwell On Earth Will Perish
We are all born according to this lower nature into some kingdom of the earth. But if we will never repent, leave our (I’m talking to men) the kingdom of our birth and begin to follow our Creator’s ways, we will continue in the way of the flesh and perish.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell on earth will die in like manner. But My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished. (Isa 51:6)
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but, if by the spirit, you put to death the deeds of the flesh, you will live. For as many as are led by the spirit of Elohim, these are Elohim’s sons.” (Rom 8:13-14)
“But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” (Eze 18:21)
In contrast to the man who only lives according to the spirit, is the man who lives according to the higher nature of man. Yehovah said, and one of His sons repeated it:
“So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Yehovah.†(Deu 8:3 & Mat 4:4)
Those Who Dwell On Earth Vs Those Who Dwell In Heaven
We need the bread that comes from heaven to live eternally; we must hear it, internalize it and do it to find eternal life.
The second nature of “the man” is a nature that a man has in common with Yehovah. Through this higher nature the man communes with the Creator Himself, receiving revelation knowledge, usually through His word, on how to live and manifest His image and kingdom in the tangible world.
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek [all Gentiles dwell on earth] . For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of Elohim (our lawmaker, judge) and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Mat 6:31-33
While studying Revelation recently I noticed a couple of phrases that jumped out at me. They were speaking of two different groups of people. The first group is those that “dwell on earth” and the second consists of those that “dwell in heaven.” I had always figured, in my flesh, that those that dwell in heaven were probably angels. Silly me!
Please recall what Hebrews says about Abraham and what Joshua says about himself:
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is Elohim.” (Heb 11:8-10)
“Now therefore, fear Yehovah, serve Him [not the kings and kingdoms of men] in sincerity and in truth, and put away the elohim [the lawmakers and judges] which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve Yehovah! And if it seems evil to you to serve Yehovah, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the elohim which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river [back in Ur or Haran], or the elohim of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve Yehovah.” (Jos 24:14-15)
These men appeared, in the flesh, to live in the land of the Amorites, but in fact served another king and kingdom.
In Revelation, all who dwell on earth are those who serve the kingdoms of men; while those who dwell in heaven, are those that serve only the Creator. Look what Yehovah says about those who dwell on earth:
“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell on earth will die in like manner; but My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished. Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law. Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults.” (Isa 51:6-7)
If we (men) choose to dwell on earth, because of the fear of man, we will reap destruction in these last days. But, those who trust in Yehovah and learn to dwell in heaven, will be safe.
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in Yehovah shall be safe.” (Pro 29:25)
In part 2 we will see what Revelation says about these two groups of people. Here is a link to Dwell In Heaven and Live.