LEARNING ACTIVITY #5
The Third and Fourth Dimension
General
In previous Learning Activities we have been using the expressions
"third dimension" and "fourth dimension." It seems appropriate
that these expressions should be explained in some detail as they will continue to
be used as these Learning Activities proceed.
The Third Dimension
The
expression "third dimension" is used to describe the physical, tangible,
world and the objects that are in it. These are physical objects that we can see
with our eyes and are available to be physically touched. These objects occupy space
and have height, width and depth, therefore we are calling them "the third dimension."
When
the third dimension is used it implies a number of synonyms such as; the physical
world, earthly realm, worldly, carnal, seen, external, temporal, things below and
natural realm.
When we speak of third dimensional understanding, we basically
mean education, or head knowledge. It appears in the Bible as the Koine Greek verb
"ginosko," and the noun "gnosis." This understanding
is a seeking to know, an inquiry or investigation which ends in taking in knowledge
to come to know or to recognize and/or understand. A typical example in the Scriptures
is found in Mark 13:28–29, where a person knows that summer is near because the fig
tree is putting forth leaves.
The Fourth Dimension
The expression "fourth
dimension" is used to describe the heavenly, eternal, spiritual, things above,
intangible, spiritual realm or supernatural realm.
Fourth dimensional understanding
is essentially revelatory knowledge. This would be the highest form of knowledge.
This type of knowledge is identified in Scripture by the Koine Greek verb "epiginosko,"
and the noun "epignosis." These words imply an exact or full
perception of knowing, a more special recognition, advanced knowledge or special
appreciation, including Godly revelation. Ephesians 1:17 is a good example of this
kind of knowing, "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him."
Notice that the writer, Paul, here states this knowledge comes from God. It is
not something man can figure out on his own. God is an active participant in this
revelatory work.
If we are not open to this kind of revelatory understanding
from God, our Bible understanding will be third dimensional. Whenever we read and
study the Scriptures, we must always be open to God's teaching even if it means we
have to change the way we previously believed (known as mind renewal which is a later
topic to be presented).