May 29. 1678. the Angelical Womb.
Jane Lead's sermon explores the concept of spiritual rebirth through the Angelical Womb, contrasting it with the fallen state of humanity and emphasizing the transformative power of Christ.
Jane Lead delves into the concept of spiritual rebirth and redemption, emphasizing the need to be born out of the womb of pure spiritual matter in order to inherit the Kingdom of God. She highlights the discrepancy between the fallen, corruptible bodies we possess and the original spiritual bodies intended by God, which are the essence of His divine nature. Lead explains that Christ's manifestation in flesh aims to transform our earthly forms into spiritual matter, restoring the true native birth that existed before sin. She underscores the role of the Word of Life in illuminating these truths and guiding our spirits towards recognizing our spiritual essence over our temporary physical existence.
Text
In the Morning-Watch my Spirit was called upon to hear, and attend, for what was yet further to be known, in order to the deliverance from the Polluted State, of the Natural Birth. I was shewn how greatly it did derogate from God's Creation, as Adam in his first Figure, and the Angels in theirs. I saw the Body and Matter from whence they did proceed, which was as a deep Eternal and bottomless space, all-flaming Breath of Air, which was said to be the pure Matter of Spiritual Bodies, and Genitrix of perfect Nature.
Upon which came this Word, Except ye be born out of this Womb, ye cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. Then it was cast up in my Mind, that the outward gross Image, which we now have, was not the form that God Created. Neither did he will the Propagation of Generation in such a way, as the effects of the fallen, and lapsed State of Adam did awaken. And therefore these Vile and Corruptible Bodies God doth not own, as his Make. But only that imprisoned Fire-spark of Eternity, that belongeth to the Essential Being of his divine Nature, as was known in Spiritual Matter and Figure before the World was.
For the sake of which God became manifested in Flesh, that he might change it into Spiritual Matter, Form, and Power, from the inward Element, as the Fleshly is from the outward. And so produce the true Native Birth again, as was before the Sin, and Fleshly Birth was known. This is verily the great Redemption, that the Lord Christ will bring to pass: As he is born again in Spirit, under the Vail of the Fleshly Form. And therefore the Word of Life, that can pierce through Flesh and Bones, and ask no leave to come in and go out, will be the mighty Operator hereof: And first doth give Light and Knowledge into these Truths, that our Spirits might know, this is not the Body of its Originality; but a vain shew, or shadowy Image, that is to be put off. That so a perfect Figure may naturally and durably act God, to all agreeableness of Spiritual Mindedness.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the concept of the Angelical Womb
- The significance of spiritual rebirth
- Contrast between natural and spiritual birth
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II
- The nature of God's creation and the fall of Adam
- Understanding the corrupted state of human bodies
- The role of the imprisoned Fire-spark of Eternity
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III
- The manifestation of God in flesh
- Transformation into Spiritual Matter and Form
- The promise of true Native Birth
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IV
- The role of Christ in redemption
- The Word of Life as a transformative force
- The call to spiritual enlightenment and understanding
Key Quotes
“Except ye be born out of this Womb, ye cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.” — Jane Lead
“These Vile and Corruptible Bodies God doth not own, as his Make.” — Jane Lead
“This is verily the great Redemption, that the Lord Christ will bring to pass.” — Jane Lead
Application Points
- Reflect on the nature of your spiritual birth and seek a deeper connection with God.
- Recognize the limitations of the physical body and strive for spiritual enlightenment.
- Embrace the transformative power of Christ to experience true redemption and renewal.