Chapter 3

SPIRITUAL LEVELS

By
The Man Who Saw God Face To Face
Raphael Okechukwu Nweze

Is it not disappointing?
That you know your age and colour.
Also, you know your blood group and genotype.
Even, you know your social or academic status.
How come that you do not know your spiritual level?

Introduction
         A reverend father was inside the church during worship and was narrating the conversation he had with another reverend father. He said to the other reverend, “Nowadays, it seems we reverend ministers are only busy eating what the congregation are providing, without doing anything.”
         “The problem with spirituality,” responded the other reverend, “is that there is no way of measuring it.”
         This narration is a very clear example of how spiritually blind most of the religious leaders are. They do not know the spiritual realities of life. Therefore, they cannot teach the truth about God and life. Many of them are busy deceiving themselves and misleading the ignorant masses into the hell fire. How can they say that there is no scale for measuring spiritual growth? After God placed the rainbow on the sky as a guide, as a reminder and as a scale? In the explanations below, you will learn how the rainbow means levels of spiritual growth. Indeed, everybody should study Spiritual Science, compulsorily. Every minister of God, who is not trained in Spiritual Science, is like a thief stealing from the vineyard of God. And all the souls stolen by them end up in the hell fire.

What Is Spiritual Level?
          Spiritual level means a person’s spiritual maturity or spiritual attainment. That is how much of God he has imbibed in himself. It is the degree to which he is like God, in character, in thought, in word, in action, as well as in knowledge and capability.
         The spiritual level is a scale with which we determine a person’s spiritual growth. It indicates how close we are to God, or how far away we are from God. The higher the spiritual level, the higher one’s nature becomes like God’s. It shows how much we have become as God.

The Scale Of Spiritual Level
          The scale ranges from 1% to 100%.
         1% is the spiritual level of inanimate things. They do not think or have a will of their own. They only respond to command, without rebellion.
         100% represents the very nature of God. A person at 100% spiritual level has attained Godhood. That is why Jesus said, "You must become perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect." This means that the person:
  1. Has become like God.
  2. Has the same nature like God.
  3. Has become one with God. Jesus often said, “The Father and I are one.”
  4. Has the same will as God’s.

    5. His personal will has so dissolved that only God’s will is his own will. That is why Jesus often said that He did not come to do His own will, but to do the will of the Father.
         Then in between 1% and 100% is a range of various spiritual levels at which people find themselves. Jesus encouraged people to attain the highest spiritual level saying, “You must become perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Importance Of Spiritual Level
          Spiritual level provides us with the following benefits:
  1. It helps us to know our current level in spiritual maturity.
  2. It inspires us to strive to move up the ladder in our spiritual growth.
  3. It keeps on reminding us of the need to improve in our spiritual life.
  4. It reminds us of the things we should do in order to grow from one level to a higher one.
  5. It makes clear the fact that God plays no favorite. Everybody can attain the best in life, which is oneness with God, through personal effort and spiritual practice.
  6. It introduces order and respect among mankind, who seem to be mixed up.
  7. It helps us relate very well with others by knowing their spiritual level and behavior, and therefore the best approach in both social and spiritual relationship.
The Unfortunate Thing
          It is very unfortunate that majority of people, churches and religions, even the clergy, do not know that there is a scale of spiritual level. Sad enough, people boast that they are believers or born again. Believing is just the start point. Progress in spiritual level is only made possible and manifest by consistent spiritual practice, which shall be explained later.
         The spiritual levels explain why a Saviour or Master would be bold enough to say: “I have come as a light into the world: So that those who are dead should sleep; that those sleeping should wake up; that those awake should walk; that those walking should run; that those running should fly; that whosoever that desires can disappear from wherever he is and then appear at the destination on high, even in the presence of the Most High God."
         When water is small, it is contained in a vessel. When the same water becomes abundant, it not only fills and overflows the vessel, but also contains the vessel. Those who are small water should become the vessel, and those who are the big vessel should become the ocean.

The Problems Of Ignorance Of Spiritual Levels
          Because of general ignorance of spiritual level:
  1. People do not know that they should progress from one level to a higher level.
  2. People think that their current level is the best and final.
  3. People remain at a particular level for a very long time, even for a lifetime, unless prompted and convinced by the ups and downs of life.
  4. People think that everybody is at the same spiritual level. This false belief encourages spiritual laxity and laziness.
  5. People reject the Truth from others, thinking that it is only their church members that are children of God.
  6. People do not know that there are many paths that lead to God. Therefore, they tend to condemn people of other religions.
A wise religion would consider its Holy Book as introduction to the nature of God.

The Seven Major Spiritual Levels (Allow Slight Differences)
Level 1 is at 40% called The Believer/Born Again

Level 2 is at 50% called The Disciple/Seasoned/Confirmed

Level 3 is at 60% called The Enlightened/Wise One

Level 4 is at 70% called The Saint

Level 5 is at 80% called The Teacher/Sage/Guru/Spiritual Director

Level 6 is at 90% called The Master/Saviour/Avatar/Apostle/General

Level 7 is at 100% called The Godly/Perfect

The Three Base Levels
Base 1 is at 10% called The Passionate

Base 2 is at 20% called The Hypocrite

Base 3 is at 30% called The Repentant

The Ordinary Base 0 at 1% is the level of The Inanimate. Matter is inanimate.

         Starting from 40%, there are seven major spiritual levels in life.
         Everybody belongs to his lowest spiritual level until he has attained the next major spiritual level. This means that people at the spiritual levels of 60%, 62%, 65% or 68% are all regarded as being at a spiritual level of 60%, until they attain the next level of 70%.

The Inanimate
        The inanimate are those things considered as non-living things. The fact is that everything is a living thing. Inanimate things are those things considered to be non-living things because
1. They do not have free will.
2. They do not have free choice
3. They do not have responsibility (They are not held accountable for any action or thing).
4. They only respond to and obey commands.

         Matter is inanimate.

Explanation To The Three Base Levels
         The three base levels are.
1. The Passionate
2. The Hypocrite
3. The Repentant

The Passionate
         They think evil, speak evil and do evil. Their thoughts are full of evil. Their words are full of evil. Their actions are full of evil. Even, they acknowledge the same or may even boast about their evil ways. Such a person can say, “I steal money,” “I kill people.” And he means it, and he is ready to do more.
         They are ready to fight, quarrel, revenge or confront. They are usually addicted to alcoholic, cigarette, immorality, drug, eating, etc. They do things out of passion. That is out of addiction, without self-control.
         They attend to every thing from selfish point of view. They are addicted to ‘My,’ ‘I,’ ‘My Own,’ ‘Our Own,’ ‘Ours,’ etc. This explains why every church claims to be the best, and quarrels one against the other. All because the leaders and members are selfish and jealous.
         The passionate does the following:
  1. They do things out of habit or uncontrolled passion.
  2. They can fight, eat, drink, say or do something not because such a thing is necessary, but just for the fun of it.
  3. A passionate drunkard returns to the restaurant for alcoholics, cigarette, etc. Even when he has no money, he still goes there with the hope that somebody would buy him one or two bottles of beer.


    4. Warning: Whoever that wants to grow in spirit and in truth must avoid alcoholics and cigarette.
The Hypocrite
         People at this category are considered ignorant because they do not know the Truth, about life. They have neither seen nor experienced the Truth. Over 90% of mankind belong to this category. It does not matter whatever religion or church they belong to. Bad enough, majority are still below 20% level. That is why God would say, “I looked for a righteous man, and have find none.”
         Jesus clearly described people at this level: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say,’ I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked — I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see." Revelation 3:15-18
         They are called hypocrites because they claim to know the Truth, whereas they do not know. The hypocrites have a very high sense of ego. They are self-centered, self-conscious and self-oriented. Every engagement is valued by the amount of personal benefit to be derived from it. Most people belong to this level, because each is busy working for his personal interests, benefits and aims. That is why citizens of underdeveloped countries will say that “In politics, you have personal interest, and no permanent enemy.” That means you can join any party or change group any time in order to achieve your personal (selfish) interest. That is too bad! That is not what God requires of His citizens, the mankind.
         People at this level tend to be careless, carefree and nonchalant. That is why government workers in underdeveloped countries have very poor maintenance culture. ‘That is not my father’s property’ they would readily say, each time they are required to make extra effort. Some others would ask, "Is it your father's business?" if you want to correct them. They foolishly forget that things belong to God, whois the Father of All.
That is also the reason why the youths generally love freedom, carefreeness and indiscipline.
         They worship God out of force, habit or culture, because they cannot avoid it. Or, simply because they have been trained to do so.
         They love social gatherings and ceremonies where they can show off; where they can eat and drink in plenty; they love noise - loud booming music - and they have little or no time for spiritual engagements, discussion, ceremony, books, etc.
         Because of their high sense of ego (self), they are easily irritated, angry for a long time; unforgiving, revengeful, etc. Above all, they are proud and boastful. Hence, they are happy and even proud of what they have achieved in life. Imagine, how every religion or church boasts of being the best. What a falsehood!
         They follow popular trends or fashions. If one person does any thing special, every other person in the group would like to do the same - in dressing, house construction, organization of ceremonies, etc.
         They make a lot of rituals and use imagery for worship. That is one reason why some churches are fond of images and statues. They praise themselves of what they can do. They boast about their religion and claim to be the best, yet they are not better than the unbelievers. Majority of them, despite their claims, are not true believers because they do not practice what they believe.
         Such were the Scribes and Pharisees. Majority of the world religions and leaders belong to this group, without knowing it. That is why mankind are in the Laodocian era. In summary, they are characterized by the following:
  1. Ignorance

    2. They are ignorant of the true realities of life, especially ignorant of spiritual realities.
  2. Inverted perception of values

    3. They value the smaller things of life, far more than they value greater things of life. For example, people are busy paying attention to their bodies, which are nothing but corpses, to the neglect of their spirit selves which are like the Angels.
  3. Quarrel

    4. They quarrel often, especially the women. Observe how one church is busy condemning the others. Understand why family politics and crisis are on the increase.
  4. Selfishness

    5. Each tends to use every opportunity for personal benefits, instead of working for the good of others. That is why many in leadership positions are busy stealing public funds.
  5. Spiritual naivety

    6. Spirituality is of little or no importance to them. Even, they laugh at those who are religious and make a mockery of spiritual statements.
  6. High level of ego

    7. They think about self, have a very high self-esteem. That is why everybody thinks that he is special and best. More over, they prefer to do the prestigious work and leave the less-privilege duties to others.
  7. Hypocrisy

    8. They are considered as hypocrites because:
The Repentant
        Those at the spiritual level of 30% are considered to be repentant. They are able to overcome 67% (2/3) of their sinful nature. They may think of evil, without speaking or doing it. Besides, when they find themselves thinking evil, they choose to stop it, wishing and praying to live a good and holy life.

The Believer/Born Again
         Believing is the start point in our spiritual development and journey. Unfortunately, many preachers advocate “just believe”. A person is a true believer or born again when he believes and practices what he believes.
         For example, many believe that forgiving their offenders will enable them obtain mercy from God. Yet, they are not ready and willing to forgive their offenders. Some would say “I have forgiven, but I have not forgotten,” whereas God wants them to forgive and forget. Being a true believer/born again starts with repentance and baptism (initiation) in whichever church or religion a person belongs to.
         "Before, I believed that God exists. Today, I no longer believe, because I know God. Belief is preliminary (elementary). It is meant for those who do not know God, but who believe that He exists. That is why they are called Believers. To know God means to have seen Him, spoken with Him, interacted with Him, worked with Him. Every believer should seek to know God: to see Him, to hear Him, to touch Him, to co-work with Him, to walk with Him and to relate with Him directly, all on a friendly basis and in a Father-Son relationship, just as Enoch did.
         Since the encounter, it has been series of encounter with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Angels." (From The Visions Of A Saint By Raphael Nweze)

         Every child of God is called not just to believe. Every true believer is called upon:
1. To repent/believe
2. To accept salvation
3. To seek and know the Truth
4. To grow in spirit and become one with God
         Until one earnestly seeks these four aims, he is not yet a true believer.

The Disciple/Seasoned/Confirmed
         The Disciple/Seasoned/Confirmed are those who have steadfastly practised what they believe, over a long time. They believe and practise the Truth, and can remain in the practise of the Truth on their own. They are not yet considered to be enlightened because they may be practicing something simply because they were told or converted to do so, without actually understanding what they believe. For example, if you ask people, “What is truth,” Everybody will claim to know what Truth is. But spiritually, you discover that people do not know what Truth is.
         The Disciple/Seasoned/Confirmed are very much interested in spiritual activities. They can continue to pray more after a prayer session is ended. They have keen interest in obtaining spiritual knowledge and putting it into practice. They study the scripture more and love to be in the company of ministers of God.
         They rise above religious or ethnic sentiments. They shift their attention from worldly things to heavenly life. They persist in spiritual way of life, irrespective of life’s situations. If you were to take two persons to an uncompleted residence, the worldly one will complain that it is not painted, while the spiritual person will appreciate and comment on how quiet the place is, not minding the absence of painting.

The Enlightened/Wise One
        He knows the Truth about life. He may not yet have recognized that he knows the Truth. But as events unfold, and day by day, he finds himself saying the Truth about life as one who knows. He has become spiritually enlightened. He begins to show the traces of a saint, though he is not yet recognized as one.
         He forgives easily, and is considerate in his thoughts, words and actions. People gain knowledge and wisdom from his teachings and explanations. At a stage, he experiences two wills in himself (his own will and God’s will). He also experiences “will against will.” He would like to do some thing in a given way, but finds that there is another will pulling him to do an entirely different thing.

St Paul confirms this saying,

15 "For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do . 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me." Romans 7:15-20

Likewise, the Holy Spirit can move a person to do what God wants, even when the person does not know it or does not intend to do so.

The Saint
         The saint is the person who knows the Truth about life and lives the Truth everyday. He usually delights in and exhibits quiet life, full of peace and poise. He performs his everyday work, whether in the public or religious field like a missionary. He experiences the great and wonderful benefits of life in spirit and in truth. Some of the benefits may be experienced before attaining sainthood.
         He may not be actively involved in any religion or church. Some prefer to live a quiet and private life, because of the ignorance of the general public. Thereby, they avoid unnecessary discussions, arguments, or oppositions. He does the following:
  1. He lives a righteous life, a quiet, gentle and active life.
  2. He devotes his time to God.
  3. He performs all his activities as service offering rendered to God.
  4. He performs all his services as acts of selflessness, not for rewards, thanks, praises, persuasion or force.
  5. He has the spiritual state of pure thoughts, good words and right actions.
  6. He depends solely on God, not on people or events.
  7. He does not engage in any form of evil or idolatry.
The Teacher/Guru/Sage
         He is a saint, who is actively involved in teaching spirituality and nurturing earnest seekers of Truth. He is a custodian of spiritual knowledge and wisdom. Saints are the authorities in their respective religions of the world. They may not be among the clergy, because as at today, most of the clergy are still spiritually ignorant, being at a spiritual level less than 20%.
         The word “guru,” was formed from ‘gu’ and ‘ru’. “Gu” means ignorance, while “ru” means the radiance of spiritual knowledge that dispels ignorance. Therefore, guru is a person whose presence and teachings lead people out of ignorance (darkness) into the light (knowledge). That is why the Bible says the following about Jesus and His ministry.

"The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned."
Matthew 4:15,16

         This saint has spiritual love for mankind, and demonstrates (practises) it without expecting reward. He has love for all things; he perceives God in all things; knows God as a friend and companion of all living things. His services are rendered to the Absolute Truth, God, though it is human beings that gain from the services. He sacrifices his time, body, mind and wealth for the good of all. Some of them spend a lot of time producing voluminous writings that teach, explain, demonstrate and illustrate the Truth, about God and life.
         Such a saint may or may not be among the founders of various world religions. His life is entirely spiritual; he is well guided in his thoughts, words and actions by spiritual knowledge and wisdom. He lives the life of God manifest in man. In terms of appearance, he has bright eyes which glow, and bright face, as well as sharp body movement. An example was Moses, whose body did not grow weak with age.

"Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished." Deuteronomy 34:7

The Master/Saviour/Avatar/Apostle/General
         They are God-realized souls, who have special assignment of bringing others from perdition back to salvation. They work selflessly; they do not accumulate wealth, and do not rely on man. Their soul trust in God. Examples include Jesus, Buddha and Krishna.
         They do not accept praise from men. Man’s praise is of no avail. It is like the noise of the ignorant multitudes.
         A person at this spiritual level works steadily for the good of others. He does everything as service offering to God. He performs all his responsibilities without expecting reward and without expecting thanks, even so without complaining. He understands and attends to all things from the spiritual perspective. While a medical doctor would give drugs to a sick person, the saviour will cure the same sickness with holy water.

The Godly/Perfect
         He knows God as the Primordial Being, the Universal, the All-In-All, the Originator and Sustainer of All. He does not discriminate between one church and another. His views are above religious sentiments. He sees God as within all things centering them, and outside all things controlling them. He is always conscious of God, and does every thing as God would want.
         He sees God face to face, while others may see God vaguely or see God clearly without seeing God’s face. Some may see God’s finger, hear His voice or feel His presence. The perfect sees the form of God. An example of those who saw God clearly and fully were Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Daniel, Isaiah, Jesus, Apostle John, Arjuna (Hinduism), etc. Even the author of this book has seen God several times in different forms.
         Such a perfect one has his body on earth, while his heart is often in the heavenly kingdom, just like a person who works in an office, but lives at home. He is not mindful of ego (self). He knows that God lives and works through him.

"Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves." John 14:8-11

Level ............. Colour
Base 1 ............ Black
Base 2 ............ Grey
Base 3 ............ Light Grey

Level 1 ........... Red
Level 2 ........... Orange
Level 3 ...... .... Yellow
Level 4 ........... Green
Level 5 ........... Blue
Level 6 ........... Indigo
Level 7 ........... Violet

For you to grow in spirit, you should learn the following:

Man Is A Small God
Benefits Of Life In Spirit And In Truth

How To Grow In Spirit