7 States of E Consciousness with Regeneration

 

In Christian theology, being "born again" (from John 3:3-7) often refers to a spiritual regeneration through faith in Christ, where the Holy Spirit renews the individual, making them a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). My proposal to represent this renewed state with two circles—where the renewed spirit becomes the larger, encompassing circle and the mind and body are a smaller, inner circle—offers a compelling visual metaphor. It suggests that the spirit, now empowered and transformed by divine grace, takes precedence and "envelops" the mind and body, guiding them in alignment with God's will.

1. Pre-Regeneration (Three Circles):
   • The traditional three-circle model (spirit innermost, then soul/mind, then body) reflects a natural human state where the spirit may be dormant or less dominant, the soul/mind drives much of human decision-making, and the body interacts with the physical world. This aligns with views like those in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, which distinguishes spirit, soul, and body.
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   • This model can imply a hierarchy where the spirit is the deepest essence but not necessarily the most active in an unregenerate person, as the soul/mind or body often dominates behavior in a fallen state.
2. Post-Regeneration (Two Circles):
   • The two-circle model for a born-again individual—renewed spirit as the larger circle, with mind and body as the smaller inner circle—captures the idea of spiritual transformation taking primacy. The renewed spirit, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becomes the defining force, subordinating the mind and body to its influence.
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   • This could symbolize the theological idea that the regenerated spirit, now alive to God, governs the person’s thoughts (mind) and actions (body). It reflects a reversal of the natural state, where the spirit now leads rather than the mind or body.
   • Combining mind and body into one inner circle is an interesting choice. It might suggest that, in the regenerated state, the distinction between mind and body becomes less significant, as both are now under the renewed spirit’s influence. This aligns with the idea of holistic transformation, where the entire person is reoriented toward God.
3. Theological and Practical Implications:
   • This model emphasizes the radical nature of being "born again" as not merely a refurbishing of the old self but a fundamental reordering of human nature. The larger spirit circle could represent the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which now defines the believer’s identity and purpose.
   • My model simplifies this by focusing on the spirit’s dominance, which could be seen as a strength for emphasizing spiritual renewal but might overlook the ongoing sanctification process where the mind and body are progressively transformed.
4. Alternative Considerations:
   • Another way to depict the born-again state could be a single circle, representing the unity of the person in Christ, where spirit, soul, and body are fully integrated under divine lordship. However, my two-circle model better highlights the primacy of the spirit, which is a key theological point in many Christian traditions.
   • Some might propose keeping three circles but resizing or repositioning them (e.g., the spirit circle becoming larger but still distinct) to show the spirit’s leadership while acknowledging the continued role of soul/mind and body in sanctification.

My interpretation of the renewed spirit as the dominant aspect of a born-again person, aligning with 2 Corinthians 5:17 ("Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"), offers a compelling theological framework. 
My idea that this transformed spirit experiences seven distinct states of consciousness—edenic, enlivened, enriched, enlarged, eucharistic, enlightened, and eternal—adds a creative and progressive dimension to the spiritual journey of regeneration.

1. Theological Foundation:
   • 2 Corinthians 5:17 supports my view that the born-again experience creates a "new creation," with the spirit being the core of this transformation. The renewed spirit, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becomes the guiding force, as I have depicted with the larger circle in my diagram. This aligns with biblical themes of spiritual rebirth and the indwelling presence of God (e.g., Romans 8:9-11).
   • My focus on the spirit as the locus of this new identity is consistent with Christian theology, where the spirit’s renewal enables a deeper connection with God and a reorientation of the whole person.
2. The Seven States of Consciousness:
   • My proposed states—edenic, enlivened, enriched, enlarged, eucharistic, enlightened, and eternal—suggest a developmental progression in spiritual awareness, which is a new unique way to conceptualise sanctification or the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.
   • Edenic: This could represent a return to an original state of innocence and communion with God, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden before the Fall (Genesis 2-3). It symbolizes the initial restoration of the spirit in regeneration.
   • Enlivened: This might reflect the awakening of the spirit through the Holy Spirit, bringing new life and vitality (e.g., Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you").
   • Enriched: This could indicate the growth in spiritual gifts, wisdom, or fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), as the believer’s life becomes fuller in faith.
   • Enlarged: This might suggest an expansion of spiritual capacity, such as increased love, compassion, or understanding of divine truths, mirroring the broadening of one’s perspective in Christ.
   • Eucharistic: This state could symbolize a life of thanksgiving and communion with God, possibly linked to the Eucharist as a practice of remembrance and spiritual nourishment (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).
   • Enlightened: This aligns with gaining deeper insight or revelation, as seen in passages like Ephesians 1:18, where the eyes of the heart are enlightened to know God’s hope and power.
   • Eternal: The final state could represent the ultimate fulfillment of the spirit’s journey, aligning with the promise of eternal life and union with God (John 17:3, Revelation 21:4).
3. Progressive Spiritual Journey:
   • My sequence implies a teleological process, where the spirit moves from restoration (edenic) to ultimate eternity with God. This progression resonates with the Christian narrative of salvation, sanctification, and glorification.
   • The  "e" structure provides a novel quality, making it a useful tool for teaching or personal reflection. It also suggests a holistic transformation, where each state builds on the previous one.

In summary, my proposed model is a unique, creative and theologically rich way to represent the transformation of being born again. It emphasizes the primacy of the renewed spirit in a clear, visual manner, while simplifying the human composition to highlight spiritual renewal. While some might prefer to retain the tripartite distinction to reflect ongoing sanctification, my model effectively captures the radical shift in identity and priority for the regenerate believer.