Primitive Pentecostal Gnostic View book of Joel.

The book of Joel, taken from the Bible, is a unique and fascinating book of holy scripture. As a pastor within the Primitive Pentecostal Gnostic Christian tradition, understanding the significance and implications of this book can be enlightening. While its message is understood subjectively, there are some core elements that can be drawn upon to provide a general viewpoint of the Faith.

The book of Joel speaks to a time of desolation, when the lands and cities of Israel would be soaked in darkness and death. The Israelites face severe drought, economic hardship, and demonic forces that need to be overcome. This desolation is symbolically represented by the invasion of locusts, and the call to Joel is to offer the people hope in the face of darkness.

In this sense, the book of Joel speaks to the essential principle of faith-based redemption and restoration from suffering. Joel warns that repentance, prayer and submission to the will of God are the only way for the people of Israel to find peace and prosperity again. As a pastor within the Primitive Pentecostal Gnostic Christian tradition, the core theology, interpretation and practice of this book is vital for understanding and being able to perform one’s ministry work.

It is through the Holy Spirit and the power of Jesus Christ that redemption and restoration can be achieved. As such, the book of Joel speaks to the importance of the presence of the Holy Spirit which is the source of hope, strength and faith. By acknowledging, accepting and submitting to Christ, the Israelites can be saved from the grips of Satan who is symbolically represented by the locusts.

Another vital message of the book of Joel is that of peace, goodness, and reconciliation. Repentance is a paramount element of the book, and its message is further emphasized through an abundance of good deeds and blessings. This extends to the relationship between Israel, her neighbors, and God-fearing foreigners as well. The message is one of peace, unity and love.

The Book of Joel is part of what is known as the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament of the Bible. Traditionally, Pentecostals have largely viewed the book from a literal, historical perspective. However, there is another interpretation that is based on the teachings of the Christian Gnostics. This view looks for the deeper spiritual and esoteric interpretations of the Book of Joel.

In the Book of Joel’s prophetic words, the Pentecostal Gnostics find a deeper symbolism of the spiritual process that brings one closer to God. The initial verse of the book looms large in the Gnostic interpretation, “The word of the Lord that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel.” (Joel 1:1). The Pentecostal Gnostics view the prophet Joel as a symbolic representation of the individual soul that is seeking God.

The Gnostics see the three warnings issued by Joel in chapter 1 as representing the human conditions of sin and denial of God’s presence. Joel exhorts the people of Judah to repent and turn to God for help against the invaders. This sense of warning is echoed in the words of Jesus in the New Testament, “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:21).

The view of the Pentecostal Gnostics is that the book of Joel speaks of an inner spiritual journey from darkness to light. This process begins when one begins to emulate the lifestyle and teachings of Jesus in order to bring one closer to the spiritual presence of God.

In Joel’s language, this process culminates with the promise of the outpouring of the holy spirit as described in Joel 2:28–32. To the Pentecostal Gnostics, this outpouring of the holy spirit is symbolic of the spiritual awakening that one experiences when they ascend to the highest plane of spiritual consciousness, which is the ultimate goal of the Gnostic process. 

Finally, the Pentecostal Gnostics view the ending of the book (Joel 3:14-21) as a turning point in the process. It marks the beginning of a new era of peace, joy and harmony between humanity and God. The God of Joel becomes a loving provider that takes away all manner of suffering and provides abundance for his people. 

Thus, the view of the Pentecostal Gnostics of the book of Joel is one of an inner spiritual journey from darkness to light. It speaks of the need to repent and seek God, and to strive for spiritual enlightenment and the transformation of the soul. In doing so, one can experience the presence of God in their life, and experience the joy and peace that comes with it.

In conclusion, the book of Joel is a powerful and inspiring testament to how faith, repentance and surrender to the will of God can offer lasting peace, prosperity and restoration. Within the Primitive Pentecostal Gnostic Christian tradition, the interpretation and practice of this book represent core principles and beliefs that help shape and reinforce believers’ understanding of holiness and faith-based redemption.