SPIRITUAL COVERINGS(?)
Overseer Betty Williams
Overseer at The Burning Bush Evangelistic Ministries
Though the doctrine of "spiritual covering/Shepherding movement (substitute for GOD)" is far from that which is comprised in N.T. Scripture, all believers are instructed to obey/salute those that have the rule over them (Heb 13:17). Of which rigorously defies the effectual power of CHRISTS (Χριστ?? Christós) Blood, finish works and the ministry of The HOLY SPIRIT (πνε?μα pne?ma/Heb 9:12,13,14/see also Jhn 14:17,26; 16:13).
Seeing then that fallible man is incapable to cover or atone for any, and not even himself, what benefit is his "covering?" And if this were possible that a liable erroneous covering is placed upon us, then who covers him? The end of this equation would then be, "CHRIST!"
Well if CHRIST then covers him then He must needs cover all. Seeing His blood alone is the sole propitiation for our sins.
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
1Jhn 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1Jhn 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Even so leaders are commanded not to Lord (control/master) over GODS heritage (1Pe 5:3). So while Scripture gives numerous instructions for Church leadership, "covering (veiling)" them is not a N.T. optional employ (Eph 4:11; cf 1Peter 5:2,3). Yet, believers are to esteem (not idolize) their leaders very highly (1Th 5:12,13).
As with the case of covering, Paul in his discourse (argument) to the church of Corinth, explains that the woman's (wife) hair is given to her for a covering (1Cor. 11:15). And her husband is then her head. So the role of headship to the wife both here and in Ephesians 5, is that of the husband and not a church leader. Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Scripture explains that believers are ultimately accountable only to GOD (Ro 3:19; Matt 12:36). The believer is then to put on the mind of CHRIST (Phil 2:5-11) and be led of The SPIRIT (Rom 8:1; Gal 5:18). Looking solely to GOD for approval and not men (2 Tim 2:15).
For our service to GOD is not validated by any person (Ro 14:4), by whom we are called (Eph 1:2-13). By ascribing to any individual for complete authority can cripple the spiritual growth and integrity (1Tim2:5) within the church. Thus creating havoc (1 Cor 3:4–9). Remember we are "the body of CHRIST" and He alone is The HEAD. ~Blessings!