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God’s Plan of Redemption Appropriated and Manifested
Thus far our studies have been from the objective standpoint. We now consider the subjective aspect.
A word of caution is necessary in connection with this portion of our course. The teacher should not permit the class to take up these lessons until the truths presented in the first and second sections are really perceived. Frequent reviews are necessary that the teacher may be able to ascertain how much has been grasped by the individual members of the class, as all subjective teaching must rest upon a solid objective basis. If the objective is weak, the subjective will not be able to stand the strain of fierce, long continued temptation, or the subtle influence of error and fanaticism.
The Term "Appropriation" Explained
Perhaps it will be well to explain the reason for the use of the word "appropriate" in this section. If we study the derivation of the verb to appropriate, we shall find that it indicates the act of taking something for one's own use. The mental picture is an outstretched hand receiving something that has been given, to be put to a certain definite use. It does not indicate self-effort beyond that of reaching forth the hand to receive a gift; therefore it seems a fitting word to use in reference to the extended hand of faith, receiving the Gift of God.
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What We Are to Appropriate
Now let us consider what we are to appropriate. In answering this question, we must again call attention to the representative aspect of Christ's Death and Resurrection. All that is included in His Death and Resurrection, with the exception of His substitutionary work, is true of all those who are identified with Him. In Him, we died to sin. We arose in Him, alive
Positionally, every redeemed human being arose when Christ arose; thus manifesting His victory over sin and death. |
unto God. (See Rom. 6:1-11.) Those who share the Life of the Last Adam are to be conformed to His Image. Positionally, every redeemed human being arose when Christ arose; thus manifesting His victory over sin and death. Positionally, they ascended with Him; thus manifesting His victory over Satan and all the powers of darkness. God reckons upon this Representative aspect of Christ's death; therefore He speaks of the redeemed as if they were already experimentally what He knows they will be. In this connection read Ephesians 2:4-6 and Romans 8:28-30. Because God reckons upon what the Life of the Last Adam in a human being who has appropriated Him will accomplish, He can consistently say to one who is conscious of failure and weakness, "Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee." Someone has truly said—God was the first being to put faith in Calvary.
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The teacher must lead the class to see that God does not have to wait for the historical manifestation of anything
God does not have to wait for the historical manifestation of anything before He sees it. |
before He sees it. Notice that "He chose us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before Him" (Eph. 1:4). He saw the redeemed, i.e., those who should appropriate the Life of the Redeemer, before He created the world, as plainly as when in a yet distant future the entire host of the redeemed, conformed to the glorified humanity of the Last Adam, will stand in His presence.
God's Unique Constitution of Being
We must remember that God has no past, no future. It is always present tense with Uncreated Life. God IS.
God has His own unique constitution of Being.
He is the "I AM," to whom past, present and future are equally today. |
He is the Eternal God and therefore independent of all time—He is the "I AM," to whom past, present and future are equally today, who is alike without beginning and without end, without succession of days or change of condition. (Dr. A. T. Pierson)
In the light of the present day discussion of the theory of relativity, these
God speaks and it is done—thousands of years ago—but lately found out by me. |
statements seem perfectly logical and may be apprehended, although never comprehended. Concerning Creation and Redemption, we may say in the language of an old-time writer— "God speaks and it is done—thousands of years ago—but lately found out by me."
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We are now able to perceive that we are to appropriate a measure of the very same Life that infills the glorified personality of the Lord Jesus Christ. This Life is the Uncreated Life of God, permeating a human personality. Have the class read 1 John 5:11 and then fasten a small gilt disc containing these words, upon the large disc symbolizing Uncreated Life. (See Fig. 8.) Explain that a human being can never have the Life of God except through the Eternal Son. Uncreated Light is stored in Him for us. Light existed before the sun, but in the account of God's Reconstructive Work as recorded in the first chapter of Genesis, we find that God prepared the sun to be a light-holder or container, that light might be diffused throughout the earthly atmosphere. Even so God prepared the Son—the Word—Christ Jesus,
We are to appropriate a measure of the very same Life that infills the glorified personality of the Lord Jesus Christ. |
to be a Holder or Container of Uncreated Life and Light; "In Him was Life and the Life was the Light of men" (John 1:4). In this connection Christ said of Himself, "I am the Light of the world" (John 9:5). We now understand what God means when He says, "He that hath the Son hath the Life; and he that hath not the Son hath not the Life" (1 John 5:12); "the Life," referring to His Life—Uncreated or Eternal Life, which He has stored for us in the Son.
The Activities of the Holy Spirit
in Connection with Our Appropriation
How may these truths that we have considered objectively become ours experimentally? |
We now need to consider how we are to appropriate all that God has for us in Christ Jesus: In other words, how may these truths that we have considered objectively become ours experimentally?
We found in a previous lesson that the threefoldness of God is to be considered in connection with every act of God. We commonly speak of the three "persons" of the Trinity, for lack of a better expression; but this is misleading unless we are careful to remember that the Trinity is One Personality. We should never separate the threefoldness of God, but always think of Him as the One God, visualized in Christ, but also invisibly active in the Holy Spirit.
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For the purpose of clear thinking, we will now speak of the activities of God the Holy Spirit in enabling sinful human beings to perceive and appropriate the Redemptive Work planned by God the Father and executed by God the Son. The Holy Spirit's method, if we may use that word, is the same at each crisis of appropriation. There is always the "brooding process," followed by man's perception of need; then there is illumination concerning God's Plan of Redemption executed at Calvary, to meet the need. This is followed by the quickening of faith in the needy one, and then the will is energized so that the choice may be made. The word "brooding" referred to, is suggested by the verb in the last phrase of Genesis 1:2. "The Spirit of God, i.e., God, the Holy Spirit, moved (Heb. brooded) upon the face of the waters." Pastor Stockmayer in his Meditations in Genesis shows the analogy between the work of the Holy Spirit in connection with the reconstruction of the chaotic earth and His work in the ruined sinner. Concerning this preparatory work he says, "The Spirit of God prepares the way for the Word of God." Before God speaks the word (vv. 3, 6, 9, 14, 20, 24, 26), the Spirit of God must make ready His way. He hovers, He moves, He broods over that mass as a hen broods over her eggs. Before the sinner wakes up to grace out of the world of chaos in which he has been living, an uneasiness comes over him. It is the Holy Spirit brooding over him. Theologians name this "predestinating grace." The teacher should explain that this preparatory work must be accomplished in those for whom we are praying. While we are praying and giving forth the Word of God in public assemblies or in personal
Before God speaks the word...the Spirit of God must make ready His way. |
conversation, the Holy Spirit is using our words and our intercession to bring about the uneasiness and sense of need that develops into what is theologically termed "conviction." A convicted sinner must always be shown Calvary as meeting his need, and this the Holy Spirit proceeds to do— revealing a crucified Savior whose sin-bearing has made it possible for the sinner to pass from the sphere of sin into that of Eternal Life. Faith is so quickened that the Redemptive Work of Calvary seems no longer an historical event for sinners in general, but the sinner exclaims, "He died for me." There is penitence and in some cases much emotion is manifested, but not until the energized will chooses to pass from the sphere of sin into that of Eternal Life, is the person truly regenerated. This act of the will is called repentance. It is a "right about face movement."
Repentance an Act of the Will
It cannot be too strongly emphasized that repentance is an act of the will. In its beginning there may be no sense of gladness or reconciliation to God; but just the consciousness that certain ways of life are wrong, mistaken, hurtful and grieving to God; and the desire, which becomes the determination to turn from them, to seek Him who formed the mountains and created the wind, that maketh the morning darkness and treadeth upon the high places of the earth.
Repentance may be accounted the other side of faith. They are the two sides of the same coin; the two aspects of the same act. For purpose of clear thinking it is well to discriminate in our use of the words repentance and penitence, using the former of the first act of the will, when, energized and quickened by the Spirit of God, it turns from dead works to serve the living and true God; and the latter, of the emotions which are powerfully wrought upon as the years pass by the Spirit's presentation of all the pain and grief which our sin has caused, and is causing to our blessed Lord. We repent once, but are penitents always. We repent in the will; we are penitent in the heart. (Rev. F. B. Meyer)
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If the nature of repentance were better understood, Christians would not be troubled over certain passages of Scripture that are often quoted to prove that a child of God may lose Eternal Life: e.g., Hebrews 6:6. The teacher must dwell upon this subject sufficiently to enable the class to clearly perceive the difference between
repentance and penitence. They must see that in the very nature of things, repentance, as has been defined, is an act that can never be repeated. The class will be helped to perceive this, if the teacher will exhibit a fifth piece of cardboard, uniform in size with the other four, but placed horizontally, instead of vertically, containing a cross in the center and at the left of the cross a black disc, above which should be placed the words "Sphere of Sin and Death." At the right of the Cross a gilt disc should be placed, above which are the words "Sphere of Eternal Life in Christ Jesus." (See Fig. 9.)
Proceed to show that when the sinner, who is within the sphere of sin and death, chooses to leave that sphere and enter the sphere of Eternal Life in Christ Jesus, he actually passes experimentally from one to the other; the cross standing as a gate which opens at his touch of faith to let him through, but which closes behind him and can never be opened upon the Life Side of the Cross to permit his return.
The members of the class must be able to perceive very, very clearly that when the choice is made, a measure of Eternal Life, God's own Uncreated Life, comes into the spirit of man. He is now truly regenerated; i.e., born again. Let the class become familiar with the following definition of regeneration.
Regeneration
A Birth Relationship with God
Regeneration is a birth relationship with God, instantaneous and indissoluble. At this point, place a small gilt disc in the center of the black disc symbolizing the sin-stained
A child may disobey its father's commands, may grieve his heart and wander away from him, but he is still his father's child. |
"spirit," "soul," "body," and call for John 1:12 and 1 John 3:1-3 to be read by the class. (See Fig. 10.) It is evident that a birth relationship can never be dissolved. A child may disobey its father's commands, may grieve his heart and wander away from him, but he is still his father's child. Other relationships may cease. A business partnership may be dissolved; the marriage relation may be annulled; friends may be separated, but birth relationship is indissoluble.
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Unless the members of the class really see the meaning of this birth relationship with God, progress in the Christian life will be slow and uncertain. Many persons seem to think that they remain Christians while they are not consciously disobeying God's commands, but should they do something that they consider wrong, they think that they have fallen from grace and have lost Eternal Life. Could Christians but remember that the life they receive at regeneration is Uncreated Life—God's Life that can never change, and that He calls them His own children, they would cease to permit their fluctuating emotions to determine their standing before God. When a sinner is willing to admit his sinful, lost condition, and definitely turns to God from sin—appropriating the Life of God in Christ Jesus—that very instant he becomes a child of God, and through all Eternity will be a Child of God; for he is put within the sphere of Eternal Life; therefore he now possesses in his spirit a Life that will remain there as long as God lives. (See John 1:12; Rom. 8:16-17.) This is what regeneration means. He is also justified. (See Rom. 8:30.)
Justification Defined and Illustrated
The class should learn the meaning of Justification, which is—a new standing before God. Before his new birth his standing was that of a sinner; now it is that of a child of God—in New Testament terms, a "saint." An illustration may help the class to perceive that justification does not depend upon our righteous acts but upon our attitude toward God. It is the result of our choice, not the reward
Justification...—a new standing before God. Before his new birth his standing was that of a sinner; now it is that of a child of God. |
for our good works. In Tennyson's poem, The Beggar Maid, we find that king Cophetua made the barefooted beggar girl in poor attire, his queen. Her standing before her marriage to the king was that of a poor beggar maid; upon her marriage she was at once a queen. Her change of status depended solely upon her choosing to become the bride of a king. After her marriage, she might put on clothing befitting her position and adorn herself with the jewels that the king should bestow, but her change of status would not depend upon such acts; indeed the changed clothing would be the result of her previously changed status. The person who one moment says, "I am a poor lost sinner" may the next moment sing, "I'm the child of a King."
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The Sphere of the Believer
Most carefully should the nature of redeeming grace be presented to the class. Grace is unmerited favor bestowed by God upon repentant human beings, but it is favor that He longs to bestow. Have the following passages read: Ephesians 2:4-10; Romans 5:15, 21; 3:23-24 and find similar passages.
Regeneration marks the first crisis of appropriation in the life of a Christian. A new life-principle has entered the spirit of the believer,
He is "in Christ Jesus," and Christ's Life is in him, and his condition is absolutely unalterable. |
and his personality is in a new sphere. He is "in Christ Jesus," and Christ's Life is in him, and his condition is absolutely unalterable. To think otherwise would be to doubt the unchanging nature of the Life that enspheres him. In connection with the use of the word "sphere," the following quotation from Dr. A. T. Pierson will be helpful:
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A circle surrounds us, but only on one plane; but a sphere encompasses, envelops us, surrounding us in every direction. If you draw a circle on the floor, and step within its circumference you are within it only on the level of the floor. But, if that circle could become a sphere, and you within it, it would on every side surround you—above and below, on the right hand and on the left. Moreover, the sphere that surrounds you also separates you from whatever is outside of it. Again, in proportion as such a sphere is strong it also protects whatever is within it from all that is without—from all external foes or perils. And yet again, it supplies, to whomsoever is within it whatever it contains. This may help us to understand the great truth taught with such clearness especially in the New Testament. Christ is there presented throughout as the sphere of the believer's whole life and being, and in this truth are included these conditions: First, Christ Jesus surrounds or embraces the believer in His own life; second, He separates the believer in Himself from all hostile influences; third, He protects him in Himself from all perils and foes of his life; fourth, He provides and supplies in Himself all that is needful.
These two expressions, "In Christ Jesus" and "Christ in you," or their equivalents, indicate the whole gospel story. We find them used very many times in the epistles. It will be well for the class to find some of these expressions for themselves. Notice how they abound in the first chapter of the epistle to the Ephesians.
God's Ultimate Purpose concerning the Regenerated
The teacher will now need to call attention to God's ultimate
God's purpose for His redeemed one is that he shall become like The Man in the Glory. |
purpose concerning the life of the regenerated one. We have already seen that God marked out the redeemed before the founding of the world to be conformed to the Image of His Son. And we have further seen that He had in mind the glorified Last Adam, when He created the first Adam; therefore God's purpose for His redeemed one is that he shall become like The Man in the Glory.
Conformity to Type
We know full well that life on any plane, if unhindered, will become conformed to its type. In other words, it will ultimately manifest all the characteristic qualities of the individual life- principle.
Life on any plane, if unhindered, will become conformed to its type. |
The teacher will explain, if necessary, the various definitions of the word type, that the class may not become confused with its double use in Bible Study. This law of conformity to type may be illustrated as follows. Notwithstanding the fact that vegetable life presents almost endless variety in order, group and family, yet in the original germ no difference is discernible. An invisible life-principle within each germ fashions the particular form of vegetable life that the Creator designs. Thus the original germ of the oak and the lily look exactly alike. Examined through the microscope, no difference whatever is to be seen; yet the oak life is within one germ, and the lily life within the other, and these two widely differing forms of life are developed according to the individual life-principle.
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The same is true of animal life. In the original germs no difference is discernable, yet the individual life-principle in one germ fashions an animal to live upon the land, while that in another germ forms an animal to live in the water or to fly in the air.
And not only does the individual life-principle fashion its special form of life, but if conditions for growth are fulfilled, it will cause the life to become fully conformed to its type. To illustrate: The lily life is in the tiny green shoot appearing above the ground but it is not conformed to its type. It has not yet manifested all the characteristic qualities of the lily life. However, there comes a day when the beautiful lily life is fully manifested in the lovely, fragrant blossoms that crown its glossy, green stalk. It is now conformed to type.
God, the Creator, has made provision for each variety of life to conform to its type. It makes no difference whether it be upon the plane of vegetable, animal or human life; if conditions are fulfilled, conformity is certain. We will now consider the nature of these conditions upon each plane of life.
Vegetable life is simple, unconscious life; therefore the response to God's provision for growth and ultimate conformity to type will be unconscious, spontaneous. The lily simply bathes in the sunshine, drinks in the rain and the dew, and absorbs from the soil that which it needs. This response to God's provision for its conformity is beautifully set forth in Luke 12:27.
Animal life is conscious life, although not self-conscious life; therefore the response to the provision for growth is of a different kind. We see this indicated in Psalm 104:21 and Luke 12:24. God provides animals with food, but they have to "gather" it. Unlike the lily, they are created with organs of locomotion, and they must use them if they are to attain maturity of growth.
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In considering the conditions for growth on the plane of human life, which is self-conscious life, we find that as human beings are created with the power of choice, and intellectual and moral faculties in addition to bodily powers, the response to God's provision will be of a higher order than that of the animal creation. Man has to use all of his powers if his conformity to type morally, intellectually, and physically is to be realized; yet he cannot by self-effort add "one cubit to his stature." He simply uses his God-given power of choice in such a manner that the life-principle within succeeds in causing conformity to type.
We must now see how this law of conformity to type is manifested on the higher plane of regenerated human life. We must remember that a new life-principle has been introduced into the human spirit.
A new life-principle has been introduced into the human spirit. |
There is not a single spark of Uncreated, or Eternal Life, in a human being until the instant of regeneration. This fact has already been set forth in the first section of these studies, but the teacher needs to constantly keep it before the class, as so many persons have mistaken ideas in reference to this subject. We must also recall the fact that biology says, "Life on one plane cannot generate life on a higher plane; but, if the life on one plane were ever to know life on a higher plane, there must be a prepared organism to receive such a life, and a prepared medium of transmission from the higher plane to the lower, so that the new life may be received as an immediate, instantaneous bestowal." The agreement between this statement and God's written Word is perfect. The God-Man is the prepared medium of transmission, and every human being is a "prepared organism" for the reception of life on a higher plane—because
Every human being is a "prepared organism" for the reception of life on a higher plane. |
of the created spirit, as a capacity for this life, and the created power to choose it. If the will has made its choice, then this new Life-principle will fashion within the human personality that "new creature" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:17. And, if the conditions for growth are fulfilled, then conformity to the Type—the Glorified God-Man—will be realized.
Conditions for the Christian's Conformity to Type
What are the conditions? These: Complete dedication of the entire personality to God, and continual reckoning upon His working within, both to "will and to do of His good pleasure"; thus transforming from "one degree of glory to another," until Christ shall be fully formed within the personality. (See Phil. 2:13; 2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 4:19.)
Entire Dedication Marks
the Second Crisis of Appropriation
This dedication marks a second definite crisis in the life of the believer, but too often the subject is ignored by Christian workers, or presented in such a manner as to cause confusion and to lead into fanaticism. The teacher who has faithfully followed this course thus far will have little difficulty in leading the class to see the absolute necessity of a definite handing over of the whole being to God for His transforming work. It is the only logical thing to do, for God cannot fill a personality with the "Life of the Lamb" against the will of the person; and if the personality continues to manifest the life of the old Adam, he will not be a son brought to glory.
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We have seen that God's Plan of Redemption was settled judicially and decisively at Calvary, but if Christians are not enabled to become conformed to the Image of Christ, it cannot be said to have been settled effectually. Christ's vicarious suffering for the members of the human race would not cause a realization of God's Eternal Purpose for them,
We have seen that God's Plan of Redemption was settled judicially and decisively at Calvary, but if Christians are not enabled to become conformed to the Image of Christ, it cannot be said to have been settled effectually. |
unless they were thereby enabled to partake of His Life and become conformed to His Image. The members of the human race must come into such a union with Him, that His death should be their death, and His Life their Life. "When Christ is said to die for another, it is upon the presupposition that such a one, a real believer, is to come into mystical, vital union with Christ; so that as thus identified with Christ, the believer dies with Christ to the life of self and sin, and then lives again in the power of a risen life" (from The Meaning and Message of the Cross). It is to be feared that many Christians see only the substitutionary aspect of Christ's death, and their lives express what their lips would hardly dare to say—"Christ died for me; therefore I can live as I please."
We have spoken of the Holy Spirit's "method" of working at each crisis of appropriation. We noted the "brooding'' until a sense of need is awakened, then the vision of Calvary as meeting the need, [then] the quickening of faith and energizing of the will before the choice of the individual is made; and we find this to be true in the case of the Christian who is led from Regeneration to Sanctification.
Twofold Aspect of Sanctification
It will be observed that Sanctification includes the act of dedication, which is instantaneous, and transformation, which is a process, never ending until Glorification is realized. With this in mind, let us follow the working of the Holy Spirit at this crisis.
The regenerated one has begun to see that a life of victory is impossible; old habits assert themselves much to the grief of the person; resolutions are made but prove ineffectual in the hour of temptation. The condition of the believer is well
Look again to Calvary. See, not only did Christ suffer for your sins, but He took you with Him to the Cross. |
described in Romans 7:22-24. The Holy Spirit has succeeded in causing a realization of need; now He whispers, "Look again to Calvary. See, not only did Christ suffer for your sins, but He took you with Him to the Cross. Your old self was nailed there with Him; with Him it was laid in the tomb, and that was its termination; for only the Life of Christ arose. Will you let His risen, victorious Life be lived out in your personality?" There is hesitation for a time as visions of possible future suffering and loss are presented to the mind, but the yearning love of Christ conquers, and then the irrevocable, inclusive yes is said. From the depths of the being comes the
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Yes, Lord,
One great Eternal yes
To all my Lord shall say;
To all I know or yet shall know
Of all the untried way.
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This is a blessed moment in the life of a child of God, for now the Holy Spirit is free to enter upon the transforming work which will eventually cause complete conformation to the Image of Christ.
First and Second Crisis of Appropriation Contrasted
The following quotation illustrates the difference between the first and second crisis of appropriation.
Is not the failure in connection with the realization of experimental victory over sin, due to the fact that we have not perceived the need of definitely appropriating our individual infilling with the Anointing of the Holy Spirit which was poured upon Christ our Head, and which was to include each member of His body? It is true that we have a measure of the Holy Spirit when we are regenerated, for one cannot be "born again" without the Spirit of God; but that is not knowing Him in His fullness. A simple illustration may help us to see this: Suppose we see a stretch of marshy land full of pools of stagnant water, emitting noisome odors and vapors. Right above it is a beautiful lake, full of clear, sparkling water. As we look at this beautiful water, we think of the transformation which would be realized if it could flow over the waste land below; but a dam of solid masonry effectually prevents this. However, one day as we pass by we discover that the flashboard of the dam has been raised, and now a stream of the clear, life-giving water is flowing over the marshy land below. Already a great change has been effected, but there still remain unsightly, muddy pools on either side of the stream of pure water, and involuntarily we exclaim, "Oh, if the water would come down and flood all this place, how beautiful it would then appear." A little later, we pass by again, and lo, what a transformation! Someone has raised the floodgate of the dam and the water is pouring down, rapidly covering the entire stretch of marshy land, until all the muddy pools of
Oh, what a circumference of our being remains practically untouched by this Life. |
stagnant water are covered and all that we can see is the pure, sparkling water of the lake. When we are "born again" (regenerated), it is like the raising of the flashboard. The Life of God through the Holy Spirit comes into our spirit, making us indeed new creatures in Christ Jesus; but oh, what a circumference of our being remains practically untouched by this Life. When we definitely yield to the infilling and control of the Holy Spirit, saying to Him, "I choose to let Thee transform me to the Image of Christ, at any cost," then we realize that the Eternal Spirit is manifesting Himself within our being in a new way, which may be likened to the opening of the floodgate. (from Identification)
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To symbolize the results of this second crisis of appropriation, the teacher may place over the small gilt disc which has been fastened to the black disc containing the three circles "spirit," "soul," "body," a slightly larger gilt disc with eight (or more) rays extending in various directions, the points barely touching the circle symbolizing the body. (See Fig. 11.) A still larger symbol, of the same shape, may be added later to illustrate the progressive stages of Transformation, if desired. And if a gilt disc containing the three circles symbolizing spirit, soul and body, could be held over this partly covered black disc, it would symbolize the future Glorification of the believer.(See Fig. 12.)
Suggestions and Warnings in Connection
with the Second Crisis of Appropriation
So much unwise teaching has been given concerning the external manifestations following this crisis that frequently Christians are led to expect a great display of the Supernatural at this time, and in many cases honest souls become greatly confused. One who has seen much fanaticism and suffering as the result of such teaching has written the following suggestions which may be helpful to the members of the class:
It matters little what outward manifestations may accompany the sweeping of God's Presence through "all the rooms of the house," or whether there is any manifestation at all. The redeemed one simply knows that "The Lord is in His Holy Temple," and that henceforth He will cleanse and purify and manifest Himself as He chooses.…This second definite step is called by various names according to the individual perspective of the various teachers. Some call it the "Second Blessing"; others, the "Blessing of Sanctification"; while others speak of it as the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit"; and it is also set forth as the "Blessing of a Clean Heart," "Perfect Love," "The Anointing," "Pentecost," etc.
The yielding, is the essential thing. |
While all these terms are in a measure descriptive of this second plane of appropriation of Christ's Redemptive Work, perhaps no one term adequately expresses all the truth concerning the same; therefore, it is unwise to insist dogmatically upon the acceptance of any particular term as essential to the truth which the Holy Spirit reveals at this stage of the Christian life. Great simplicity in teaching is needed, lest in our presentation of the truth concerning this experience, unconsciously we permit the naming of the experience to become more prominent than the experience itself. Not the naming, but the yielding, is the essential thing. If the regenerated person has intelligently, definitely, irrevocably, yielded to the complete control of the Holy Spirit, he is thereafter identified with Christ in His Anointing—His Fullness of the Holy Spirit; and as a result, he will be led step by step into the experimental knowledge of the Cross of Calvary and the power of the Resurrection Life.
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While the inward results of abandonment to the control of the Holy Spirit are the same in all persons, the outward manifestations vary according to temperament and training. The immediate results outwardly need to be carefully watched, as the temptations of Satan are very subtle at this point. In nearly all cases, the emotions, whose duty it is to send telegrams back and forth between the "inner" and the "outer" man, are quickly affected by the new order of things, and before
There is great need of quiet listening to God's voice in the depth of the being and a knowledge of God's Written Word when the emotions are unusually excited. |
the intellect can clearly act, the body is called upon to give expression to the demands of the emotions. It is owing to this fact that we see many persons manifesting their joy by singing, praising God, clapping of hands, etc., while in others we see the cessation of usual bodily movements and great stillness of the whole being, while the countenance expresses holy awe and worship. These manifestations, and others which might be named, are legitimate and should not be criticized or checked; but sometimes manifestations are to be seen which are not natural but are the result of supernatural power of an evil kind. Satan seeks to imitate the Holy Spirit and to produce manifestations which he would have the person believe to be of God. This is for the purpose of causing confusion in the mind of the Christian so that the work of transformation may be hindered and the conduct of the Christian may become such as will bring the truth into discredit and disrepute.
There is great need of quiet listening to God's voice in the depth of the being and a knowledge of God's Written Word when the emotions are unusually excited. Remember that the Holy Spirit, who inspired the words, "Let all things be done decently and in order," never leads one to do what is unseemly or unnecessary. Bearing this in mind, we should test the physical manifestations which we experience, or see in others. As a result, we may find that many manifestations which we thought to be of the Holy Spirit are of a psychical nature, and thus instead of proving our exalted spiritual condition, they indicate our lack of complete yieldedness in the circumference of our being. And if through wilfulness we permit these manifestations to continue, we may open the door to evil spirits who will cause manifestations which will produce most disastrous results.
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As the Holy Spirit sheds light upon these manifestations, we are led to see that undue shaking or jerking of the body, long continued prostrations of the body, and other manifestations that might be named, always indicate that the true, deep Life of God, the Holy Spirit, has not permeated the entire circumference of the being.
The ripe saint is the quiet, well poised, Spirit-controlled person. |
Normal prostration, that is, prostration which contains no element of the abnormal or evil supernatural, comes to a great sinner as the result of conviction of sin, or to worthy saints in consequence of great revelations, but it is not long continued. As examples under the latter head, we read of Daniel, Ezekiel, John. If we bear in mind that the Holy Spirit enters the spirit of man, then permeates and controls his powers of soul, and then brings his bodily powers into subjection, so that the entire being is experimentally at God's disposal, we shall be able to understand that unnecessary outward manifestations indicate fanatical or immature Christians. The ripe saint is the quiet, well poised, Spirit-controlled person.
Inward Results of Abandonment to the Holy Spirit
We now need to note the inward results of the Abandonment to the Holy Spirit. First: Christ is more real. The Holy Spirit does not speak of Himself. He does not call attention to Himself. He always glorifies Christ (John 16:14). Notice that the striking feature of the work of the Holy Spirit in the early apostolic church was this: He caused the believers of that time to realize their identification with a crucified, risen, ascended, glorified Lord. All else—signs and wonders, miracles and gifts, were but incidental to such identification. Indeed, without the realization of their identification with their Lord, all these outward incidentals would have proven exceedingly harmful to the early church.
Second: There is a new light upon God's Written Word. The Bible indeed becomes a new Book. It is regarded as the very Spirit- breathed Word of God and to be treated with as much respect and reverence as if uttered by the audible voice of the Lord, and is to be perfectly obeyed. The veil seems lifted from obscure passages and Christ stands revealed in new beauty and glory. Especially is the work of Christ as the Redeemer illumined and glorified. (See John 16:15.)
Third: There begins to be realized experimental victory over sin. The Christian perceives that the death that Christ died as our Representative was a "death unto sin" (Rom. 6:10), and that he is identified with Christ in this death; also that as Christ arose to a sphere wherein sin does not exist, but where Righteousness reigns, even so he is identified with Christ in this new life; and as a result of his "reckoning" (or acting) upon this truth, he realizes victory in his daily life, through the indwelling Holy Spirit who corroborates what God says, as he reckons upon it.
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Fourth: The Love of God is manifested in the daily life in self- sacrifice for others. Service for God now proceeds from love, rather than from duty. The language of the heart is, "I want to do this" instead of "I must do it."
Fifth: Increasing light upon God's dispensational plan, especially the prophecies concerning the Coming of Christ for His saints, and His coming with them in the outward manifestation of His kingdom in this world. The Christian begins to live in the light of Christ's Return. It is more than theory with him. It is a constant, bright anticipation and expectation. "He shall show you things to come" (John 16:13).
Sixth: The Christian perceives that as a result of his identification with Christ in His risen, glorified Life, he may realize a foretaste of the Resurrection power which will eventually change his body in the "twinkling of an eye" at translation. This foretaste, or "earnest" (see 2 Cor. 5:4-5), is indicated in Romans 8:11 as the quickening of the mortal body by the indwelling Holy Spirit moment by moment, enabling the believer to finish the work given him to do. Notice that it is the mortal body, not a dead body, that is to be thus quickened. This quickening of the mortal body does not refer to the final act of translation. At translation the mortal body is changed (see 1 Cor. 15:52), but this quickening is an every day experience.
Seventh: There is power in prayer and service because the believer is reckoning upon his identification with Christ who has "all power."
Revelation of the Soulish Life
The teacher must lead the class to see that this new experience is not the ultimate as many seem to think. It is rather the beginning of practical transformation, which will proceed from stage to stage as
So much of the activity of Christians is of a soulish nature, that a truly spiritual person is rarely seen, and when seen is not understood. |
the Holy Spirit takes the believer down into an ever deepening realization of his identification with Christ in His death, not to sin alone, but to the natural or soulish life as well. So much of the activity of Christians is of a soulish nature, that a truly spiritual person is rarely seen, and when seen is not understood. All Christians are in Christ, and many desire to live for Christ; but it is quite another matter to have the daily life, a manifestation of Christ. Paul could truly say, "to me to live is Christ," but how many Christians are able to say the same?
The God-Man in His earthly life had no sin in Him, yet He constantly refused to let His human emotions or affections shape His ministry; nor would He be led by His own unsullied intellect apart from the revealed will of God. He was the most dependent Being ever born into this world; therefore everything in His life was of God.
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He permitted Lazarus to die and the loving, trusting faith of Mary and Martha to be sorely tried, rather than to let His tender, compassionate heart cause Him to go to Bethany before His Father's time.
One of the secondary evidences of the Holy Spirit's control of the believer is this illumination concerning the soulish
One of the secondary evidences of the Holy Spirit's control of the believer is this illumination concerning the soulish life. |
life. If the members of the class are shown that this perception of soulishness is a mark of normal Christian growth, they will not be overwhelmed when the depths of the self-life are revealed; nor will they be inclined to boast of their "holiness" or "absolute perfection." Remember that the ripest saint is the one who is most dependent.
Transformation a Process
Emphasize the fact that the act of dedication, like the new birth, is instantaneous, but transformation is a process; also, that "being filled with the Holy Spirit," an expression found in the New Testament and often quoted by earnest Christians, does not denote a finality. It is rather an indication of the controlling Power who is filling the personality of the believer. One familiar with New Testament Greek would easily discover that the tense used forbids the thought of the personality being filled once for all with the Holy Spirit, so that no more of His presence might enter. The word picture is that of a pipe connected with a never failing spring, through which the water is constantly flowing, rather than that of a bottle full of water but tightly corked.
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Nowhere in the Scriptures is there promised a personal filling with the Spirit which shall be in any sense final; and it is only as a crisis of appropriation which leads to a daily process of renewal, that we are called to be filled." (Rev. J. Stuart Holden, in The Price of Power)
Therefore we see that the normal daily life of a yielded Christian may be described as
A moment by moment faith in a moment by moment Savior, for a moment by moment cleansing, and a moment by moment filling. As I trust Him, He fills me; so long as I trust Him, He fills me. The moment I begin to believe, that moment I begin to receive; and so long as I keep believing, praise the Lord, so long I keep receiving. (Rev. Charles Inwood)
Victory over Satan
Another subject must now be introduced. Not only must the believer manifest his identification with Christ in His death to sin, and his freedom from the dominion of the self-life; but he must also manifest His victory over Satan. Many Christians fail at this point because they do not plainly see that the victory over Satan really has been won. They speak of this victory in the future tense instead of the past; therefore the teacher must again refer to the significance of Christ's Ascension, which proves that He had previously overcome the entire force of evil, ere He passed through the aerial region of Satan and "sat down," with the majestic calmness of a mighty Conqueror, at God's right hand. Have the class read Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8 again and again, until the crushed head of the serpent is plainly seen. Pray that they may see this and realize the sense of freedom and victory that comes as a result.
Well has Andrew Murray expressed the truth,
"In the invisible world the Cross is the symbol of victory." |
when he says, "In the invisible world the Cross is the symbol of victory." The fact that God's Word declares that Christ has overcome Satan and made of him and his evil host "an open show" proves the possibility of victory, for the Christian identified with the Victorious Lord, over all the power of the enemy.
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Although utterly defeated, Satan has sought to keep human beings in ignorance of his defeat, that he may still hold them in his power. As the Holy Spirit reveals the triumph of Christ and the believer sees his
Although utterly defeated, Satan has sought to keep human beings in ignorance of his defeat, that he may still hold them in his power. |
identification with the Victor of Calvary, he passes beyond the reach of the defeated one into that place where "the wicked one toucheth him not." (See 1 John 5:18.) Henceforth he regards Satan as a defeated foe, and united with the Conqueror and in utter dependence upon Him, he uses His authority over all the power of the defeated enemy. (See Luke 10:19.) Encourage the class to speak of Satan as the defeated one. This simple expression conveys to the evil intelligences the fact that the one using it has found out the truth concerning the Victory of Calvary and is identified with the Victor.
It will be well for the teacher to lead the class to a better understanding of the condition of the invisible but real world of spirits, so far as the Bible throws light upon the same.
We must remember that Satan is not omnipotent, omniscient, nor omnipresent, since these are attributes of Deity alone. He would like to have us think that he possesses the attributes of Deity, and many Christians speak as if they considered this to be the case. He is commonly spoken of as if he were everywhere; by a figure of speech using his name for his emissaries, as a general's name is used to indicate the army under his command. And Satan is like a general in this respect—he has hosts, varying in rank and power under his command, who execute his carefully laid plans of warfare. Thus we read in Ephesians 6:10-18 of principalities, powers, world-rulers and wicked spirits under his command, arrayed against the people of God. We also find the armor of the Christian described. As we carefully study this passage we find that the Christian who is appropriating the life of Christ moment by moment, and who is believing the Word of God in regard to His victory over Satan, is "more than conqueror" in every conflict.
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The following quotation may be of help to the teacher at this point:
The redeemed one who has been shown the truth of Christ's Complete Victory over Satan, and of his own complete identification with his Victorious Lord, knows that he is in a place of safety. He rests upon the fact that his life is hid with Christ in God; therefore the wicked one toucheth him not. With Satan as a personality, he has but one thing to do, and that is to reckon upon the fact of his identification with his Ascended Lord sitting in the calmness of assured victory. This attitude of victory and unceasing prayer in the Spirit also powerfully affects the aerial messengers of the defeated one, those mighty fallen angels who seem to exercise especial power over the nations or localities respectively assigned them. See Daniel 10, particularly verses 13, 20-21, where two of these princes of Satan are named—the Prince of Persia and the Prince of Greece. Michael, one of God's angels, is also mentioned. (Read this chapter and the preceding chapter to see more clearly the relation between the prayers of God's people and this aerial activity.)
Although direct combat with these aerial messengers of Satan is entrusted to God's aerial messengers, the holy angels, rather than to redeemed human beings, yet to us is given authority over demons, to be exercised at the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The fact that evil spirits (or demons) are exerting such tremendous influence upon persons at the present time should cause all earnest Christians to desire all the light that God has given concerning the way to keep clear of their ensnaring, and also the knowledge necessary to be used in delivering those who have become bound.
Who Are Demons?
The question may be asked, "Who are demons?" A close study of the cases of demonized persons described in the New Testament would preclude the idea that they are of the angelic order of created beings; moreover, the word for demon is daimon, instead of angelos, which is the word for angel. The early church fathers believed demons to be the wicked dead (human beings) and that belief is shared by many Christians of modern times. Says Dr. Haldeman in his recent book, Can the Dead Communicate with the Living?, "Scripture teaches us that a certain class of the dead do come back, enter in and possess the bodies of the living. These are called 'devils,' but the word should be 'demons.'"
The teacher will certainly be guilty of the omission of vital truth for the crisis days in which we are living, if the subject of demon possession is passed by. The members of the class should be carefully instructed as to the way in which persons may unwittingly give ground to demons. They should see that a perception of their identification with the Victor of Calvary is absolutely necessary if they are to constantly and victoriously resist the obsession of evil spirits. They should be taught that manifesting a spirit of self-pity, pride, jealousy, discouragement, inordinate affection, may give just the ground that is necessary for the manipulation of evil spirits, if not full possession.
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Entertaining fanatical religious views always opens the door to evil spirits, as truly as does any wrong practice. The fact that Christian workers, missionaries and other devoted children of God have suffered greatly from the manipulation of evil spirits during the last few years, proves that the necessary teaching along this line has been withheld. So little has this subject been understood that many persons have stoutly maintained that a Christian could never experience demon possession; but an ounce of fact is worth a pound of theory. Many Christians have been conscious of the working of evil spirits in some part of the being, and this manipulation continued until they were delivered as were those cases recorded in the New Testament.
Vital reckoning upon identification with a Crucified, Risen, Ascended, Glorified Lord, and unceasing praise, will keep the believer safe from the subtle working of the demons who are swarming about us.
There are times when the spoken word must be used, especially by those who are seeking to deliver bound souls, or in the times of special pressure that come to all Christians. The following words have been used by many and the results of their use prove their value: "I refuse everything that is of the defeated one. I yield to everything that is of God, and I put the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, shed at Calvary, between me and all the powers of the defeated enemy." Until one has spoken these words aloud, the results cannot be understood. We must remember that the spoken word carries weight in the invisible world.
I refuse everything that is of the defeated one. |
The powers of darkness cannot see what is down deep in our spirit. We cannot know ourselves what is taking place there, until God reveals it to us through our spiritual and mental perception—but the invisible intelligences hear our words and they watch our faces and note our acts. How necessary, then, that our words always state the facts as recorded in God's Written Word, and our faces reveal the peace and joy that come from believing, and our daily steps be ordered in His Word. We should never utter or write a discouraging word. Even a despondent, "Oh dear!" may betray the loophole that the watching powers of darkness will be quick to see.
The Attitude of Praise
This matter of praising God is far more important than most Christians realize. There is a reason underlying the repeated command, "Praise ye the Lord." God knows what praise will do for His children; therefore not once, but many, many times, He bids them utter the words of praise. If a word of discouragement opens the door for the enemy, then a word of praise closes the door and locks it. Moreover, it drives the enemy far away. Nothing is more distasteful to evil spirits than the praise of a trustful child of God, and nothing more truly glorifies God than the sacrifice of praise.
On the wings of praise there will come into our hearts and lives every desirable emotion, overflowing outpourings of God. It is not our love or our praise but God's own praise. Obey God who commands, "Praise ye the Lord."…But one may say, "Can I praise God when I do not feel like it?" Yes, praise Him because that is His will concerning you (1 Thes. 5:18) and He will meet and take care of the feeling. (Edgar K. Sellew)
God has commanded His people to praise Him, and certain conditions will not be realized until all obey. (See Psa. 67:5-6.)
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Viewed from the psychological and physiological standpoints, the value of praise can scarcely be estimated, as it is impossible to
Surely great deliverance would be realized throughout the earth, and angels would see the clearing of the heavens as the reverberation of the praises of God's people mounted upward, and God would be glorified. |
tabulate all the beneficial results to be realized in the spiritual, mental and physical realm as this command is obeyed. What would be the result if Christians should begin to praise God continually? Surely great deliverance would be realized throughout the earth, and angels would see the clearing of the heavens as the reverberation of the praises of God's people mounted upward, and God would be glorified. Yet the average Christian considers literal obedience to the oft repeated command, "Praise ye the Lord," as foolish and fanatical, choosing instead to praise Him only when he feels like doing so.
Transformation Considered Psychologically
The subject of Transformation may now be considered psychologically. The teacher should have the class read Romans 12:1-2. Verse 1 speaks of that complete dedication of the whole being which has already been described; the yielded body, manifesting the yielded powers of soul and spirit. Verse 2 describes the actual process of transformation as a renewing of the mind. That this expression may be the better understood, the relation of the mind or intellectual faculties to the other powers of the tripartite being of man should be explained.
With the powers of spirit we know God and our relation to Him and our relation morally to every object of creation. God's communications to man are in the form of intuitions, i.e., direct knowledge apart from the exercise of the intellectual faculties; but the mind has to deal with these intuitions of the spirit before they can be acted upon. The mind has also to deal with the claims of the affections and emotions and the record of the bodily senses; therefore we perceive its importance.
In the Garden of Eden we find Satan assailing the mind of Eve. He sought to substitute his lie for the intuitive knowledge of
In the Garden of Eden we find Satan assailing the mind of Eve. |
God's will which she had in her spirit and which her mind had attentively considered up to this time. He caused her mind to revolve around the possibilities that inhered in the choice to become "as (equal to) God," until with mental powers completely dazzled by the wonderful prospect, she used her power of choice—and the fatal deed was done.
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We read in Proverbs 20:27 that "the spirit of man is the candle of the Lord," and it is this candle that is lighted by God the Holy Spirit at regeneration. We have seen that the new Life of God in Christ Jesus enters the spirit of man at the instant of regeneration and is intended to permeate the whole being,
Many Christians refuse to yield their minds to God, yet think that they are able to understand the deep things of God. |
but this is accomplished only through the renewed mind. If the Christian refuses to present his entire being to God for renewal, then the unrenewed mind deals with the intuitions of the spirit, and the result is disastrous to Christian development and transformation. Many Christians refuse to yield their minds to God, refuses to present his entire being to God for renewal, then the unrenewed mind deals with the intuitions of the spirit, and the result is disastrous to Christian development and transformation. Many Christians refuse to yield their minds to God, yet think that they are able to understand the deep things of God. They talk about Eternal truths, they preach about them, they write
A moment by moment faith in a moment by moment Savior, for a moment by moment cleansing, and a moment by moment filling. As I trust Him, He fills me; so long as I trust Him, He fills me. The moment I begin to believe, that moment I begin to receive; and so long as I keep believing, praise the Lord, so long I keep receiving. |
books about them, yet they fail to understand them or lead others to understand them; for the things of God are spiritually discerned, and their thinking is performed by the natural mind. This is the solution of the otherwise unsolved problem as to the present day teaching of many persons whom we do not doubt are truly "born from above." Of course those persons who have not been regenerated have not even a renewed spirit. They are not able to understand anything that pertains to the Christian life. All that they say in regard to God and His Eternal Purpose is distinctly opposed to the Truth as stated in God's Written Word. Their teaching is not only unscriptural and blasphemous but it is illogical and puerile, betraying the darkness and weakness of an unrenewed personality.
The Christian who has said "the irrevocable, inclusive yes" to God,
The Christian who has said "the irrevocable, inclusive yes" to God, soon realizes and manifests a renewed condition of the mental powers. |
soon realizes and manifests a renewed condition of the mental powers. The mind becomes increasingly able to intelligently deal with the intuitions of the spirit. In other words, the mental life of the God-Man is manifested within the natural mind of the person, freeing it from the darkness and weakness resulting from sin, and also strengthening its natural powers.
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The Apostle Paul was continually beseeching Christians to dedicate themselves wholly to God, because only so could they know that practical transformation whereby they would be able to "prove what they would be able to "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Notice the order and significance of these adjectives.) Without this transforming work of the Holy Spirit, they would to some extent become conformed to this world, i.e., to the great world system under the leadership of Satan, "the god of this world." (See 2 Cor. 4:4.)
"Conform" means "to shape in accordance with." For illustration: The metal worker pours hot metal into a mold and as it cools, it assumes the shape of the mold. The housekeeper pours fruit juice into a jelly mold and when it hardens, the jelly is in the shape of the mold. The metal and the fruit juice are conformed to their respective molds. It is very easy for Christians to be influenced by the great world system all about us. Unconsciously, Christians follow the ways of the world in matters of business and educational methods, social customs, dress, expenditures, recreation and conversation, while professing to follow Christ, and in many cases really desiring to put Him first. Christians are not to be conformed to this mold of Satan but to be conformed to God's mold, the likeness of His Son (Rom. 8:29), i.e., the glorified humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Notice that the word transform indicates a change in the elemental substance, while "conform" denotes a change in form only. The metal is unchanged in substance when conformed to the mold. The jelly is precisely the same variety of fruit juice that was placed within the mold to harden. No real transformation has taken place; only conformation is realized.
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No human being can become conformed to God's mold until there is a change from within, i.e., the introduction of a new life into the human personality. This new Life is for the purpose of permeating the entire personality, until transformation shall have resulted in complete conformation. The teacher should have the class read 2 Corinthians 3:18, R.V., also the Rotherham and Weymouth translations, if possible. Notice that this transforming work of the "Spirit of the Lord" is by degrees (from one degree of glory to another).
Reflecting What We Behold
The teacher should also call attention to the figure of the mirror employed here. A mirror can reflect only what it beholds; even so the Christian will reflect in his daily life only so much of Christ as he sees.
Does it not seem as if a veil was upon the minds of many Christians? |
If there is a veil upon his face, he will see imperfectly; therefore, he must so yield to God that the veil shall be taken away. Call attention to the veil upon the heart and the blinded minds mentioned in this chapter as true of unbelieving Israelites, and note the contrast in reference to the people of God. "We all with unveiled faces" see Him. But, do we see Him as clearly as we should? Does it not seem as if a veil was upon the minds of many Christians? They seem to be living in a sad twilight, reflecting an incomplete Christ, when it is their privilege to constantly gaze upon the glorious beauty of a Majestic Conqueror and to reflect Him in their lives.
Let us remember that as mirrors we cannot reflect what we do not see. If we see Christ in His Substitutionary work only, we shall not be able to manifest His Victory over sin and Satan; or, in other words, if we do not see Him as our Representative in every respect, the Holy Spirit will not be able to cause a manifestation of His Life in our daily lives. And how are we to see Him? By finding out what God's Written Word says about Him and believing every word that we read.
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Conformity, the end; transformation, the way. From glory to glory up towards conformity; we are transformed into the same Image, from glory to glory. Step after step, out of the shame of
When a man awakens to the consciousness that he has not only been pardoned, but that he has by His Heavenly Father been foreordained to such a thing as conformity to the Image of the Son of God, everything loses its importance, its weight, its power. |
self-complaint, into the glory of the Lamb-life, from glory to glory, even into the same Image.…When a man awakens to the consciousness that he has not only been pardoned, but that he has by His Heavenly Father been foreordained to such a thing as conformity to the Image of the Son of God, everything loses its importance, its weight, its power. Joy cannot lift us up too high, and grief cannot break us down. Every circumstance brings us out of the wicked image of the First Adam, out of our wicked character into the full Image of the Son of God. (Pastor Stockmayer, in Sanctified Ones)
Restful Cooperation with the Holy Spirit
The teacher must so present every phase of the subject
God, the Holy Spirit, will not fail to cause the yielded personality to appropriate all that God in Christ purchased at Calvary. |
of transformation, that the members of the class will be led into a state of restful cooperation with the Holy Spirit. They must see that God, the Holy Spirit, will not fail to cause the yielded personality to appropriate all that God in Christ purchased at Calvary. The attitude of the Christian, which should be maintained day by day, is indicated in the following words:
Let us henceforth consider the Cross of Christ as a knife in the hands of the Holy Spirit to slay our sin-stained self life. And let us regard the Resurrected and Ascended Life of our Glorified Lord as an inexhaustible Storehouse from which the Holy Spirit supplies us with what we need for spirit, soul and body moment by moment.
The members of the class who have carefully followed the lessons up to this point will not be inclined to limit the "gospel" to the substitutionary work of Christ, precious as that is. They will henceforth be able to perceive the full gospel message, to believe it, and earnestly desire to live it out and to tell it out.
In this course of study the attempt has been made to present the complete cycle of Redemptive truth and to show the correlation of subjects as plainly as possible.
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It is hoped that the students following this method of Bible Study will be enabled to discover the scarlet thread of God's Plan of Redemption throughout the whole Book, and will perceive the relation of this Redemptive Plan to God's Eternal Purpose for the human race.
As a supplementary course in Redemption Studies, the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and Joshua in the Old Testament, and Hebrews in the New Testament, may be studied with great profit. Every detail of God's Plan of Redemption will be found pictured within these books and set forth in logical order. Redemption, in type, however, should not be presented to a class until the doctrinal truths as stated in God's Word are plainly perceived. It is also urged that the student carefully examine the epistles to ascertain
Surely great deliverance would be realized throughout the earth, and angels would see the clearing of the heavens as the reverberation of the praises of God's people mounted upward, and God would be glorified. |
what is therein stated in reference to the various subjects that have been presented in this course; e.g., notice what the Apostle Paul states in reference to the gospel which he preached in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Hebrews 10:12-17; 9:28. This may be summarized as follows: Christ died for our sins. He was buried. He rose again. He ascended to the right hand of God. He is coming again. These vital truths are stated again and again throughout the New Testament. Notice also that these statements are always shown to be "according to the Scriptures." The wonderful unity of God's Written Word is herein shown. Historical events that are narrated in the New Testament were predicted by writers of the Old Testament centuries before their fulfillment. Every detail of the historical execution of God's Plan of Redemption was typified in various ways, thousands of years before the Cross of Calvary.
Brief Summary of Lessons Studied
It may be well for the members of the class to memorize the following sentences as a concise summary of the lessons studied:
Christ died that the sin-question of the human race might be settled in such a manner that God could consistently bestow sonship upon any one who should choose to receive the same.
He was buried that the termination of the old Adamic life might be plainly perceived.
He arose that the human race might have a new Federal Head (the Last Adam).
He ascended that His dominion might be manifested throughout the universe.
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The Unity of Believers
Having considered those conditions which made Redemption necessary, the execution of God's Plan of Redemption at Calvary, and the crises and results of appropriation, we now approach a subject, which if not as vital as those previously considered, is nevertheless of great importance to the earnest Christian. This is the Unity of believers, i.e., those who have appropriated the Life of God in Christ Jesus.
Biologically, the unity of beings upon a given plane of life is clearly seen; e.g., there are characteristic elemental qualities pertaining to animal life that are not found upon the plane of vegetable life. These qualities, inhering in all animals, serve to unify the entire animal creation, notwithstanding the great variety in family and the marked differences in the manifestation of this life.
Also upon the plane of human life, an inherent essential unity is seen. The Apostle Paul gave expression to this biological truth when he declared to the Athenians that God had "made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth" (Acts 17:26).
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If this essential unity is true of life in each of the lower planes, should we not naturally expect to find the same inherent principle on the highest plane—that of regenerated human life? That this unity exists, God's Word plainly declares; for we read in Ephesians 4:4-6, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye have been called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." It was the manifestation of this unity for which Christ prayed in that marvelous prayer recorded in John 17, "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected into one—and the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, as we are one."
This Life is the basis of their unity. |
This passage in Ephesians proves that all believers of every age and dispensation share the Life of God in Christ Jesus; i.e., they have Eternal or Uncreated Life, and this Life is the basis of their unity.
They are also saved in precisely the same manner—"By grace are ye saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8); and they are all to be glorified (see Rom. 8:30): "Whom He justified, them He also glorified." This unity, however, does not mean uniformity; for even as differences are observed in the manifestation of life on lower planes, so life upon this plane, even when conformed to Type, will not produce uniformity. Even as "one star differeth from another star in glory," so will the redeemed saints differ one from another in their glorified life.
Therefore, bearing in mind the difference between unity and uniformity, let us proceed to study another passage that preciously sets forth the oneness of believers.
Organic Unity of the Body of Christ
In 1 Corinthians 12:12 we read, "As the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many, are one body—so also is the Christ." Notice that this
Many Christians refuse to yield their minds to God, yet think that they are able to understand the deep things of God. |
expression—"the Christ"—does not refer to Christ in His personality, but to Christ as completed by His members—the Composite Christ. Here we have an organic unity, of which Christ, in His personality, is the head (see Eph. 4:15), and all those who are joined to Him in Spirit and share His Life are members. Following the analogy of the human body, which is an organic unity because of the life-blood flowing through each and every member, we reason that every human being sharing Eternal Life must be a member of this Organic Unity—the Christ.
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Whatever may be the dispensational teaching in reference to the Body of Christ, organically this Body must include every regenerated human being.
The same blood that is in the head of the human body—the physical, mortal body, flows through each member of the body even to the extremities. Therefore, most absurd would it be to say that a bit of flesh, through which the life-blood is flowing, is not a part of the body; for the members are unified by a common life-blood. Even so, the Life of God in Christ Jesus, unifies all members of the mystical Body of Christ. Therefore a human being, sharing His Life, must be a member of this Body of which He is the exalted Head, no matter in which dispensation he may have chosen to receive that Life.
What is Meant by Dispensation
At this point it will be well to explain what is meant by dispensation. Concerning this word, Dr. Farr says,
The word "Dispensation" is rarely used as the designation of an epoch of time. It implies a method of working, an economy. It often implies time and then may be used as synonymous with age. There are seven dispensations: "The Paradisaic, Antediluvian, Patriarchal, Mosaic, Messianic, Christian and Millennial."
To put it very simply, the seven different dispensations are seven different methods employed by God, the Holy Spirit, in revealing vital truths to man. But here again,
The seven different dispensations are seven different methods employed by God, the Holy Spirit, in revealing vital truths to man. |
we must note the unity in diversity, or dispensational teaching will tend to confuse rather than to enlighten. Although the methods differ, the truths revealed are common to all the dispensations, as we shall see if we carefully examine the specific revelation of each dispensation. Reducing these revelations to their last analysis, we find that the truths revealed are those concerning God's Eternal Purpose for the human race, i.e., Sonship through faith in the Eternal Son.
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In each dispensation, human beings could truthfully say, "God hath given us Eternal Life, and this Life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath the Life, and he that hath not the Son, hath not the Life."
In the Paradisaic dispensation we see this Life symbolized by the tree of life in the midst of the garden, of which man might have partaken had he chosen so to do. This was God's first method of teaching human beings, but man's disobedience to the revealed will of God necessitated another method of teaching; therefore we see the "slain lamb," and perceive that identification with the sin-bearer was now the revelation of God to sinful man.
From this time we see God's wonderful Plan of Redemption, like the petals of the rose, slowly unfolding from dispensation to dispensation with increasing fragrance into the full blown flower. We see that each succeeding dispensation has served to reveal with increasing clearness the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the completeness of the marvelous Plan of Redemption that God's Love has provided. In each dispensation, man has become a child of God only through a definite act of faith. Each regenerated being has said, "I am a sinner—saved by grace."
Thus we see the unification of the dispensations, and we are able to perceive that dispensations and ages serve only as the temporary scaffolding of God's Eternal Structure. We may also liken the dispensations to the furrows in a cornfield. Until the harvest time, the corn growing in one furrow may be distinguished from
Does it not seem as if a veil was upon the minds of many Christians? |
that growing in another furrow; but when all the corn is stored in the corn bin, it is impossible to state in which furrow each ear grew. Therefore, we must be very careful not to unduly magnify dispensational methods and the diversities that are clearly discernible in the out-working of God's great Redemptive Plan. "The diversities are great—the unity is greater" (Adolph Saphir). Eventually only two classes of human beings will be found in the universe—those who share the Eternal Life of God and those who do not.
Totality of Believers Needed
to Complete this Organic Unity
The teacher should now call attention to the smaller circle attached to the large gilt disc symbolizing Uncreated Life, and explain that this circle symbolizes the totality of the regenerated human beings, i.e., the complete number of human personalities filled with the Uncreated or Eternal Life of God in Christ Jesus. We may also consider these saints as God's Household—His great family of "sons brought to glory"; and as each member of this Household is individually joined to Christ, we are led to see that these saints constitute the Body, of which He is the Head.
Following the analogy of the formation of the physical human body, we are able to see that the formation of this mystical Body is a hidden secret process. The language of Psalm 139:16, in reference to the literal physical human body, may well be applied to this mystical Body: "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect, and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."
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The Eternal Son needed a human, physical body for His great Sacrificial work and declares, "A body hast Thou prepared Me" (Heb. 10:5). As truly does He need a Body for the manifestation of that Redemptive work, and of this Body He can also say, "A Body hast Thou prepared Me"; and God has written in His Book all the members of this Body, "which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them"; for we read in Revelation 13:8 and 17:8 of the names in the Book of the Life of the slain Lamb, written from the foundation of the world. We also read in Ephesians 1:4 that these members were chosen "in Him before the foundation of the world."
As a body is for the manifestation of that which is invisible, it follows that only the total number of regenerated human beings
Only the total number of regenerated human beings will adequately, completely manifest that measure of Eternal Life which God has stored in His Eternal Son for human beings. |
will adequately, completely manifest that measure of Eternal Life which God has stored in His Eternal Son for human beings. It will take all the saints of every age and dispensation to embody this Life, and not until the last being who was "marked out before the foundation of the world" has appropriated and manifested this Life, can the mystical Body of Christ organically be complete.
Christ's prayer "that they all may be one in Us" will yet be fully answered, and
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All His saints from all the ages,
Every clime and tongue
All together then will worship
In a faultless song.
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Thus we see that in a time yet future, Christ shall "see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied."
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All Saints Saved by Grace through Faith
The teacher should again call attention to the fact that each member of this great company of the glorified redeemed has been saved by "grace through faith." It matters not in which age or dispensation grace was appropriated—all alike sing praise to the Lamb whose Blood has washed them from their sins.
The saints of the Old Testament, as well as the saints of the New, put faith in the Lamb of Calvary and received Eternal Life thereby. This fact is brought out very clearly in Hebrews 11, which should now be carefully read. The nature of faith also may be perceived as we study this chapter. Faith is believing God's Word to
Faith is believing God's Word to the extent of acting upon it. |
the extent of acting upon it. Notice that every person mentioned here acted upon God's Word. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it he being dead, yet speaketh." "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had the testimony, that he pleased God." Are these men behind the New Testament saints or the saints of the present time? Is their "testimony" inferior to ours? Surely not. Rather are they far in advance of the majority of Christians.
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Think of Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesying of the Coming of the Lord "with tens of thousands of His saints to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which in their ungodliness they have committed, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." (See Jude 14-15.) Who taught him that evil men would "wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (see 2 Tim. 3:13), and that instead of growing better as the appearing of Christ drew near, the world would become increasingly wicked and ungodly? It was the same Holy Spirit who revealed these things to Paul, Who shows them to us, and concerning Whom, Christ said before His Ascension, "He will show you things to come." And if the Holy Spirit revealed to Enoch the Coming of Christ with His saints to judge the world, did He not as plainly reveal the fact of His Coming for His saints—His ready, watching ones—to take them out of the ungodly world conditions before the terrible Tribulation period; and did he not live in the light of His Coming? Surely Enoch, in the Antediluvian dispensation, was not behind those watching saints who today are seeking to have the testimony that they please God before they are ready for translation. Intervening years make no difference whatever; the Enochs are one in spirit, in walk, in objective.
The list of the heroes of faith is a long one, but it is not complete. Many, many others whose names are not written obtained "a good testimony through faith." Were each one to be questioned as to his relation to God, he would reply, "I am a sinner saved by grace, through faith; therefore a child of God." Dispensational exteriors seem to place the Old Testament saints in a far away period, but their confession of faith and the fact that they share with us Uncreated (Eternal) Life, that has no past—brings them near; and we feel the oneness.
Abel's name appears first upon this Faith Roll, but was he the first human being to put faith in God's Slain Lamb? Bearing in mind our definition of faith, which is "believing God's Word to the extent of acting upon it," let us look a little farther back, before the birth of Abel.
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In another section of these studies, attention has been called to the attitude of Adam and Eve in relation to the slain lamb whose blood was shed that they might be clothed, and the statement was made that through the illumination of God the Holy Spirit, Adam and Eve understood enough of God's Plan of Redemption to put faith in God's Slain Lamb. The proof of that statement we now find in Genesis 3:20 and 4:1. Adam believed God's word concerning "the seed of the
The seven different dispensations are seven different methods employed by God, the Holy Spirit, in revealing vital truths to man. |
woman," who should crush the head of Satan; therefore he immediately acted his faith by calling his wife Eve, which signifies that not only was she to become the mother of all living, the mother of the human race, but it was the expression of his confident expectation of the Coming One, of whom God had spoken. This confident attitude of faith was shared by Eve, who exclaims upon the birth of Cain, "I have gotten a Man—even Yahweh" (Gen. 4:1, Rotherham).
Concerning this subject we will quote from an exceedingly helpful book, Yahveh Christ—The Memorial Name:
The exclamation of Eve at the birth of Cain may be expressed with more faithfulness as to the original by the rendering, "I have received Him, even He who is to come." The ancient root form, Havah, from which comes Yahveh, gave rise, through the idea of "breathing," its original "sense idea," to the two Hebrew verbs "to be" and "to desire." From "to breathe," as the sign of existence, was derived "to be"; and from "to breathe or pant after" came "to long for," "to desire." How doubly significant in this view is the exclamation of Eve: "I have received Him, even He who will be." "The Promised One." "The Longed for."
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Although they were disappointed to find that Cain was not the "Promised One," yet they did not lose faith in God's word, as the name given to their third son, Seth, plainly implies (see Gen. 4:25); and from the seed of Seth descended Mary, the woman, whose seed, Jesus, was the object of the faith of Adam and Eve. Their names are not mentioned in Hebrews 11 for obvious reasons. They were the parents of the human race. Their sin affected each human being because of the law of heredity. Their faith was an individual matter and would have no bearing upon the status of the human race. Adam was the first Representative man; therefore, it was essential that only such of his acts as were representative in character should be plainly set forth in God's Written Word. His faith was an individual act affecting only himself. It was not representative in character, as is plainly shown in the fact that Cain, his firstborn, was the first human being who refused to put faith in God's Slain Lamb.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Having considered the organic unity of believers as indicated by the figure of the "Body of Christ," let us now consider their unity from the standpoint of love and devotedness. In connection with this subject another figure is employed by the Holy Spirit. We find its most complete mention in Revelation 19:7 and 21:9-27. In these passages, the figure of a marriage ceremony is used, to convey most precious truths concerning the relation of the regenerated ones to the Lord and also to one another.
A marriage, in its true sense, implies the union of two beings upon the same plane of life, whose hearts are indissolubly linked in the bonds of undying love. This marriage is between Christ, the Lamb, and glorified believers. The words, "His wife hath made herself ready," seem to imply that the marriage ceremony depends upon her preparedness. Alas, that the Lamb has been kept waiting so long for His Bride to make herself ready! Some of those constituting this Composite Bride will make ready only when the Tribulation period destroys their earthly perspective.
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We read in Revelation 7:9 that during the short but dreadful Tribulation period, "a great multitude which no man could number," but whose names were written in the book of the Life of the Lamb from the foundation of the world, suddenly perceive God's glorious Plan of Redemption in its full-robed splendor and quickly appropriate all that they behold, and are taken out of the more terrible tribulation woes, and stand before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes and palms (the symbol of victory) in their hands, and they join in the song of the redeemed who have preceded them. Nowhere in the whole Bible is the tender, unutterable Love of God more blessedly shown than in this passage. Read it carefully, and note every word that is used in reference to this great company of tribulation overcomers; for perhaps some for whom we are now praying will be there.
Says Mr. Mead in his most helpful exposition of the Apocalypse,
It is significant that this most glorious event (the Marriage Supper of the Lamb) is placed by the inspiring Spirit of truth just here (in chapter 19), and not in chapter 4 or 5; for there is where it would seem necessary to assign it a place if they are right who hold that the Church of God, the Bride of Christ, is wholly removed, once and for all, from the world before the time spoken of in the vision of chapter 4. By these it is affirmed that the saints and martyrs made during the Tribulation are not members of the Body of Christ, that they belong to another order of redeemed ones. Not only do we find nothing in the whole Word of God to favor of this view, but many things have been pointed out in the course of this study which indicate that all those who are saved during the entire Tribulation period are also "fellow members of the Body," which is the Church of Christ, the "Church of the Firstborn." And now, as a further and most conclusive witness to the same, is the passage we are now considering; for it is not till the last saint shall have been caught up in the rapture of the gleaning time, that the Announcement is made that "His wife hath made herself ready."
"The Body speaks of oneness in life and nature; the Bride, of union in mutual love and devotion..." |
The teacher should deal as simply and logically with the subject of "the Bride of Christ" as has already been done with the subject of the Body of Christ. "The Body speaks of oneness in life and nature; the Bride, of union in mutual love and devotion. There is no contradiction whatever" (Max I. Reich).
How a Believer Becomes a Member of the Bride
We have already seen that one becomes a member of the Body of Christ the instant he accepts the Life of Christ. He enters into that deep, loving heart union with Him which indicates the attitude of the Bride, when he says the "irrevocable, inclusive yes" to Him.
A marriage, in its true sense, implies the union of two beings upon the same plane of life, whose hearts are indissolubly linked in the bonds of undying love...Alas, that the Lamb has ben kept waiting so long for His Bride to make herself ready! |
Love is more than emotion. The test of love is not what one feels, but what he will do for another. Therefore, before the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, each human being who is organically one with Him will have become one with Him in love and devotion. Furthermore, each saint will be glorified before the marriage takes place; i.e., the created human personality of each will have been filled with the Uncreated Life of God; even the earthy bodies will have partaken of Immortality. Note that the individual personality is not destroyed, but emptied of sin and filled with Eternal Life.
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The "Supper" indicates the rejoicing over the realization of this long looked for, ardently desired consummation. Words fail to describe the beauty of this Bride of the Lamb as she stands by His side radiant with the "glory of God."
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And He shall lead His Bride, His Joy and Care,
With blissful singing to His Father's throne.
With eyes undimmed shall she her God behold,
Behold Him face to face, and walk by sight,
Not trusting only, as in days of old,
But seeing with her eyes Eternal Light.
The great Salvation mystery shall unfold
In that high vision of Love infinite.
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The Great Harlot—The Antithesis
of the Bride of the Lamb
The attention of the Bible student should now be directed to the next event in connection with the manifestation of Christ's Redemptive work.
During the tribulation period the world has passed through a series of unparalleled woes, the climax of which was the destruction of the Great Harlot, the antithesis of the Bride of the Lamb. Under the figure of a city, called Babylon-from Babel-meaning confusion, we find the world system of Satan in its comprehensive character, portrayed in Revelation 17 and 18.
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The student should not think of this "Babylon" as a literal city. To do so would be to miss the symbolism. That a literal city is not indicated is proven by several phrases, particularly verse 24 of chapter 18. Here we read that "in her was found the blood of prophets, and of all that had been slain upon the earth." This statement precludes the idea of the rebuilt city of literal Babylon. Besides, God had said that the literal city of Babylon should never be rebuilt. (See Isa. 13:20.) This direful prediction, however, does not apply to the province of Babylon or Babylonia. The province has not been without inhabitants since the fall of the city of Babylon,
The Holy Spirit is portraying in a figurative, graphic manner the city built by Satan, of human beings who have deliberately refused to put faith in God's Slain Lamb. |
but the city proper remains to this day a heap of ruins concerning which one writer says, "More thorough destruction than that which has overtaken Babylon cannot well be conceived-even its site has been a subject of dispute." The noted scholar, John Urquhart, in his comparatively recent book, The Wonders of Prophecy, devotes several pages to the present conditions of the ruins of the city of Babylon as a literal fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 13:20. Seiss speaks of this Satanic Bride-City as "the whole body of organized alienation from God." This phrase gives us the key to the interpretation of the whole passage, and we are enabled to see that the Holy Spirit is portraying in a figurative, graphic manner the city built by Satan, of human beings who have deliberately refused to put faith in God's Slain Lamb.
While the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is celebrated above, the Great Harlot meets her doom in the world below. In other words, the great world system of Satan comes to an end; and now Christ, with His glorified followers, returns to earth to "make His enemies the footstool of His feet" and to manifest His already existing but hitherto invisible Kingdom upon the earth.
Earthly Dominion of Christ and His Followers
The whole groaning creation is now "delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (See Rom. 8:21.) The results of Adam's loss of dominion through sin have caused that unutterable "groaning" in the animal and vegetable creation that has been heard through the centuries. But now all is changed; for the Last Adam and His "seed," the host of the redeemed, now exercise dominion throughout the earth. Beasts no longer prey upon one another but return to their Edenic condition as described in Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25. Thorns, briars, thistles, weeds, no longer encumber the ground; but vegetation once more rejoices in its normal, luxuriant beauty and fertility as created.
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Those political, financial, social conditions, of which poets have dreamed, and concerning which statesmen and reformers have devoted much thought, are now realized, and the glorious Millennial Age manifests, as no previous dispensation could do, the fruits of Christ's Redemptive Work at Calvary. The teacher should call attention to such passages as describe the ideal conditions of this blessed time when
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His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
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e.g., Isaiah 11:4-9; 35; 65:21-25; Micah 4:1-4.
The New Heaven and New Earth
However, glorious as is the Millennial Age, it will not prove to be the final manifestation of the results of Christ's Redemptive Work. Not only has sin ruined the human race and wrought great changes in the animal and vegetable creation, but it has left great scars in the earth itself.
We have previously considered the chaotic condition of this planet which was the result of Satan's sin, and we need to remember that the sin of man has brought about great topographical and meteorological changes upon our globe and conditions that again call for God's work of reconstruction.
While it may not be wise to dwell upon this subject, yet the attention of the student may be directed to 2 Peter 3:5-13, where the analogy is shown between the watery baptism of "the world that then was," and the fiery baptism that awaits the world that now is.
There are not wanting intimations of a conflagration of this kind, as students of natural science well know; and it has seemed as if this catastrophe were held back only by miraculous intervention.
Best of all, this City is the habitation of God. |
We know, however, that it cannot take place until after the Millennium, when God's time will have arrived for the complete purging of this earth from every trace of sin. That the earth will not be destroyed, we know from God's own declarations as found in Psalm 104:5; 119:90; Ecclesiastes 1:4, and other passages, and because we read of Nations upon the earth after this event has taken place. (See Rev. 21:24-26.)
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Whatever new cataclysms or disasters are yet to befall this planet, we are assured that they will not be as disastrous even as Noah's flood; for God covenanted then, and said: "I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake, neither will I again smite any more every living thing as I have done" (Gen. 8:21-22). (from Lectures on the Apocalypse, by Seiss)
Note: If the student will carefully read the article on "Theory of the Deluge," by Dr. A. T. Pierson in Many Infallible Proofs, this statement will be better understood and appreciated.
How God will care for the earthly creation during this time of the dissolving (or loosing) of the elements, we do not know; but He has promised to do so and He will.
In Revelation 21 we read of a new (or renewed) heaven and earth; and now we are permitted to gaze upon the final manifestation of God's redeemed children, as shown upon the last page of the Written Word.
As the Great Harlot, "drunken with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus" (Rev. 17:5-6), was first shown us to reveal the character of "Babylon," which is to be regarded as "organized alienation from God," and then Babylon, the city, as this organized alienation in its complete and final manifestation, so the wife of the Lamb in her spotless robes and radiant beauty was first shown to reveal the love and devotion of the body of believers, and now the "Holy City" reveals the unification of believers in its organized and final manifestation.
The Holy City—The Bride of the Lamb
Here is a city of God, and it is at the same time a city of man. No reader thinks for a moment that it is literally described here in the dimensions of equal length and breadth and height. This is a figurative description, meant to convey spiritual conceptions .... It is curiously described as though it were built of men. It is a community .... This city, built of redeemed men, is open to all men, but only such as have an affinity for God will go in. It is also a Bridal City. The New Jerusalem is the Bride of the Lamb, and those who do not belong to the Lamb as a wife belongs to her husband, by the sacred espousal of faith and love, will never have, nor desire to have, a part in this City of God. (Dr. A. T. Pierson, in The Bible and Spiritual Criticism)
As the "holy temple" described in Ephesians 2:19-22 was built of "living stones," so this glorious city is built of redeemed, glorified human beings. And here we see the diversity as well as unity. The buildings in a literal city are not
The Christian should remember that the Life of the God-Man is for each member of His Body, moment by moment. |
uniform in size. Some are large and some are small; so in this city, some dwellings are of large dimensions and some are very small comparatively; but all alike partake of the glory of God and shine with light most precious, clear as crystal. We can think of the Apostles Paul, Peter and John as towering buildings compared with many saints, and we picture Enoch, Elijah and other Old Testament saints as structures of large dimensions; yet in all this City there is no dwelling that is lacking in perfect, finished proportions.
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Best of all, this City is the habitation of God. In the beginning of our studies we noted several passages in which there was a strange blending of two figures, the
Best of all, this City is the habitation of God. |
architectural and the parental. Here we see them again in their complete unfolding. Here is a City "marked out" before the founding of the world, "whose Architect and Builder is God"; and here is the vast host of redeemed, glorified human beings whom He can clasp in His Arms and call His glorified sons. "Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell in them and they shall be His people" (Rev. 21:3).,
And now Christ can "see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied"; for the curse is removed, and His redeemed ones see His face, and His Name (meaning His Nature) is written on their foreheads, and they serve Him forever more.
Now we see the Paradise of God, of which the Edenic Paradise was a type; and here is "the river of water of life bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb"; and here also is the Tree of Life; not the literal tree of Eden, but that which the literal tree symbolized. No longer is it guarded by Cherubim and the revolving sword-flame, for Calvary's Sacrifice has opened `the way forever. It is interesting to observe that the Greek word used here (Rev. 22:2, 14) is not dendron, which is used to designate the literal tree of vegetable growth, but xylon, which denotes something made from the tree-literally timber or beam. It is the same word that is used in Galatians 3:13 [and] therefore suggests the Cross of Calvary. Very significant, then, is its use in this passage, for it reveals the fact that to sinful human beings, partaking of the fruit of the Tree of Life means the appropriation of all
It is a blessed life, because we realize our need and utter dependence; consequently we are kept from self-energy and self-esteem. |
the Redemptive Work of Calvary. In other words, it speaks of identification with God's Slain Lamb in His Death and Resurrection. And may not the expression "the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations," refer to the beneficent results of the general appropriation of the fruits of Redemption in that happy time, as manifested in the absence of the selfishness, jealousy, hatred and strife that characterize the nations at the present time?
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The created right to the Tree of Life was forfeited through sin, but those who have washed their robes in the Blood of the Lamb now have the Redemptive right to freely eat of the Tree of Life, and thus enter through the gates into the City. And the gates are not closed. They remain invitingly open; thus showing us that even to the age of the ages, Christ's Redemptive Work at Calvary may be appropriated by whomsoever will take the Life of the Lamb.
The Attitude of the Christian
We have traced the appropriation and manifestation of Redemption from age to age, and now let us consider what should be the attitude of the Christian in view of the wonderful revelation that God has given us.
There must be a constant recognition of our identification with our Crucified, Risen, Victorious, Ascended Lord, and definite reckoning upon His Life, moment by moment, if we are to demonstrate the completeness of His Redemptive work as fully as He desires, before He comes.
God the Holy Spirit is preparing a "little flock" to overcome even as He overcame. Christ would not wish to return until He could say of these overcoming ones, "They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (See Rev. 12:11.)
Notice the promises to the overcomers, in the second and third chapters of The Revelation. They mean something.
Dogmatic assertion ill becomes a Christian who is looking for the Coming of Christ; therefore the teacher should not insist upon the acceptance of any particular view as to those who are translated in the First Rapture. Possibly a more careful study of the Oriental harvest time and the various offerings connected therewith, would revolutionize many theories that are advanced at the present time.
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The Life of the God-Man is for each member of His Body. |
The main question to be considered is individual preparedness and a walk with God like Enoch of old. The Christian should remember that the Life of the God-Man is for each member of His Body, moment by moment.
Simply and continuously should the Christian live out the "Life of the Man in the Glory." It is not a hard, strained life; rather it is the normal life of a Christian. We are the channels through which His Life flows to others, refreshing us meanwhile.
It is a blessed life, because we realize our need and utter dependence; consequently we are kept from self-energy and self-esteem.
Every moment of every day, we may draw from His fullness for all our needs.
Continually may we sing:
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There's a Man in the Glory
Whose Life is for me.
He's pure and He's holy,
Triumphant and free.
He's wise and He's loving,
Tender is He;
And His Life in the Glory,
My life must be.
There's a Man in the Glory
Whose Life is for me.
He overcame Satan;
From bondage He's free.
In Life He is reigning;
Kingly is He;
And His Life in the Glory,
My life must be.
There's a Man in the Glory
Whose Life is for me.
In Him is no sickness;
No weakness has He.
He's strong and in vigor
Buoyant is He;
And His Life in the Glory
My life may be.
There's a Man in the Glory
Whose Life is for me.
His peace is abiding;
Patient is He.
He's joyful and radiant,
Expecting to see
His Life in the Glory
Lived out in me.
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