Part 7 (2/2)
2:6), as a member of that body of which the Head is actually in heaven.
The heavenly (or 'in heavenly _places_,') therefore, is the sphere of the believer's present a.s.sociation with Christ. This is shown by the constant context, 'in Christ Jesus.' The believer is now a.s.sociated with Christ in life (Col. 3:4; I Jno. 5:11, 12), position (Eph. 2:6), suffering (Rom. 8:18; II Tim. 2:11, 12; Col. 1:24; Phil. 1:29); service, (Jno. 17:18; Matt. 28:18-20), and betrothal (II Cor. 11:1-3).
”The believer is to be a.s.sociated with Christ in Glory (Jno. 17:22; Rom.
8:18; Col. 3:4), inheritance (Rom. 8:17), authority (Matt. 19:28; Rev.
3:21), and marriage (Eph. 5:22, 33; Rev. 19:1-9).
”The believer's 'spiritual blessings' (Eph. 1:3), therefore, are to be possessed or experienced only as he lives in the sphere of his joint life, joint position, joint suffering, joint service and joint marriage pledge with Christ. In so far as he lives as a natural man whose interests are earthly, and avoids the path of co-service and (if need be) co-suffering, he will know nothing experimentally of the exalted blessings of Ephesians. 'It is sufficient that the servant be as his Master.' Christ took account of Himself as a heavenly Being come down to earth to do His Father's will.” (Scofield Bible Correspondence Course, Book 2; page 288.)
Thus it may be seen that the believer is not only a citizen of heaven, but that he has also been brought into a position where many privileges of the heavenly experience are open to him.
In like manner, the believer's position in relation to this world is not only a separation from the world by nature and purpose; but he is also said to be a stranger and a pilgrim among the inhabitants of this dark age. ”But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in times past were not a people, but are now the people of G.o.d: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly l.u.s.ts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles” (I Pet. 2:9-12). The same expression of ”strangers and pilgrims” is used, also, in regard to the faith descendants of Abraham: ”these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims upon the earth” (Heb.
11:13). This same wide difference between the people of this world and the people of G.o.d is also stated in pa.s.sages where the world is understood to be the system over which Satan now rules: ”He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world (Satanic system) shall keep it unto life eternal” (Jno. 12:25). ”Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friends.h.i.+p of the world is enmity with G.o.d? Whosoever therefore who will be a friend of the world (Satanic system) is the enemy of G.o.d” (Jas. 4:4). Love not the world (Satanic system), neither the things that are in the world. ”If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the l.u.s.t of the flesh, and the l.u.s.t of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world pa.s.seth away, and the l.u.s.t thereof: but he that doeth the will of G.o.d abideth forever” (I Jno. 2:15-17).
The word ”l.u.s.t,” constantly used in description of the Satanic system, has a much larger meaning in the Scripture than its present popular use, where it refers only to that which is sensual. In these pa.s.sages quoted, it refers to the whole Satan-inspired ambition of humanity, and includes their principle of self-help, and their struggle for all that, to them, is highest and best. It is unlawful, in that it disregards the truth of G.o.d; and it is related to that which is physical, because it magnifies the finite being and its resources.
Two other striking pa.s.sages concerning the relation of the believer to the world are here given: ”Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world (Satanic system)” (I Jno. 4:17). ”As thou hast sent me into the world (Satanic system), even so have I also sent them into the world (Satanic system)” (Jno. 17:18).
The last revelation of the believer's position to be mentioned here, is in regard to his service for the world. The unbounded love of G.o.d has called him into fellows.h.i.+p with Christ in the great work of this age; and in that connection he is under commission to evangelize, by a process of witnessing, to the uttermost parts of the world. In this undertaking he is promised the immediate presence of Christ, to whom all power, both in heaven and in earth, has been given (Matt. 28:18-20). The language of the inspired Book describes such witnesses as ”Amba.s.sadors for Christ”: ”Now then we are amba.s.sadors for Christ, as though G.o.d did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to G.o.d” (II Cor. 5:20). And the amba.s.sador's message is also given in the next verse of the same pa.s.sage: ”For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of G.o.d in Him”
(we who knew no righteousness).
Nowhere does the saint need more direct teaching of the Spirit than in regard to the relatioin he sustains to this world. In spite of the similarity of his earth life to that of the world's people, he must reckon himself to be dead in Christ and raised to newness of life.
Expecting the world to misunderstand him and even to hate him, he must ”wisely walk before them who are without.” He is called upon to ”use this world but not to abuse it;” and that which is of itself pure and good may become undesirable to him at times, because its use would further the interests of Satan.
Some have taken the extreme position of a.s.signing to Satan the material universe and everything that is in the world to-day; not recognizing the fact that no material or physical thing is evil of itself. G.o.d created all things good. Satan has created nothing, and his present relation to the world is only as a permitted usurper who appropriates and devastates the things of G.o.d in the interests of his own ambition. He is the file-leader in a great and terrible rebellion against the government of G.o.d: but the natural universe, like all the powers of the human mind and will, belongs primarily to G.o.d, the Creator; and by t.i.tle of inheritance, they belong also, to the child of G.o.d: ”therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is G.o.d's” (I Cor.
3:21-23). Yet, since Satan is making use of many good things to cover his evil purpose, the child of G.o.d must, for the present, discern the hidden evil and, in loyalty to his Lord, reject everything that may further the workings of Satan. The Scripture is very clear on this point, and discusses one issue as an example of all similar issues. This discussion in Scripture is of food which of itself is perfectly good, but may be a means of great harm when a.s.sociated with the purposes of evil. The pa.s.sages are as follows: ”Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: for the kingdom of G.o.d is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to G.o.d, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of G.o.d. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak” (Rom. 14: 13-21). ”What say I then? that the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to G.o.d: and I would not that ye should have fellows.h.i.+p with devils.
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than He? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsover is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of G.o.d. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of G.o.d: even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (I Cor. 10:19-33).
The question becomes a practical one, in view of the present progress in discovery, science, and psychology. A theory must not be rejected because it is new or mysterious; for the marvelous inventions of the age are often as useful in spreading the Gospel as in furthering the interests of Satan. The newly acquired knowledge of the universe may be as valuable to the progress of good as to the advancement of evil.
There can be but one final test as to what shall be accepted and what shall be rejected, and that must be made by the individual alone before G.o.d (Rom. 14:22). In connection with any such question we may ask, ”Is the real work of redemption hindered, or its true basis rejected? Is this a direct denial of the truth, by which souls will be hindered, or is it a counterfeit which may decoy them away from their only hope in the priceless blood of the Cross?” Beyond this, a child of G.o.d may safely be ”all things to all men that he may save some.”
The Christian can see more of beauty in the world, make larger use of its learning, and more fully appreciate its good, than can the children of this age: yet he must now, above all things else, be content with his limited commission, and be jealous of the interests of his Lord and King. Much of his present perplexity would be relieved if he could but realize that he is temporarily tenting where an enemy rules, and where he is the object of that enemy's fiery darts, yet hedged about by the omnipotence of G.o.d; called to bear the one message of redemption by the Cross, in the capacity and hidden dignity of an amba.s.sador from the throne of the Most High; even now possessing a glory which shall soon be unveiled in the presence of his Lord; waiting that morning when his Lord shall come again and receive him unto Himself.
Chapter XII.
The Believer's Present Victory.
An exalted position is usually accompanied with great responsibility.
This is certainly true, according to Scripture, in the case of the believer in his heavenly position. For when he is seen as a citizen of heaven, and a partaker of those a.s.sociations, he is also required, both by Scripture and by reason, to ”walk worthy of the calling wherewith he is called.” The statement of these heavenly demands upon the child of G.o.d forms a distinct body of truth, and there are at least three such bodies of truth in Scripture, each appearing as a rule of conduct for some special people in some particular time. The Mosaic Law was given primarily to G.o.d's ancient people through Moses; but it has a message still, as it reflects the holiness of G.o.d and prepares for the salvation which is in Christ. So the ”Sermon on the Mount,” with the injunctions of John Baptist, and the early teachings of Christ were given with the coming kingdom age in view and, therefore, form an important revelation in regard to that time when ”all shall know the Lord from the least unto the greatest.” Though there are some common principles running through all these separate teachings, that Scripture which applies directly to the people of this parenthetical age of the Church will be found only in portions of the Gospels and in the Epistles of the New Testament.
No appreciation of the provisions of G.o.d for a victorious life can be had until the demands which the believer's position imposes are realized. These demands are in no way the standards of the world, for the believer is not only a citizen of heaven in position, but is called upon even now to fulfil all the standards of that sphere. As an ill.u.s.tration of this fact, a very few of these heavenly ideals and injunctions are given here: ”I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of G.o.d, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto G.o.d, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).
”Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of G.o.d in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ”Abstain from all appearance of evil” (I Thes. 5:16-18, 22). ”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22, 23). ”I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3). ”And grieve not the Holy Spirit of G.o.d, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30). ”Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto G.o.d and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:17-20). ”Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of G.o.d, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:13). ”If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of G.o.d. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1, 2).
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