 |  |
In order to more clearly demonstrate that which we have set forth, we give a list of the
parallel key words of both passages:--
I Corinthians 2: and 3:
|
Hebrews 5: and 6:
1.
Babes
3: 1
|
Babes
5: 13
2.
Milk
3: 2
|
Milk
5: 13
3.
Meat
3: 2
|
Meat
5: 14
4.
Perfect
2: 6
|
Perfect
5: 14
5.
One foundation
3: 11
|
Foundation
6: 1, 2
6.
Fire
3: 13
|
Fire
6: 8
7.
Six things erected
3: 12
|
Sixfold elements
6: 1, 2
In these two solemn passages we have the reason why the mystery--the glorious
privilege of the present dispensation--is not understood. Instead of being a pet subject
for a few fanciful speculators, it is vitally connected with the whole evangel. So true is
this, that we know those who once held most clearly the doctrines of grace, who now feel
obliged to introduce much of the works of the flesh, "the first principles," simply because
they fail to rightly divide the Word of truth. They are so intent upon building upon the
one foundation a building according to Acts 2: and the gospel of the kingdom, that they
have neither eyes, ears, nor heart for the "heavenlies in Christ." Christendom knows
nothing of the truth of Ephesians, but is engulfed in ordinances, and occupied with
temples "made with hands." Christendom is an anomaly, the offspring of such were at
Corinth and among the Hebrews.
Dear readers, where are we? Are we among those who cry "Back to the nursery?"
"Back to bondage?" or do we, like the apostle, "forget the things that are behind, and
reach forth unto the things that are before?" Our appreciation of the mystery, and the
truth contained in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, will enable us to decide, as
before the Lord, whether we are babes or full-grown.
Eph.
1:
4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be
holy and without blame before him in love:
II Tim.
1:
9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but
according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world
began,
Matt.
25:
34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: