Sinai or in the related imposition of observances, the magnifying of the

'shadow' to the neglect of the 'substance', seems to be laid to

the charge of certain sections of the angelic host, 'world rulers of this

darkness'.  Again, in Galatians 4:8-10, the submission to 'weak and beggarly

elements', the observance of 'days, months, and times and years' is all one

and the same, in essence, as doing service 'unto them which by nature are no

gods'.  We have no definite information, but the feeling left by these

passages is that angels, who were associated with the giving and

administration of the law of Sinai (Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:1-3), and

principalities and powers, were abusing their authority and using ceremonial

religion and speculative philosophy to bring the Gentile world into a

parallel bondage, and were among the enemies that were dealt with and

defeated by the Cross.  We must never lose sight of the fact that Satan is

first and foremost, one who seeks worship, and his usurpation, rebellion and

fall, together with the alienation of the world from God and from Christ, is

directed to this end.  While, therefore, we must lovingly retain our belief

that at the cross we find Redemption, Atonement, Access and Peace, there was

also a victory over unseen forces, the importance of which will not be fully

known until we arrive at 'the end' or goal, when God will be all in all.

While we make no pretence to inside knowledge of these high matters, we

believe that what has been written above will at least enable the reader to

appreciate the cosmic relationship of his high calling, the reasons why it is

referred back to before the 'overthrow', why it is far above all principality

and power, and marvelling at the grace that reserved this calling for the

alien and the stranger, may so set his mind on things above where Christ

sits, and await the day of manifestation when we shall at last be appraised

as to the real extent of the hope of our calling.  Incidentally, this rule of

angels, principalities and powers, constitutes a kosmos, a world order, and

to this the words, 'Before the foundation of the world' refer.  (See article

Overthrow or Foundation, p. 114).

Prudence.  This word as found in Ephesians 1:8 needs

to be treated with care.  The A.V. reads: 'Wherein He hath abounded toward us

in all wisdom and prudence'.  Now 'abounding' translates the Greek word

perisseuo and suggests prodigality, giving without stint, whereas prudence

suggests careful administration, and to Abound with Prudence sounds somewhat

contradictory.  If we ignore the English punctuation and read Ephesians 1:7-9

as follows we shall be nearer the apostle's meaning.

'In Whom we have redemption, through His

blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the

riches of His grace wherein He hath abounded

toward us.

In all wisdom and prudence having made known

making it

unto us the mystery of His will'.

The prudence relates to making known the mystery of His will, milk for

babes and meat for full grown, whereas grace abounds and overflows where the

forgiveness of sins is in view.