centred, they are destined to be first and above the Gentile nations (Deut. 28:13; Isa. 61:5,6). Secondly,

as Israel are passing off the scene in unbelief, there is formed a company of believers who are called the

`church of the firstborn' (Heb. 12:23). They too have received the position of adoption (Gal. 4:5-7).

Their sphere of blessing is the Heavenly Jerusalem whose goal is to descend from heaven and form part

of the new earth (Rev. 3:12; 21:2,10,24). Thus finally introducing to us another earthly sphere. They are

likened to a Bride (Rev. 21:2) and have the first place for they are above the innumerable company of

angels who are linked with this city (Heb. 12:22) and will finally take part in their judgment (1 Cor. 6:3).

Thirdly we have the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Firstborn of all creation (Col. 1:15,18)

and He is above all not only in earth but in heaven, including principality, power, might and dominion

and every name that is named, being now seated at the Father's right hand (Eph. 1:19-23). There is a

company of believers so intimately linked with Him that He is designated as the Head and they His Body

(Eph. 1:23) so that where He is, they must be also. The epistle to the Ephesians reveals that they have

been marked off likewise in the Father's will for `adoption' (Eph. 1:5) and it is expressly revealed that the

sphere where they are blessed is not this present earth or the future one, but highest heaven itself, for they

are not only raised with Christ, but seated together with Him in the heavenlies (Eph. 2:6) and share His

glorious exaltation `far above all' (Eph. 1:21). There are then three differing companies of the redeemed,

all rejoicing in `adoption' and holding the firstborn's premier position which most obviously cannot be in

the same sphere at one and the same time.

Let us learn to be obedient to the will of God, and `try the things that differ' (Phil. 1:10, margin). We

do not further the truth by blending what He has kept apart. This can only cause confusion, and inability

to receive the highest and best that God has to give. `Things that are excellent' (Phil. 1:10) can only be

appreciated when the command to test and try the things that differ has been complied with faithfully.

We would remind the reader that salvation is only a beginning, and that those who have been saved by

faith in the Lord Jesus must learn to live by faith. This means going on to believe and act upon all that

God has revealed in His Word. Alas, there is the possibility of an evil heart of unbelief in a believer (Heb.

3:12). Looking back on Israel's history we can see that all were redeemed by the blood of the passover

lamb, and yet, of the many thousands who came out of Egypt, only two (Caleb and Joshua), believed all

the revelation of God, and thereby  entered into the fullness of blessing and enjoyment of Canaan. The

rest could not enter in because of unbelief (Heb. 3:19). Thus, although saved, they missed the best that

God had revealed at that particular time.

We realize that the truths set forth in this leaflet are challenging, and earnestly desire that the reader

may carefully and prayerfully weigh over the evidence given in the light of a Word rightly-divided, so as

fully to apprehend that for which we have been apprehended by Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:12), and thus be

approved unto Him (2 Tim. 2:15).

May the principle embodied in the rebuke of the Lord to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus

never be merited by either writer or reader:

The Berean Publishing Trust

52A Wilson Street,

LONDON EC2A 2ER