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Reconciliation of all things in heaven and earth.
The comparison of the two epistles will prevent us from exceeding the inspired limits, and will teach us to
interpret Ephesians 2 and Colossians 1 not universally, but in accord with the revelation of the mystery which is the
centre and circumference of these epistles.
The Mystery.
In Ephesians 3 the apostle speaks of the present dispensation as a mystery, and claims that to himself alone had
the revelation of this secret been given.
This truth and claim he supplements in Colossians 1. In both passages he uses the words, `Whereof I was made
a minister'. In Ephesians 3 he uses the expression in connection with that gospel which announced the glad tidings
concerning the threefold fellowship of the One Body. Here in Colossians 1 the expression is used of the gospel
which had as its object of ministry, `the Church which is His Body' (Col 1:23-25). In both Epistles the apostle
definitely claims to have received this special gospel and revelation in accordance with a `dispensation', and in both
cases that dispensation was `for you Gentiles'.
A further word as to the place which the mystery occupies in the plan of the ages is given in Colossians 1:25. It
`fills up the Word of God'. It is the climax revelation. The hidden character of the mystery is repeated together
with the fact that now, in this dispensation, the mystery is made known:
`The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints ...
Christ in (among) you, the hope of glory' (Col. 1:26.27).
Dead, buried, and risen.
Colossians 2 and 3 are largely taken up with the doctrine and practical result of the union of the believer with the
death, burial and resurrection of Christ. This subject is touched upon in the opening verses of Ephesians 2. Here it
is expanded.
The section commences with the statement: `Ye are complete in Him' (Col. 2:8-10). He is the Head both of the
Church and of the Principalities and Powers. This emphasises the heavenly character of the Church. True
circumcision, true baptism, true Sabbath-keeping are found in the Body - all else are `shadows of things to come'.
Ordinances and days.
The member of the One Body is not called upon to observe any ordinance whatever, either those formerly
imposed by God (Col. 2:11,12,16), or at the present time by man (Col. 2:20-23). To all these things the believer is
dead and buried.
The Lord's Supper.
What is the relation of the Church of the Mystery to the observance of the Lord's Supper?
The Lord's Supper must not be lifted out of its context. It belongs to a dispensation of miracle. This can be seen
by turning to the first epistle to the Corinthians. Every believer who partook of the Lord's Supper belonged to a
church which was endued with miraculous gifts.
The Lord's Supper, moreover, is vitally connected with the new covenant. This is easily seen by turning to
Matthew 26:26-30. Here we find the circumstances under which the Lord's Supper was instituted: