I N D E X
each member should put on the new man.  If Christ dwells in the Temple built by
the Spirit (Eph. 2:20-22), then `Because of this' (Eph. 3:1 and 14) each
individual member should desire to manifest that truth in his measure, and is
taught to pray `that Christ may dwell in the heart by faith'.  Thus doctrinal,
dispensational, and practical truth, meet together in `the truth in Jesus'.
(3)
The Image.  Ephesians 4:24 says that the New Man is `according to
God'.  Colossians 3:10 says it is `according to His image'.  It is
evident that Genesis 1:26,27 is in view.  The introduction of the
lie into the garden of Eden rendered the purpose of the image in
Adam abortive, but only temporarily, for in Christ, the last Adam,
the goal is reached.  It is the purpose of God that every one of the
true seed shall be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29).
The church of the One Body, a new creation in that image, is a
firstfruits, the greatest and richest earnest of the glorious
future.
The goal of Colossians 3:11 that `Christ is all and in all', foreshadows
the goal of the ages `that God may be all in all'.  Christ has been given as
Head over all things now to the church, another anticipation of the day when all
things shall be placed under His feet.
(4)
Knowledge.  Ephesians 4:24 speaks of righteousness and holiness of
truth.  Colossians 3:10 speaks of renewal unto a full knowledge of
God, the Creator.  Is there a difference here?  What connection is
there between righteousness, holiness and knowledge of the Creator?
Have we so soon forgotten the context of Ephesians 4:24?  Have we
not seen the utter Unrighteousness and Uncleanness of ignorance?
Have we not seen the degradation that comes from vanity of mind,
darkened understanding and ignorance?  If there is to be a change,
ignorance must give place to knowledge, darkness to light,
uncleanness to holiness, wicked works to righteousness.  In other
words, the complete truth is expressed by the two passages; either
Ephesians 4 or Colossians 3 taken separately implies and
necessitates the other.  Having touched upon this teaching
concerning knowledge we shall realize the condition of things
expressed in Romans 1 the more vividly:
`Because that, when they Knew God ... they ... became vain in their
imaginations, and their foolish heart was Darkened ... they did not like to
retain God in their Knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind' (Rom.
1:21-28).
We shall also understand the meaning of 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 the better:
`But if our gospel be veiled (see 3:14,15), it is veiled by those things
which are destroyed (see 3:7,11,13,14), by which the god of this age hath
blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glory of
the gospel of Christ, Who is the Image of God (see Col. 3:10) should shine
upon them ... the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face
of Jesus Christ' (2 Cor. 4:3-6 author's translation).
Here we see the gospel and knowledge used practically as synonymous.
The
outcome of this teaching is expressed in Ephesians 4:25:
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