whereby they may be delivered out of it in order to agree with the teaching of

reconciliation. We have dealt briefly with this question on pages 31-36.

One other consideration too important to miss is the meaning of the expression,

"in Christ." Readers of this magazine, we feel sure, heartily believe that the verbal

accuracy of the Scriptures is a real part of its inspiration, consequently, when we find two

phrases nearly but not quite alike, we at once realize that the difference is worthy of close

attention. Strictly speaking I Cor. 15: 22 is the first occurrence of this phrase in the N.T.

where the article is used, and should be rendered "in the Christ." A careful study of the

usage of the two expressions "in Christ" and "in the Christ" will shew that "in Christ"

refers to doctrinal position, whereas "in the Christ" refers to the actual Person of the

Lord, without carrying with it, necessarily, what is meant by the blessed term "in Christ."

Take an illustration:--

It will be seen that while both passages refer to the same blessed Person, two distinct

ideas are involved. The words "in Christ" occurs twenty-five times, while the word "in

the Christ" occur six times. Following is a list of the six; the reader can consult all other

references for the other phrase: I Cor. 15: 22; II Cor. 2: 14; Eph. 1: 10, 12, 20; 3: 4.

The expression, "even so in the Christ shall all be made alive," must not be made to teach

that those thus made alive are necessarily "in Christ" in the sense of the words as used of

believers. We do not say they are or are not; what we are seeking is not a buttress for a

theory, but the truth of God, whatever it may be.

The death mentioned in I Cor. 15: is Adamic death, and in no wise touches the second

death--that is read into the passage from subsequent revelation. Christ is set over against

Adam. All Adam's children are included in death; all shall be included in life by reason

of the last Adam, the second Man. Death is to be destroyed, death is to be swallowed up

in victory.  The question which the apostle set out to answer was the question of

resurrection. This he does most clearly and fully. To go beyond this to the then

unrevealed second death, and the question of universal reconciliation, is to allow one's

desires to outrun the true principle of exegesis. We must not add to the Word, even for

the truth's sake. The great question of final universal reconciliation is untouched in this

chapter. There is surely no one, if he were to give an honest answer to the question,

Would you like to find that universal reconciliation was a fact? but would reply, Yes,

with all my heart.  This desire, however, proves nothing.  Only the Word of God

considered in all its facts can tell us the truth as to this, as to all else.

The death mentioned in I Cor. 15: is Adamic death. The words, "in Adam," are not

only inclusive, but also exclusive. That death goes as far as the appointed death of all

men. From that death all will be raised. The second death is entirely outside the scope of

Adam's influence. Satan fell before Adam was created. Satan did not and will not die

"in Adam." The redemption and reconciliation regarding all who die in Adam does not

include Satan and his angels who have no connection with his headship. Yet beloved