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and the new creation. In chapter 2: the church as a whole is viewed as the creation of
Christ, in chapter 4: the practical endorsement of that truth is taught:--
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt
according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind: and that ye put
on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
The link also with the doctrine of the one body is here too; this being the practical
section, we read that it is commanded to the members:--
"Wherefore putting away the lie, speak every man truth with his neighbour; for we are
members one of another."
The same balance of truth is observed in the sequel. As a result of the creation of the
new man we read, "so making peace". This new man has been created "of the twain
one"; it is a unity. So in chapter 4: the unity of the Spirit is associated with the bond of
peace.
Do we appreciate with any fullness the blessedness of the words, "so making peace",
"the bond of peace"? On every hand there is faction and strife, the sects are divided by
the things of the flesh, one great company distinguish themselves by a name associated
with baptism, another, with endless schisms within itself, makes the Lord's table the rock
upon which it splits. One great assembly styles itself Episcopalian, another Presbyterian
(both referring in the N.T. to the same office!).
As we pass in review the well-nigh endless divisions of Christendom, ordinances and
ministry ever come uppermost. What a blessing to be able with a good conscience to say
"none of these things have any further place with me". Possibly Scripture is clear over
the question concerning baptism, possibly they who contend for believers' immersion are
right--but to the members of the one body, the question has ceased to be of vital interest.
Possibly they who continue to use the unleavened loaf at the Lord's table are scriptural,
but the church of the one body is not associated in any way with the memorial of the new
covenant. Possibly any priestly pretensions on the part of any man are not only
unscriptural but anti-scriptural, but such controversies cannot occur within the bond of
peace, for there all are members one of another, and all hold the one Head, all build one
another up in love. With the destruction of the cause of enmity (the flesh), peace is
assured.
This peace is the direct outcome of the creation of the twain, one new man. The
attitude of the one body towards all men is peace, "we wrestle not with flesh and blood";
though this seems to be outside the faith and practice of many. The feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace indicates that our warfare is not on earth; even in the
days of the kingdom the Lord said, "My kingdom is not of this world, else would My
servants fight", how much more is the church which is His body "called into peace"! Not
only is there perfect unity existing between the erstwhile conflicting parties, more
glorious still, the truth is unfolded, they, together, are reconciled to God. To say merely
that they are reconciled to God, however, is stating but half of the truth, two actions, the
one related to the other, are also described:--