 |  |
same is true of the other equally suggestive word of this chapter, viz., "made to sit
together". The "together" aspect with its thought of equality is one of the most important
keys to the teaching.
The building, so variously expressed, rests on a foundation. For salvation Christ alone
is the foundation (I Cor. 3: 11), but in the matter of the dispensational position of the one
body the foundation is that of the apostles and prophets. What this means will be more
clearly apprehended when we study Eph. 4: 11-16, but a reference to these verses will
show that the foundation ministry was that of apostles and prophets, succeeded as
II Tim. 2: 2 and 4: 5 indicate by that of evangelist and teacher. Apostles and prophets,
however, do not form a substitute for Christ. He still the Chief corner stone. A further
link with the body aspect is found in verse 21. There we read:--
"In whom the whole building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the
Lord."
In chapter 4: 16 the same word occurs, there translated differently:--
"From whom the whole body (cf. the whole building) fitly joined together and
compacted by means of every joint of the supply, according to the proportionate energy
of each single part, maketh growth of the body (cf. groweth unto an holy temple) unto a
building up of itself (the building of 2: 21) in love."
The temple is the dispensational figure (2: 21), the body is its practical manifestation
(4: 16). Chapter 2: 21 says, "IN whom all the building fitly framed together groweth";
chapter 4: 16, "OUT of whom the whole body fitly joined together . . . . . groweth".
The temple aspect of these dispensational blessings is in Him, the body aspect is out of
Him. The one is our position, the other our practice. The one grows without reference to
any activity, the other grows as it builds itself up, as each of its members ministers to the
increase. The one grows up from the foundation, the other grows up into Him in all
things which is the Head, even Christ. The body is the present position of the church, the
fullness of Him that filleth all in all is its future glory.
The Church of the One Body, since the days of Paul himself, has never been a popular
assembly. An outside position has ever been its allotted portion, yet who will worry as to
access to the meeting places of saints who has access in one spirit unto the Father? Who
will repine at the closed doors of temples and tabernacles, when they themselves are a
dwelling place, nay, the very innermost shrine for God Himself? If the Gentile could not
pass the barrier of the middle wall, the ordinary Israelite equally could not pass the
barrier of the second veil. True access is found here in Eph. 2: The shadows are past for
us, "the body is of Christ".
Those who realize in any measure the unspeakable privilege, not merely of entering
the true temple, but of being themselves the true temple, will not need much emphasis
upon the exhortation to walk worthy. The world and the flesh (Eph. 2: 11, 12) are
outside this holy place.