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Fundamentals of Dispensational Truth.
#66.
The knowledge of the Lord.
pp. 1 - 4
Before we continue our studies in the closing chapters of Exodus, it seems necessary
that the subject opened in the previous paper should not be left without the sequel
supplied by the N.T.
In Exodus we have seen the knowledge of the Lord, commencing in redemption,
progressing through separation and pilgrim supply, and culminating in sanctification. If
we gather up some of the teaching of the N.T. upon the subject of knowledge, we shall
have before us the same truth in terms applicable to ourselves. No one who realizes the
truth of Eph. 4: 18 can ever speak slightingly either of ignorance or knowledge:--
"Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the
IGNORANCE that is in them."
This ignorance alienates from the very life of God! It does not mean merely a little
less culture. The passage speaks of the Gentiles, and Rom. 1: contains the genesis of
their defection:--
"Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a
reprobate mind" (Rom. 1: 28).
Israel likewise failed in connection with knowledge:--
"They have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge, for they being ignorant of
God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not
submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" (Rom. 10: 2, 3).
The great prayers of the prison epistles give a high place to knowledge:--
"The spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him . . . . . that ye may know
. . . . ." (Eph. 1: 17, 18).
"And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge" (Eph. 3: 19).
"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in
all judgment" (Phil. 1: 9).
"That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection" (Phil. 3: 10).
"That ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding" (Col. 1: 9).
The results of the true application of this knowledge must be considered also.
Looking again at these great prayers, we find that this knowledge is for a very high and
holy purpose. The Ephesian prayers lead on to "fullness":--
"The fullness of Him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1: 23).
"That ye may be filled unto all the fullness of God" (Eph. 3: 19).