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Past and present ages and generations have, alas, been antagonistic to the purpose of
God, but a literal rendering of Eph. 3: 21 reads: "unto all the generations of the age of
the ages", and suggests that in that day there will be a complete reversal of this attitude
towards the things of God.
While to those who have seen the truth of the mystery, with its unique character, and
intimate connection with the prison ministry of the apostle, these scriptures are
overwhelmingly convincing, it is, nevertheless, a fact that many apparently sincere and
earnest children of God oppose and debate every item brought forward. It is a blessing to
realize that the last word is with the Lord, and while we must use every legitimate means
to make known the truth, we must not strive, but, having given our witness, leave it in the
hands of the Lord, Who only is able to convince and to convert. To those of us who do
yield the assent of heart and lip to the glorious fullness of the apostle's later ministry
comes the word of admonition:--
"Be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me (Paul), His prisoner"
(II Tim. 1: 8).
#14.
The mystery manifested by God (1: 23-28).
"The hope of glory."
pp. 131 - 135
Following upon the manifestation of the mystery to the saints is the statement that
God would also have them know "what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among
the Gentiles, which is Christ among you the hope of the glory, Whom we preach"
(Col. 1: 27, 28). By including, as we may, Col. 1: 29, with its reference to "His
inworking, which inworketh in me in power" we find here the three features contained in
the great prayer of Eph. 1: 15-20:--
"That ye may know what is the HOPE of His calling, and what the RICHES of the
GLORY of His inheritance in the saints: and what is the exceeding greatness of His
POWER to us-ward who believe, according to the INWORKING of His mighty power."
The Ephesians were taught to pray for that which God "would make known". Prayer
for this knowledge without the corresponding assurance would have been unwarranted.
The making known of these riches of glory is in harmony with another statement of
the apostle's in verse 8:--
"That I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph. 3: 8).