 |  |
sphere and period hitherto unknown (Eph. 1: 3, 4) has no corresponding hope. But such is
not the case; our hope and our calling are in harmony.
We have other epistles to examine before our study is complete, and we shall find in
them evidence which is both positive and conclusive. To this investigation we must
address ourselves in our next article.
#20.
The mystery that fills up the Word of God.
"The hope of glory" (Colossians).
pp. 146 - 149
It will be remembered that in writing to both the Thessalonians and the Corinthians,
the apostle brings together in very vital connection "faith, hope and love". This blessed
trio is found both in Ephesians and Colossians. In Ephesians we read:--
"That we should be to the praise of His glory, who had a prior hope in Christ . . . . .
after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints" (Eph. 1: 12-15).
The passage in Colossians is somewhat similar, the order, however, being reversed,
and hope mentioned last:--
"We give thanks . . . since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love
which ye have unto all the saints, on account of the hope which is laid up for you in
heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel . . ." (Col. 1: 3-5).
The subject that receives the fullest attention in this passage is "the hope". Let us note
the various items in its definition.
(1) It is laid up in heaven.
(2) It formed part of the "word of the truth of the gospel".
(3) Which had all the world in view.
A superficial reading has led some to make of this passage a close parallel with
I Pet. 1: 4: "An inheritance . . . . . reserved in heaven for you." The words "reserve" and
"lay up", however, are different, and the occasion when this inheritance is entered is very
different also. "To lay up" is the translation of apokeimai, which occurs four times in the
N.T.:--
"Here is thy pound which I have kept laid up in a napkin" (Luke 19: 20).
"The hope which is laid up for you in heaven" (Col. 1: 5).
"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness" (II Tim. 4: 8).
"As it is appointed unto men once to die" (Heb. 9: 27).
The first occurrence, a non-doctrinal usage, gives the elementary meaning of the word,
"laid up as in a napkin". The parallel passage (Matt. 25: 18) indicates that this man
"went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money".