We have set forth in these passages the illuminating fact that, without Christ as Head,

the fullness, whatever subsequent study may show it to be, would be impossible.

In Volume XIII, pages 165-170, the relation between the "fullness" and the purpose

of the ages is discussed in some detail. Without repeating what is said there, we would

summarize our findings briefly as follows (See also The Testimony of the Lord's

prisoner, pages 51-53):--

The word "fullness" (pleroma), in its first occurrence is placed over against the word

"rent" (schisma) (Matt. 9: 16).  The "rent" refers back to  Gen. 1: 2,  and is the

"overthrow of the world" mentioned in Eph. 1: 4. Before the present creation was called

into being, a fall, in which angels were involved, had taken place, and it is because

heaven as well as earth is affected, that the purpose of the ages includes a church which is

destined for heavenly places, as well as saved companies for other and lower spheres.

The church of the mystery was chosen in Christ before Gen. 1: 2, but in the wisdom

of God, angels and principalities, and Adam himself were all allowed individual trial--a

trial which in every case ended in failure. There can be no final and irrevocable certainty

in the universe until all, not merely all men, but all principalities and powers, all angels

and ministering spirits, all things in heaven and on earth, are gathered under the Headship

of Christ. Colossians reveals Christ as the Head both of the "church" (1: 18), and of "all

principality and power" (2: 10), and hence explains the necessity for and the character of

the reconciliation of Col. 1: 20. Ephesians reveals Christ as the Head of the church which

is His body, in which the enmity perpetuated through the Acts period as a middle-wall is

broken down, and "the both", Jew and Gentile, are created one new man, so making

peace. This reconciliation is spoken of as "in one body" (Eph. 2: 16).

In the history of the nation of Israel, also, there is a "rent", but when the fullness of

Israel shall come in, the divided nation shall at last be secure:--

In I Cor. 11: Christ is said to be the Head of all men in the divine order, and this is

more fully expounded in I Cor. 15:, where the Lord from heaven is revealed as the last

Adam, and the second Man.

When the purpose of the ages is attained, and the results of the "rent" of Gen. 1: 2

have passed away, with all the "former things" (including the "deep"--see Rev. 21: 1),

then all things will be "in Christ". He will be Head over all things to all, as He is now

Head over all things to the church; God will then be all in all, and the fullness will be

fully attained. It is one of the special glories of the mystery, that the church now is a

foreshadowing of the fullness then; its very title is "The fullness of Him that filleth all in

all" (Eph. 1: 23).

Should the reader wish to read a more detailed explanation of this great theme, he is

asked to consult the comprehensive index of the volumes under such headings as