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(1)
A FIRSTBORN'S POSITION.--Israel among nations (Exod. 4: 22). The Seed
of Abraham in the heavenly city (Heb. 12: 23), and the Church of the Mystery as
one with Christ (Col. 1: 18 and Eph. 4: 13).
(2)
A CITIZENSHIP.--Psa. 87: is given as a specimen of the privilege of the
earthly citizenship of Zion. Rev. 21: 2 speaks of the citizenship of the second
sphere, and Eph. 2: 19 & Phil. 3: 20 speak of the citizenship of the third sphere.
In connexion with this third sphere, Eph. 2: 12 reminds us that those who are
blessed in this highest of spheres had no part in the commonwealth (citizenship)
of Israel.
(3)
AN EXALTED POSITION.--In each sphere, the one to whom pertains the
adoption has other companies subservient to it.
In the case of the nation of Israel, it is the Gentile nations who are to serve
them and go up to Jerusalem three times a year. In the case of the heavenly
calling it is angels that are subordinate, while in the third sphere angels are not
mentioned, nothing less than principalities and powers are ranged beneath the
church which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.
#7.
From glory to glory.
pp. 137 - 139
---Illustration---
(BE-XXV.137).
The theme of II Cor. 3: and 4: is the exceeding glory of the new covenant. In
comparison with this covenant, the glory of the old is nullified. The chart suggests--by
the two shaded forms--the tables of stone associated with the old covenant, and the
fleshy tables of the heart that belong to the new covenant. Both covenants had their
respective "glory", but
"Even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the
glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which
remaineth is glorious" (II Cor. 3: 10, 11).
After considering the balancing members, it becomes very clear that "from glory to
glory" (II Cor. 3: 18) can mean nothing else than "from the typical glory of the old
covenant, to the antitypical glory of the new covenant". This we have suggested by the
arrow at the base of the two covenant forms.