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(2) We have therefore two heavenly "bodies" or "assemblies" brought to our notice as
a perfect or new man and as a bride, respectively, and in Revelation we read:
"Blessed are they which are called to the MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB"
(Rev. 19: 9).
which reveals the fact that in addition to the perfect or new man (bridegroom) and the
bride, there are "others" called and blessed with the "both made one", and the "creation
in himself of the twain into one man, making peace". As to those others who by God's
grace are "called to the marriage supper of the lamb", I would ask all to read the very
helpful exposition on "bridal relationships" etc., given by the Editor in Volume XX,
pages 139-142, which helps us to see that "the many" who now "look for" the blessings
and promises connected with the bride assembly or body, may have their part in one of
these "bridal relationships", for no one can find any scriptural authority for declaring that
the revelation of God made known to Paul concerning "The dispensation of the Mystery",
the calling out of "The assembly which is His Body" to be make known to God's saved
ones in this dispensation, offers to all the choice of one of two heavenly callings, bodies
or assemblies, for Col. 1: 26, 27 very clearly defines and limits the particular heavenly
calling which "God would make known to His saved ones" in this dispensation, and if we
would see what further provision is made by God's wondrous grace for "us, sinners of the
Gentiles", we must turn to the further revelation recorded by God through John, after
Paul and his ministry had been rejected, for it is there we learn, as the Editor pointed out,
that there are other companies or assemblies of "saved ones" to be associated with the
two principal assemblies or bodies to be made "one in Christ".
The oneness in Christ of this joint-body (composed of Gentile and Jewish bodies or
assemblies) is confirmed by the Holy Spirit under another figure or symbol, viz.: "A holy
temple in the Lord" (Eph. 2: 19-22), for we read:
"Hence then, ye (Gentiles) are no longer strangers and sojourners, but are
FELLOW-CITIZENS OF THE SAINTS, and of THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD, and are
built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF
BEING THE CHIEF CORNER STONE, in Whom ALL THE BUILDING FITLY
FRAMED TOGETHER, groweth unto a HOLY TEMPLE IN THE LORD, in Whom ye
also are builded together for an habitation of God through THE SPIRIT."
In this "one new man" in Christ, we have the perfect (heavenly) man of Ephesians in
place of the perfect earthy man (Adam) of Genesis, and the heavenly bride in place of the
earthy bride of Genesis, and the Holy Spirit further helps us to see (as far as our finite
sight is able) the complete unity and union of "the both" and "the twain", by quoting His
own words of Gen. 2: 24. The "old creation" was "one flesh, one breath" (Gen. 2: 24;
Eccl. 3: 19); the new creation in Christ becomes "one body, one spirit" (Eph. 4: 4).
Satan brought about the ruin and fall of God's perfect, natural or earthy man, with his
"joint-body" or woman, as she is called, created "one flesh", but instead of frustrating the
purpose of God, God so works through Christ that in Him "at His appointed time" He
creates "one new man", who is not only in the likeness and image of God, but who has
been made "partaker of the divine nature", a heavenly or spiritual man instead of an
earthy man.