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and be brought with them into this knowledge-surpassing unity and oneness in the trinity
(A. A. J. Woodley).
#2. The Mystery, exclusive in its calling,
but permitting relationship with members of other callings,
such as that of the Bride.
pp. 228 - 230
The reader will remember, we trust, the suggestive article written by our brother,
Mr. A. A. J. Woodley, which appeared on page 193. We propose now a series of articles
in which the main idea suggested there should be examined, developed and further
substantiated. To do this, it will be necessary first for one or two preliminary phases of
truth to be reaffirmed.
The Mystery--What it is not.
(1) The "Mystery" is not the inclusion of the Gentile in the scheme of salvation by
grace. This needs no extended proof. It is implied in the promise to Abraham referred to
in Gal. 3::
"The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen (Gentile) through faith,
preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed"
(Gal. 3: 8).
(2) The "Mystery" is not the opening up of the heavenly sphere. The heavenly calling
(Heb. 3: 1), the heavenly gift (Heb. 6: 4), the heavenly country (Heb. 11: 16), and the
heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12: 22) form no part of the "Mystery", though it is true that the
exclusive sphere to which the blessings of the "Mystery" belong is described as "in
heavenly places". Before the Mystery was made known, the Apostle could speak, in his
epistle to the Corinthians, of "heavenly" bodies, and the bearing of a "heavenly" image
(I Cor. 15: 48, 49).
The "Mystery" is a term which represents a new dispensational dealing with the
believer, consequent upon the setting aside of Israel and the temporary suspension of
Israel's hope, both earthly and heavenly. This new calling does not arise out of any
promise made to Abraham or to the fathers, but goes back "before the overthrow of the
world" (Eph. 1: 3, 4), and "before age-times" (II Tim. 1: 9). It was God's foreknown
method of filling the gap occasioned by Israel's foreknown rejection, but, inasmuch as
He did not choose to incorporate this gracious plan within the scope of O.T. prophecy
and O.T. covenants, the calling and hope of Gentile believers during this present interval
in the working out of the purpose of the ages is referred to as the dispensation of the
mystery. This calling is described as "The church which is His body" and the sphere of
its blessings is said to be "in heavenly places", "far above all principality" a sphere to be
entered into and enjoyed when this Church shall be "manifested" with Christ in glory.