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#12. The Muniment Room (1: 3 - 14).
The Threefold Charter of the Church.
"Before the foundation of the world."
Part 3: In which the agents that brought about the state
described in Gen. 1: 2 are shown to be angelic.
pp. 101 - 104
We have given considerable space to the examination of Eph. 1: 4 and have proved
that the Church was chosen "before the overthrow of the world" which is recorded in
Gen. 1: 2. The fact that the Church is associated with the "heavens" of Gen. 1:, and that
it is associated with "principality and power" in those heavenly places "far above all",
makes the mind meditate the possibility that angelic and satanic rebellion was the agent
of the overthrow, especially when we remember the "high ones on high" of Isa. 24: 21.
Moreover the "Serpent" of Gen. 3:, and the cherubim of that same chapter seem
related, while the words:
"For unto the angels hath He not put in subjection the world to come whereof we
speak" (Heb. 2: 5).
"Thou madest him for a little while inferior to the angels" (Heb. 2: 7, margin).
seem to indicate that a past world had been subjected to angels and that Adam at his
creation was most definitely appointed in their room and stead. Because things may
"seem" to be, however, does not justify the building of a doctrine. We must have a much
more definite basis as a foundation for so important a teaching and consequently we must
turn to the Scriptures to discover what they teach on the subject.
It is clearly established Scripture that there was a fall among the angels. Let us make
this matter sure before proceeding.
Angels sinned. "If God spared not the angels that sinned" (II Pet. 2: 4).
Angels revolted. "The angels that kept not their first estate" (Jude 6).
Angels at war.
"There was war in heaven, Michael and his angels, fought against the
dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels" (Rev. 12: 7).
The Dragon.
"That old serpent, called the Devil and Satan" (Rev. 12: 9).
Principalities.
"Angels, authorities (principalities) and powers" (I Pet. 3: 22).
Some Principalities are foes. "Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities" (Rom. 8: 38).
"Having spoiled principalities and powers" (Col. 2: 15).
"We wrestle . . . . . against principalities and powers" (Eph. 6: 12).
"Fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt. 25: 41).
Pride.
"Lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the
devil . . . . . lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (I Tim. 3: 6, 7).