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With this as our guide, we must decline to accept any conclusion, however slowly
arrived at, that would read into this passage that the seated Christ is only conceived of as
AMONG and not FAR ABOVE every heavenly or spiritual being, "GOD" alone being
the most glorious exception.
We are more sure than ever that we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings IN
heavenly places, and while thankful for the contrary opinion that has compelled us to
"search and see", we cannot but be concerned about those who may not be able to
examine such suggestions for themselves.
Summarizing so far, the "grapes" of our "Eshcol" include:
(1)
Every blessing that is spiritual, which will be enjoyed
(2)
In heavenly places, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD (Eph. 1: 4)
This unique company "the church which is His Body" is not only blessed with every
blessing that is spiritual, not only blessed in heavenly places, but was chosen in Christ
before the foundation of the world. This too is unique. We have a number of passages
which speak of those who are associated with a choice and a call FROM or SINCE the
foundation of the world, but one company only is ever said to have been chosen
BEFORE. Let us set the Scriptures that use these terms before the eye:
FROM THE FOUNDATION.
(1)
With reference to the use of parables, in speaking of the mysteries of the kingdom
of heaven.
"That it might be fulfilled which was spoken of by the prophet, saying, I will open my
mouth in parables; I will write things which have been kept secret from the foundation of
the world" (Matt. 13: 35).
(2)
With reference to the separation of the nations at the second coming of Christ.
"Then shall the king say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt. 25: 34).
(3)
With reference to the character of those who killed the prophets sent to them:
"That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world,
may be required of this generation" (Luke 11: 50).
(4)
With reference to the typical character of the Sabbath:
"As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest: although the works
were finished from the foundation of the world" (Heb. 4: 3)
(5)
With reference to the character of the offering of Christ:
"Nor yet that He should offer Himself often . . . . . for then must He often have
suffered since the foundation of the world" (Heb. 9: 25, 26).
(6)
With reference to names written in the book of life:
"Everyone whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world, in the
book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain" (Rev. 13: 8 R.V. margin).
"They whose name hath not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the
world" (Rev. 17: 8 R.V.).