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"life". That is untouchable, it is hid with Christ in God. The Apostle has said something
in the first chapter of Colossians that prepares the way for this great truth:
"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven" (Col. 1: 5).
This same expression is used in II Tim. 4: 8, where it speaks of the "crown of
righteousness" that was "laid up" for the Apostle, and for all who have loved "His
appearing". While therefore, we must keep the Hope and the Prize distinct, we observe
that they are both "laid up" and both connected with "His appearing", the hope being "the
appearing" itself (Col. 3: 1-4), the crown being awarded to those who love that
appearing.
It is natural that in connexion with a "mystery" certain essential elements should have
been "hid", otherwise the word mystery would be emptied of meaning:
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship (dispensation R.V.) of the mystery,
which from the beginning of the world hath been HID IN GOD" (Eph. 3: 9).
"Even the mystery which hath been HID from ages and from generations, but now is
made manifest to His saints" (Col. 1: 26).
"To the acknowledgment of the mystery of God--Christ (Revised texts) in Whom are
HID all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2: 2, 3).
"Your life is HID with Christ IN GOD" (Col. 3: 3).
These four passage which use the word "hid" fall into a simple form of introverted
parallelism:
A |
Eph. 3: 9. Dispensation. Hid in God.
B
| Col. 1: 26. Mystery. Christ in you. Riches.
B
| Col. 2: 3. Mystery. Christ in Whom hid treasures.
A |
Col. 3: 3. Life. Hid in God.
It will be seen that the words that relate to the hope of the church of the Mystery are in
line with the peculiar nature of the dispensation with which this hope closes. We shall
see how this contrasts with the hope that is entertained by other callings presently. Our
second consideration however is what is intended by the words "Christ Who is our Life".
Our life is hid "with Christ in God', that is one aspect of truth and a very comforting
aspect it is too.
Yet however great the assurance implied in the words "with Christ" or "in God", the
next statement is even fuller and deeper. Christ Himself IS our life.
The coming of the dispensation of the Mystery completely broke down the middle
wall of partition, making both far off and nigh One new man. In this unity Christ is our
peace (Eph. 2: 14). The very fact that the riches of the glory of the Mystery could now be
proclaimed among the Gentiles, was another indication that a dispensational change had
come, and the outstanding warrant for such is once again Christ, among you, the hope of
glory (Col. 1: 27). In addition I Tim. 1: 1 declares that Christ is our hope. Full partition,