As in science, so in scripture, one truth leads to another; and the more we learn, the simpler we become: for it is in human things the mastery of a subject that enables us to be simple.
Thus, to take a familiar example, the most profound research into the science of optics results both in the improvement and cheapening of the common telescope. So clearer conceptions of the truth of God, in whatever department we study it, and although pursued in the way of what might be called minute differences, result in a simpler and yet a more substantial gospel. Experience abundantly witnesses to this.
Some may remember when, in the current theology of the day, the Holy Ghost's presence was not even named. It was at best justification by faith; and the Holy Ghost was spoken of as “an influence,” but not going so far as a power and a person, both of which He truly is. Nothing was known of His indwelling in the Christian, nor did they speak of His descent from an ascended Head, because of Christ's—that Head's—exaltation in heaven. It was at most God the Father, Christ the Savior, and the Holy Ghost the Sanctifier. All true, but all for the individual, and even for him imperfectly.
But now that further research into scripture instructs us that, as a dispensational truth, the Holy Ghost is a person sent down here (see John 14; 15:16), inquiry into His action and into the relationships into which that action molds us is of moment. He indwells us individually. (John 4:14; 7:3814But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)
38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38); Rom. 8:9-119But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:9‑11); 1 Cor. 6:19; 119What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19) John 4:1515The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. (John 4:15).) But just as pointedly does scripture assert that He indwells us collectively as God's house or temple. (1 Cor. 3:16; 216Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16) Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:2222In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22).) And it is on the latter, that is, our collective or united condition, that a few hints are offered with a view to induce the reader to search for himself.
We find several relationships formed, which suppose the presence of God the Holy Ghost in the church, such as the body, and the house or temple. There is another aspect in the kingdom, but this we do not touch on. These just mentioned are the principal terms by which such expression is given to the relationship which the saints corporately hold to Christ through the Holy Ghost. Thus, “the church which is his body.” (Eph. 1:2323Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:23); Col. 1:2424Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: (Colossians 1:24).) Again, “God hath set some in the church” (1 Cor. 12:2828And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28)), in close connection with “Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (Ver. 27.) Thus we have the church and the body in a manner identical, before any failure comes in. In like manner church and house are interchangeable. “If I tarry long that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God.” (1 Tim. 3:1515But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15).)
We have no absolute identification of the body and the house, though the church, a middle term, being identified with both, seems to connect the three together. And this is indeed the truth; for the church looked at as on earth, and under the responsibility of man, may be viewed as the house—nay, even as the “great house” of 2 Tim. 2:2020But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. (2 Timothy 2:20)—which, entrusted to man, fails, as everything else does which he undertakes; whilst, as connected with God and His Christ, it maybe viewed as the body of Christ, which never fails. In strictness it is not the body that is said to be indwelt by the Holy Ghost, but the house “in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:2222In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22).) And of course the figure of a house and a body are distinct, and neither are used without a meaning; nor is the body liable to failure, as both the church, or rather churches or assemblies, and the house are; and as in fact they do fail. (1 Cor. 3:10-1610According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:10‑16); Rev. 2; 3:1 Tim. 3:1515But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15); compared with 2 Tim. 2:2020But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. (2 Timothy 2:20).) The house of the first Epistle becomes as the great house of the Second, with vessels to dishonor as well as honor.
The body is that into which we are formed by the descent of the Holy Ghost from the Head in glory. The gifts for its edification are looked at in their full result, that is, “till we all come to a perfect man.” Failure therefore is not supposed; whilst the church (or churches) and the house fail from the fact of man having to do with them.
Not that God will ever be disappointed. Whilst man fails in what is entrusted to him, building bad materials upon a good foundation (1 Cor. 3:11-1811For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 18Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (1 Corinthians 3:11‑18)), God knows how to take care of His own work. (Eph. 2:20, 21; 5:25, 2720And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (Ephesians 2:20‑21)
25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:25)
27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27); 1 Peter 2:4, 54To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4‑5).) In the church, as body or building, His own purposes cannot fail, and they will be realized in the glory.
Doubtless it is of great value to know that the Holy Ghost is here at all; it is something too to be aware that bad men may be found where He dwells. (1 Cor. 3:1717If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1 Corinthians 3:17).) “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy.” It is thus that we account for the present condition of Christendom. Perhaps, as to terms, speaking corporately, we should not go wrong in saying that the Holy Ghost forms and energizes the body of Christ (Eph. 4:1616From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:16)), and dwells in the house or temple (1 Cor. 3), over which Christ is as a Son. (Heb. 3:66But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. (Hebrews 3:6).) He is Son over His own house, and Head of the body.'
But it is not necessary to over-refine on such a subject. As a practical matter it would seem that, as sovereign grace formed, nourishes, and cherishes the body (Eph. 1; Col. 2), responsibility attaches to the church looked at as the house. (1 Cor. 3; 5:11:29-32.) It is important then, if we learn our place and relationship as thus viewed, to remember it is Christ's house and God's church or assembly, not ours; and things are to be regulated, not by our will, but according to His will as revealed in His word.
In looking into these relationships, established by God Himself, we are at once delivered from the presumption and delusions, no less than the superstitions, of popery and its kindred systems.
The Lord give us to realize all His claims upon us, and to feel them in divine power!
High Littleton, September, 1875. W. W.
[The above paper was the last written by our beloved and departed brother, who desired, even when bodily weakness and suffering left him little respite, to help the least of God's saints. A few expressions have been corrected, which he might have done more fully himself, had he seen the essay in print.—Ed.]