The Assembly the House of God

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 8
 
"The assembly as the responsible light on earth has in man's hands been ruined, and now is compared in 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) to 'a great house' where all kinds of vessels are, but in confusion. We are not told to leave it,—that we cannot do, but we are told to depart from iniquity, that is, a separate path is pointed out for the obedience of faith to walk in where we can obey the word and seek to carry out God's mind.
"This we find illustrated in Israel's history. In Rehoboam's day division came in (1 Kings 12:1919So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. (1 Kings 12:19)). Matters grew worse till Israel was carried away into Babylon (2 Chron. 36). None were left in Jerusalem. But God had pity on them and a remnant in Ezra's day came back and set the altar in its place. See Ezra 3. Another company came back later with Nehemiah and were one with the first at Jerusalem; not two companies, but one. Then Deut. 12:5-145But unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: 6And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: 7And there ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee. 8Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes. 9For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the Lord your God giveth you. 10But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the Lord your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety; 11Then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the Lord: 12And ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you. 13Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest: 14But in the place which the Lord shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee. (Deuteronomy 12:5‑14) could be observed again. They gathered back to Israel's center chosen at the first, and that is the only thing left to do. It is not constructing or organizing some ecclesiastical position of our own. If the Holy Spirit gathers any, He will do so only in accordance with the principles laid down in the word of God. There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.' This is recognized and acted upon in endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3-43Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:3‑4).)
"In 2 Tim. our path in this day of ruin is pointed out. It is only a feeble remnant at the best, but it is getting back to Matt. 18:18-2018Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:18‑20). But this can only be claimed in the path of obedience to the word of God 2 Tim. 2:1919Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19) 'Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.' It is separating from every invention of man in divine things, by getting back to God's word. 'If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work.' I need to leave much that is good that is associated with evil; then the word comes 'Flee also youthful lusts.' God wants truth in the inward parts and this should exercise our hearts to live 'soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.' To boast of a right Scriptural position if worldliness and other lusts are allowed in our walk is sorrowful indeed. Then we are to follow, not people, but righteousness, faith, love, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." ( J. N. D.)