Man Now Another Species Than God Created # 22

World Domination or Dominion?

In this connection, there is much said in the Scriptures as to measurement in relation to the Church. In type we have it in Solomon's Temple, but even more so in that of Ezekiel. There every aspect and phase is strictly measured by a heavenly standard. That which is represented by the types is brought out in the spiritual reality of the Church in "Ephesians." There we have:

"The breadth and length and height and depth." (3:18).

"The measure of the gift of Christ" (4:17).

"The working in due measure of each several part." (4:16).

So that what governs in this spiritual Church or Body is the measure of Christ. We are told that in this Body no earthly factors have any place. "There cannot be Greek and Jew" (not, there is both Greek and Jew.); no nationalism or national distinction; no denominationalism, inter-denominationalism, or undenominationalism. All of these represent only human distinctions and differences from one another. Christ is other than all this, and, when Christ predominates, natural elements and features become subjected, whether temperamental, social, educational, national, or of any other kind. The ascendancy of Christ is the only way to oneness and spiritual power. It is in this "one new man" that "the exceeding riches of His grace" will be shown forth "in the ages to come" (Ephesians 2:7).

We have been careful in our use of the words "dominion" and "domination." The latter speaks of force, assertiveness, despotism, and suchlike features. These belong to antichrist. The former is by Divine right with all the universe agreeing and cooperating eventually.

"His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth." (Zechariah 9:10).

"To Him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever" (Revelation 1:6).

Spiritual power and soul-force are very different things, and they belong to different kingdoms, the kingdom of the heavens and the kingdom of men. Man's destiny, according to the though of God, demands that he be born of the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and come to spiritual maturity.

~T. Austin-Sparks~

(continued with # 23 - "The Cross and the New Man" - A History of Man, From God's Standpoint, and His Own")