I am saying, then: Does not God thrust away His
people? May it not be coming to that! For I also am an Israelite, out
of Abraham's seed, Benjamin's tribe. God does not thrust away His
people whom He foreknew.
Or have you not perceived in Elijah what the
scripture is saying, as he is pleading with God against Israel? Lord,
Thy prophets they kill, Thine altars they dig down, and I was left
alone, and they are seeking my soul. But what is that which apprises
saying to him? I left for Myself seven thousand men who do not bow the
knee to the image of Baal. Thus, then, in the current era also, there
has come to be a remnant according to the choice of grace. Now if it
is in grace, it is no longer out of works, else the grace is coming to
be no longer grace. Now, if it is out of works, it is no longer grace,
else the work is no longer work.
What then? What Israel is seeking for, this she did
not encounter, yet the chosen encountered it. Now the rest were
calloused, even as it is written, God gives them a spirit of stupor,
eyes not to be observing, and ears not to be hearing, till this very
day.
And David is saying,
Let their table become a trap and a mesh,
And a snare and a repayment to them:
Darkened be their eyes, not to be observing,
And their backs bow together continually.
I am saying, then, "Do they not trip that they
should be falling?" May it not be coming to that! But in their offense
is salvation to the nations, to provoke them to jealousy.
Now if their offense is the world's riches and their discomfiture the
nations' riches, how much rather that which fills them! Now to you am
I saying, to the nations, inasmuch as, indeed, then, I am the apostle
of the nations, I am glorifying my dispensation, if somehow I should
be provoking those of my flesh to jealousy and should be saving some
of them. For if their casting away is the conciliation of the world,
what will the taking back be if not life from among the dead?
Now if the firstfruit is holy, the kneading is
also; and if the root is holy, the boughs are also. Now if some of the
boughs are broken out, yet you, being a wild olive, are grafted among
them, and became joint participant of the root and fatness of the
olive, be not vaunting over the boughs. Yet if you are vaunting, you
are not bearing the root, but the root you.
You will be declaring, then, "Boughs are broken out that I may be
grafted in." Ideally! By unbelief are they broken out, yet you stand
in faith. Be not haughty, but fear. For if God spares not the natural
boughs, neither will He be sparing you! Perceive, then, the kindness
and severity of God! On those, indeed, who are falling, severity, yet
on you, God's kindness, if you should be persisting in the kindness:
else you also will be hewn out. Now they also, if they should not be
persisting in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft
them in again. For if you were hewn out of an olive wild by nature,
and, beside nature, are grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much
rather shall these, who are in accord with nature, be grafted into
their own olive tree!
THE NATIONS GRAFTED IN
IN THE divine summary of the Roman epistle there are
two controlling themes. These are called "my evangel" and "a secret." The
latter is enlarged upon, but the former, "my evangel," is merely mentioned
(Rom.16:25-27).
If we recall how the Roman epistle opens, the reason
for this will become clear, for there Paul's special service, as it differed from that of "the twelve," is set forth at length (Rom.1:1-7).
What difference is there between that "good-news,"
termed "the evangel of God," and this secret?
The "evangel of God" was promised before "through His
prophets in the holy scriptures" (Rom.1:2). But those writings will be
searched in vain for any trace of the secret, which God "hushed" during
the eonian times past, when those prophets had lived. Even Paul himself,
during the ministry then about completed (Acts 19:21; Rom.15:19,25) had
not proclaimed this secret by word of mouth, for it is said to be
"manifested now" through his prophetic writings (scriptures)
(Rom.16:26). The eonian God issued the injunction to herald it to all the
nations for the obedience of faith. This epistle itself and the second
epistle to the Corinthians, also written at this juncture, are examples of
Paul's "prophetic scriptures." Here we have a two-fold key to unlock the
secret and to distinguish it from the "evangel of God" which Paul calls
"my evangel."
THE EVANGEL OF GOD
Soon after Paul was severed for his evangel he stood up
in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch and delivered a sample sermon which
may well stand as an index to the doctrine which he made known during
this, his itinerant ministry (Acts 13:13-41). One most salient point is
justification by faith, for lawbreakers, including those of the nations as
well as the Jews (verses 38,39). Our Lord is presented as the Son of God
(verse 33), but His relationship, by physical ties, to David is also
stressed (verses 34-37). This is also evident in 2 Timothy 2:8 as well as
Romans 1:3.
This description of Paul's message given at Pisidian
Antioch will also suffice for the first four chapters of the Roman
epistle. Justification by faith, apart from the law, is the absorbing
topic. Abraham's justification before being circumcised opens the door of
faith to the nations. Nevertheless, our Lord is still the Seed of David,
and the Jew is still first (Rom.1:3 and 1:16). This clearly shows that
the first four chapters do not contain a secret, hitherto unrevealed.
THE SECRET OF THE CONCILIATION
But, beginning at chapter five, a change comes over
the face of the epistle.
We leave the court room and the Judge's righteous bench
and enter the presence of the Reconciler, seated upon His throne of grace.
Abraham and Israel's narrow pale fade from view as we
go back and learn that Adam's one offense and its awful consequences to
the whole human race is the type, in reverse, as it were, of that most
marvelous grace - The Conciliation.
"HUSHED" UNTIL "NOW'
Where, in all the sacred scrolls, could be found a hint
of such a thing? Whoever dreamed that so black a page could silhouette
such wondrous glory? The type was there, it is true, yet surely the secret
was successfully "hushed in times eonian."
In Isaiah's vision (Isaiah 6), a gleam of its glory
seemed to pierce the gloom of Israel's dark defection. The prophet did not
see the glory involved in the vision, but wished the duration of his
people's blindness to be as short as possible. When the Lord was about to
leave His disciples, they asked Him, "Lord, art Thou at this time
restoring the kingdom to Israel?" To have answered their question directly
would have involved the disclosure of this secret. But He, in closest
harmony with His God, "hushed" all inquiries of this sort. So He answers,
"Not yours is it to know times or eras which the Father placed in His own
jurisdiction" (Acts 1:6,7).
PAUL AS "PRIEST"
The apostle Paul, during his early journeys, went about
in the character of a priest (Rom.15:16). A priest is appointed for men
in divine affairs. He stands between man and God. He enters God's presence
for them. But those who have access by virtue of the Conciliation need no
priest, nor indeed, will they tolerate anything between them and their
God, with Whom they are reconciled. Even Israel's priesthood will vanish
in the new earth when God once more tabernacles with mankind (Rev.21:22).
The evangel of God was heralded to the nations by word
of mouth. But the secret of the Conciliation was unfolded by written
communications; prophetic scriptures, corresponding with its spiritual
character (Rom.16:26). It takes the form of an "injunction of the eonian
God," and is heralded to all nations, by ambassadors of peace (2
Cor.5:18-21).
CONCILIATION AND THE SECRET ADMINISTRATION
Before proceeding to consider the national aspect of
the Conciliation, as brought before us in the text which heads this
chapter, let us define its relationship to the present secret
administration, disclosed in the third chapter of Ephesians. The fact that
this secret was made public some years before the secret (that, "in
spirit, the nations are to be joint enjoyers [with believing Jews] of an
allotment, and a joint body, and joint partakers of the promise in
Christ Jesus") as revealed in Ephesians 3:6, is enough to distinguish the
two secrets. But the Conciliation did not affect Israel's prior place. It
was still "to the Jew first." This is parallel to the circumstances in the
last eon, where the nations on the new earth will be reconciled, God
Himself tabernacling with them (Rev.21:3), yet Israel in the holy city,
the new Jerusalem, will remain the seat of all earthly government. The
nations will gladly acknowledge her sway, even when her priestly offices
are no longer needed and no temple exists, for God Himself will be their
Temple (Rev.21:22). But the secret administration ignores all such
privileges. The nations are placed on the same plane with Israel in that
marvelous celestial favor (Eph.3:6). A celestial destiny is vital in
this secret administration, for, on the earth, Israel can have no equal.
This is why the celestial side of yet another secret, the secret of Christ
(Eph.3:4), which is to "head up all in the Christ" (Eph.1:10), was not
made known before, for the heavens themselves would be a dreary place with
Christ limited to the earth.
The third item which characterizes this present secret
administration (that the nations should be "joint partakers of the promise
in Christ Jesus"), is founded upon the Conciliation.
Let us go back, then, to the National aspect of this
wondrous truth, as revealed in the text which heads this chapter.
THE NATIONAL ASPECT OF THE CONCILIATION
God is sovereign. Even the reign of Sin could not
subvert His purpose. If lawlessness itself must bend beneath His iron
will, how much more will grace serve willingly! The cross has made it
possible and fitting that He should pour out, unrestrained, the
inexhaustible treasures of His grace. Peace is proclaimed to all.
Provision has been made for all. The efforts and the will of man are all
opposed to God, and can only lead him to his doom. But let our hearts
delight in this, that God is sovereign, and in His wisdom seasons all
His acts with grace.
All had been done to make us His long before we knew
Him. Nevertheless, many of His own spend years in the service of Satan
before He calls them to Himself. His grace is not unbridled, but obeys His
wise commands. Every blessing God bestows is based on the death of Christ,
endured on Golgotha. By virtue of its power, all mankind will yet join in
singing Conciliation's song, and new heavens as well as a new earth will
display the many-sided glories that, as yet, lie dormant in its folds.
Each blessing waits its proper season.
THE CONCILIATION CONCEALED
And so it was with the Conciliation. It was
accomplished on the cross when the Son of God laid down His life, but it
did not take immediate effect. First God will magnify His grace to
Israel. He proclaims to them anew the Messiah they had rejected and
crucified.
Full forty days Messiah lingers with His own, speaking
of the things concerning the Kingdom of God. How natural that they should
ask the questions which Isaiah and all the prophets entertained: "Till
when?" "At this time?" (Acts 1:6). They did not know that they were
trespassing upon God's secret things. The era which they were about to
enter must first run many years before this question could be answered.
Almost all commentaries covering the book of Acts proceed to explain it
upon the assumption that this secret was well known instead of being
positively concealed. That an era, in which the "complement of the
nations" was to be gathered in, should intervene, was not only unknown to
them, but unknowable. God hid it from them. Even when they asked the Lord
point blank about it, He refused to divulge this secret. And the book of
Acts can never be properly understood apart from a recognition of this
ignorance.
The book of Acts knows nothing of the Conciliation.
Excuses and explanations abound whenever God, in grace, reaches out beyond
the narrow pale of Judaism. It is not until after its various ministries
have failed or ceased that we read, "...to the nations was dispatched
this salvation of God, and they will hear" (Acts 28:28).
This gives rise to three important questions:
(1) Does not God thrust away His people?
(2) For how long will Israel be set aside?
(3) What special blessings have come to the other nations through the
Conciliation?
ISRAEL, AS A NATION, IS SET ASIDE
From what Paul had just finished stating in chapter 10
it would seem that God was through with His ancient and beloved people
and was thrusting them away. "May it not be coming to that!" cries the
apostle. The apostasy of Israel is only in part, and its term is
temporary. Yet the Conciliation could not commence until Israel, as a
nation, was "cast away" (Rom.11:15). God dealt with Israel, as a
nation, quite apart from any personal ties which may have existed between
Him and the chosen remnant which He always kept for Himself (Rom.11:5).
So also in His dealings with the other nations. As nations, they are
dealt with, quite apart from the true believers in their midst
(Rom.11:16-24).
"TILL WHEN?"
The question dealing with the duration of Israel's
callousness is fully answered by the little word "until." Israel's
callousness is limited to the period of the present ingathering of
believers from among the nations (Rom.11:25).
The last question concerning the blessings which have
come to the nations as a result of the Conciliation may be best answered
by considering the lesson of the trees.
THE NATIONS GRAFTED IN
(PART II)
THE LESSON OF THE TREES
The Kingdom of God is "righteousness and peace and joy
in holy spirit" (Rom.14:17). Though it does not consist of food and
drink, the very physical sustenance of that day will form an index of its
spiritual characteristics. In most exquisite symbolism it is known as a
day when the sons of Israel shall sit under their own vine and their own
fig tree (Micah 4:4). This will doubtless be true as to fact, but the fig
tree will also be the protection of a righteous government; the vine, the
spiritual cheer which Messiah brings.
THE "VINE"
In the eightieth Psalm we are told how God brought a
vine out of Egypt, and cast out the nations, and planted it. The remainder
of the Psalm describes its growth and desolation. Yahweh, through the
prophet Jeremiah, laments, saying, "Yet I planted you a yellow muskrat,
all of it a reliable seed, then how are you turned to Me into a degenerate
foreign vine" (Jer.2:21)?
Jotham, in his parable of the trees, which is most
interesting in this connection, tells us that the function of the vine is
to cheer both God (Elohim) and man (Judges 9:13). We know that God
found but little joy in Israel.
So, when the Messiah came, He could say: "I am the
true Grapevine. "And of His disciples he could add, "You are the
branches." And of the others, "If anyone should not be remaining in Me, he
was cast out as a branch and is withered. And they are gathering them, and
into the fire are they casting them, and he is being burned" (John
15:1,5,6). How true a prophecy of that unbelieving nation!
The parable of the evil farmers shows how little return
Israel gave to Yahweh for His bounty (Matt.21:33-41). But, from His own,
our Lord gathered much joy in the days of His earthly ministry. When He
was about to leave them He told them that He would not drink henceforth of
the product of the grape vine, till He drinks it new in His Father's
kingdom (Matt.26:29).
In that day the regenerate nation will bring forth the
fruits of the vineyard. Then, at Yahweh's marriage feast, His law will be
transformed into brimming cheer, just as the water was in Cana of Galilee
(John 2:6-10).
Some among the nations, not heeding the word which
Jesus spoke to His disciples, that He would abstain from wine until that
day, have thought themselves fit to take Israel's place as the vine. But
we are certain that He has not tasted of the vintage which they offer Him.
THE "FIG TREE"
Within the vineyard of Israel, God had planted a fig
tree. As we have already mentioned, the fig tree pictures the protection
of a righteous government, and political blessedness. But, when our Lord
came, He found no fruit on it. Three years He looked for the sweetness and
good produce Israel should have yielded to their God (Luke 13:6-9).
Instead of real righteousness, He found only leaves, the same covering
Adam had tried before God clothed him with the tunic of skin (Gen.3:7,21.
CHRIST'S FINAL ENTRY
How touching and sad are the scenes we find clustered
around our Lord's final entry into Jerusalem! Each step, each incident
pictures forth a moral truth. The day was fast approaching when the
remainder of Daniel's prophecy concerning Messiah (Christ), the Governor,
must be fulfilled. The sixty-nine sevens had been fulfilled just prior to
Christ's birth. Four hundred and eighty-three years had elapsed since the
word to return and to build Jerusalem had gone forth (Dan.9:25). That
"era" had been fulfilled (Mark 1:15). Yet Daniel had further stated:
"And after the sixty-two sevens (plus the seven sevens for the
rebuilding, equalling sixty-nine sevens), Christ shall be cut off, and
there is no adjudication for Him..." (Dan.9:26). During the interval
between the sixty-ninth heptad (seven year period) and the seventieth,
Christ was to be "cut off," not receiving any of the earthly glories which
belong to Him as Israel's Messiah. It is just prior to His being "cut off"
that we find Him offering Himself for the last time to the apostate nation
as their King.
THE "WILD FIG"
A wild fig tree, Rome, ruled over Israel. Zaccheus, a
Jew, a chief tribute collector for the imperial Roman government, desired
to see Jesus. He climbed into a "fig mulberry" or wild fig tree, thus
harmonizing his physical environment with his true moral condition. His
high station above his fellows was by means of the office he held at the
hands of the oppressors of his people. And so the Lord's first words to
him were, "Hurry! Descend..." (Luke 19:4,5). Office in a hostile kingdom
ill suits the occasion when the true King comes.
THE CURSING OF THE FIG TREE
In those last days He comes to Bethphage, which, in
Hebrew, means "the home-of-the-green-fig." But unripe figs are quite
unpalatable and cannot satisfy His hunger. He goes to Jerusalem and
returns to Bethany ("home-of-the-humble"). When He goes towards Jerusalem
the next morning He is still unsatisfied, for He is yet hungry. A fig tree
hangs over the way. According to the divine law, a tithe of its fruit was
His. But, far from claiming His due as the great Lawgiver, He takes the
place of the poor and alien, and gleans among its branches.
But He found nothing except leaves! No fruit to
satisfy His hunger. And so He says, "No longer, by any means, may fruit be
coming of you for the eon. And the fig tree withered instantly
(Matt.21:19).
In order to better appreciate the significance of this
event we must learn some of the characteristics of the fig tree in
Palestine. Generally speaking, the fruit of the fig tree appears about the
middle of February, nearly a month before the leaves sprout. The fruit
shoots are without flowers and, as we have said, are prior to the leaf
growth. This budding occurs during what we might call spring, for when its
leaves are sprouting out, then summer is near (Matt.24:32). However,
these dates all vary somewhat due to local conditions; the climate, soil,
and amount of shelter provided.
We only mention, in passing, the "firstfruit" of the
fig tree (Hosea 9:10), which is an early crop, few in number, usually
gathered around June. Also there is the "green fig" (Song of Solomon
2:13) or unripened fig, which remains throughout the winter. This, as
noted before, is included in the meaning of Bethphage (Home-green-fig).
The cursing of the fig tree occurred during the week
prior to the Passover. This sets the date somewhere at the end of March or
the beginning of April, a time of year when it would be most unusual for a
fig tree, near Jerusalem, to be in leaf. Yet if the tree displays its
precociousness by having leaves so early, it would also be expected to
have fruit, although, admittedly, "it was not the season of figs" (Mark
11:13). Some influence had put the tree into leaf. Yet the appearance was
false, for there was no fruit for the delectation of the Lord. He found
"nothing but leaves."
It is this false exhibition of leaves, indicating
ripened fruit, which is significant. The fig tree is a figure of the
government of the state; the protection of a righteous ruling power;
political blessedness. But Israel did not rule itself; they were the
subjects of Rome. There was no "fruit" for Yahweh.
Despite this position, Israel endeavored to act as
though they did possess the edible fruit! They usurped the place of
authority and pressed their charges against Jesus, binding Him and taking
Him before Pilate. Apart from the pressure of the leaders of Israel, Rome,
as represented by Pilate, would not have crucified the Lord Jesus. Israel
acted as though they ruled!
There was no fruit, only leaves, yet the false
impression which the leaves gave, pictured what had taken place in Israel.
Since the reality was lacking, the false appearance must be eliminated.
And so the Lord's curse descends, and the fig tree is
withered from the roots, "for the eon" (Matt.21:19). Not "forever!"
For, although Israel, as a nation, became withered and fruitless, yes,
even without leaves (for they could not cover their unrighteousness);
though they had no national standing left, the day seems not far distant
when Yahweh will set up His righteous rule and the fig tree of Israel will
bear an abundant harvest.
The other nations, with all their talk of civic and
national righteousness, will never displace Yahweh's fig tree, Israel. They
are wild and their fruit is so inferior as to be worthless to Yahweh.
If national righteousness and national joy are
figured by the fruit of the fig and the vine, what figures peace, the
remaining characteristic of God's kingdom?
THE "OLIVE TREE"
Peace is symbolized by the olive tree. Since the dove
came back to Noah with an olive leaf, the olive branch has been a symbol
of judgment accomplished. Such is the lesson of its leaves, but its fruit
is far more precious still. The oil of the olive is the source of divine
illumination. The only light by which Yahweh's glories might be seen in the
tabernacle or the temple was furnished by the oil of the olive berry. The
oil is eminently the symbol of His spirit. It was used for anointing, and
typified the spirit which He poured upon those whom He anointed and in
unstinted measure upon His Anointed, Jesus, the Messiah (Messiah means
Anointed in Hebrew).
This gives the olive pre-eminence among the trees:
indeed it was their first choice for king (Judges 9:8). The righteousness
of the fig tree is good and pleasant for man, but what does it profit God
if men are righteous? As the true vine is the Messiah Himself, God and man
both may rejoice in Him. And God and man both are glorified by the spirit
of which olive oil is the symbol. And that is the great issue in Romans
chapter eleven - God's glory. National righteousness and national joy
are not in view and are not attained. But, by the olive tree, God's name
has been greatly magnified among the nations.
ISRAEL - THE OLIVE TREE
Before the Conciliation, the figure of the olive tree
was confined to Israel. And, even yet, they are the root and trunk and
some of the branches. All divine light came through them. Our Lord could
say to His disciples, "You are the light of the world" (Matt.5:14). To
the Jew was entrusted the oracles of God (Rom.3:2). The source and
strength of divine revelation is the sacred writings which were their
special treasure.
THE "WILD BOUGHS" GRAFTED IN
The other nations can never be pictured by a cultivated
olive tree. They are "wild." The berries of the wild olive, or oleaster,
yield no light-giving oil. But God has grafted wild boughs into the
cultivated olive tree in place of some of the branches which were broken
out (Rom.11:16-24).
To graft a branch from a wild fig tree into a good
stem would be ruinous to both. Our Lord expects nothing from the wild fig
tree. Neither can you graft a wild grape into a good vine and obtain fine
vintage. It is equally impossible for the nations to take Israel's place
and produce grapes fit for pressing. But, strange to say, God has been
able to graft the wild olive boughs into the cultivated olive tree and get
berries bearing the precious oil.
No patriarchs or prophets or apostles are raised up
from among the nations. The root and trunk of the olive tree remain the
same. But, while a few of the branches remain, the great bulk are wild
grafts. A few of Israel's sons are enlightened by God's spirit and
publicly uphold His Word. But, apart from these few notable exceptions,
God is using other nations to spread abroad the knowledge of Himself. All
the philosophies of Egypt and Greece and India cannot supply a single ray
of light. It is only as the nations leave their own wild fancies and
uphold the enlightening verities of that Book which was once the exclusive
boast of Israel, that they can draw the true unction from the root of the
cultivated olive tree.
Thus we see that the righteous government of this
earth, as figured by the fig tree, was never transferred to any other
nation. Every new attempt at rule lands mankind one step further from the
benevolent despotism which this earth will yet enjoy under the reign of
Israel and Israel's Messiah. Neither has the cheer of that millennial day
come true as yet. But one great boon has come to the nations. God no
longer treats them as His enemies, but entrusts them with His most
precious gift - the divine oracles. The light has left Israel and dwells
with aliens. The nations are God's testimony in the earth.
EARTH BLESSED THROUGH ISRAEL
Viewed from the standpoint of the individual who
believes God, this present day of grace immeasurably surpasses the coming
Kingdom on the earth. But this is not the proper viewpoint in Romans
eleven. We are considering nations, as such, not individuals. In this
light we can see that, if Israel's offense brought such riches to the
world as comes through the Conciliation, how much greater shall be this
earth's blessing when Israel is blessed!
Earthly, physical blessing is given to, and through,
that nation. It is useless to look for such blessings apart from them. The
Conciliation leads to transcendent spiritual blessings, but it does not
promise temporal terrestrial prosperity. It imparts a power to turn trials
into occasions of rejoicing, but does not avoid or remove them from us.
Israel will not exult in trials in that day, for then trials will be a
token of divine displeasure. They may be a sign of His favor now.
So, then, we see that, though the Conciliation was
effected when God's Son entered death, it could not become effective until
Israel was set aside. We find that it established peace between God and
the nations, but did not bring about the righteousness and joy of
Millennial days, which can come only through Israel. The nations, viewed
as a whole, are entrusted with His Word, so long as they uphold that Word
and shed its light abroad.
THE NATIONS "STAND IN FAITH"
For a time Grace holds the scepter and the nations
sustain God's testimony in the earth.
"You stand in faith" (Rom.11:20). If we desire to know
the position of the nations at the present time as regards the
Conciliation, all we need to investigate is their attitude toward the Word
of God. So long as they believe God, all is well. But if they refuse to
believe Him, then they are about to be hewn out of the olive tree and lose
the place of privilege which they have held so long.
FAITH FALTERS
A cursory review of the course of Christendom will show
it to be but a series of apostasies, with a few feeble returns to the
truth. But never has there been such complete apostasy as at the present
time, even in the very bodies which owe their rise to a return to God's
Word.
Sound teaching is no longer tolerated. Teachers seek to
please the crowds while the life-giving truths of God's grace are covered
and condemned. Men prefer myths to God's marvelous message. We must,
therefore, herald the word, stand by it, opportunely, inopportunely,
expose, rebuke, entreat, with all patience and teaching (2 Tim.4:2-4). We
need always to be reminded that the greatest danger to those who love
God's Word lies, not in the carping critic, not from those who live on
their emotions, for these do not exert nearly so great an influence as
those defenders of the faith who are honestly endeavoring to oppose what
they deem error.
GOD'S WORD - OUR ONLY GUIDE
Where, then, is there safety? Safety lies only in such
a recognition of the prevalent apostasy as will lead us to pass by all
human authority and supposition and tradition and found all our faith upon
the facts of the Word.
Nor do we exclude ourselves from the list of those who
should not be followed. We are human as the rest. But we hope that all who
read these lines may be able to grant us this one grace - the highest
compliment that we can crave - that the burden of our message is a return
to God's Word; and that the facts as they occur in the original are
truthfully and impartially presented for the consideration of our readers.
Apart from these facts there is no possible return to His Word; no
possible escape from participation in the prevailing apostasy.
THE CLOSING DAYS OF THE CONCILIATION
To conclude, the main drift of the many diverse
movements of modern times has been away from the Word of God. Movement
after movement has been made toward the recovery of the truth, but, like
the receding tide, the oncoming waves flow back faster than they come, and
leave the faith stranded and forsaken.
Christ was crucified in the midst of God's chosen
people and the faith is being crucified in the midst of its professed
friends. The Conciliation has well-nigh run its course. The time seems
near for the faithless nations to be cut out of the olive tree!
