"The Rights of God" # 28

The Way to God's Fullness (continued)

Now, let us say again that it is not written for nothing: "If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). If we want to be His instruments, if we want to be available for Him, so that He can have His rights through us, then let us come over to His side. Let us give up all our rights. This is the first step towards heavenly fullness.

What do we understand by the reproach of Egypt? One can talk about heavenly things, and yet still live and act in the flesh. It is the reproach of the world that justifiably shakes its head about many a "Christian" who becomes a stumbling block when holy talk is not followed by deeds. Gilgal means: the reality of heavenly things. And for us too, there can be no testimony without the reality of the life to which we are called to testify.

We should not be annoyed that we are always come back to the same starting point for all God's work in us. What is the point if we continue without having laid a good foundation? The good foundation is Christ. As long as we have not grown together with the Crucified in the likeness of His dying, we can know nothing of a life of resurrection. Where there has been no resurrection, there may be some knowledge, but no life. There may be some understanding, but no power. Therefore, let us bear in mind that God's starting point is Gilgal. From Gilgal we may take the first step towards godly fullness.

Bethel - God's House

The way from Gilgal leads to Bethel. From Gilgal alone! Because Bethel is the house of God. We only get to the house of God through the Cross.

What do we man by the house of God?

The expression "houses of God" has created much confusion. It has given rise to the idea of holy ground, that is, places that are holier than others. Have you noticed that there is no comparative for the word "holy?" We can say that someone is prettier in comparison to somebody else. We cannot say, however, that someone is holier in comparison to someone else. There are no degrees of holiness. That which belongs to God is holy. That which does not fully belong to God is not holy. Whether we are in reality, as the Word says, "holy and beloved" depends on whether we belong to God in reality or not. That is why the church of Jesus Christ is a holy Temple in the Lord, because He himself lives in His own people, because they are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21, 22). And there is no other habitation of God. "The Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands" (Acts 7:48). God lives in the hearts of those that have accepted Christ, having cleansed their hearts by faith.

~T. Austin-Sparks~

(continued with # 29)