The Principles Of A People Of God (6)

by J.D. Terrell, Carlisle | Category: The Principles Of A People Of God | Dec 1979

Throughout this short series of articles on God's people in the present age, we have glimpsed the rich vista of relevant truth presented to us in the history of the people of Israel; a history so chequered by human failure, yet so enriched by divine favour. One of the most striking characteristics of the nation of Israel throughout its long and intriguing history has been a universally acknowledged national identity. A remarkable capacity to stand out distinctively from the peoples around them has never left the Jewish people. The writer has a vivid memory of coming upon a Jewish family at worship in the back shop of a store in a Far Eastern town; a scene of orthodoxy which might have been taking place in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv; for to this day the people of Israel have not changed in this respect. All the tragedies and holocausts of their history have failed to merge this nation into those around them despite world-wide dispersion for centuries. It is all a startling fulfilment of an ancient Bible prophecy through the unfaithful Balaam for, "the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth... and he took up his parable, and said,... For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, it is a people that dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations" (Num. 23:5,7,9). It is very clear that this persistent and unmistakable national identity referred to was all part of God's purpose for, and in, His people. Though the Jew has been the butt of universal jest for his ethnic peculiarities, the very fact of his existence and survival is arresting. This world lies so completely in the evil one (1 John 5:19) that God must ensure that any people with whom He chooses to be identified should be manifestly separate and apart. Jewish history gives witness to this, as we have seen, in respect of an earthly people who have yet to be seen again in this earth as God's peculiar treasure and joy.

But the divine purpose was not simply that the people of Israel should be identifiable as such, though that is all that remains today for most of them. It was that they should be seen as the people of God - serving Him, as we recalled last month, in immediate relationship to His house. Though often unaware of the fact, the Jew today is a remarkable witness to Biblical prophecy. But he is not giving the glory to God that was seen in the orderly nation around the tabernacle in the wilderness. We have seen, however, that in our day God has another purpose (based on glorious New Covenant truth) in a people for His glory who form a spiritual house. It was a solemn moment for Israel and for the Lord's disciples when He declared, "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof' (Matt. 21:43). The Lord's expectations for His people today are no less, whatever more, than for Israel in the past, including we suggest the matter of their separation to Himself.

Doubtless some of our readers not associated with the churches of God, who publish this magazine, will immediately ask, Does not the body of true believers in Christ today - those born again and thus members of Christ's Body - answer spiritually to Israel in its national distinctiveness? Now it is blessedly true that there is an immediate bond between all children of God who by word or action reveal their faith and love toward our Lord Jesus Christ: "How blessed is the tie that binds believers' hearts in one". The witness this can give to the world is priceless. Yet is it not sadly true that almost immediately this is overshadowed by the confused denominational picture we see of these same Christians at worship and in service to God? Two Christian colleagues stand shoulder to shoulder in witness for Christ in their office or canteen. But one is happy to give most of his service to God in a denominational context which his friend sees, to his dismay, neglects the command to be baptized and to be separate in his worship activities from those who are unmistakably unbelievers. Thus they strive for a Christian unity which they find unattainable so long as a common obedience to the word of God is not present.

In a deeply sincere and genuine effort to overcome such evident problems, some Christian teachers counsel those young in faith to join themselves to a 'Bible-believing church'; or to associate with Christians 'sound in life and faith'. True, it is no bad starting point to eliminate as mentors any who have less than total commitment to the inerrancy of Holy Scripture. Such advice cannot be faulted - so far as it goes. But it inevitably begs the question as to how the said 'church' applies and expresses its trust in the word of God; or what are the criteria of 'soundness' in Christian doctrine. And so we return to the deep significance of such New Testament expressions as "that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered" (Rom. 6:17), or "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27).

We pose the question, Can we expect that the Holy Spirit would instruct men at the beginning of this age in the establishment of a people for God and a holy nation, without provision in permanent record in Scripture of a body of doctrine, which would be the permanent foundation for a united testimony and service? If the answer is, No, then surely we must conclude that such a body of teaching, such a pattern of divine service, exists in the Word; and that it is our solemn responsibility to search it out and to follow it undeviatingly? Is not this the separate identity which today answers to the distinctive and orderly beauty of the tribes of Israel, grouped around the tabernacle, dwelling alone and not reckoned among the nations? Can the principles we have outlined in these articles be observed and given expression to without a stand in separation from a confusing array of denominational Christian groups and 'churches'? The witness to these truths disappears if there is no separation from what is opposed to it.

Dealing with the important matter of head covering for women

engaged in church service, Paul said to the Corinthians, "But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God" (1 Cor. 11:16). A very telling little comment this by the apostle on the unity of teaching and practice of the churches of God. To the same church of God Paul wrote, "Ye are God's husbandry (tilled land)" (1 Cor. 3:9) - presenting a beautiful picture of a cultivated farm or garden where the instruction of God alone rules in the planting, growth and fruit-bearing of ordered plants and crops. This Husbandman's property and acreage were well known and identified by all around.

It is not that Christians gathered in churches of God today and forming the Fellowship of God's Son, enjoy being separated from so many beloved fellow-believers. They do, however, appreciate and value highly their separation to the Lord and the teaching of His word for a people of God today; and long that many more dear children of God would share their vision of this great purpose. We trust and pray that the thoughts expressed in these few papers on the subject will give nourishing food for thought and meditation to many readers, for His Name's sake.

J.D. Terrell, Carlisle | Dec 1979
The Principles Of A People Of God