When presenting to Christian believers the truths concerning our high and holy calling, it is always essential that we make a distinction between two phases of Christ’s redemptive work. These two phases are marked by two time periods, known respectively as “since the foundation of the world” (Matt. 13: 34-36; 25: 34; Luke 11: 49-51; Heb. 4: 3; 9: 26; Rev. 13: 8; 17: 8) and “before the foundation of the world” (John 17: 24; 1 Peter 1: 19-20; Eph. 1: 3-4).
If we do not draw this distinction right away, confusion will necessarily follow, and we shall read truths that pertain to one calling into Scriptures which speak of another.
Concerning the various “callings,” the Bible mentions three. There is firstly, the calling of the “wife,” which is Israel according to the flesh. This calling is predominant throughout the Old Testament (see Isaiah 54: 4-6; 62: 4; Hosea 2: 16-19), but is largely absent from the New Testament writings — the most notable exception being the Book of Revelation, which places the wife’s redemption at the close of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 19: 7).
The second calling is that of the “Bride.” This calling is the subject of the apostolic epistles (those written by Peter, John, James, and Jude), and speaks of promises which pertain to spiritual Israel, and Gentiles grafted into the root and fatness of the covenant nation (Romans 11: 17). The Apocalypse represents those who constitute the “Bride” as being redeemed in two separate companies — a Jewish first-fruits offering of 144,000, as well as a great multitude of believers from all nations (Rev. 7). The marriage of the bride is consummated in the New Heavens and New Earth, whereas that of the wife takes place during the Millennium.
The third calling is the one that most concerns ourselves, and appertains to the “Body.” This calling, unlike those of the wife and bride (which date SINCE the foundation of the world), was hidden in God until the time of its disclosure was ripe (Eph. 3: 9; Col. 1: 26). Its connection is with the period of time designated “Before the foundation of the world.” Hence it is not the subject of Old Testament prophecy, which only concerns things predicted SINCE the age began (Acts 3: 21).
When Israel was temporarily set aside in Acts 28, consummation of the Millennial kingdom was put on hold, and a new phase of God’s purpose made known for the first time. With Israel absent and the “good olive tree” cut down, a new calling was needed to fill the interval. This calling involves Jews and Gentiles being made a “joint body” in Christ. This joint body is termed by Paul as “one new man” (Eph. 3: 15). The dispensational distinction which obtained between Jew and Gentile during the Acts Dispensation knows no place in the Administration of The Mystery. The middle-wall of partition has been taken down (Eph. 2: 14), and all ordinances cancelled by the blood of the cross (Col. 2: 14).
The inspired writings which deal with this third calling include: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Titus, Philemon, and 1 & 2 Timothy. These were all written after Acts 28: 28. The other Pauline epistles, written during the Acts period, contain truths which are foundational to the Dispensation of the Mystery, but which yet preserve doctrines relative to the second calling — that of the “Bride.”
A distinction must therefore be made when reading Paul’s epistles, so that we do not read the Hope of Israel into the hope of the One Body. Israel’s hope is the parousia; while the hope of the One Body is a ”calling on high” (Phil. 3: 14), which will take place before the commencement of Daniel’s 70th week. The church of the one Body will then enter into its inheritance in the heavenly holiest of all (Col. 1: 12). When the Millennium is ended and the heavens and earth are purified by fire, the New Jerusalem will descend to earth (Rev. 21: 2), and the church of the one Body will have its administrative sphere in the “New heavens,” but will doubtless not be excluded from participation in the delights of a renewed and regenerated earth.
At that time, the Wife will have given place to the Bride, all Israel having been fully redeemed and sanctified. During the eternal administration, the holy nation shall bear a priestly role to the nations of the world (cf. Isaiah 61: 6). The inhabitants of the nations will enter the New Jerusalem, partake of the tree of life (Rev. 22: 14), and after fulfilling their destined purpose on earth, will ascend into those mansions above (John 14: 2), to make room for new generations. Thus there will be no end to Christ’s kingdom on earth, or in the heavens (cf. Isaiah 9: 7).
While many Christians today think that the church is under the New Covenant, we must remember that Christ’s blood covers all callings connected to the two time-periods noted above. As the covenants made with Israel date SINCE the foundation of the world, it is wrong to say that the church of the One Body, whose calling is related to the period BEFORE the foundation of the world (Eph. 1: 4), has any part or portion therein. While Israel remains absent from the Divine program, her covenants are in abeyance.
Notwithstanding, since all men are descended from Adam, and inherit the taint of sin, the work of the law is written in their hearts (Romans 2: 14), and bears witness to their condemnation when the Word of God is faithfully preached. Only the blood of Christ, which was shed SINCE the foundation of the world (Rev. 13: 8), but purposed BEFORE the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1: 20), can effectually redeem men and enable them to partake of that calling which concerns us today.
