Vol. 2:7 (July 1956)
Editorial
In spite of the confused thinking of many, there is a great distinction between the life force of existence which man receives from the Creator and the spiritual life which believing man receives through the Saviour. It is the failure to differentiate between these two that leads many to conclude the Fatherhood of God is expressed to all men, and that the brotherhood of believers embraces every one.
Through creation man not only became a living soul possessing a consciousness of God, but also a living soul enjoying fellowship with God.
By regeneration believing man, possessing the consciousness of God imparted to him at birth, receives a spiritual life which brings him back into fellowship with God. Moreover, this spiritual life does more than bring man back into fellowship with God, it brings him into the family of God. This fact is clarified by such statements as: “Born from above,” “Born anew,” and “Born of God”.
This new life and relationship are brought about through the agency of God the Holy Spirit, and they are manifested by means of His residence in the believer. We are indebted to our brother Donald Norbie for preparing a detailed study on The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. We recommend a careful perusal of each part as it appears for the next three or four months in the Doctrinal Section.
The purpose of this Committee is to provide a balanced spiritual and mental diet; this month we are pleased to present such a variety of good things. Our brother David Haxton, Ayrshire, Scotland, in his typical study of Moses, warms the heart and directs our confidence and affection to The Man in the Glory.
In a day when some of the denominations are ordaining women to their ministry, the study of man’s headship as found in the Bible Study for this month deserves thoughtful consideration. Speaking of ministry, the call to Modern Timothys by William A. MacNeil, Larbert, Scotland, should likewise be pondered. That more sisters than brethren are offering themselves for work in foreign lands causes much concern. It is hoped that young men who have their entire lives before them may heed this challenge.
From the pen of our beloved brother Ernest Wilson, Angola, comes an unusual exposition, a word study, very suitable for us on whom the end of the age has fallen. In the same Expository Section, Neil Dougal, Worchester, Mass. presents a rather unusual application of part of Solomon’s bridal song. The picture of unity, and the call to imitate it should cause some searching of heart.
We continue to receive letters and questions regarding “elders” and their function in the assemblies of the saints. The letter in The Forum may provide an answer to some. In the will of the Lord we shall continue to discuss this matter, and at a later date summarize all the questions and answers which have appeared in these columns.