DECEMBER 24TH, 1910

DECEMBER 24TH, 1910

Mr. E. H. Chater.

My Dear Brother, — I am very glad to have another letter from you, and especially for your remarks on the Supper, etc. In my last letter, my effort was to show that the passage of the Jordan, as a type, is connected with the experimental side; as to the people, it follows the brazen serpent and springing well; it involves, therefore, a spiritual state. It is true that ‘in the mind of God’ (for He can call things that be not, as though they were), all are over; but then the Scripture views us also in the wilderness; we have to be careful to note how Scripture presents the truth.

Now, where the antitype to the passage of the Jordan, and Canaan appears in the New Testament (as Colossians and Ephesians), it will be found that a spiritual state, or formation, in the saints is also introduced. On the other hand, epistles (such as Romans and 1 Corinthians), which view the saints in the wilderness, do not speak of their being quickened as a present fact. The truth is that baptism, rightly accepted, places one in the wilderness, but it does not place him in Canaan, it is by the power of the Spirit that he enters Canaan, although on the ground (objectively) of Christ having gone through Jordan before him. What I see, therefore, is that all who have accepted baptism, having the Spirit, are qualified for the Supper,

^[p. 99] and may enjoy it in measure, although each may not have spiritual power to pass over to the Canaan side. Some may have this power and so enter into the truth and reality of the assembly viewed as a new creation. As to what we may be in the mind of God, this applies at all times as a matter of light, as well as when we are gathered together: that is, we can always revert to what we are in God’s counsels.

But then the Scriptures contemplate us also, as we are actually down here, and it is in this connection the Lord’s supper is found. But viewed in God’s counsels, we are outside this state, hence, “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5: 17). If there is power for it, I believe that after the breaking of bread is the opportune time for entering into this; hence, I spoke of the assembly as a new creation, as properly connected with the latter part of the meeting for the breaking of bread. I note your remark ‘I should have said that there is the distinction between male and female throughout, both before and after the breaking of bread’. But this would mean that we never rise to new creation collectively. In Christ Jesus, there is neither male nor female.

When I say that “over Jordan” is on the experimental side, I do not mean that there is not a corresponding objective side, for there is; this is in the fact that Christ is over. Title to Canaan is for all, but entrance into it is by the Spirit; hence, as I said, it is found in Scripture side by side with a spiritual state in the saints. But to treat as Canaan what Scripture regards as the wilderness is confusion, and but reduces the character of the blessing involved in the former. And this is an end the enemy would like to reach. Canaan represents, typically, our highest privileges; there we feed on Christ, as the old corn, the ascended, heavenly Man. It is not the manna, or John 6; these refer to Christ coming down; the old corn is Christ having gone up. We do not enjoy this, as brothers or sisters; but as risen with Christ, and heavenly.

It is true that we may not rise from the level of male and female after the breaking of bread, but we are entitled to; but to do so before would be confusion, because the ordinance contemplates us in a flesh and blood condition.

As to the holiest, the reference to it in the New Testament alludes to the wilderness position, the tabernacle. But it is a thought beyond the Supper; the latter suggests the way into it.

^[p. 100] It is true that as the sons of Aaron, our place is within, with Christ but this is not the ground we are on at the Supper. The Supper is the death of Christ, and this took place (typically) in the court of the tabernacle, actually outside the gate. It was public, and we are identified with it. But our place is inside with the Father, and we go in, as it were, through the Supper. The way is paved with the love of Christ.

As to your remark: ‘All who have the Spirit are in Christ, etc.’, I would say that this is true from the divine side, as you say, but I think we do well to bear in mind that “in Christ” in Scripture, is made to involve new creation. The truth of the body is involved in the Supper, but clearly, it is practical unity, as seen on earth, that is in view, and not the body viewed in God’s counsels, as in Ephesians. In Corinthians, we are viewed as here in the flesh; hence “if one member suffer”. I refer to this, as an important distinction; the truth of the body applies to us as we are in the world, as well as applying to us, viewed as in Christ, in God’s world.

I am thankful that you and Mr. Gipps could go with what I said in a general way. I can say that I only desire what is according to the Word, and I shall be glad if you will point out anything that you may think contrary to it. I am sorry that so many whom I esteem differ from me on these points, but as far as I can judge, the oppositions offered to what I have said are not founded on Scripture.

I am much interested in what you mention as to St. Petersburg. I earnestly trust the dear saints there may be supported of the Lord. The special meetings with Mr. W. Johnson are now on at Winnipeg, and we are looking forward to Indianapolis at the end of this week. I trust there may be encouragement on your side, during the holiday meetings.

With warm love, I am,

Yours affectionately in Christ,

James Taylor.