JUNE 23RD, 1941
JUNE 23RD, 1941
BELOVED BROTHER, — ... So far as I can see, “the assembly of God” as addressed in 1 Corinthians 1: 2 was a body of persons occupying a public position in Corinth. It was not an abstract conception, but a company of persons bound together in a definite fellowship, and having intimate links of fellowship with similar companies universally, as being in organic unity with them as one body. It is evident that to be identified with any national, sectarian, or independent association is something entirely different from the assembly of God as it was constituted at Corinth. The practical effect of Christians being found in such associations is to reduce the thought of the assembly of God in their minds to something invisible. Indeed, they are accustomed to speak of “the invisible church”. They suppose that all believers have a place in this invisible assembly, though they do not assemble in the truth of it, and in many cases would refuse the application to themselves of the principles which are laid down authoritatively as the Lord’s commandment in 1 Corinthians. I cannot see that this is at all God’s thought of His assembly as in a city.
Wherever there are saints indwelt by the Spirit there is, potentially, material for a local assembly, but I do not think Scripture contemplates persons being regarded as the assembly of God who never come together as in that character, or walk as recognising the truth of it.
“Ye are Christ’s body and members in particular” could hardly be addressed to a sectarian or independent company, though we might use such a Scripture to exercise believers as to their position and associations. I think we have to take up every part of the truth in its scriptural setting, and, at any rate, we should be careful not to apply it to conditions which [p. 298] are contrary to it. 1 Corinthians has very little meaning to the majority of believers today, because they are not in a position where the truth can be understood, or in which it can be put into practical application.
We should not formally claim to be “the assembly of God”, but there is a public position which corresponds with that at Corinth. And where the truth is maintained in principle and practice it is to faith the assembly of God in contrast with all other ways in which believers may come together. We do not want believers to think that they are the assembly of God when they are in principle and practice denying the truth of it.
I trust this may suffice to indicate how this matter presents itself to my mind.
With warm love in the Lord to your dear wife and yourself,
Yours affectionately in Him,
June 23rd, 1941.