TWO SPHERES OF REDEMPTION

 By Oscar Baker

There are two spheres mentioned in Ge. 1:1, and they are the subject of the rest of the Word of God. Although both are mentioned at the first, we soon discover that the earth is the main subject till we get to the epistle to the Ephesians.

Both spheres were in the overthrow which must have come about with the rebellion of the greatest and wisest creature ever created (Eze. 28:12-19). Peter speaks of this overthrow as being by water (2 Pet. 3:5,6). And we note that when redemption is completed, as far as the earth is concerned, there will be no more sea (Re 21:1).

We are assured that the redemption of all creation was in view, even before the overthrow. We are told in Eph. 3:6 that the members of the church have a part in a promise in Christ. In 2 Ti 1:1 it tells us that this promise is one of life. And in Tit 1:2 it is eternal life promised before the ages began. Note that this is in connection with the revelation of the mystery. It was not revealed to God's earth people, Israel.

After man was put on the earth and failed, and the nations also failed for a period of 2,000 years, then a new nation was formed to have a ministry among the other 70 nations, and from this nation would arise the Redeemer, a King from Judah.

This nation of Israel was a chosen nation. They were to be a kingdom of priests (Ex 19:6) to make known the name of Jehovah to the nations. They were called God's firstborn (Ex 4:22). They were the church in the wilderness (Ac 7:38).

Because of their sins, Israel were unable to fulfill their purpose. So finally their Redeemer came, who was to save His people from their sins (Mt. 1:21) so that they might accomplish that for which they were chosen. They rejected their Redeemer. The work they were to do was postponed (Ac 28:28). But redemption was procured by the blood of Christ. All was set in order for the work to begin. After the dispensation of the mystery is over, Christ will come. Then Israel will begin her work among the nations with the Lord and the 12 directing 'it.

Upon the rejection of Israel's Messiah for the second time (Ac 28:28), the great secret of a work of redemption in heavenly places is revealed. Another people from among the Gentiles has been chosen. They are another firstborn (Eph. 1:5). Even now this church is making known the manifold wisdom of God to principalities and powers in heavenly places (Eph. 3:10). No promised land on the earth for this church! It is blest with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ. Read Eph. 1:3-14.

So we discover that a church (Ac 7:38) was chosen as one body for God's earth program. When it was set aside, then another church called the body of Christ came into being which has its citizenship in heaven (Philp. 3:20).

We must conclude that the heavens and the earth of Gen. 1:1 are the objects of redemption, for we know