(5) Who compose “the kingdom of God’s dear Son?” (Col. 1:1313Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:13).) I read, we are “translated into it.” I cannot see how it can be the church; and if it be Christendom, I should be a member of it before conversion.
Ans. “The kingdom of God’s Son” is most certainly one which includes all professors of Christianity, whether real or nominal. But it is looked at here as the place of light and privilege in contrast with “the power (or authority) of darkness” (same verse). This the place where Christ is owned is, although men are not actually “in the light” (1 John 1:7, 2:9) until converted. It is no question of the Church, nor of being a member of anything. God has brought you out of the outside darkness of heathenism into the sphere where His own Son reigns and is acknowledged. It is an immense privilege, surely, whether you be converted or not; but of no more avail than any other of the good gifts which men abuse, if, after all, Christ be rejected.
In what manner do we find in the Word, that God chastens the believer? Is being left to himself as out of communion the only way? Can we say that when God deals in judgment with him, allowing him to reap the fruit of his failure, He is chastening him?
Ans. In 1 Corinthians 11:30-32,30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:30‑32) sickness and death are called both judgment and chastening. Nor is a soul out of communion “left to himself” until after chastening has proved ineffectual to restore him. It is the last and most terrible sentence of all. “Ephraim is joined to his idols” — cannot be sundered from thein, ― “let him alone.” How long is it before a Father’s lips can say, “Let him alone?” But even then, when left to find out what his own way is, the chastening he will still get, though now it may be at the hands of the world, or of the devil, because he would not take it directly from the Lord’s. And there is no “judgment” for the believer which is not chastening, and because He who chastens, loves.
Ans. It is always a principle, that the judgment of God begins at his own house. It was so with Israel. “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for your iniquities!” It is so for Christians, as in these words of Peter. The whole time of our sojourn, here, that word is made good. “Our God is a consuming fire.” But it is the consumption of the dross, that is in His mind, —the purifying of His gold. Thus the righteous are “with difficulty — (not ‘scarcely’) saved” (verse 18). God has to take infinite pains with us. He has to show his judgment of sin wherever He finds it, and to approve His holiness both as governor of the world, and Father of His own family He has to make us partake of His holiness. Hence His “judgment.” But if God’s holiness necessitate this dealing with His own people, what shall be the judgment of those who obey not the gospel of God? Inflicted no longer in chastening mercy, but when the day of grace and trial shall be over, what will be the pure wrath of God upon sin in their case?