Grow unto Salvation for New Jerusalem
As presented earlier, New Jerusalem is composed of gold (Rev. 21:18, 21), pearl (v. 21), and precious stones (v. 11, 18-20). These three materials are spiritual signs signifying the Triune God as the essence of the city.
First, we have the golden nature as a gift from God the Father; second, we are enjoying the secreting work of Christ to make us pearls; and third, we are experiencing the transforming work of God the Spirit to make us precious stones.…God the Spirit [uses] the secreted life to transform our entire being from a piece of rock to a jasper stone, which is good for the building of God’s eternal dwelling place. This dwelling place has been initiated today in the church life, and we are proceeding toward the ultimate consummation, the New Jerusalem.*
All the God-created lives—plants, fish, birds, animals, and humans—have a growth process. This aspect of creation depicts the divine life, the life that is God in Christ. God Himself is perfect and does not grow, but His life born into us can and does grow.
First Peter 1:23 speaks of our regeneration by the living word of God. A few verses later we are encouraged, as newborn babies, to drink the milk of God’s word that we may grow unto salvation.
The latter part of Hebrews 5 contrasts milk and solid food and distinguishes between babies and full-grown believers. It also ties exercise to growth.
To grow unto the fullness of salvation, we need both nourishment and exercise. The goal of this growth is maturity, and our corporate maturity is New Jerusalem.
* From chapter 34, Witness Lee, God’s New Testament Economy, published by Living Stream Ministry, © Witness Lee, 1986.
Posted by Don on February 22, 2023
