Before translating Elijah, the Lord arranged that he should prepare and instruct his successor, and sent him to Elisha as such. (1 Kings 19:16). So, if we have found Elijah to represent the over-comers, the “Bride” or “Body” of Christ, we might reasonably infer that Elisha is the representative of those who shall succeed the over-comers, as the Lords mouth-piece on earth; hence our interest in his career.

From the time of his call to be the successor, Elisha followed Elijah. The latter expected to be translated, and the former did not, but knew that Elijah was to be. On the route, Elijah went to various villages apparently expecting to be taken at each, and seemingly an effort was made to test the interest of Elisha by inviting him to tarry behind; but he evidently represents a persevering and faithful company, for he would not be discouraged nor leave Elijah.

There are some things which seem to indicate that these various stopping-places to which they went, but at none of which the desired translation occurred, represented or foreshadowed various points in the time-proofs where, with the then imperfect views of the plan, order, etc., it was thought the translation of the saints might be due. As these various stoppings were, doubtless, a test of the faith of Elijah and Elisha, so, doubtless, these time-points have served to test, and separate, and leave behind, all not properly belonging to the Elijah and Elisha classes.

The translation took place when all those stopping-places were in the past, and at no definite or fixed point. “It came to pass, as they still WENT ON and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder: and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11).

So, also, it is now: all those time-points are in the past; none of them were times of translation, and we are going on without any definite points of expectancy, and the two classes are now communing together in the work, and now it is that we believe the change (1 Cor 15:51, 52) is taking place; that is, some are from time to time being “caught up“–“changed”  from human to spiritual beings–with the Lord; as men dying, like John, as new creatures, translated the same instant to the heavenly or spiritual condition. (1 Thess 4:17; Psa. 82:6, 7)

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” (Rev. 14:13)

NOTE: The “translation” being spoken of here is in reference to the translation or change which takes place at the moment of death when any of the Lord’s consecrated followers, those in covenant relationship with the Father (Psa 50:5) successfully completes their sacrifice in death. “Be thou faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev 2:10)   

We have heretofore shown the Scriptural teaching that the over-comers, or Elijah class, will be a “little flock,” and that there is also developed another class–“a great company“–and this last seems to be represented in part by Elisha.

While Elijah remained, Elisha was merely a disciple and not a teacher, but in view of his work, as Elijah’s successor, a double portion of Elijah’s spirit–energy, force, power to teach, etc.”–was to be upon him, upon certain conditions, viz.:

“If thou shalt see me taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but, if not, it shall not be so.” (2 Kings 2:10) And we are informed that, to see this, will be a “hard thing.” The significance which we attach to this is, that it will be a very difficult matter, even for those expecting the event, to see [recognize] the change of the Elijah class.

Since “ye (the saints, the Elijah class), shall all die LIKE men,” (Psa 82:6, 7) it will be only by close affiliation and an opening of the eyes of the understanding, and the exercise of implicit faith in the promises, that these will be able to know of the glorious, spiritual rapture which occurs in the instant of death. In view of this fact, how transparently pure and faithful must be the life of each member of that Elijah class. Absolute perfection need not be expected while we have this treasure in imperfect earthen vessels, but perfection of purpose, aim and effort should be manifest to those about us, that when we are taken they may know it. “He that hath this hope in him purifies himself even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3)

Only such as do recognize the change of the Elijah class, can fill the teaching position. (This presupposes of course that one is acquainted with the Elijah class, the True Church and its teachings in the first place.)

Continued with next post.