Sunday, January 23, 2022

The Father and the Son being the "Ancient of Days" in the light of the "Phanerosis" or "God-manifestation" Doctrine in the Current Christadelphian Hymnal

In the hymnal that is used by the Central Fellowship of the Christadelphians (the “green hymnal”), the “Ancient of Days” (Ancient of endless days) is understood in the light of the phanerosis or “God-manifestation” doctrine of their founder, John Thomas, something I have discussed elsewhere. In hymn no. 83, we read:

 

1 Glory and blessing be

Ever ascribed to Thee,

Uncreate unity,

Father of all:

Angelic spirits bright

Gaze on Thy living light—

Veiled from our mortal sight—

And prostrate fall.

 

2 Strength, honour, majesty,

Ever beseemeth Thee,

Uncreate unity,

Fountain of life:

Mighty of mighties, Thou,

From Thee all blessings flow,

To all—above—below,

Healer of strife.

 

3 Source of salvation free,

Word of infinity,

Uncreate unity,

Author of peace:

Thy grace and truth became Flesh for a saving name,

Jehovah Elohim,

Never to cease.

 

4 Holy of holies, we

Worship and bow the knee,

Uncreate Unity,

Spirit divine:

Ancient of endless days,

Remember Zion's ways,

And for her children's praise

Arise and shine.

 

Glory to the Father be

By the Son's supremacy

In the Spirit's mystery:

Hallelujah! yea, Amen,

Hallelujah! yea, Amen,

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Yea, Amen.

Hallelujah! yea, Amen. (Hymn #83, Christadelphian Hymn Book: For Worship and For Witness [Birmingham: The Christadelphian, 2002], 116-17, emphasis added)