by T. Austin-Sparks
First published as a series of Editorials in "A Witness and a Testimony" magazines, 1963 -1965, Vol. 41-5 - 43-2.
"As it was in the beginning..." There are probably few fragments of liturgy more subject to repetition than that from which the above first part is taken. At the same time, it may be an example of the ignorance and meaninglessness with which many phrases are constantly used in Christianity. What is the it that was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be? The only true answer would be in changing the “it” to a “He” — 'As He was — so is He now, and ever shall be'. For the rest, there are few, if any, things that can carry this declaration. It is just this change from the beginning that is causing an immensity of concern and consideration in Christendom, and especially in evangelical Christianity. The beginning is the basis of a very great amount of review, reconsideration, recall, and effort to recover. For, as to Christianity, it is just not true that "as it was in the beginning, it is now."
