The Great Pyramid Portrayal of Creation (1923)
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The
Great Pyramid
Portrayal Of Creation
Lantern Lecture
By Morton Edgar
The Pyramid Portrayal of Creation
By MORTON EDGAR Author of "Great Pyramid Passages"; "The Great Pyramid and the Bible"; "Mythology and the Bible"; "1914 A.D. and the Great Pyramid"; etc.
SECOND EDITION (Fourth Thousand)
All rights reserved
BONE & HULLEY Printers
35 Dundas Street, Glasgow
1923 Lantern Slides of the Great Pyramid
There is no better way of testifying to the Lord's glorious Plan of Salvation than by drawing attention to the teaching of His own "Stone Witness," the Great Pyramid.
Experience has fully demonstrated that a Pyramid Lecture has great attraction for the general thinking public. It is a subject which appeals to thoughtful people; and this is as it should be, for God Himself is responsible for the building's existence. God Himself caused it to be erected for the special purpose of serving as a "Sign" and "Witness" to the truth of His Holy Word—see Isa. 19:19,20. It is our privilege to co-operate with Him in drawing attention to this great symbol of His arrangement for the salvation of the world.
The Lantern Slides which we supply are made from the original negatives of our photographs taken at the Pyramid, and also from the original diagrams drawn true to scale from our personal measurements of the building during the years 1909 and 1912.
Being made by the wet-collodion process, these Slides are clear and brilliant. The full coloured set is specially recommended, as they look beautiful on the screen—they are well worth the extra cost. The Slides have each a descriptive title, and are specially numbered to accompany the lecture entitled: "The Pyramid Portrayal of Creation." But, of course, they can be easily re-arranged to suit other lectures.
(1) Set of 103 Slides,2 Coloured and 101 Plain
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Note. It is a good plan to open and close the lecture by requesting the audience to sing a few verses of a hymn shown on the screen; as well as several verses during the two intervals. By thus participating in the entertainment, the audience feel more at one with the lecturer. For this purpose we have prepared eleven special Hymn Slides, with one verse on each slide, set in an appropriate scenic background, beautifully coloured The price is 3/6, or 90 cents each slide.
The Pyramid Portrayal of Creation
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Preface
THE GREAT PYRAMID illustrates the successive steps of the eternal plan by which Jehovah is bringing into being His New Creation. It portrays the establishment of the New Heavens and Earth, and the regeneration of mankind. Picturing in detail the various features of "all His works from the foundation of the world," the Great Pyramid is truly God's "Chart of the Ages." The Bible is the key which deciphers the symbolism of the Pyramid; and the Pyramid witnesses to the truth of the Bible. The Scriptures tell us of our Father's plan of salvation, and His great stone "Sign" and "Witness" in the land of Egypt corroborates His written Word.
This lecture, "The Pyramid Portrayal of Creation," is issued in the hope that the Great Pyramid may speak forth in a concise, comprehensive manner its message of peace and goodwill toward men. The purpose of this "Miracle in Stone" is to deepen conviction of the truth of the Glad Tidings.
The numerous drawings are faithful reproductions of the original photographs shown in the lantern slides. The drawings and diagrams illustrate the text of the lecture, so that, while primarily arranged to accompany a lantern display of slides, the general reader will find the perusal of these pages to be interesting and instructive. The subject-matter is continuous from start to finish, and gives a connected description of the monument, and also an explanation of its wonderful symbolical message.
May the Lord add His blessing,
Morton Edgar.
224 West Regent Street,
Glasgow, Scotland.
Dynamics of K, T, and θ
The South-east angle of the Great Pyramid of Gizeh; showing the Sphinx in
the foreground on the right
The Great Pyramid is referred to in the Bible
READ ISAIAH XIX, VERSES 19 AND 20
"In that day there is an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, even a pillar at the border thereof; and it shall be for a SIGN and WITNESS unto the Lord of Hosts in the land of Egypt."
DURING the past number of years much attention has been directed to the Great Pyramid. That wonderful building always commands respect, if by nothing else than its immense size and antiquity. The thousands of intelligent visitors who yearly invade the land of the Pharaohs have awakened an enquiring interest in the monument, and called for the descriptive pen of the newspaper article-writer, as well as the photographic recorder.
Unfortunately, much that appears in newspapers regarding the Great Pyramid is unreliable. Articles are written apparently more with the object of exciting wonder, and drawing forth a feeling of mystery, than of giving real information. Yet in the truest sense the Great Pyramid is full of wonder and mystery: when rightly understood this "wonder" is proved to be very practical, and the "mystery" is of the same order as that contained in the Bible—it can be comprehended by every sane and sanctified mind.
Thus, 1000 British inches equal 999 Pyramid inches.
The Measurements in this diagram, and in the others, are in British inches. In the Time-measurements, and also in the Scientific features, it is PYRAMID-INCH measures that are used.
A Pyramid inch is one-thousandth part of an inch longer than a British inch.
Thus, 1000 British inches equal 999 Pyramid inches.
It is a common mistake of many writers to speak of the Great Pyramid as being 5,000 or 6,000 or even more years old.
While it is certain that the Pyramid is by far the oldest building in the world not excepting the ancient Sphinx which lies close to it, it is not so old as 5,000 years. Professor C. Piazzi Smyth, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, demonstrated that the building contains within itself the evidence which establishes the date of its erection as 2140 B.C. The Great Pyramid is therefore a little over 4,000 years old.
Another common mistake is to assume that the Great Pyramid was erected as a tomb for Cheops, the reigning Pharaoh at the time of the building's construction. We say that this is an assumption, for in the numerous records of reliable explorers and investigators of ancient days (the only ones who could tell us about the matter) no trace can be discovered which will support the idea that Cheops, or any other, was interred in the Great Pyramid. On the contrary, Herodotus, who lived 500 years before our era, refers to a rock-hewn tomb about 1,000 feet to the south-east of the Pyramid, which was without doubt the final resting-place of Cheops. This has been conclusively proved by Professor Greaves and other scholars. Those therefore who speak of the Great Pyramid as being merely Cheops' tomb are not yet fully informed.
Although popularly known as the "Pyramid of Cheops," the historical records (of Herodotus and Manetho) prove that this Pharaoh was merely the ruler of Egypt at the time of the Pyramid's erection, and that, far from being the honoured originator, he and his subjects were compelled to engage in the work—a work the purpose of which they could not understand. The real Pyramid designers and master-builders were not Egyptians at all, but a mysterious people named Hyksos, or Shepherd Kings. They came from the East; and invading the country of Egypt compelled the people of the land, ruler and subjects alike, to close their idolatrous temples, and engage in the stupendous labour of building the Great Pyramid. After this the Shepherd Kings evacuated the land of Egypt, leaving their great monument standing complete on the very edge of the Sahara desert; sealed up; an object of reverential wonder; an inscrutable mystery for forty long centuries!
What was it built for? This is the question that has puzzled the world from the very time of its erection. The tombic theory does not satisfy the seriously inquiring mind, for although it appears clear that the other pyramids of Egypt were used as sepulchres, there are too many points of difference between their interior arrangements and that of their great model. (See the diagrams on pages 22 and 23.)
The Great Pyramid was the first to be built; and the builders of the other, subsequent, pyramids, imagining that the Great Pyramid was made for a tomb, constructed their own for this purpose. But notice
VERTICAL SECTION OF QUEENS CHAMBER (FROM NORTH TO SOUTH LOOKING EAST)
SHOWING THE STEP IN THE HORIZONTAL PASSAGE LEADING THERE TO:
THE NICHE IN THE EAST WALL: AND THE INCOMPLETE AIR CHANNELS.
the differences in the internal designs: the Great Pyramid, besides having in common with the others a Subterranean Chamber hewn out in the solid rock far below the base, and approached by a steep Descending Passage, has also an upper system of passages and chambers constructed high up in the body of the building.
Not one of the other pyramids has an upper passage arrangement like that in the Great Pyramid. If the Great Pyramid were merely a sepulchre, why this distinction? Then again, the upper chambers of the Great Pyramid are ventilated. Long and carefully-constructed air-channels connect the King's and Queen's Chambers with the outside, and so cause a current of pure life-sustaining air to circulate throughout the interior of the building. None of the other pyramids are provided with air-channels. And the long peculiar Well-shaft which connects the lower end of the Descending Passage with the upper passages—nothing like it is to be seen in the other pyramids. This shaft, which is about 200 feet long, has been carefully measured. It is drawn true to scale in the diagram on page 6. What was it made for?
These contrasts are apparent to every casual observer; but there are other differences of a scientific nature which distinguish the Great Pyramid as in a class by itself. The more one studies this monument, the more convinced he becomes that its designer was inspired by a higher motive than that of constructing a mere tomb for a dead monarch.
Men of learning have remarked upon the Pyramid's scientific wonders, and believe that its builder was endowed with more than ordinary wisdom. Bible students are persuaded that the monument is of Divine origin, that its architect was inspired by God, as were Moses and David in the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and the Temple in Jerusalem. The opinion is gaining ground that the Great Pyramid is a highly symbolic structure, erected for the purpose of corroborating the glorious Plan of Salvation as presented in the Word of God! In other words, the Great Pyramid is a Bible in Stone.
Egypt is pre-eminently the land of the hieroglyph. This writing is found in all the temples, tombs, sphinxes, and obelisks throughout that ancient country. These buildings and their hieroglyphics speak largely of the idolatrous worship of the Egyptians. So, also, we find that the Lord in His Holy Word (in Isaiah xix, 19,20) refers us to His great "sign" and "witness" in Egypt, which tells forth in no uncertain voice the only true, saving religion.
It is an important fact that there are no hieroglyphics in the Great Pyramid. It is by its symbolism, as well as by its measures and angles, that the Lord's stone "Witness" speaks to us; and by this means more convincingly than by any system of sculptural inscriptions. Each passage and each chamber has its own symbolical meaning.
Dracula by K. Voghsa
Walking down the low, steep, Desvending Passage It was a young Scotsman of Leith, Robert Menzies, who first voiced the religious theory of the Great Pyramid.
Others had discerned the purely scientific aspect of the building; and some, notably John Taylor of London, had divined its sacred character; but none had hitherto applied a definite religious meaning to its dark passage-ways.
The theory of Robert Menzies was this: The Grand Gallery symbolises the Gospel Age or Dispensation. (See diagrams on pages 30 and 31.) The lofty height of this passage (28 feet) suggests the great mental freedom of the Christian during the Age of Grace in which we now live; and yet the steepness of its upward inclination, and the narrowness of its floor (only 3 1⁄2 feet), accord well with the fact that the Christian's upward progress toward life is a difficult, slippery, and narrow one to the flesh.
The mysterious Well-shaft symbolises the ransom-sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ; for did not our Lord's death and resurrection provide an open way of escape from the condemnation of death which rests upon mankind? that all who believe in Christ's atoning work might not perish but have everlasting life? Yes indeed! And if any structure could be designed to illustrate the condemned condition of the world, the low, narrow Descending Passage, leading steeply downward to the dark Subterranean Chamber or Pit, could not be surpassed. (See the drawing of the Descending Passage on page 10.)
Just as the Descending Passage graphically symbolises the covenant of death through the god of this world, Satan, who has the power of death, so, by contrast, the Ascending Passages symbolise the covenants of life through Christ the Prince of life. And just as the Subterranean Chamber symbolises the death-state to which all the condemned world are hastening, so the upper chambers are symbolical of the conditions of life. The high granite King's Chamber represents that Divine spirit life to which the followers of the Lord during the Gospel Age are invited. And the Queen's Chamber, made of limestone, represents the perfect human life to which all mankind will ultimately attain by the completion of the Millennial reign of Christ. For after the special selection of the followers of Jesus Christ during the Gospel Age is ended, all the world will also escape the condemnation because of the ransom-sacrifice of Christ, that under the terms of the New Covenant they may attain to that perfect human life lost for them by Father Adam's disobedience. In other words, man's covenant with death shall not stand, for Christ, by means of death, has destroyed the works of the Devil.
It is true that the First Ascending Passage appears to be an easier way of reaching the Grand Gallery and Horizontal Passage than by the almost perpendicular Well-shaft. But it will be noticed by a careful
Drawn by K. Vengham
The open WELL-MOUTH in the north-west corner of the Grand Gallery; showing the upper end of the First Ascending Passage to the right.
reference to the diagram on page 27 that this upward way is effectually blocked by the Granite Plug at the lower extremity of the passage.
(See also the drawing on page 34 of the lower end of this Granite Plug as it appears in the ceiling of the Descending Passage.) The Granite Plug is firmly wedged into its place, preventing all access to the upper chambers by means of the First Ascending Passage.
As the Grand Gallery with its lofty height represents the Covenant of Grace during the Gospel Age, so the First Ascending Passage with its low ceiling (only 4 feet above the floor), well represents the exacting Mosaic Covenant during the Jewish Age which preceded and led up to the Gospel Age. The nation of Israel were offered life under the Law Covenant of Moses, provided they would observe every requirement of the law, for the man who would do the deeds of the law would live by them. But none were able to keep the law inviolate and so gain life, because the law was perfect, and none but a perfect man could observe it in every particular. The Israelites, in common with all nations, were tainted with sin through the fall of Father Adam, and therefore, as the Apostle says, there are "none righteous, no, not one." Thus, the First Ascending Passage, which represents the Law Covenant, was rendered impassable by the insertion of the Granite Plug, that it might faithfully illustrate the ineffectiveness of the Covenant of Moses. The obstructing Granite Plug represents the perfect Divine Law of God, blocking the way of life to every imperfect human being.
Therefore, the open Well-shaft is the only way of gaining access to the upper chambers which represent life; and belief in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which this shaft symbolises, is the only possible way of escaping the condemnation of death, and attaining life. And this life may be the spirit life offered to the followers of Christ during the Gospel Age; or the perfect human life which will be offered to the remainder of mankind during the Millennial Age under the terms of the New Covenant. The New Covenant is represented by the Horizontal Passage leading to the Queen's Chamber. (See Jeremiah XXXI, 31-34.)
John Taylor of London (to whom Professor Smyth dedicated all his Pyramid works) first recognised the truly sacred, as distinct from the religious, character of the building. He it was who pointed out the evident allusion to the Great Pyramid in the book of Job, chapter XXXVIII, 4-7 (marginal reading). In this passage in Job reference is made to "socket foundations," "made to sink," and also to a "headstone" at the laying of which the sons of God are said to have shouted for joy. The "socket foundations" are the four large base cornerstones which were made to sink into corresponding sockets cut into the living rock on which the Great Pyramid stands. None of the other pyramids possess such socket-foundations—they are distinctive of the Great Pyramid.
Then the allusion to the head corner-stone makes the picture complete; for a pyramid, in addition to having four foundational corner-stones at the base, must also have a fifth, and chief, corner-stone, namely, that at the head of the structure. The fact that Jesus Christ is frequently referred to in the New Testament as a "chief corner-stone," proves that the sacred writers were fully aware of the aptness of the Pyramid-illustration of the pre-eminence of our Lord. The top-stone of a pyramid is a complete pyramid in itself, and all the other stones built up in line with the top-stone beautifully illustrate the members of the true Church, the "living stones," fitly joined to their heavenly head, and made complete in Him. (See Ephesians II, 20, 21; and 1 Peter II, 4, 8.)
Not only do the passage-ways of the Great Pyramid symbolise the various Covenants in the Divine Plan, but their lengths, when measured in Pyramid inches, correspond to the durations of those Ages when the Covenants were in force, at the scale of an inch for a year. Indeed, the whole of the time-features of the Bible are corroborated by the Pyramid-inch measurements, and the correspondences are so exact that we know they were intended by the Divine Architect to confirm our faith in the times and seasons of the Scriptures. The Pyramid measurements, therefore, corroborate the Bible chronology. The fact that this monument foretold, by means of its symbolism and time measurements, that autumn of the year 1914 would witness the beginning of the great time of trouble now in progress, should prove of absorbing interest to all—See Pars. 94-96.
Built, as it was, before the Bible began to be written by Moses, the Great Pyramid proves that God foreknew every detail of His glorious Plan of the Ages, by causing these details to be monumentalised in stone. The Great Pyramid is God's sign and witness to the Christian now, and to the world in the coming Age. The Great Pyramid is truly a "Miracle in Stone."
PART I
1 View of the Great Pyramid, North and West flanks (See page 4).
THE GREAT PYRAMID is the chief of the "Seven Wonders" of the ancient world. It is the only one of the seven which has survived the ravages of time. For forty-one centuries that mighty monument has kept silent watch over the delta of the Nile. Its majestic appearance commands the respect of all who visit Egypt. A veil of mystery seems always to have shrouded the Great Pyramid from the day of its erection. The builders themselves did not appear to understand the purpose of the work they were engaged upon.
2 Near view of the lower part of the Northern flank of the Great Pyramid.
Even the architect, if we are to believe the records of history directed operations under "sealed orders" from a higher authority. As the result of this general lack of knowledge, many theories have been advocated to account for the existence of the Great Pyramid, some reasonable, and some fanciful. The early Egyptians evidently regarded the structure as a great sepulchre; for in most of their later-built pyramids the familiar sarcophagi have been discovered. So recently as 1837, Col. Howard Vyse found mummies in a few of these stone coffins.
MAP OF THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZEH SHOWING THEIR POSITION ON THE FLAT-TOPPED HILL OF ROCK WHICH RISES JUST SOUTH OF THE LOW DELTA LAND OF LOWER EGYPT
MERIDIAN SECTION THROUGH THE GREAT PYRAMID AND ITS HILL (LOOKING WEST) The tombic theory of the Great Pyramid has thus naturally received most favour.
But however true it may be that some, probably all, of the other pyramids were intended to serve as tombs, careful modern investigation has demonstrated that the Great Pyramid, at all events, was not erected for this purpose. Owing principally to the learned researches of Professor C. Piazzi Smyth, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, it is fully recognised that the Great Pyramid contains numerous scientific truths.
4 North flank of Great Pyramid, showing Edgars' Tents in the near foreground.
It is not generally known that this ancient monument is referred to in the Bible. Few realise that the Scriptural plan of salvation is corroborated by the symbolism of the building. Our claim is that the Great Pyramid, while constructed by man, is like the Bible, of Divine origin. Like the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and the Temple in Jerusalem, we believe that the Great Pyramid was designed for the purpose of testifying to the truth of God's infinite justice, power, love, and wisdom. The more complete our knowledge of the plan of salvation becomes, the more our appreciation of the Great Pyramid increases.
5 Map of the Pyramids, Temples, and Tombs of the Hill of Gizeh (See page 16).
Regarding the location of the Great Pyramid : It is one of a group of nine, known as the nine pyramids of Gizeh. The rocky plateau of Gizeh lies about ten miles to the west of the modern city of Cairo. The Great Pyramid is the most northern of the group.
6 Second Pyramid, showing the remnant of the Casing-stones at the summit.
The Second Pyramid, although very large, is nevertheless much smaller than the Great Pyramid. Yet, from some view-points it appears to be the higher of the two. It stands on a higher level of rock, and a large area of the summit is still covered with the original casing. Quite thirty feet of the summit of the Great Pyramid is missing.
7 Third Pyramid of Gizeh; showing also North-west corner of Second Pyramid.
The Third Pyramid is much smaller than its two giant neighbours. But although comparatively little, it is considered to have been very expensive to build, owing to the fact that granite was used to cover a large area of its four sides.
THE GREAT PENHAM OF GIZEH
GIPPIA, JOHN AUSTRIA
being a member of the Board, where marking
the Centre of the Section abjured land
The Great Pyramid of Giza
Farmland of the Banks, now marked
the Centre of the section adjacent to
A Burial Ground
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
8 The Pyramids of Gizeh, as viewed from South of the Third Pyramid.
It is not possible to accurately judge of the true sizes of the Gizeh Pyramids by simply looking at them. When viewed from the south, the Third Pyramid and the Great Pyramid appear to be the same height. The perspective gives a false impression.
9 Near view of the Sphinx, showing the Great Pyramid in the background.
That great "dumb idol," the Sphinx, is generally depicted in such a way as to make it appear to be almost as huge as the Great Pyramid. Here again the perspective gives a false impression: most pictures are taken close up to the Sphinx, and thus its relative proportion is unduly magnified.
10 The Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, as viewed from a distance (See page 4).
When we view these two monuments from a distance, however, the contrast in size is more apparent. By this method of comparison one can form a truer conception of the immense bulk of the Great Pyramid; for the Sphinx is itself very large.
11 Very near view of the Sphinx, showing its great size.
Chambers have not yet been found inside the Sphinx. Col. Howard Vyse, at much expense, pierced its huge body with a boring rod in the hope of discovering chambers, but without success. Since his day no competent investigator has examined this monument. Nothing of value has been learned from it. The Sphinx was carved in the rock centuries after the Great Pyramid was built.
12 Bird's-eye view of Lower Egypt, showing the Nile, Pyramids, etc.
We believe that the Great Pyramid is referred to in the Bible. In Isaiah xix, 19, 20 we read: "In that day there is an altar to Jehovah in the midst of the land of Egypt; even a pillar at the border thereof to Jehovah, and it shall be for a sign and witness to Jehovah of hosts in the land of Egypt." This utterance of the prophet fully applies to the Great Pyramid.
13 Map showing the symmetrical position of the Great Pyramid (See page 18).
The Great Pyramid is in the hub or geometric centre of Egypt's curved shore-line. It thus may be said to stand in the "midst of the land." Yet it is also "at the border thereof," for it is situated at the edge of the desert, on the southern limit of the cultivated land of Lower Egypt.
14 Map of the World, showing the Great Pyramid's central position on the Earth. Geographically, the Great Pyramid stands in the centre of the land surface of the earth. The area of land north and south, and also east and west, of the building, are equal. The ancient Greeks claimed that their city Athens marked the centre of the earth; but with our better knowledge of geography, we find that the facts really favour the Great Pyramid with this honour.
15 Diagram of the Great Pyramid on its Rock Foundation (See page 6).
Professor Smyth discovered that the exact dimensions of the Pyramid bear a proportionate ratio to the size of the earth and to the solar system. The Pyramid cubit is the even 10-millionth part of half the earth's polar axis. This is much more scientific than the unit of the modern French metric system, which is based upon the even 10-millionth part of the curved surface-line from the North Pole to the Equator. The Pyramid inch is the 25th part of a cubit. Pyramid inches, measured along the building's passage-ways, represent years in the scrolls of history.
16 A Solid Pyramid, with the Top-stone detached, illustrating Christ's Headship.
We now direct attention to the fact that, in the imagery of the Bible, the pyramidal structure is used to illustrate the exalted preeminence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus himself alluded to this when he said: "Did ye never read in the scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner; this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes'?" (Matt. xxi, 42). The figurative language of Jesus can properly apply only to a pyramid; for in this type of building we find one stone which is distinctive as the corner-stone, the head of the corner.
17 An Example of one of the Ruined Pyramids of Abusir.
There are 38 pyramids in Egypt, most of which are now merely ruinous mounds. None of the other pyramids show such fine workmanship as the Great Pyramid. It is the Great Pyramid, and not the others, which was erected under God's supervision.
18 An Example of one of the Ruined Pyramids of Sakkara.
The numerous other pyramids are entirely ignored by the Scriptures. The Great Pyramid is referred to in the Bible, though in hidden language. In Job xxxviii, 4-7, we read : "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Declare if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the sockets thereof made to sink? Or who laid the corner thereof; when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
19 The Ground Plan of the Great Pyramid, showing the four Corner Sockets.
Notice how the Lord speaks to Job about foundation "sockets" made to sink." When we examine the foundations of the Great Pyramid we find that the stones at the four base corners were made to sink into corresponding sockets in the rock. None of the other pyramids throughout Egypt possess such socket-foundations. Thus, although the passage in Job speaks of the earth, it is also referring to the Great Pyramid. Professor Smyth has pointed out that there are scientific connections between the size of the earth and the dimensions of the Great Pyramid.
20 Diagram showing Vertical Sections of all nine Pyramids of Gizeh (See page 22).
It is generally agreed by Pyramid students that the Great Pyramid was the first to be built. This explains why none of the other pyramids possess an upper system of passages. History shows that the builders of the other pyramids were unaware of the ascending passages and chambers constructed high up in the masonry of their great model. And for no less than three thousand years the upper interior arrangement of the Great Pyramid was a profound secret.
21 Diagram showing the Vertical Section of the Second Pyramid.
The Second Pyramid was built immediately after the Great Pyramid. Its passage-system is quite unlike that of the Great Pyramid. It has two entrance passages, and only two chambers all cut out in the rock for the most part.
22 Diagram showing the Vertical Section of the Third Pyramid.
The passage-system of the Third Pyramid, which was built soon after the Second Pyramid, is arranged in a totally different style without any attempt at symmetry. It has three chambers, two of which were used as tombs. The large ornamental stone coffin which Col. Howard Vyse found in the Third Pyramid was lost at sea during transit to Britain.
THE GREAT PYRAMID
THE SECOND PYRAMID
THE THIRD PYRAMID
THE FOURTH PYRAMID
THE FIFTH PYRAMID
The Sixth Pyramid
The Seventh Pyramid
The Eighth Pyramid
The Ninth Pyramid
ALL THE PYRAMIDS OF JEEZEH IN VERTICAL AND MERIDIAN SECTION
THEIR ANCIENT SIZE AND SHAPE BEING SHOWN BY THE DOTTED TRIANGLES OVER THEM
SCALE 1/4000 OF NATURE
THE NEVER FINISHED PYRAMID OF ABDON ROSON
PYRAMID OF SURNET EL AMIRA
PYRAMID OF RACOEN
ABDODER MURANI PYRAMID
ABDODER MURANI PYRAMID
ABDODER OF PYRAMID
ABDODER SMALL PYRAMID
SACCARA PYRAMID NTE
SACCARA PYRAMID NTE
SACCARA OF DRAFT PYRAMID
SACCARA PYRAMID NTE
SACCARA PYRAMID NTE
SACCARA PYRAMID NTE
SACCARA PYRAMID NTE
SACCARA PYRAMID NTE
SACCARA PYRAMID NTE
PYRAMID BASE OF MUSTABET EL PARAMOD
NORTHERN OF STONE PYRAMID DARHOOM
SOUTHERN OF STONE PYRAMID DARHOOM
NORTHERN BRICK PYRAMID OF DARHOOM
SMALL PYRAMID OF DARHOOM
SOUTHERN BRICK PYRAMID OF DARHOOM
NORTHERN PYRAMID OF LIGHT
SOUTHERN PYRAMID OF LIGHT
The FALSE PYRAMIDS OR PYRAMID OF METODOR
PYRAMID OF ALLANDO
PYRAMID OF NORRA
PYRAMID NTE OF BIAMMOO
PYRAMID NTE OF BIAMMOO
ALL THE PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT (OTHER THAN THOSE OF JEEZEN)BEGINNING FROM THE NORTH AND GOING TO THE SOUTH OF THE COUNTRYSCALE OF NATURE
Dennis by &. Forsyth
Remnant of the Cusragstanes, at the northern base of the Great Pyramid
23 Diagram of Vertical Sections of all other Pyramids of Egypt (See page 25) As with the Second and Third Pyramids of Gizeh, so with all the other pyramids of Egypt, their internal arrangements do not display any definite design.
They are apparently without meaning. The passage-ways and chambers of these other pyramids, also, are mostly hewn in the rock.
24 Diagram of Vertical Section of the Great Pyramid (See page 6).
In these respects, therefore, the Great Pyramid stands unrivalled. Its Descending Passage is by far the longest of any, measuring nearly 350 feet. Its large Subterranean Chamber lies 100 feet vertically below the base-line. The whole internal arrangement of the Great Pyramid is very symmetrical, highly scientific, and full of significance. As we have mentioned, the upper system of the Great Pyramid was a profound secret for three thousand years. It was discovered by accident. It is recorded that in the year 820 A.D., a Caliph of Bagdad, Al Mamoun by name, journeyed to Egypt with a company of men, intent upon plundering the treasure supposed to be hidden in the Pyramid.
25 Casing-stone Remnant at Northern base of Great Pyramid (See page 24).
At that time the four sides of the building were encased with beautiful smooth casing-stones. All of these casing-stones have long since been stripped off by the Arabs to build houses. The Entrance of the low narrow Descending Passage was then closed by a stone door.
There is no door now, but we know there was one originally because the ancient geographer, Strabo, who lived in the first century before Christ, saw it and wrote about it. This stone door was the same size as many of the casing-stones, and hence very difficult to detect.
27 Casing-stone Remnant of the Great Pyramid : end view of largest three.
In passing, we point out that the few casing-stones which now remain at the northern base of the monument, serve the useful purpose of indicating the exact ancient height of the Pyramid. The angle of their outer face, which is clearly defined, proves that the Great Pyramid is endowed with many wonderful scientific features.
C 28 The Entrance of the Great Pyramid.
In its present dilapidated condition, the Entrance of the Great Pyramid can easily be discerned even from a distance. But, as we have said, in the days of Caliph Al Mamoun, it was extremely difficult to locate. Casing-stones covered all the Pyramid at that time, and the stone door which closed the Entrance looking like another casing-stone. The Caliph seems to have known that the door was situated somewhere near the central line of the northern flank, but it is evident that he did not know of its exact position.
29 Outer opening of Al Mamoun's forced passage into the Great Pyramid.
Not being able to find the Entrance, the Caliph directed his men to force a passage into the building. The large dark outer opening of this forced passage is very conspicuous. It lies nearly midway between the ground and the true Entrance above, but several feet further to the west.
30 Near view of the outer opening of Al Mamoun's forced passage.
After working their way inward for about 120 feet without making any hopeful discovery, the men were nearly giving up their labour in despair, when one day they heard a noise. It sounded as if some heavy object had fallen inside the building. They immediately worked with renewed energy in the direction of the noise, and soon broke into the Descending Passage. This was a happy chance, for they did not know they were working so near the building's Entrance Passage.
There, lying on the floor of the Descending Passage, they saw an angular-shaped stone. On examining the roof they observed an opening from which, apparently, the stone had fallen, thus causing the noise. This stone had been fitted in even with the general line of the roof of the Descending Passage, and looked like the other roof-stones. It had, therefore, effectually concealed the lower opening of the First Ascending Passage. Thus all the earlier explorers in the centuries before the Caliph, although they apparently possessed knowledge of the swinging stone door of the outside Entrance, and were therefore able to make their way down the Descending Passage to the Subterranean Chamber, were nevertheless ignorant of the Ascending Passages and upper Chambers.
32 The lower Butt-end of the Granite Plug (See page 34).
But the Caliph found it impossible to go up this newly discovered Ascending Passage. Immediately behind the dislodged roof-stone is a series of three granite stones which still block the way. They are known collectively as the "Granite Plug." Seeing that the Granite Plug is wedged into its place, and cannot be taken out, the Caliph instructed his men to force a passage round it through the soft limestone.
There is now, therefore, a large cavity round the west side of the obstructing Granite Plug. By taking advantage of this cavity access is now gained to the First Ascending Passage. We can picture to ourselves the expectation of the Caliph's men when, on reaching the passage above, they made their way up its steep and slippery floor, and began an eager exploration of the dark mysterious passages and chambers, sealed up three thousand years before by the ancient builders, and now visited for the first time.
34 Near view of the West side of the Granite Plug, in Al Mamoun's Cavity.
Surely, they would think, great hoards of wealth must lie somewhere in this wonderful place! But their expectations were doomed to disappointment; the Pyramid's treasures are not of the kind to appeal to Arabian adventurers—they are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
VERTICAL SECTION (LOOKING WEST) OF KING'S CHAMBER ANTE-CHAMBER AND HOWARD VYSE'S CHAMBERS OF CONSTRUCTION SHOWING QUARRY MARKS
SINGLE SHADE LINES INDICATE LIMESTONE CROSSED LINES INDICATE GRANITE
PART II
HAVING thus drawn attention to the Great Pyramid's special claim to our consideration, we now desire to direct our thoughts to the higher and more vital phase of our subject, namely, the monument's wonderful portrayal of the Lord's glorious plan of salvation. By what method is the plan of salvation declared by the Great Pyramid? Did the Lord cause His message to be inscribed in hieroglyphics upon its walls? Egypt is pre-eminently the land of hieroglyph, and we would not, therefore, be surprised if the walls of the interior parts of the Great Pyramid were also covered with this strange writing. But we do not so find it.
With the exception of a few quarry-marks on the walls of the narrow spaces above the King's Chamber, the Pyramid is devoid of any kind of ancient script. These "quarry-marks" are roughly painted. They are quite unlike the usual finely carved hieroglyphics. They were merely intended to guide the workmen in their placing of the stones. It is not, therefore, by hieroglyphics that the Lord's "Pillar" witnesses to the Divine Plan of the Ages, but by symbol, measure and angle.
The Chart of the Ages
37 Chart of the Ages, showing the Plan of Salvation in Symbol.
As each feature of the plan of salvation unfolds from the Scriptures, we find that the Great Pyramid contains corroborative evidence. This chart shows in a comprehensive manner how orderly the Lord has arranged his great scheme of the Ages.
NOTE—The Lecturer may here briefly explain the chart; but as the slide cannot remain long in the lantern without danger of cracking or burning with the heat, it is advisable not to enter into too many details. It should be sufficient merely to draw attention to the three "Worlds," and the different "Ages." Then to the various "planes" of being; how Adam fell from the plane of human perfection, how Jesus Christ came and took the same human nature for the suffering of death, and how, ultimately, the whole world will regain that perfect plane in the Millennial reign of Christ.
The Symbolism of the Great Pyramid
38 The symbolical significance of the Great Pyramid's system.
The Descending Passage illustrates the downward course of the human race. The final destruction in death is symbolised by the Subterranean Chamber or "Pit." In the beginning, Adam is pictured standing outside on the solid rock, enjoying the full light of heaven. Immediately he transgresses he enters the night of sin and death, represented by the dark Descending Passage. Toward the end of his "day" of condemnation Adam dies; and his children, born in degradation, and powerless to retrace their steps, have perforce to continue on the downward way.
39 The Small Horizontal Passage leading to the Pit (See page 32).
The lower they descend the dimmer becomes their path, until there is barely sufficient illumination to enable them to find their way. When they finally reach the Small Horizontal Passage at the lower end, and are compelled to traverse this on hands and knees, they lose all light. They must now go on in complete darkness till they fall into the "pit of death."
Drawn by E. Vaughan
The Lower Terminal of the Descending Passage; showing the entrance of the Small Horizontal Passage leading to the Pit 40 The large Subterranean Chamber, looking West.
The large Subterranean Chamber, or Pit, appropriately symbolises the condition of death. When pronouncing the sentence of death, God did not leave our first parents without a little hope. The Lord intimated that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head. This judgment upon the tempter inspired hope in Adam and Eve that there might be a reversal of their death-sentence. Thus God was pleased to reveal that the great "Seed of the woman," Christ, would by means of the truth bruise the head of the "father of lies," Satan, and destroy him for ever.
41 Chart showing the Abrahamic Covenant Parallel.
God did not then state, however, that when the Adversary was destroyed the human race would be released from condemnation. It was not until 2081 years had passed that anything was said respecting favour. To Abraham this promise was made, that in his seed all the families of the earth would be blessed. The promise was renewed with Isaac and Jacob. This promise remained exclusively with the natural seed of Abraham for 2081 years, a parallel period to the first interval of 2081 years. After this second period the promise was extended to the Gentiles, that the Gentiles might henceforth be fellow-heirs with Israel in the promise of God (Eph. ii, 11-22).
42 Chart of the Worlds and Ages.
When Jacob was 130 years old he entered Egypt, and there his descendants multiplied greatly, in fulfilment of what God had said: "I will there make of thee a great nation" (Gen. xlvi,2,3). At the time of Moses this nation was called out of Egypt, and a cove-
Drawn by K. Vanighan
Depression in the roof of the Descending Passage, showing the rectangular granite block, namely, the lower butt end of the Granite Plug nant was made with them.
If they observed God's law it would give them life; but if they failed the "curse of the law" would come upon them. They thought they could render obedience and so gain life; but they little understood the imperfection of their flesh (Rom. vii, 18). They soon found it impossible to pass the requirements of God's perfect law—the Divine Law blocked the way of life.
43 Diagram of the First Asseuding Passage, as symbolising the Law Covenant.
By what method does the Great Pyramid corroborate the Scriptural plan stated thus far? As the Descending Passage illustrates the downward course of mankind to the Pit, the "Chamber of death," so, by contrast, the Ascending Passages illustrate the upward ways of life. It was to the people of Israel, separated from the world at the Exodus, that the first offer of attaining life was given. The First Ascending Passage, therefore, represents the Law Age.
44 Walking down the low Descending Passage (See page 10).
One requires, when walking down the Descending Passage, to keep his head and back bowed very low, for the passage is only four feet in height. It is so steep that progression down its slippery floor is both painful and dangerous. The visitor cannot fail to realise how aptly this descending way illustrates the groaning condition of mankind burdened under the yoke of sin, sickness, and pain, and labouring downward to death.
45 The lower Butt-end of the Granite Plug, showing Prof. J. Edgar measuring.
But when he reaches the junction of the First Ascending Passage and finds he does not here require to stoop, but can stand upright; and no longer being compelled to look down the way of death can throw back his head and look up the passage which symbolises the upward way of life, he can experience the joy of the Israelites when God covenanted with them through Moses that law which was "ordained to life."
46 Another view of the lower Butt-end of the Granite Plug [See page 34].
But the visitor's joy will be short-lived, for, looking more intently above him he will presently perceive, when his eyes become accustomed to the darkness of the place, the lower end of the Granite Plug. It will be forcibly impressed upon him that the
Dream by K. WongKan
Al Mamoun's Cavity; climbing round the Granite Plug to the First Ascending Passage
upward passage is closed.
In an experimental way he will now understand the keen disappointment of the covenant nation, which when it had leisure to consider the perfect law of God, found that law to be an impassable obstacle in the path of life.
47 The upper end of the Granite Plag, showing its West side (See page 36).
How effectually, therefore, does this Granite Plug, barring all progress up the Ascending Passage, symbolise the Divine Law blocking the way of life! As Israel could not attain life by the law, why did the Lord deal with them for so many centuries? The Apostle states one reason: "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ" (Gal. iii, 24). The nation, during its Age, nominally observed the law, which, like a schoolmaster, taught and disciplined the people, and prepared them to receive the Messiah. Thus the nation of Israel is typically represented as ascending this passage, ignoring for the time being the Granite Plug which, in reality, prevents any possibility of going up this way; even as the people could not pass the test of the Divine Law and gain life.
48 Diagram showing the Great Pyramid's "Seven Times" Measurements.
The full significance of the passage-ways of the Pyramid will be more clearly understood if we first notice the symbolical meaning of the building's chambers. We have recognised that the Subterranean Chamber represents the condition of death; so, we understand, life is represented by the upper chambers. The lowest form of life which can be attained and retained by man is human life in its perfection, as possessed by father Adam before his fall. This condition of human life is symbolised by the Queen's Chamber.
49 The low Doorway of the Entrance of the King's Chamber.
The highest form of life to which man may aspire, under certain arrangements laid down by the Lord, is the spirit life. This condition of spirit life is symbolised by the King's Chamber.
50 Inside the King's Chamber.
The King's Chamber is very large and beautifully constructed. The walls are dark granite, and hence it is difficult to obtain a photograph which can show the chamber to advantage. The large "Coffer" in this chamber is the only movable article in the Pyramid.
The Eastern end of the Queen's Chamber, showing the Niche, and the Doorway also the Gabled Roof
The Eastern end of the Queen's Chamber, showing the Niche, and the Doorway, also the Gabled Roof
51 The "Coffer" in the King's Chamber.
Although now much broken and damaged, the original dimensions of the Coffer are, nevertheless, wonderfully preserved, considering its great age of over 4000 years. These dimensions are scientifically accurate, and prove that the Coffer is intended to serve as a standard of capacity measure.
The Queen's Chamber, showing the "Niche" in the East wall (See page 38). The Queen's Chamber symbolises the condition of perfect human life. It is made of limestone. Limestone is inferior to granite; the fact, therefore, that this Queen's Chamber is of limestone, whereas the King's Chamber, which symbolises the spirit life, is of granite, figuratively agrees with the Scriptural declaration : "Thou hast made him [man] a little lower than the angels" (Psa. viii, 5).
53 The Mouth of the South Air-channel in the King's Chamber.
Air is necessary for life; and as both the King's and Queen's Chambers are ventilated, this is further evidence that these two apartments represent conditions of life. But there is an important difference between the air-channels of the two chambers. The air-channels of the King's Chamber were always open; but those of the Queen's Chamber were originally sealed at their inner ends.
54 Diagram of the Queen's Chamber, looking East (See page 8).
The Queen's Chamber's air-channels originally ended five inches short of the chamber's wall-surfaces. This difference between the air-channels of the two chambers is illustrative of the difference between the Divine spirit life and the perfect human life. The Divine spirit life, represented by the King's Chamber with its open air-channels, is from everlasting. The perfect human life, on the contrary, is not from everlasting; but even as air-channels were provided for the Queen's Chamber, though sealed for a time, so God has made provision whereby human life will become eternal, though death reigns at present.
55 The Mouth of the North Air-channel of the Queen's Chamber.
The date 1872 is roughly marked over the mouth of the Queen's Chamber north air-channel. That is the date when the channels were discovered, over 4000 years after the Pyramid was built. It is not without significance that the date 1872 is exactly 6000 years from the creation of Adam.
56 Diagram of the Passages, showing their principal measures (See Page 6).
If the First Ascending Passage symbolises the "law-schoolmaster" leading the Jews to Christ, then the Pyramid should, by some reasonable method, represent Christ standing, as it were, at the upper end of the passage ready to receive them. The symbolism does show this. As the Scriptures say, Jesus was "made of a woman," He was "made flesh" (Gal. iv, 4; John i, 14). But He was not born on the downward course of the Descending Passage, but in the Queen's Chamber condition of human perfection; for He was "separate from sinners" (Heb. vii, 26).
While perfect human life is particularly symbolised by the Queen's Chamber, the "Plane" of human perfection is represented by the level of the floor of that chamber. Thus the further truth that Jesus was "made under the law" (Gal. iv, 4) is shown in the Pyramid by the fact that the line of the floor of the Queen's Chamber, when produced northward, intersects the floor of the First Ascending Passage 3 31⁄2 inches exactly from the upper extremity. These 3 31⁄2 inches represent the 3 31⁄2 years of our Lord's life on earth as a Jew under the law.
Diagram of the Passage-system, showing the end of the Second Dispensation.
What was God's purpose in leading the nation of Israel to Christ? The Apostle informs us that the "seed of Abraham" which is to bless all the families of the earth, is Christ (Gal. iii, 16). And he also explains that this "Seed" is not Jesus alone, but the followers of Christ as well, who are called "members in particular" of the body of Christ (1 Cor. xii, 12). The Jews, being led to Christ under the law-schoolmaster, had the first opportunity of becoming members. But as only a remnant of that nation had the necessary faith, we read that God "did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name."
59 Diagram of the First Ascending Passage, showing the "Double" Measurement How was it possible for the Gentiles to become members in the Body of Christ, seeing that they were not led to him under the law? The Scriptures state that there was really no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all alike came short of the glory of God (Rom. iii, 9). Not only did the death of Jesus redeem the Jews from the "curse of the law," it redeemed all men from the original curse of death placed upon Adam; for "He, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man" (Heb. ii, 9).
But how is it possible for alien nations to reach Christ, who is depicted standing far above on the level of the Queen's Chamber, while these Gentiles are stumbling down the Descending Passage? Here we see the necessity for that mysterious shaft named the "Well," which connects the downward passage with the upper system. The Well-shaft represents the ransom-sacrifice of Christ; that is, it symbolises the death and resurrection of our Lord. In the Pyramid's figurative language, Jesus Christ falls down from the Queen's-Chamber plane of human nature, into the Well-shaft condition of death; then, as it was not possible that He should be holden of it, God burst the bonds of death and raised His dear Son. He was raised a glorious spirit of the Divine nature, having given His flesh for the life of the world. Therefore the Gentiles were "made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:13).
61 The Well-mouth in the Grand Gallery (See page 12).
The broken surroundings of the upper mouth of the Well-shaft suggest the thought of the bursting of the bonds of death. It is
important to notice that the Scriptures declare that, during this present Age, it is only those who have faith in the ransom-sacrifice of Christ who can pass from death unto life.
62 The lower opening of the Well-shaft in the Descending Passage.
The Pyramid corroborates this requirement, for no one can ascend the Well-shaft which symbolises the ransom-sacrifice of Christ, without exercising faith. We refer, of course, to the average visitor to the Pyramid. The lower opening of the Well-shaft appears in the west wall of the Descending Passage nearly 200 feet below the passage above. A slip and fall in that long shaft would surely prove fatal. Yet it is the only open way to reach the upper system of passages; for we must remember that the First Ascending Passage is closed by the Granite Plug.
63 The lower opening of the Well-shaft, showing a man beginning the ascent.
All who enter the Pyramid must be accompanied by Arab guides. These men are strong and nimble and well accustomed to climbing in the numerous well-like tomb-shafts of the neighbourhood. One of them might offer to go up the Well-shaft and lower a rope to assist the visitor to ascend. Should the latter agree, and binding the rope round him commence the ascent, it is evident that he would be exercising faith all the way to the upper end—that is, faith in the strength of the rope, and in the integrity of the guide.
64 The "Grotto," showing part of the Well-shaft (See page 42).
The Well-shaft passes through a peculiar little "Grotto," which is a natural fissure in the rock. The shaft of the Well is built with small dressed limestone blocks at that part where it passes through the Grotto.
VERTICAL SECTION (LOOKING WEST) AT THE SUMMIT OF THE "WELL"
SHOWING END SECTION OF SMALL HORIZONTAL PASSAGE LEADING TO THE WELL
GROUND PLAN OF THE NORTHERN END OF THE GRAND GALLERY AND THE "WELL"
SHOWING THE SMALL HORIZONTAL PASSAGE LEADING FROM THE GRAND GALLERY WESTWARD TO THE WELL
PART III
65 Diagram of lower portion of the Passage-system of the Great Pyramid.
RETURNING to our subject of the Pyramid's symbolism : What about the majority of the Jewish nation whom the Lord cast off because of their unbelief? " Blindness in part " was passed upon them, until God makes with them the New Covenant which He foretold by the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. xxxi, 31). While the Jewish nation waits for the New Covenant, the Gentiles have been filling up the membership of the Body of Christ. And when the full membership has come in, the High Calling will close; then the temporarily blinded Jewish nation will have its eyes opened. They will see that the High Calling to joint-heirship with Christ is closed ; but they will also see the New-Covenant way open by which human perfection may be attained.
66 Diagram showing a Plan of the upper end of the Well-shaft (See page 44).
The Great Pyramid corroborates this important phase of the Lord's plan. But to appreciate the symbolism fully, we must have clearly before us the actual appearance of the lower end of the Grand Gallery. The mouth of the Well is situated on the west side. On each side of the Grand Gallery there is a stone bench which runs the entire length of the floor.
67 Diagram of Vertical Section of the upper end of the Well-shaft, looking South.
These benches are called "Ramps." The distance between the Ramps is three and a half feet. The mouth of the Well is formed by a portion of the west Ramp having been broken away as if by an explosion.
68 The Well-mouth in the Grand Gallery, looking West.
As we mentioned before, the appearance of the masonry surrounding the Well-mouth conveys the idea that the once covering Ramp-stone must have been violently burst out from underneath. If the broken portion of the Ramp were restored to its original condition, the Well would be sealed up; and there would then be no possibility of gaining access to the upper parts of the Pyramid's interior by means of the Well-shaft.
69 The abrupt "cut-off" in the Grand Gallery floor.
In addition to the removal of the Ramp-stone, part, also, of the floor of the Grand Gallery is missing. It appears as if another explosion had torn away a length of about 17 feet of the floor at the lower end. Thus two violent explosions have occurred in the Great Pyramid; or, rather, the appearance of the northern end of the Grand Gallery gives that impression. We believe that the ancient builders arranged the masonry of this part to suggest explosions for figurative purposes. If the missing portion of the Grand Gallery floor were restored, the Horizontal Passage leading to the Queen's Chamber would be concealed, and the existence of the Queen's Chamber would be unsuspected.
70 Another view of the Well-mouth in the Grand Gallery (See page 12).
The breaking away of the Ramp-stone which covered the Wellmouth graphically suggests the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This provided an open way by which the Gentiles, who had "ears to hear," could have access from the Descending-Passage condemnation to the Grand-Gallery privileges.
71 Near view of the "cut-off" in the Grand Gallery floor.
The Scriptures declare that when the last member of the Body of Christ has passed beyond the veil to the King's-Chamber condition of spirit life, another way of life for the temporarily blinded Jews, as well as for the "residue" of the Gentiles, will open (Acts xv, 13-18).
72 Drawing : The Grand Gallery, and the Horizontal Passage [See page 49].
While the breaking away of the Ramp-stone represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the bursting away of the lower part of the Grand Gallery floor represents the resurrection of the members of the Body of Christ (Matt. xvi, 18). As will be readily seen, when the floor of the Grand Gallery is removed at the lower end the "walk" of this passage is closed; but the "walk" of the Horizontal Passage is opened. Therefore, the closing of the upward passage leading to the King's Chamber, means the opening of the Horizontal Passage leading to the Queen's Chamber.
73 Diagram of the First Ascending Passage and Grand Gallery.
We understand that, originally, the floor of the Grand Gallery was complete. Thus the passage to the Queen's Chamber was at one time closed up at the Grand Gallery end. All the faithful Jews and Gentiles who accepted Christ are pictured walking with their Lord along the floor of the Grand Gallery, upward to the King's-Chamber condition of the Divine spirit nature. Figuratively speaking, the Israelites emerge from the low First Ascending Passage, into the lofty Grand Gallery; that is, by the exercise of faith in Christ they escape from the bondage of the law, and experience the liberty wherewith Christ makes free. All the unbelieving Jews are still standing, as it were, with bowed heads in the First Ascending Passage, waiting for the time of the New Covenant; and during the time they wait the Gentiles are coming up through the open Well-shaft from the Descending Passage to the Grand Gallery, and filling in the membership of the Body of Christ.
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