(14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
By the similitude of children, whose teachable minds are easily led, the Apostle meant to show, that God's people are exempt from deception, when established in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. It is a blessed thing when taught of God. Divine teachings differ wholly from human. What we learn from men may be forgotten, may be contradicted, overruled, denied; so, that like children who are pleased with what they hear today, and may be displeased tomorrow; so, what is taken up upon trust, may be put down with the same. But when God is the Teacher, he teacheth powerfully, infallibly, savingly, and abidingly. Hence, one of old said, I shall never forget thy word, for by it thou hast quickened me. Psalms 119:93. And when from the true saving grace, which is imparted by God the Holy Ghost at regeneration, the child of God is brought into a life communion, as a member of Christ's mystical body, he groweth up into him in all things, and deriving strength from Him which is the head, the whole, and every member become knit together as one complete whole, unto the general edifying of the body in love.