THE GLORIOUS CHURCH

When we see that God has done so much for us already, it is often easy to become short-sighted with reference to the future. For this reason we are reminded that we are saved in HOPE, and that therefore there is more to come (Rom. 8:24, 25). A better knowledge of our hope for the future will instill patience as we wait for it.

In Ephesians, Paul has spoken several times about the glorious future of the children of God, (1:14, 18; 2:7). Now he speaks of the church's final collective hope: that day when it will be resurrected and caught up to be with the Lord in the last great assembly, and then to be with Him forever (see 2 Thess. 2: 1).

God's purpose of the ages will then be seen in its consummation, as Christ leads away His bride, the result of God's scheme of redemption - the glorious church.

Body

I. CONTEXT.

   A. What Christ did for the church (His people) in prospect (5:25).

        1. Loved the church.

        2. Gave Himself for her - proof of His love.

   B. What Christ has done for the church (individual by individual) (5:26).

        1. Sanctified it. "Sanctify," separate, make holy for service.

        2. Cleansed it. "Cleanse," purify, make clean.

            a. With the washing of water. The word translated "washing" occurs only here and one other place in the New Testament, in Titus 3:5. That passage and this one are evidently speaking of baptism, wherein God spiritually washes away sins (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21) by the power of the blood of Christ.

            b. By the word (literally, "in a word."). "Word" here is a special word which means a "spoken word." It might have a two-fold reference (see Rom. 10:8-10).

                (1) To the spoken word of the gospel.

                (2) To the spoken word of confession of faith in Christ.

   C. What Christ will do for the church in the future: present it to Himself a glorious church (5:27).

        1. Not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

        2. But that it should be holy and without blemish.

        3. This is not the state of the church at the present; it will be the state of the resurrected church when Christ presents it to Himself.

II. THE GLORIOUS CHURCH REALIZED.

   The Greek word translated here "present' is used in only four New Testament passages in which God or Christ "present" the church. It is used other times of the Christian presenting himself to God (for example, "yield" in Romans 6:16, 19; 12:1). In this lesson we will notice the four passages which say that God or Christ will "present" the church. The chart illustrates the progressive information gleaned from these four Scriptures, indicated (for the benefit of the preacher) by letters a, b, c and d.

   A. Ephesians 5:25-27.

   B. Second Corinthians 4:14. This adds the resurrection of Christ, which is a guarantee of our own resurrection, before we are presented to Him.

   C. Jude 24-25. This passage adds that God keeps us from falling in the meantime, and that He will present us with exceeding joy.

   D. Colossians 1:21-23. This adds (for the first time) what we have done: become alienated and enemies by wicked works. It also adds that in spite of our works He reconciled us by Christ's death, and that we are kept on the conditions that we continue in the faith and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (On our response here, see also 1 John 3:3; 2 Cor. 7:1.)

Conclusion

Before there was a historical church, Christ loved it (His people) in prospect and gave Himself for it. He sanctified and cleansed it, by water and the word. God raised Christ from the dead, guaranteeing the resurrection of His people in the End. The faithful will then be presented to Christ as the glorious church, free of all spot or stain, with exceeding joy.

God planned it all and sees His plans through. He reconciled us, keeps us and will raise us. We must come to Him initially by a confession of heart-felt faith (word) and baptism (washing of water). Then we must presevere in faith and hope. The rest is God's work, and to Him be the glory!

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