Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:25-27, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Christ’s “glorious” church is unsullied, splendid, or gorgeous. There’s five elements that make it so.
First, the church has a glorious MASTER. The Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins, is now at the right hand of God and has a “name which is above every name” (Acts 2:34-36; Philippians 2:9). He built the church (Matthew 16:18), and He has the right to direct its steps (Matthew 28:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20).
Second, the church has a glorious MESSAGE. The message is that Jesus died for our sins and His resurrection shows He was the Son of God and assures us that we will be raised from the dead (Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 1:9). The church has to then preach the message of transformation (Romans 12:1-2) and faithfulness (Revelation 2:10).
Third, the church has a glorious MISSION. The work was so simple, but it was incredibly effective. Churches have gotten wildly out of control with all their activities. It would be impossible for me to list them all, and I wouldn’t even know a full list anyway. The New Testament church’s mission was simply to spread the gospel (), build up the people who are already saved (), and take care of any physical needs experienced by saints.
Fourth, the church has a glorious MEMBERSHIP. It is made up of members who have been transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:1-2). They understand that they will ultimately be transformed at the end of time (Philippians 3:20-21). Their are Christians who don’t purify themselves as they should. The New Testament calls them hypocrites. And their influence is a deadly one because they have driven many away from the fold of Christ.
Fifth, the church has a glorious MANSION. Christ had promised to prepare mansions for His followers (John 14:1-3). He was talking about heaven, the glorious place of eternal life (John 5:28-29). At the last day our “lowly body” will be “conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21), and will then experience the beauty of heaven (Revelation 21:1-22:5).
The church, which was planned by God before time began, reveals the many-sided wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10-11). This was the eternal purpose that was fulfilled in Christ Jesus our Lord. The church, when it’s properly structured and functioning (which means that it’s following God’s will), makes disciples of the people whose hearts are turned toward God. Every Christian should thank God for Christ and His glorious church.
Kyle Campbell