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In this verse we have the last end of our redemption by Christ, the perfection and consummation of our sanctification in the life to come. In setting forth of which take notice —

1. Of our nearness to Christ, "That He might present it to Himself"; that is, assume or take us home to live with Him, and abide always in His presence.

2. The effect of this union and nearness, which is —

(1) Generally expressed, "A glorious Church." It is an allusion to the spouse of a king, or a royal marriage (Psalm 14:13).

(2) Particularly explained, or wherein the glory of the Church doth consist.

(a) Negatively, "Not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing." A spot is in the garments, a wrinkle is in the flesh; and then follow the general words, "Or any such thing." Neither with filthy garments, nor with shrivelled flesh, nor blind, nor lame.

(b) Positively, "But that it should be holy, and without blemish," perfectly pure, and exempt from either blemish or blame, for the word signifieth both; and the allusion is to a spouse that excelleth in beauty and comeliness. That the final end of our redemption is that we may be presented at the last day glorious in pretty and holiness.

1. Of the final end of our redemption; and there —

(1) Of His love, that Christ could not satisfy Himself with doing us good here, but He would provide for our glorious estate hereafter.

(2) That our glory in heaven is the fruit of Christ's death, who procured this eternal inheritance for us. It is not merited by our holiness, but purchased by Christ.

(3) It implies that none but those who are purified by the blood and Spirit of Christ have interest in this privilege.

2. That we enter into this everlasting estate by being presented to Christ; for in the text it is said, "That He may present it to Himself," that is, as the bride to the bridegroom, that the marriage may be consummated. In the Scripture there is a three-fold presentation spoken of —

(1) One made by believers themselves (Romans 12:1).

(2) It is ascribed to the apostles, or Christ's messengers who have a charge; and when they have done their work, present us to God as the fruit of their labour (2 Corinthians 11:2).

(3) This presentation is applied to Christ Himself. Now two ways is Christ said to present us —

(a)  To Himself;

(b)  To God.

3. I observe in the text, that those who are presented to Christ, and by Christ to God, is His Church, and is a glorious Church.

4. I observe that the principal glory of the Church lieth in its purity and holiness. "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory" (Jude 1:24). It must needs be so; for —

(1) This is God's glory: "Glorious in holiness" (Exodus 15:11).

(2) Sin is the cause of all our misery; and therefore when we are completely holy, our misery which we incurred by the fall of Adam is then at an end. It was sin which was the cause of separation from God (Isaiah 59:2; Psalm 17:15).

(3) Then we are dispositively fitted for the full enjoyment of God. Our glory is begun by holiness, and is still increasing to a further glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

5. This purity and holiness shall then be exactly complete.While we are in the world, neither is the whole Church perfect, nor particular believers. Now, let us go on to the uses.

1. To exhort you often to think of this estate. Oh, that our hearts were exercised more about these things!

2. Let us improve it.

(1) To glorify God and Christ, who intend so much glory to us.

(2) Let the foresight of this estate comfort us against our abasement in the world. We are now obscure, afflicted, poor, disgraced in the world.

(3) Improve it to holiness. See that this work be begun, for heaven is but the perfection of what is begun in this life; and when it is begun, never give over till you attain this perfect estate. The more eminency in holiness you get, the more glorious you are.

(4) Improve it to the love of God's people; a necessary lesson in these days, when they fly from others that are in trouble, as the rest of the herd from the wounded deer (Psalm 15:4).

(5) Improve it to thankfulness to Christ; for we have all our holiness from Christ; from first to last, He is the Author and Finisher; He purchased and procured the Spirit of sanctification for us (Titus 3:5, 6). And also this glorious estate; He gave Himself not only to sanctify His people, but glorify them. Heaven is the fruit of His blood and love. "Who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood" (Revelation 1:5). First He purchased it for us, and then communicateth it to us.

(T. Manton, D. D.)

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KJV: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

WEB: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;