Topical Bible: Church: The Lord's Portion

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The concept of the Church as "The Lord's Portion" is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's relationship with His people. This term reflects the idea that the Church, as the body of believers, is uniquely set apart for God, belonging to Him in a special and intimate way.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of being the Lord's portion is first seen in the Old Testament, where Israel is described as God's chosen people. Deuteronomy 32:9 states, "For the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance." This verse highlights the special status of Israel as belonging to God, a theme that is carried into the New Testament understanding of the Church.

In the New Testament, the Church is seen as the continuation and fulfillment of God's covenant people. The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Here, the Church is described as a people belonging to God, echoing the Old Testament language of being His portion.

Theological Significance

The Church as the Lord's portion signifies a relationship of ownership and dedication. Believers are called to live lives that reflect their status as God's possession. This is not merely a passive identity but an active calling to holiness and service. The Church is to be distinct from the world, embodying the values and mission of God.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 1:18, where he prays that believers may know "the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints." This inheritance is not only what believers receive from God but also what they are to God—His treasured possession.

Practical Implications

Understanding the Church as the Lord's portion has practical implications for how believers live and interact with the world. It calls for a life of holiness, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

Moreover, this identity fosters a sense of unity and purpose within the Church. As God's portion, believers are called to work together to fulfill the Great Commission, making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The Church's mission is to reflect God's glory and extend His kingdom on earth.

Conclusion

The Church, as the Lord's portion, is a profound biblical truth that shapes the identity and mission of believers. It underscores the special relationship between God and His people, calling them to live lives of holiness, unity, and purpose. Through this understanding, the Church is empowered to be a light in the world, reflecting the character and love of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 32:9
For the LORD's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... 2By reason of rivalry and envy the greatest and most righteous pillars [32] [of
the Church] were persecuted, and ... [82] The Lord's portion became his people ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ...
... the worship of the synagogue and the Church; and thus ... been intimated, that for a
considerable portion of the ... the Jews had a liturgy when our Lord ministered in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the lords daythe.htm

The Lord's Prayer for Unity.
... The most remarkable feature of this wonderful portion of the word of God is the
Lord's ... There is one kingdom; the Lord says, "I will build my church;" he is ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/the lords prayer for unity.htm

God's True Treasure in Man
... 'The Lord is the portion of His people, and the Lord's portion is His people ... and
claims that privilege, like all Israel's privileges, for the Christian Church. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods true treasure in man.htm

A Liberal Church
... Not only should they render the Lord the portion that belongs to ... It is the part of
church members to deal liberally with those who lay aside their secular ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Church.
... we may say that, the Hope of the Church lies in ... To His disciples our Lord said,
"In the world ye shall ... This is the present portion of the Church which is His ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 because of its bearing upon.htm

The Lord's Supper.
... Had the original form of administering the Lord's Supper been rigidly maintained,
the Church might have ... to each of those who are present a portion of the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the lords supper.htm

The Life of Mr. Angus Macbean.
... He usually once a-week lectured on a large portion of scripture, which was not ... being
there) entered into a resolution to go to church next Lord's day, and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr angus.htm

The Church and the World.
... unconverted, unspiritual, sensual, selfish and worldly portion of mankind ... remember
that the world hated their Lord also ... Hence, when the church lowers itself to a ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the church and the world.htm

Examples of the Various Styles, Drawn from the Teachers of the ...
... These are the flowers on the tree of the Church, the glory and ornament ... the image
of God answering to the holiness of the Lord, the brighter portion of the ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 21 examples of the various.htm