Topical Bible: Church is Glorious

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The concept of the Church as glorious is deeply rooted in Scripture, reflecting the divine purpose and splendor bestowed upon the body of Christ. The Church, as the bride of Christ, is depicted as a radiant and holy entity, set apart for God's glory and purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The glory of the Church is primarily derived from its relationship with Christ. In Ephesians 5:25-27 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." This passage highlights the sacrificial love of Christ, which purifies and elevates the Church to a state of glory.

The Church as the Body of Christ

The Church is often described as the body of Christ, with each member playing a vital role in its function and unity. In 1 Corinthians 12:27 , Paul states, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This metaphor underscores the interconnectedness and diversity within the Church, contributing to its overall glory as it operates in harmony and purpose.

The Church's Mission and Witness

The Church's glory is also manifested through its mission and witness in the world. Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, speaks of the glory given to the Church: "I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one" (John 17:22). This unity and shared glory are intended to be a testimony to the world of God's love and truth.

The Church's Future Glory

The eschatological aspect of the Church's glory is a recurring theme in Scripture. The Church is destined for a future of unparalleled glory, as described in Revelation 21:2 : "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This imagery of the Church as a beautifully adorned bride points to the ultimate fulfillment of its glorious destiny in the presence of God.

Holiness and Purity

The Church's glory is intrinsically linked to its holiness and purity. As the bride of Christ, the Church is called to live in a manner worthy of its calling, reflecting the character of Christ. In 1 Peter 2:9 , believers are reminded, "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." This call to holiness is both a present reality and a future hope, as the Church continues to be transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Conclusion

The Church's glory is a multifaceted concept that encompasses its relationship with Christ, its mission in the world, and its future hope. As the body and bride of Christ, the Church is called to reflect the glory of God through its unity, holiness, and witness, ultimately pointing to the eternal glory that awaits in the presence of the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 45:13
The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of worked gold.
Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 5:27
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Church Militant 468. Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken
... V. THE CHURCH The Church Militant 468. Glorious things of thee are spoken.
8.7.8.7.D. [1794]Austria: Franz Joseph Haydn, 1797. John Newton, 1779; Alt. ...
/.../the church militant 468 glorious.htm

The Manifestation of the Church with Christ.
... Finally, as Christ prepares to return to the earth, He sets the Church, now glorious
within and without, alongside of Himself, and as He appears before the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the manifestation of the.htm

The Presentation of the Church by Christ to Himself.
... Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water
by the Word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/6 the presentation of the.htm

Hymns of the Russian Church
... It has been left for the Russian Church to make them for the Greeks to
imitate. ... VIII These are the jewels all glorious that shine. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the russian church/

The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA
... Pleasant are thy courts above. The Church Militant 468. Glorious things of thee
are spoken. The Church Militant 469. Lord of our life, and God of our salvation. ...
/.../various/the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/

These are the Jewels all Glorious that Shine
Hymns of the Russian Church. <. ... MISCELLANEOUS VIII These are the
jewels all glorious that shine. 10,10,10,10. These are ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/viii these are the jewels.htm

Glorious to Our Watching Eyes,
Hymns of the Russian Church. <. ... EASTER XVI Glorious to our watching eyes,.
7,7,7,7,7,7. Glorious to our watching eyes,. On the blessed first of days,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/xvi glorious to our watching.htm

Light More Glorious than the Sun
Hymns of the Russian Church. <. ... EASTER XIV Light more glorious than
the sun. 7,7,7,7,7,7. Light more glorious than the sun. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/xiv light more glorious than.htm

All Glorious, See, the Morning Breaks;
Hymns of the Russian Church. <. ... MORNING"NOON"NIGHT. MORNING VI
All glorious, see, the morning breaks; 8,8,8,8. All ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/vi all glorious see the.htm

On Attending the Church Service
... 13. Soon after the pouring out of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, in the
infancy of the Christian Church, there was indeed a glorious change. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 104 on attending the.htm