Topical Bible: Virgin of the Body of Christ (The Ekklesia)

Bible > Topical > Virgin of the Body of Christ (The Ekklesia)

◄ Virgin of the Body of Christ (The Ekklesia) ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Virgin of the Body of Christ" is a theological concept that draws upon the imagery and symbolism found within the New Testament to describe the purity, sanctity, and devotedness of the Church, also known as the Ekklesia. This concept is rooted in the understanding of the Church as the Bride of Christ, a theme that is prevalent throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical Foundation

The imagery of the Church as a virgin is primarily derived from the Apostle Paul's writings. In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul expresses his concern for the Corinthian believers, saying, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ." Here, Paul uses the metaphor of a virgin bride to emphasize the Church's call to spiritual purity and fidelity to Christ.

The concept is further enriched by the portrayal of the Church as the Bride of Christ in Ephesians 5:25-27, where Paul instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. He 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."

Theological Significance

The notion of the Church as a virgin underscores the call to holiness and separation from worldly influences. It reflects the Church's identity as set apart for Christ, dedicated to living in accordance with His teachings and commands. This purity is not merely moral but also doctrinal, as the Church is called to uphold the truth of the Gospel without compromise.

The virginity of the Church also signifies her exclusive devotion to Christ. Just as a bride is devoted to her husband, the Church is to be wholly committed to Christ, her Bridegroom. This relationship is characterized by love, obedience, and a desire to glorify Christ in all things.

Eschatological Hope

The imagery of the Church as a virgin bride also carries eschatological implications. In Revelation 19:7-8, the marriage of the Lamb is depicted, where the Church, as the Bride, is adorned and ready for her union with Christ. "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure."

This future hope motivates the Church to live in anticipation of Christ's return, striving to remain faithful and pure as she awaits the consummation of her relationship with Him.

Conclusion

The concept of the Virgin of the Body of Christ serves as a powerful reminder of the Church's identity and calling. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity, doctrinal fidelity, and exclusive devotion to Christ. As the Bride of Christ, the Church is called to live in holiness and anticipation, looking forward to the day when she will be united with her Bridegroom in eternal glory.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 62:5
For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you: and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 14:17
Therefore you shall say this word to them; Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 31:4,13
Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin of Israel: you shall again be adorned with your tabrets, and shall go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Church of God.
... The pure and holy virgin bride, The spotless church for which Christ died. ...
Recapitulation In Conclusion. The church is the body of Christ. Eph.1:21, 22. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

Colossians and Ephesians Compared and vindicated.
... and exhibits the ideal church as the body of Christ ... hundred years after the death
of Christ produced a ... then as a pure and uncorrupt virgin (parthenos kathara ...
/.../section 96 colossians and ephesians.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... one to another, as if they were all but one body. ... and Loosing, in way of Discipline,
which Christ gave to ... to the mother, and a reproach to the Virgin; Such is ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

The Apostles' Creed.
... The resurrection of the body (flesh); 12 ... treatise on the Virgin birth is by Machen,
The Virgin Birth of ... c. 19, where Christ is called poimen tes kata oikoumenen ...
/.../ 7 the apostles creed.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... in a very remarkable place,)"the mortal body which Satan ... the day of Abraham and the
day of Christ,"just midway ... Mary-the-Virgin, on the Third Sunday in Lent ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ...
... was expected to be born of a Virgin, the devil ... the winged soul clothing itself with
the body [1912] ,) and ... who worship him as if he were Christ." According to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xv on the clause.htm