Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Church Triumphant" is a theological term used to describe the Church in its victorious and glorified state, often in contrast to the "Church Militant," which refers to the Church on earth engaged in spiritual warfare. The Church Triumphant is composed of the saints who have overcome the trials of earthly life and now dwell in the presence of God. This entry explores the biblical and theological significance of the Church Triumphant, particularly in relation to the imagery of cities.Biblical Imagery of Cities Throughout Scripture, cities often symbolize centers of human civilization, culture, and power. However, they also serve as metaphors for spiritual realities. The Bible frequently contrasts earthly cities with the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, which represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The New Jerusalem The New Jerusalem is the quintessential representation of the Church Triumphant. Described in Revelation 21, it is depicted as a glorious city descending from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2). This imagery underscores the intimate and eternal union between Christ and His Church. The New Jerusalem is characterized by its divine origin, perfect beauty, and the presence of God Himself: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God'" (Revelation 21:3). Characteristics of the Church Triumphant 1. Victory Over Sin and Death: The Church Triumphant is marked by its victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. This victory is achieved through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who has conquered death and granted eternal life to His followers. As Paul writes, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). 2. Eternal Fellowship with God: The Church Triumphant enjoys unbroken fellowship with God, free from the limitations and sufferings of earthly existence. The promise of eternal life in the presence of God is a central hope for believers, as expressed in Revelation 22:3-4 : "No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads." 3. Perfected Community: The Church Triumphant is a community of believers perfected in holiness and unity. This community transcends earthly divisions and reflects the fullness of God's kingdom. Hebrews 12:22-23 describes this assembly: "Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven." 4. Inheritance of the Kingdom: The Church Triumphant inherits the kingdom of God, a promise that is both present and future. Believers are co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory and reign. As Jesus assures in Matthew 25:34 , "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.'" Conclusion The Church Triumphant, as depicted in the imagery of the New Jerusalem, represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people. It is a vision of hope and assurance for believers, affirming the victory of Christ and the eternal joy of dwelling in God's presence. The biblical portrayal of this heavenly city serves as a powerful reminder of the destiny awaiting the faithful, encouraging them to persevere in their earthly pilgrimage. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 21:2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 22:19 Library The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions. The Song of Two Cities The Growth of the Church. The Dawn of the Second Century was Full ... Sources and Literature of the Apostolic Age. General Index The Constitution of the Church in the Second Century. Paul's Missionary Labors. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... And Now we May Well Compare the Present with Former Things... Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ... Resources What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
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