Topical Bible: Glory of the Church Shall be Rich and Abundant

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The concept of the Church's glory being rich and abundant is deeply rooted in biblical theology, reflecting the divine purpose and ultimate destiny of the Church as the Bride of Christ. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the Church's spiritual wealth, beauty, and honor as it fulfills its mission on earth and anticipates its eternal union with Christ.

Biblical Foundations

The glory of the Church is first and foremost a reflection of the glory of God. In Ephesians 3:21, the Apostle Paul writes, "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." . This verse underscores that the Church's glory is derived from its relationship with Christ and its role in manifesting God's glory to the world.

Spiritual Riches

The Church's richness is not measured in material wealth but in spiritual blessings. Ephesians 1:3 states, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms." . These blessings include redemption, forgiveness, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which equip the Church to live out its calling.

Abundant Life

Jesus promised abundant life to His followers, which extends to the Church as a whole. In John 10:10, He declares, "I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." . This abundance is characterized by a life of purpose, joy, and peace, rooted in the knowledge of God and the transformative power of the Gospel.

The Church as the Bride of Christ

The imagery of the Church as the Bride of Christ is central to understanding its glory. Revelation 19:7-8 describes the marriage of the Lamb, stating, "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 passage highlights the purity and splendor of the Church, prepared for its eternal union with Christ.

Manifestation of Glory

The Church's glory is also manifested in its mission and witness to the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls His followers the "light of the world," instructing them to let their light shine before others. The Church, as a collective body, is called to reflect God's light, demonstrating His love and truth to a world in darkness.

Unity and Diversity

The richness of the Church is further expressed in its unity and diversity. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 emphasizes that the Church is one body with many members, each contributing to its overall health and function. This diversity within unity showcases the manifold wisdom of God and enriches the Church's witness.

Eternal Glory

The ultimate glory of the Church will be fully realized in eternity. In Ephesians 5:27, Paul speaks of Christ presenting the Church to Himself "as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." . This eschatological vision points to the Church's future perfection and eternal communion with Christ.

The glory of the Church, rich and abundant, is a testament to God's redemptive work through Christ and the Holy Spirit. It is a present reality and a future hope, calling believers to live in a manner worthy of their high calling and to anticipate the day when the Church will be fully glorified in the presence of its Savior.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 60:11-13
Therefore your gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring to you the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

I Saw the City
... People do not dispute that religion is in the Church. ... we live, with all their suffering
and sin, shall one day ... of the earth would bring their glory and honour ...
/.../drummond/the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/i saw the city.htm

"The House of Israel"
... of the Jewish teachers to the rich blessings bestowed ... has made every provision that
His church shall be a ... Light of the world, possessing the glory of Immanuel. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

The Universal Chorus
... The glory of the great Creator and Lawgiver, the ... be equally acceptable, whether
performed in a church, or in ... you are truly willing to enter, none shall be able ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon l the universal chorus.htm

Faith and Life
... Shall I take the members of Christ, and make them members of ... this Church, distinguished
for holiness: it is the Christian's crown and glory. An unholy Church! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/faith and life.htm

The Hold Fast
... which makes a man to be a real power in the church. ... truth in our inward parts, and
then we shall never be ... him our Lord Jesus remains in us the hope of glory. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hold fast.htm

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... in literally fulfilling our Saviour's command, we shall be subjected ... of His Kingdom,
and promotion of His glory? It would at least elevate the church from the ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

The Lord's Prayer
... we overcome temptations, God gives us a new glory and reward ... in Heaven are saints,
as we also shall be if ... Then our mother, the Church, draws from the abundant ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/the lords prayer.htm

Bands of Love; Or, Union to Christ. "I Drew them with Cords of a ...
... of themselves, we have whereof to glory over the ... He makes rich provision for her
wants, pays all her ... for in heaven Christ and His Church shall celebrate their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/bands of love or union.htm

1 Thess. 2:1-2. "For Kings. "
... kingdom of God," how much more hard shall entrance be ... in 1837, the income of the
Church Missionary Society ... eyes, and receive that crown of glory which alone ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xxi 1 thess 2 1-2.htm

So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... So: Glory to him that worketh good, ie, to the righteous. ... with Thy servant; for in
Thy sight shall no man ... of faith, as also the prayers of the Church ask that ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm