Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "morning" in the biblical narrative often symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and the breaking forth of light after darkness. This imagery is profoundly significant when considering the glory of the Church, which is often depicted as emerging from a period of darkness into the radiant light of God's presence and purpose.Biblical Imagery and Symbolism In the Scriptures, morning is frequently associated with the renewal of God's mercies and the manifestation of His glory. Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This passage underscores the idea that each morning brings a fresh outpouring of God's grace and faithfulness, a theme that resonates with the Church's experience of renewal and revival. The morning also signifies the triumph of light over darkness, a powerful metaphor for the Church's mission in the world. In John 8:12 , Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect this light, breaking forth into a world shrouded in spiritual darkness. The Glory of the Church The glory of the Church is intricately linked to its role as the bride of Christ, destined to shine with His righteousness and truth. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the Church, "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 transformative process by which the Church is made glorious, a process akin to the dawning of a new day. The Church's glory is not inherent but is derived from its union with Christ, who purifies and sanctifies it. Prophetic Fulfillment and Eschatological Hope The breaking forth of the Church's glory is also a theme of prophetic fulfillment and eschatological hope. Isaiah 60:1-3 proclaims, "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." This prophecy envisions a time when the Church, as the embodiment of God's people, will rise in splendor, drawing nations to the light of God's truth. The morning of the Church's glory is thus both a present reality and a future hope, as believers anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the return of Christ. Conclusion The morning, as a symbol of the breaking forth of the Church's glory, encapsulates themes of renewal, light, and divine purpose. It serves as a reminder of the Church's calling to reflect the light of Christ in a darkened world and to anticipate the full revelation of God's glory in the age to come. As believers, the challenge is to live in the light of this morning, embracing the new mercies of God and participating in His redemptive work until the day of Christ's return. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 6:10Who is she that looks forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 58:8 Library The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church 'It is the Lord!' Awake, Thou that Sleepest The Security of the Church Conversion Awake! Awake! The Nuns of the Primitive Church Missionary Hymns. Resources Is Sunday sickness a real thing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Why do some churches have a Sunday night/evening service? | GotQuestions.org Morning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Morning of the Resurrection Day Morning was Frequently Cloudless Morning: (Breaking Forth) of the Glory of the Church Morning: (Clouds In) of the Short Lived Profession of Hypocrites Morning: (Spread Upon the Mountains) Heavy Calamities Morning: (Star of) Reward of Saints Morning: (Star of) the Glory of Christ Morning: (Wings of) Rapid Movements Morning: A Red Sky In, a Sign of Bad Weather Morning: Began With First Dawn Morning: First Dawning of, Called the Eyelids of the Morning Morning: The First Part of the Natural Day Morning: The Jews: Began Their Journeys In Morning: The Jews: Contracted Covenants In Morning: The Jews: Devoted a Part of, to Prayer and Praise Morning: The Jews: Eat But Little In Morning: The Jews: Gathered the Manna In Morning: The Jews: Generally Rose Early In Morning: The Jews: Held Courts of Justice In Morning: The Jews: Offered a Part of the Daily Sacrifice In Morning: The Jews: Transacted Business In Morning: The Jews: Went to the Temple In Morning: The Outgoings of, Made to Rejoice Morning: The Second Part of the Day at the Creation Morning: Ushered in by the Morning Star Related Terms Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) |