Topical Encyclopedia
The Church, as the body of Christ, serves as a profound testament to the manifold wisdom of God. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is pivotal to understanding the divine purpose and function of the Church in the world.
Biblical FoundationThe Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, articulates the role of the Church in revealing God's wisdom.
Ephesians 3:10 states, "His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." This passage underscores the Church's role as a vessel through which God's multifaceted wisdom is displayed, not only to humanity but also to spiritual beings.
The Mystery of the GospelCentral to the Church's display of God's wisdom is the revelation of the mystery of the Gospel.
Ephesians 3:6 explains, "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus." The inclusion of Gentiles alongside Jews in the covenant promises of God was a radical and previously hidden aspect of God's plan, now revealed through the Church. This unity in diversity reflects the depth and breadth of God's wisdom.
Unity and DiversityThe Church's composition of diverse individuals from every tribe, tongue, and nation (
Revelation 7:9) further exemplifies God's wisdom. In
1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul describes the Church as one body with many members, each with unique gifts and functions. "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ." This unity amidst diversity showcases a divine orchestration that transcends human understanding, revealing a wisdom that harmonizes differences into a cohesive whole.
The Role of the Church in God's PlanThe Church is not merely a human institution but a divine creation, purposed to fulfill God's eternal plan.
Ephesians 1:22-23 declares, "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." The Church, as the body of Christ, is integral to God's redemptive work, serving as the means through which Christ's presence and authority are manifested on earth.
The Church as a WitnessThe Church's existence and mission serve as a witness to God's wisdom. 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, through its proclamation of the Gospel and demonstration of Christ-like love, bears witness to the wisdom of God in a world darkened by sin.
Spiritual Warfare and the ChurchThe Church's role in spiritual warfare also highlights God's wisdom.
Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God, equipping believers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. The Church, through prayer, faith, and the Word of God, engages in a spiritual battle that reveals the wisdom and power of God over the forces of darkness.
ConclusionThe Church, as the embodiment of God's wisdom, plays a crucial role in His divine plan. Through its unity, diversity, and mission, the Church reveals the manifold wisdom of God to the world and the heavenly realms, fulfilling its purpose as the body of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ephesians 3:10To the intent that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Church as She Should Be
... The church of Christ displays its banners for distinction's sake ... be resolved that
any portion of the church which does ... is the power of God, and the wisdom of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm
Harmony of the Old and New Testaments.
... Of the Morals of the Catholic Church. ... What, then, is taught in the following words:
"She displays the nobility of ... says that the Son of God is the wisdom of God ...
/.../chapter 16 name of the.htm
Lastly He Displays at Length the Folly of Eunomius, who at Times ...
... something else than our salvation, and displays His operation ... the present pastors
and teachers of the Church,"to be ... whether it be the word of wisdom, or the ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 15 lastly he displays.htm
The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ...
... within and to those without the pale of the Church. ... it is that the Lord there manifests
his wisdom, power, and energy,"how he there displays his justice ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the knowledge of.htm
The Author and the End of Theology
... of the Divine Nature which this Theology displays, clothed in ... and over spreading
the whole body of the Church. ... sciences have their origin in the wisdom of God ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration ii the author and.htm
On the Arian Symbol "Unoriginate. " this Term Afterwards Adopted ...
... of the art and science which he displays in his ... vain labour of pursuing the studies
of that wisdom which God ... that the tradition of the Catholic Church does not ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter vii on the arian symbol.htm
The Note of Accusation.
... In every age the Church displays favouritism in her ... indulgence; a conception of paternal
wisdom and affection ... will be satisfied, with a merely sentimental God. ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter i the note of.htm
God's Providence
... It displays omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, holiness, justice, and ... The High
Priest in Church Ceremonial Attire]. ... incline thine ear to wisdom, And apply ...
/.../chapter vi gods providence.htm
Jacob Boehme: his Life and Spirit
... play, the amazing visual power which he displays, and his ... brought up both at home
and at church in the ... and stood possessed of the highest beatific wisdom of God ...
/.../chapter ix jacob boehme his.htm
Now, and Then
... looking for, that we shall come to the general assembly and church of the ... up our
song with new zest and joy, as fresh displays of the wisdom and goodness of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/now and then.htm
Resources
Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? | GotQuestions.orgIs there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.orgChurch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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