The concept of the Church as "glorious" is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where the Church is depicted as the radiant and holy bride of Christ. This imagery underscores the Church's divine purpose, sanctity, and ultimate destiny in God's redemptive plan.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides a foundational description of the Church's glory in his letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 5:25-27 , Paul 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." This passage highlights the sacrificial love of Christ for the Church and His intention to present her as glorious, emphasizing her purity and holiness.

The Church as the Bride of Christ

The metaphor of the Church as the bride of Christ is central to understanding her glorious nature. Revelation 19:7-8 states, "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." The fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints, illustrating the Church's preparation and sanctification for her union with Christ.

The Church's Radiance and Holiness

The Church's glory is also reflected in her mission and witness in the world. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, calls His followers to be the light of the world. Matthew 5:14-16 declares, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The Church, as the collective body of believers, is called to reflect the light of Christ, thereby manifesting her glorious nature.

The Church's Future Glory

The eschatological hope of the Church is her future glorification. Romans 8:18-19 speaks to this anticipation: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God." The Church's current struggles and imperfections are temporary, as she awaits the full revelation of her glory in the age to come.

The Church's Role in God's Plan

The Church's glorious nature is also tied to her role in God's eternal plan. Ephesians 3:10-11 reveals, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." The Church is the instrument through which God's wisdom and glory are displayed, not only to the world but also to the spiritual realms.

Conclusion

The Church, as the glorious bride of Christ, is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting her sanctity, mission, and ultimate destiny. Through her union with Christ, her witness in the world, and her role in God's redemptive plan, the Church embodies the glory of God, both now and in the age to come.Psalm 45:13
The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of worked gold.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:27
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Church Militant 468. Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken
... V. THE CHURCH The Church Militant 468. Glorious things of thee are spoken.
8.7.8.7.D. [1794]Austria: Franz Joseph Haydn, 1797. John Newton, 1779; Alt. ...
/.../the church militant 468 glorious.htm

The Manifestation of the Church with Christ.
... Finally, as Christ prepares to return to the earth, He sets the Church, now glorious
within and without, alongside of Himself, and as He appears before the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the manifestation of the.htm

The Presentation of the Church by Christ to Himself.
... Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water
by the Word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/6 the presentation of the.htm

Hymns of the Russian Church
... It has been left for the Russian Church to make them for the Greeks to
imitate. ... VIII These are the jewels all glorious that shine. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the russian church/

The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA
... Pleasant are thy courts above. The Church Militant 468. Glorious things of thee
are spoken. The Church Militant 469. Lord of our life, and God of our salvation. ...
/.../various/the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/

These are the Jewels all Glorious that Shine
Hymns of the Russian Church. <. ... MISCELLANEOUS VIII These are the
jewels all glorious that shine. 10,10,10,10. These are ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/viii these are the jewels.htm

Glorious to Our Watching Eyes,
Hymns of the Russian Church. <. ... EASTER XVI Glorious to our watching eyes,.
7,7,7,7,7,7. Glorious to our watching eyes,. On the blessed first of days,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/xvi glorious to our watching.htm

Light More Glorious than the Sun
Hymns of the Russian Church. <. ... EASTER XIV Light more glorious than
the sun. 7,7,7,7,7,7. Light more glorious than the sun. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/xiv light more glorious than.htm

All Glorious, See, the Morning Breaks;
Hymns of the Russian Church. <. ... MORNING"NOON"NIGHT. MORNING VI
All glorious, see, the morning breaks; 8,8,8,8. All ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/vi all glorious see the.htm

On Attending the Church Service
... 13. Soon after the pouring out of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, in the
infancy of the Christian Church, there was indeed a glorious change. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 104 on attending the.htm

Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.org

What was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? | GotQuestions.org

Is there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.org

Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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