Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Pleasant Portion" is not directly found in the Bible as a specific church or congregation but can be understood as a metaphorical or symbolic expression reflecting the blessings and inheritance of God's people. In the biblical context, the concept of a "portion" often refers to one's inheritance or allotted share, particularly in relation to the Promised Land or spiritual blessings.
Biblical Context and Meaning1.
Inheritance and Blessing: The idea of a "portion" is frequently associated with the inheritance given to the tribes of Israel. In the Old Testament, the land was divided among the tribes as their portion (
Joshua 18:10). This division was seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. The term "pleasant" suggests a desirable and favorable inheritance, reflecting God's abundant provision and favor.
2.
Spiritual Significance: Beyond the physical land, the concept of a "portion" extends to spiritual blessings. In
Psalm 16:5-6, David declares, "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me." Here, the "pleasant portion" signifies the spiritual inheritance and relationship with God, which is of greater value than material possessions.
3.
The Church as a Spiritual Inheritance: In the New Testament, the church is often seen as the spiritual Israel, inheriting the promises made to Abraham through faith in Christ. Believers are described as co-heirs with Christ (
Romans 8:17), sharing in the spiritual blessings and promises of God. The church, therefore, can be viewed as a "pleasant portion" for believers, a community where they experience the fullness of God's promises and grace.
4.
Christ as the Ultimate Portion: Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the "pleasant portion" for believers. In Him, they find their true inheritance and eternal blessing.
Colossians 1:12-13 states, "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son." This passage highlights the transition from darkness to light, from a temporal to an eternal inheritance in Christ.
5.
Application for the Church: The concept of the church as a "pleasant portion" encourages believers to view their community of faith as a place of blessing, unity, and spiritual growth. It is a reminder of the rich inheritance they have in Christ and the importance of living in a manner worthy of their calling (
Ephesians 4:1). The church is a foretaste of the eternal inheritance awaiting believers, a place where they can experience God's presence and grace.
ConclusionWhile the term "Pleasant Portion" is not explicitly used in Scripture to describe a church, its thematic elements resonate deeply with biblical teachings on inheritance, blessing, and the spiritual community of believers. The church, as the body of Christ, embodies the fulfillment of God's promises and serves as a testament to His faithfulness and love.
Nave's Topical Index
Jeremiah 12:10Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Church.
... God himself is, as David said, "The Lord is the portion of my ... the building of this
house, this type of the church in the wilderness, in so pleasant a place ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxi the church.htm
The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... age all the members of the same Church were closely ... a healthful influence among the
younger portion of the ... the gospels or epistles; and the pleasant singer, as ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm
August 21 Morning
... he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having ... The Lord is the portion
of mine inheritance and of ... lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/august 21 morning.htm
The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA
... Advent 69. Brief life is here our portion. Advent 70. ... Rise, crowned with light, imperial
Salem, rise. The Church Militant 467. Pleasant are thy courts above. ...
/.../various/the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/
Smith -- Assurance in God
... clear as it was to him, and the Church is divided ... and all his strength""The Lord
is the portion of mine ... The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/smith assurance in god.htm
This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... of the Prefect [1650] entering the Church, for the ... holds out the things which are
pleasant, and afterwards ... when they have thus spent the first portion of their ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm
Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ...
... The true Church is thus called out of the world ... commonly called "The Apocrypha" is
not a portion of God's ... have no power to do good works pleasant and acceptable ...
/.../articles of religion of the.htm
Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called...
... The Church is not a theatre, that we should listen for ... he would sooner give any one
a portion of his ... generally wont to make sleep sweet and pleasant, as labour ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii spoken in antioch.htm
Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... and never lost one, would be pleasant to contemplate ... a very important element of
English Church history, and ... by many Englishmen as a vital portion, not only of ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm
The Surprise of the Righteous
... even only a little more comfortable; so pleasant to give ... excellent man, now lost
to the Church on earth ... glory which is now their blessed portion." Such persons ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxvii the surprise of.htm
Resources
Is the Church of Christ a good biblical church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between the visible and invisible church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat items should be included in a church constitution? | GotQuestions.orgChurch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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