The Church, as the body of Christ, holds a position of eminence and distinction in the divine order, reflecting its unique role and purpose in God's redemptive plan. This eminent position is not merely a matter of status but is deeply rooted in the Church's spiritual authority, mission, and relationship with Christ.

1. The Church as the Body of Christ

The Church's eminent position is first and foremost established by its identity as the body of Christ. In Ephesians 1:22-23 , Paul writes, "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." This passage underscores the Church's integral connection to Christ, who is the head, and highlights its role as the fullness of Him who fills all things. The Church, therefore, occupies a position of honor and authority as it carries out the will of Christ on earth.

2. The Church as the Bride of Christ

The metaphor of the Church as the bride of Christ further illustrates its exalted position. In Revelation 19:7-8 , the Church is depicted in a state of readiness and purity: "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 imagery conveys the Church's intimate relationship with Christ and its future glorification, emphasizing its esteemed status as the beloved of the Savior.

3. The Church as the Pillar and Foundation of Truth

The Church's role as the pillar and foundation of truth is another aspect of its eminent position. In 1 Timothy 3:15 , Paul describes the Church as "the pillar and foundation of the truth." This designation signifies the Church's responsibility to uphold and proclaim the truth of the Gospel, serving as a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. The Church's commitment to truth further elevates its standing as a vital instrument in God's plan for humanity.

4. The Church as a Holy Nation and Royal Priesthood

The Church's eminent position is also reflected in its identity as a holy nation and royal priesthood. In 1 Peter 2:9 , believers are described as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This passage highlights the Church's distinct calling and purpose, set apart to declare the praises of God and to serve as His representatives on earth.

5. The Church's Authority and Mission

The Church's authority and mission further underscore its eminent position. In Matthew 28:18-20 , Jesus commissions His disciples, saying, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This Great Commission entrusts the Church with the authority to spread the Gospel and disciple the nations, affirming its critical role in God's salvific work.

6. The Church's Future Glory

Finally, the Church's future glory is a testament to its eminent position. In Ephesians 5:27 , Paul speaks of Christ's intention to present the Church to Himself "as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." This future presentation reflects the Church's ultimate transformation and glorification, a destiny that underscores its current and eternal significance in the divine narrative.

In summary, the Church's eminent position is multifaceted, encompassing its identity, mission, authority, and future glory. As the body and bride of Christ, the pillar of truth, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood, the Church stands as a testament to God's redemptive work and His eternal purposes.Psalm 48:2
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:2
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... of our fathers, in the sight of God and to our glory. ... to the faith, participate in
the communion of that Church which receives in its maternal bosom a ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Of Atheistical Discourse.
... but my people have changed their glory for that which ... inference of the same Apostle,
from the excellency of the ... the next succeeding ages of the Church, we find ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iii of atheistical discourse.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... also the 4th and 5th; and, like the 7th, consist of two ... in xiv.6, 7. They refuse
to "give glory to God ... commencing immediately on the removal of the Church of God ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... Does not the faith of the church consist in the confession ... do nothing through strife
or vain glory, whose mind is ... is hitherto all but unheard of in the Church. ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... are broken for their own, the church's, and the ... their own uncomely parts their ornaments
and their glory. ... put forth but little of his excellency before his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

What is the Letter to Diognetus? | GotQuestions.org

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Excellency: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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