Topical Encyclopedia The Church, as the body of Christ, derives its excellency and glory from its intimate and unbreakable union with Jesus Christ, its head. This relationship is foundational to understanding the Church's identity, purpose, and ultimate destiny. The Church's glory is not inherent but is a reflection of the glory of Christ Himself, who is the source of all spiritual life and vitality.Christ as the Head of the Church The New Testament frequently emphasizes Christ's role as the head of the Church. 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 highlights the authority and preeminence of Christ over the Church, indicating that the Church's glory is a direct result of its connection to Him. The Church as the Body of Christ The metaphor of the Church as the body of Christ underscores the organic and living relationship between Christ and His people. In 1 Corinthians 12:27 , Paul states, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This imagery conveys the idea that the Church, in all its diversity, functions as a unified whole under the direction and empowerment of Christ. The Church's excellency is thus derived from its role as the visible manifestation of Christ's presence on earth. The Bride of Christ The Church is also depicted as the bride of Christ, a symbol of purity, devotion, and love. In Ephesians 5:25-27 , Paul exhorts husbands to love their 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 illustrates the sacrificial love of Christ for the Church and His ongoing work to purify and glorify her. The Glory of the Church in Union with Christ The Church's glory is further revealed in its union with Christ, which is both a present reality and a future hope. Colossians 1:27 speaks of "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This indwelling presence of Christ assures believers of their participation in His glory, both now and in the age to come. The Church's mission, therefore, is to reflect the character and glory of Christ to the world, serving as a beacon of His transformative power. The Church's Role in God's Redemptive Plan The Church's excellency is also seen in its role within God's redemptive plan. As the community of the redeemed, the Church is called to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This mission is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who equips the Church to bear witness to the truth of Christ's death and resurrection. The Church's glory is thus intertwined with its faithful obedience to Christ's commission. The Eschatological Glory of the Church Finally, the Church's ultimate glory will be fully realized at the return of Christ. In Revelation 21:2-3 , John describes the vision of the New Jerusalem, "coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This eschatological vision portrays the Church in its perfected state, dwelling eternally with God. The Church's future glory is a testament to the faithfulness of Christ, who will bring His redemptive work to completion. In summary, the excellency and glory of the Church are inextricably linked to its relationship with Christ. As the head, bridegroom, and indwelling presence, Christ is the source and sustainer of the Church's identity and mission. Through its union with Him, the Church is called to reflect His glory and participate in His redemptive purposes, both now and in the age to come. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 60:1Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen on you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 2:34 Library The Psalms of David Psalm II. The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. Letter clxxxviii. (AD 416. ) City of God The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts Characters and Names of Messiah Subject Index. Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ... Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources What is the Letter to Diognetus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God create the world / earth? | GotQuestions.org Excellency: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Exaltation The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Sinless Perfection The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Transfiguration The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Triumph The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Words The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Works The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Calling of the Gentiles The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Fulness of his Grace and Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Restoration of the Jews The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Incomparable The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Unchangeable The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Creator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Head of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Incarnate The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Judge The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As King The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Lord of Lords The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Mediator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As One With the Father The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Priest The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Prophet The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Shepherd The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Blessed of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Begotten The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Born The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Foundation of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Image of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Life The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Son of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the True Light The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Way The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Celebrated by the Redeemed The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Resurrection The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Sufferings The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Imparted to Saints The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Revealed in the Gospel The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Behold, in Heaven The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Rejoice at the Revelation of The Excellency and Glory of the Church are Abundant The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Augmented by Increase of Its Members The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being Established The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Body of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Bride of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Seat of God's Worship The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Temple of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Eminent Position The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Graces of Character The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Members Being Righteous The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Perfection of Beauty The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Sanctification The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Strength and Defence The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: God Delights In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Result from the Favour of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Saints Delight In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Sin Obscures Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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