Topical Encyclopedia The Church, as the body of Christ, holds a unique position of excellency and glory, which is derived not from human endeavor but from God Himself. This divine origin and sustenance are central to understanding the Church's role and identity within the Christian faith.Divine Foundation and Purpose The Church's foundation is laid by God through Jesus Christ, who is the cornerstone. In Ephesians 2:19-22 , Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord." This passage underscores the divine architecture of the Church, emphasizing that its structure and growth are orchestrated by God. The Glory of God Manifested The glory of the Church is a reflection of God's own glory. In Ephesians 3:21 , Paul declares, "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." The Church is the vessel through which God's glory is displayed to the world, a testament to His power and majesty. The Church as the Bride of Christ The imagery of the Church as the Bride of Christ further illustrates its exalted status. In Revelation 19:7-8 , it is written, "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 metaphor signifies the intimate and sacred relationship between Christ and the Church, highlighting the Church's purity and honor bestowed by God. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit The Church's excellency is also derived from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Holy Spirit equips the Church to fulfill its mission, providing spiritual gifts and guidance that reflect God's glory. Unity and Diversity in the Body The Church's glory is further manifested in its unity and diversity, as orchestrated by God. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 , Paul explains, "The body is a unit, though it is comprised of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink." This unity in diversity is a testament to the Church's divine origin, as it mirrors the harmonious nature of the Trinity. The Church's Role in God's Redemptive Plan The Church is integral to God's redemptive plan for humanity. In Matthew 16:18 , Jesus proclaims, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." This declaration affirms the Church's enduring strength and purpose, as established by Christ Himself. Conclusion The excellency and glory of the Church are not self-derived but are gifts from God, reflecting His divine nature and purpose. Through its foundation in Christ, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and role in God's redemptive plan, the Church stands as a testament to the glory of God, called to manifest His presence and love in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 28:5In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, to the residue of his people, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library City of God Note C. The Holiness of God. Psalm II. The Psalms of David "Now the God of Hope Fill You with all Joy and Peace in Believing ... Letter clxxxviii. (AD 416. ) A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of ... Subject Index. Characters and Names of Messiah The Angel's Message and Song 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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