Topical Encyclopedia The Church, as the body of Christ, holds a place of profound excellency and glory in the divine plan of God. This is not merely a human institution but a spiritual entity that God Himself delights in, as evidenced throughout Scripture. The Church is depicted as the bride of Christ, a chosen people, and a royal priesthood, reflecting the manifold wisdom and glory of God.God's Delight in the Church God's delight in the Church is rooted in His eternal purpose and love. Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage highlights that the Church is not an afterthought but a central part of God's plan, chosen and loved from eternity. The Church as the Bride of Christ The imagery of the Church as the bride of Christ underscores its beauty and the delight God takes in it. Revelation 19:7 proclaims, "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." This metaphor illustrates the intimate and loving relationship between Christ and the Church, a union that brings joy to the heart of God. A Chosen People and Royal Priesthood The Church is described as a chosen people and a royal priesthood, emphasizing its special status and the delight God finds in it. 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "But you are 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 reveals the Church's role in reflecting God's glory and proclaiming His excellencies, a task that brings Him great pleasure. The Church as the Body of Christ The Church is also the body of Christ, a living organism through which God works in the world. Ephesians 1:22-23 states, "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 description highlights the Church's integral role in God's plan and the delight He takes in its function and purpose. The Glory of the Church The glory of the Church is not of its own making but is derived from its relationship with Christ. Ephesians 5:25-27 illustrates this, "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." The Church's glory is a reflection of Christ's sacrificial love and sanctifying work, making it a source of divine delight. The Church as a Reflection of God's Wisdom The Church also serves as a display of God's manifold wisdom. Ephesians 3:10 reveals, "His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." This passage indicates that the Church is a testament to God's wisdom, a reality that brings Him joy and satisfaction. In summary, the excellency and glory of the Church are deeply rooted in its divine origin, purpose, and relationship with Christ. As the bride of Christ, a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and the body of Christ, the Church is a source of delight to God, reflecting His glory and wisdom to the world and beyond. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 45:11So shall the king greatly desire your beauty: for he is your Lord; and worship you him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 62:3-5 Library The Beauty and Excellency of this World Consists, not Only in the ... The Church. Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest. The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven. The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ... Hymns for Christian Devotion The Blessing of God. A Description of Heart-Purity 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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