Topical Encyclopedia The Church, as the body of Christ, holds a place of unparalleled excellency and glory in the Christian faith. This glory is not derived from human achievement but from the divine presence and purpose that God has bestowed upon it. The saints, as members of this body, find their deepest delight in the Church's spiritual beauty and divine mission.Biblical Foundation The Church's glory is rooted in its foundation upon Jesus Christ, the cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-22 states, "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." The Church is described as the bride of Christ, adorned with spiritual beauty and purity. Revelation 19:7-8 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. She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure." This imagery highlights the Church's sanctity and the delight of the saints in being part of this divine union. The Saints' Delight The saints find their delight in the Church's role as the vessel of God's truth and grace. The Church is entrusted with the proclamation of the Gospel, the administration of the sacraments, and the nurturing of believers. In 1 Timothy 3:15 , Paul refers to the Church as "the pillar and foundation of the truth," emphasizing its critical role in upholding and disseminating divine revelation. Moreover, the Church is a community of fellowship and love, where believers are united in Christ. Acts 2:42 describes the early Church: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This communal life is a source of joy and strength for the saints, as they support and encourage one another in their spiritual journey. The Church's Mission and Glory The Church's mission is to be a light to the world, reflecting the glory of God through its witness and service. Matthew 5:14-16 exhorts believers, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The saints delight in participating in this mission, knowing that their efforts contribute to the eternal purposes of God. The Church's glory is not only in its present work but also in its future hope. Ephesians 5:27 speaks of Christ's intention "to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." Conclusion The excellency and glory of the Church are central to the faith and life of the saints. Through its divine foundation, communal life, and mission, the Church stands as a testament to God's redemptive work in the world. The saints' delight in the Church is a reflection of their love for Christ and their commitment to His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 66:11That you may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that you may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Church. The Beauty and Excellency of this World Consists, not Only in the ... Visions of Future Glory Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... An Index to Find a Psalm Suited to Particular Subjects or ... The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed. The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth. The Psalms of David Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel Hymns for Christian Devotion 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) |