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 The
"glorious church" of Eph. 5:27 has been subjected to
much abuse by those who "glory" in the institution,
while failing to see the necessary characteristics for such an
appellation. The thought in this scripture is that Christ gave
himself (upon the cross) so that individuals might be cleansed
and set apart "with the washing of water by the word."
The saved ones are grouped or collected by the word
"church," which is "glorious" by virtue of
"not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that
it should be holy and without blemish."
From
the first of the Ephesian letter GOD'S "glory" is
shown to be the eternal purpose of all things. Saints are chosen
in Christ "that we should be holy and without blame before
him"..."to, the praise of the glory of his grace"
(1:4-6). Verse 12 says, "That we should be to the praise of
his glory;" and verse 14, "unto the praise of his
glory." God is called the "Father of glory"
(v.17), and that which saints shall inherit has glory that is
rich (v. 18). Paul's tribulations are said to be "your
glory" (3:13) but the obvious reference is to their
ultimate benefit, not to aggrandizement. The closing
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verse of
chapter three says, "Unto him (GOD) be glory" and the church gives
rather than receives the praise. God is glorified when His
creatures are faithful unto Him; albeit such faithfulness is
possible only through the forgiveness that is in Christ. Hence,
the faithful church (in Christ) is the spiritual sphere for this
praise giving.
The
"glorious church" is a people who have gone back to
thinking and acting as God intended from the beginning (Eph.
4:23-25). They have "put on the new man, which is renewed
in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Col.
3:10). We were made to glorify God, but in our sin we have
failed miserably. Now, in Christ, we can be renewed "in the
spirit of your mind" and the change in conduct which
accompanies such a renewal.
The
"church" that is "glorious" is that body of
people who have gone to Christ for sanctification and cleansing
with the washing of water by the word; and, continue to glorify
God by doing all to His glory (1 Cor. 10:31).
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