The Holy Church

Ephesians 5:25-27 | The Holy Church

Church as a Bride goes back to the Old Testament understanding of Yahweh as Israel's betrothed husband (Isaiah 54:5, Hosea 2:19-20)

Paul notes that Christ's goal as the church's husband is to present the church to himself in splendor. Christ desires the church to stand before Him in brilliance and triumph.

His desire is for believers to one day appear before Him without any flaws or marks or imperfections.

Particularly on the wedding day, the bride would prepare herself for her wedding by a special bridal bath, by putting on beautiful clothing, and by keeping herself pure for her husband.

Christ wants the church to look its best for Him when that day comes.

We must understand what the Bible teaches about the church is the key for fulfilling our high calling as the bride of Christ.

Sometimes it is hard to believe that the church is a holy body, a communion of believers. That is because we hear so often indignities in the church that reveal its abiding sin.

Ministers commit moral failures. Laypeople squabble over minor issues and church bodies split. The list goes on.

The purpose of Christ's relationship with the church is to bring on greater holiness. The reference to blemishes is not about physical appearance, but about the church is pure before the Lord.

To be holy is to be set apart. To be without blemish is to be without a mark or problem. Like the animals used in sacrificial offerings in OT, they could not have any blemish. Likewise, God desires we come before Him with a clean heart (Psalm 24:4).

Hence, we are called to hold our standards high when we serve the Lord, approaching every day of our life with reverence , keeping high moral standards as God expects being pure in mind body and soul.

Let us Pray: Dear Lord, help us to be holy and pure before the eyes of the lord. Not in human standards, but pure without blemish for your service. In Jesus Name. Amen. 

Blessings & Prayers 

Pastor. Bobby Leonard