Articles
A Glorious Church
The church of Christ is a glorious church! Why? The Lord's church is glorious in its origin. Jesus promised to build His church; He is the only foundation of His spiritual body (Matthew 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11). Men have established human religious bodies; what did they pay? It cost them comparatively little; Christ paid with His life (Acts 20:28). The church of Christ is glorious because of who built it and the cost that was paid to ensure its existence.
The Lord's church is glorious because of its head. Human denominations have men or women as their heads; these people are elected to such positions, or they may have inherited such positions of authority; sometimes they are appointed by their peers to hold their offices. Christ is the head of His church, His spiritual body (Ephesians 1:22-23). As our spiritual head, Christ has all authority; we, His spiritual body, accept the direction as revealed in His word. Men who receive their appointments from men are subject to those who appointed them. Jesus expressed the Father's will; we will be judged by that will (John 12:48). Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords; He will always be the head of His spiritual people. His church is a glorious church!
Since the establishment of Christ’s church 2000 years ago, the people of God have written a tremendous history. Much of that history has been preserved in the form of the New Testament. God's people have been glorious in defeat. The trials and persecutions of this life cannot defeat Christ's church (Romans 8:37). During times of intense opposition, the people of God have risen high in faithfulness and determination and preached God's word (Acts 8:4). The moral achievements of Christ's church have been glorious; the call to purity and righteousness has elevated, not only Christians, but others (Matt. 5:14-16) who will listen and learn.
The work that Christ's people do is glorious in its scope and nature. What is more important than preaching the gospel to those who will hear, obey, and be saved? Water, clothing, and food are needed; those receiving such help and comfort are thankful (Matthew 25:31-46). The spiritual things of the gospel provide the only hope a lost world has. Loaves and fishes last only so long. We must not diminish the value and importance of faithfully proclaiming the word of God.
The church that belongs to Christ will be glorious in its future. When this old world is on fire, as the temporal considerations of every life melts away, the people of God have the assurance of something sure, eternal in the heavens. The inheritance Christ has reserved for us is glorious. Heaven reflects who Christ is. The church, too, reflects who Christ is. Let us make sure we uphold its glorious nature, glorious work, and glorious future.
