A note from our pastor:

“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

Ephesians 5:27

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle continues to examine the relationship between Jesus Christ and his church, which in this context refers to the elect children of God. Previously, our study verses have explained how Christ gave himself for his elect, sanctified them, and washed them by the pronouncement of the sufficiency of his sacrifice.

Having established these truths, the Apostle concludes with a beautiful proclamation in two parts.

First, Christ presents his church, or the elect, to himself. This occurs in many ways. Whether this presentation is the elect, redeemed, before him on the cross; or the elect on a day-to-day basis as Christ makes intercession for them in heaven; or finally, when Christ calls all of the elect to him at the second coming, in all instances Christ is the only judge and the church is always found perfect by his blood.

Second, the church is presented to him as a glorious body in all perfection. This perfected state not being accomplished by the elect, but rather by Christ and his sacrifice once and for all. The heavenly state, which is the dwelling place of God, can only be occupied by those which are perfect and holy. None of the elect could occupy heaven in their natural state, but by the work of Christ the church is made not only perfect but Holy. The righteousness of Christ being applied to the elect.

Many within religion have tried to use concepts taught in the scriptures to create fear and exercise control over God’s people. In doing so, they have crafted a message where the time when God’s people stand before him to be a frightful place. They have made people believe it will be focused on their actions and failures in this life. This is simply not the truth of scripture. Rather, the elect standing before God is a glorious place because in Christ they are made perfect and holy. In Christ, his elect are fully accepted of God.

What a blessing it is to the people of God to stand before their redeemer and know his love.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah