In the context of Ephesians 5:21-28 Paul calls the church a “glorious church”. Paul also uses a husband/wife relationship to describe the church. The word glorious is defined as: “marked by great beauty or splendor, magnificent”.
Husbands think of your bride as she walked down the aisle to marry you. Wasn’t she the most beautiful person you ever saw? As the months and years have gone by, is she still as glorious as ever? If not, why not?
There is a bad attitude toward the church among many today and although some may not realize quiet often that bad attitude is demonstrated by those who are of the body of Christ (the bride). This bad attitude can be seen by different ways such as poor attendance, lack of giving, indifference towards evangelism, division among brethren and lack of respect for biblical authority.
Paul called the church a “glorious church”. Wouldn’t it be great if we all had the same attitude as Paul? Let’s notice three identifying characteristics of the glorious church (the Bride of Christ).
- It is a divine institution. The church prophesied that it would be established in the latter days (Isaiah 2:2). It was prophesied that it would be established in the days of the Roman Empire.
- It is a united institution. John 17 Jesus prayed for unity among all people. In I Corinthians 1:10Paul pleaded with the church in Corinth not to be divided.
- It is a working church. Why do we need to be workers?
- God said so. Revelation 2&3: I know thy works”.
- If we don’t work, who will?
- So we can share with others the precious gift that we enjoy (salvation).