Post by Lee on Apr 8, 2014 2:05:39 GMT
Eph 5:27 "That he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish." RSV
Are we afraid to face and analyze the import of these teachings, and to compare ourselves with them? The great purpose of God—and this is a most vital point—the great purpose of God through Christ is to purify and perfect, not just in type and shadow and imputation like the purifications of the Law but in LIVING REALITY.
His eternal purpose is to develop for Himself a glorious community of holiness and spiritual beauty, cleansed from all the unloveliness of the flesh; a community wholly, joyously and unitedly dedicated to "good works"; a community with no other interest in life than the worship and service of God, and the love of the brethren; a community that have put away everything that is of the benighted, perishing world, and who—not of themselves but by the operation of the mighty power of the Spirit—can stand exultantly before God HOLY AND BLAMELESS IN LOVE.
Do we, individually and collectively, correspond to this Divine image of the beautiful, sanctified Bride of Christ?
Rene 1955 Berean
Are we afraid to face and analyze the import of these teachings, and to compare ourselves with them? The great purpose of God—and this is a most vital point—the great purpose of God through Christ is to purify and perfect, not just in type and shadow and imputation like the purifications of the Law but in LIVING REALITY.
His eternal purpose is to develop for Himself a glorious community of holiness and spiritual beauty, cleansed from all the unloveliness of the flesh; a community wholly, joyously and unitedly dedicated to "good works"; a community with no other interest in life than the worship and service of God, and the love of the brethren; a community that have put away everything that is of the benighted, perishing world, and who—not of themselves but by the operation of the mighty power of the Spirit—can stand exultantly before God HOLY AND BLAMELESS IN LOVE.
Do we, individually and collectively, correspond to this Divine image of the beautiful, sanctified Bride of Christ?
Rene 1955 Berean