Ephesians 5:27 "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."
In the 26th verse of Eph. 5, Paul tells us that Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. The Lord's love for man and the church led him to pay a great price in order that man could be saved and the church could come into existence (Acts 20:28). From the 27th verse we learn that Christ has a very special love and concern for the church desiring that it be a glorious church. The word "glorious" is an interesting word. It carries with it the m, eaning of illustrious and brilliant. To be illustrious is to be distinguished, outstanding or eminent. To be brilliant is to be shining brightly, be splendid or to be magnificent. What a beautiful way in which to describe the church of our Lord. Every local congregation of the Lord's church should be glorious. It only remains for you and I to determine what is needed in order for the church/congregation to be glorious and thereby be pleasing to Christ our Lord.
I dare to suggest to you what I believe to be two marks of a glorious church/congregation. First of all, there must be pure gospel preaching/teaching from its pulpit and classrooms. This begins with elders who will stand four square on the pure word of God and it continues with preachers/teachers who will boldly proclaim the truth of God's word from the pulpit and in the classroom. This means adhering to Paul's instructions to Timothy in 2 Tim.4:2. It means to preach the word of God as all sufficient and able to thoroughly furnish (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It means never adding to, taking away from or substituting for the word of God. It means standing firm against the works of flesh found in Gal. 5:19-21. It means standing firm on God's word as it pertains to marriage and divorce (Matt. 15:9, 19-21). It means preaching the truth as it regards love for the world (1 John 2:15-17). It means preaching on the absolute need for faithfulness (Rev. 2:10) and purity of life (Matt. 5:8, Phil. 4:8). Brethren, we need sound gospel preaching that will help us on our Christian journey (Eph. 4:14-15, 21-32, Rom. 12:1-21) and enable us to keep the church glorious. Over the years we have driven home the need to be baptized, yea the necessity of baptism for remission of sins. I sometimes wonder if perhaps in doing so, we have failed to drive home the necessity for faithful, strict adherence to all that is needed after one has been baptized.
Secondly, I suggest that there must be unity among the brethren if the church is to be glorious. Strife, murmuring, discord among the brethren will destroy a church (James 3:16). Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:20-21). Paul pled for unity (1 Cor. 1:10). Unity is accomplished by brethren who are of one accord, one mind, one judgment as it pertains to God and his word. Unity is the result of faithful brethren endeavoring to keep the unity in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3-6). Unity is attained by faithful brethren who are not tossed about with every word of doctrine or deceived by men of craftiness (Eph. 4:14). Unity is the result of faithful brethren who always speak the truth in love with each other (Eph. 4:15, 25) and are not angry with each other (Eph. 4:26). Unity of faithful brethren will give no place to the devil (Eph. 4:27). When brethren are united, bitterness and evil speaking will not happen. In their place will be kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness (Eph. 4:31-32).
I know that there are many other marks of a glorious church but with all my heart I believe they will have their foundation in pure gospel preaching and unity among the brethren. It is a privilege, an honor to be a child of God. I just pray that our faith and love for his church will grow stronger with each passing day.
Charles Hicks
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