“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). There are many things to which we give honor in this life, our parents, country, friends and associates, etc., but nothing is to receive the honor due the church for which Jesus died. The Bible says, “But seek ye first the kingdom [church] of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). The church of the Bible is incomparably greater than all human institutions, sectarian or fraternal. This is so because God is its Author. “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:10-11).
This is so because Christ is its Builder. “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). This is so because Christ is its Head. “And he is the head of the body, the church who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18). This is so because Christ is its Savior. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church and he is the savior of the body” (Ephesians 5:23).
When we have a true conception of and a lofty appreciation for the church, we will do everything within our power to honor it, for in doing so we honor God and His Son. One of many ways we can honor the church is our faithfulness to the Word. A dear couple we have known for years wrote last week. In their correspondence they said, “There are a lot of churches in this country and mighty few want to hear the real Bible preached. I’m ninety-years-old and can speak from knowledge.” They are right; many no longer want to hear “the whole council of God” (Acts 20:22). Brethren, let us continue to honor the church of Christ as revealed in the New Testament by faithfully contending “for the faith once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
