One of the greatest descriptions of the church of Christ is found in Ephesians 5:27 (i.e., “glorious church”). The church is blood-bought, rock-bottomed, Christ-built and hell proof. Thank God for the blood of Christ that purchased the church (Acts 20:28). May we live in such a way to always honor Christ’s Church!
Glorious Servant-Leadership (Ephesians 5:23)
The word “head” means, “authority” (F.F. Bruce). What kind of authoritarian is Christ? He exercises Headship with a Savior-style, servant-leadership; He leads with sacrificial love.
Glorious Savior (Ephesians 5: 23)
The greatest act of love known to humanity is the love of God in giving His Son on the Cross! In doing so, Jesus became the Savior of the World (1 John 2:1-2). Thus, His name is above every name in regard to salvation (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only way to be saved (John 14:6).
Glorious Submission (Ephesians 5:24)
Worldly submission says, “You must submit to me, so here are the things I want you to do for me.” Godly submission says, “You must submit to me, so I am accountable before God for you. I must care for you and serve you.” True submission is agape love in action and it’s needed in the church!
Glorious Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25)
Christ, like the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), was sacrificed so the judgment of God might pass over us; however, when Christ was crucified, He became the supreme and final sacrifice for God’s people (Hebrews 9:26). He removed the sin of the world (Isaiah 53:5-6; John 1:29; 1 John 2:2). We should remove the sin in our midst (i.e., “purge out the old leaven [yeast]”). Thus, Paul exclaimed, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). The “gift” of which Paul spoke is Christ. Amen!
Glorious Sanctification (vs. 26-27)
Sanctify is from the Greek “hagios” meaning, “a separation” and is often rendered “holy.” Christ wants His church to be separate from worldly living! Remember the song? “In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me.” Christ’s church is sanctified!
Glorious Self-Love (Ephesians 5:28-30)
Christ loves the church and gave Himself for it – that’s true love. Thus, He wants a relationship that eclipses a superficial relationship; He wants a dwelling that is deep, wide, high and long. The love He demonstrates to us is the kind of love He wants in return. What a privilege to be a part of Christ’s glorious church!
