The Bible gives us a three-dimensional picture of the function of the church.
Ephesians 1:23 NLT
[23] And the church is his BODY; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
1 Corinthians 3:9 NLT
[9] “For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s BUILDING.”
Revelation 19:7-8 NLT
[7] “Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his BRIDE has prepared herself. [8] She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.”
These three symbolic pictures of the church give us a clearer understanding of the functions of the church during her life in earth. Of course, when we speak of the church, we are referring to a “composite woman” made up of millions of individuals united to make up one person.
We must understand that Jesus works with every individual to perfect His church. Like a mosaic which is a composite picture made up of many individual pieces, the church is a mosaic of people who make up a picture of Jesus.
So, in chapters 4 to 6, Paul explains the “how” of life in Christ that prepares us for our reign in Him. The focus of Paul’s teaching is about our reign over our old nature in preparation for our reign with Him in eternity. If we do not master the flesh now, we cannot fulfill our role under His supreme authority then.
You see, when we give way to the desires of our sinful nature, we are rebelling against God! God will not tolerate rebellion…. ever! He will only allow those to rule in His kingdom who have proved on earth that they are submitted to His authority.
Romans 5:17, 21 NLT
[17] “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ…
[21] So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This is the sobering truth of Scripture.
Romans 6:20-23 NLT
[20]” When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. [21] And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. [22] But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to HOLINESS and result in ETERNAL LIFE . [23] For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Our role in this life, then, is to work out what God has worked in us, without which we cannot reign with Christ in glory.
Philippians 2:12-13 NLT
[12]”Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. [13] For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
To be continued…