Page 208 - Jesus is coming - Class version

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST. 205

cleansed, she is presented unto the Lord "Himself a
glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing," but "holy land without blemish," the Bride of
26
Christ. "For we are members of His body." Can there
be anything more precious than the thought of Jesus com-
ing to take unto Himself His Bride? It is full of ten-
derness and love. What will He not do for her when He
presents her unto Himself! The ecstasy of that meeting
is above the power of description by tongue or pen. "Eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard; neither have entered into
the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared
for them that love Hun." 1 Cor. 2:9. We have indeed
"an earnest" "by His Spirit," the "first fruits" a fore-
taste of the joys to come. But THEN shall the Church
experience the rest of love the fulness of communion
the rapture of her Lord's embrace, and be satisfied in the
sweetness of His love.
The comfort of this truth is all lost if we fail to make
the proper distinction between the Church land the King-
dom. The Church is not to be reigned over, but is to
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reign with Christ.
No more heart-pangs nor sadness
When Jesus comes;
All peace and joy and gladness
When Jesus comes.
He'll know the way was dreary,
When Jesus comes;
He'll know the feet grew weary,
When Jesus comes.
(26) Eph. 5:25. Husbands, 31. For this cause shall a man
love your wives, even as Christ leave his father and mother, and
also loved the church, and gave shall cleave to his wife ; and the
himself up for it ; two shall become one flesh.
26. That he might sanctify It, 32. This mystery is great : but
having cleansed it by the wash- I speak in regard of Christ and
ing of water with the word, of the church.
27. That he might present the (27) 2 Tim. 2:11. It is a
church to himself a glorious faithful saying : For If we be
church, not having spot or dead with him, we shall also
wrinkle or any such thing; but live with him:
that it should be holy and with- 12. If we suffer, we shall al-
out blemish. so reign with him: if we deny
30. Because we are members him, he also will demy us.
of his body.