Daily Bread MAR/17/14 Ephesians 5:26 - So that it may be sanctified and cleansed with the washing of the water by the word. We have purified our hearts through obedience to the truth (1 Peter 1:22). Now, being subject to Christ Jesus through the new birth we are taught and instructed in everything that pleases God, as we remain submitted and obedient to His leadership. The washing of the water of the word is not only the spiritual cleansing that takes place at the moment of the new birth for each individual but it also refers to the birth of the church (Titus 3:5). Further, the washing of the word may also be regarded as a continual ongoing obedience to the word of God and rulership of Jesus Christ. We have been born again by the word of God (1 Peter 1:23). We were purified by the Living Word Christ Jesus when He, through His own death, provided the blood that cleanses us from all sin. Through the great love of God each person is a part of the “church that Jesus purchased with His own blood,” and being created in Christ Jesus and made one with Him are to be the living expression of His person (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:30). Through the blood of Jesus we were sanctified, called to be saints and being the people of God brought into the church of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:2; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11). Paul emphasizes the relationship of Christ Jesus to His church more than to the individual- especially in Ephesians. The church is to be the expression of everything that Jesus is. The church should be, in every way, the expression of the glory of Christ Jesus and the heavenly realm. The church, as the body of Christ, is the revelation of the fullness of God, but this can only be realized if the church is fully submitted to Him (Ephesians 1:23; Hebrews 12:22). God the Father has a jealous love for the church and for His Son. Even as the nation of Israel once stood as God’s sole representative now the church has that place. The church was commissioned to be the Assembly of God to convey all the glory of the kingdom of the dear Son. However, if the individuals that make up the body of Christ are unwilling to be submitted to the governorship of the Holy Spirit then the name of the Lord is profaned. The good news is that Christ Jesus is devoted to bringing forth all that the Father has willed for the church. All we must do is to be committed to the same and His wonder working power will be revealed in our midst!
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:22:15 +0000