March 24, 2005.
28. THE BRIDE, A COMMITTED BODY OF BELIEVERS. Sanctification, holiness is most necessary if we are ever to be a part of the body of Christ. It is the sanctified who are the recipients of the inheritance that is in Christ Jesus. Sanctification is the result of the word of His grace being effective in the person who is reading it. The word is our source of strength and spiritual growth. Its guidance is vital to the building up of the body and bride of Christ. Acts 20:32 Jesus spoke to the need of those who are His followers being sanctified, by the truth, the word. John 17:17 He also spoke to His disciples of the fact that they had been cleansed by the Word which He had spoken unto them. It demonstrates the power of the Word to change and alter human lives. John 15:3
THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY. Wealth, a state that few do not desire. If it is the wealth and riches of this present world that is desired, then the benefit of them is short lived. If it is the riches of His glory that is sought after, then that will lead to eternal riches. It is the riches of the glory of His inheritance. True riches, riches which will never be diminished nor fade away. Eph. 1:18 The admonishment of the Lord Jesus was that we lay up, for ourselves, treasures in heaven. Things of eternal value which cannot be destroyed in any manner. They will never be corrupted or demolished. Mt. 6:20 Of interest is His statement that the human heart is set on the things which they value the most. The heart and the treasure are bound together. Our hearts are either set on the things of this earth or on the things of the world to come. We have our choice. Be sure you make the right decision. Mt. 6:21
BENEFITS OF THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY. The most important, the most vital is the redemption of the individual. Here we find the riches of His grace. Where can we find anything more valuable than the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ? His shed blood is the price that He paid for the salvation of the world. Jesus and only Jesus can forgive the sin of mankind. There is not one born into this life for whom He has not paid the price of their entrance into His eternal kingdom. It is very apparent that all will not accept His vicarious work, nevertheless He died for them. Their rejection of Christ is their loss of the only way of eternal life. Eph. 1:7 The riches of Christ are beyond measure. Paul said that they are unsearchable, or beyond comprehension, beyond measure. Being eternal they are endless. Eph. 3:8 Spiritual abilities are equal to the measure of the glory of His riches that are resident within us. All spiritual strength is evidenced in us by the workings of the Holy Spirit through whom is conveyed to the church, the power and strength of the Lord. When the riches of His glory are resident within the church mighty works are accomplished to the glory and praise of His name. Most assuredly, there is a wealth that supersedes the wealth of this world. Eph. 3:16