THE WASHING OF WATER BY THE WORD

‘Having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word’ ESV, perhaps conveys the thought more accurately. At conver­sion, the word of God effected purification. Individually, we were cleansed from our sins as the word of God revealed the suf­ficiency of the work of Christ to our souls.

But Christ is not content with purification alone; He has brought about sanctification as well. We are now set apart; just as a bride is ‘set apart’ for her husband, so the church has been set apart for Christ. We are for His pleasure, joy, and delight. In turn, He has sanctified Himself, John 17. 19.

But purification and sanctification have in view a day of presentation. We read, ‘that He might present it to himself a glorious church’, v. 27. It will bring untold joy to the heart of Christ to present the object of His love and the fruit of His toil to the Father, 1 Thess. 3. 13, to the millennial earth, Rev. 21. 23-26, and at the marriage supper, Rev. 19. 9. But before all of these public presentations, He will present it to Himself. What a moment of mutual joy, ‘Ours to be forever with Him; His that I am there!’

Our section, however, reminds us of one additional aspect of His work - glorification. There will be no spot or wrinkle, but it is holy and without blemish. It will take character from the One who was ‘without blemish and without spot’, 1 Pet. 1. 19. Here is a bride who will never age. She will be known eternally as the ‘bride of Christ’.

All of these wondrous prospects are positional truths - His love and power will see that each is accomplished for His glory. But positional truth, while thrilling our hearts, should also challenge our conscience. Am I still sensitive to the word of God and does it cleanse me day by day? Do I know something of pro­gressive sanctification - ‘perfecting holiness in the fear of God’, 2 Cor. 7. 1? Am I faithful to Him in His absence?

Does the prospect of a future day of presentation and glo­rification result in me seeking to live for His pleasure and delight while I am here? May we ever be sensitive to His word, responsive to His love, and jealous for His honour.