Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Eph 5:25-28 NIV When Jesus returns, he is coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle. ‘Without spot or wrinkle’; what does that mean? Think of a nice crisp shirt. It’s been washed with soap and water, as a result it is now clean. It’s been through the heat; wrung and dried. Then starched and ironed. You now have a shirt without spot or wrinkle.
God’s church is made up of all those around the world who accept Jesus as their Savior, their Messiah, having received his offer of forgiveness for sin. They’ve begun on a new journey, leaving their past behind and moving towards a better life. They purify themselves by obeying the truth; the Word of God.
…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.1 Tim 6:11-12 NIV They follow the example of Jesus; living a life of love towards God and love towards others. They have discovered a new life of holiness.
…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV If you believe in Jesus, you have been washed with water by the Word of God. You have been through the heat and dried by the experiences of life, building character and strength. Through the shedding of Jesus’ blood- his sacrifice for you - you have been starched with his righteousness. And the Holy Spirit’s direction and guidance presses out the wrinkles as you walk in God’s ways.
Is this you? Are you without spot or wrinkle? Have you been cleaned and pressed?
