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The True Church |
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The blessing and deliverance of mankind by the Lord Jesus Christ is the purpose of His Second Coming. All the prophecies relating to His power and glory will then be fulfilled, as those relating to His suffering and death were fulfilled at His First Advent. Meanwhile, another work has been in progress—the development of the Church of Christ. The true church is not composed of one nor all of the church organisations or denominations. It is made up of the faithful followers of Jesus, whether they have been inside or outside of church denominations. |
"He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all". (Eph.1.22‑23 NKJV)" |
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| True Christians are members of the Church of Christ. There are many professing Christians who are not of the true church. (Matt.7.21). Jesus is head of the church (Eph.1.22.23) and members of the true church must follow the example set by Him. (1 Peter 2.21). They must take up the Cross, deny themselves, follow Jesus (Matt.16.24) and be wholly devoted to the will of God, doing the will of God from the heart, not as men pleasers, but as the followers and servants of Christ. (Eph.6.6.7). | ||
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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who...has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet.1.3‑4 NKJV) |
Those who are truly followers of
Jesus are given many precious promises. (2 Pet.1.4). They will be
with Christ in His kingdom (Luke 12.32; 2 Pet.1.5‑11).
They will share His throne and His glory (Rev.3.21; Rev.20.4; Col.3.4).
Theirs is a heavenly inheritance (1 Pet.1.3.4). As the gospel has
been preached amongst the nations those with an ear to hear have responded
to its invitation, and conformed to the conditions of discipleship. These
have not been a great number, but few, "a little flock". These have lived
and died, and slept in death, awaiting the return of the Lord for their
reward. |
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| At the Lord's return they rise from the dead first and are made partakers of the First Resurrection to share the honour and glory of Christ. Those of the true Church living at the Lord's return do not sleep in death; but death to them is a change from a human to a heavenly condition (See 1 Cor.15.20.38.50‑52; 1 Thess.4.14‑18; Rev 20.4‑6; Phil.3.7‑11). | ||
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This class is spoken of under different figures of speech. In 1 Cor.12.12.27 they are spoken of as the body of Christ, Jesus being the head. As a class they are spoken of as the "bride" of Christ. The union of the members of the church with Jesus their Head is the marriage of the Lamb. (Rev.19.7). When this has taken place, then the true church of Christ, with Him in power and glory sharing His great kingdom, will share His work, and with Him invite "whosoever will" to come and drink of "the water of life freely", (Rev.22.17). |
"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." (Rev.19.7 NKJV) |
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Then all who die in Adam will be given a full fair opportunity to regain all that was lost by sin. This means they will be given the opportunity to live for ever in a condition like unto the conditions of Eden, free from sin, aches, pains, sickness and death. This will be the time of deliverance for mankind. FM |
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