Until we move to actual righteousness of behavior we are not living in the Kingdom of God. This is why Paul said that the believers who continue in the passions and appetites of the fleshly, sinful nature will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

The "only one of her mother," and the mature "sister," of the Song of Solomon.

But my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the only daughter of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed; the queens and concubines praised her. (Song of Solomon 6:9—NIV)

The idea in the above verse is that there are many people who are part of the family of God, but there are some who are unique.

Now notice carefully, for the following passage is one on which we base the idea that a great part of the Church will be brought to righteousness by strong Christians. The strong will assist the weaker.

We have a young sister, and her breasts are not yet grown. What shall we do for our sister for the day she is spoken for? If she is a wall, we will build towers of silver on her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar. (Song of Solomon 8:8,9—NIV)

There are "sisters" of the family of God who are immature. They are not able to bring forth and nourish children.

What do we do with the immature? We build them up. "We will build; we will enclose."

The big question is, Who will build? Who will enclose the young sisters?

I think the answer is in the next verse.

I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment. (Song of Solomon 8:10—NIV)

The firstfruits of the Bride is a wall against sin, and also able to bring forth and nourish children. The Lord is content with her.

My opinion is that she is the one who will build up the younger members of the Church to the stature of the fullness of Christ. For it is written that the gifts and ministries of the Body of Christ will operate until we all come to the stature of the fullness of Christ.

It is written also that under the new covenant, all shall come to know the Lord, no longer having to be taught by others.

No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord," because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. (Hebrews 8:11—NIV)

One danger in presenting the idea that the Body of Christ will come to perfection during the Kingdom Age is that believers may regard this as a second chance at serving the Lord. "I'm too busy to serve God now, but after I die, in the next life, I will get busy and grow in the Lord."

This won't work. If an individual does not do his best now he will not get another chance. The part of the Church that will come to maturity at a later time are those who have done their very best with what they have been given.

To be continued.