The Church, the Body of Christ, the Wife of the Lamb, the new Jerusalem, is a glorified creation. It is not what we usually think of when the word church is mentioned.

The Church of Christ is the most exalted of all the works of God's hands. There is no set of creatures closer to God than is true of the Church of Christ. The new Jerusalem is the Church in all its regal splendor. To be a member of the Church, the Body of Christ, an eternal servant of God, is the highest of all callings.

Ephesians 1:22,23 points out that the Church is the Body of Christ. Ephesians 5:31,32 reveals that the Church is the Wife of the Lamb. The Church is "the members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones" (Ephesians 5:30).

What finally will be true of the Church?

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27)

We can see from the above verse that the Church will be an unblemished, perfect creation.

Let us turn to what the Scriptures state concerning the Christian churches on the earth and see how they compare with the description given in Ephesians 5:27 and in Song of Solomon 6:9,10.

My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? (Song of Solomon 6:9,10)

The seven churches in Asia represent the Christian churches on the whole earth and throughout church history, according to our understanding. One has only to look about him today and he can observe the characteristics of Ephesus, Thyatira, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and so forth.

The seven churches are the seven golden lampstands. Christ, the High Priest, is in the midst of the lampstands (Revelation 1:13). There is no Christian testimony on the earth other than that given by the churches, the lampstands of God.

What does Christ say concerning the churches on the earth?

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Revelation 2:4)

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Revelation 2:14)

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Revelation 2:23)

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. (Revelation 3:4)

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)

To be continued.