Paul was seeking to "know" his Messiah; not to know about Him in salvation but to know Him in total, incorruptible, eternal union (Philippians 3:8-10, Revelation 19:7).

The first issue, that of salvation from wrath on the basis of faith in the blood of Christ, has been preached and taught with faithfulness and accuracy. The second issue, that of membership in the Body of Christ, the Wife of the Lamb, the ruling Kingdom of God, may not have received the same attention.

The assumption that salvation and participation in the ruling priesthood are synonymous has caused uncounted numbers of Christian people to ignore the main topic of the Epistles, which is the perfecting of the Church.

If the only issue of redemption were the forgiveness of our sins (which is accomplished immediately on our profession of faith in Christ and our repentance from our sinful ways) the Book of Hebrews would make no sense. The Book of Hebrews was written as a warning to experienced saints that they were in danger of "perishing in the wilderness" because of their disobedience and unbelief, because of not pressing forward to the "rest" of God. The Christians being addressed were neglecting their great salvation, they were not pressing toward their place in the unblemished Bride of the Lamb, and the writer of the Book of Hebrews warned them they would not escape.

There is a rest, an inheritance, a land of promise. It is not enough for the elect of God to "accept Christ." We must move on from the rudiments of salvation and press forward, as did the Apostle Paul, to our full inheritance as sons of God.

Imputation (ascribed righteousness) is the assigning of righteousness to us as we place our faith in the blood atonement made by Christ.

Membership in the Church is not imputed (ascribed) to us. Our discipleship is not ascribed to us. Our participation in the new Jerusalem, the Church, the Wife of the Lamb, is not ascribed to us. The rewards announced by Christ in the second and third chapters of the Book of Revelation are not imputed to us on the basis of our profession of faith in Christ. The rewards of Revelation are steps in the attainment of the first resurrection from among the dead and they are given on the basis of our works, our conduct.

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)

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12)

The glory of the new Jerusalem, the Church, the Wife of the Lamb, is not an imputed glory. How could it be termed the "holy city" if the inhabitants gossiped, swore, murdered, practiced lewd behavior, sought their own glory, lied, stole, coveted, and selfishly grasped to themselves everything around them?

The holiness of the new Jerusalem is not an ascribed holiness. It is an actual righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God on the part of those who have been made new creations in Christ. The Bride is clothed in the fine linen of the righteous deeds of the saints (Revelation 19:8—Greek text).

Christ not only forgives His Church, He also transforms it into His image.

To be continued.