As faith is increasing in the saints, Christ is being formed in their hearts. As Christ is being formed in their heart, faith is increasing more and more. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Corinthians 3:18).

The process of forming Christ in the disciples is complicated, and there are many different experiences along the way. In the Scriptures, God has provided a number of illustrations and doctrines to help us progress successfully through the transition from natural life to spiritual life (I Corinthians 15:45,46).

The Holy Spirit helps us understand the process of change and the background activities: the rebellion of spirits and their eternal judgment; the resistance maintained by Satan; and the immediate availability of the Presence, power, and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to everyone who asks and is willing to receive. We learn to live in and by the holy body and blood of Christ.

Christ, the Temple of God

The plan of God from the beginning has been to construct a living temple for Himself. The temple consists of a group of sons of God and brothers of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29); a bride for the Lamb (Ephesians 5:32); a weapon in God's hand for the destruction of His enemies (Jude 1:14,15); and an eternal dwelling place from which God can contemplate, rule, and enjoy His creation (Psalms 68:18). Here is God's resting place forever (Psalms 132:13,14).

The Temple of God is Christ, Head and Body. The Lord Jesus is the great Head of the anointed company. He is the tested Cornerstone of the building, the elder brother, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence.

The remainder of the structure is being constructed from Christians. We are the Body of Christ, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:23). Christ, Head and Body, is the Tabernacle of David, Mount Zion, the "hill" where God will dwell forever (Hebrews 12:22). The Christian Church is the new Jerusalem, the Bride, the Lamb's Wife (Revelation 21:2,3,9,10).

To the peoples of the earth the Temple of God will be Emmanuel—"God with us." The nations will recognize that the Christians are the "seed which the Lord hath blessed" (Isaiah 61:9; John 17:23; Revelation 21:24). The saints will be kings and priests and will reign with Christ throughout the ages of ages (Revelation 22:5).

Some of the passages of Isaiah refer to the effect on the nations of the earth when the Temple of God has been completed (Chapters 60 and 61, for example). Mount Zion will be the eternal source of Divine light on the earth.

During the first three days of creation, before God brought forth the sun, moon, and stars, the light of the world came directly from God. As soon as the city of God has been established in the earth, the light of the world once again will come directly from God. But this time it will shine through the Church, which is the Body of Him who is the Light of the world.

In that day, people will be able to come to the Presence of God who will be dwelling manifestly in the Church. Those who come will receive justice, wisdom, healing—whatever they need.

To be continued.