-By Dr.Sumeet Manakan J
In this series of “Understanding Church”, Part 1 covered the topic of the Church built on the foundation of Christ, the Rock. In Part 2, we explored the Church as the Body of Christ. In Part 3, we reflected on the Church, which is betrothed to Christ as the would-be “Bride of Christ,” for whom the Lord Jesus will one day return in the blessed union (marriage) of Christ and His Church. In this blog, we will look at the Mission entrusted to the Church and the Destiny of the Church.
The Mission and Destiny of the Church
Jesus prepared the Church for a mission. Out of His broken rib and pierced side, the Church was born while He was crucified on the cross. This formation of the Church was foreshadowed in the creation of Eve, who was made from the rib taken out of Adam, establishing an eternal bond between Adam and Eve as husband and wife. In fact, this very act was a prophetic picture in which God cryptically revealed to the world the future Church, who would be the Bride of Christ. Consider the verses below:
“just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” – Ephesians 1:4
“But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” – John 19:34
“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.” – Genesis 2:21–22
Paul referred to this union many times throughout his epistles as the “Great Mystery”:
“This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” – Ephesians 5:32
The Mission of the Church
The Church has now been entrusted with a task until Jesus returns. Since the Lord has loved the Church, it is the duty of every Christian believer to proclaim this good news to all people, bringing them into fellowship with Christ, reminding them that God is no longer far away but near to each of us in divine relationship. It is our responsibility to bring them into the household of Christ, which is the Church. This is “The Mission”:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19
We must consciously remember this great mission entrusted to us and strive to fulfill it. Amen!
The Destiny of the Church
As already stated, the destiny of the Church is the “Blessed Union” (symbolically referred to as the Marriage) that is to come, when God will redeem His Church and eternally dwell with her.
“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. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” – Revelation 19:7–8
This is the most awaited event when Jesus Christ will return to earth. It will be a great time of peace, joy, and prosperity. This is also our “Blessed Hope.”
“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’” – Revelation 21:2–4
The notable things highlighted in this passage are:
- The New City, called the New Jerusalem
- The Tabernacle of God on earth
- God dwelling with His people, the Church
- A time of prosperity, eternity, and freedom from pain
- Everything becoming new
Isn’t this wonderful, dear friend? That is why we must make every effort to embrace, appropriate, and fulfill the mission in preparation for the glorious destiny before us.
Blessings to you!
