In more ways than one does it symbolize the collective company of believers—the church which is Christ’s body.
As the moon has no light of its own, but borrows it from the sun, and reflects it again on the dark earth, so does
THE CHURCH
derive its life, its light and glory from Christ, and is responsible to reflect Him in this world (1 Tim. 3:1515But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)), as she will be the vessel of God’s purposes through the countless ages of eternity (Eph. 3:1010To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Ephesians 3:10)). If the moon could possibly vaunt itself against the sun, it would cease to fulfill its mission. How important then that the church should be true. In responsibility on earth only as light-bearer has she failed (Rev., chapters 2, 3), still believers who know its place of affection to Christ will be enabled to act suitably to the truth of it. Whatever God establishes, Satan seeks to destroy the force of. In nothing has he apparently succeeded so well as with his
COUNTERFEIT OF THE CHURCH,
supposing we contrast the true one in a few of its features with the false.
The first was predestinated before the world began; is not of this world but heavenly, and her blessings spiritual and eternal, and in Christ.
The false one began in time, mixes with the world, and is earthly, and her portion for time only, and apart from Christ. It is ignorant of and slights the real blessings.
The first has her life hid with Christ in God, not being yet in display, and is taught by Christ.
The second is at present most glaring, and usurps the place of teacher.
The true one is holy, and like a true widow, mourns and fasts at missing her Bridegroom, awaits His time to reign with Him, when owned as King.
The false one is compared to a shameless woman, mourns not the absence of Christ (not being part of Him), and when the true church is taken out of this world, will glory as queen in that same independent spirit.
The true church will be displayed in white; the false, in scarlet all ablaze. The former will dwell forever with Christ; the latter dwelling on the earth shall receive her deathblow at the hands of the Lord. Who else is represented by this counterfeit but every false religious system. (See Rev. chapters 17-19:4).
The church of Christ is composed of every true believer in this world, whether man or woman, boy or girl—all will be present when the church is complete in the glory yet to come.
“We wait for Thee, O Son of God!
And long for Thine appearing;
‘A little while,’ Thou’lt come, O Lord,
Thy waiting people cheering.
Thus hast Thou said: we lift the head
In joyful expectation,
For Thou wilt bring salvation.
“We wait for Thee, content to share,
In patience, days of trial;
So meekly Thou the cross didst bear,
Our sin, reproach, denial.
How should not we receive with Thee
The cup of shame and sorrow
Until the promised morrow?”