Three Aspects of Christ's Love.

From: The Gospel Messenger: Volume 2 (1887)

WHAT has Jesus done for us? “Christ LOVED the church and (1) GAVE HIMSELF for it; (2) that he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it with the washing of water by the word; (3) that he might PRESENT IT TO HIMSELF a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Eph. 5:25-27²⁵Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ²⁶That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷That 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 5:25‑27)). Yes, blessed be His name! deep into the dark waters of our condition did He fling Himself, that, by dying, He might blot out our guilt, and then, rising from the dead, connect us with Himself in everlasting glory. His love was the spring of all. In the past, “he gave himself” ―that settled every question of our guilty state before God. At present, He sanctifies, purifying us by the water of the word. In the future, He will present us to Himself. What love! Our past, present, and future are canopied by a love that leaves nothing to be desired but hearts more appreciative and more responsive; for love is only satisfied with love, and can brook no less requital. W. T. P. W.