A Vision of the Savior Ephesians 5:25-27
Christ Loved the Church This love for the church reaches back before creation Heb. 10:9; Rev. 13:8 His love is unfathomable, but more real and deeper than any love on this earth
He Gave Himself Up
He gave Himself up is in reference to His death Yet He gave up much more than just His life Philippians 2: Is. 53: 3-6
To Sanctify Her He looked with joy to being able to set His bride apart from others (Heb. 12:2) It is a joy in which we are intended to share (John 15:11 17:13) The Church—ekklesia—His called out ones/set aside
To Cleanse Her Ezekiel 16:8-14 Christ sets aside, cleanses us, through the preaching of the gospel 1 Cor. 15:1-8; John 15:3; 17:17
To Present Her To Himself He is preparing a bride by Himself to present to Himself Esther 2:8-9; 12 Someday she will be a beautiful present for the Lord (Rev. 21:2, 9-14)