Verse 27
What was Jesus Christ’s ultimate purpose in giving Himself for the church (Ephesians 5:25)? It was to present her to Himself in all her glory finally, namely, without any blemishes, effects of sin (wrinkles), or anything that would diminish her glory. Positively God will eventually present the church to His Son as exclusively His and spotless (cf. Ephesians 1:4). This will happen at the Rapture when all Christians will experience full sanctification (i.e., glorification) and will join our Lord forever (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:2).
"Spots are caused by defilement on the outside, while wrinkles are caused by decay on the inside." [Note: Wiersbe, 2:51.]
"Christ’s labor of love on behalf of the Church is threefold: past, present, and future: (1) for love He gave Himself to redeem the Church (Ephesians 5:25); (2) in love He is sanctifying the Church (Ephesians 5:26); and (3) for the reward of His sacrifice and labor of love He will present the Church to Himself in flawless perfection, ’one pearl of great price’ (Ephesians 5:27; Matthew 13:46)." [Note: The New Scofield . . ., p. 1277.]
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