The Development of the Bride

Let us go back to the newly converted flock, to the few who could not go along with this development of the harlot, who on occasion would cause unrest because they sought for victory over sin. They were branded as extremists and disregarded, and yet they could not give up. They were more or less alone at the prayer meetings since the others did not feel a need for such meetings. The others only showed up to hear the big-name speakers where they could sit comfortably and enjoy the nice music and listen to the preacher’s sweet words and amusing stories. Then, after having put a little in the collection, they would go home quite satisfied.

In this way these few finally become completely separated and are left to themselves. Of course this is the best thing that could happen. Now they can come together for prayer and read God’s Word, and He who said “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” is true to His promise. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” 1 Cor. 12:7. When they come together, each one has something. 1 Cor. 14:26. They begin to practice the doctrine of Christ. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matt. 16:24 (see also 2 John 9). The word of the cross becomes the power of God for salvation to them. 1 Cor. 1:18. And everything that comes from the flesh is judged. The old man is kept on the cross. In this way the Holy Spirit can have His way with them, and the gifts of the Spirit begin to be exercised. One becomes an apostle by the power of the Spirit, another a prophet, some become evangelists, shepherds, or teachers. Eph. 4:11-12. They begin to function as a body, and as they serve each other, they become members of one another.

Because they have forsaken the world, they have no desire to get caught up in the rivalry of the world, and therefore they have no need for a name. The name of their bridegroom is sufficient for them. They are perfectly satisfied simply to be called “Christians.” Acts 11:26. They have no need for a membership list either, because they have been baptized by one Spirit into one body. 1 Cor. 12:13. It does not matter whether they are bond or free, Jew or Greek, rich or poor; their names do not need to be recorded with ink, because they are written by the Spirit of the living God on the tablets of flesh of the heart. 2 Cor. 3:3. Thus they become the church—the body of Christ—of which Christ is the head. Eph. 1:22-23.

Of course, Satan does not leave this flock in peace; even among them there are people weak enough to listen to him. Not only that, but they are too immature to discern that it is Satan in the form of an angel of light. Factions arise because one holds to Apollos, the other to Paul, etc. 1 Cor. 3:4. But praise God! Paul and Apollos are so God-fearing that they do not gather to themselves. They let the light shine in the situation, proving that those who cause such divisions are carnal babes in Christ. Satan was out to destroy, but God turned it all for the best. Thus the church experiences a cleansing. Much that was hidden is revealed, and this leads to a clearer understanding in every area. Perhaps some were offended because Paul did not appreciate their zeal for him, and so they went their way. However, by this the church was cleansed from a burden that had been hidden until now, namely, from some who were willing to defend the first man (the flesh) and who therefore actually belonged in the harlot.

There cannot be more than one church in one place. Therefore we read, “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,” etc. Rev. 3:1 and 3:7. There was only one church, and it was named after the city where it was located.

Yes, you say, but there could be so many people that there would not be sufficient room for them in one place. That is possible, but if we believe the Scriptures, there is no danger of that, for strait is the gate and narrow is the way, and there are few who find it. And besides, I have never heard any group complain that they had too many members. Neither have I ever seen people leave a group for this reason alone and gather in some other name. However, it is reasonable that in an area where the friends live miles apart, there could be several meetings of the church on the same evening because it is difficult for them to meet together in one place. Nevertheless, they all constitute the church in that locality. When one member suffers, they all suffer; if one member is honored, they all rejoice with him. This is the work of the Spirit of Christ among people. Praise God for such a work and for such a result in an ungodly world!