Ecclesiology-The Church

Ecclesiology

Position of Christ to the Church

Position of the Church to Christ

In Symbolic Language

Lesson XX

April 5, 2007

I The Position of Christ to the Church

1. Christ is the HEAD of the Church

Ephesians 1:22

(22) And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,

Ephesians 4:15

(15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

Ephesians 5:23

(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Colossians 1:18

(18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 2:18-19

(18) Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

(19) And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Ephesians 1:22 Head over all things to the Church

Ephesians 4:15 The head, even Christ

Ephesians 5:23 Even as Christ is the head of the Church

Colossians 1:18 He is the head of the body, the Church

Colossians 2:19 Not holding the Head (This verse must be read in the context of verse 18)

The Colossians were being beguiled (led astray) into the worshipping of angels instead of Christ, actions which appeal to the fleshly mind. Not the spiritual mind.

Hebrews 1:4

(4) Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Hebrews 1:4 Christ is much better than angels.

When the Apostle seeks to diagnose the disorders which had broken out in the Church at Colosse, he puts his finger on the sore spot by the use of a most telling expression. He blames their condition on not holding the Head. They had drifted into false, dangerous doctrines because they had departed from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3

(3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

We must always and ever remember that Christ is the Head of the Church. He is the Church’s Authority. No Pope! No Priest! No Preacher! No Pastor! No gifted evangelist. No other man or person. Certainly not the Virgin Mary. We must always acknowledge the only headship to be Christ.

This alone should warn the present generation of the dangers they are facing with the trend to go back into the Roman Catholic Church. Rome still believes and teaches that the Pope is the Head of the Church. Never forget that! The Head speaks of a vital relationship. Organizations may have many heads. An organism has only one.

Colossians 1:15-18

(15) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

(16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

(17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

(18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 2:14-15

(14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

(15) [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Colossians 1:15-17 Christ is the Head of all creation.

Colossians 1:18 Christ is declared to be the Head of the Church

Colossians 2:14-15 Christ is the head of all principalities and powers

Principalities and powers usually, in Scripture, refer to the Angelic creation. The existence of such a creation is found in many Scriptures. To ignore their existence is to ignore Scripture. To reject their existence is to reject Scripture. There is a ‘spirit-world’ creation, both good and evil. This creation is as literal and real as the human creation. But remember, they are created beings and therefore limited in their abilities and powers.

Psalm 148: 2-5

(2) Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

(3) Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

(4) Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that [be] above the heavens.

(5) Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

Nehemiah 9:6

(6) Thou, [even] thou, [art] LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all [things] that [are] therein, the seas, and all that [is] therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

1 Peter 3:22

(22) Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Psalm 148: 2-5 He commanded and they were created.

Nehemiah 9:6 Thou hast made Heaven, the heaven of heavens and all their host.

1 Peter 3:22 He “has gone onto heaven, angels and authorities, powers, made subject unto him.”

Remember the admonitions in Colossians chapter two, we have already looked at.

Colossians 2:4 Let no man beguile you with enticing words …

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy…

Colossians 2:16 Let no man judge (trouble) you about meat, or in drink or holy days, etc.

Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward.

These are the kind of dangers that face believers who do not keep Christ as the Head.

Matthew 17:1-5

(1) And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

(2) And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

(3) And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

(4) Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

(5) While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Peter wanted to give Moses and Elijah equal place with Jesus. They soon disappeared and they saw no man but Jesus only. And the voice from Heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; Hear ye Him” (Matthew 17:1-5).

Remember Christ came out of eternity into time that we might joyfully go from time into eternity, to be forever with Him.

Someone has outlined Ephesians 5:25-27 as some of the things Christ did for the Church

Ephesians 5:25-27

(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

(26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

(27) That 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.

John 13:1

(1) Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

1) Christ loved the Church (cf John 13:1)

2) Christ gave Himself for the Church

3) Christ sanctified the Church

4) Christ cleanses the Church

5) Christ washes the Church

6) Christ presents the Church

7) Christ preserves the Church

L.S. Chafer suggests other figures of Christ’s relationship to the Church. In connection with each figure there is a similar truth to be observed regarding Israel. This is because both are God’s People. But both do not have the same position in the plan of God.

2. Christ is the Shepherd of the Sheep

Psalm 23:1

(1) The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 10:11

(11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

1 Peter 5:4

(4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

1 Peter 5:7

(7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Hebrews 13:20

(20) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Psalm 23:1 David and all Israel could say that too

John 10:11 To His disciples, Christ said, “I am the good Shepherd”

1 Peter 5:4 He is the Chief Shepherd. This figure speaks of Christ’s tender care for the Church.

1 Peter 5:7 He careth for you

Hebrews 13:20 He is the Great Shepherd of the sheep

3. Christ is the Vine

Exodus 4:22

(22) And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, [even] my firstborn:

Israel is named “my son”, even “my firstborn”. Therefore we conclude, Israel is a type of the Suffering Savior, yet to be revealed in all His glory.

Isaiah 5:7

(7) For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

Israel in a figure, is called the Lord’s Vineyard

John 15:1

(1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Jesus said of Himself, “I am the true Vine” and in the context believers are likened to the branches of that Vine. As the Lord cultivated His Vineyard, Israel, for the purpose of bringing forth fruit; so the Vine and branches “speak of Christ’s life and strength being in-planted in us” for the purpose of producing fruit.

4. Christ is the Chief Corner-Stone

1 Peter 2:6

(6) Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

1 Corinthians 3:11

(11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:8

(8) Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

1 Corinthians 1:23

(23) But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Peter 2:6 the Chief Corner Stone

1 Corinthians 3:11 The foundation Stone of the Church

1 Peter 3:8 A Stone of stumbling to Israel

See also 1 Corinthians 1:23 Unto the Jews a stumbling block

As we shall see later, the Church is likened to a Building. The Church is God’s habitation. I do not find this figure ever applied to Israel.

5. Christ is the High Priest

1 Peter 2:9

(9) But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

1 Peter 2:9 Believers in the Church constitute a royal priesthood.

This is a major protestant doctrine, that is, the priesthood of all believers. Because all believers are priests, protestants do not call their ministers ‘priests’ or ‘father’ in matters spiritual.

Matthew 23:9 “And call no man your father upon earth: for (because) one is your Father, which is in heaven”.

The positions of ‘priests’ and ‘fathers’ in the Roman Church are directly opposed to Scripture.

Here is another great contrast between the Church and Israel. Israel had a priesthood in the Tribe of Levi, not numbered with the twelve other tribes. But the Church is a royal priesthood it does not have a priesthood.

6. Christ is the head of a New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:17

(17) Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he] is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 2:15

(15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;

2 Corinthians 5:17 In Christ, a new creature

Ephesians 2:15 In Christ, a new man

As surely as the Human creation was a new creation in relationship to the Angels, and Israel a new creation in relationship with the Nations, the Church is a new creation in relationship to Israel.

7. Christ is the Bridegroom

We shall consider later, the Church, the Bride of Christ.

Ephesians 5:25-32 Paul speaks of this relationship as a great mystery.

Ephesians 5:25-32

(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

(26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

(27) That 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.

(28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

(29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

(30) For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

(31) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

(32) This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Israel is never likened or symbolized as a bride. She is repeatedly likened to a repudiated wife, yet to be restored to her husband. Rather than these figures making Israel and the Church one and the same, they show the difference between the two.

There is no doubt, great significance in the fact that in Ephesians 5, the husband is to love his wife (verses 25, 28, 33). Not once does it charge the wife to love her husband. We can at least apply a lesson. The love of Christ for the Church is far greater and far more important than the love of the Church for Christ. The Church is destined to meet her Bridegroom in Heaven. Nowhere in Scripture does it state that the Nation of Israel is destined for Heaven in this manner.

Summarizing this section, The Position of Christ to the Church.

1 Christ is the HEAD of the Church

2 Christ is the Shepherd of the Sheep

3 Christ is the Vine

4 Christ is the Chief Corner- Stone

5 Christ is the High Priest

6 Christ is the head of a New Creation

7 Christ is the Bridegroom

II The Position of the Church to Christ.

1. The Church is the Body of Christ

Made up of all believer’s in this age of grace

Romans 12:4-5

(4) For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

(5) So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

(12) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.

(13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

(14) For the body is not one member, but many.

(15) If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

(16) And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

(17) If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where were the smelling?

(18) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

(19) And if they were all one member, where [were] the body?

(20) But now [are they] many members, yet but one body.

(21) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

(22) Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

(23) And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness.

(24) For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked:

(25) That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another.

(26) And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

(27) Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Ephesians 5:29-30

(29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

(30) For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Ephesians 1:22-23

(22) And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,

(23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Romans 12:4-5 One body in Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Notice the word ‘body”

Ephesians 5:29-30 Members of His body

Ephesians 1:22-23 The Church and the body is one.

The Body, the Church, is formed by an unseen baptism. It is this baptism that makes the Church ‘one’ and is the answer to Jesus’ prayer “that they all may be one” in John 17:21. When one sees this fact, then one will not be taken-in by the ecumenical spirit of this age, trying to make the visible Churches one.

John 17:21

(21) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

That the prayer in John 17 has been answered we consider the following:

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

(12) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.

(13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Galatians 3:27-28

(27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

(28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:1, 4

(1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

(4) [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

1 Corinthians 12:12 As the body is one (not shall be one)

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body

Galatians 3:27-28 Proves that it is an unseen baptism, therefore eternal baptism.

Ephesians 4:1 We are to endeavour to keep, not make, the unity. It has been made.

Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, one Spirit

If the Church is one and the body is one and that body the body of Christ, how can any member be lost?

Every believer today, is baptized into the Church

Matthew 16:13-18

(13) When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

(14) And they said, Some say [that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

(15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

(16) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

(17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

(18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Acts 2:42

(42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 5:14

(14) And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Acts 11:19-26

(19) Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

(20) And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

(21) And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

(22) Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

(23) Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

(24) For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

(25) Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

(26) And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Matthew 16:13-18 In the context of verse 18, the Church is built by the individual’s confession of faith in Christ

Acts 2:42 It is the Lord who adds to the Church

Acts 5:14 Believers were added to the Lord

Acts 11:19-26 A great number believed. People were added to the Lord. They are called the Church

It is the Lord only and alone who adds members to the Church. He said He would build His Church. He is the Builder and once he has done the adding there is no subtracting!

The Church is the Personal Possession of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

(19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which] is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

(20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Peter 1:18-19

(18) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

(19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Matthew 13:44-46

(44) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

(45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

(46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

2 Corinthians 8:9

(9) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Ephesians 1:18

(18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Matthew 16:18 My Church

1 Corinthians 6:19,20 Ye are not your own

1 Peter 1:18-19 Redeemed to Himself (cf Matthew 13:44-46 Who gave all?)

2 Corinthians 8:9 is the answer to the question.

The Church is Christ’s investment.

Ephesians 1:18 Christ has His inheritance in the Saints.

He is carefully looking after His inheritance and will in no way lose it.

John 10:28

(28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

2. The Church is likened to a Building in relation to the Church

Ephesians 2:20-22

(20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

(21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

(22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:9

(9) For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

(16) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

(17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.

Ephesians 2:20-22 A building…a habitation of God

1 Corinthians 3:9 Ye are God’s building

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God.

What about the words in verse 17, “him will God destroy”?

Acts 5:1-11

(1) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

(2) And kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.

(3) But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?

(4) Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

(5) And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

(6) And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried [him] out, and buried [him].

(7) And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

(8) And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

(9) Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out.

(10) Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying [her] forth, buried [her] by her husband.

(11) And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Hebrews 10:30

(30) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

1 Corinthians 9:27

(27) But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1 Timothy 3:15

(15) But 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 Peter 2:5-7

(5) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

(6) Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

(7) Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

Acts 5:1-11 is an example of God destroying those who defile His temple

Hebrews 10:30 God will judge His people

1 Corinthians 9:27 a castaway is no longer fit for service.

1 Timothy 3:15 the house of God is the pillar and ground of the truth

1 Peter 2:6-7 Christ is the chief corner Stone of this Building.

1 Peter 2:5, we are lively stones in this spiritual house.

Remember it is His Building. It is His work. He is still at the work of building His Church.

3. The Church is likened to Bread

1 Corinthians 10:17

(17) For we [being] many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

1 Corinthians 10:17 one bread, one body.

This is the only verse we have found on this subject. We make an application.

The Body is one made up of many members.

The Building is one made up of many stones.

The Bread is one made up of many kernels.

Each kernel in the bread has been crushed to flour.

It is not without significance that the word “contrite” is used in Scripture.

Psalm 34:18

(18) The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 51: 17

(17) The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Isaiah 57:15

(15) For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 66:2

(2) For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Matthew 21:44

(44) And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 51: 17 the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 66:2 …but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word”

The word ‘contrite’ means: thoroughly bruised, broken down with sorrow for sin.

Matthew 21:44 Jesus said : and whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken

If you are on the Stone you have salvation. Ever believer has fallen on the Stone!

So we ask the question:

What kernel in a piece of bread is most important? Have not all been crushed to flour? That symbol should teach each one of us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and find it easy to “submit to one another”.

Romans 12:3

(3) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Ephesians 5:21

(21) Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

4. The Church is also identified as the Bride of Christ

Ephesians 5:25-33