As we have considered the nature and purpose of the church these past few weeks, it should be evident that we are not speaking of any mere earthly institution or entity. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a supernatural reality planned and purposed by the Triune God from eternity past.

To believe that the church came into existence on its own accord, is as foolish as believing that the natural universe came into existence of its own power. God the Creator planned the universe to display His glory, and He planned the church to display His glory and to be a glorious bride for His Son.