Hope of Finishing as a Pure Virgin
Paul, an apostle and father of the faith, not only defends his apostleship in 2 Corinthians 11 but he also reveals the purpose of His ministry and the aim of Christianity. He has a godly jealousy which in the Greek means a warmth of feeling. This feeling also includes a burning zeal towards the believers in Corinth. This is Paul’s motivation, not just for Corinth but for all the Churches that he fathered. In this passage, you can feel the deep desire of Paul as he labors for the Bride of Christ.
For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. (2 Corinthians 11:2)
Interestingly, the godly jealousy that Paul operates from is not for his own gain. Instead, the jealousy is for both the believer who is part of the Bride of Christ and for Christ Himself who receives the Bride. Paul’s role is to administer the Father’s desire to lead the Church, the Bride of Christ, to the Bridegroom. This role is very much like that of John the Baptist as the Friend of the Bridegroom in John 3:29.
The bridal theme is not new to us especially those in the prayer movement. It is a predominant storyline from Genesis to Revelation culminating in Revelation 19 at the marriage supper of the Lamb. However, when reading this passage a couple of days ago something struck me afresh and gave me renewed hope for myself and the Body of Christ. It was the phrase at the end of this verse; “present you as a pure virgin.”
The presenting of the Bride of Christ as a pure virgin is not only the goal of Paul’s ministry but it is the prophetically stated end of what will happen. Meaning, when Jesus returns in Revelation 19 the global Bride of Christ will be cleansed, pure and ready to meet the Bridegroom. The global Church will finish the race victorious in love and purity and not in scandal and perversion! This perspective totally goes against the idea that the longer we live and journey in this perverse generation and world system, the more and more we will be tainted by sin and the spirit of this age.
Instead, this verse gives us hope and courage that ending our earthly lives in greater purity is possible. Also it should be a goal for each one of us to attain through the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.
I believe this truth is vitally important to sow into our spirits now especially in this season where more and more pastors and ministries are being uncovered. As I was reading about the exposing of the Newsboys, what is accepted in the Western Christian community let alone the worship culture and following the ongoing saga of many other pastors, just the sheer depth and quantity of scandals causes my spirit to be overwhelmed with grief. Sometimes it seems like the overwhelming tide of
corruption and immorality is the prevailing atmosphere of Christianity and cynicism begins to creep in and grow. It is against this backdrop that the promise of ending our walk with Jesus in purity is so refreshing to my soul! There is hope, power and the grace of God to finish our race well and overcome.
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. (2 Cor 11:3)
One of the keys to finishing well is to understand God’s priority of how to run well. God the Father values our heart position of simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ much more than we can imagine. This heart position from when we meet Jesus in first love all the way to maturity in Christ is to be one of purity of devotion to Him alone! We do not outgrow this simplicity of devotion by knowledge, experiences or the lure of ministry.
Paul says the same thing in another way in 1 Timothy 1:5. The goal of our instruction or the growth of our spiritual lives is to result in love from a pure heart and a sincere faith. Purity in devotion is the goal and destination of our journey with Jesus. It is not only possible, this should be the stated goal of our efforts and ministries.
But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)
Beloved, let me encourage you today to keep your eyes fixed and focused on Jesus! He alone gives us meaning and value as we are accepted in the Beloved. It is not the size of our ministry, our seeming impact, the hype of movements or even being part of something God is doing that empowers and fuels our inner man. The intimate oil of the love of God found in the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ is what will keep us on the narrow road of righteousness. Drink deeply from the unending well of His love and presence today.