mple in the
Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God
through the Spirit" (ii:19-22). Such is the church the body of Christ.
Every member in Christ and Christ in every member, each believer made
nigh by blood, accepted in the beloved One, indwelt by the Holy Spirit
and one Spirit with the Lord. The church is therefore the temple of
God, the habitation of God through the Spirit.

Besides this life-relation of the church to the Head in glory, there is
also a love-relation. Of this Ephesians v:21-33 bears witness. The
church is the bride of Christ. He loved the church and gave Himself
for it. She is part of that travail of His soul which He saw, the joy
which was set before Him, for which He endured the cross and despised
the shame. He also sanctifies the church and cleanseth it with the
washing of water by the Word, and finally He will 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. She is the pearl of great
price for which He gave all. Her destiny is to be with Him in glory,
to be like Him and to share His glory. For this true church there is
no condemnation and no wrath, nor anguish and tribulation, but glory,
honor and peace (Rom. ii:9-10). Wrath is coming for the world, but the
Lord Jesus delivers His church from the wrath to come (1 Thess. i:10).
"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our
Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. v:9).

II. What is the Tribulation?

The Word of God speaks of tribulation. Tribulations, distresses and
all that goes with it are in the world on account of sin. Believers,
though saved and no longer of the world, but delivered from this evil
age, have tribulation and persecution likewise. Our Lord said to His
disciples and to all who are His followers, "In the world ye shall have
tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John
xvi:33). "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you"
(John xv:20). "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution" (1 Tim. 12). What a record Paul wrote of his own
tribulations and persecutions. How great was his affliction,
persecution, distress and manifold tribulation! (2 Cor. xi:16-32).
"Through much tribulation we must enter into the Kingdom of God" (Acts
xiv:22). The believer is exhorted to glory (or boast) in these
tribulations (Rom. v:3). Tr