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The Church as Spiritual Zion – part 1 of 3 (Amplified and KJV) Bloodline determines those who constitute the human family: “… He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men…So that they should seek God…and find Him” {Acts 17:26-27}. In like manner, just as Creator God created mankind of the same human blood, so Christ Jesus our Redeemer made of one spiritual blood the sons and daughters of Zion. Clearly, the King of Zion does not dwell in temples made by man, for Jesus said, “If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word—obey My teaching; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him” {John 14: 23}. While men continue to construct physical edifices where God might be found, the Father continues to seek yielded hearts where He can rest. Surrendered hearts become His dwelling place. “… God…being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade shrines… {Acts 17:24}. The thematic thread of Zion which runs throughout the Old Testament will ultimately be fulfilled physically and spiritually. Similarities between what is written of literal Zion and what is written of Christ’s Church are numerous and apparent. Here are but a few from the Psalms. David declares of God that “…His dwelling place is in Zion” {76:2} and pleads that God’s deliverance come forth out of Zion: “O that the salvation and deliverance of Israel were come out of Zion! {53:6}. As blessings come through the members of Christ’s Body, David’s prayer continues to be answered: The Lord “Send you help from the sanctuary, and support, refresh and strengthen you from Zion” {20:2}. Through the citizens of spiritual Zion, others are encouraged and strengthened. The corporate temple (spiritual Zion) continues to be built until at last it may be heralded: “When the Lord builds up Zion, He will appear in His glory” {102:16} and “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth” {50:2}.
In Psalm 87 we find several applications to spiritual Zion as seen in the following explanations. Members of Christ’s body who have yielded themselves individually to His purification and building stand authoritatively as “gates of Zion” through whom others, even those from “all nations,” are introduced into the Kingdom of God. These “gates” stand in contrast to “all the dwellings of Jacob,” those who call themselves by the name of the Lord but who have not suffered death to their carnal nature with all its fleshly cravings and have not been resurrected into newness of life, a transformation possible only through the indwelling Spirit of Christ Jesus {1-2}. As the Church grows more and more into the image of her Lord, “glorious things” will indeed be spoken of her, for she will have both the humility and the power to obey whatsoever the Father says; and the world will be unable to deny God’s manifested presence working in, among and through His people {3}. Verses {4-6} consider the identification of a person according to his birthplace. Of those born in Zion (born again and faithful unto death), the promise is given: “The Most High Himself will establish her.” When He “registers the peoples…The Lord shall count… that this man was born there.” The Father knows those who are His and testifies of them {6}. They, too, testify of Him as they declare “All my springs—my sources of life and joy—are in you [city of our God]” {v 7}.
How vividly I recall the way my spirit soared when I first heard the following Scripture chorus (taken from Isaiah 51:11 and Psalm 132:13-16): “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return/ and come with singing unto Zion/ and everlasting joy shall be upon their head/ They shall obtain gladness and joy/ and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. For the Lord hath chosen Zion/ He hath desired it for his habitation/This is my rest for ever; here will I dwell/ for I have desired it/ I will abundantly bless her provision/ I will satisfy her poor with bread/ I will clothe her priests with salvation/ and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” At the time I had no understanding of spiritual Zion being chosen and desired as a dwelling (resting) place for the Almighty, no comprehension that I was a part of the temple being built by God Himself within that Zion, no idea that I was being prepared as a priest unto God, and no realization that even then I was beginning to be clothed with and by Christ Himself. But my spirit man knew and leaped for joy. And still my spirit soars at the name of Zion and of her King. -Ruth French October Newsletter 2005 | Too Much to Survive | No Strings Attached part 1 of 2 Partakers of God | Pastor's Journal October 2004 | The Church as Spiritual Zion part 1 of 3
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