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So complete was the victory of Jesus Christ as the Son of Man over the enemies separating us from the Father, that after 2000+ years of preparing the second woman, thoughts begin to creep into the church that the work is already perfected (completed). In reality, Christ continues today to bring glory to the Father, through His spiritual body, the church.

It is why each ecclesiastic year includes a focus on obedience to the word of God as a means to fulfilling righteousness – celebrating the victory of Jesus through emulation. The text to the Corinthians, above, shows a ‘doing’ that each generation is called to fulfil until the work is completed and Christ returns. Will we answer that call?

Apostle Peter was more succinct, 1 Peter 1:14-16, “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

In 19th century England, the son of a wealthy ship merchant, William Longstaff, penned the below poem after hearing these words. It combined practical advice and actions to achieve a spiritual goal.

1 Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His word.

Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

2 Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;

Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;

Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

3 Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide,

And run not before Him, whatever betide.

In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,

And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word.

4 Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,

Each thought and each motive beneath His control.

Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,

Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

We recognise these words as a choir hymn put to music by gospel composer, George Stebbins, while doing missionary work in India, and published by Ira D Sankey (# 608).

(Source: The Complete Book of Hymns, 2006, William J Petersen and Ardythe Petersen)

The second stanza gives powerful purpose to our endeavours to be truly followers of Christ.

“By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be; thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.”

The bride is preparing and being made ‘similar to His image’ as a suitable counterpart for the groom.