The reason why we are spending more time on this is that if there is a weakness in the contemporary reformed and Presbyterian world it is in our proclamation of the word. Too much of what is done on the Lord’s Day morning and evening is powerless and meek.
Likewise, we are to remember that when it comes to justification and the place of faith that this resting and trusting in the finished work of Christ is to be the light by which we live.
For the gospel is a serious matter, not to be trifled with. For to ignore it’s truth is to welcome danger for your soul.
The bounty of this labor is not just given to us, but as the catechism (and the Bible) shows it is accounted as ours. (Rom. 4:5). So on the great day of judgment what is our plea? It is not guilty, by reason of the imputed righteousness of the righteous one. (Gal. 2:20).
An ARP Church must be a gospel, fire-breathing, house of hope for sinners. Not a lecture center of Reformed theology, but a place where men and women can come with the assurance that they will hear, with no strings-attached, the free offer of life eternal found alone in the Redeemer.
James Anderson answers the question in this way, “Thus it’s reasonable to infer that God’s primary purpose in allowing the fall was to showcase his glory both in the original creation and also in his powerful and merciful restoration of that creation from its rebellion and corruption.”
“Our mystical betrothal to our Savior is pictured for us in the consummation at the end of days in Revelation 21 and 22. There is a mighty mercy at work in the eternal plan of God that has its application in the way we are brought out of darkness and into the marvelous light of His truth.”
It is vital that we recognize the main reason why our Lord has formed this local expression of His Heavenly kingdom, what we call the Church. It is for the betterment of one another, and so that we will complete His mission as His people for His reasons.
The Church is not an accidental part of the Lord’s plan for your life. She is central to your feeding on Him in His word and His sacraments, through His worship, and to rightly receive His shepherding care. We are not free agents who just happen to join a Church for the sake of it. Real spiritual benefit comes from the gathered body of believers.