E822

The Church the lampstand is to Christ,

The Church - The Lampstand of Christ

20

Verse 1

The Church the lampstand is to Christ,

Christ is the lamp with God as light;

The light divine from Christ doth shine,

The Church upholds its glory bright.

Verse 2

The light which shines within the lamp

Is God as life, unique, divine;

The stand must therefore be of gold

To match the glory which doth shine.

Verse 3

Amid the darkness of this age

The light of life divine doth beam

In many centers of mankind

Where Jesus' testimony's seen.

Verse 4

To be this testimony pure

"First love" to Christ the Church must keep;

Then from the "tree of life" she may

The overcomer's portion reap.

Verse 5

She must the persecution bear

That she the "crown of life" may gain;

Adult'ry spiritual o'ercome,

The "hidden manna" to obtain.

Verse 6

The deeds of "Jezebel" desert,

That she may rule the earth with might;

Defiling deadness overcome

To be arrayed in "garments white."

Verse 7

Like "Philadelphia" she must be

To keep Christ's word, confess His Name;

All "lukewarm" pride she must o'ercome

To feast with Him who overcame.

Verse 8

Thus will the Church be purified

To be the lampstand of pure gold,

To match the testimony pure,

The life of Jesus fit to hold.

Verse 9

The local churches here on earth

The lampstands in this age should be;

The glorious new Jerusalem

The lampstand in eternity.

Verse 10

The city as pure gold will be,

The final lampstand consummate;

Christ as the lamp she e'er will hold

And God's full light will radiate.

Hymn details

Lyrics: Witness Lee

Music: Arr. from Robert A. Schumann

Meter: 8.8.8.8.