Theme: The Beauty of Holiness: Understanding the Sanctity of the Church 

Leader: The Rt. Rev. Manassas Okere, PhD (Bishop of Ukwa Diocese)

Introduction

The beauty of holiness is revealed in God’s relationship with His Church. In Ephesians 5:25–27, Apostle Paul draws a parallel between the love of Christ for His Church and the love of a husband for his wife. This passage emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Christ’s love, the cleansing and sanctification of the Church, and the ultimate goal of presenting her pure and glorious before God.

Discussion Points:

• The relationship between husband and wife symbolize the relationship between Christ and the Church

• Loving sacrifice is the basis upon which Christ takes to sanctify and cleanse the Church (cf. Hebrews 10:10; John 15:3).

• Death and eternal life is the Christ’s ultimate goal for the Church (Col. 1:22, Rev. 21:2, 9-10).

• As a member of the Church (the Bride of Christ), our willingness to subject ourselves to Christ in everything is key, this will in turn assist in being victorious as we struggle with submitting to the will of God (Eph. 5:24, cf. Matt. 7:21, Luke 6:46, James 4:7).

• Our living for God constantly will reflect in  our thoughts, speech, and actions and sharpen our value for holiness,purity, and spiritual integrity of the Church (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:25-27; Phil. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:15-16).

• Holiness should be seen as a beautiful and desirable attribute of the Church and as a recipient of such grace we must be willing to adjust our lifestyle to align with the sanctity God desires.

The lessons highlighted:

1. The Sacrificial Love of God for His Church: Christ loved the Church so deeply that He gave Himself up for her. This self-giving love sets the standard for Christian love and service. Holiness begins with understanding and receiving this love.

2. The Purpose of Sanctification

Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God. The Church is sanctified not by her own merit but by the work of Christ. God’s desire is that His Church reflects His holiness in the world.

3. Cleansing by the Washing of Water with the Word: The Word of God acts as a purifying agent, cleansing believers from sin. Just as water cleanses physically, the Word cleanses spiritually. Daily exposure to Scripture is essential for maintaining holiness.

4. The Eschatological Presentation of the Church: Christ’s ultimate goal is to present the Church to Himself in splendor. This presentation looks forward to the final union of Christ and His Bride at His coming. It points to believers to live with eternity in view.

5. The Goal of Holiness and Blamelessness: God’s desire is a Church that is holy (hagios), blameless, and separated from sin. Holiness is not an option but the expected identity of the Church. This calls for continuous growth and maturity in righteousness.

6. Purity without Spot or Wrinkle: Christ seeks a Church marked by moral and spiritual purity. Spots represent sin and compromise, wrinkles suggest decay or decline. The phrase “or any such thing” (Greek: ton toiouton) emphasizes the exhaustive removal of all perfections. The Church must remain vibrant, spotless, and radiant in her walk with God.

Conclusion

Holiness is the spiritual fragrance of the Church that attracts God’s presence and draws believers into deeper intimacy with Christ. Holiness is not just a doctrine but a living atmosphere that fosters growth, unity, and the visible power of the gospel on believers’ lives. The beauty of holiness lies in God’s vision for His Church—a people redeemed by Christ’s sacrificial love, sanctified and cleansed through His Word, and prepared for a glorious presentation without blemish. Believers are called to reflect this holiness both individually and collectively, living as a radiant testimony of God’s love and grace in the world.

 Memory Verse: Ephesians 5:27 “That he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having a spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

Watch the session below:

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, is set to commence its Standing Committee Meeting, an arm of its highest governing body (The General Synod), hosted this time by the Diocese of Ekiti in Ekiti State.

The first Standing Committee meeting for the year 2025 was held in the Diocese of Niger Delta, Rivers State early this year. 

This second edition of the meeting will take place at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado Ekiti, from today Monday, September 15th, to Friday, September 19th, 2025.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, will deliver a national address during the formal opening ceremony on Wednesday, September 17th, 2024, at 10:00 AM (WAT).

The theme for this edition is “The Sanctity of the Church: Contending for the Integrity of the Christian Faith and Witness in the World,” drawn from Ephesians 5:25-27 and Joshua 7:10-26.

A highlight of this Standing Committee Meeting will be the consecration of two Bishops-elect (Osun North East and Ilesa South West Dioceses) and the presentation of two elected Archbishops (Bendel and Jos Provinces) on Tuesday, September 16th, at 8:00 AM (WAT).

Various departments and groups within the Church of Nigeria will present their reports during the meeting. 

Delegates from all 161 dioceses, institutions of the Church of Nigeria, and select partner organizations are expected to attend.

His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State, along with other dignitaries, is expected to grace the official opening ceremony on Wednesday.

The Diocese of Ekiti, under the lordship of the Rt. Rev’d Dr. Andrew Ajayi, has made all necessary preparations for the successful hosting of this significant Church meeting.

The Standing Committee serves as an arm of the General Synod, which is the highest decision-making body of the Church. While the General Synod meets once every three years, the Standing Committee convenes twice annually to govern the Church during the interim.

The Official Opening Ceremony, Holy Communion Service, and Consecration Service will be broadcast live on Advent Cable Network Nigeria (ACNN TV) and across social media platforms.

Attendance to the meeting is strictly by invitation, and delegates are urged to adhere to the guidelines provided by the host Diocese.

Signed

Korede Akintunde


CoN Communications Officer


Email: communication@anglican-nig.org
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4/09/2025