The Love of Christ to the Church

Eph. 5:26.-To understand this verse it must be taken in connection with what precedes and follows.
1. Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it. His blessed work of redemption already accomplished.
2. That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. His present work, which the Holy Ghost makes good in the church. Eν ρηματι guards and explains
τῳ λουτρῳ, showing that it is the power of the word, and not a mere rite. Compare John 15 " Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken to you."
3. The result, yet future, when He shall present to Himself the glorious church, not having spot, etc.