The Church the lampstand is to Christ (Hymn 822)

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: That 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.