Glorious Body of Christ

by R.B. Kuiper

'Glorious' is probably the last adjective most modern writers would use to describe the Christian Church. Yet R. B. Kuiper chose his title, The Glorious Body of Christ, advisedly, for he wished to emphasize what he believed to be a sadly neglected aspect of the subject, that the Church of Christ is glorious. Dr. Kuiper, who died in 1966, was for many decades a teacher of theology, and his great concern was for the popular presentation of Christian doctrine. His own books went far to meet that need, including his God-Centered Evangelism (also published by the Trust) and For Whom Did Christ Die? on the extent of the atonement. In addition to his vigorous and clear style, Kuiper is also noted for the comprehensive way in which he treats his subject. The Glorious Body contains no less than fifty-three chapters, and among the aspects of the subject dealt with are unity, the marks of the Church, the offices of the Church, its responsibilities and privileges, and the Church and the world. Although this book is worthy of the widest possible circulation, it may be particularly commended as a manual for office-bearers in the Church.

Genres: Theology, Ecclesiology, Christian, Church

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1967

Reviews

[Colton Brewer]

A gem of a book on Biblical (read: Reformed) ecclesiology. It's simple enough with the way it is formatted having shorter bite sized chapters, that even a layman would be able to get a lot from it. Suffice to say, Banner of Truth needs to get this back in print.

[Jon Jordan]

Read during a class on Ecclesiology from RTS. A very thorough overview of the church (historical, universal, local.)

[Brandi Breezee]

If you want to love the body of Christ even more than you possibly could ever hope to love her, then read this book. It’s magnificently done. Discover how glorious the church really is.

[Travis Robnett]

Very clear. A helpful manual about the church that will increase your affection for it.

[Daniel]

A brilliant overview of biblical ecclesiology. While I disagreed with some of his points regarding Voluntaryism and the well-meant offer, these did not detract too much from the overall argument. The author was also surprisingly strong in his defence of Christ's mediatorial kingship extending to all things, not just the church.

[Steve Davies]

Has many lovely and challenging words. But not sure I agree that Israel was the church in OT and that the church has superseded Israel. Surely Gods promises to Israel are irrevocable.

Quote of the book for me was:

"In many lands today the church finds itself utterly at the mercy of a state whose mercy often proves cruelty, whilst in others the notion is rapidly gaining ground that the church exists and operates at the states permission. Now, if ever is the time for the church to assert its sovereignty over against encroachments by the state. the church is in sacred duty bound to rise up in majesty and proclaim to the world that it enjoys freedom of worship, not by the grace of the state, but as a God-given right and that it preaches the Word of God, not by the grace of human governments, but solely at the command of the sovereign God and its sovereign King, seated at God's right hand."
(The Glorious Body of Christ, RB Kuiper)

[Lachlan Phillips]

Caveat: I haven't finished it; I got to chapter 13 of 53.

This book seems to be a collection of essays on various aspects of the Church, focused on showing us how it is a wonderful, glorious thing, even though it so often doesn't seem that way. But it is, and it's because it belongs to Christ.

There are a few places where Kuiper quite bluntly gives his opinion on various secondary and tertiary doctrinal issues (eg he is very much for Calvinism). While I agree with him, I find -- and this is probably *wrong* and me inheriting a 21st century "your opinion is as good as mine" sentiment -- I find myself cringing a little for other readers when he describes competing ideas.

Honestly, though, I got a bit bored with this. I might come back to it another time.

[Douglas Hayes]

A very good, brief, easy reading Ecclesiology from the Continental Reformed world.

[Brian Algie]

Read (approximately) a chapter a day and in virtually every chapter Kuiper had well explained the Glorious Body of Christ.

[Jacob Bier]

Assigned for Dr. John Currie's "Foundations of Ministry Leadership" class at Westminster Theological Seminary, Winter 2020.

[Eric Yap]

I was instructed to finish this entire book on the first (and only half) week of my WTS MDiv class on "Foundations for Leadership in the Local Church." Initially, I was approaching it not quite enthusiastically about this reading task. Among the founding faculties of WTS, R. B. Kuiper was a lesser-read theologian amongst the likes of John Murray, Cornelius Van Til, and John Machen. But boy was I delightedly blown out of my initial expectations. I devoured the book.

R. B. Kuiper was the first professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (Ed Clowney would later inherit this position, who in turn greatly shaped Tim Keller who also taught practical theology at WTS), who was also responsible for the appearance of the Westminster Theological Journal.

The chapters of this book were initially monthly articles for a Presbyterian magazine. Yet, so compelling and convicting were these articles, combined with Kuiper's "aggressive and direct" writing style (I was amazed that there was a Dutch-American, among his peers like Van Til and Vos, that was actually easy to read), which ultimately culminated in the production on this introductory work on ecclesiology/doctrine of the church.

Across 53 punchy chapters, Kuiper eloquently demonstrates 53 aspects of the church from the scripture as understood by the reformed tradition and confession. The grand aspect and unifying motif that Kuiper chose to weave through his 53 chapters on the body of Christ is that the church is ultimately "glorious." Since the chapters are short, they are not meant to be detailed exegesis for the ecclesiology of the reformed tradition. Rather, they could be read devotionally and at the same time provide a sufficient and comprehensive (in breadth) introduction to ecclesiology as understood by the reformed tradition. Even though Kuiper can be critical of the 20th-century American church and its failures when necessary, yet he consistently and powerfully maintains that the church, the body of Christ, is truly and in the final analysis glorious because of what she is and what she is like according to God's word and her head, the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, even though it is a veiled glory, the church and the body of Christ is essentially glorious according to her design and the word of God. It is no wonder that the subtitle of this beautiful work is: A Scriptural Appreciation of the One Holy Church.

If you would only read one book on the doctrine of the church, I highly recommend this. My professor (who has been pastoring for 30+ years) suggested that we buy multiple copies of this book because we will go back again and again to this book and it will eventually fall apart.

[Josiah Durfee]

Another one bites the dust! Depending on what you’re looking for, I would not rush out and purchase his book. This books reads more like a devotion and a conversation on Church ecclesiology. For example, on what you should teach adults, Kuiper says 1.) The Bible, 2.) the gospel. Nothing wrong with that but he is way too general. The chapters are short, which is also an indication that he never goes deep with his arguments. He’s too dogmatic for my tastes and he seems closed off to persuasion, which is counterintuitive. He thinks dispensationalism has been the second leading reason behind worldliness for the decline of the church, and if you agree with Arminianism, you’re living in sin. Who knows though, you might agree with him.

[Dayo Adewoye]

It's a penetrating exploration of the glory of the Christian church, the body of Christ. The church is not just glorious in its heavenly domain (triumphant), it is glorious even while standing on earth (militant). She is glorious in the breadth of wisdom and grace displayed in her founding, but equally so in the role she plays in God's world.

Praise God for his glory displayed through his church!

[Tim Miller]

Composed of 53 short chapters, The Glorious Body of Christ serves well as a rejuvenating and encouraging devotional on the Church. The read is an absolute delight and serves well both those new to the Church and those looking for a greater appreciation of its roles, functions, and beauty. Highly Recommend!

[Jill]

An excellent overview of the functions, qualities, and purposes of the church in a changing world.

The Presby bent was much stronger in some places than others but I agreed with a good 85% of the author’s arguments. Overall this was wonderful and I have a deeper love for the local and global church because of this book!

[Andrew Canavan]

This is one of the best, clearest, and most engagingly written introductions to ecclesiology I've come across. It would make a great book for a discussion group, Bible study, or Sunday School class. You should read it!

[Dave]

Fantastic. This book deserves to be much better known than it is. Packed with insights and loved the short digestible chapters. A great one for the session/elders of a church to read together.

[Neil]

The author writes comprehensively and in an engaging manner, on the Church of Christ as being inherently glorious. Steering a course between the extremes in ecclesiastical theology, he demonstrates the scriptural stance on subjects as diverse as unity and division, the church offices and ecclesiastical evangelism. Written in the United States of the mid 20th century, yet it is just as relevant to today's ecclesiastical scene.
One criticism: the chapters dealing with corporate worship rightly promote the regulative principle of worship, that is, only worshipping God in the exact way he has specified, yet the author makes no mention of exclusive psalmody, and quotes hymns to be used in corporate worship.

[Cbarrett]

This book will make you love the church of Jesus Christ more! It will make you love Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, more! The whole book is great, but these are some highlights: chapters on Holiness of the church, progressiveness of the church, indestructibility of the church, teacher of covenant youth, teacher of adult believers...and those are just five of the 53 chapters (don't worry, the chapters are not long). I would also agree with the blurb on the back, "Although this book is worth of the widest possible circulation, it may be particularly commended as a manual for office-bearers in the Church."

[CJ Bowen]

Really appreciated this book. Written at a layman's level, but very thorough. Kuiper is judicious, has strong convictions, and writes in a worshipful way. Not sure why this work isn't more well-known and well used!

[Martin Keast]

Sound teaching much needed today.

[Yianni]

One of the greatest books on Ecclesiology! Highly Recommend this book to any lay man or pastor who wants to understand the nature, power, and government of the body of Christ!