5:26 by the word. Sanctification and cleansing of “the church”—which certainly must include individual members—is accomplished through the Word. Note also John 17:17.

5:27 glorious church. There is no spotless church in existence today, but when Christ returns, “we shall be like Him” (I John 3:2), and shall all be in “the general assembly and church of the firstborn;” with “the spirits of just men made perfect” (Hebrews 12:23).