Iglesia santa en la sagrada escritura

Abstract

The author studies the holiness of the Church from the starting point of data provided by Holy Scripture. In the first place, he analyses the concept of «holy» —quados— in the Old Testament. This concept is preached essentially of God as being totally «other», «separated». But in the Bible there appears the possibility of communication between the sphere of that which is holy and the sphere of that which is profane: because God communicates Himself and because the mundane is elevated to the sphere of the divine by means of a consecration. The author then considers the fundament of the holiness of the Church. It is holy in that it is consecrated to God by a New Covenant. The New Covenant is analysed; it is brought forth by Jesus in the Last Supper from which the New Israel arises, the eklesis which includes Jews —the faithful remmant of ancient Israel— and Gentiles —children of Abraham by the Faith. The author also considers the consequences of the New Covenant with regard to the holiness of the Church: it is a «Kingdom of priests», a «Holy Nation». Two sections of this work are dedicated to the study of Baptism and the Eucharist. By Baptism entrance is given into the Holy Church and participation is given in the life of the Trinity. The Eucharist is considered as the source of holiness in the Church: it is the ratification of the New Covenant, the sacrament of the presence and intimate communion of Christ with His Mystical Body, the Church. Finally, the author presents the eschatological dimension of the holiness of the Church. Holiness has been fully given in the Incarnate Word who has assumed human nature. But now holiness is in the process of growth within every Christian as an individual, and in the Church as a Body. The Parusia, with its effects, signifies the consummation of the process of sanctity and sanctifying of the Church Militant and Triumphant.