1. The dove is a beautiful bird, especially in Eastern countries, where their plumage is so dazzling, and in this particular typifies the Church (Eze_16:14).
2. The believer’s righteous beauty is from Christ alone (Psa_90:17).
3. The dove is remarkable for her cleanliness; so the Church is both clean and cleanly (Heb_10:22).
4. Doves will feed only on pure grain; so true believers can only live on Christ (Psa_119:140; Tit_1:15; Joh_6:35).
5. The dove delights to be fed by her own mate; so does the Church by Christ (Son_1:7).
6. The dove is remarkable for its love to its mate; so is the Church to Christ (Psa_73:23-28).
7. The dove is remarkable for its deep grief when separated from its mate (Eze_7:16).
8. Doves are sociable creatures, and delight in each other’s company (1Jn_4:7).
9. Doves are fearful and timid birds (Mat_8:26).
10. Doves are swift on the wing; so David wished for the wings of a dove (Psa_55:6).
II. The oneness of the Church.
1. The Church is but one in respect of the world (Joh_15:19).
2. One in respect of unity and communion with herself (Eph_4:13; Col_2:2).
3. She has but one faith (Eph_4:4-5).
4. One in her conduct and practice (Heb_12:14).
5. One in the spirit and object of love (1Co_6:17).
6. And one in Christ their living Head, by whom they are saved (1Co_12:12).
7. And because Christ has no other spouse than the Church (Lev_20:24).
III. Why she is called His. She belongs unto Him by right of creation, donation, redemption, predestination, regeneration, or baptism, sanctification, and salvation. And as such--
1. She will never be lost while residing in the wilderness, for the Spirit is her guide.
2. No creatures of prey shall ever rob her of life, because Christ is her Protector.
3. Nothing shall keep her from glory, for Christ is in heaven to secure her entrance there. (T. B. Baker.)
