PC(USA) Six Great Ends of the Church
FIRST GREAT END
“The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind” The book represents the Scriptures. The dove is rising from the Scriptures indicating the source of both the original witness and our present understanding. The same Spirit that inspired the original writers enables us to receive the gospel. The cross behind the book and dove reminds us that the heart of the Jesus Christ, God with us and for us.
SECOND GREAT END
“The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God” Multi-hued hands represent all the children of God. The dove’s wings are tipped downward, sheltering the people of God. The triangle of light links the dove to the people.
THIRD GREAT END
“The maintenance of divine worship” The chalice, a reminder of the Trinity, represents the Lord’s Supper, and the three drops of water, Baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The dove reminds us that the same Spirit is present in the Sacraments as in the proclamation of the gospel. The Sacraments enact the gospel. The raised arms signify our response of praise and thanksgiving: our worship of the living God.
FOURTH GREAT END
“The preservation of the truth” The banner represents the light of truth shining in the darkness. The dove reminds us that the truth we proclaim to the world is the gospel of Jesus Christ, God with us and for us. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
FIFTH GREAT END
“The promotion of social righteousness” The banner represents Amos 5:24: “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.”
SIXTH GREAT END
“And the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world” The dove is in flight over the globe, carrying an olive branch, echoing Gen. 8:11: “And lo, in her mouth a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth.” This represents the eighth day of creation, God’s grace coming into the world, the reign of God proclaimed by Jesus Christ. The light rising behind the earth represents the dawning of God’s kingdom.