THE CHURCH -- THE BODY OF CHRIST
The church which Christ said He would build (Matt. 16:18), and which was established on the first Pentecost after His resurrection (Acts 2:47) is called in the scriptures, "the body of Christ." In Ephesians 1:22, 23, Paul calls it " ... the church, which is' his body." In Colossians 1:18, he calls it" ... the body, the church ... "
THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES THERE IS ONE BODY
The figure of the church of Christ as the spiritual body of Christ emphasizes the singularity of the church. Christ spoke of building "my church" - singular (Matt. 16:18). Paul wrote that "we have many members in one body" (Rom. 12:4,5); also, "But now are they many members, yet but one body" (I Cor. 12:20). Both Jew and Gentile are reconciled unto God in one body (Eph. 2:16). "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:4,5). The church is the body. The body is one. Therefore, the church of Christ is one. Let each be sure he is a member of this one.
CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE BODY - THE CHURCH
Christ's dominion over the church is complete. He was given "to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body. " (Eph. 1: 22,23). He is "the head of the body, the church" (Col. 1:18). As members of one's physical body are subject to his mind, so must the members of Christ's spiritual body (the church) must do. What he does not command and teach, the church must not do nor teach (II John- 9,10). The "effectual working" of "every part" (i.e., every member) is dependent on growing up "into him in all things, which is the head of Christ" (Eph. 4:15,16).
CHRISTIANS ARE MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST
The relationship of a Christian to Christ as the head of the body (the church) is that of complete subjection (Eph. 5:24). The relationship of a Christian to fellow Christians as members of the one body (the church) is that of complete union and harmony. Every joint is to supply his part to make the body strong (Eph. 4:16). All the members are united in the one body (Rom. 12:4,5; I Cor. 12:12-20). Each member must perform his own work (I Cor. 12:14-19). One member is as important as any other member (I Cor. 12:21-23). There must be no schism in the body (I Cor. 12:24,25). There must be mutual sympathetic care for each other (I Cor. 12:25-27).
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING MEMBERS OF THE BODY
Christ is the saviour of the body (Eph. 5:23). If one wishes to be among the saved, he must be in the body. Men are "called unto the peace of God" in one body (Col. 3:15). If one desires this peace, he must be in the body. Man is "reconciled unto God in one body" (Eph. 2:16). If one is to have the benefits of this reconciliation, he must be in the body. The "fullness of him that filleth all in all" is in the one body (Eph. 1:23). If one is to enjoy this fullness, he must be in the body. One cannot be subject to the head and united with Christ without being a member of the body.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE BODY
Paul wrote to the members of the church at Corinth (I Cor. 1:2), "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body. " (I Cor. 12:13). This is by being "buried with Christ in baptism" (Rom. 6:3). Have you done this?
Written in 1983 - Joe Wilson (brother in-law)
– deceased 6/23/18
The Church Is The Body Of Christ – Song
The church is the body of Christ we are told,
It consists of the ones saved from sin,
The rich and the poor and the young and the young and the old,
Whom the Lord adds as they’re born again.
The church is the kingdom of God we are told,
And its king is our Savior and Lord,
The spiritual blessings we freely receive,
Are bestowed as we live by the Word.
The church is the bride of the Lamb that was slain,
And this marriage took place long ago,
If we’re true to the groom until He comes again,
We are promised a mansion we know.
And the Lord of the church wills that Christians be one,
As was prayed in Gethsemane’s prayer,
But the doctrine of men mock the prayer of God’s Son,
There’s division and strife everywhere.
One church, only one church, for her life none but Jesus could pay,
Some day He will take her to Heaven on high,
That’s why I’m a member today.
Written circa 1981 – O. D. Wilson (father in-law)
– deceased 1995
One sentiment, expressed in an article and a song by two generations. This is because both are based on Bible truth. To which “body” do you belong? If not the body of Christ, as shown in God’s New Testament, you need to think of where you’ll spend eternity.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
