The Church: The Body of Christ

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (1 Corinthians 12: 27)

What is the Church?

Is it a building? No.

It is a person? Yes! Particularly, we are His Body:

"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1: 18)

How do we describe those individuals who are members of the church?

"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" (1 Corinthians 1:2)

We are members of the church because we have been sanctified, made holy in Him:

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" (1 Corinthians 1: 30)

Where do we as members of the Body of Christ draw our strength? Himself:

"15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4: 15-16)

If we are part of His Body, and we draw strength from Jesus, who is our Head, then let us learn to identify with Him as our leader, as our body, as our new identity.

"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)

Because we are His Body, we can rest in His love, and know that He is taking care of you and me.

"29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband." (Ephesians 5: 29-33)

While this passage talks about how a man should love his wife, we need to see the love which Jesus has for us, every member in particular as well as a whole. You and I are His body, but this does not mean that we have to strive in our efforts. Rather, we are called to receive His love, and in graceful submission we allow Him to care for us!