We Are the Body of Christ (Part 1)

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ."  - 1 Corinthians 12:12 (KJV)

Last week, we concluded that "church" is much more than a physical building or structure. The church is more correctly, the "body of Christ;" with him being the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). The church (the body of Christ) consists of all who trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and have thereby gained eternal life.

We also saw that the collective group of believers, or the universal church, gather together with local bodies of believers, or the local church, to inspire, teach, and strengthen one another in the understanding and grace of Jesus Christ.

This week, we shall take a closer look at the relationship between Jesus Christ and his church. I ask you to pay particular attention to Ephesians 5:25-27. As you read these verses, notice the imagery and comparison to marriage (husband and wife) that is used here.

What better analogy to use for a strong, loving bond than that of a husband and wife! We are given the representation of Christ as the Bridegroom, and the Church his bride. The apostle Paul tells us that Christ loved the church very much. How much? Enough so that he died for it. (Ephesians 5:25).

Let's review, for a moment, the process leading up to the actual marriage where the bridegroom and bride are joined in holy matrimony. First, there is an engagement with the promise of a future marriage. We can apply this to Christ (the Bridegroom) who has, by his own sacrifice and atonement for our sins, selected the church as His bride.

Normally, there is a certain length of time prior to the wedding where the bride and groom are considered betrothed, or promised to marry one another, but are not yet husband and wife. This is where the church is at this time.

We, the church, and bride of Christ are separate from our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ during this church age; the period of time from Pentecost to the rapture. And like the traditional bride, we are to remain faithful to our bridegroom during the time leading up to our wedding ceremony at the rapture (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24; Revelation 19:7-9; 21:1-2).

It is noticeably clear that Christ truly loves his church. We know this because He "gave Himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). Mind you, this wasn't just any other ordinary person whom we are talking about; it was the Son of God.

What Jesus gave was by no means common or regular. He gave Himself; His whole self. He also gave His Deity, humanity, the whole of His Person as God-Man; everything that was sufferable or offensive in man, and all that was worthy in God. All this He gave up willingly.

I think this would be a good place to break. The Bridegroom and Bride relationship between Christ and the Church is really a fascinating topic. And although due to our limited format we could not get deeper into it, I would encourage you to do so if it interests you.

Join me next time as we will be discussing some additional points of Jesus' love and sacrifice for His church. Until then, thank you, and I wish you a glorious week!

Scripture: Acts 20:28; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 5:42; Mark 16:15; Matthew 18:20

Prayer: Dear Lord,  I seek You, Your strength, and Your presence continually. Help me to impart this to others, amen.

May the Lord bless,

Shawna