Body of Christ

This biblical phrase is used in several different ways:

1/. The literal human body of Jesus Christ, born as a baby and then as a man was crucified some 33 years later (Heb 2:14; 1 Jn 4:2).

2/. The bread at the last supper over which Christ spoke these figurative words, “This is my body” (along with the cup of grape juice, which He referred to, as “This is my blood”). At the communion service these symbolically remind us of the sacrifice He made for us (Mt 26:26,28; 1 Cor 11:24). These emblems only represent and do not literally become His flesh and blood (transubstantiation) as some believe they do.

3/. The local group of believers and also the entire multitude of believers worldwide (Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 12:12,13,20,24,27; Eph 4:11-16). These groups are also called the household of faith, the family of God, and the bride of Christ.

A person becomes a part of the body of Christ at salvation. Christ is the head of the church (His body) and we are to submit to Him and the delegated authorities He has placed in the local church (Eph 5:23; Heb 13:17). Applying the concept of the body, Paul says that as Christians, we are each required to function in our gifts and abilities for the common good

Do I relate to other Christians as part of the same body?

of the whole body. We may be an eye, an arm, or a foot in the Body of Christ, building each other up in the faith and caring for them. We need not only the direct input from the Lord but also the input and support of visible ‘Christ’s’ (fellow believers) so it is vitally important to meet together for mutual support (Heb 10:25). A Christian without a church family is an orphan.