Christ and the Church–Part One

 

          Any uncertainty about the vital and intimate relationship between Christ and the church is not the fault of the inspired writers. The apostle Paul alone, in just one epistle (i.e., Ephesians) enunciates a most endearing and essential relationship of these two primary components of God’s eternal purpose. Consider these facts stated in Ephesians:

          Christ is the benefactor of the church (Ephesians 1:3). God has placed all spiritual blessings in Christ. To be in the church which belongs to Christ is to be the recipient of every priceless treasure God has. Scripturally speaking, it is just as impossible to be in Christ without being in the church as it is to be in the church without being in Christ.

          Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). The church is the body of Christ. Since it is not a corpse (i.e., without a head) or a freak (i.e., having more than one head), it has one and only one living and functioning all-sufficient, authoritative head.

          Christ is the unifier of the church (Ephesians 2:14-18). Under the Law of Moses, humanity was divided into two irreconcilable categories of people—Jews and Gentiles. Through the cross, Jesus offers peace and unity to all. Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God and one another in one body. Both have access by one Spirit to the one God and Father of all. When this is believed and practiced as taught in Scripture, there is peace, harmony, and unity in the church.

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Author: jchowning

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