The One Body

Dictionary of Biblical Words:

This simile is used of the whole church or assembly of God in Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 10 and 12.; Eph. and Col. only; elsewhere the word “BODY” means a literal body. This body is declared to be the church (Col. 1:2424Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: (Colossians 1:24)) (as composed only of true believers). It is a part of Christ, who is the Head, while all Christians are members, whether Jews or Gentiles. For by the cross, out of the side of Christ (1 John 5) is this new body formed, wherein there is neither Jew nor Gentile (1 Cor. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13); Col. 3:1111Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11)). There is one Spirit in the whole (Eph. 4; 1 Cor. 12 &c.) In Eph. 5 the type of Adam and Eve is evidently alluded to, and the Church presented as the bride, but specially as part of the man (his body). This type is used in three ways—local, general, and universal. Locally, it includes all true Christians in any one place (1 Cor. 12:2727Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1 Corinthians 12:27)); generally, it includes all true Christians on earth at any one time (Eph. 4:1212For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:12)); universally, it is composed of all true believers from Pentecost to the rapture of the saints (Eph. 1:2323Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:23)). The body can never be mutilated, nor can any member of it be lost.

Concise Bible Dictionary:

See CHURCH.

Related Books and Articles:

The One Body: June 2013
The Church as the Body of Christ
The Body of Christ: the United Church
Narrator: Ryan Genthree
Duration: 39min
The House of God, the Body of Christ, and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost
Narrator: Chris Genthree
Duration: 2hr 33min