The Body of Christ is a concept that not many Christians understand, because if they did, it would change the way we worship, how we live and ultimately, how we represent Jesus Christ. one of the most profound truths in Scripture.
The Eucharist
The Body of Christ could refer to the Eucharist. That is, the breaking of bread among believers in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. This is in accordance with His instruction in 1 Corinthians 11:24.Each time believers partake of the bread and cup, they proclaim his sacrifice and participate in the life he gave.
However, today’s blog post isn’t focused on this.
The Body of Christ also refers to the church. It is the community of believers worldwide. This is not about a building, denomination, or particular group of people. It is the fellowship of all who believe in Jesus Christ, joined together as one body. (1 Cor. 12:27)
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:27
Christ as the Head
Every body has a head, and for the church, that head is Jesus Christ. He holds absolute authority, not any pastor, pope, bishop, or cleric. His teachings overrule every other opinion. Even when apostles like Paul expressed personal preferences, those teachings must be weighed against Christ’s words.
If the church builds on human wisdom, personal preferences, or man-made doctrines, it will soon crumble—because it was never designed to stand on those things. Jesus is the builder of the church, and only when we build on his words will the church remain unshaken. (Matt. 16:18)
“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
Colossians 1:18
Unity in the Body
The Body of Christ emphasizes the oneness of believers. Denominations and traditions may differ, but we are united by Jesus Christ and his sacrifice. This concept is so vital because even Jesus prayed for it personally (Jn. 17:20-21).
Too often, energy is spent persuading believers from one denomination to join another, instead of reaching those who are truly lost. For example, a Protestant trying to convince an Evangelical to change churches is misdirected effort if both are Bible-believing communities. We are not in competition with one another, but rather, partners working towards the same goal.
A win for one is a win for all. An injury to one is an injury to all. Division weakens us, but unity strengthens us. We are called to represent the same Christ, proclaim the same gospel, and carry the same mission.
What unites us is far greater than what divides us.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4:4–6
The Closest Representation of Jesus
Perhaps the most important truth about the Body of Christ is this: it should be the closest thing to seeing Jesus. Nothing represents a person better than their body. Clothes, shoes, or belongings may hint at who they are, but only the body confirms identity.
The Body of Christ is Jesus’ representation on earth. For many unbelievers, the only “Jesus” they will ever see is the life of a believer. That is why our conduct matters so much. Sadly, some reject Christ because of the words or actions of Christians. They think, “If this is what your Jesus is like, then I don’t want him.”
But the opposite is also true. Many have come to Christ without ever hearing a sermon, simply by observing the life of a believer and seeing something different, something that reflected Jesus.
This means we must live in a way that truly represents him. We must be love, kindness, truth, compassion, honesty, and uprightness, because that is who Jesus is. Our conduct points others to who be belong to (Jn. 13:35). Conducting ourselves contrarily means we make Him out to be someone He’s not. A little compromise can lead to the greatest misrepresentation of Him.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). That must be the reality of every believer. We no longer live for ourselves; our lives belong to Christ. As his body, we are called to reflect his character and carry out his will.
The Body of Christ must look like Christ. Anything less confuses the world about who He is.
The world is watching. Some will meet Christ through our words, but many will first meet him through our lives. To be the Body of Christ is to be united as one people, submitted to Christ, portraying all that He is.
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