Lesson 30 June 29, 2003
Intro Review:
V. METAPHORS CONCERNING THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH
A. The Church as the Body
1. Scripture: Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 10:16-17; 12:12-27; Eph 1:23; 2:16; 4:4,12,16; 5:23,30; Col 1:18,24; 2:19; 3:15
2. Interpretation of the figure [dispute as to which way to go among theologians]
a. Plain literal - views the Church as an extension of the incarnation and identifies Christ synonymously with the Church thus making the Church to share His infallible authority.
- Idea of this view is that Christ manifested himself through a human body, in the incarnation, so now he manifests himself through his body the church and especially in the sacraments.
- key to this view is that it is an extension of the incarnation, essential to Catholicism.
- Christ as head of the body is both distinct from the Body and inseparable from it which this view does not recognize.
b. Figurative literal interpretation (true) - the Church is the body of Christ metaphorically or analogically but not by strict equation.
- the point is Christ is the head, but not a literal head, the church is a body but not a literal body, these terms are to communicate truth about the relationship we as believers have with Him.
3. First implication of the figure - the preeminence of the head.
- all point to the distinction between the head and the body refuting the plain literal.
a. The Father has given Christ to be head over all things for the Church - Eph 1:22.
b. Christ as the head is pre-eminent in all things, Col 1:15-19.
- therefore the body does not dictate to the head.
- "are we to instruct God " 1 Cor 2:16
c. He is the head by which all the body is nourished, administered and knit together. Col 2:19.
d. Each member is responsible to hold fast to the head. Col 2:19
- fellowship, link is the Word and the Spirit
e. The individual members of the body must grow up with reference to Him who is the head. Eph 4:15
f. As the members of the body are in subjection to and respond to His direction through the Word, the body is healthful and productive spiritually. But when this harmony between the head and the body is not there the result is discord and anarchy.
4. Second implication - unity with the head (an inseperable unity).
- His resurrection from the dead is His title to the Headship of the church, He is not only the source of our life but also has authority over it.
a. This unity with the head begins with salvation and the BHS - 1 Cor 12:13; cp. Eph 2:16;
b. It includes every member - no member being inconsequential or unimportant 1 Cor 12:12-27; Eph 5:30; Rom 12:5.
c. Once the body is complete - the Church will be reunited with Him.
d. Unity with Him implies joint heirship and destiny.
e. Unity also implies sharing in and completing His undeserved sufferings as we live in the will of God serving Him. Col 1:24
f. Point is that all the members are connected with each other and with Christ the Head in an inseparable union.
5. Third implication - It implies sustenance from the head
- this deals with matter of nourishment and growth
- the provision is given by the head to nourish and unify the body
a. The objective in time for the believer is to grow up, to advance spiritually.
Eph 4:15-16; Col 2:19.
b. This activity is directed from the head who supplies everything necessary to carry out His will but especially the edification gifts to provide the spiritual nourishment, which results in discernment Eph 4:8-14.
c. The justice of God demands that each positive member of the body gets an opportunity to reach maturity.
d. Therefore all logistical needs will be provided to grow to maturity - Phil 4:19; Mt 6:25-34.
e. There is also an implication of corporate maturity - Eph 4:13.
- unity of the head with the members and one with another, parts of the body.