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Tuesday, March
17, 2009
The Body Of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body
of Christ, and members in particular. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘body’:
4954
sussomos (soos'-so-mos); from 4862 and 4983; of a joint body, i.e.
(figuratively) a fellow-member of the Christian community: KJV-- of the
same body.
What comes to mind when you hear the term
‘body of Christ’? Some people today equate this with a wafer of bread
followed by a sip of wine or grape juice. For those that hold to the
outward realm and think this refers to a wafer of bread, well that’s just
crummy doctrine. When you see these dead rituals being carried out by dead
people it tells me that they are not fellow members of the true Christian
community, but rather are still members of this world and its blind
ignorant interpretations of the Word of God. When you accepted the Lord’s
plan of salvation for yourself you then entered a new realm, a new
community where you are now a citizen with Christ, being seated with Him to
hear His message of deliverance from this fallen realm. So who and what are
allowing to influence you today, and which realm are you holding more to;
this fallen one, or are you conforming more to that new place you have been
called to, and are now answering and responding to in the Spirit?
Colossians 2:14-17 Blotting out the
handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us,
and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having
spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly,
triumphing over them in it. (16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or
in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the
sabbath days: (17) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of
Christ. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for ‘body’:
is used of a (large or small) number of
men closely united into one society, or family as it were; a social,
ethical, mystical body;
Again, we see that the body of Christ
refers to a family, or how about a family name? We are now members and
citizens of a new community, a new realm which is not of this world, and is
entirely opposite of this fallen realm also. As we see in the verses above,
our Lord took the old handwriting of ordinances of the old law out of our
way so that we would not have to be hindered by trying to live under such
harsh conditions. So when you see people today who still hold to these
ordinances and laws, carnal rituals, that our Lord said were done away, you
see people who are not truly members or citizens in the realm of the
Spirit, but rather still operate and hold to the realm of this world and
its limited ways. Those that truly are members of the body of Christ will
not be bound up with trying to establish their good standing with the Lord
by the works of the law, but will be walking by their hearing of faith, a
message being delivered by God through Christ.
Colossians 2:18-22 Let no man beguile you
of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding
into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly
mind, (19) And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and
bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the
increase of God. (20) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments
of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to
ordinances, (21) (Touch not; taste not; handle not; (22) Which all are to
perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? (KJV)
As we see, those that hold to man and his
carnal puffed up thinking will perish if they hold to these dead doctrines
as truth, unable to see the Spiritual meaning of the Word. We are in this
world but we should not be a partaker of all the worldly doctrines that man
holds to, basically calling God a liar. The Head of the Church, God’s true Church
I should say, is Christ. For those that don’t know Christ and the power of
His name have in essence cut off the Head which will result in death. Now
that you are a member of His body, a member and citizen with Him, you have
been given a new name as well, one you should know by heart.
Ephesians 3:11-15 According to the
eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we
have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (13) Wherefore
I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
(14) For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, (15) Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (KJV)
Now that you are a member of this
heavenly family it is vital that you know the name that this family goes
by. When you sign a document, say one that proves your citizenship, they
expect you to sign your whole name. If I was to just put my first name down
it would be incomplete. However, if I put my whole name down then it
identifies me with my family name and where I come from. Many people today
teach and preach the name of Jesus which is a common name, but once you
attach the name of Christ it then makes the name complete, and identifies
you with the heavenly family heritage.
Ephesians 1:20-23 Which he wrought in
Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand
in the heavenly places, (21) Far above all principality, and power, and might,
and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but
also in that which is to come: (22) And hath put all things under his feet,
and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (23) Which is
his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (KJV)
Interesting isn’t it when you go through
the Word of God and you are able to see the common denominator, the one
name that ties it all together and makes a rock solid foundation. Do you
desire to operate in a higher dimension, far above this world and its
carnal limited thinking? Then you will need to know the name by heart that allows
you access into the realm of the Spirit, and allows you to stay on solid
footing. You are a member and a citizen, a partaker of a heavenly calling;
now go out and act on it, and don’t be so conformed to this world.
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