3 The Church As An Organism -- By: Anonymous
Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 04:2 (Summer 1961)
Article: 3 The Church As An Organism
Author: Anonymous
CenQ 4:2 (Summer 1961) p. 17
3 The Church As An Organism
The New Testament uses several beautiful symbols that show the vital union of Christ and the church:
1. The vine and the branches—John 15:1–8.
a. Christ is the whole “vine”; the believer is the “branch” part of the “vine.”
b. The Believer “branch” united to the “vine” bears:
(1) No fruit
(2) Fruit
(3) More fruit
(4) Much fruit
2. The human body: Christ is the Head and Nourisher of the church, His body, of which every member is a united part— Colossians 1:18, 24; 2:19; Ephesians 1:22, 23; 4:1–4, 15, 16; I Corinthians 8:12; 12:12–27.
CenQ 4:2 (Summer 1961) p. 18
3. The true church is Christ’s fullness or completeness, even as Christ is its fullness or completeness—Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 1:19; 2:9, 10.
4. Christ is the Head of the household of faith, and household of God. Believers are citizens living in the same city and family-member children living in the same house with God; at home with the living Father through His living Son, Jesus Christ— Ephesians 2:18, 19; John 14:1.
5. The Temple: Believers are living spiritual stones in the spiritual temple. In Christ, the Chief Corner Stone, they are builded together by the Spirit to be the dwelling place of God—Ephesians 2:20, 22.
6. The Bridegroom and the Bride: As the Bridegroom, Christ is the Head, the Saviour, the Ruler, and the Provider—Ephesians 5:24–32; II Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7, You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe