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


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.

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.
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