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Chapter 6: The Church Brings Union with Christ

Connect.

Do you realize that the church is called the BRIDE OF CHRIST? When I married my wife and
she became my bride, I left my parents and she left her parents and we became ONE with
each other. My wife has been my bride for 49 years. She is my best friend. I love and care
for her as no other. Life would be meaningless if she was not in my life. She is the reason I
get up every morning.

Can you imagine that, as my wife is precious to me, that Jesus Christ cherishes us as his BRIDE? We are
united with Christ as one just as I am united to my bride as one. Today we want to look at this unique
relationship we have with Christ. Let’s get started….

The Church Brings Union with Christ

The church is a living institution like a person’s body. It must have the body parts functioning
together in a coordinated way to accomplish its purpose. Each member of the body of the
church functions like the part of a physical living body.

The phrase “the Body of Christ” is a common New Testament metaphor for the Church (all
those who are truly saved). The Church is called “one body in Christ” in Romans 12:5, “one
body” in 1 Corinthians 10:17, “the body of Christ” in 1 Corinthians 12:27 and Ephesians 4:12, and “the
body” in Hebrews 13:3. The Church is clearly equated with “the body” of Christ in Ephesians
5:23 and Colossians 1:24. The church is called to function as “the Body of Christ.”

The Church may be called the Body of Christ because of these facts
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1) Members of the Body of Christ are joined to Christ in salvation (Ephesians 4:15-16).

2) Members of the Body of Christ follow Christ as their Head (Ephesians 1:22-23).

3) Members of the Body of Christ are the physical representation of Christ in this world. The Church is
the organism through which Christ manifests His life to the world today.

4) Members of the Body of Christ are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9).

8 Gotquestions.org/body-of-Christ.html (Used by permission)

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