The Church, the Body of Christ - Part 2

To pick up on the context of today's discussion it would be a good idea to read yesterday's post first.

Ephesians 5:28-32 describe the relationship of Christ and the church as similar to marriage. The church is literally the body of Christ and we are members of his flesh and of his bones. As Eve was brought out of Adam while he slept, the church is a new creation resulting from the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

God is creating in Christ one new man. The church is that one new man. It is something new that didn't exist before.

All of this is the eternal purpose of God, hidden for ages. Ephesians 3:9, 10

This new “man” supersedes nationality, social status and even gender. Galatians 3:28

This truth is based on several truths about what God has accomplished in those He is bringing into the body of Christ. I'm just going to list them for you to consider.

A Christian --

is a new creation. -  2 Corinthians 5:17

has been born again by an incorruptible seed. - 1 Peter 1:23

has been given a new heart. -  Ezekiel 36:26

is made a partaker of the divine nature. -  2 Peter 1:4

is one Spirit with Christ. - 1 Corinthians 6:17

is given the mind of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 2:16

is baptized into the body by the Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:13

is individually a member of the body of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 12:27

is a members of one another. - Romans 12:5

All of these statements are true for each true believer in Christ. We need to remember these things when we are pressed down by circumstances in life. We need to call to mind the fact that we are part of Christ and share in His spirit.  

If you would like to have a copy of these lessons in PDF form you can find them here. If you would like the lessons with the answers, you can find it here.

You may use these in your personal Bible study or in a group study. You don't need to ask permission. However, I would like some feedback from you or your group. What makes sense?  What doesn't make sense? I want to make improvements as I go along so your cooperation in that regard would be appreciated.