THE BODY OF CHRIST IN THIS DISPENSATION OF GRACE
INTRODUCTION
The world thinks the church is a building, a denomination, a religion, or a tradition. But Godโs definition of the Church in the Dispensation of Grace is far different. Through the Apostle Paul, God reveals the mysteryโa new organism, not revealed in prophecy, but kept secret until now (Eph. 3:1โ9).
The Church is:
Not Israel
Not the Kingdom program
Not a physical temple
But the Body of Christ, spiritually united, redeemed, and sealed in Him.
To understand โchurch,โ we must understand Paulโs revelation, rightly divide Godโs Word, and appreciate the glorious calling of those who are in Christ today.
THE CHURCHโS DESCRIPTION โ WHAT THE CHURCH IS
(Eph. 1:22โ23)
A. A Redeemed People
Saved by grace through faith.
โ Eph. 2:8โ9
B. A Regenerated Body
Made alive in Christ, not by works.
โ Eph. 2:5
C. A Revealed Mystery
Unknown in prophecy, now disclosed.
โ Eph. 3:3โ5
THE CHURCHโS DISTINCTION โ NOT ISRAEL, BUT CHRISTโS BODY
(1 Cor. 12:27)
A. Different Identity
Israel = a nation;
Church = a Body.
โ Rom. 10:1; 1 Cor. 12:27
B. Different Covenant
Israel under law, Church under grace.
โ Rom. 6:14
C. Different Program
Israel in prophecy; Church in mystery.
โ Eph. 3:9
THE CHURCHโS DESIGN โ BUILT UP IN UNITY
(Eph. 4:12โ13)
A. Strengthened for Ministry
Equipping saints for service.
โ Eph. 4:12
B. Stablished in Maturity
Growing in doctrine, not emotions.
โ Col. 2:7
C. Steadfast in Unity
One Body, one Spirit, one hope.
โ Eph. 4:3โ4
THE CHURCHโS DUTY โ TO HOLD AND TEACH TRUTH
(1 Tim. 3:15)
A. Guarding the Gospel
The church protects the message of grace.
โ 1 Cor. 15:1โ4
B. Grounding Believers
Sound doctrine stabilizes the saints.
โ 2 Tim. 1:13
C. Guiding Through Right Division
Teaching the Word rightly divided.
โ 2 Tim. 2:15
THE CHURCHโS DIRECTION โ LED BY THE HEAD, CHRIST
(Eph. 1:22)
A. Christ Governs the Body
He is the final authority.
โ Col. 1:18
B. Christ Guides the Believer
The Spirit directs through Scripture.
โ Rom. 8:14
C. Christ Grants the Gifts
Every believer has purpose and function.
โ 1 Cor. 12:4โ7
THE CHURCHโS DEVELOPMENT โ GROWING THROUGH GRACE
(Col. 2:19)
A. Nourished by Christ
Growth comes from Him alone.
โ John 15:5 (applied doctrinally)
B. Nurtured by the Word
Doctrine strengthens the Body.
โ Acts 20:32
C. Knit Together in Love
Spiritual bonds, not institutional chains.
โ Col. 2:2
THE CHURCHโS DIFFERENCE โ A SPIRITUAL FAMILY
(Eph. 2:19)
A. Members of Godโs Household
No longer strangers.
โ Eph. 2:19
B. Made Fellow Heirs
Unified equality in Christ.
โ Eph. 3:6
C. Marked by Heavenly Citizenship
We belong to heaven, not earth.
โ Phil. 3:20
THE CHURCHโS DESTINY โ RAPTURED BEFORE WRATH
(1 Thess. 4:16โ17)
A. Caught Up to Christ
The blessed hope of the Body.
โ Titus 2:13
B. Cleared from Wrath
Not appointed to Godโs judgment.
โ 1 Thess. 5:9
C. Changed into Glory
Immortal, incorruptible, complete.
โ 1 Cor. 15:51โ52
THE CHURCHโS DECLARATION โ PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF GRACE
(2 Cor. 5:18โ20)
A. Ambassadors for Christ
Representing heaven on earth.
โ 2 Cor. 5:20
B. Announcing Reconciliation
God offers peace through Christ.
โ Rom. 5:11
C. Advancing the Mystery Message
Making all men see the fellowship of the mystery.
โ Eph. 3:9
CONCLUSION
The Church is not:
A building
A brand
A banner
A denomination
A religious corporation
The Church is the Body of Christ, born from grace, built by truth, bonded by the Spirit, and destined for glory.
Understanding this truth requires right division, recognizing Paulโs unique apostleship, and embracing the identity God gave us in Christ.
We are not Israel.
We are not the Kingdom.
We are not awaiting wrath.
We are the Body โ saved, sealed, secure, and sent.
CALL TO ACTION
Value the church โ not as a building, but as a Body.
Study the Word rightly divided to understand your identity.
Serve the Body faithfully with your spiritual gifts.
Share the gospel of grace with urgency.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Church is a mystery, not a monument.
The Church is a Body, not a building.
The Church is a people, not a place.
The Church is grace-made, not law-bound.
The Church is heavenly, not earthly.
The Church is united, not divided.
The Church is secure, not uncertain.
The Church is sent, not silent.
The Church is Christโs, not manโs.
