The Assembly 1 – The body

In this series, we want to collect some Scriptural thoughts about a topic that is very close to the heart of our Lord Jesus: His assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More.

Main idea of the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More as the body: Unity and diversity

Prerequisites for the formation of the body:

1. the Lord Jesus first had to be glorified as a man in heaven before the body could be formed (Jn 7:39).
2. the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More had to have come to earth (John 7:39).

The essential characteristics:

1. At PentecostThis name (Greek) is used twice in the New Testament and means "the fiftieth day.” This refers to the 50th day after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This day... More, the one body was formed by the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Cor. 12:13).
2. There is only one body to which all true believers belong (1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:4; Rom 12:4.5).
3. ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More is the head of the body (Eph 4:15 and Col 2:19). Without the head, there is, therefore, no body.
4. The assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More is, therefore, one with ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More (Eph 1:23; 3:4).
5. Every saved person becomes a memberJust as the human body has different body parts that have different tasks but are all for the benefit of the body and are centrally controlled by the head, God... More of the body of ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More through the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More (1 Cor 6:19; Eph 1:13).
6. The body consists of many individual members who together form the one body (1 Cor 12:20).
7. All the members are well joined together (Eph 4:15, 16 and 1 Cor 12:18, 24).
8. Each memberJust as the human body has different body parts that have different tasks but are all for the benefit of the body and are centrally controlled by the head, God... More is placed by God in a special place so that it can fulfill its task there (in dependence on the Lord) (1 Cor 12:16-18).
9. Each memberJust as the human body has different body parts that have different tasks but are all for the benefit of the body and are centrally controlled by the head, God... More of the body needs the other (1 Cor 12:21, 22).
10. Each memberJust as the human body has different body parts that have different tasks but are all for the benefit of the body and are centrally controlled by the head, God... More cares for the other (1 Cor 12:25).
11. Each memberJust as the human body has different body parts that have different tasks but are all for the benefit of the body and are centrally controlled by the head, God... More has compassion (sorrow/joy) for the other (1 Cor 12:26).
12. The body can be categorized into three areas:
    1. eternal aspect: body according to the counselThe counsel (purpose) of God is his plan. What God plans will happen. There is a counsel of God with his people Israel (Isa 46:10). This counsel has existed since... More of God (Eph 1:23)
    1. temporal aspect: body at a certain point in time on the whole earth (1 Cor 10:17; Eph 4:16)
    1. local aspect: body in a specific place (1 Cor 12:27)
13. Gifts are given to the body for edification (Eph 4:11, 12; 1 Cor 12:4-11).
14. Through the breaking of bread, we represent the unity of the whole body (1 Cor 10:16).
15. for the functioning of the body there are joints (maintain mobility) and ligaments (create stability) (Eph 4:16; Col 2:19).

General notes:

1. The body was formed once and has continued in perfect and complete existence ever since, but is growing (like a child that grows larger; Eph 4:16).
2. Every foundation of a denominationThe term, which comes from Latin, literally means “naming” or “designation.” In the religious sense, denomination stands for a specific group of Christians that distinguishes itself from other Christian groups... More and every entry into a denominationThe term, which comes from Latin, literally means “naming” or “designation.” In the religious sense, denomination stands for a specific group of Christians that distinguishes itself from other Christian groups... More is a denial of the unity of the body (Eph 4:4).
3. There are no direct references from the Old Testament with regard to the body. A hint is found in the creation of Eve (Gen 2:21-24).